HONG KONG: Disneyland updates

[vvill]

Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to be opened on 12th September 2005.

Photos from Screamscape.

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK29_-_Sleeping_Beauty_Castle_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK30_-_Fantasyland_Overall_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK31_-_Cinderella_Carousel_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK32_-_Dumbo_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK33_-_Fantasyland_Station_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK34_-_Festival_of_Foods_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK35_-_Storybook_Theater_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK36_-_Fantasyland_Overhead_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK18_-_Adventureland_Overall_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK19_-_Tarzan_Treehouse_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK22_-_Jungle_River_Cruise_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK23_-_Jungle_River_Cruise_Finale_Canyon_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK15_-_Plaza_Inn_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_1022_2004_Resort_DisneysHollywoodHotel1_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_1022_2004_Resort_HongKongDisneylandHotel2_w1.jpg

http://www.screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_HK03_-_Sunny_Bay_Station_w1.jpg

[Bahraini Spirit]

Cool thanks, although it's kinda small but it's Disney in the end.

[Prince]

Yeah that looks so small :(

[Dubai-Lover]

great photos thanks man
i never expected the project to be at this stage already

i guess the child in me will force me to go there when i'll visit hong kong some time :D

[raymond_tung88]

Great to see the progress... I can't wait until it opens. Like most forumers here, I think its pretty small compared to the other Disney theme parks, but whatever. What I'm interested in knowing is besides the traditional Magic Kingdom park, are they also building another type of "theme" park that will be opening later this year?

[flatiron94]

they going to have a haunted mansion.

[vincent]

this is only phase one. When the whole theme park is completed, other 'foreign' (the one outside US) Disneyland park doesn't look that large compare to the one in HK.

[scorpion]

vincent, is that a ferry-pier being built?! :D

will you be able to high-speed ferry from central to disney????



:cheers:

[raymond_tung88]

How big is Hong Kong's Magic Kingdom compared to the Magic Kindoms in other places (California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo)?

[vincent]

i think there is a pier built in Disneyland. But i am not sure about the route.

raymond tung88, i went to the disneyland website for paris, tokyo. But the figures are not shown. I have seen aerial pics of the park though (Paris Disney aerial pic is available in spaceimaging.com). They doesn't look large compare to the one in US though (or similar size to hk's). The one in US is a combination of many theme parks anyway (that doesn't really relate to the disney theme), like there are park for water activity etc. I believe the on in Tokyo got about the same thing as hk and with an additional water park too.

[vvill]

vincent, is that a ferry-pier being built?! :D

will you be able to high-speed ferry from central to disney????



:cheers:

ferry from central to disney would make most sense. tst.. mmm.. maybe but not very likely. ><

[SUNNI]

great,,, ^^

[Þróndeimr]

Thanks for that update...:okay: Even small development projects can be as interesting as large development projects. :)

[FM 2258]

Yeah that looks so small :(

I was wondering the same thing too. Why is it so small. Even Six Flags in Dallas looks bigger. I thought Disney Theme parks were supposed to be square miles of sprawling fun. I wonder if this will be the final size.

[vincent]

hmm.., there is NO single pic here that show the entire park. Each pic show a small portion of the park.

[InitialD18]

the park is very small especially when compared to disney world in florida ... however not too bad for a phase one la ... there will be phase two when this is finished i believe ... :)

[Koi]

Actually the park is about the same size as the disney park in Florida. Vincent had an aerial photo of the Florida park to compare the size last time.

[Koi]

There is one thing that the HK park has that Florida has not.......travel to and from the park on ferries and seeing the fab skyline on the way..WOW!!

[superchan7]

good point.

[philip]

Hong Kong Disneyland is smaller than other Disney Parks because Disney (USA) does not want to risk spending too much money on new theme parks but not able to earn expected return anymore. It has been published on articles many times that ever since Disney spent too much money at Euro Disneyland (now called Disneyland Paris), which alsmot went bankrupted a year after its opening, Disney has changed their strategies on building new parks. Disney's California Adventure (opened in 2001), and Disney Studios paris (opened in 2002) lack so much funding and rides, the two new parks were almost failures.

Disney's California Adventure Park, full of off-the-shelf last century carnival style rides.
http://www.mouseplanet.com/dca/pier7.jpg

Disney Studios Paris, is this a warehouse or a theme park?
http://www.dizneypins.com/MarchImages/Studios.JPG


Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea were 100% funded by the Japanese, that's why they can build full scale theme parks filled with great rides.
http://www.laughingplace.com/files/Columns/Rising20010810/P12.JPG.http://www.westcoaster.net/images/updates/100504/100504-tdl023-sm.jpg.

Hong Kong Disneyland is 49% owned by Disney and 51% owned by Hong Kong government. Right now Hong kong Disneyland does not have: Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Tom Sawyers Island & Rivers of America, Toon Town, It's a Small World, Star Tours, etc. Fortunately, Hong Kong has been talking about adding new rides and a 2nd park already. Having a rich city like Hong Kong which is famous for building large scale projects to finace its Disneyland is good news. Hong Kong is more committed to make this place the happiest place on earth than Disney USA, just look at the the amount of money and work already put into the project: land reclaimation, dedicated railway to Disneyland, dedicated highway to Disneyland.

The Disney Chairman Roy Disney and a few other borad of directors cannot stand what Disney is doing under current CEO Michael Eisner's supervision (in building cheap rides and cheap parks), so they resigned and made a website trying to Save Disney: www.savedisney.com In the mean time, it's up to each individual parks to invest in its own parks. The Parisan just bought the majority share of Disney Resort Paris and announced plans to spend money on their own to build new rides and entertainment venue. And Hong Kong is likely to follow suit.

[raymond_tung88]

WoW... so what main attractions does Disneyland Hong Kong have?

[Koi]

That photo of Disney Studios Paris look so bleak. No wonder they are losing money. I think the weather is a very important issue when siting a theme park. Who would want to go to a theme park when its wet and cold, unless more rides are based indoors. The HK Disney need to attract the tourists with good original rides, if it is to succeed. The park is within 5 hours flight of half the world's population, so the potential is there.

[philip]

If you mean BIG ATTRACTIONS, then there are jungle cruise, Lion Kong Show, Space mountain.

There are many smaller rides at the 3 themed sections, click on the links to seee them:
Adventureland (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/advland_fs_attraction.html)
http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_intro_topimg.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_att_simg1.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_att_simg6.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_att_simg9.gif

Fantasyland (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/fanland_fs_attraction.html)
http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_intro_topimg.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_att_simg4.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_att_simg2.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_att_simg3.gif


Tomorrowland (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/tomland_fs_attraction.html)
http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_intro_topimg.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_att_simg1.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_att_simg2.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_dining_simg1.gif

[Chad]

I hope they have my favorite, Mrs Teapot spin.

[raymond_tung88]

Disneyland Hong Kong doesn't have Frontierland and Mickey's Toontown Fair? Hmm... why not?

[BrizzyChris]

That photo of Disney Studios Paris look so bleak. No wonder they are losing money. I think the weather is a very important issue when siting a theme park. Who would want to go to a theme park when its wet and cold, unless more rides are based indoors. The HK Disney need to attract the tourists with good original rides, if it is to succeed. The park is within 5 hours flight of half the world's population, so the potential is there.
Who would want to go to a theme park when it's wet and cold? About 25 million people who visit Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea every year.

[Rachmaninov]

It ould only be hot and humid, very unlike Paris.

[philip]

Weather does play a role in park attendance. However, Tokyo Disneyland, dispite being cold and wet and even SNOWY in the winter, has been the most visited theme park in the world for the last 5 years.

The main difference that sets Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris apart is local culture. Japanese love Mickey Mouse and opened their arms to welcome everything Disney, whereas the French treated Disneyland as an invasion by American Culture. Back in the 1990s when they announced plans to build the park, the French protested and even threw eggs at Disney Officials. And I am not making this up, the video was made into an educational material shown at university business schools.

Ever seen Snow at a Disney Park? Here is Tokyo Disneyland:
http://www.tdrfan.com/additional/snow/snow_01.jpg

http://www.tdrfan.com/additional/snow/snow_06.jpg. http://www.tdrfan.com/additional/snow/snow_08.jpg

http://www.tdrfan.com/additional/snow/snow_03.jpg.http://www.tdrfan.com/additional/snow/snow_07.jpg

[Rachmaninov]

Well... we have tornadoes hahaha

[hkskyline]

The Hong Kong park will be much different from the other Disney parks because much of the queueing will take place inside air-conditioned areas due to Hong Kong's hot and humid summers.

[Don Pacho]

The Hong Kong park will be much different from the other Disney parks because much of the queueing will take place inside air-conditioned areas due to Hong Kong's hot and humid summers.

Florida weather is hot and humid most of the year. They've learnt alot from the other Disney parks and it is nice to hear that queueing areas will be air-conditioned.

Here are some of refreshing stations found in the Florida parks to survive the heat :)

http://img99.exs.cx/img99/5559/mktomorrowland008s4ny.jpg

http://img99.exs.cx/img99/8206/universalstudios08a6wc.jpg



Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting (http://www.imageshack.us)

[Rachmaninov]

I'm not sure but I think Hong Kong's weather is harder to bear

[raymond_tung88]

kewl!!! Disneyland Tokyo is open ALL year long?

[bs_lover_boy]

^also, Hong Kong is planning to build Six Flags or Universal Studios near Disneyland (in the picture's Right Top Corner where it says "Sunny Bay Tourism Node").
http://www.info.gov.hk/planning/lantau/en/images/plan/Concept_Plan.jpg

[Rachmaninov]

What?????!!

[raymond_tung88]

OK... I don't think that piece of land is large enough to build a large-scale amusement park such as Universal Studios or Six Flags... besides, I think it'll be a while before Hong Kong considers another amusement park. Let's just see how good Disneyland is first...


btw... I thought Shanghai was getting a UNiversal Studios, but then I also heard they cancelled that idea and Disney was in talks about building another park there... anyone know?

[madushan_11]

nice pics..

[philip]

OK... I don't think that piece of land is large enough to build a large-scale amusement park such as Universal Studios or Six Flags... besides, I think it'll be a while before Hong Kong considers another amusement park. Let's just see how good Disneyland is first...


btw... I thought Shanghai was getting a UNiversal Studios, but then I also heard they cancelled that idea and Disney was in talks about building another park there... anyone know?

All the rumors are true, according to a Hong Kong press, Hong Kong officials DID talk to Universal Studios about opening a park near Disneyland. They said they want a different park to satisfy a more matured (age 16+) group of customers. They also were "Considering" building a Six Flags park if Universal is not interested.

Disney DID consider building a park in Beijin, but they were just thinking about it. The final decision is to open the Hong Kong Park first, and they said a mainland park will not open before 2010. Shanghai DID talk to Universal about building a park in time for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010, but the plan was later canceled. And shortly after that, Disney said they were "Considering" building a park in Shanghai instead of Beijin, but like the previous rumors, nothing is set and everyone was just "Thinking About it."

http://i.cnn.net/cnn/2003/SHOWBIZ/10/23/hln.connect.disney/story.hk.disney.jpg

[hkskyline]

Tenders invited for operation of "Central - Hong Kong Disneyland " licensed ferry service
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Government Press Release

The Transport Department is inviting interested parties to submit tenders for the operation of a "Central - Hong Kong Disneyland" licensed ferry service.

As part of the public transport provision plan for the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the Government intends to provide a ferry service between Central and Hong Kong Disneyland.

A notice on the tender invitation will be published in the Government Gazette tomorrow (February 25). Tenders must be sealed and clearly marked with the tender reference and the subject of the tender on an envelope addressed to the Commissioner for Transport and placed in the Transport Department Tender Box situated next to the reception counter of Transport Department on 41/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, before 12 noon on Tuesday, March 29, 2005. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Interested parties may obtain the tender documents starting from next Monday (February 28) during office hours at the Ferry and Paratransit Division of the Transport Department at Room 4036, 40/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

[raymond_tung88]

WOW!!! Hong Kong is MAY get a Universal Studios theme park? Personally, I think a Universal Studios would be better in another Chinese city. Too bad the plans for one in Shanghai were cancelled...

[scorpion]

HK Disneyland is seriously shaping up! Where other Disney parks allow high-speed ferry from Central to a Disney pier for park entrance???


:D

[hkskyline]

Hong Kong Disneyland Opens Hotel Reservation Hotline

http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/b8278715d1f6de/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_intro_btopimg.gif

HONG KONG (February 15, 2005) - A magical vacation at Hong Kong Disneyland is now just a phone call away as the theme park today announced the launch of its Hotel Reservation Hotline on (852) 1830 830.

In the lead up to Hong Kong Disneyland's opening on September 12, the Hotel Reservation Hotline is open to guests who have been waiting to be among the first to book a complete magical Disney vacation. The exciting vacation package includes a stay at either the Victorian-style Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or the Tinseltown-inspired Disney's Hollywood Hotel, accompanied with Hong Kong Disneyland Park tickets.

During today's official launch ceremony, Roy Tan Hardy, Vice President Marketing and Sales and Peter Lowe, General Manager Hotel Operations, presented an exciting glimpse into the magical vacations guests will enjoy.

"The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which includes two Disney hotels and our world famous Disney theme park, will offer an unparalleled, world-class family vacation experience for guests of all ages," Hardy said. "Our Disney hotels are the first premium resorts in Hong Kong designed specifically for families and will extend and complement the immersive and magical experience that our Park offers, complete with dining, shopping and entertainment."

Built on Walt Disney's founding vision of a family place where 'parents and children can have fun together', the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will offer families an ultimate retreat from their usual daily setting to a place where they can actually stay in the heart of the Disney magic.

"In an urban setting like Hong Kong, our hotels are uniquely positioned with our theme park setting and a spacious and naturally spectacular environment. The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life yet is still close enough - just 20 minutes from Central - to be a convenient retreat for both local and international guests," Hardy said.

In keeping with the tradition of Disney resorts worldwide, Hong Kong Disneyland's family friendliness will be reflected throughout, from the hotels' design and themed dining experiences to the world-class facilities and famous guest hospitality.

"Our guests will delight in the unique and special touches that are dedicated to children and families, which include complimentary mini bar, bedtime stories on TV, Mickey wake-up calls and bite-sized kids menus," Lowe said. "This attention to detail - what we call the Disney Difference - has become the hallmark of a Disney vacation and is why Disney Resorts are the number one family vacation destinations in the world."

Whether guests choose to stay at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel, the Resort promises an unforgettable vacation that will inspire family traditions for years to come.

From today onwards, the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Reservation Hotline welcomes individual bookings from guests, and will operate from 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Sunday.

For the convenience of callers, information will be available in three languages - Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. Local calls will be toll free while standard IDD rates will apply to international calls.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel features 400 rooms in a lush and relaxing landscape of gardens, offering a choice of park view, sea view or even sea view rooms with balconies. This world-class hotel will offer a variety of dining experiences featuring local and international cuisines, a wedding gazebo where Disney's Fairytale Weddings will be held, a Victorian Spa and a Mickey-inspired botanical maze. Room rates start from HK$1,600 for a Park View Room and HK$1,800 for a Sea View Room.

The Hotel will also boast a sophisticated convention center featuring one of Hong Kong's largest and most spectacular ballrooms. It is the perfect setting for private and corporate entertainment and meetings.

Disney's Hollywood Hotel is designed in the Art Deco style of architecture with whimsical Mickey Mouse-inspired motifs. It includes dining, shopping, a lounge, a piano-shaped swimming pool, and an expansive lawn that unfolds like a map of Los Angeles with popular and well-known Hollywood streets, landmarks and icons.

It offers 600 rooms with garden views, park views and sea views. Room rates start from HK$1,000 for a Garden View Room and HK$1,100 for a Park View Room to HK$1,200 for a Sea View Room.

All prices for both hotels already include 10% service charge and are subject to government tax.

[EarlyBird]

I want to know how big it is!

[VAN-TO]

It would be nice if Universal Studios could be built in HK, but Sunny Bay does look awfully small for a park as big as Universal.

It'll make it up for not having Splash Mountain @ Disneyland HK.

[philip]

Pictures of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, they are ultra-beautiful and ultra-upscale!
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/d13d962f354126/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_intro_img1.gif
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/b8278715d1f6de/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_intro_btopimg.gif

Lobby:
http://a416.g.akamai.net/7/416/1574/bd1cc7d9ffb2e2/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_dr_img4.gif
http://a688.g.akamai.net/7/688/1574/bc61904bb568b9/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_intro_img2.gif
http://a1248.g.akamai.net/7/1248/1574/59d4b73820d65f/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_dr_img1.gif

Ballrooms:
http://a736.g.akamai.net/7/736/1574/230b583c947c45/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_intro_img3.gif

Guest Rooms:
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/144557f1e47ba9/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_gr_img1.gif
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/523b244cf842e3/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_gr_img2.gif
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/a0c096cc31178a/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_gr_img3.gif

Restaurants:
http://a736.g.akamai.net/7/736/1574/c5e8af8778fc3b/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/hkdh_dr_img2.gif

[philip]

Pictures of the Hollywood Hotel, a more affortable hotel but still very nice!
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/d987dc4daf98d0/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/ddh_intro_img1.gif
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/83bbeff5795f27/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/dhh_intro_btopimg.gif

Lobby:
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/7b48d9e0798839/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/ddh_intro_img2.gif
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/61c675e0470a8a/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/ddh_intro_img4.gif

Guest Rooms:
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/8e9a8d63a4c115/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/ddh_gr_img1.gif

Restaurants:
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/6767ae9ca77696/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/ddh_intro_img3.gif
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/1a4244c8d88977/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/ddh_dr_img1.gif
http://a1700.g.akamai.net/7/1700/1574/2d5018baad473c/www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/ddh_dr_img3.gif

[hkskyline]

New Disneyland Takes 10,000 Hotel Bookings
Wednesday March 9, 7:48 am ET
By William Foreman, Associated Press Writer

HONG KONG (AP) -- The Hong Kong Disneyland theme park set to open in September has already booked 10,000 room reservations for its hotel since it opened a customer call center three weeks ago, officials said Wednesday.

"It really took us by surprise, the volume of calls coming in," said Bill Ernest, managing director of operations at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Ernest said Hong Kong residents have made most of the 10,000 reservations at the park's 1,000-room hotel, though the park expects that about 40 percent of the visitors will eventually come from mainland China.

The park, scheduled to open Sept. 12 as a joint venture between the Hong Kong government and The Walt Disney Co., is being built on reclaimed land at Penny's Bay on Hong Kong's outlying Lantau island.

It will employ about 5,000 people, from cleaners and concession workers to musicians and dancers, said Esther Wong, manager of public affairs. It will begin by hiring 3,000 during in third week of April, she said.

About 500 performers will be needed -- and the park will probably have to look outside Hong Kong for many of them, said Don Robinson, the park's group managing director. "We've already been doing auditions for characters, singers and dancers," he said.

The territory's environmental secretary said Wednesday Hong Kong Disneyland is expected to generate 29,000 pounds of trash every day.

Disney operations in France are having financial problems, and Ernest said the company has learned it needs to do a better job of listening to what the public wants. Hong Kong Disneyland will make special efforts to cater to Asian tastes, Ernest said, adding that most of the food will be Chinese.

[hkskyline]

Waste management plan for Hong Kong Disneyland being drawn up

Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and an oral reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, in the Legislative Council meeting today (March 9) :

Question:
Will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:

(a) the amount of waste to be produced daily by the Hong Kong Disneyland ("HKDL") upon its opening in September this year; and whether there are plans to recover and recycle such waste; if so, of the details of the plans;

(b) which of the facilities in HKDL have adopted energy-saving designs; and

(c) whether renewable energy will be used in HKDL; if so, of the details, including the percentage of the electricity thus saved against the total electricity consumption?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) According to information provided by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks Limited (HKITPL), Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL), including the affiliated hotels, will generate about 13 tons of waste per day after its opening. In the course of providing entertainment, HKITPL also attaches great importance to protecting the environment. It is now drawing up a comprehensive Waste Management Plan (WMP) and will design and implement suitable measures to minimise waste. HKITPL is required to submit the WMP to the Director of Environmental Protection for approval at least one month before HKDL commences operation. The WMP shall include details of how the mitigation measures of operational waste management will be implemented, together with the arrangements for avoidance, minimisation, material recovery/recycling, collection, transportation and disposal of various types of waste generated during the operation of the theme park. Preliminary information from HKITPL suggests that examples of waste management measures to be adopted include :

* Encouraging separation at source of recyclable materials by providing convenient access to recycling bins both in guest areas and back of house facilities;

* Reducing the use of paper towels through the use of hand-dryers in lieu of paper towels in most public washroom facilities;

* Use of reusable delivery cages, totes and containers for transportation of food and products between warehouses/back of house facilities to various outlets within the theme park; and

* Encouraging the use of reusable utensils and containers in restaurants and food outlets within the theme park where feasible.

(b) According to the HKITPL, its environmental policy is to strive for improved water and energy conservation in existing operations, and to incorporate into its design and operations an extensive Energy Management System which monitors and controls the energy consumption of electrical and mechanical facilities, air conditioning systems, water supply systems, lighting systems, etc in the theme park.

The Energy Management System enables precise and efficient ventilation, temperature and humidity control. The theme park uses high-efficiency centralised water-cooled systems. Depending on the number of occupants at the time, the ventilation systems introduce suitable amount of fresh air into buildings thereby avoiding excessive hot, humid outside air mixing with indoor air. Cool, dry exhaust air is used to remove heat and moisture from the entering ventilation air and as a result, the compressor operations of the air conditioning systems can be minimised.

The Energy Management System also precisely coordinates outdoor lighting installations. Dusk and dawn times are calculated daily to control the lighting and avoid wastage.

The system monitors and records the energy consumption levels park-wide and will generate notification to responsible personnel where energy consumption limits are exceeded. This will enable early detection and rectification of faulty facilities.

In addition, where feasible, heat-insulating materials have been used in walls, roofs and windows to reduce cooling loads during summer.

(c) According to HKITPL, HKDL has not used renewable energy systems for the time being. However, the company will continue to monitor developments in the use of renewable energy in Hong Kong and consider the feasibility of doing so at the theme park where this could fully meet the design and operational requirements of HKDL.

[hkskyline]

Lawmakers Question Disney on Hong Kong
Wednesday March 16, 1:12 am ET
By Min Lee, Associated Press Writer

HONG KONG (AP) -- Lawmakers on Wednesday questioned The Walt Disney Co.'s 20-year option to buy a 54-hectare (130-acre) site near Hong Kong Disneyland, saying the government should consider letting other theme parks use the land.

"From Hong Kong's standpoint, it doesn't necessarily have to be Disneyland. Other than Disneyland, there are many other theme parks popular in the world," opposition lawmaker Sin Chung-kai said at a legislative hearing on Hong Kong Disneyland, due to open Sept. 12.

Disney has the first claim to the site up to 2019. The option can be extended up to 10 years if visitor numbers hit 8 million.

Commissioner for Tourism Eva Cheng defended the arrangement, saying it was necessary to secure the Disney deal.

"If Disney knew there would be a different theme park nearby, it would have affected Disney's decision to build Hong Kong Disneyland at the time. This is fair," she said.

She said the government hopes to launch talks with Disney on exercising its land option soon.

However, Hong Kong media last year quoted Financial Secretary Henry Tang as saying that the government has approached three other U.S. theme park companies about coming to Hong Kong -- Six Flags Inc., Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. Studios -- a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.

The 125-hectare (310-acre) Hong Kong Disneyland is a joint venture between Disney and the Hong Kong government, but local taxpayers are footing most of its US$3.5 billion (euro2.6 million) price tag. Critics have questioned whether Hong Kong got a good deal.

Cheng said the government will test the park and its transportation infrastructure ahead of the scheduled opening by inviting tour operators and Hong Kong residents to visit.

Separately, government engineering official Yip Sai-chor told lawmakers the government has nearly finished processing 30,000 cubic meters (1.05 million cubic feet) of toxic mud from a shipyard cleared for Disneyland's construction. The waste was treated at an island off Hong Kong, prompting at least one protest.

[hkskyline]

Lawmakers want third theme park near Disney
Grace Lam, Hong Kong Standard
March 17, 2005

Legislators have questioned the government's decision to give Hong Kong Disneyland a 20-year option to buy an adjacent site for expansion, saying other theme parks ought to get a crack at the land.

Commissioner for Tourism Eva Cheng said the government would like to hold talks with Disneyland soon about exercising the option.

But Cheng said Disney might never have agreed to open its park on Lantau Island if it had thought a competitor might set up shop next door.

Hong Kong Disneyland, a joint venture between the government and Walt Disney, was granted an option in 1999 on a site immediately east of Phase 1 of its park, which is due to open on September 12. The company has said it will wait to see if the first phase is successful before deciding whether to build a second phase.

The option is valid for 20 years from 1999, with an automatic right to extend for a futher five years and a conditional right to extend for five years beyond that.

Lawmakers, including Democrat Sin Chung-kai, argued at a Legislative Council committee meeting Wednesday that other popular theme parks might well want the land, and they recalled that Financial Secretary Henry Tang said last year the government was open to the idea of a third theme park, after Ocean Park and Disneyland. He mentioned other park operators like Six Flags and Warner Bros Studio as possibilities.

The Tourism Commision said all infrastructure work at Hong Kong Disneyland is on schedule and on budget, while work on the rail link between the park and Penny's Bay is scheduled for completion in July.

Before it opens, the theme park and all supporting facilities will undergo a month-long comprehensive testing and adjustment period, the commission said. According to the government, the park will attract 5.6 million visitors a year and generate HK$148 billion over 40 years.

[hkskyline]

How Eisner Handles the Transition Is Crucial
By Bruce Orwall and Kate Kelly
16 March 2005
The Asian Wall Street Journal

When Michael Eisner was unemployed after graduating from college in 1964, he traveled to Paris and wrote three plays. One of them was about a couple that froze to death after getting trapped on a ski lift in Canada. Mr. Eisner quickly decided he wasn't a playwright, returned to New York and began climbing the entertainment-industry ladder with a job logging TV commercials for the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

More than 40 years later, Mr. Eisner will soon be at loose ends again. At the end of September, 21 years after he became Walt Disney Co.'s chief executive, he will hand the job off to Disney President Robert Iger. Mr. Eisner will stay on the board for five months after that. Under his employment agreement, he will receive post-termination bonuses of at least $6 million annually for the three years after his departure.

The 63-year-old Mr. Eisner, who declined an interview request, hasn't specified what he wants to do after Disney but has suggested he would like to continue in the entertainment industry in some capacity. That may mean some kind of production company that generates content for film, television and maybe even Broadway, an area he long has been drawn to. And though his ambitions as a dramatist weren't realized, Mr. Eisner has turned to another kind of writing: He is the author of "Camp," a book about his youthful summer-camp experiences in Vermont that will be published this year.

Disney Chairman George Mitchell has said that Messrs. Eisner and Iger will "share duties" during the transition. Since Mr. Eisner isn't known as the most collegial executive in the business world -- his clashes with colleagues have been the stuff of both legend and courtroom drama -- sharing may be a difficult assignment for the longtime Disney chief.

Yet people close to the company say Mr. Eisner already has been more low-key within Disney since announcing last fall that he would be stepping down as CEO. He has been less visible, these people say, and his famously hands-on approach to managing the company's movie studio and other operations has been muted.

However, others point out that Mr. Eisner has traveled extensively in the past few months, going several times to London, where Disney has opened a stage version of "Mary Poppins," and accompanying Mr. Iger recently to China, where negotiations for a theme park on the mainland are under way.

It is another theme-park project -- Hong Kong Disneyland -- that may be front and center on Mr. Eisner's agenda as he winds up his tenure. The new park, a crucial component of Disney's overall foray into China, is set to open on Sept. 12, and some people close to the company say Mr. Eisner is keen to preside over the debut.

Also on the transition agenda: clearing out other remnants of various unresolved controversies and business deals. At the top of that to-do list is completing the company's expected divorce from Harvey and Bob Weinstein, the co-chairmen of its Miramax Films unit. Talks between Disney and the Weinsteins have been moving slowly for months, but may be nearing resolution, according to people close to the situation.

Joann S. Lublin contributed to this article.

[hkskyline]

Who's afraid of a mouse?
Hong Kong theme park gets ready to compete with Disneyland
By WILLIAM FOREMAN
Associated Press Writer
28 March 2005

HONG KONG (AP) - Ocean Park has been Hong Kong's most successful theme park for nearly 30 years, wowing generations of visitors with dolphin shows, stomach-churning roller coasters and a cable car ride over a mountain with spectacular views of the South China Sea.

But the marine park's hammerhead sharks are about to face a fierce new competitor: Mickey Mouse. Disneyland is opening in Hong Kong in September, so Ocean Park has to figure out how to compete with one of the biggest names in its industry.

It's a problem more companies are facing in the era of globalization. Some stick to what they've always been doing and hope the foreign intruder will stumble or be spurned by loyal local customers. But Ocean Park is taking a riskier approach, making plans to spend 5.55 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$711 million) to revamp an attraction that has become faded, worn and dated.

"Ocean Park needs to survive," said Allan Zeman, one of Hong Kong's most successful entrepreneurs who's overseeing the park's overhaul. "The only way it can survive is if it becomes world class."

But Ocean Park's makeover isn't just about spiffing up a venue. It's also key to Hong Kong's strategy to become Asia's top holiday destination for families. The government is backing both parks financially, and their success might depend on luring enough foreign visitors to a city known more for fine dining, dealmaking and shopping than thrill rides.

"When families think of having a holiday, they will think of Hong Kong first," said Eva Cheng, Hong Kong's tourism commissioner.

Ocean Park has no plans to go head-to-head with Disney, a US$3.5 billion (euro2.7 billion) park built on reclaimed land on Hong Kong's outlying Lantau island, said Tom Mehrmann, Ocean Park's chief executive.

Mehrmann said the two parks will complement each other, and tourists will want to visit both of them. Ocean Park will be about animals and Disney will be about cartoons. Ocean Park will highlight nature, and Disney's theme will be movies. One will have a cable car, and the other a castle.

"We're Hong Kong. They're an American import," Mehrmann said.

Disneyland also says it wants to be a friendly neighbor and work together to make Hong Kong the top draw for families.

"Together with Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland will bring the family tourists to Hong Kong, diversifying the tourism mix and creating new opportunities for the territory," said Don Robinson, group managing director for the Disneyland park.

The government is expected to soon approve the construction of a new subway line to Ocean Park. If built, visitors would be able to take a 30-minute ride between the park and Disneyland, which opens Sept. 12.

About 70 million people have visited Ocean Park since it opened in 1977, says the nonprofit organization that runs the government-owned venue. It calls itself an "edu-tainment" attraction because it mixes rides like the turbo drop with displays of live pandas, sharks, killer whales and other educational sites. It's a popular stop on the school field trip circuit.

A mountain divides the park into two, and the cable car ride over the mountain shuttles people back and forth, providing a stunning view of the South China Sea. The park's new blueprint includes a 1.4-kilometer (0.9-mile) funicular tunnel through the mountain that can transport 5,000 passengers per hour, Mehrmann said.

Other new planned attractions include a "soaker coaster," a roller coaster equipped with water cannons in the cars and on the ground. People riding in the cars can shoot water at people on the ground and they can fire back.

The plans also call for:

-- A typhoon stunt show that combines the special effects of a typhoon with a display of actors fighting with kung fu on a fishing village set.

--A swim with dolphins program and an enclosed stadium -- shaped like a sea turtle's shell -- for killer whale shows.

--An "Ice Palace" with a sub-zero environment that allows visitors to don parkas and have snowball fights and carve ice sculptures.

--A 7.6 million liter (2 million gallon) aquarium with an underwater restaurant.

Ocean Park also wants to copy Disneyland and provide hotels at the site, and the revamp will be mostly funded with a HK$4.05 billion (US$519 million, euro400 million) construction loan from the government or commercial markets.

The park is waiting for the government's approval for the revamp, which would be completed by 2010 and would be done in phases so the entire attraction wouldn't have to be closed.

Tourism Commissioner Cheng said a government task force that's studying the park's proposal is sold on the idea of a refit. "We are now working to see how to best take this forward," she said.

[hkskyline]

Hong Kong Disneyland Seeks Workers
March 31, 2005
By HELEN LUK, Associated Press Writer

HONG KONG - Disney executives on Thursday kicked off a two-month recruitment drive for 3,000 future employees at its Hong Kong theme park set to open in September.

The recruitment — to begin Friday — will fill positions for hotel and park operations, catering, costuming, entertainment, sales, cleaning and security services, Hong Kong Disneyland's Group Managing Director Don Robinson told a news conference.

"To hire 3,000 people within such a short period of time is certainly a challenging job, but we are confident with the high caliber of talent and excellent service attitudes we've witnessed here in Hong Kong, we will be able to recruit the very best people in town," Robinson said.

Greg Wann, the park's vice president of human resources, said 95 percent of the new jobs will be full-time positions and the vast majority of them will have a starting monthly salary of 9,000 Hong Kong dollars ($1,154).

Most of the positions will be filled by locals, except for a few acting roles, Robinson said.

Scheduled to open Sept. 12, the park — a joint venture between the Hong Kong government and The Walt Disney Co. — is being built on reclaimed land at Penny's Bay on Hong Kong's outlying island.

Critics had questioned why the government agreed to shoulder most of the $3.5 billion construction cost for the park. But officials argued that the park will boost the territory's tourism and employment.

[hkskyline]

Hong Kong Disneyland Launches Recruitment Drive

HONG KONG, April 1 Asia Pulse - Hong Kong Disneyland Thursday launched one of the city's largest ever recruitment drives, inviting about 3,000 front-line workers.

The world-famous theme park and resort, set to open on Sept. 12 this year, is recruiting 3,000 front-line cast members to help deliver an immerse entertainment experience to guests.

Don Robinson, Hong Kong Disneyland Group Managing Director said "this is one of the most important milestones we have reached in preparation for the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the local economy by creating these magical' job opportunities for the people of Hong Kong."

He added "we are confident that with the high caliber of talent and excellent service attitudes we have witnessed here in Hong Kong, we will be able to recruit the very best people in town. Hong Kong Disneyland will be an ideal platform from which to showcase the best of Hong Kong's hospitality and performing talents to the world."

From April 1, Hong Kong Disneyland will invite eligible candidates to apply for Cast Member roles from a variety of disciplines including hotel operations, merchandise, food & beverage, entertainment, park operations, costuming and security services.

Hong Kong Disneyland project is a joint venture between the Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. At the opening day of Sept. 12, Hong Kong Disneyland will comprise a theme park and two hotels. At lease 5.6 million people are expected to visit the Hong Kong Disneyland at the first year of its opening.

[hkskyline]

MICKEY MAO
The Magic Kingdom meets the Middle Kingdom, as Disney sets its sights on China. But for new chief Robert Iger, who has been leading the charge, wishing on a red star could be a risky strategy.
18 April 2005
Fortune

Last October, on the eve of the National Basketball Association's first exhibition game in China, Walt Disney president Robert Iger stepped before a battery of television cameras flanked by NBA commissioner David Stern, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, and a cadre of other NBA stars. A press conference to announce some blockbuster marketing deal between the NBA and China? Not quite. The venue for the high-profile gathering was a cramped classroom at Yao's alma mater, Gaoan Road Primary School in Shanghai. As cameras whirred and flashbulbs popped, Iger, Yao, and the other NBA luminaries joined a chorus of Chinese children in red neckerchiefs reciting from the pages of a Yao-sized book at the front of the room: "It's a gray, gray rainy day, but Piglet and Roo are ready to play."

Piglet and Roo are characters from A.A. Milne's popular children's stories about a stuffed bear named Winnie-the-Pooh, and Disney billed the storytelling session as part of a worldwide public- service initiative to encourage kids to read. But to properly connect the dots between the beloved bear, the world's second- largest media and entertainment conglomerate, the NBA's tallest player, and the world's fastest-growing economy, it helps to know that Disney owns the rights to Milne's characters; that Disney is the parent company of ESPN sports network; that ESPN secured rights to broadcast the Shanghai exhibition game; and that Iger wants a piece of the China market as badly as Pooh craves honey.

That last also explains why Iger, just anointed successor to CEO Michael Eisner, visited China four times last year. In October, while Eisner was slugging it out with former president Michael Ovitz in a Delaware courtroom, Iger was in Hong Kong inspecting progress on the theme park Disney is building there, in Shanghai catching the NBA game, and in Beijing chatting with China's vice president. Get Disney's new chief talking about China's potential, and he'll rattle off a list of statistics: income levels, Internet penetration figures, mobile-phone and cable-television subscription rates. The way Iger sees it, China, with 290 million people under the age of 14- -more potential Mouseketeers than the entire U.S. population--isn't just a growth opportunity, "it's a needle mover."

Iger has taken to goading executives at Disney's Burbank, Calif., headquarters to prove their China savvy: "If I come back from a China trip and I know more than the guy running the business back in Burbank, he's got a problem." Indeed, so keen is Disney's new chief to bring the Magic Kingdom to the Middle Kingdom that he describes himself as the company's China country manager. "On any given day, I may talk to the person who's running Baby Einstein to see what he's up to [in China] or call the head of television there. It's constant, constant attention."

That's the sort of relentless focus championed by management experts as the secret to cracking the Chinese market. But with apologies to the Disney song, when you wish upon a red star, it makes a big difference who you are. If you're a large foreign multinational selling autos, mobile phones, or fried chicken, have at it: China waits with open arms to take in every dollar you care to invest. But if you happen to be a giant media and entertainment conglomerate--a Disney, say--be prepared for China's mandarins to wrap you in red tape.

Governments the world over restrict foreign media ownership, but China has raised regulation of the industry to a fine and excruciating art. In the developed world and in many other fast- growing economies in Asia, foreign content providers are at least allowed to purchase airtime for their programming over domestically owned networks. Not in China, where regulators limit the ability of non-Chinese companies to sell, distribute, market, and identify the programs they produce. Even cartoons are tightly controlled. Disney's most significant encroachment into China's airwaves is a half-hour kids' show that mixes Disney programming with short segments produced in China. Yet Disney can't call it Mickey Mouse Club lest its signature rodent get too well known, so the program airs as Dragon Club. The myriad prohibitions are meant to prevent criticism of China's communist rulers and to shield the Chinese from the evils of Western cultural imperialism. They're also driven, says Lehman Brothers Asia media analyst Stephen McKeever, by "good old- fashioned mercantilism" to make sure Chinese players get their share of a burgeoning market.

That's bad news for Iger, who has identified international expansion as a cornerstone of Disney strategy. Though Disney's animated menagerie includes some of the most widely recognized characters on the planet, the financial statements of the company that spawned them remain surprisingly provincial. Last year overseas revenue accounted for $6.7 billion, or 22%, of Disney's $30.7 billion in sales, and generated $1.5 billion, or 35%, of operating profit. Sure, that's enough to keep Dumbo in peanuts. But Iger has long argued that given the brand's global reach, the composition of Disney's revenue should look more like that of Coca-Cola or McDonald's, truly multinational giants that count on non-U.S. markets for more than 65% of sales. Iger is pushing for double- digit growth in foreign sales and a more diversified revenue stream. Foreign markets, he vows, must generate at least half of Disney's profits "within the next five years."

Iger's goal implies a radical redeployment of Disney's resources. Last year 70% of the company's overseas sales came from markets in slow-growing Europe; Asia contributed only $566 million, much of that from Japan, where Disney made more than $160 million in royalties from the consortium that runs Tokyo Disneyland. Iger stands little chance of hitting his foreign-profit mark without substantial gains in Asia's emerging dynamos, China and India. Disney won't say how much it earns in either market--like many multinationals, it doesn't disclose financial results by country. But the consensus among analysts and competitors is that Disney earns considerably less in the two countries combined than the $140 million that Ovitz's severance package was worth. That could change quickly as components of Iger's battle plan fall into place. In India, where broadcast regulations allow more leeway, Disney has made inroads with a sports television joint venture and the launch last year of two animation channels. But the big bet is China, where the company has identified theme parks and consumer products as its dominant profit engines.

On its face, counting on those businesses seems ... well, goofy. Movies and media networks, not parks and plush toys, are Disney's mainstay, accounting for more than two-thirds of worldwide revenues last year. In the U.S., Disney has sold off its stores, unable to make a go of hawking mouse ears and Piglet pencil boxes on its own. Why should it fare any better in a country famed for plunging prices, razor-thin margins, and rampant piracy? And while Disney's flagship U.S. parks are reliable cash cows, the company's record in operating theme parks overseas is spottier than 101 Dalmatians. Burbank balked in the 1980s when Japanese developers pitched the idea of bringing Disneyland to Tokyo, judging the Disneyland experience too American to export. Instead of investing, Disney opted to license rights in Japan in exchange for 10% of ticket sales and 5% of receipts on food and concessions. Big mistake: Japanese families can't get enough of Tokyo Disneyland. "The failure to take an ownership position in Tokyo Disneyland was exceptionally costly," Eisner wrote in his 1998 autobiography, Work in Progress. But his decision to retain a stake in Euro Disney, a theme park outside Paris, proved an even bigger error. The French venture, of which Disney now owns 40%, has been a financial sinkhole. In 12 years of operation, it has never come close to meeting its original target of 17 million visitors a year, despite generous capital infusions from Disney and Saudi Arabia's Prince al-Waleed.

Determined to finally get it right, Disney drove a hard bargain in Hong Kong, demanding a fat stake for a next-to-nothing investment. Desperate to bring jobs and tourists to their then- beleaguered economy, Hong Kong officials capitulated, agreeing to put up $2.9 billion in taxpayer money, donate land, and build a network of access roads and railways in exchange for a 57% share. Disney got its 43% for just $314 million, a sum it will recoup almost immediately because it also insisted on a 5% royalty fee for management and operation.

Nestled in a cove on Lantau Island, with views of the downtown skyline six miles away, Hong Kong Disneyland, which is scheduled to open Sept. 12, will look and feel like the original Disneyland, complete with Main Street, Sleeping Beauty's castle, and Tomorrowland. But there are some modifications. Architects went to great lengths to heed instructions of a feng shui master who, among other things, ordered the entire layout rotated several degrees to foster harmony with the elements. Staff will accommodate guests in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, and food will cater to Chinese palates. Disney projects that the park will receive about six million visitors the first year, about 40% of them from China's mainland.

Hong Kong Disneyland is mostly a dress rehearsal for the main event--a theme park in Shanghai. Iger says Disney has been engaged for some time in "a cordial discussion, if not actual negotiations," with Shanghai officials about opening a park within the next six years. There, too, he is playing hardball, rebuffing demands to move faster. But the long-term success of Disney's Chinese parks will require more than good feng shui and hard bargaining. In other markets, Disney's film, TV, and publishing operations smoothed the way for new parks, ensuring that from the moment they set foot on Main Street, visitors felt at home. In China, says Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, "for the first time, we'll be opening in a market where not all of our guests will know us well. The brand recognition is high, but the depth of the storytelling isn't there." That matters, executives say, because guests stay longer, spend more, and return more often when they invest emotionally in the characters.

To fill the void, Disney is mounting a grass-roots brand- building campaign--and experimenting with novel marketing techniques. In perhaps the most unlikely union of Mickey and Mao, Disney last year teamed up with the 70 million--member Communist Youth League to host a series of sessions billed as aiding reading skills and creativity. Disney performers toured half a dozen "children's palaces" in Guangdong province, telling stories using the Disney characters and encouraging children to draw pictures of Mickey Mouse. More sessions are planned this spring. Disney's alliance with the youth league doesn't raise eyebrows in a nation where few distinguish between advertising and propaganda. Sometimes it's unclear who's propagandizing whom. At Yao Ming's elementary school, a zealous 12-year-old scolded NBA veteran Bob Lanier for mispronouncing the word "ooze" while reading a Winnie-the-Pooh story. Afterward the boy explained that he knew the proper English pronunciation because his class had spent weeks practicing for the event.

Disney's bid for China's hearts and minds reaches back to the 1930s, when its first animated features played at cinemas in Beijing and Shanghai. Disney films, along with most other forms of foreign entertainment, were banned after Mao swept to power in 1949. During the Cultural Revolution, the mere possession of a Mickey Mouse watch would have constituted a serious cultural crime. Mickey had to wait until 1986, a decade after Mao's death, for rehabilitation. In that year Disney signed a licensing agreement with China's national network to supply cartoons for broadcast on Sunday evenings. That remained the extent of Disney's presence in China until well into the 1990s, when ESPN struck a deal to syndicate international sports programming and Disney won permission to publish a weekly comics magazine for children. In 1994, Disney forged the partnership with Beijing TV that created Dragon Club. Now in its tenth year, Dragon Club airs on more than 40 stations across China, reaching an estimated 60 million households. Winnie-the-Pooh figures prominently in CCTV's flagship kids' show, The Big Windmill, and on CCTV's new children's channel. All told, Disney-branded segments reach more than 380 million households, making the company "the No. 1 provider of Western programming to China," according to Andy Bird, president of Disney International.

Iger's own interest in China goes back to his first Beijing visit in 1979, when he was with ABC Sports. "I stayed in a hotel--I swear, this is the complete truth--my mattress was filled with straw," he recalls. "No one spoke English. I spoke no Chinese. It was almost a joke, but a great adventure." He returned in 1994, as the president of ABC-TV, to inaugurate Dragon Club.

But Disney is hardly the only belle at the ball. In programming of all forms, Disney lags behind News Corp., whose China ambitions are no less grand. The centerpiece of News Corp.'s China strategy is its 38% stake in Phoenix Satellite, a Chinese-language network based in Hong Kong. Operated in partnership with a former People's Liberation Army officer, Phoenix owns five channels and boasts that its shows reach 200 million mainland viewers. The company's biggest success is news and current-affairs programming, which offers a livelier alternative to the official fare on state-run channels. Last year Phoenix, listed in Hong Kong, reported a profit of $21 million on ad sales of $100 million. Beijing has also allowed News Corp.'s StarTV to broadcast Chinese-language entertainment programs via cable networks in Guangdong province.

Viacom, which owns Nickelodeon, announced an agreement with Shanghai Media Group in November to produce children's TV programming. The deal was the first to follow a declaration by China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television that foreigners are permitted to own up to 49% of Chinese television production companies. Time Warner, the largest of the global media giants (and parent of FORTUNE's publisher), has been least active in pressing for entry into the China market. Its affiliate, Chinese Entertainment Television, has also been granted permission to broadcast in Guangdong, but Time Warner ceded majority interest in 2003 to Tom Group, a media company controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing.

Each year titles from Disney and Warner dominate the list of films cleared for distribution in Chinese cinemas. Disney's The Lion King was the first foreign film released in China, and the company has distributed more than a dozen others, including Toy Story, Tarzan, Finding Nemo,and Pirates of the Caribbean. The terms of China's 2001 admission to the World Trade Organization require Beijing to allow the release of 50 foreign films this year, up from ten before accession. But those films do limited box office despite China's vast population and the popularity of Hollywood fare. Consumers would just as soon pay $1 for a counterfeit DVD than two or three times that to see a movie on a large screen in a dilapidated theater.

The breadth of Disney's offerings gives it a distinct advantage in China. Disney on Ice gave 30 performances in three Chinese cities last year and is preparing to expand the tour to 40 cities. Disney is also pushing content over the web in a partnership with Sohu.com, a Chinese Internet portal. Says Rasulo: "No company in the world is better than Disney at marshaling all its business lines for brand building."

But how to make that brand building pay? Piracy has crippled Disney's efforts to profit from DVD sales in China. Since entering the market in 1997, Disney has released nearly 500 VCR and DVD titles, more than any other foreign studio. Still, in 2003 it sold just 3.4 million disks. Finding Nemo,which Disney touts as the bestselling animated feature in China, had legal sales of only 284,000 copies. Legitimate disks sell for as much as ten times the price of a knockoff, and most Chinese consumers wouldn't know where to buy them even if they were willing to pay the difference. At the Xiangyang market in Shanghai, vendors tout pirated Disney titles alongside phony handbags. At one table a woman shows shoppers a trash bag stuffed with Disney knockoffs, including The Incredibles,Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid. Nine dollars buys an eight-disk set of Mickey Mouse in Living Color, with the forged signature of Roy E. Disney on the box. "This Disney stuff sells like crazy," she says. "I usually have 100 titles, but I can't keep them in stock."

It says a lot about Iger's battle plan that in December, when he finally hired a full-time China country manager, he picked Stanley Cheung, former head of Johnson & Johnson's consumer products business in China. Cheung's first task will be to expand Disney's retail and distribution network. Disney reported that China consumer products sales topped $128 million in 2003 and that the segment's contribution to overall sales in China is double Disney's global average of 8%. Cheung wants to double the number of Disney Corners, upscale retail outlets selling toys and branded kids' wear, to 2,200 shops by the end of the year. He also sees improved opportunities for Disney products as foreign retailers such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour expand in China. "Regulations are loosening," says Cheung. "We have the right legal structure. Suddenly everything's coming together."

That would no doubt gratify Iger, who joked before getting the nod to succeed Eisner that he could be the subject of his own reality TV show. His suggested title: The Apprentice Survivor Millionaire. Just don't look for it to be broadcast on Chinese airwaves anytime soon. ?

As Iger sees it, with 290 million people under the age of 14--more potential Mousketeers than the entire population of the U.S.--China is a "needle mover."The consensus among analysts is that Disney earns considerably less in China and India combined than the $140 million Ovitz's severance package was worth."We'll be opening in a market where not all of our guests will know us well. The brand recognition is high, but the depth of the storytelling isn't there.""This Disney stuff sells like crazy," says a woman hawking pirated Disney tapes in Shanghai. "I usually have 100 titles, but I can't keep them in stock."

[hkskyline]

九月開幕 工程密鑼緊鼓
鳥瞰迷人迪士尼
12/04/2005
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/news/heading.gif

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/news/20050412/img/sn02041220_big.jpg

【本報訊】香港迪士尼樂園開幕倒數期尚餘五個月，為爭取更多內地人於九月十二日開幕日來港，及八月中安排的公眾試玩，樂園工程分秒必爭。本報記者昨由直升機鳥瞰樂園所見，大部分遊戲設施已準備就緒，「探險世界」內的「森林河流之旅」有小船行駛測試。

歷險河小船試航

位於竹篙灣、面積達一百二十六公頃的樂園已見雛形。大家最關心的機動遊戲接近完成，「明日世界」的地標「飛越太空山」更是非常矚目。由多個小行星組成、屬香港獨有的「太空飛碟」已準備就緒，遊客可駕駛太空飛碟於三分鐘內穿梭各個行星。面積佔整個樂園幾乎三分一的「探險世界」，恍如一個非洲原始森林。昨日所見，「森林河流之旅」小船在歷險河流中徐徐行駛，測試航道安全。

至於迪士尼兩間酒店正進行最後修葺，迪士尼好萊塢酒店亦設計獨特，室外有一個鋼琴形泳池，「琴鍵」向�酒店大堂。樂園其他配套設施也接近完成，樂園外的大型停車場足以停泊數百輛私家車，方便市民駕車往遊玩；迪士尼樂園酒店旁的碼頭亦隨時歡迎客人登陸。

[N/A]

5 months to go.:cheers:

[coldstar]

If you mean BIG ATTRACTIONS, then there are jungle cruise, Lion Kong Show, Space mountain.

There are many smaller rides at the 3 themed sections, click on the links to seee them:
Adventureland (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/advland_fs_attraction.html)
http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_intro_topimg.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_att_simg1.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_att_simg6.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/al_att_simg9.gif

Fantasyland (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/fanland_fs_attraction.html)
http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_intro_topimg.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_att_simg4.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_att_simg2.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/fl_att_simg3.gif


Tomorrowland (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/tomland_fs_attraction.html)
http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_intro_topimg.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_att_simg1.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_att_simg2.gif.http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/eng/preview/diary/images/hkdl/tl_dining_simg1.gif



Great, but how come they don't have 'Westernland' 'Toontown' 'Critter country' et al like Tokyo Disneyland?

[vincent]

again, this is only phase1 of the disneyland guys.

[hkskyline]

Monday April 25, 3:20 PM
Hong Kong Disneyland unveils rail line for its theme park

AP - With the help of Donald Duck and a cloud of silver confetti, officials unveiled a new rail line Monday for Hong Kong Disneyland _ the world's first train route specifically dedicated for a theme park.

The 3.5-kilometer (2-mile) train line, which cost 2 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$257 million, €197 million), will be able to shuttle about 10,000 passengers per hour to the park, set to open Sept. 12, said Disneyland and the city's Mass Transit Rail Corp. The park and subway operator financed the project.

The line will be a branch off the subway line from Central Hong Kong to outlying Lantau Island, where Disneyland is being built.

"Disneyland Resort line will take visitors to a magical world," MTRC Chief Executive C.K. Chow said. "The 3.5 minute train journey is not to be missed for all Disneyland visitors who wish to enjoy the full experience."

The trains' windows and the straphangers are shaped like Mickey Mouse. The ceiling and the sides of the train are painted red, yellow, purple and blue.

The park is a joint venture between the Hong Kong government and The Walt Disney Co. It's being built on reclaimed land at Penny's Bay.

Critics have criticized the government for shouldering most of the US$3.5 billion construction cost for the park. But officials have argued that the park will boost employment and help make Hong Kong a major tourist destination.

[Nightsky]

@Philip. You forgot to mention the park in Florida.

[coldstar]

again, this is only phase1 of the disneyland guys.

thanx. so what would phase2 be?


Right now Hong kong Disneyland does not have: Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Tom Sawyers Island & Rivers of America, Toon Town, It's a Small World, Star Tours, etc.

Those attractions themselves are the true essence of Disney's Magic Kingdom, and most costly amusement facilities in the whole park. Why were those attractions not included in phase1 of Hong Kong Disneyland?

[vincent]

the plan is still unknown for phase 2. You know, phase 1 is a "test ground". The scale, content of phase 2 willl be determined later.

[scorpion]

they were burned by several serious miscalculations during paris-d., so they're trying a go slow approach (if that's even possible in burgeoning 21st c. china!)...

[Sexas]

Hong Kong Disneyland unveils first Disneyland Resort Line train :)

25 April 2005

Hong Kong Disneyland and the MTR Corporation today unveiled the first Disneyland Resort Line train, which will bring guests to the heart of the magic at China’s first Disney theme park, set to open on September 12, 2005.

The MTR Disneyland Resort Line, which comprises two new stations - Sunny Bay Station and Disneyland Resort Station - and whimsical Disney-themed trains, were exclusively designed by the MTR Corporation in conjunction with Disney’s Imagineers.

Today’s Disneyland Resort Line train unveiling at Sunny Bay Station marks the very first dedicated train line for a Disney theme park anywhere in the world and will offer Hong Kong Disneyland guests an exciting and convenient journey, being just 23.5 minutes from Central.

“Since Disneyland Resort Line trains serve a single destination, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, we thought it was important that they incorporate ‘Disney’ touches into the trains to begin the transition from the real world of Hong Kong to the magical realm of Hong Kong Disneyland,” said Mr. Don Robinson, Group Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland. “The MTR Corporation team has done a terrific job of creating trains that are fun and exciting, in keeping with the spirit of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.”

The trains themselves are sleek and modern, but their colors and fanciful details, including Mickey Mouse-shaped windows trimmed in red that look out over gold ribbons and sparkling pixie dust, provide a classic look that enables them to appear equally at home in either of their destinations: the futuristic Sunny Bay Station and the Victorian-themed Disneyland Resort Station.

This feeling of enchantment continues inside the trains, which are painted in vibrant hues of blue, red, yellow and violet, and boast ceilings that look like star-filled skies. Each car highlights classic photos illustrating Walt Disney’s own fascination with trains, and feature bronze figurines depicting many of the classic characters he created, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Tinker Bell, Pluto, Snow White and Jiminy Cricket.

All of these details combine to create a sense of playful anticipation for visitors as they make their way to the magical kingdom of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Mr. C K Chow, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation said, “The 3.5-minute train journey is not to be missed for Hong Kong Disneyland guests wishing to enjoy the full theme park experience. The Disneyland Resort Line takes visitors on a journey through time from Hong Kong’s modern MTR network to the Victorian-themed Disneyland Resort Station. It will be a ride to enjoy and remember.”

Passengers riding the MTR can reach Sunny Bay Station from anywhere in Hong Kong. After arriving at the station, passengers take only a short walk across the platform to begin their magical journey to Disneyland Resort Station which is just in front of Hong Kong Disneyland. From Tsing Yi Station, the journey will be 9.5 minutes for a fare of HK$12.60 using the Octopus card. From Kowloon Station, it will take just 20.5 minutes for a fare of HK$18.10 and from Hong Kong Station, the journey time will be 23.5 minutes for a fare of HK$23.10.

The two stations of the new line, namely Sunny Bay Station and Disneyland Resort Station, feature open-air designs providing natural ventilation and the best utilization of natural lighting. Station platforms are fitted with platform gates similar to the platform screen doors installed in most MTR stations in Hong Kong. Facilities for passengers with special needs including lifts, tactile guide paths, and wide gates are also provided.

The MTR Disneyland Resort Line will operate using an advanced signaling system that allows fully automatic train operations. The technology has been proven around the world and is a common mode of operation particularly for tourism attractions in many different world cities.

Umm...please post some Disney rail pictures...the one from the news site not working... :sleepy:

[hkskyline]

Nothing Mickey Mouse about feng shui
Hong Kong Disney execs consult specialist. Trying to make certain that new park reflects local culture and avoids past mistakes
LAURA HOLSON
New York Times
27 April 2005

When building the new entrance to Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney executives decided to shift the angle of the front gate by 12 degrees.

They did so after consulting a feng shui specialist, who said the change would ensure prosperity for the park.

Disney also put a bend in the walkway from the train station to the gate, to make sure the flow of positive energy, or chi, did not slip past the entrance and out to the China Sea.

Heeding the advice of a feng shui consultant is one of many steps Disney executives have taken at the park to reflect the local culture - and to make sure they do not repeat some mistakes of the past.

When Disney opened Disneyland Paris in a former sugar beet field outside Paris in 1992, the company was roundly criticized for being culturally insensitive to its European guests. Now Disney burns incense ritually as each building is finished in Hong Kong, and has picked a lucky day (Sept. 12) for the opening.

The cash stakes are high: International growth is a critical part of Disney's expansion efforts. In Asia, Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear and Winnie-the-Pooh are hardly household names. Disney wants to change that.

Mainland China is expected to become one of the world's largest tourist destinations in the next 15 years, according to the World Tourism Organization, an international group that oversees policy issues.

That trend bodes well for Disney, as Hong Kong itself is already in the top 15.

"It used to be Disney was exported on its own terms," said Robert Thompson, a professor of popular culture at Syracuse University.

"But in the late 20th and early 21st century, America's cultural imperialism was tested. Now, instead of being the ugly Americans, which some foreigners used to find charming, we have to take off our shoes or belch after a meal."

Plans for Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney's 11th theme park and a replica of the original Disneyland, began in 1999 for the undeveloped Lantau Island, a 30-minute train ride from downtown Hong Kong.

Built on Penny's Bay and flanked by mountains, the park is a venture with the Hong Kong government and the first of the parks that Disney wants to build in China, including one in Shanghai. Disney invested $316 million for a 43 per cent equity stake in Hong Kong Disneyland; the rest is owned by the Hong Kong government, which contributed $419 million. (The park has $1.1 billion in debt.)

Some of the dazzling visual effects and nods to cultural differences at Hong Kong Disneyland may seem like so much marketing. One of the park's main ballrooms, which will surely be used for Disney's popular wedding services, measures 888 square metres, because eight is thought to be a number of fortune, said Wing Chao, who is the master planner of architecture and design at Walt Disney Imagineering.

In Chinese, the number four is considered bad luck so there are no fourth-floor buttons in the elevators at the Hollywood Hotel or other hotels in the park.

Cash registers are close to corners or along walls, where such placement is believed to increase prosperity

And in the park's upscale restaurant, Crystal Lotus, Disney installed a virtual koi pond where computer-animated fish dart away from guests who walk on a glass screen.

The pond is one of five feng shui elements in the restaurant; the others are wood, earth, metal and fire, which glows on a screen behind bottles in the bar. "We could not have real fire because of the fire code," said Chao.

After the mishaps at Euro Disney and, closer to home, problems with attendance at its California park in Anaheim, it is easy to understand why the company would take such pains.

"I don't know anything about fire and kitchens and where fire belongs and what doesn't," said Jay Rasulo, president of Disney's theme parks and resorts division. "But I certainly have learned that you need to respect people."

Tourists sniffed at California Adventure when it opened in 2001, saying it looked more like a shopping mall than a theme park. In recent years, Disney added, at considerable expense, the Tower of Terror thrill ride and an attraction based on the animated film A Bug's Life.

The French government recently helped bail out Euro Disney, the parent company of Disneyland Paris, offering loan concessions and investments to save it from bankruptcy.

[Azn_chi_boi]

WHat no "frontierLand" in Disneyland HK even its phrase 1?

If it was up to me I would change the classic "frontierland" to "Olde San Fransico" (you know mountains, water,and railroads). Thats more famous than frontier in HK.

[hkskyline]

Source : (issue 788 / apr 14 05 ) 壹周刊
Photos hosted by jose_kwan from SSP :

Disney hotel

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5nDSC00946no.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5mDSC00940no.jpg

Train

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p3-4fDSC01001no.jpg

Fantasyland

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5cDSC00988no.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5lDSC00986no.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5bSite_3no.jpg

Tomorrowland

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5dDSC00989no.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/DSC00990no.jpg

Advantureland

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5fDSC00998no.jpg

Main Street

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5eDSC00993no.jpg

Aerial

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/josekwan/p5aSite_2no.jpg

[D_Y2k.2^]

this is just sooooo great!when is it gonna be opened?

[Chad]

Why does it looks so "Disney"...

[hkskyline]

The park will open on Sept. 12, 2005.

[bs_lover_boy]

The park looks bigger now, but still small when compared to the other DISNEY parks.

[hkskyline]

愉景灣居民接受煙花聲浪
區議員憂污染空氣損健康
http://www.the-sun.com.hk/general/img/endmarker.gif
30/04/2005

http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/news/20050430/img/sn04043012_big.jpg
迪士尼樂園昨晚的煙花測試，有區議員擔心濃煙會吹向民居。 王嘉昌攝

【本報訊】迪士尼樂園昨晚舉行八晚花測試的首晚「表演」，在附近居住的一萬六千多名愉景灣居民，「欣賞」這場歷時十二分鐘的花後，大部分均認為煙花的聲浪較預期小，惟家住該處的離島區議員容詠嫦則擔心，煙花產生大量濃，恐造成空氣污染損害居民健康。

環保署到場測空氣聲浪

煙花測試昨晚九時正開始，歷時約十二分鐘，期間綻放七彩繽紛的煙花，有扇形、花形、波浪形及龍珠形等，將迪士尼樂園照得光亮奪目。居民李小姐認為，雖然煙花數目不及農曆新年維港花匯演，但煙花的形狀很特別及好看；而離島區議員容詠嫦則認為聲浪可以接受，較汽車從旁邊經過更為細聲。

煙花測試由昨晚開始，到下星期六結束，除星期二晚外，其餘八晚進行歷時約十二分鐘的煙花測試，其中有六晚於九時至九時半進行，一晚於八時至八時半進行，餘下一晚於七時至七時半進行。

環保署人員昨晚到愉景灣測試空氣及聲浪，若不符規定，不排除拒絕迪士尼放煙花。

[Azn_chi_boi]

looks good but too bad, disneyland HK is opening at september, right after the summer.

Too bad there is a main street not a bazzar(like Tokyo's). I would rather have a indoor mainstreet with air condition and a shortcut to tommrowland and aventureland then walking all the way to the castle.

The article above is translate into..

3.0/04/2005 billion
Enlightened gentleman Nepal paradise last night the fireworks
test, had area congressman to worry the thick smoke could blow to the
common people residence. Wang Chiach'ang absorbs
[ Newspaper news ] enlightened the gentleman Nepal paradise
last night to hold eight late □flowered tests the head evening "the
performance", lived more than a ten thousand 6,000 cheerful scenery
bays inhabitant in the nearby, after "the appreciation" this lasted 12
minute □flowers, majority of thought fireworks voice more
anticipated small this place, only the family lived The Islands area
Congressman Rong Yong Chang worried, the fireworks produced massively
is thick □, feared causes the air pollution to impair the inhabitant
health.
The environmental protection bureau arrives measures the air voice
Fireworks test last night nine o'clock are starting, lasted
approximately 12 minutes, period blooms seven colors riotous
fireworks, has fan-shaped, the colored shape, the wave shape and the
dragon 珠形 and so on, will enlighten the gentleman Nepal paradise
to illuminate luminously eye-catching. Inhabitant Miss Li believed,
although the fireworks number is inferior to the lunar calendar new
year the Uygur port □flower to collect develops, but the fireworks
shape very specially and is attractive; But The Islands area
Congressman Rong Yong Chang thought the voice may accept, compares the
automobile from the side process feeble voice.
The fireworks test started by last night, to next week six
conclusions, besides Tuesday late, other eight late carried on the
lasted approximately 12 minutes fireworks test, including six late to
nine o'clock to nine o'clock partly carried on, one late to eight
o'clock to eight o'clock partly carried on, -odd next one was late to
seven o'clock to seven o'clock partly carried on.
The environmental protection bureau personnel last night tested the
air and the voice to cheerful Jing Wan, if the symbol did not
stipulate, did not remove resists 絕 to enlighten gentleman Nepal to
put the fireworks.

[Syd-Hk]

im not sure if this is told or not, but the lantau highway to disneyland road should be completed by now.

[kaka.ac]

dont worry about the size of it .....

迪士尼五年後擴建
【 本 報 綜 合 報 道 】 香 港 迪 士 尼 樂 園 開 幕 已 進 入 倒 數 階 段 ， 香 港 迪 士 尼 集 團 行 政 總 裁 羅 彬 深 在 新 加 坡 透 露 ， 樂 園 在 揭 幕 後 的 五 年 會 繼 續 進 行 第 二 期 擴 展 ， 以 迎 戰 或 與 環 球 片 場 合 作 建 主 題 公 園 的 新 加 坡 新 賭 場 。

羅 彬 深 出 席 新 加 坡 一 個 經 濟 論 壇 時 表 示 ， 相 信 迪 士 尼 啟 用 及 投 入 運 作 後 ， 香 港 迪 士 尼 仍 會 繼 續 擴 充 樂 園 ， 以 確 保 樂 園 具 備 吸 引 力 。

他 又 說 ， 亞 洲 地 區 的 旅 遊 業 有 足 夠 空 間 容 納 不 同 娛 樂 設 施 ， 亦 不 認 為 任 何 一 項 設 施 是 獨 一 無 二 的 。

首 年 560 萬 人 次 入 場
加 州 迪 士 尼 方 面 代 表 稱 ， 有 信 心 香 港 迪 士 尼 首 年 入 場 人 次 能 達 至 五 百 六 十 萬 人 的 目 標 ， 同 時 美 國 亦 有 人 訂 香 港 迪 士 尼 兩 間 酒 店 的 房 間 ， 無 論 家 庭 客 或 商 務 會 議 團 體 ， 都 希 望 入 住 香 港 迪 士 尼 的 酒 店 。
from Oriental Daily

The CEO of Hong Kong Disney said there will have Hong Kong Disney Land phase 2
after 5 years....... About 2010...

[FM 2258]

dont worry about the size of it .....

迪士尼五年後擴建
【 本 報 綜 合 報 道 】 香 港 迪 士 尼 樂 園 開 幕 已 進 入 倒 數 階 段 ， 香 港 迪 士 尼 集 團 行 政 總 裁 羅 彬 深 在 新 加 坡 透 露 ， 樂 園 在 揭 幕 後 的 五 年 會 繼 續 進 行 第 二 期 擴 展 ， 以 迎 戰 或 與 環 球 片 場 合 作 建 主 題 公 園 的 新 加 坡 新 賭 場 。

羅 彬 深 出 席 新 加 坡 一 個 經 濟 論 壇 時 表 示 ， 相 信 迪 士 尼 啟 用 及 投 入 運 作 後 ， 香 港 迪 士 尼 仍 會 繼 續 擴 充 樂 園 ， 以 確 保 樂 園 具 備 吸 引 力 。

他 又 說 ， 亞 洲 地 區 的 旅 遊 業 有 足 夠 空 間 容 納 不 同 娛 樂 設 施 ， 亦 不 認 為 任 何 一 項 設 施 是 獨 一 無 二 的 。

首 年 560 萬 人 次 入 場
加 州 迪 士 尼 方 面 代 表 稱 ， 有 信 心 香 港 迪 士 尼 首 年 入 場 人 次 能 達 至 五 百 六 十 萬 人 的 目 標 ， 同 時 美 國 亦 有 人 訂 香 港 迪 士 尼 兩 間 酒 店 的 房 間 ， 無 論 家 庭 客 或 商 務 會 議 團 體 ， 都 希 望 入 住 香 港 迪 士 尼 的 酒 店 。
from Oriental Daily

The CEO of Hong Kong Disney said there will have Hong Kong Disney Land phase 2
after 5 years....... About 2010...


Why don't they just build all the phases at once? Just a thought. WHy have phases? Just it done and then open it.

[scorpion]

they were burnt by that strategy in paris. ironically, they should've reversed the two strategies!

[vincent]

why in phases?? It is almost a standard in the construction industry in build things in phases (especially large project). Reasons? i think it is pretty obvious.

[FM 2258]

why in phases?? It is almost a standard in the construction industry in build things in phases (especially large project). Reasons? i think it is pretty obvious.

I see your point. Just like they're doing with Union Square. Hell, even the new Tollway project in Central Texas is being done in phases. Oh well. Feel a little silly now that I asked. I guess I thought it would be better for new visitors to get the finished experience versus a partial experience knowing there are more phases to be completed.

[silly thing]

according to the news report, hk disney may will hv coorporation with universial studio to develop the phase 2

[philip]

according to the news report, hk disney may will hv coorporation with universial studio to develop the phase 2
No, that's not what the article said. The article said Hong Kong Disneyland needs to develop phase 2 in 5 years to compete with a New Casino Project in Singapore, which the casino developer is cooperating with Universal Studios Park.

There are official press release stating that Hong Kong government gives Disney the exclusive right to use that land AND the phase 2 land (which is being reclaimed from sea right now) for the next 10 years. If Disney doesn't build anything on that land, then HK government can get back the land and give the land to somebody else, and in that case, it will be HK government cooperating with Universal Studios, not Disney cooperating with Universal.

For Disney to cooperate with Universal is like for Mercedes to cooperate with BMW, it's impossible.

[hkskyline]

South China Morning Post
May 1, 2005
Community entitled to Disneyland details

The eagerly awaited launch of Hong Kong's Disneyland is now only a few months away. Our city's bid to establish the top tourist destination in Asia is about to be put to the test. And the stakes are high.

Disney's first "magic kingdom" in China has been gradually taking shape over the past two years and is now nearing completion. The site at Penny's Bay on Lantau will soon provide a new home for Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and a host of other favourite characters.

The top turret of Sleeping Beauty's Castle was put in place last year, as work continued to construct Space Mountain. Thousands of jobs at the park have gone on offer, and bookings are coming in for Disney's two theme hotels.

Last week, new trains that will take visitors to the park from Sunny Bay on North Lantau were unveiled, complete with Mickey Mouse-shaped windows.

Everything appears to be set for a spectacular launch in September, when the park will finally open its doors to visitors. It is expected to receive 5.6 million of them a year.

There are, however, some important questions concerning the launch which are yet to be answered.

Concerns have been raised that a potential flood of initial visitors could cause chaos both at the park and at the mainland border.

Disney has not revealed how many visitors it expects on the opening day. The park has a capacity of 30,000. It is not yet known whether tickets will be available at the gate or whether - as the government has requested - they must be booked in advance.

No details of any contingency plans to cope with the expected crowds have been revealed. And there is no word on suggestions that special immigration controls should be set up at the park to ease potential congestion at the border.

Answers to these questions should be provided so that Hong Kong people can feel confident that all will go well when the big day arrives. There are considerable logistical problems to be overcome.

More than a third of visitors to the park are expected to come from the mainland. The relaxation of immigration controls for mainland travellers to Hong Kong has greatly increased their numbers over the past two years. The "golden week" holiday, for example, which began yesterday, is expected to see 460,000 mainland tourists enter Hong Kong.

The arrangements for the expected influx of Disney tourists will need to be carefully worked out and made public well in advance of the opening.

It is worth remembering, as the launch approaches, how much this park means to Hong Kong. The government went to great lengths to seal the deal, which was announced in 1999. The investment involves the spending of $ 22 billion in taxpayers' money. The necessary land and infrastructure has been provided.

This great expense and effort is believed worthwhile because Disneyland is the key to Hong Kong's bid to become the top tourist destination in Asia. It has the potential to transform Hong Kong's image, attract more family -orientated tourists and pay big dividends.

The community therefore has a big stake in Disneyland's success. It is entitled to be kept informed of developments and details. Public interest is mounting.

Concerns that Disney would soon launch a new rival theme park in Shanghai have dissipated. It now looks as if the first mainland Disneyland will not arrive until at least 2010. But, as we report today, Disney is considering opening another Asian theme park, in India. Our city's park can, in time, expect to face growing competition.

We are looking forward to the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland and hope it will be a great success. But the park will be more likely to work its magic if the public are kept well informed.

[coldstar]

No, that's not what the article said. The article said Hong Kong Disneyland needs to develop phase 2 in 5 years to compete with a New Casino Project in Singapore, which the casino developer is cooperating with Universal Studios Park.

There are official press release stating that Hong Kong government gives Disney the exclusive right to use that land AND the phase 2 land (which is being reclaimed from sea right now) for the next 10 years. If Disney doesn't build anything on that land, then HK government can get back the land and give the land to somebody else, and in that case, it will be HK government cooperating with Universal Studios, not Disney cooperating with Universal.

For Disney to cooperate with Universal is like for Mercedes to cooperate with BMW, it's impossible.

Just in my opinion. Since I've been to both Universal Studios Japan, Osaka and Universal Studios Hollyhood, LA , I'm sure Disneyland is much better and more attractive theme park than Universal. It seems to me that the phase 2 of Hong Kong's Disneyland should be the expanding and upgrading of phase 1, not constructing another theme park such as crappy Six Flags or Universal Studios. As far as I know, Hong Kong Disneyland (phase 1) is not sufficient compared with the counterparts in USA and Japan, thus I'd like to express considerable skepticisim that people would not go to such a tiny park repeatedly. As for Tokyo Disney resort (Land and Sea), every year they open one or two new attractions to spend huge money (0.2 billion US$ per attraction). It is reported that they are planning to open the 3rd Disney theme park next to them. If there's no scope for new attractons or new theme sections, that means the death for theme park management, I think.

[vvill]

Just in my opinion. Since I've been to both Universal Studios Japan, Osaka and Universal Studios Hollyhood, LA , I'm sure Disneyland is much better and more attractive theme park than Universal. It seems to me that the phase 2 of Hong Kong's Disneyland should be the expanding and upgrading of phase 1, not constructing another theme park such as crappy Six Flags or Universal Studios. As far as I know, Hong Kong Disneyland (phase 1) is not sufficient compared with the counterparts in USA and Japan, thus I'd like to express considerable skepticisim that people would not go to such a tiny park repeatedly. As for Tokyo Disney resort (Land and Sea), every year they open one or two new attractions to spend huge money (0.2 billion US$ per attraction). It is reported that they are planning to open the 3rd Disney theme park next to them. If there's no scope for new attractons or new theme sections, that means the death for theme park management, I think.

i also think there'd be a need for the phase 2 development for hk's disneyland. i mean even for myself, i'd love to go there once but i can't see myself going there again. in fact, i'm expecting strong criticisms from the press once it's opened, saying like it's ridiculous for the government to spend shit loads of money for infrastructure so that disney can build their theme park on it. (the whole piece of land is reclaimed)

as for the six flags thing or the universal studios, i think the government is planning not to put them near the disneyland but rather it'll be in Yum O (Sunny Bay) which is where the interchange station will be for disneyland.

one thing which i believe would be quite spectacular instead would be the water recreational centre right next to the park which is wholly developed by the government. that's a huge artificial lake which will be opened at the same time! :)

[InitialD18]

I myself totally agree ... Disney in HK is going to be totally bashed by the media specially the ones who went to other parks ... to be honest disney didn't spend as much as they could for the hk park ... I believe when they planned the park they didn't realized how much potential the chinese market is ...
Phase 2 according to news article would appear in 5 years ... but i sure hope they would be expanded at the rate like the tokyo ones ...

Ocean Park on the other hand is getting quite a face lift ... the new phase being planned looks really good ... when the new phase expansion finishes i think the two parks can complement each other very well ...

hk's sister city Macau has a fisherman wharf theme park finished this year also ...

[spicytimothy]

i wouldn't call Macau fishermen's Wharf a theme park... it's got a volcano and a ride and what not but it's mainly a shopping/dining/yacht destination... can't compare to a ticket-at-the-door theme park...

i agree the media's gonna bash it like there's no tomorrow, but i really think they should look at long term... new theme park is to attract new tourists that wouldn't hv come otherwise... the main factor isn't to get people going to the park more than once! it's to attract ppl that came b4 to come see it, and ppl who never came b4 to come for the first time... in the long run, hving a disleyland puts HK into the club of only 5 cities in the world... that helps more than just tourism.

[hkskyline]

Talents land jobs in HK Disneyland
5 May 2005
Manila Standard

With the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland later this year, Manila is reaping an unexpected harvest.

Filipino performers will earn US$1,270 to US$1,909 in Hong Kong, a big jump from their P600 to P3,000 per show here in Manila.

Walt Disney Entertainment, in partnership with the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts (SMFPA) under its artistic director and award-winning composer Ryan Cayabyab, auditioned members of notable Filipino theater and dance companies.

Disney's talent casting representatives flew in from Hong Kong on March 30 and April 1, and again on April 15 to do a series of screenings. Eventually, they picked the final cast of singers, dancers, and character performers for their Hong Kong assignment. Disneyland will open on Sept. 12.

Cayabyab said the talent casting reps returned to Manila because they were overwhelmed by the wealth of Filipino talent they saw in the other auditions held worldwide. Aside from that, Walt Disney Entertainment was so impressed with SMFPA's management of the two previous auditions for musicians and vocalists (in November 2004 and in January this year).

Deo Dipasupil, the audition's enlistment coordinator, said: "The partnership between Walt Disney Entertainment and SMFPA covers only the audition itself. Whatever the result may be, it is between Disney Entertainment and the talents themselves."

He also said that any information about the screenings that was not included in their previous releases is considered confidential. A source in SMFPA said the performers' salaries range from HK$10,000 to HK$15,000 or US$1,270 to US$1909, similar to the rates of Walt Disney World in Florida.

An insider in the theater circuit said members of Tanghalang Pilipino, Ballet Philippines, Repertory Philippines, Bayanihan Dance Co., and Gantimpala Theater Foundation, among other groups, were invited to join the audition. More than a hundred showed up.

According to Repertory Philippines' Ayam Barredo, nine members of their company have left. Jaime del Prado, Ralion Alonzo, Phiona Baranda, Franz Imperial, Maki Sera, Amty Sietereales, Wendell Frando, Myrene Hernandez, and Jay Lopez were rehearsing for the company's newest production, "The Emperor's New Clothes," set to open in Manila in August, when Walt Disney Entertainment in Hong Kong called them up individually and confirmed they had passed the test.

Barredo sees this as a good sign because as veteran performers find better opportunities abroad, "doors will be opened for aspiring, young, equally talented artists back here."

As Don Robinson, Hong Kong Disneyland group managing director, said on their Web site : "Hong Kong Disneyland will be an ideal platform from which to showcase the best performing talents to the world."

In line with the theme park's opening, Hong Kong Disneyland, a 126 hectare property overlooking the waters of Penny's Bay in Lantau, partnered with MTR Corp., to create the MTR Disneyland Resort line.

Walt Disney Entertainment is still looking for full-time performers for Walt Disney World in Florida and Tokyo Disney Resort.

[hkskyline]

Disney may woo rich tourists in phase two
Luxury hotel operators are interested, says InvestHK chief
Dennis Eng
06 May 2005
South China Morning Post

Disney's Hong Kong theme park might try to appeal to more affluent tourists by bringing in celebrity American chef Wolfgang Puck and international hotel chains to run businesses there.

According to InvestHK director-general Mike Rowse, a nu