Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Encyclopedia
The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a resort built by the Government of Hong Kong
and The Walt Disney Company
in Hong Kong
on reclaimed land
beside Penny's Bay
, at the northeastern tip of Lantau Island
, approximately two kilometres from Discovery Bay
. Officially opened on September 12, 2005, the resort contains the Hong Kong Disneyland theme park
, the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Hollywood Hotel
, and several retail, dining and entertainment facilities covering 1.3 square kilometres (321.2 acre) of the island.
The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is the second extension into Asia
after the opening of the Tokyo Disney Resort
more than 20 years ago. Currently, the Resort is overseen by Managing Director Andrew Kam
who reports to Bill Ernest
, President and Managing Director, Disney Parks & Resorts, Asia.
148 billion (US$19 billion), or about 6% of gross domestic product
(GDP) in benefits to Hong Kong over 40 years of operation.
The construction of the resort itself started in January 2003, and it opened on September 12, 2005. Inspiration Lake
, an artificial lake of some 12 hectares, was also created to serve the resort's water irrigation needs.
In an effort to avoid cultural friction similar to what happened when Euro Disney Resort opened in France
, Disney has taken efforts to make this new park reflect the local culture. Feng shui
consultants have helped with the layout of the park and the grounds. Incense was burned when the construction of each building was completed, and one of the main ballrooms is 888 square meters in size, as eight is an auspicious number in Chinese culture, signifying fortune. The hotels will skip the number four when numbering of their floors because four is considered bad luck. Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members speak English
, Cantonese
, and Mandarin
. Around 500 of the Grand Opening Team were trained at Walt Disney World Resort
while their home park was being constructed.
Disney originally planned to serve shark fin soup
, a traditional Chinese delicacy, at wedding banquets. Animal rights groups protested in June 2005, citing the declining shark population in global waters and the cruel methods sometimes used of cutting the fin and discarding the live sharks back into the water.
At first, Disney removed shark fin soup from its menu but said it would still offer the soup if their clients insisted on having it served at their wedding. They said they would distribute leaflets about shark conservation to discourage the choice.
However, after constant and continuous pressure from environmental groups and schoolchildren, shareholders concerned about the company's image, Disney announced on June 24, 2005 that shark fin soup will not be served at all, because, according to their press release, "After careful consideration and a thorough review process, we were not able to identify an environmentally sustainable fishing source, leaving us no alternative except to remove shark's fin soup from our wedding banquet menu."
Other controversies
and nearby Asian countries
. Initially, the resort gained success during rehearsal stages; however, not long after the park officially opened, many locals criticized the size of the park and the attractiveness of the rides and attractions in the park.
The World Tourism Organization
predicts that the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will become one of the world's largest tourist destinations within the next fifteen years.
, Six Flags
and Anheuser Busch. Many view this move as a way of getting more money out of Disney, as the government does not actually want another company to build a separate theme park in the area.
Currently, a new shopping district (see Downtown Disney
) and the third hotel are taken into discussions. For long-term construction, with the reclaimed land reserved for the Phase Two Extension and the Disneyland park being blocked by the Park Promenade, a pedestrian walkway which links the Disneyland Resort Station, Disneyland park, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, and Disneyland Resort Pier
. It is expected that a second Disney theme park will be built on that site. A Phase Three Extension is also being considered by the Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Government.
, approximately two kilometres from Discovery Bay
.
The Resort has the key advantage of being linked to Hong Kong's public transit system. It is accessible via train from Hong Kong International Airport
and the city centre.
Inside the Resort a free shuttle bus service is operated serving hotel guests.
warnings. Law enforcement outside the authority of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Security is the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Police Force
, which maintains a regular 24-hour presence at the Resort.
The Penny's Bay Fire Station Ambulance Depot and Penny's Bay Police Post built by the Hong Kong Government serve the surrounding areas in Penny's Bay, Lantau and the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. They are grouped in a complex located at the corner bounded by the Fantasy Road and Magic Road.
, who reports to Bill Ernest
, President and Managing Director, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Asia. Ernest reports to Al Weiss, president of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
.
Current Management
Past Management:
In order to boost the park attendance, Hong Kong Disneyland introduced Summer Passes in summer 2006 to attract more visitors. Each Summer passholder could visit the park unlimitedly throughout summer 2006 for just HK$450. The park also provided exclusive treats for the Summer Passholder in the summer holidays in order to encourage them to visit the park several times, such as extending the operating hours of Fantasyland for passholders and releasing limited pins for passholders to purchase. Apart from these, the park offered free tickets to the friends and family members of the cast members. Each cast member can invite a limited number of friends and family members to visit Disneyland every day during the summer. Although the park had sold more than 60,000 Summer Passes throughout summer 2006, the park missed its target of 5.6 million in its first year, with only about 5.2 million guests entering the park during the first year of operation. The government overestimated Hong Kong Disneyland's attendance numbers during the Asian Financial Crisis. Rumour suggested that the relatively low-key celebration of the 1st Anniversary was due to the disappointing performance of the theme park.
estimated the attendance of Hong Kong Disneyland will reach 4 million in its second year, far lower than its first year of operation, citing unnamed sources. The SCMP's sources are still unknown, and some of its speculation is a bit overly optimistic. In the first year, Hong Kong Disney purportedly missed its attendance target of 5.6 million by 400,000. And that year the park reported a loss of 363 million Hong Kong dollar (46.5 million USD). In the second year (2007), the park reported a loss of HK$1.261 billion (161 million USD). If Hong Kong Disney were priced to break even in the first year, the expected per visitor spending at the park must be at least $906 Hong Kong ($116 US). Assuming the same per visitor spending at the park for 2007, the park attracted about 4.2 million people. However, the most expensive full-fare ticket one can purchase from Hong Kong Disney is just $350 HK ($45 US). Therefore, in all likelihood, Hong Kong Disney has attracted far fewer visitors than 4 million in 2007.
In December 2007, the Disney park admitted that the park had only attracted 4 million visitors in the year 2006–2007, which had fallen 23 percent when compared to the first year attendance. In order to attract more visitors, the park has announced to add four new attractions, apart from the already-announced It's a Small World, in 2008.
In February 2008, the Walt Disney Company announced that the attendance of Hong Kong Disneyland had increased, according to the company's first-quarter performance. Besides, the park attendance is expected to be boosted in 2008 after the opening of the new attraction, "it's a small world", and other new additions such as High School Musical: LIVE!, Muppet Mobile Lab
and Turtle Talk with Crush
. Also, the Walt Disney Company is now negotiating with the Hong Kong government in starting the Phase 1 Extension next to Adventureland. Some construction works have been started in Adventureland since May 2008.
In August 2008, according to the reports of the local newspapers, the attendance of Hong Kong Disneyland has improved, and it may reach 4.5 million in the third year of operation (2007–2008). Speculation is that the attendance may even reach 5.6 million, according to South China Morning Post.
Due to the success of the Halloween event in 2007, Hong Kong Disneyland announced the return of Disney's Haunted Halloween in mid September to 1 November 2008 in order to compete with the Halloween event held by its local competitor, Ocean Park. Hong Kong Disneyland Park will expand the festive atmosphere into Adventureland and add a brand new haunted house attraction: Demon Jungle, beyond the Disneyland Railroad track. Also, Main Street Haunted Hotel will also be back in Main Street, U.S.A. with new additions.
Government of Hong Kong
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, commonly the Hong Kong Government, is led by the Chief Executive as Head of the Government, who is also the head of the Hong Kong SAR...
and The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
on reclaimed land
Land reclamation in Hong Kong
Land is in short supply in Hong Kong, and land reclamation has been conducted there since the mid-19th century.-Projects:One of the earliest and famous project was the Praya Reclamation Scheme, which added 50 to of land in 1890 during the second phase of construction...
beside Penny's Bay
Penny's Bay
Penny's Bay or Chok Ko Wan is a bay in north-eastern Lantau Island, and is the site of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which consists of the Hong Kong Disneyland theme park, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney's Hollywood Hotel, and the Inspiration Lake. It is connected by a highway and a rail...
, at the northeastern tip of Lantau Island
Lantau Island
Lantau Island , based on the old local name of Lantau Peak , is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River. Administratively, most of Lantau Island is part of the Islands District of Hong Kong...
, approximately two kilometres from Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay is a mixed, primarily residential, development comprising a residential development and private and public recreational facilities in Hong Kong. It is situated on the north-eastern coast of Lantau Island in the New Territories. The development spans an area of 650 hectares , and...
. Officially opened on September 12, 2005, the resort contains the Hong Kong Disneyland theme park
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
, the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Hollywood Hotel
Disney's Hollywood Hotel
Disney's Hollywood Hotel is one of two hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It opened in 2005 along with the resort. It is themed to 1930s Hollywood...
, and several retail, dining and entertainment facilities covering 1.3 square kilometres (321.2 acre) of the island.
The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is the second extension into Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
after the opening of the Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort
is a theme park and vacation resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, just east of Tokyo. It is owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company with a license from The Walt Disney Company. The resort opened on April 15, 1983, as a single theme park , but developed into a resort with two theme...
more than 20 years ago. Currently, the Resort is overseen by Managing Director Andrew Kam
Andrew Kam
Andrew Kam is the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland. He went to primary and secondary school in Hong Kong before graduating with a business degree at Dalhousie University in Canada in 1984 and a masters in business management in 1986....
who reports to Bill Ernest
Bill Ernest
Bill Ernest is the President and Managing Director, Asia, for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. He assumed this new role in April 2008. Ernest was formally the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Ernest was named to the position in January 2006, replacing...
, President and Managing Director, Disney Parks & Resorts, Asia.
Concept and background
A joint-venture company, Hong Kong International Theme Parks Limited (HKITP), was created in 1999 with Disney investing US$316 million for a 43% equity stake in the project. The Phase One build-out includes a projected 10 million annual visitor Disneyland-style theme park, 2,100 hotel rooms, and an area for retail, dining and entertainment. The project is estimated to create 18,000 jobs at opening (both Disney and other employment) and up to 36,000 jobs over the following 20 years. The Hong Kong Government estimated that the first phase of the project will generate a present economic value of HK$Hong Kong dollar
The Hong Kong dollar is the currency of the jurisdiction. It is the eighth most traded currency in the world. In English, it is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively HK$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
148 billion (US$19 billion), or about 6% of gross domestic product
Gross domestic product
Gross domestic product refers to the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. GDP per capita is often considered an indicator of a country's standard of living....
(GDP) in benefits to Hong Kong over 40 years of operation.
Construction
Inspiration Lake
Inspiration Lake , officially known as The Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre , is a 12-hectare artificial lake located in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong...
, an artificial lake of some 12 hectares, was also created to serve the resort's water irrigation needs.
In an effort to avoid cultural friction similar to what happened when Euro Disney Resort opened in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Disney has taken efforts to make this new park reflect the local culture. Feng shui
Feng shui
Feng shui ' is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu ....
consultants have helped with the layout of the park and the grounds. Incense was burned when the construction of each building was completed, and one of the main ballrooms is 888 square meters in size, as eight is an auspicious number in Chinese culture, signifying fortune. The hotels will skip the number four when numbering of their floors because four is considered bad luck. Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members speak English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, Cantonese
Standard Cantonese
Cantonese, or Standard Cantonese, is a language that originated in the vicinity of Canton in southern China, and is often regarded as the prestige dialect of Yue Chinese....
, and Mandarin
Standard Mandarin
Standard Chinese or Modern Standard Chinese, also known as Mandarin or Putonghua, is the official language of the People's Republic of China and Republic of China , and is one of the four official languages of Singapore....
. Around 500 of the Grand Opening Team were trained at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort , is the world's most-visited entertaimental resort. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida ; approximately southwest of Orlando, Florida, United States, the resort covers an area of and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels Walt...
while their home park was being constructed.
Controversies
Shark fin soup controversyDisney originally planned to serve shark fin soup
Shark fin soup
Shark fin soup is a popular soup item of Chinese cuisine usually served at special occasions such as weddings and banquets, or as a luxury item in Chinese culture. The shark fins provide texture while the taste comes from the other soup ingredients.There is controversy over the practice of shark...
, a traditional Chinese delicacy, at wedding banquets. Animal rights groups protested in June 2005, citing the declining shark population in global waters and the cruel methods sometimes used of cutting the fin and discarding the live sharks back into the water.
At first, Disney removed shark fin soup from its menu but said it would still offer the soup if their clients insisted on having it served at their wedding. They said they would distribute leaflets about shark conservation to discourage the choice.
However, after constant and continuous pressure from environmental groups and schoolchildren, shareholders concerned about the company's image, Disney announced on June 24, 2005 that shark fin soup will not be served at all, because, according to their press release, "After careful consideration and a thorough review process, we were not able to identify an environmentally sustainable fishing source, leaving us no alternative except to remove shark's fin soup from our wedding banquet menu."
Other controversies
- Fish around Ma WanMa WanMa Wan is an island of Hong Kong, located between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi Island, with an area of 0.97 km². Administratively, it is part of Tsuen Wan District....
died as a result of land reclamationLand reclamationLand reclamation, usually known as reclamation, is the process to create new land from sea or riverbeds. The land reclaimed is known as reclamation ground or landfill.- Habitation :...
. - Health inspectorsFood and Environmental Hygiene DepartmentFood and Environmental Hygiene Department , or FEHD for short, is a department of Hong Kong Government, reporting to the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau. It is The department is responsible for food hygiene and environmental hygiene...
were asked to remove their caps and badges when coming to inspect the facility after several reports of food poisoning. Although two of the officers did so, the department has taken offence.
Opening day
On 12 September 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and its theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland, officially opened. The park was projected to attract five to six million visitors in its opening year, mostly locals, tourists from mainland ChinaMainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
and nearby Asian countries
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
. Initially, the resort gained success during rehearsal stages; however, not long after the park officially opened, many locals criticized the size of the park and the attractiveness of the rides and attractions in the park.
The World Tourism Organization
World Tourism Organization
The World Tourism Organization , based in Madrid, Spain, is a United Nations agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. It compiles the World Tourism rankings. The World Tourism Organization is a significant global body, concerned with the collection and collation of statistical information...
predicts that the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will become one of the world's largest tourist destinations within the next fifteen years.
Future Expansion
The Hong Kong Government has made it clear to the public and Disney that there is land next to the resort for a second theme park and several more hotels, but with a much higher price than what Disney paid for the land they already own, the government is liable to sell the land to one of Disney's theme park industry rivals. Names rumoured to be looking at the land feature NBC UniversalNBC Universal
NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a media and entertainment company engaged in the production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information products and services to a global customer base...
, Six Flags
Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. is the world's largest amusement park corporation based on quantity of properties and the fifth most popular in terms of attendance. The company maintains 14 properties located throughout North America, including theme parks, thrill parks, water parks and family...
and Anheuser Busch. Many view this move as a way of getting more money out of Disney, as the government does not actually want another company to build a separate theme park in the area.
Currently, a new shopping district (see Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is the name of two outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complexes located at two Disney resorts:* Downtown Disney , at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida...
) and the third hotel are taken into discussions. For long-term construction, with the reclaimed land reserved for the Phase Two Extension and the Disneyland park being blocked by the Park Promenade, a pedestrian walkway which links the Disneyland Resort Station, Disneyland park, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, and Disneyland Resort Pier
Disneyland Resort Pier
Disneyland Resort Pier is located at the south of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, with about 15-minute walking distance from Disneyland Resort Station. It is a public pier for use by private vessels, yachts as well as tour vessels 24-hour free-of-charge.It...
. It is expected that a second Disney theme park will be built on that site. A Phase Three Extension is also being considered by the Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Government.
Location
The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is located at the northeastern tip of Lantau IslandLantau Island
Lantau Island , based on the old local name of Lantau Peak , is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River. Administratively, most of Lantau Island is part of the Islands District of Hong Kong...
, approximately two kilometres from Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay is a mixed, primarily residential, development comprising a residential development and private and public recreational facilities in Hong Kong. It is situated on the north-eastern coast of Lantau Island in the New Territories. The development spans an area of 650 hectares , and...
.
Theme park
- Hong Kong Disneyland ParkHong Kong DisneylandHong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005...
, based on the original Disneyland park in CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, features five themed areas.
Other recreation
- Inspiration LakeInspiration LakeInspiration Lake , officially known as The Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre , is a 12-hectare artificial lake located in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong...
, an artificial lake for recreational purpose and also serves the source of irrigationIrrigationIrrigation may be defined as the science of artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall...
for the resort. - Downtown Disney (Under planning), an outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district located on the Park Promenade which spans over 0.5 km.
Hotels
There are two hotels in the Resort, located on the seashore of the reclaimed land with about 1,000 rooms in total. There is also land reserved for a third Disney hotel, which will be located between Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel; however, construction will not begin till 2011 because the site is currently being used for sporting activities.- Hong Kong Disneyland HotelHong Kong Disneyland HotelHong Kong Disneyland Hotel is the second Disney hotel in the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The theme of the hotel is of a Victorian style, and is located near Disneyland Harbour...
, a 400 guest room Victorian-era themed hotel inspired by Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & SpaDisney's Grand Floridian Resort & SpaDisney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond Award–winning, Victorian themed luxury hotel and spa located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The property opened on June 28, 1988 as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort. The name changed to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa...
and the Parisian Disneyland HotelDisneyland Hotel (Paris)The Disneyland Hotel is a hotel at Disneyland Paris, by which it is marketed as its most prestigious and priced accordingly. With its clapboard and trim styled in a palette of creams and pinks, octagonal and Mansard roofs with dormera, a Mickey Mouse clock tower, wraparound porches and goldleaf...
. - Disney's Hollywood HotelDisney's Hollywood HotelDisney's Hollywood Hotel is one of two hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It opened in 2005 along with the resort. It is themed to 1930s Hollywood...
, a 600 guest room art decoArt DecoArt deco , or deco, is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and...
style hotel themed to 1930s1930sFile:1930s decade montage.png|From left, clockwise: Dorothea Lange's photo of the homeless Florence Thompson show the effects of the Great Depression; Due to the economic collapse, the farms become dry and the Dust Bowl spreads through America; The Battle of Wuhan during the Second Sino-Japanese...
Hollywood, features lawns covering 21 acres resembling the Hollywood glamour.
Transport
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , being built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The airport opened for commercial...
and the city centre.
Inside the Resort a free shuttle bus service is operated serving hotel guests.
Emergency Services
The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort maintains a private security staff charged with protecting the resort's assets and interests, including controlling access to restricted areas, detaining shoplifters, enforcing park/resort rules, and imposing and enforcing trespassTrespass
Trespass is an area of tort law broadly divided into three groups: trespass to the person, trespass to chattels and trespass to land.Trespass to the person, historically involved six separate trespasses: threats, assault, battery, wounding, mayhem, and maiming...
warnings. Law enforcement outside the authority of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Security is the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Police Force
Hong Kong Police Force
The Hong Kong Police Force is the largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the world's second, and Asia's first, police agency to operate with a modern policing system. It was formed on 1 May 1844, with a strength of 32 officers...
, which maintains a regular 24-hour presence at the Resort.
The Penny's Bay Fire Station Ambulance Depot and Penny's Bay Police Post built by the Hong Kong Government serve the surrounding areas in Penny's Bay, Lantau and the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. They are grouped in a complex located at the corner bounded by the Fantasy Road and Magic Road.
Executive Management
The managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is Andrew KamAndrew Kam
Andrew Kam is the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland. He went to primary and secondary school in Hong Kong before graduating with a business degree at Dalhousie University in Canada in 1984 and a masters in business management in 1986....
, who reports to Bill Ernest
Bill Ernest
Bill Ernest is the President and Managing Director, Asia, for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. He assumed this new role in April 2008. Ernest was formally the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Ernest was named to the position in January 2006, replacing...
, President and Managing Director, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Asia. Ernest reports to Al Weiss, president of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the segment of The Walt Disney Company that conceives, builds, and manages the company's theme parks and holiday resorts, as well as a variety of additional family-oriented leisure enterprises...
.
Current Management
- Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort — Andrew Kam
- Vice President, Park Operations — Noble Coker
- Vice President, Hotel Operations — Peter Lowe
- Vice President, Entertainment and Costuming — Loren Jordan
- Vice President, Marketing — Maple Lee
- Vice President, Sales and Travel Trade Marketing — Aliana Ho
- Vice President, Pubblic Affairs — Bing-chung Lo
- Director, Project Management, WDI — Ian Price
- Director, Creative Development and Show Quality, WDI — Theron Skees
Past Management:
- Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort — Bill ErnestBill ErnestBill Ernest is the President and Managing Director, Asia, for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. He assumed this new role in April 2008. Ernest was formally the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Ernest was named to the position in January 2006, replacing...
(2006-2008; President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Asia, 2008-Present) - Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort — Don RobinsonDon RobinsonDonald or Don Robinson may refer to:*Don Robinson , American baseball player*Don Robinson , Baha Mar Resorts Ltd. president*Don Robinson , British rugby league footballer...
(2001-2006)
2005-2006: Performance for the first year
During the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland in September 2005, most Hong Kong Residents criticized the size of the park and the attractiveness of the rides and attractions in the park. In addition to this, during Chinese New Year 2006, many visitors from the mainland bore valid tickets but were refused entrance to the park. Some disgruntled visitors attempted to force their way into the park by climbing over the closed barrier gates. The reputation of the resort was tarnished by this incident. The park was unable to drag as many mainland visitors as before in the coming Labour Day Holidays in May 2006. After the incident, Disney made it so that admission on days close to (public) holidays only happens if the person has a date specific ticket.In order to boost the park attendance, Hong Kong Disneyland introduced Summer Passes in summer 2006 to attract more visitors. Each Summer passholder could visit the park unlimitedly throughout summer 2006 for just HK$450. The park also provided exclusive treats for the Summer Passholder in the summer holidays in order to encourage them to visit the park several times, such as extending the operating hours of Fantasyland for passholders and releasing limited pins for passholders to purchase. Apart from these, the park offered free tickets to the friends and family members of the cast members. Each cast member can invite a limited number of friends and family members to visit Disneyland every day during the summer. Although the park had sold more than 60,000 Summer Passes throughout summer 2006, the park missed its target of 5.6 million in its first year, with only about 5.2 million guests entering the park during the first year of operation. The government overestimated Hong Kong Disneyland's attendance numbers during the Asian Financial Crisis. Rumour suggested that the relatively low-key celebration of the 1st Anniversary was due to the disappointing performance of the theme park.
October 2006 – present
Annual Passes were introduced and released by the Disney park in September 2006 after its success in selling 60,000 Summer Passes. The theme park also continued to lure more visitors by holding Disney's Halloween for the very first time in October 2006. However, the Halloween event could hardly help boosting the attendance, but the park planned to have a larger and more scary Disney's Haunted Halloween event in 2007 with an exclusive new attraction called Main Street Haunted Hotel and a new night-time 7-float festive parade during the event period. Furthermore, Hong Kong Disneyland extended the length of most festive celebrations, such as Christmas and Chinese New Year, in the year of 2006–2007. It also introduced Pirate Takeover to celebrate the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End from May 2007 throughout summer 2007. However, the Hong Kong park's attendance continued to be disappointing according to the Walt Disney Company's third-quarter performance released in August 2007. In addition, the South China Morning PostSouth China Morning Post
The South China Morning Post , together with its Sunday edition, the Sunday Morning Post, is an English-language Hong Kong newspaper, published by the SCMP Group with a circulation of 104,000....
estimated the attendance of Hong Kong Disneyland will reach 4 million in its second year, far lower than its first year of operation, citing unnamed sources. The SCMP's sources are still unknown, and some of its speculation is a bit overly optimistic. In the first year, Hong Kong Disney purportedly missed its attendance target of 5.6 million by 400,000. And that year the park reported a loss of 363 million Hong Kong dollar (46.5 million USD). In the second year (2007), the park reported a loss of HK$1.261 billion (161 million USD). If Hong Kong Disney were priced to break even in the first year, the expected per visitor spending at the park must be at least $906 Hong Kong ($116 US). Assuming the same per visitor spending at the park for 2007, the park attracted about 4.2 million people. However, the most expensive full-fare ticket one can purchase from Hong Kong Disney is just $350 HK ($45 US). Therefore, in all likelihood, Hong Kong Disney has attracted far fewer visitors than 4 million in 2007.
In December 2007, the Disney park admitted that the park had only attracted 4 million visitors in the year 2006–2007, which had fallen 23 percent when compared to the first year attendance. In order to attract more visitors, the park has announced to add four new attractions, apart from the already-announced It's a Small World, in 2008.
In February 2008, the Walt Disney Company announced that the attendance of Hong Kong Disneyland had increased, according to the company's first-quarter performance. Besides, the park attendance is expected to be boosted in 2008 after the opening of the new attraction, "it's a small world", and other new additions such as High School Musical: LIVE!, Muppet Mobile Lab
Muppet Mobile Lab
Muppet Mobile Lab is a free-roving, audio-animatronic entertainment attraction that has been tested at Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim, California and at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida; it is currently deployed at Hong Kong Disneyland in Hong Kong.Implemented on a Segway...
and Turtle Talk with Crush
Turtle Talk with Crush
Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive attraction that has appeared at several of the Disney theme parks. It first opened on November 16, 2004 at "The Seas with Nemo & Friends" pavilion at Epcot, and was duplicated at Disney California Adventure in July 2005. The attraction was open in Hong Kong...
. Also, the Walt Disney Company is now negotiating with the Hong Kong government in starting the Phase 1 Extension next to Adventureland. Some construction works have been started in Adventureland since May 2008.
In August 2008, according to the reports of the local newspapers, the attendance of Hong Kong Disneyland has improved, and it may reach 4.5 million in the third year of operation (2007–2008). Speculation is that the attendance may even reach 5.6 million, according to South China Morning Post.
Due to the success of the Halloween event in 2007, Hong Kong Disneyland announced the return of Disney's Haunted Halloween in mid September to 1 November 2008 in order to compete with the Halloween event held by its local competitor, Ocean Park. Hong Kong Disneyland Park will expand the festive atmosphere into Adventureland and add a brand new haunted house attraction: Demon Jungle, beyond the Disneyland Railroad track. Also, Main Street Haunted Hotel will also be back in Main Street, U.S.A. with new additions.
Timeline
- 1998
- August - The Walt Disney Company and the Government of Hong Kong announce their intention to construct a theme park in Hong Kong
- 1999
- February - Penny's Bay, Lantau Island is announced as the future site of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
- December 10 - Disney and the Hong Kong Government sign an agreement for building the second Disney Resort in Asia which includes a Disneyland-style park, originally called Disneyland Asia
- 2003
- January 12 - Construction on Hong Kong Disneyland Resort begins.
- 2004
- November 22 - Disney and the Hong Kong Government announce the opening day of the park has been re-scheduled from 2006 to September 12, 2005
- 2005
- February 15 - The Resort Hotel Reservations Hotline launches
- May 5-The Resort celebrates 50th Anniversary with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
- September 12 - Hong Kong Disneyland opens to the public at 13:00 local time
See also
- Hong Kong International Theme ParksHong Kong International Theme ParksHong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd. is an incorporated company jointly owned by The Walt Disney Company and the Government of Hong Kong), founded in 1999. It owns and operates the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong....
- Hidden Mickeys
- Tourism in Hong KongTourism in Hong KongThe tourism industry has been an important part of the economy of Hong Kong since it shifted to a service sector model in the late 1980s and early 90s...