The HKDL Source

This Week in Hong Kong Disneyland

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This Week in Hong Kong Disneyland comes to you in a bumper-sized issue as we recap the events of the HK SAR Anniversary on Sunday; look forward to Mickey's Summer Blast (which may be closer than you think); bring you some brand new photos of the Animation Academy;  explore the park's growth; worker's rights; some rumours about Downtown Disney and Pirates and, of course, we talk a bit about ourselves too. Plus, we start to count down to our birthday which will include a competition!

Update for July 2 to July 15 - News and Commentary

Skip To: Current Closures/Refurbishments |  Events & Important Dates | Current Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours/Schedule/Annual Pass Blockout Days

News This Week: HK SAR Recap | Mickey's Summer Blast | Disney's double-digit Mainland growth | Union Fights for Worker Rights | Bluesky Dreaming | HKDL Source 2.0

As you do a double-take at the dates listed at the top of this column, read on before you send in an angry email complaining we’ve got it wrong. Your weekly columnist is going to be away on work-related training for just over a week starting tomorrow. Yes, I do have a life outside this site. It’s hard to believe for the rest of the HKDL Source staff too. As a result, chances are pretty good I won’t be getting back behind the keyboard for one of these for a few weeks. So rest assured, we aren’t changing to “This Fortnight in Hong Kong Disneyland” just yet. Now we better get into it, as the next two weeks in Hong Kong Disneyland are going to be massive. Remember: if you read a little bit of this column every day, you won't have a chance to miss me over the coming week.

HK SAR Recap

Given that you’ve no doubt read that yesterday (July 1) was the 10th Anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR government, and that celebrations were going on all around Hong Kong, you’d also be aware that Hong Kong Disneyland celebrated in its own special way. In addition to special merchandise being made available to park guests, guests who visited Hong Kong Disneyland on July 1 were presented with a special Hong Kong themed badge with an image of Mickey Mouse and friends sailing on a junk through Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. The logos for the 10th Anniversary of HKSAR, and Hong Kong Disneyland are printed on the pin making it a collectable item. If you snatched up any of this gear, be sure to contact us with photos!

According to our Chief Spy, the day did not go off with a bang so much as a whimper. Apparently, inclement weather kept the park from being overwhelmed with jubilation. “I didn't see anything major happening. The park was a bit fuller than normal, but it might have appeared that way because of the thunderstorm warnings. We got there around 1pm and all was closed for 2 hours because of the warnings. I talked to a Senior Cast Member and she told us it would be hectic once the rides started again. They were pulling out the "silly games" to entertain people. She told us there would be some in each area, but we only saw a sticker give-away ring toss in Fantasyland. The Kids Zone was closed, as was the ring toss and bottle throw in Pirate Land. Lots of people chose that time to eat a late lunch. Jack Sparrow was not there yesterday, so the pirate training camp was run by the ships mate. Other than the pin at the gate, I didn't see any mention of the anniversary…Just another wet rainy day at HKDL.” Our Chief Spy went on to say that virtually every ride in the park – with the exception of Buzz Lightyear, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Space Mountain and the Teacups – were closed due to the weather conditions. Not a great way to start the summer!

1 July 2007

(Click on the image to view it full-sized)

Of course, it wasn’t simply this one-day event that has been a measure of the success of the Hong Kong SAR Anniversary campaign. Hong Kong Disneyland managed to tie-in an Annual Pass promotion to the event, offering a free Annual Pass to any child born on 1 July 1997. The clever event saw a claimed 15,000 children accept the offer. If all goes to plan, Disney can hopefully double that number of attendees, as one would assume at least one parental figure will be accompanying their ten-year-old for each visit. In reality, a family visit will mean a lot more. This probably goes a long way towards accounting for the increase in mainland tourism in May (see below).

Hong Kong Disneyland were not the only ones marking the occasion. Indeed, there were over 460 planned events for the day, including a spectacular display of lights over the city! However, the HK SAR anniversary is not a cause for celebration for all. Indeed, many took the opportunity to point out the need for genuinely free elections and universal suffrage. As it stands, the current Chief Executive Donald Tsang is effectively appointed by Beijing (an 800 person body appointed by them anyway), although 30 of the 60-member Legislative Council (known as Legco) is directly elected. In this sense, Hong Kong enjoys far more freedom and independence than mainland China, but the issue of universal suffrage is one that remains contentious on both sides of the debate. On the same day in 2003, 500,000 people marched for the same cause, and while it is difficult to say exactly how many people marched this year it is huge. Once again, the international community has been sent a big message about China, who seem to think the “one country, two systems” may one day ‘infect’ China with democracy. However, Hong Kong Disneyland sees China as a potential investment opportunity, so their day was largely filled with parties and reported celebrities such as Andy Lau. The only marching in Hong Kong Disneyland was the parade along Main Street, USA. Ironically, the ideals Disneyland represents coincide with those of those outside the resort walls, yet the party inside Disneyland celebrates ten years of a form of government that has allowed them to do business, and may do more in the future. That is democracy in action for you.

As this article suggests, the last ten years of Hong Kong's history have been filled with two things: increased pollution and Mickey Mouse. The author contends that as soon as the shackles of colonialism were loosed, and Hong Kong was returned to China, they simply swapped colonial imperialism for American cultural imperialism. "Hong Kong is betting its future on remaining a fund-raising hub for share sales by mainland companies. On that front, so far, so good; its stock market last year rivaled London in initial public offerings.  That's great, until Shanghai comes into its own. And don't forget Singapore, which is rapidly becoming a financial trading center for everything from currencies to energy and metals". (Source: Inside Bay Area) As we have asked before, should Disney - as a major multi-national corporation - be responsible for ensuring that the people they wish to invest with maintain the same ideals and goals that they do? If the international community is also committed to the same ideals of democratisation that the people of Hong Kong clearly are, should this not start with the level of those trying to invest in the country? After all, we’ve all seen how messy it is in the last couple of years trying to force ideals down the barrel of a gun. Perhaps economic pressure is the only language that is truly universal.

However, putting the wider socio-political implications of the park to one side for a moment, if that is possible to do, is it conceivable that the same short-sighted attitude of Hong Kong generally - as the above article sees it - is something that is shared by Hong Kong Disneyland? Is Hong Kong Disneyland betting its future on being the same fund-raising hub for mainland interest? If so, then indeed it does beg the question as to what happens when competing Asian interests do it cheaper and better? Or offer more as the case of the dark horse Ocean Park is increasingly showing. As Hong Kong Disneyland approaches its own second birthday, it probably needs to start learning some lessons from its older siblings, and the city of Hong Kong, who having just turned ten in its current form, has far more experience in these matters. If Hong Kong Disneyland fails to capture the local and mainland market, as well as providing a sustainable environment for future entertainment, then it is possible the park may become a complete ghost town and a relic of another form of failed imperialism in the area. In a paragraph full of possibilities, that is perhaps the most disheartening ones for Disney fans everywhere.

Ah, there's always one person who wants to spoil a party. Pass the booze, I'll go get depressed by myself in a corner somewhere...

Mickey’s Summer Blast

The obvious day to mark on your calendars for the next few weeks is July 14. That’s when two new attractions kick off in Hong Kong Disneyland. We’ve known about them for quite some time, but in a press announcement at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel on Tuesday, Bill Ernest officially announced the Mickey’s WaterWorks Parade; the Animation Academy and the extension of the Pirate Land overlay for Adventureland. What is most exciting about this summer in Hong Kong is that it sees the debut of the exclusive water-based parade designed just for Hong Kong Disneyland. Seven themed floats are joined by 100 performers, including 30 characters, dancing to an original score. While this is merely a drop in the ocean compared to the events Tokyo and the US put on, especially given that they also have multiple-parks and a significantly more rides in other parks, the Hong Kong-specific parade seems to be smartly – and finally - tuning into the local tastes and appeals. Just as Tokyo seems to have found its niche in staging unique parades with themes and costumes not found in other resorts, Hong Kong seems to be realising that the locals don’t simply want lighter versions of the American parks or attractions. In this case, rather than borrowing old floats from the Disney on Parade: A 100 Years of Magic as they did with Disney on Parade, Disney Imagineering has created a unique attraction to run throughout Summer. Coupled with the Pirates Takeover, it shows us that Hong Kong can be a completely unique resort when it focuses its resources on a season. Of course, summer is always the big season where something like 50% of Disney’s business is done. Let’s hope it can keep the momentum going throughout the rest of the year.

Animation Academy Windows

(Click on the image to view it full-sized)

Another quick update worth mentioning for Mickey’s Summer Blast is the addition of some new decals on the windows of the Animation Academy. Prominently featuring Mickey Mouse behind a drawing board, the decals keep with the window dressing of Main Street, USA. They instantly capture those “fond memories of the past”. Of course, the Animation Academy is not yet opened – as mentioned above – but is a sure sign of things to come in the very near future. It’s always exciting to catch a glimpse of a coming attraction. Additional photos of the forthcoming Animation Academy, along with the other Summer Blast attractions, can be found in our Mickey’s Summer Blast 2007 Gallery. This is something we are sure to maintain over the coming months!

While we are on the subject of Mickey’s Summer Blast, it is also worth adding that the official site has been updated with a brand-new information page on the seasonal event. Containing pictures, videos, commercials and (very soon) schedules for the event, it is a bright and vivid promotional piece that breaks up much of the brown we have seen on the site during the Pirate Land promotion. Don’t get me wrong, brown can be jubilant too. Indeed, I’m wearing a brown Argyle jumper as I type this column, and I’m feeling slightly jubilant. So check out the official site at the next convenient opportunity, which is presumably when you have finished reading this column and the rest of our site.

Annual Passholders have been sent info indicating that they will get an earlier look at the WaterWorks Parade. Indeed, some have clearly already seen it judging from the photos we have seen. In the Annual Passholder newsletter, members are being told to “grab your shades and your camera” as they are being invited a week early to the kick-off of the summer events. Additionally, they will receive discounts on selected merchandise in the stores and an exclusive Summer Blast pin will be made available to them (see below). It is certainly nice to see that Hong Kong Disneyland is continuing to support the Annual Pass programme, especially given that encouraging repeat family visits is the one thing that is vital to the ongoing success of the sometimes struggling park. 

Mickey and his Summer website

Disney’s double-digit Chinese visitor growth in May

In an encouraging sign, it has been reported that Disney’s Chinese mainland tourists have seen a double-digit attendance growth for the month of May. Given that this is the market that Hong Kong Disneyland has been trying to tap into since Day One, this is an exceptionally important bit of information.

As encouraging as it is, it still doesn't put Hong Kong Disneyland in the clear. While we will be in a much better position to judge the momentum on the other side of summer, when the majority of the year's business is seen, it is no secret that Disney is considering alternative sources of income to finance the park. The park has twice missed performance targets, including the famous shortfall by several hundred thousand of the first yearly target of 5.6 million, and the banks are within their rights to withhold future funding if these targets are not met. Lest we also forget that the HK SAR invested a 57% share in the project, including much of the infrastructure of the park. On Tuesday, Bill Ernest spoke to the media and acknowledged that they are not only seeking alternative investment options for future expansion, but that they will not be seeking further investment from the HK SAR. It is no surprise then that two-thirds of the major attractions coming at the park require no infrastructure to be built. Only it's a small world requires this infrastructure. As we have already established above, we may see a trend towards seasonal parade-based attractions, and increased seasonality is something that Disney Park's Chief Jay Rasulo has publicly stated he is a fan of. Perhaps it is likely this trend will increase, as it means that Hong Kong Disneyland become more internally reliant and less indebted to an outside body in funding infrastructure. Of course, the flip side to that coin is that Disney has also got to decide whether or not it is worthwhile building infrastructure itself for bigger things like E-tickets, and larger attractions.

With rumours circulating that Disney's California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland are competing for funds, it could be on this point that many things turn. Jay Rasulo wants the money to go to DCA, it is said, whereas big boss Bob Iger wants to push the company into China. It could also be argued that DCA needs less of a boost, as it already has the established audience right next door. DCA's problem seems to be one of attracting that crowd to veer to that side of the Promenade, whereas Hong Kong's seems to be more about finding an audience to start with.

Attendance figures for 2006-2007 will be announced in September this year.

Union Fights for Disney Worker Rights

A few weeks ago, we reported that the Union Network International was working on a joint training initiative between The Disney Workers Union in Hong Kong and Disneyland management. Now the UNI-backed Disney Workers Union is pressing hard for access to represent its members in hearings and grievances. The Union presently individually represents the workers through advice and granting them a forum for complaints. “Long working hours are a big issue and 63% of those surveyed said they felt mistreated at work,” says Elaine Hui, who is Organising Secretary for the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions. Following a recent meeting with top management last week the union will be making a formal, written request for access to workers and the right to represent members in the procedures. “We will go to the Hong Kong government if necessary - they are one of the biggest shareholders in Hong Kong Disney,” says Elaine. A campaign booklet identifying grievances and an approach to top US Disney management are also on the cards. “The most important issue is to organise workers so we can make sure they are treated fairly and have a say in their working lives,” she said. (Source: UNI)

Bluesky Dreaming

One other thing we also thought was worth mentioning was the Blue Sky Disney’s latest blog on Hong Kong Disneyland. It seems they have insider information that would – you guessed it – see the Pirates of the Caribbean/Haunted Mansion/Adventureland extension rumour that has been beaten to death over the last few months (especially by us) back on the tables again. On again, off again - ultimately it doesn’t matter as long as the park continues to expand and grow.

While we tend to take all rumours with a grain of salt, there are equal parts of consistency and recirculated rumour in this one. The blog seems to be engaging in a fair bit of educated guesswork, as these are the same rumours that have been circulating for a while now. However, educated is the key word there as Bluesky does seem to have some kind of inside track, at least I get that impression from some other posts. Indeed, the Adventureland expansion/Pirates/Haunted/C & D attractions are exactly the kind that Al Lutz spoke of earlier this year, and even the lowly HKDL Source was chatting about the Downtown area before this. So this gives us a tremendous about of (preferably not false) hope for the future. The extension of a retail area around the park would certainly bolster the area, and break down those perceptions of there being ‘nothing to do’ after you’ve spent a single day in the park.

However, as the author stresses "Of course I have to always state that this is what is currently planned and it is not yet finalized". That seems to be the key here. Talks of second gates, Pirates, Downtown areas, third hotels circulate at almost all the parks. Indeed, one has to wonder if they crowds aren’t there, why a third hotel would be considered at all. Now, I'm not launching into this blog as I think much of what is being said in there will probably come to pass eventually. Many of our "sources" have indicated as much too. As I said above, I approach these rumours - as they are still just that until we hear official announcements or see ground broken - with caution. My honest opinion is that speculation equally bores and excites me, as I get just as much of a simple thrill out of unexpected announcements than I do about "insider info". However, when all is said and done, I see nothing but potential in the park and if what this blogger has to say comes to pass, then the future of Hong Kong Disneyland looks very bright indeed.

Speculative or insider goss usually depends on what actually happens at the end of the day. For now, we’ll definitely be keeping our eyes peeled on Blue Sky Disney’s blogs, as they seem to be offering us the most cause for excitement!

HKDL Source 2.0

We are on track for the launch of the second version of our site in a few weeks. July 17 will see the launch of a far more interactive version of your favourite Hong Kong Disneyland fan site. There will be three new sections: the Members Zone, Community and an expanded Multimedia section. The News section of the site will also feature a few more neat mods. We are really excited about rolling this out just in time for our first anniversary, which also happens to be the 52nd anniversary of the original Disneyland in California. Stay tuned for more exciting information. When this column returns on July 16, we’ll be able to give you the full details of the launch for the following day. We are really excited about this, and I will no doubt be wearing a brown jumper for the occasion. Plus, on July 17 we will launch our very first competition, with some really unique prizes that our loyal readers will have a chance of winning.

Remember, as always, if you have any news, photos, trip reports or just a question, feel free to contact us. Another way you can help out the site is by voting for us on The Disney Portal. They rank all of the Disney sites on the web according to popularity and numbers of hits, and we are slowly making our way up the ranks. If you want to help us move up even higher, please use the link below to vote for us.

Current Closures/Refurbishments

• Comet Cafe (Tomorrowland) – CLOSED (June 26 and 27): Listed as being closed for these two days, according to the Disney calendar. So no Chinese fast food for anyone! For at least 50 metres anyway…
• The Disneyland Story (Main Street): Appears to be back to housing concept art, but expect more construction soon with the opening of the Animation Academy.
• Fantasyland: No closures in Fantasyland, but there is constant construction going on ‘beyond the berm’ for the forthcoming it’s a small world attraction (Coming April 2008).
• Land appears to be cleared and built upon behind Adventureland and the Promenade for as-yet-undisclosed project. While some contend that this land has always been in this state, we have reports that some construction was seen to be going on in this area. Others still say that this is prep-work for a Downtown Disney style area and the Pirates extension to Adventureland. The HK Building Department reports this as a 'Dangerous Goods Storage Area'. Time will tell.
• Construction work is being carried out near the main gates, allegedly for some new toilets and Cast Member break room.

Events & Important Dates

If you know of any events that should be listed here, please let us know. 

On Now

• Pirates Overlay (May 4 to August): Disney has announced that they will be celebrating the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End in grand style, with pirates taking over Adventureland and the hotels. See here for more details. Now extended throughout summer.

July

• Asia-Pacific Little League Regional Tournament (July 8 – 14): Once again, Hong Kong Disneyland plays host to the regional tournament of this international Little League baseball competition. Hong Kong Disneyland’s own baseball fields will serve as the setting for this annual event.
• Mickey's WaterWorks and Animation Academy (July 14 - August 31): Officially launching for Summer on July 14, Annual Passholders have been told to expect to see these events from July 7.
• First Anniversary of HKDL Source (July 17): We turn One in July, and you know we aren’t going to let it slide. There will be street parades; fireworks…well, ok, maybe not. The budget won’t cover that. However, stayed tuned for competitions; more member interactivity and a whole makeover for the site!

September

• Hong Kong Disneyland’s Birthday (September 12): Hong Kong Disneyland turns two. No official word on any celebrations, but given that the First Anniversary was relatively low-key, we can’t imagine any huge events on the horizon. Don’t quote us though.

October

• Halloween: Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialise all through October, as Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its second official Halloween. Look for the decorations to go up early October, and then segue into the Christmas/New Year celebrations in November. Rumour has it that this year will see a haunted house walk-through attraction temporarily erected.

November/December

• Christmas: From mid-November until New Year's Eve (December 31), Hong Kong Disneyland's Main Street will become a Winter Wonderland, with a tree lighting ceremony; musical events; special meals and the big man himself, Santa.
• Magical New Year and Countdown: Concluding the Christmas festivities, this big event will be a dance party for some; some old-school shindigging for others and an excuse to have fun for all. Count down to midnight in the park, and then go back and drain the hotels of all alcohol.

April 2008

• it’s a small world (April 2008): RTHK News reports that the attraction is set to open in April 2008, which is consistent with Disney’s official line of ‘early 2008’.

Current Discounts/Promotions

• Annual Passholders: From July 1 to August 31, Passholders will receive an exclusive deals. Full details can be found here.
• Interest Free Installment when Purchasing Annual Passes: Purchase Annual Pass now with a Standard Chartered VISA Card or MANHATTAN VISA Card to enjoy a 12-month interest free installment. Offer Period: 1 December, 2006 – 31 December, 2007. See here for details. 
• Stay and Play for 2 Days: Book a hotel stay and enjoy an extra day at Hong Kong Disneyland when you purchase a one-day ticket! The offer has been extended until 29 September 2007!
• Dining Deal: Book breakfast in advance and receive 30% off. Conditions apply.

Park Hours/Schedule/Annual Pass Block-out Days

This week and next, park hours will be from 10:00AM to 8:00PM on Sundays through Thursdays, extending to 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturdays from Friday July 6.  Starting from Friday July 13, park hours will stay at this extended time all week until the end of summer (August 31).

Value Annual Passholders will have all weekends blocked to them during June and July. Additionally, July 2 will be a Peak Ticket Day, blocked to Value Annual Passholders. Deluxe and Premium Annual Passholders get to go crazy, as no dates are blocked to them.

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