Introduction
In Disney’s fairy tale “The Story of Cinderella”, Cinderella and the prince live happily ever after. In reality, when the Hong Kong Government met the Walt Disney Company, the fantastic dream vanished. The Company failed to protect Hong Kong from the economic downturn. Hong Kong Disneyland was opened on 12 September 2005. Hong Kong was soaked in an atmosphere of jubilance after the Hong Kong government successfully signed contract documents with Walt Disney Company. However, series of scandals and problems have popped up since the construction of the theme park, and these have badly affected the park’s image.
This report aims to compare the benefits and drawbacks of Disneyland to Hong Kong, and to assess the influence of Disneyland on Hong Kong in different aspects. Lastly, it suggests ways how the Disneyland Company can improve the present situation.
Current Situation
Hong Kong Disneyland operates by a joint-venture company of the Hong Kong Government and The Walt Disney Company. The park cost $5.7 billion, of which the Government injected $3.25 billion and Disney Company inject $2.45 billion. The graph below shows Hong Kong government injected more money on the park then the Disney Company.
The park is located on 125 hectares of reclaimed land with many attractions, including Adventureland, Tomororrowland, Fantasyland, Main Street in U.S.A., fireworks displays, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mad Hatter Tea Cups and a few others. The major difference between Hong Kong Disneyland and other Disneylands is having a stunning mountain and sea view. In 2008, “it’s a small world”, a boat ride attraction, Animation Academy for visitors to learn how to draw their favourite Disney characters, Mickey’s WaterWorks, a water-based day parade will be added to the Disneyland.
The following graph shows