Originally Posted By Bob Paris .....and did this maybe affect how you see it today? I have to admit, my first thought was, "WOW - that is so close to home!", since I live in Perth. I also have to admit it was followed very closely by, "But that seems like one MK type park too many, especially for this region." I just wish they had included FL/WL and some of the ideas for AL I have heard kicked around. If you are going to have one park too many, you need a massive "WOW!!!!" attraction to differentiate it. I guess that probably informs some of my attitude towards HKDL - it feels like an also ran or an after thought, squeezed in in an increasingly crowded Disney theme park market.
Originally Posted By Malin When I first found out about HKDL I wasn't that bothered as I was much more interested in DCA, TDS and WDS which were all opening sooner. I followed updates on sites like Screamscape and the news coming out was not good. My worst fears were answered when I visited the official HKDL website and found all the attractions listed for opening day, I was not that impressed. During a visit to Epcot I made a quick trip to China, that was holding an HKDL Preview centre. Again nothing really blew me away. But than the park opened in 2005 and the online videos and pictures started to flood in on the message boards and what I notice was just how beautiful the little park appeared to be. I finally made the trip in May last year and I do not regret the trip one bit. Not only did HKDL surpass my low expectations but Hong Kong was an absolute blast. For location Hong Kong is perfect for the region, and my frustration with the park is not how small it is and how very few attractions it has, but the fact its taking both Disney and the HK Govement so long to come to a deal on expansion.
Originally Posted By SuperDry I was excited when I first heard about HKDL. Hong Kong was already one of my favorite cities to visit and a tremendous tourist destination, and I thought adding a DL would be a great addition. 2005 seemed far off at the time, but eventually the time came and I ended up being there on Opening Day. Unfortunately, the park ended up being a disappointment.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney My exact sentiments with SuperDry here! Of course I was excited and when it was annouced, I had already been to Hong Kong twice at the time and was in love with the city already. At the time, it seem like a looong way away, but I assume I may be able to see it one day in my life since I didnt think I would be anywhere close to Asia by then, but assumed I would definitely come back to Hong Kong regardless and now had a new reason to return. But I kept going back to the city year after year practically and was excited to know it was coming!! When I realized I would definitely be able to see it the first year, I couldnt wait. A new Disney park in my second favorite city in the world, only behind Tokyo and my OTHER favorite Disney resort was almost a dream come true. And only a 5 hour plane ride between the two cities, even better. It was the same distance from California (where I'm from) to Florida, from DL to WDW, so the distance between the two were minimum IF you are in Asia already of course . I thought I was going to have to figure out how to see both every few years, but it was managable. But then I went and it sucked . So my euthsiasm fell waaaay down after that first trip. So, now if I'm in HK, its no longer a 'must-see' or mandatory I even go whenever I'm back in HK, unlike TDR. Now, its just about the city again for me mostly, with the park far back of my head, if at all when I visit.
Originally Posted By Hista98 I thought disney needs to spend its money to fix the problems that exist with it's current parks rather then building a new one that will have it's own problems. the last two disney reosrts that have been build have both been flops. disney needs to take this as a sign
Originally Posted By Mr X Wow, I never thought of it that way! So the last "objectively" successful Disney locale was Tokyo (around the same time they opened incredible Epcot Center)... I wonder what the heck went wrong since then!?
Originally Posted By barboy ///How did you feel when HKDL was first announced/// ----frustrated and excited Frustration set in immediately after the announcement because the world doesn't need a 5th "Magic Kingdom" style park...... one is enough and one is the perfect number. I was thinking this move was 'another brick in the wall' showing just how stupid man can be. Excitement set in just as fast since I thought the project might yield some unique, high quality attractions.
Originally Posted By jmuboy I was like "another MK....great" Now I'm really disappointed to hear we have a Disney Park in Shanghai. Can't (shouldn't) they fix HKDL first? Also, not excited to see the Disney brand diluted again by another international park. Disney's track record of parks they have opened in the new century has been bad. HKDL - good "bones" but overall a major stinker. WDSP - worst most embarassing park with the Disney name ever. DCA - disappointment, make WDSP look like the original DL though (yes, WDSP is that bad). TDS - great park funded by a company with the vision that Disney USED to have. So there is a 25% chance Shanghai Disneyland will turn out great. Not holding my breath.
Originally Posted By Hista98 well one of the biggest reasons for Shangi disney is because the Hong Kong disneyland is not willing to spend any money on new rides or attractions exceot for cheap shows like muppet labs or HSM. or replicated rides that already exiist. WDI has thrown several cool expensive ideas for rides at HKDL and they have said no to everything. so they will be carrying these rides over to the new shangi park which is much more willing to spend money to make a great park. I think it will have some cool rides along the lines of TDL. As HKDL gov gets harder and harder to work with i honestly don't see it lasting. I think eventually WDI will give up and say we worked hard to help you get this park up and running but since you aren't willing to spend any money at all. We give up and I think a few years later HKDL will close and Shangi will emmerge as the china disneyland. Plus its being built to attract mainland china which they aren't getting at HKDL
Originally Posted By HongKongDisneyLand No Rivalry Here: Shanghai and Hong Kong ‘Will Always be Brothers’
Originally Posted By Bob Paris ^ Is that some kind of PR marketing line being shown on the telly there?
