Originally Posted By Malin Really enjoying your thoughts on the park Spirit, I too enjoyed the park and completely agree that its a full day experience, but probarely no more unless your really into Disney and enjoy seeing the same stuff multiple times which worked out alright for me. I do have issues with how some of the park was built regarding layout. Main Street felt to me like I was walking into a Magic Kingdom. I totally got the vibe, a lot more than if I was walking up Main Street in DLRP. Even though Paris is the best Magic Kingdom of them all, I find it lacks the same kind of vibe and atsmophere of the others. Personally my beef with this park falls on how crammed in everything in Tomorrowland is, and it fails to create much of an impression. Fantasyland was built perfectly with everything nicely spaced out but Adventureland is the biggest land in the park, but is home to the least amount of attractions. Which results in a lot of walking around, with not a lot to do. By the way would love to know your thoughts on China, I'm considering a trip out there next year,and would be interested to know about your experiences.
Originally Posted By Malin <<< That is why they'll flock to the local park (Ocean Park) which has a whole lot more to offer, even if the quality is closer to a Six Flags than a Disney (and on this I am just going on what I've been told as I didn't go there). >>> The difference with Ocean Park is that OP Management realise the park is of poorer quality to that found at HKDL, and its the reason why its spending millions on new attractions. When I visited the park the concept art on show looked very impressive and I think once it starts opening the new areas in 2010, its going to really outshine anything HKDL currently has. Lets not also forget that while many of the rides at the park are on the level of Six Flags, the park should be credited for the great care it takes in all of its Animals, and the park is a member of the Association of zoos and aquariums AZA
Originally Posted By MPierce >> am curious as to what you found surprising. Please ask away ... in my family you always wind up answering the same questions endless times anyway! << I am surprised by your unadulterated enthusiasm for HKDL. I have never been there so I can't really judge it from my experience. However, a majority of the reviews I've read on it have been negative. It consistently finishes way down on the list of all the Disney Parks. Was the setting so beautiful, the Park so clean, and the people so friendly, that it was enough to compensate for the negatives, and bring out a feeling of love? I can understand your feelings about the Olympics, China, and the other exotic locations, truly an experience that most folks will never be able to enjoy. I just am surprised by how much you were taken by HKDL. I certainly hope you can find the time to post pictures of your trip. I also hope you can slip in some of your Olympic experiences somewhere. I'm sure most folks would love reading about them.
Originally Posted By barboy I'm jumping in here, ///Was the setting so beautiful/// the most beautiful setting by far for any park in the world--- the mountainous backdrop and tree-- lined entry are stunning making Dl, WDW, DLP, and TDR resorts look ordinary. ///the Park so clean/// very clean, spotless when I was there ///and the people so friendly/// the cast was mighty friendly/courteous/professional---just like in Tokyo Dis. Resort and can't ask for better service anywhere. But the the rest of Hong Kong as a whole LOOK OUT! I've been around the world and nowhere have I seen(***being a westerner***) such impatient, curt folk as in Hong Kong. Speaking in generalities, those cats come off extremely rude, short and unabashed at pushing, bumping and verbally raising voices in disapproval.
Originally Posted By barboy ///IN Chiba, actually// X, you bet! I guess I messed up that preposition--- my 'near' like you said should have been 'in'.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Great report, thanks!>> Thanks for reading. The chapters may slow down a bit as I may need to make some hurricane preperations this weekend, unfortunately! <<I felt very much the same as you did, I think. Although I didn't love the place as much as you seem to have (nothing wrong with that!). Definitely I got that same feeling of "something's not quite right here" anyway. Though it's hard to put a finger on it. It's certainly not the look of the place, as you mention. The place looks very nice. I'm glad you pointed out the surroundings, that is a HUGE plus for HKDL. When it grows a bit, I'm sure I'll enjoy it more.>> I'm curious, when did you visit? If it was in that 2005-06 period, I think I understand more why someone wouldn't be as enamored with the park as I was since there definitely is a whole lot more to see and do now. ***That may have to stay in email as I'm not sure people want to read that here*** <<I wanna read about it! (care to forward your thoughts to Dave on to me as well, at least? I'm very curious about how you enjoyed the festivities and what it was like firsthand. If so, feel free to write anytime at jammindave@hotmail.com)>> Others have said the same, so I may put some Olympic stuff at the end of the report, which could take weeks again between the 'cane approaching and me scheduled to spend a few weeks in LA soon.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I am surprised by your unadulterated enthusiasm for HKDL.>> Interesting. I really didn't feel like I was all positive on HKDL. I thought I was actually negative in some aspects. I guess I'm getting soft after spending the summer with all those wonderful Godless Commies ;-) Seriously, I did enjoy the park ... for what it is, it is terrific. It just could have and should have been so much more. I have no doubt it will some day. But to have a MK with so few attractions and almost no signature Disney attractions just isn't acceptable and the responsibility for that goes squarely to Michael, Paul and Jay. Just like with DCA and DSP, but actually much more so since this was a virgin market, Disney tried to put one over on the guests. It hasn't worked yet. No, every park doesn't have to be DL, DLP, EPCOT ot TDS ... but at least should be in the same universe. <<I have never been there so I can't really judge it from my experience.>> You should go. I would love to read the report of a crazy redneck wacko (and I say that with love and admiration!) ... Besides, even if you hate it, it's in HONG KONG ... and that is one amazing city. <<However, a majority of the reviews I've read on it have been negative. It consistently finishes way down on the list of all the Disney Parks.>> It's hard for me to rank parks. And I can understand why many put it at or near the bottom. For me, DL will always be No. 1 ... not just because it started it all and the history, but because of how much it packs into a small urban area. Then comes EPCOT ... the park that made me a Disney geek for life. The scope of that park in 1982 was just amazing and as a kid, getting to watch it being built and open and expand was just great. As an adult, DAK and DLP are right up there at the top. My least favorite Disney park by far right now is The Park Formerly Known as The Disney-MGM Studios. It was a nice little park at opening with a cohesive theme and purpose. It then grew with some real quality in the mid-90s ... and then ... well, it's become a giant mess of clashing themes and products and messages. But I know folks who love it ... many simply because it has ToT and RnRC. So, like I said, everyone has different feelings and reasons for them. In many ways, HKDL is a BETTER product than the MK ... cleanliness, details, upkeep, CMs ... but overall I couldn't rank it over my fave park punching bag because the MK still has all those ... what do you call 'em? ... Oh yeah, attractions! <<Was the setting so beautiful, the Park so clean, and the people so friendly, that it was enough to compensate for the negatives, and bring out a feeling of love?>> In one word: yes (or mostly). <<I can understand your feelings about the Olympics, China, and the other exotic locations, truly an experience that most folks will never be able to enjoy. I just am surprised by how much you were taken by HKDL. I certainly hope you can find the time to post pictures of your trip. I also hope you can slip in some of your Olympic experiences somewhere. I'm sure most folks would love reading about them.>> I hear ya, I hear ya ...
Originally Posted By MPierce Thanks Spirit, I have a better understanding on your feelings now. I hope your report will include food quality, price comparison, and size of the crowds at the park for us HKDL cherrys. Good luck on hurricane IKE. I'm hoping that front will swing it up north where it stays in the Atlantic.
Originally Posted By Socrates I'm very interested in your thoughts, but now I have a thought myself: How can you call it 'McDisneyland' if it's missing so many signature Disneyland attractions? I'd think that would make it more unique. Socrates "The unexamined life is not worth living."
Originally Posted By phoebus "And while I'm taking shots, one of the first windows you see on Main Street is over the camera shop and is for Jay Rasulo and Wing Chao. And well ... I just don't have any kind words to say about Jay, what kind of exec he is and what he has done to the Disney 'brand.' But this park certainly has his slimy fingerprints all over it" What has Jay Rasulo to do with HKDL ? He was still EuroDisney boss when HKDL was designed and that construction started. The only responsbible guys are Michael Eisner and Paul Pressler..
Originally Posted By Mr X ***How can you call it 'McDisneyland' if it's missing so many signature Disneyland attractions?*** Think of a big McDonalds along the highway with a gigantic outside play zone for kids, and then picture a McDonalds walk up window in an airport. They're both distinctly McDonalds.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 So ... what are the attractions like at HKDL? Well, what there are of them are very, very good. Small World is the newest addition and the first legit 'E-Ticket' added in the park's three years. It also is the first version of the 1964 World's Fair classic to feature Disney characters added into various scenes. Some of these (likely most) will wind up in Anaheim come this November. I know I was programmed to hate these changes by the fan community. That they had somehow desecrated Mary Blair's work of art and tribute to children and world peace. I have to say now, while I STILL think they shouldn't be added to DL's version, they in no way take away from the attraction and add to it. This Small World is IMHO the best version in the world right now. Yes, you read that right. First, while it has the world-famous facade (albeit with a bit brighter color palette than Anaheim's), it has a wonderful air conditioned queue (that was used in full on one of my two trips). As you step in the boats you'll notice a cultural difference immediately ... that being the Chinese don't want to stand on the seats to enter and exit. Considering that hygiene (see later posts) is something that needs improvement amongst the larger populace, I found that a bit surprising. But is that extra five seconds really going to matter? I guess to Americans and Europeans it does. Small World also features the Anaheim like flume instead of the flooded show buildings like the other versions worldwide. I thought this was 'taking the cheap route' deal when I first heard about it, but after experiencing it, I realize it really adds to the experience as the scenes seem closer and you seem more a participant than casual observer. It's hard to say exactly, but I'd venture to say that a good 50% of the ride is either new or plussed from other versions. From having characters (and they are subtle, for instance while I noticed Ariel and Scuttle in the first go around, I missed Nemo and Dory in the same scene) to plussed effects and new paint schemes, everything looks fresh and new (and I mean in the ride sense). There are rooms with subtle changes. And scenes that are entirely new ... like the expanded USA scene and the homage to China and Hong Kong (with Mushu in the background as the dragon, what else?) If anyone believes that Chinese Disney fans don't want or appreciate these type of high quality attractions, they should have spent the day with me (and bought me some ice cream, if they could find it!) While Small World represents the best 'classic, immersive' Disney attraction, Space Mountain is simply the park's only thrill ride and a great one at that. Yes, it does have the exact same track layout as Anaheim and Tokyo. Yes, it has the same 'new' soundtrack that was added to DL's version when it relaunched in 2005. But where the HKDL version differs isn't just the bright purple rockets. Or even the design flourishes on the show building that gives it a bit of a different look (however subtle). No, Space Mountain at HKDL rocks because it has amped up special effects and show scenes that either aren't in the Anaheim version at all (or as I suspect, just haven't been turned on or don't work right). From the early launch tunnel that has black light effects that remind me of DLP's version to an improved final launch tunnel to numerous run ins with asteroids and a cool projection of a bursting supernova (that looks very similar to DLP's), there's a whole lot more to see when riding HKDL's SM. When I said it was the world's best version, I am sure some DLP devotees thought I was crazy. Well, DLP's ride would still be No. 1, but it just isn't fun due to the fact it is incredibly rough to the point I worry about injury when riding. Headbangers are only fun to folks who have already suffered some head damage. So when you add everything up, HKDL has the best Space Mountain the world. Unfortunately, that's where 'Disney's Mountain Range' ends on Lantau. There is no Splash. No Big Thunder. No Matterhorn. None of them were ever seriously considered for the park, even when it was getting hundreds of millions more of attractions. One very popular version of Pirates that ends with a Splash-like finale out of a huge flaming skull and crossbones may one day be the next mountain. So do the E-Tix end there? With only two? No. The Jungle River Cruise certainly fits the label. Because of the vast Adventureland with Tarzan's Treehouse in the middle, you leave the dock in the equivalent of the Rivers of America. So show scenes don't feel as close. Many of the famous scenes (gorillas in the camp, headhunters etc ...) are represented with a few new effects. Plus, as has been written about in many places online, it ends with a unique (Catastrophe Canyon-esque) conclusion. There are three separate lines for the three different languages. I ostensibly rode with an English speaking guide, but between her clear difficulty with English and a scratchy PA, it was more of a skipper-less journey. In terms of attractions, E-Ticket attractions, they end there. But a spirit would be remiss if he didn't mention the two E-Ticket caliber shows -- Lion King and Golden Mickeys -- that add immensely to a day at HKDL. Lion King is an amped up version of what is presented at DAK and GM's is an import from the Disney Cruise Line. Both are as good as almost anything (I still feel DCA's Aladdin is the best theme park show I've ever seen) in a Disney theme park. And since the MK has nothing even remotely on par with either of these shows, I feel it's very fair to say they complete the five true E-Tix in Disney's newest park. What else is there? Well, you have Tarzan's Treehouse, which is a step up from either DL and MK treehouses because of its island location and a step up from DLP's, which would rule if it wasn't about to crumble due to neglect from management. Omnimover type attractions are almost non-existent (kinda like attractions that have AAs). Buzz Lightyear is there -- and one of the most popular attractions with lines that exceeded Space Mountain all day long -- and is similar to Anaheim and Paris versions with a few small differences. I got 460,000 on my first ride, which is the best first-time score I've had on any Buzz, so I obviously loved it. One of the few examples of bad show was that the Buzz AA in the queue was talking but not moving (and I wondered how long he had been that way with what is a very small WDI presence in HK). It also seemed like his voice wasn't Tim Allen's as well. I may be mistaken but I thought Tim did the voice in Orlando and Anaheim (and possibly Paris). This voice just seemed way off. Pooh is the only dark ride and I didn't ride, but it is the cloned MK version. It also was one of the most popular rides, which again makes you wonder why the Peter Pan and Little Mermaid rides were budgeteered out of the project. Mickey's PhilharMagic is the other Fantasyland highlight. The movie plays in English. It is in a much more highly themed concert hall venue. I did notice major cracks in the walls over the theater entry doors, which isn't good. I will say that you've never experienced a 3D Disney film attraction until you have with a Chinese audience. Yelling, screaming, clapping and generally drooling enthusiasm. It's also a good time to note again where some of the cultural difficulties enter the equation and what Disney hasn't done and needs to do if it is to be successful. When the show was about to begin (and it was only about 80% capacity) the audience rushed in like people running from a fire or a collapsing building. They then grabbed any seat. The CMs never made any attempts to have people enter and sit orderly. This is common in China from what I have witnessed. Often you will be pushed and shoved whether it is buying a subway ticket, picking up baggage at the airport or inline at a 7-11. As part of my cultural training before the Games, I got to sit and listen to a married couple of Aussie flower children (if they weren't in California in the 60s, then I don't know anything about Disney!) who get paid six or (sadly and more likely) seven figures to consult with western companies on how to do business in China. They 'splained that the pushing and herd mentality doesn't simply go back in the genes from famines in ancient times, but even when things were tough under Mao and into the 1980s. How people often bought bus tix for eight hour rides from far-flung locations to cities and that it only guaranteed a space on the bus, not a seat. So, according to these wonder-consultants, there still remains a feeling that you need to push ahead of others to get anything. Whether or not it is true, and I am sure it partly is, if China wants to be a true world power things like civility need to be taught ... and Disney needs to push this with its CMs (many whom likely engage or witness this behavior in their daily lives). Just remember this point when I start talking about dining at Chef Mickey's (which blows Orlando's version away) or when I talk about totally nude two-year-olds sitting on counters at McDonald's or when I talk about co-workers getting peed on by toddlers on subways. As an aside, why didn't I grow up to be a consultant? You can be utterly clueless in the real world (as seen by many of Disney's top hired guns) and make millions. OK ... tangent averted back to HKDL attractions. Well, sadly, I've now covered all the big ones and medium ones. What's left? Things like a cool version of Autopia .. a flying saucer version of Orbitron (oops, I didn't ride that either so look at all the things I didn't do in one day!), Dumbo, Tea Cups (with cool lighting), Carousel, Fantasy Gardens (think Camp Mickey-Minnie with a Fantasia theme) .. anything else? Hmm ... there was Stitch Encounter (again, missed the final English version) but is Turtle Talk with the blue alien instead. Oh, there's the railroad, which features seating like the train to Conservation Station (I'll bet anything the cars came from the same company at the same time) where you look into the park. It is the only park with fake steam trains instead of old genuine ones. The cars all are named for cities that were important to Walt Disney, so you have things like Burbank, Los Angeles, Marceline etc ... There are only two stations. What do you expect with four lands? Main Street and Fantasyland. The latter's station is tiny and I believe is a direct lift of the 1956-era DL station in the same location. There are a few pieces of eye candy you see from the trains. From a great view of the Autopia to the green aliens from Toy Story popping up to take pics of us to some animals for the Jungle Cruise that can only be seen from the train etc ... But that's really it ... so if you're someone who likes riding the numerous mountains at DL or MK many times ... or someone who loves dark rides ... or someone who can't imagine a MK-style park with no pirates or grim grinning ghosts ... well, then you're likely to be very disappointed in HKDL. However, if you're someone who likes atmosphere, stage shows, great parades, a nice meal or two, some shopping ... and great fireworks to end the night then you'll likely enjoy HKDL ... maybe a lot like I did. In my next post, I'll talk about some of the things I just touched upon above. Thanks again for reading and I welcome comments, questions and, of course, discourse.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I'm very interested in your thoughts, but now I have a thought myself: How can you call it 'McDisneyland' if it's missing so many signature Disneyland attractions? I'd think that would make it more unique.>> I would say the McDisneyland tag comes from the way it was constructed and the thought-process behind it on the business end as much as any design sensibilities. There is no doubt that this park feels like a Disney park. Or that it is unique. But part of that uniqueness comes from the incredibly conservative (i.e. CHEAP) way in which it was constructed. From chopping lands off after initial design ... to having buildings (Pooh and PhilharMagic) sit there that can (reportedly) house another attraction each ... to not even having Small World at opening. Roy Disney said it best ... Eisner decided to start building parks on the cheap. It was bad creatively, bad for the brand and, in what really should be a wakeup call for the number-crunchers, bad business as well.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<What has Jay Rasulo to do with HKDL ? He was still EuroDisney boss when HKDL was designed and that construction started. The only responsbible guys are Michael Eisner and Paul Pressler..>> Jay took over from Paul what five years ago now? Or was it six? Jay could have easily said 'this park has nothing in it, we need another 4-5 attractions for opening to start' ... but he didn't. He didn't because he is simply a bottom-line guy who has no passion for the parks. They are a means to an end for him. And Disney parks will continue to suffer until he resigns to spend more time with family or Bob Iger decides to move him to another position. Also, from talking with people in China, the government officials that deal with Disney aren't ... what's a nice way to say this? ... enamored with Jay and his abrasive personality. Enough for you?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I guess now would be a good time to point out that if all MKs are not equal, neither are their admission fees. What does it cost to enter Phil Holmes Kingdom of Magical Characters? $79 a day now? How about the Happiest Place in Anaheim? Sixty something dollars? Well, if HKDL lacks attractions, it doesn't charge USA admission prices either. All days in August are considered peak days, so the entry fee is a bit higher ... about the equivalent of $46. Regular days the cost would be about $40 in US dollars after adjusting for the currency change. Is it worth that? In my opinion hell yeah. But my financial situation and that of the average Chinese person are likely quite divergent. And while many wealthy Hong Kong residents likely venture out of their one-building cities/compounds (more on this later) to take their kids (perhaps with the requisite maid or nanny) to DL, for the more common man and woman the cost is still very high. And I am sure this once again plays into many people heading to the park they know and love, Ocean Park, and not the new Disney-park that has received much bad press (including in China) for all the attractions that it doesn't have. To me, HKDL in some ways makes up for its lack of attractions with a very high quality stable of entertainment from the aforementioned shows ... to its parades. Two different daily parades are on the summer schedule. The requisite character cavalcade Disney on Parade, which featured nice floats (except from the borrowed from TDL Bandleader Mickey balloon, which has seen far better days and needs replacement) and a peppy musical score. And the unique (and I believe Steve Davison creation? paging Leemac to the thread!!!) Mickey's Waterworks Parade. The latter is a trippy (and I don't mean that wacky dude from Minnesota) homage to wetting the audience under the guise of making things grow. It's just a fun, different type parade that the crowd seemed to eat up (you know the same people who don't know the Disney characters and need to be taught!). I can't see them doing this in the states because someone would likely sue for getting a trickle of H20 on them. After dark, we have Disney in the Sky fireworks, which is as good as any MK-style fireworks display with the exception of Remember at DL. The show uses multiple projections on the facade ... I mean castle and then has some great pyro set to Disney music (with Mulan prominently featured as that film also is in The Golden Mickeys ... so why no Mulan attraction?) There is a bit of moppets singing to 'Whole New World' but nothing like the sickening syrupy Wishes show. And again, the crowd seemed to just love the show. How about the CMs you ask? They were in a word, wonderful. They all seemed to understand what being a Disney CM was all about. Some of the US CMs could take lessons. They were even nicer with us, being Americans. I felt very bad that I forgot some Olympic pins that I had planned on trading/giving to special CMs. I can't say I had one CM interaction that was less than outstanding. None of them had any difficulty with English, btw, something I can't always say about Paris ... and sadly Orlando too. One thing I did notice was it seemed that there were no highly themed costumes. Unlike DLP, where millions went into developing hundreds of different outfits for various attractions, shops and restaurants, it seemed that HKDL costuming was very basic. I saw many CMs with black pants, white shirts and black shoes. Maybe I was on sensory overload and just didn't pay enough attention, but it seemed that whenever I did look at a CM, they were dressed very basically (cheap shot coming). I wonder if Disney makes them take their uniforms to a Chinese laundry. So Spirit I'm hungry, what's for dinner you ask. Well, first some general observations. One (and you know I love this) is that there aren't ANY character meals. None. At least that I saw or read about. I guess when it comes to eating the Chinese like to ... well, eat ... and not be accosted by a teen in a foamhead costume. And this doesn't mean they don't love getting their pics with Mickey and the gang because they do. Anyway, unlike say Blue Bayou in Anaheim, Cindy's in Orlando and Walt's in Paris, you'd be hard-pressed to find a signature dining location at HKDL. The closest would likely be Plaza Inn, which I visited but didn't dine in. While looking like other versions on the exterior, inside the place is much more Asian with dark woods and subtle nods to Mulan. The Cantonese cuisine is hosted by Maxim's (which has some amazing desserts that you can pick up in small stands in the subways). The menu is extensive, but again is all Cantonese and features some items that westerners might not find appetizing (although no shark's fin soup thankfully ... and no, no kitty, grow up those of you who thought that.) Across the way, the Main Street Corner Cafe features more of an international menu (things like pasta and sandwiches as well as Chinese specialties). The only other table service location (I believe) is the open-air Tahitian Terrace (and no, to all the DL oldies, there is no Polynesian or any other kind of show here). So, if you're looking for a full-serve meal, you're only slightly better off than at parks like DSP and DAK. I had a western-meal at the beautifully detailed Royal Banquet Hall in F-land (it's an homage to Disney prince and princesses) and a Chinese meal at the Riverview Cafe. Both were tasty with plentiful portions (by Disney standards) at a fair price (again, by Disney standards). One thing you notice is that even though a good 80% of food in the park (maybe higher) is Chinese (and for those who have never traveled there, there are many variations from the different regions of the country), the amount of choice is much, much higher at every park location. This isn't the five options at Pecos Bill Cafe type of deal. There should be something for any person at any locale. So what's left? Oh yeah, I need to pick some gifts up for you all. So let's go shopping shall we? Well, is the merchandise at HKDL any better than say the MK? Or does it just feel that way because I've never been before? Good question. Probably a mix of both really. The first thing you notice is how many small items like things to hang/attach to your cell phone or camera exist. Then you notice how certain characters are represented much more prominently than in the USA ... for instance in HKDL's 3rd anniversary merchandise (largely forgettable, btw) is some pink version of Stitch named 'Angel' who I assume was introduced on the TV show or in a cheapquel. Clarice (Chip and Dale's female friend) also gets lots of play as does Marie from the Aristocrats (who is also huge in Tokyo). Pins are for sale everywhere, but you don't see anyone trading. And since first anniversary and second anniversary pins are on sale right next to the new third anniversary ones, well, you can see they aren't huge sellers even at lower price points than in the American parks. Things like postcards, park books, maps and art, CDs and DVDs ... well they're practically non-existent. I found two sets of three postcards each at a hotel shop, but none in the park. The only CD I saw for sale was .. you should know this ... High School Musical. There is no park soundtrack, which is a bit odd considering all the original (or repurposed music) there (two parades, fireworks, Golden Mickeys, seasonal parades etc ...) The polos also come in some bizarre color schemes like black with a green collar ... and all of them have stripes, which immediately took them off my list of possible pickups. There are loads of decorative tins with all sorts of sweets available (cookies and candies and ... yeah the all-important mooncakes, which are also for sale in Disney tins at 7-11s in HK for a much lower price). The one good thing about HKDL merchandise is that, for the most part, the lines are original at least ... and not like the interchangeable WDW/DL stuff that we have here. And if you want something nicer, there's always Crystal by the Arribas Bros ... and some incredibly pricey jewelry courtesy of Chow Sang Sang (I came so close to dropping $300,000 in that shop ... really, I did.) So I guess the summation on merchandise would be 'interesting.' I spent a few hundred USD, but not really a huge amount. Then again, I couldn't tell you how many years it's been since I spent that at the MK. Did I leave anything out on the park? Hmm ... sure we all ate, it's time to do what comes naturally. Let's all head for the bathroom .... or toilets as they are referred to. Here's where I had two shocks (and the fact they were spotless was not one of them): First, every HKDL restroom has prominently one squat stall. Now for those of you who don't get out of the red states much, let alone the country, in many places in China you don't have toilets like in the good, old, USA. You have a small bowl that you basically hover over and do your business. Now, these aren't in most new, modern western developments or restaurants. In other words, you won't find one in the local McDonald's or Pizza Hut or Courtyard by Marriott lobby. I have no idea if this was something forced on Disney by the government or what, but I found it quite backward no matter whose decision it was. Again, if China wants to be a modern, great, world power, they need to get with the program. The other shock was the amazingly high quality air dryers they had. I say this because until I made it to HKDL there was a running joke with my co-workers that China had the worst hand dryers in the world. You could literally rub your hands under one for five minutes and they'd be wetter than when you started! (only slightly exaggerated) So, this was a pleasant surprise. OK. We've seen the park, had our food, shopped and done our business. Time to call it a night. When we reconvene here we can go explore the two Disney resorts, which are the only other Disney thing left at the HKDL 'resort'. And we can make some overall reviews. See you all a little later.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***except from the borrowed from TDL Bandleader Mickey balloon, which has seen far better days and needs replacement*** That thing needed replacement way back in the TDR days. Old, tattered and dirty! I'm surprised it survived the journey!
Originally Posted By leemac <<Also, from talking with people in China, the government officials that deal with Disney aren't ... what's a nice way to say this? ... enamored with Jay and his abrasive personality.>> You met the ministers from both the Shanghai city council and the NPC that are leading the Disney negotiations?!?!?! No offense but I find that highly unlikely. Disney is dealing with the upper echelons of Chinese politics - this isn't just about WDP&R - if it was the resort would have been approved years ago. It is also about access to the rest of the Chinese market for every division of the Company from Studio Entertainment to Media Networks to Consumer Products. Both sides of the table are acting professionally and in good faith - it is just a matter of time before an agreement is reached but it needs to be right for the Company. I know that you have an unbridled hatred for Jay - but he became president in '02 - there is little he could have done to correct the missteps of the previous regime - especially when everything has to be approved with the HK SAR government. Both shareholders want to grow HKDLR - but like dealing with any government - they have other priorities and things get bogged down in administration.
Originally Posted By leemac <<And the unique (and I believe Steve Davison creation? paging Leemac to the thread!!!) Mickey's Waterworks Parade. The latter is a trippy (and I don't mean that wacky dude from Minnesota) homage to wetting the audience under the guise of making things grow. It's just a fun, different type parade that the crowd seemed to eat up (you know the same people who don't know the Disney characters and need to be taught!).>> Yup - WaterWorks is a Steven Davison creation. The music is by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil (and one of the songs is also the bedrock of Pixar Play Parade at DCA). The parade was designed by the same designer as Legend of Mythica at TDS. We had some of the artwork and an interview with Steven about the creation of the parade in Issue 11 (you can see some of the artwork at the foot of this page): <a href="http://www.talesfromthelaughingplace.com/Tales/TalesfromtheLaughingPlaceIssue11.html" target="_blank">http://www.talesfromthelaughin...e11.html</a> It is a great parade - exactly the type of high-energy production that is right for HKDL.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<You met the ministers from both the Shanghai city council and the NPC that are leading the Disney negotiations?!?!?! No offense but I find that highly unlikely.>> Lee, no offense, but just like you play things close to the vest when it suits you, I have no intention of discussing who my family and I talked with, spent time with and dined with while in China. I think you understand that wouldn't be professional on so many levels to put such things in a forum like this. Oh, and btw, weren't you the guy that said on this very site within the last 12 months that Disney had no interest in Shanghai and you were glad as it was ill-suited for a resort and you certainly didn't want to have to travel there on Disney business? We both know that Disney wants Shanghai and wants it badly. <<Disney is dealing with the upper echelons of Chinese politics - this isn't just about WDP&R - if it was the resort would have been approved years ago. It is also about access to the rest of the Chinese market for every division of the Company from Studio Entertainment to Media Networks to Consumer Products.>> Yeah. And how long did it take to get HHDL going? And what a cute little park with caution tape all around it. There's a reason why Nickelodeon is the No. 1 children's network in China and you can't find the Disney Channel. China is both a treasure trove of opportunity and a mindfield of potential dealbreakers. <<Both sides of the table are acting professionally and in good faith - it is just a matter of time before an agreement is reached but it needs to be right for the Company.>> So ... are you saying here on the record that Disney will be building in Shanghai? That Jim Hill and Honor Hunter have it right? <<I know that you have an unbridled hatred for Jay - but he became president in '02 - there is little he could have done to correct the missteps of the previous regime - especially when everything has to be approved with the HK SAR government. Both shareholders want to grow HKDLR - but like dealing with any government - they have other priorities and things get bogged down in administration.>> Hate is a very strong word. I absolutely do not hate Jay Rasulo. I do have little respect for the job he has done as head of parks and resorts, and most people who work for the company would likely tell you the same. But as to him not having time to make changes, I'll just disagree. Things could have been done differently. Attractions that were cut could have been put back in. Let's not rewrite history by failing to note that HKDL was the first Disney park to ever open significantly earlier than scheduled. What was supposed to be a late spring 2006 opening became an early September of '05 opening because so much was cut from the park that it took considerably less time to build than anticipated ... and when it became clear that Michael was leaving the company it provided a perfect swan song for him by moving the opening up. While I absolutely enjoyed HKDL and found it to be a wonderful little park, we both know I am not the target demographic nor are you or pretty much anyone who posts here. The general apathy the park has met with the people in China isn't something made up or spun. It's the reality, just like the reality that DCA didn't come close ... nah, not heading down that road again. And let's not forget that in Michael's defense (at least when it comes to the park/resort Disney 'isn't' building in Shanghai) that when he relinquished control of the company to Bob that things were on track or as close as they could be at such a formative stage. It was Iger's choices to delegate to certain people ill-suited for dealing with the Chinese officials at a breakfast let alone while hammering out the fine points of building a resort that put Disney on its heels in this whole situation. And just one final point about Shanghai, and that is it really doesn't matter what happens on the political front down there because ultimately whether this happens and how it happens will go through Beijing. And after spending most of the summer there, I met many people and made many friends (some through family members, who already do business in China) who are very interested in my take on major American media and especially the Walt Disney Co. I guess when it comes down to it, on this one, we're both consultants in a way! Finally, I am sure the Disney fan community would be highly amused at how many times Shanghai has pulled permits and taken land for 'a Disney-like park development' to imply an impending deal and put more pressure on the Mouse.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Yup - WaterWorks is a Steven Davison creation. The music is by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil (and one of the songs is also the bedrock of Pixar Play Parade at DCA). The parade was designed by the same designer as Legend of Mythica at TDS. We had some of the artwork and an interview with Steven about the creation of the parade in Issue 11 (you can see some of the artwork at the foot of this page): <a href="http://www.talesfromthelaughin...e11.html" target="_blank">http://www.talesfromthelaughin...e11.html</a> It is a great parade - exactly the type of high-energy production that is right for HKDL.>> It was terrific that's for sure. I thought it had Davison's fingerprints on it, but couldn't recall for sure. I wish these type of offerings made it to the US parks. I think most people would love a summer parade like this in Orlando (and Anaheim for that matter). Speaking of parades, any new parade ever headed to the MK (and no, I don't mean DL's 50th B-Day Parade of Dreams) or are they just going to trot out the same stale offerings right into WDW's 40th?
