Disney Magic in Hong Kong

The Magic Kingdom threw open its doors in Hong Kong on September 12 with a spectacular ceremony combining music, dance and acrobatics. 

The vacation resort on Lantau Island is a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and the HKSAR Government. It comprises the world’s 5th Disneyland theme park, featuring such classics as Space Mountain and Jungle River Cruise, as well as two hotels and a public recreation area with a lake and arboretum.

The highlight of the opening was a traditional Lion Dance, with the eyes dotted by Vice-President of the People's Republic of China, Mr Zeng Qinghong; the Chief Executive of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Mr Donald Tsang; Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer, Mr Michael Eisner; and its President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr Robert Iger.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Eisner said, "With a spirit of goodwill and friendship, we invite the people of Hong Kong, China and all of Asia to share in the magic, imagination and soaring spirit of Disney."

Mr Iger expressed his hope that Hong Kong Disneyland would be a beacon, "reminding us that no matter the language or borders, humankind can accomplish great things when we work together, especially when we can show the world that imagination is alive, that fantasy can be reality and that magic happens."

Mr Tsang hailed the attraction as the start of a new chapter for tourism in Hong Kong: “a chapter in which Hong Kong will develop as a premium family destination in Asia.” 

He pointed out that more family-friendly attractions are set to open in the near future. And he said the Government would capitalize on the drawing power of the Disney brand to complement Hong Kong’s “renowned strengths in dining and shopping, and as a city that perfectly blends East and West.” 

Work is already underway on Autopia, a new Tomorrowland attraction where guests of all ages can drive electric cars along the highways of tomorrow. 

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort employs 5,000 cast members. The HKSAR Government estimated the first phase of the project will generate a present economic value of HK$148 billion (CAD$22.7 billion) in benefits to Hong Kong over a 40-year period. 

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