A Hong Kong Marvel..

The world now has an announcement for the Mouse's first marvel...

I mean Marvel.  There have been many things proposed, many thing cancelled, and many things reworked.  The first thing that could have been announced posssibly earlier this year was a Stark Expo type of experience where Innoventions now resides.  But the late purchase last year of Lucasfilm scuttled those plans in favor of something else (I bet you can guess what with).

Now, via the Wall Street Journal, we find out that China will get the first Marvel attraction: "The Iron Man Experience".  Hong Kong Disneyland precisely/specifically, that is.  The attraction seems to share parts of what was to go in Anaheim, but not all.  There have been rumors of an entire land, but budgetary issues and the economy seem to dictate that's not in the cards near term.

The ride will be built in Tomorrowland with an opening set for 2016.  It'll be a simulator thrill ride akin to Star Tours, but with newer technology.  But in less than three years the Chinese will get to enjoy Iron Man saving the Hong Kong skyline from evil foes bent on conquering the world - Asia first.  Too bad they didn't go with the Baxter Building Experience.

Well that could come later, or elsewhere...

Child Of The Mansion...

Today marks the official end of the Extreme Expansion and the opening of the final piece of it...

Mystic Manor opens today in Hong Kong Disneyland.  The attraction, which is the result of planning for the Haunted Mansion in China, is a layered hybrid of taking the lessons learned from dealing with unique cultural perceptions.  The views on ghosts in Chinese culture represented a challenge to the Imagineers designing the initial phase of the Hong Kong Chinese version of the popular attraction.  While, the ride is not officially a clone of the classic ride, there are no plans for a version of the original at the park because of the connective DNA that they share.

The guest riding the attraction since it soft opened yesterday, will travel along a mansion owned by Lord Henry Mystic, purveyor of fine antiques of his adventures around the world.  As a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, he's collected a large collection of artifacts that he's set about the manor to show off to guest to his home.  The result is a "Jumanji" like experience filled with clever displays of magical mischief.  Danny Elfman's score does a great job creating the atmosphere of slightly scary, while still having a subtle tone of humor.  If you want to read more about the area, Alain's coverage of the opening over at Disney and More has excellent analysis, pics and videos.

The attraction and it's lushly themed Mystic Point is perhaps the best layered in the park.  It's narrative story is pure Disney, and this will be the first of several attractions that will hopefully give HKDL it's own identity, to separate it out from the other sibling parks.  The Imagineers have been working on several other projects that the Suits will try to present to their Chinese partners in the near future.  But don't expect anything big for the next few years as the park gets guests to experience the fruits of expansion.  There is plenty of land for more Disney themed experiences in the areas surrounding the new openings.  And right now the Imagineers are focusing further into inland China.

Shanghai is a much bigger task...

The Chinese Tale Of Grizzly Gulch...

That bear looks weird...





As Grizzly Gulch welcomes its first guest, the marketing starts to kick in...

The advertising campaign has picked up for Hong Kong Disneyland's new addition and with that, its first commercial.

Take a look at the Chinese perspective of the American Wild West. With this area complete, all eyes now focus on Mystic Point and the mysterious Mystic Manor that will open up next year.

But even after that, there is still a large amount of land for expansion...

Shanghaied...

Please don't copy the parks, please don't copy the parks, please don't copy...


I know that many of you were upset to see so little artwork to come out from the Shanghai Disney Resort...

Well, as I've mentioned before, that's by design. The Mouse learned a costly mistake in the last venture into China. After announcing the project and displaying various pieces of artwork, the Suits were shocked to find cheap knockoffs of some of the designs showing up less than a year or two after revealing these designs.

That's why this time around the artist at WDI and the Suits at Team Disney Burbank are only letting the most vague of concepts leak out. They want to give you an idea of what is to come, not the copycats the ideas of what will come. So far we've been given a sense of scope and a look at a very large castle, no Main Street and various classic attractions in places not normally associated with it. But as to what or even if there will be a Space Mountain? It's not going to be revealed just yet. There are going to be several traditional Disney attractions, but the mix will include several that will surprise you. This park will not be just a clone of Hong Kong Disneyland.

And that is good for Shanghai and Hong Kong...

A Very Different Magic...

When you wish upon a nation with over a billion people...







So Tom Staggs gave us a peek at what Shanghai Disneyland will look like yesterday...

At a Walt Disney Company Investor's Conference yesterday, he released the first piece official artwork of the next Magic Kingdom styled park/resort. And the Net seems to be abuzz about it. Disney and More has a post talking about something Alain and I have had conversations about over the past few months.

It will be a very different kind of a Disney Park, breaking the mold that we are used to when entering that fabled Main Street. In fact, I've stated from my contacts, there won't be a traditional Main Street like what we're used to. Alain, has gone further and states that there won't even be a Main Street. The front entrance will be a very different experience when walking into this new, magical place.

But as you see in the artwork, it's very hard to make out details. Mainly that is by design. Disney has been burned before by cheap knockoffs of things that cost great resources to design and create. So when they make that official announcement during the groundbreaking in a few months, don't expect to see a great deal of detail. The Mouse doesn't want to release a lot of artwork to only have it have a carbon copy out before their park even opens.

Now back to that park. It certainly looks like a beautiful and unusual place, doesn't it? And that castle in the background doesn't look like any we've seen before. As well, as that, there is an extremely large amount of water around and within the park. And there's a large mountain over to the right that could be an Expedition Everest, re envisioned Matterhorn or as Alain says, a version of that elaborate Pirates of the Caribbean that Hong Kong Disneyland was supposed to get. Perhaps even some of the attractions from Tokyo DisneySEA will make it over in some form.

I know a lot of people bemoan Disney Suits for not thinking out of the box and continually copying the original style that Walt created, so in this instance you might get your way with a park that looks nothing like what you expect when you go into something called Disneyland.

Developing...

Disney's Hong Kong Fu-ture...

Money makes the Mouse go around...


A lot has went under the radar lately with the Mouse's Asian exploits...

Tokyo. Hong Kong. Shanghai. Tokyo is mentioned quite often on this site, as most of you know my love of Tokyo DisneySEA. I'll talk about Shanghai Disneyland in a future post, but not much has been mentioned of the fifth anniversary of Disney's first Chinese Gate.

Hong Kong Disneyland, the fifth Magic Kingdom style park celebrated half a decade earlier in the month and although the park/resort has had financial troubles from the get go, things are starting to look up. Having missed its first year target by about a quarter of a million visitors, the next year dropped off quite a bit as the novelty of the opening wore off. Now, even though it missed the original mark, it wasn't by much, there were over five million guests that went through those turnstiles. The parks' third year saw a bump from the second year, and last year was a modest bump up from that. This year the park seems to be improving on that and if the current trend continues then the attendance will get close to the first years mark. See that trend? If the current projections continue and the park keeps attracting a loyal, and growing following, then next year will see them break through the opening year numbers. The Chinese are slowly growing to like and appreciate what the Disney experience has to offer. With all the seasonal theming and holiday layovers that the entertainment division has come up with, the public is accepting the park as a permanent part of the Hong Kong setting.

There are cultural differences and obstacles that the Mouse has had to overcome, but they're slowly making progress. Much of this progress/learning will/has been applied to Shanghai. But the future is finally looking up with more guests entering the park, and just as important: spending money on food and merchandising. The financial troubles have led the company to not take any royalties it was contractually guaranteed during the last two years. That agreement has been reworked and is now tied to park performance. And with the uptake in the crowds on Lantau Island, that means that starting next year Disney will start taking in those profits again. And as more positive news happens, more optimism grows within WDI that other projects will be approved more quickly. After all, there's a lot of expansion room still left for the first park in Hong Kong even after the Extreme Expansion of 2011-14. The area to the south of the current expansion has many possibilities as well as several areas behind and beyond Fantasyland. There are many classic Disney attractions that Imagineers would love to add and plus in that section by or around the middle of this decade. As always, time will tell. And money will be the storyteller.

Notice I said "first" park? That's because the Mouse has a couple years on its deal before construction has to begin on a Second Gate or the land across the Esplanade is free for the government of Hong Kong to use or sell to another buyer. Will they do that? Not likely. Will Disney start work/break ground on a second gate by 2013? Again, not likely. What will likely happen is a renegotiation of the terms of the deal. An extension so to speak. An announcement of a second park will be an important and integral part of the resort's future, but not until the latter part of this decade. But with the attendance going up and construction of the new lands, the news coming out of Penny Bay is finally good news for Burbank.

And that's good news for you and I as well...

Five Years Out In Hong Kong...

Five years ago today Hong Kong Disneyland opened it's first park in China...

Although a lovingly designed park with lush theming and classic Disney attractions, the park was under built, like its sister park, DCA. It wasn't as ugly as that park, but like California's Second Gate, this park lacked the magical Disney attractions that the world has come to expect. The Suits tried to pass off the castle as a homage to the original in Anaheim, instead of the real reason: the ability to not have to put any money into designing a new, original castle (a mistake that will likely not be made in Shanghai).

With the Extreme Expansion that is going on right now, HKDL will have several new features to boast to the world by late 2013/early 2014. Especially the first Chinese version of the Haunted Mansion, Mystic Manor. There are several other minor attractions and projects that are being worked on that will likely open between next year and the opening of Manor. And if the economy craws out of this hole soon enough, there will be a nice retail complex to join the resort as well. Happy Birthday, baby. It's been a difficult time, but you're looking lovelier everyday, Honk Kong Disneyland!

It's going to be an interesting 2014...

Expanding Magic...

Coming Soon...





I've been running around do X-Mas shopping and things have been somewhat hectic so I forgot to mention this...

A couple days ago Hong Kong Disneyland broke ground(in ceremony and actual) on the Extreme Expansion of the park/resort. In attendance were representatives of the Walt Disney Company, government officials, ect., including my favorite Suit, Jay Rasulo. But the good news is that our little girl is growing up. Ain't that nice?

Expect some nice surprises about HKDL next year...

The Intimate Prison...

With all the talk about the Extreme Expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland, a few things that are glaringly obvious have been missing from the discussion...

We know that over the next four years there will the addition of three attractions in HKDL, but is that going to be all of the expansion?

No, it's most likely not, but the Mouse has been relatively quite about anything beyond this. Because there are some things that are missing from the puzzle. By the time Mystic Manor opens up in 2013 there should be something else open as well. Something not mentioned in any press release.

A third Hong Kong Disney Hotel.

Unless the economy continues to sputter along, or the global marketplace suffers a worse downturn you can expect that piece of property in between the two current hotels to be open for business. Imagineers for a while now have been quietly toiling away designing another lavishly themed hotel to expand the offerings for guest who enter Disney's Fifth Magic Kingdom Gate. I've talked to a couple Bothans lately that are very pleased with the designs and although they would give away much for fear of joining Dick Cook, did tell me that the thematic layout of this luxurious hotel will definitely please Disney Fans/Geeks.

Most people know that the Hong Kong park hasn't met expectations with attendance, but not many realize that the two current hotels have had very high occupancy rates. And with the expected increase in attendance for the new two E-Tickets and C-Ticket, there is going to be an added desire to keep the guest on the resort. You don't want them coming for the day and then going home or heaven forbid, going over to Ocean Park. You'll need a new hotel to entice them to stay and spend more money. In essence, you have to create a way to keep them on that plot of land spending only on Disney. Kind of the way Walt Disney World creates all those hotels and shopping experiences that make you have little desire to venture outside it's very beautiful incarceration area. Hong Kong's plan is to do so, but obviously with less land. It'll be smaller but with the detail that Disney is widely known for. An intimate prison, so to speak... but one you'll willingly stay at.

So with an expanded area (with a whole lot of room for expansion) with three new attractions (and a possible surprise or two by 2013) and three hotels this area will still be missing something, won't it?

A Downtown Disney type retail area.

And yes, there is one in the plans, but it hasn't officially been greenlit yet, or at least it hadn't moved into that area when the Bothans last got word of it. It's still planned within the next five or so years, but it may not be open before the rest of this expansion. That doesn't mean things couldn't change, but it hasn't been the primary focus. But make no mistake about it, by the middle of the next decade there will be a shopping district lined along the walkway from the pier to the main entrance. After all, you have to give those guest a reason to not leave the resort/park/hotel. That was always the plan you know. It's just taken a while to get going, but as the next year or so rolls out you'll see more and more of it.

Over the next year or so you're going to hear more about this from the Mouse and myself and others, but remember that there is another park about to be born in the area. That may take the shine off of this park for a while, but remember that that Hong Kong will be a very important market over the next decade and the Mouse has every intention of turning this resort into a world class destination. That other park won't take away from that no matter how different and unique it will be.

But that's a story for another and later day...

The Mystic Point...

Of the three new attractions that Hong Kong Disneyland is getting over the next four years, one of them is clearly drawing the most attention...

In 2013 you'll be transported to the Edwardian Era of 1908, if you're going through Adventureland that is. Traveling through the dense, dark jungle you come upon a large estate built in the middle of this wild forest. Inside that estate lies a large mansion, a manor occupied as home and museum of the occupant. Lord Henry Mystic lives here and holds all the valuable relics he has gathered on his explorations across the world as an avid searcher, examiner and much valued member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. Thus begins your tale...

And that's how it will start. But before it does, the other two attractions have to be constructed. The Toy Story Play Land, which opens in 2011 and the Grizzly Trail, which opens in 2012. When 2013 comes around Disney's Fifth kingdom will finally have the Haunted Mansion that it was born without. I know, I know, some people have described it as a unique attraction and not a clone of the famous experience that originated in Disneyland, but that is its origin.

Perhaps clone is not the best word for it. Many people have seemed to take offense at calling it a HM clone and I've received several e-mails asking me for clarification. So let's say it's not so much a clone as it is a cousin to the ride. If you've been following the rumors about the HKDL expansion for the last couple years, you've likely heard about an "Adventureland version" of the Haunted Mansion that was being planned and designed. Well, this is the fruit of those rumors. Originally thought of as an extension of that land, it has now morphed into a separate land, a portal beyond Adventureland that exists in it's own right.

When Imagineers got together to work on Hong Kong's own version of the classic attraction, one of the things that was important to the designers and the Chinese officials they talked with was originality. No normal clones were wanted. WDI and the representatives felt that the Chinese should have their own HM; one that would express things in way unique to this park. The goal was to go above and in a different direction than the other versions of the ride which existed in the other four parks. The plan was to come at it from an original story line all its own, much like Tokyo DisneySEA's version of The Tower of Terror, which deviated from the original concept of the other E-Ticket versions of that attraction.

And while working on that original design of the attraction, they borrowed a bit more from the TOT story in Tokyo and added the linkage to Harrison Hightower III and the connection to S.E.A. as well. There were many elements that didn't make it through the blue sky phase including the addition of a night watchman (think "Night at the Museum" kinda story). Another area that was stripped was an additional scene in the greenhouse that could still happen in a second phase (maybe). And as always, WDI tries to add and advance stories with the newest technology, which is why this one has no Omnimovers, but instead an advanced version of the trackless vehicles you would find at "Pooh's Hunny Hunt." But slowly the essence of a ghost story and a haunting bride gave way to a story involving enchanted magic, mystical artifacts and a humorous narrative involving Lord Mystic's little monkey friend, Albert.

The attraction has gone through several phases and morphed into something far more than the original plans, but the basic idea of the Haunted Mansion rings true. It still holds the soul of that classic ride while infusing it with an entirely new and fresh story line that will lead many people to take a flight and purchase a ticket to this uncharted area of Disney's Fifth Kingdom. Which is after all, what Imagineers intended. When it opens, it will undoubtedly be the focal point of the resort. A place and experience no other Disney park has. This will be something that the resort can hold up that Ocean Park can't mimic. It'll be a perfect example to show the Chinese how Disney can be only be done by Disney. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and reserve an airline ticket. You don't thing it's too early do yo?

Expanding soon...

Four For The Fifth...

Today, Disney's first, but not last, park in China celebrates its fourth anniversary.

Hong Kong Disneyland was opened on this day on Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. While the smallest "Magic Kingdom" style park, HKDL is richly layered in great detail(unlike DCA), Disney paid close attention to Chinese culture, customs, and traditions when building the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and followed the rules of Feng Shui in much of the park's construction so as to give the park good luck.

It didn't work, unfortunately. More so because of the lack of many E-Ticket rides than anything to do with Feng Shui. Three rides every traditional Disney theme parks has were left for future expansion... Pirates of the Caribbean (which was rejected by the Hong Kong Government), Haunted Mansion (Now known as Mystic Manor with it's own unique variation on the original) and It's A Small World which opened a year or so ago. The park is slowly making progress, but an impatient world doesn't want to wait for it to happen...

If you get the chance to go to the D23 Expo, you'll see some amazing models of the Mystic Manor and Grizzly Trail attractions (check out Disney and More's post on the HKDL Expansion). And this will expand the options that guest have at the park. This and several other things which could be announced by next year should make the park a worthy addition by the 2014/2015 timeline.

Anyway, happy birthday Hong Kong Disneyland! Here's to a great, positive future.

Progressively progressing...

Honk Kong Disney Villain...

When it comes to Hong Kong, it's sometimes hard to tell the bad guys from the bad guys...

So who is the real Disney Villain in this story? Everyone seems to be placing all the blame on the Mouse for the decision to build the children's land, Toy Story Land. Many feel this is yet another representation of the Eisner/Pressler era and the company hasn't learned from it's mistakes.

Or has it?

To be fair, Disney has done many things right and many things wrong. Several have to do with the deal it made with Hong Kong. But believe or not, there are times when the Walt Disney Company gets blamed for something and it's not its fault. There are times when other parties are to blame. And while no party has clean hands in this case, the Mouse's hands don't have near as much dirt on them as the governing body in Hong Kong.

Let me unpack that statement for you.

For the past couple of years, the Mouse has been willing to fully pay for the expansion. To fund it entirely as it's doing since this agreement was announced. One of the main problems was for Disney to do that, the HK Legislative Council would have to give up their percentage, or the majority hold they have over the resort. This was a major sticking point during these negotiations.

The three lands that you've seen were still there, at least two. Mystic Point and Grizzly Peak, but there was no TSL. The mysterious Glacier Bay area was within this area. As others have noted, the Hong Kong government didn't like this as it was too close to the expansion of Ocean Park. The Toy Story expansion came late within the game, but if you don't like it, trust me, it's far better than some of the other ideas they had regarding themed areas. Their concept of putting attractions in had nothing to do with detailed theming and would have made the Pixar themed land look much more extravagant than it is compared to what they were willing to build. In this case the Disney company was adamant about not letting that kind of low quality seep into the companies newest park. It was a case of each party locking horns over the disappointment of very high expectations. It would have been interesting to see the addition of the expanded Pirates extension of Adventureland, but culturally the Hong Kong officials have a bias against that attraction. Oh well, I guess we'll have to wait for another "Magic Kingdom" style park to get a look at what could have been in Hong Kong.

But remember that the Hong Kong Disneyland park/resort is bent on expansion and that should include the addition of a retail/entertainment complex within the 2014/2015 time period as well. The budget for this won't be included in the park expansion, just as the hotel and Downtown Disney expansion of the Disneyland Resort are separate from the Extreme Makeover budget of DCA. These parts of the resort are also desperately needed as they keep guest from leaving the parks and hotels and spending their money elsewhere in Hong Kong. It's in the works, trust me. Should the economy not sink lower and make this implode there should be some interesting announcements in the next year.

As more details come out, I have a feeling the artwork and detail will come to win over most critics, but understand that this expansion leaves plenty of room for growth and added detail. The park will be much grander and a fuller, richer experience for the growing number of guest that walk through the turnstiles the middle of next decade. It should finally look the way it was supposed to when it opened. Far bigger, more rides.

Hopefully by then, the villains of this story will be gone or at the least have many of their arguments vanquished...

Scary Mountain...

Boo! Boo! Boo!


I know many of you have heard rumors about this...

Some people have been reporting this already. I didn't want to say anything just yet, as I've known about the proposal for about a month, but hadn't heard if it got approval. Well, it appears that it now has.

Brady McDonald, over at the LA Times Daily Travel Blog has gotten confirmation about it. The theming overlay that Hong Kong Disneyland got for their Space Mountain known as “Ghost Galaxy” back in 2007, will have a new scary soundtrack, lighting and Halloween-style projections. This will come in addition to the new themed holiday fireworks and many more villains being seen inside the parks.

Go over to the blog and see the details...

Artwork In Progress...

The artwork that was presented to the Hong Kong Legistrative Council for this expansion phase of Hong Kong Disneyland has been released...

It's much better than what was out originally, but I'd still like to see more and better artwork...

UPDATE: Below are the one sheets of each land...

It's "Go" Time...

The Hong Kong Legislative Council approved the Walt Disney Company's plan for expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland, yesterday (actually, today, just hours earlier in HK).

Here's the press release:

The Hong Kong SAR Government and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) today applaud the Legislative Council’s approval of the financial arrangement relating to the Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) expansion plan. Three new themed areas will be added to HKDL, bringing the total number of attractions, entertainment, and interactive experiences at the resort to over 100 by 2014 and further establishing Hong Kong as one of the world’s premier international family tourist destinations.

Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang commented that, "HKDL, as an important tourism infrastructure, has brought substantial economic benefits to Hong Kong. With the proposed expansion and realignment of the financial arrangements, we believe that HKDL would rise up to the keen competition in the region on the tourism front, attracting more family visitors from round the world. This will generate streams of benefits to our tourism and related sectors, further reinforcing the tourism industry’s contribution as a major pillar of Hong Kong’s economy."

"We are pleased that the financial agreement relating to the HKDL expansion has been approved and we are eager to begin work on this exciting new chapter for Hong Kong Disneyland," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "This substantial investment represents our continued commitment to and confidence in Hong Kong Disneyland and solidifies our partnership with the Hong Kong government helping assure the resort’s long-term success."

He continued, "This expansion will further enhance HKDL’s position as a world-class family tourist destination, provide immediate and long-lasting benefits to Hong Kong and add unique and thrilling new experiences for our Guests."

The new offerings, designed to significantly add to the overall Guest experience at HKDL, are expected to open in phases over a five year period. Work is expected to commence later this year, spurring the local Hong Kong economy by creating more than 3,700 jobs in terms of man-years in Hong Kong from 2009 to 2014, including 850 expected within the first year of construction. After the completion of the expansion, the project will continue to serve as a major economic driver with HKDL adding approximately 600 new positions, and bringing the total number of HKDL Cast Members to more than 5,500.

Two of the three new themed areas, "Grizzly Trail" and "Mystic Point," will be exclusive to HKDL for the first five years after their respective openings. The third, "Toy Story Land," will be exclusive within Asia for the first five years after opening.

Under the approved plan and current business projections, TWDC would contribute approximately HK$6.25 billion in new capital and debt conversion and the Hong Kong Government would convert a like amount in debt principal and interest. The Hong Kong Government would retain the majority ownership of 52 percent in the joint venture and TWDC would own the other 48 percent.

Roadblocks...

It appears that the road to expansion in Hong Kong is filled with potholes...

There's a big stink flying up about some in the city's Legislative Council about not approving or putting on hold the greenlighting of the expansion of HKDL. A few people seem to find this great news, while others are predicting doom and gloom. Neither shouldn't be focused on such opposite extremes of a decision on this plan.

First off, wishing that the plan would fail because you're not happy with one part of the plan (Toy Story Land) is like thanking someone for not taking your wallet as they drive off in your car. If the plan doesn't go through then you would be left with a park that languishes in the shadow of it's coming big brother and results in a very bad financial situation for Disney that wouldn't be good for the rest of the company. If you don't like the non-expansion of WDW or other parts of the Mouse's world, you really won't like it should this fail. It would have company wide repercussions. So all those out there that are praying for failure, please pray for something else. One thing about building things you don't like is they can always be "plussed" or remade to look better (DCA anyone?). But the feelings some have for this expansion's failure is more emotional that realistic. And besides, those that are wanting Toy Story Mania to be put in should examine the Land a little closer. There's a lot of room for expansion and TSM would likely go into that large area in a second phase, should the first one see an uptick in attendance.

In regards to those that are thinking of this as the end of the world for Disney's fifth kingdom, please stay calm. This is likely a posturing move by the Legislative Council and although there are a good deal of those that don't feel satisfied with this deal, the truth of the matter is that it'll likely pass. It may be a slim margin, bit it most likely will go through. Why, you wonder? Because the economy. For the same reason that Shanghai agreed to a sweet deal for the Walt Disney Company even though it saw the disappointments of Hong Kong. The economy. With unemployment rising in Hong Kong like every major area of Chine due to the worldwide recession, they're looking to create and expand as many jobs is possible. This does that in a time when it is critically needed. Remember that the large population of this country requires that they (the Chinese Government) create a million new jobs a year just to not fall behind and add to further unemployment. That's what happens when you have 1.3 billion people. Since the collapse of the global market that isn't happening and China's ruling government doesn't want the populace getting antsy about things. That causes disastrous problems for a country that is trying to keep a lid on discontent. Money, like it always is, is the reason this deal will most likely go through. Well find out shortly if all the talk now is political posturing or a serious roadblock. I believe it could be neither. Think of it instead as a speed bump. And speed bumps don't stop you.

You just have to proceed over them with caution...

Time's Timeless Timing...

Time magazine has a great article on Disney and Hong Kong officials regarding the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland...

A good read where they don't glossy it up and pull punches. The undiluted truth is good for Hong Kong and the Mouse...

Afterthoughts...

Just some observations/clarifications regarding the news...

I've seen a lot of comments out there regarding the Hong Kong Disneyland's expansion and wanted to give my thoughts about it.

Many people are upset with the introduction of a "Toy Story Land" because it appears too "Carny" to them. Being as how I hate "Dinoland USA" in DAK, I understand how they feel and where they're coming from. But...

I think the reaction to it is based on the preliminary artwork which is as you would expect not what you are used to. The Herbert Ryman styled designs haven't been used much of late when presenting of artwork for future attractions. I don't mean to demean the artist who did these, but the style most Disney fans look forward to are the kind of paintings you see from Byron Jowers, George McGinnis or the late great Peter Ellenshaw. It appears too cartoony, even for a cartoon land and doesn't convey the sense of wonder that these places can provide a ten year old, or someone that has a ten year old inside them. I think this type of art is one of the few things fans didn't like about the "Cars Land" artwork, alas when it's all done the results should look not only beautiful, but stunning in some places as well. I've heard from those that have seen other artwork and have commented how nice it looks, I just guess that the Walt Disney Company will want to bring out more of this slowly and at a later date. But when it comes to the new Toy Story Land, think of it as HKDL's Toon Town. Truthfully, that's essentially what it is. And when it's built it'll attract a large following of kids brought up on Woody and Buzz, not Mickey and Donald... and I'm fine with that. There are limitations to one's desires and you have to understand where they're coming from and who they're trying to appeal to.

Lastly on this, those who have wondered about this in relation to Walt Disney Studios Paris' version of this land would be correct if they thought that this was going to be what they get. It is very close to what will wind up in France with the main difference being that it's inverted. For those that are grammatically challenged to envision that concept, just look at it in a mirror and you'll get an idea of what happening in Europe.

Now, Mystic Point which houses Mystic Manor, well this is what you've been hearing rumors about all this time over the past couple of years. This is the Adventureland themed Haunted Mansion that we were all hearing about. Minus the Omni movers and plus a lot of lazers and flashy magic. This land is my favorite of what was announced. With the addition of The Adventurer's Club as a fine dining restaurant you can expect lush and detail theming around this place. I know many of you were thinking/hoping that this would be just an expansion of Adventureland with the HM should think of this in relation to New Orleans Square and Adventureland in Anaheim. They tend to blend right into one another. The same can be said of Mystic Point. Don't think of it as so much an entirely new land as it is a specialized extent ion of Adventureland.

And that area will lead you right into what will be considered "Frontierland" in Hong Kong Disneyland. Now, it's not called that, but you might as well call it that or at least think of it as such. Just like in Tokyo Disneyland they don't call Frontierland by that name, but instead go by "Westernland" because Japanese tend to not have a concept of what a frontier is. Such will be the case in China, err, scratch that, Hong Kong I mean. Don't want to say anything about the rest of that country since we'll find out soon enough about that. But Grizzly Trail will be HKDL's own unique representation of it. Again, I think the problem is the artwork. If they'd presented a design by Sam McKim then most Disney fans would have been relieved, but they've chosen to go with this simplistic, cartoon look for the presentation. Just so you know, this is not the look of the final land, but simply an artistic mock-up. Now this isn't the end of this land (only the first phase). If you look down below it on that map you'll notice a large swath of land still for construction. That part is reserved for an expanded Grizzly trail or should plans change, a Critter Country or something else. Nothing permanent has been approved, and plans/designs are always fluid, but that area is set aside based on how things happen and how attendance picks up. Or not... but I have a feeling that this plan which gets started next year and gets finished late 2014/early 2015 will make many more locals come to see what a Disney park can offer.

Of course, when it's all done, there'll most likely be competition from the mainland to deal with. But that competition will be quite a bit different than HKDL and it'll also have to be in a much later post...

The Middle Kingdom Grows...

Here's the start of something...



A few pieces of preliminary artwork has been put out...

I'll be happier when they release better artwork for this.
Hurry please.





Grizzly Trail
Grizzly Gulch, Frontier Gold-Mining Town

The path along Grizzly Trail offers high-spirited frontier fun in an abandoned mining town called Grizzly Gulch, set amidst mountains and woods. The town was founded August 8, 1888 – the luckiest day of the luckiest month of the luckiest year – by prospectors looking to discover gold. Bears have now started causing havoc at the Big Grizzly Mountain Mining Company.

Key Technology and Creative Elements
• Guests visiting Grizzly Gulch are part of the action, experiencing hands-on water features, massive geysers and various leaking structures in the abandoned town.
• Life-size Audio-Animatronic® bears set the story in motion on Big Grizzly Mountain Coaster, an adventure aboard a runaway mine train through town. Guests careen backward down an incline that propels them through twists and turns, before a launch sequence “blasts” the mine train out of the mountain.
• A Wild West stagecoach, an old time Jail House, and the world’s largest nugget of gold provide fun photo opportunities.
• Guests can relax with a Wild West refreshment at the old Saloon or shop for mining supplies and souvenirs at the Bear Necessities merchandise stand.

Mystic Point

Mystic Point is the site of mysterious forces and supernatural events in the heart of a dense, uncharted rain forest.

In Mystic Manor, home to an eccentric world traveler and adventurer and his collection of exotic international artifacts, strange things are afoot as an enchanted music box releases its magical powers, thanks to a mischievous monkey.

Key Technology and Creative Elements
• Inside Mystic Manor, a trackless ride system enables vehicles to move “freely” about the attraction as the story unfolds. Audio-Animatronic® figures and special visual and audio effects help tell the story of mystical phenomena.
• Within Mystic Point lies a beautiful garden full of relics and mythological figures, where guests discover a hidden world of illusions and mysteries that trick the eye.
• Guests can dine at the Adventurer’s Club amid a vast collection of unusual artifacts from around the world or purchase exclusive curiosities and collectibles at the Archive Shop.

Toy Story© Land
Disney·Pixar-themed Play Area for Kids of All Ages

Andy, the young boy from the Disney·Pixar Toy Story films, has left his toys unattended in this immersive and highly themed environment, based on one of Disney·Pixar’s most popular film series. While Andy is away, the toys come to life and play...and Guests are invited to join!

Key Technology and Creative Elements
• Oversized outdoor rides and photo opportunities allow Guests to experience the different perceptions of scale, and shrink to the size of a toy.
• One attraction includes a shuttle coaster which propels Guests along a U-shaped style track.
• A drop-style parachute attraction lets Guests join a “training mission,” plunging from a 25m tall tower.
• Guests will enjoy fun, immersive and interactive environments with life-size toys.
• A themed food kiosk provides a barrel of fun snacks and refreshments and Guests can shop for Toy Story inspired collectibles at the merchandise location.

Commentary to follow a little later...

An Addendum From The Mouse...

From Disney, an acknowledgment, but no details...

This rather limp, vague press release was issued just a short while ago.

BURBANK, Calif. (June 30, 2009) The following statement can be attributed to Leslie Goodman, Executive Vice President for Worldwide Public Affairs, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, regarding the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland.

"After more than two years of negotiations, Disney is pleased that the two shareholders have reached an agreement on the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland that will benefit both parties. The expansion deal will contribute to Hong Kong’s appeal as an international, family-friendly tourist destination and the resort’s long-term success,” said Leslie Goodman, Executive Vice President for Worldwide Public Affairs, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Disney is making a substantial investment in this important project and we are eager to begin work as soon as the necessary approvals are received."

Expect more to follow...