Beijing, Disney and the Democrats

The Washington Times ^ | September 13, 2005 | Kathleen Wang

[NYer]

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong was all smiles at the grand opening of the new Hong Kong Disneyland offering the central government's official blessing.

Against the fairytale backdrop of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the Communist Party official and guest of honor stood Monday alongside Disney executives Michael Eisner and Bob Iger to cut the red ribbon officially opening the $3 billion theme park.

[NYer]

A child plays at Hong Kong Disneyland as celebrating the grand opening in Hong Kong Monday, Sept. 12, 2005. It is Disney's first-ever vacation resort in China. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Visitors pose for a photo in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Hong Kong Disneyland as it celebrates the grand opening in Hong Kong Monday evening, Sept. 12, 2005. It is Disney's first-ever vacation resort in China. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

[2banana]

How is "It is a small gulag after all" ride?

[Moral Hazard]

Hong Kong Disneyland is very lacking in attractions. The complete list:

* Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad
* Jungle River Cruise
* Tarzan's Treehouse
* "Festival of the Lion King"
* Mickey's PhilharMagic
* Cinderella Carousel
* The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
* Dumbo the Flying Elephant
* Fantasy Gardens
* Mad Hatter Tea Cups
* "The Golden Mickeys"
* Space Mountain
* Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
* Orbitron

"Although the ticket is the cheapest among all Disney theme parks, there are only 22 entertainment items in the Hong Kong Disneyland, comparing to 44 in each of the theme park of Paris, 45 in Tokyo and Florida, and 65 in California."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Disneyland

[TXBSAFH]

Also they did economize the cheap plastic crap trinkets made in third world sweatshops that the mousehouse sells to visitors. They now have the sweatshops located on site. Less shipping costs.

[steel_resolve]

Reading this article yesterday, I came across this quote from M. Eisner:
Michael Eisner, Disney's chief executive officer, said China and Disneyland will be a perfect match because they both value families.
Since when does China care about anything else than conquest? Oh, and forced abortions, and the preference of boys over girls in Chinese society? HELLO!?! Family-centric? I don;t think so...Gimmie a break Mike...

[TexanToTheCore]

I wonder how much this theme park will lose?

[Freedom_Fighter_2001]

Only one child per family, please...

[tumblindice]

For some reason, visitors are skipping 'Lion King World'.
Mebbe it's their 'Braying Capitalist Hyena Re-education Center'?

[ponder life]

Hey, awesome article. It's amazing how the Chinese are embracing American culture.