The Battle of the Disneylands

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In one of my old post dated January 18, 2009, I mentioned that Shanghai Disneyland, scheduled to open in 2013, could spell the doom of its counterpart in Hong Kong. The battle of the two theme parks highlights the infighting character so common among Chinese.

Then, on March 17, BusinessWeek Online also publish an article with the title Hong Kong Disneyland’s Future Is in Danger. According to this article, the Shanghai park could be as large as 800 hectares. By comparison, Hong Kong Disneyland is just 126 hectares, though it can still expand.

Shanghai Disneyland could kill Hong Kong Disneyland, but is the success of the former guaranteed? Some readers of the BusinessWeek article have already expressed their doubt. A reader who went by the nickname PaPaPeng, for example, wrote:

I have visited both Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney World in Orlando. Both are showing their age in attractions and in rides. As Chinese I don't see this Americana transplant taking root and thriving in China. Chinese are suckers for modern technology and thrills but not for the overhyped stuff dressed in Mickey Mouse suits.

Another reader, Chenleilili, wrote:

I am Shanghai citizen. I do not agree that Shanghai government would make concession for the building of Diseney park in Shanghai as done by HK government. In the past, almost all of the theme park imported from abroad failed to survive in Shanghai.

There is a possibility that Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Walt Disney all turn out to be losers in the Battle of the Disneylands / Battle of the Chinese.

Related posts:
Shanghai Disneyland - Bad News for Hong Kong?

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