Hong Kong Disneyland Lowers Number of Opening Day Tickets
Associated Press
June 23, 2005; Page D4
HONG KONG -- Hong Kong Disneyland will sell only 12,000 tickets for its opening day, with the majority sold online through the theme park's Web site, Disney executives said.
Earlier, Hong Kong officials said at another media event that the theme park was expected to draw its daily maximum of 30,000 visitors when it opens on Sept. 12. But the park's group managing director, Don Robinson, said it will be closed to the public that morning for private events.
The theme park, built on reclaimed land on the outlying Lantau island, is a joint venture between Walt Disney Co. and the Hong Kong government. Officials have said the park will boost employment and tourism. Hong Kong taxpayers are footing the bulk of the $3.5 billion construction bill.
Guests will be able to access the park via a two-mile dedicated rail line that links with Hong Kong's subway, bus and road transport routes.
The line will be opened in phases starting in August, a government statement said.
Officials also are considering setting up signs near mainland border checkpoints showing ticket availability for the park.
Simon Peh, assistant director at the Immigration Department, said some of the immigration lines at the Lo Wu border that handle rail and bus passengers from the mainland will be reserved exclusively for Chinese Disneyland tour groups.
Mr. Peh said a third of the park's guests are expected to come from the mainland.
Tickets go on sale from July 1 on the park's Web site, which is expected to account for at least 70% of all sales.
Telephone bookings will be accepted only from guests staying at the two Disney hotels in Hong Kong and for groups of 25 or more, Mr. Robinson said. The remaining tickets will be sold through travel agents and at the park's ticketing booths.
Copyright © 2005 Associated Press
Associated Press
June 23, 2005; Page D4
HONG KONG -- Hong Kong Disneyland will sell only 12,000 tickets for its opening day, with the majority sold online through the theme park's Web site, Disney executives said.
Earlier, Hong Kong officials said at another media event that the theme park was expected to draw its daily maximum of 30,000 visitors when it opens on Sept. 12. But the park's group managing director, Don Robinson, said it will be closed to the public that morning for private events.
The theme park, built on reclaimed land on the outlying Lantau island, is a joint venture between Walt Disney Co. and the Hong Kong government. Officials have said the park will boost employment and tourism. Hong Kong taxpayers are footing the bulk of the $3.5 billion construction bill.
Guests will be able to access the park via a two-mile dedicated rail line that links with Hong Kong's subway, bus and road transport routes.
The line will be opened in phases starting in August, a government statement said.
Officials also are considering setting up signs near mainland border checkpoints showing ticket availability for the park.
Simon Peh, assistant director at the Immigration Department, said some of the immigration lines at the Lo Wu border that handle rail and bus passengers from the mainland will be reserved exclusively for Chinese Disneyland tour groups.
Mr. Peh said a third of the park's guests are expected to come from the mainland.
Tickets go on sale from July 1 on the park's Web site, which is expected to account for at least 70% of all sales.
Telephone bookings will be accepted only from guests staying at the two Disney hotels in Hong Kong and for groups of 25 or more, Mr. Robinson said. The remaining tickets will be sold through travel agents and at the park's ticketing booths.
Copyright © 2005 Associated Press