Hong Kong Disneyland Officially Opens Its Doors to the World
Submitted by Publisher on Mon, 09/12/2005 - 17:11.
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12/31/1969 - 17:00
Hong Kong Disneyland Officially Opens Its Doors to the World
On Monday, September 12, Hong Kong Disneyland opens its doors for the first time -- becoming the 11th theme park in the Walt Disney Company family. Chinese dignitaries including Donald Tsang, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, will join Michael Eisner, Disney's Chief Executive Officer and Bob Iger, President and CEO-elect of The Walt Disney Company, on stage for this remarkable ceremony.The ceremony will include a Chinese tradition of dotting the lion's eye -- symbolizing a "new life" as Hong Kong Disneyland officially opens to the public. The Grand Opening ceremony will be staged in front of the beautiful Sleeping Beauty Castle beneath the majestic mountains of Lantau Island and honor both Chinese and Disney traditions. Rich in Chinese culture and style, the Grand Opening events will also include entertainer Jacky Cheung along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
At 1:00pm on Monday, the gates will open to the public for the first time at Hong Kong Disneyland. The day is expected to draw guests from around the world to come be part of this historic moment. The enchantment of the Disneyland experience becomes a reality for Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland has the classic Disneyland design mixed with elements that show respect for local tradition and culture.
A joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong SAR Government, the Vacation Kingdom will employ 5,000 cast members. The HKSAR Government estimated the first phase of the project will generate a present economic value of HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) in benefits to Hong Kong over a 40-year period.
Source: Hong Kong Disneyland
