Year of the Ox celebrated in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year arrived early at Hong Kong Disneyland as the park launched its Mickey Celebrates the Year of the Ox event on January 15. Centred around the themes of luck, energy and unity, the celebration is due to run until February 8. The Chinese year 4047 started officially on January 26.
“To welcome the auspicious Year of the Ox, the resort has combined Chinese traditions with the creativity, imagination and innovation of Disney to create a captivating celebration,” reports Maple Lee, vice-president of marketing for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
*The Shenzhen Daily reports that Walt Disney is negotiating with the Hong Kong government to expand Hong Kong Disneyland by about one-third of its current size. Since its opening in September 2005, the park has suffered lower attendance than expected and complaints, quite valid, that it is too small.
It is believed Disney itself would inject the cash needed, which may reduce slightly the government’s majority share. Construction is estimated at two to three years.
Recently the park stepped up its marketing effort in major southern Chinese cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and this appears to be paying dividends: “In the past two months, we have seen double-digit increases in attendance,” reports Hong Kong Disneyland managing director, Andrew Kam.
