Bob Iger and Michael Eisner oversee construction on Hong Kong Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Photos © Disney
Well, Communism has finally been conquered. Or, at least,
it's near its end. Why? Because its last stronghold has
just come face-to-face with the most rampant force of
consumerism on the planet....Disneyland.
Hong Kong Disneyland debuted to a crowd of 16,000 visitors,
at least a third of these were from mainland China. Food,
attractions, merchandise and Mickey Mouse ears were in
abundance everywhere, tempting the cash out of visitors'
pockets.
The park cost $3 billion to launch, but is expected to earn
$19 billion over its lifetime. And most of that money is
expected to come from China. Take that you Commies!
They have been running into a few snags, however. There has
been a bit of a culture clash with the Western operated
theme park and the habits of its Eastern patrons. For
example, letting toddlers urinate wherever and whenever
they feel the need is a common practice in many areas
of China. But park management frowns on three-year-olds
dropping trow and tinkling in flower beds while folks are
lining up in front of the tilt-a-whirl.
Plus, most folks do not get the concept of no smoking areas
and tend to light up anyplace they choose, restaurants,
wherever.
But Disneyworld management is confident that these are
problems which will be overcome and huge bags full of cash
will soon be made. Let's hope so. It would be a shame if
Mickey Mouse became Comrade Mouse.
