The Troubled History of Hong Kong Disneyland

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  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2018
  • “To all who come to this happy place, welcome... Today that spirit of imagination and discovery comes to life in Hong Kong."
    Today ReviewTyme will explore the troubled history of Hong Kong Disneyland located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Regarded as the smallest Disney resort in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland holds an immense amount of potential. Potential which was merely untapped in it's construction.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 253

  • @ReviewTyme
    @ReviewTyme  5 років тому +10

    We've launched an official Facebook group & community for those interested in furthering the Theme Park discussion - facebook.com/groups/reviewtyme/

    • @shanegrayson2507
      @shanegrayson2507 3 роки тому

      A trick : watch movies at Kaldrostream. I've been using them for watching lots of of movies lately.

    • @joejermaine9
      @joejermaine9 3 роки тому

      @Shane Grayson Yea, been using kaldrostream for since december myself =)

  • @bluemilk4909
    @bluemilk4909 4 роки тому +27

    I grew up in Hong Kong and I went there almost every year.
    It’s basically “The Land of Magic” (I thought of it like that as a kid.)
    It’s amazing how the MTR has its own tiny line for Disney Land itself. (Meaning that getting to the park itself was extremely easy + it had its own custom Disney Mickey themed train)
    The theme park itself reflected on Chinese culture.
    The 4 main lands are small, but it still feels as magical as the other Disney parks.
    It will always remain my favorite park from Disney
    AND It’s getting a new castle and new ride soon! How exciting :D
    +
    I have been to Shanghai Disney before, but I like HKDL more :)

  • @docdoc2011
    @docdoc2011 4 роки тому +55

    7:20
    2018: "But Luckily, Hong Kong pulled through"
    2019: LOL ya, about that...

    • @oranamusementclub8838
      @oranamusementclub8838 4 роки тому +7

      2020: Should I tell them?

    • @sammagic1115
      @sammagic1115 4 роки тому +3

      2020: “Buckel up cowboy, it’s ab to get worse.”

    • @Emplordxiii
      @Emplordxiii 3 роки тому +2

      @brucegoldberg1215 they already lost a vast amount of empty land, thus the chances of a second gate are now gone.

    • @nex5691
      @nex5691 2 роки тому

      2019: freehonkong #cancelactiblizz

    • @xavierkrantz1098
      @xavierkrantz1098 3 місяці тому +1

      @@Emplordxiii 2024: IM BACK BABY

  • @KyokujiFGC
    @KyokujiFGC 3 роки тому +36

    The problems with this park can basically be summed up with: "It wasn't their money, so they didn't really care".

  • @pjhittesdorf8074
    @pjhittesdorf8074 5 років тому +152

    Its getting a well deserved upgrade....and it has Mystic Manor, that ride alone is worth the trip

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому +16

      We love Mystic Manor and think it's worth a trip to the park just for that ride! The future of the park looks so bright with all the upcoming expansions, we are looking forward to seeing what comes of this Park after it's troubled beginnings! - Luke

    • @annacheng6574
      @annacheng6574 5 років тому +2

      Yes!!! Mystic Manor is my favourite!!

    • @spunchbop47428
      @spunchbop47428 5 років тому

      And HKDL Has Disney Characters in its a small world

    • @SaurabhUdhani
      @SaurabhUdhani 4 роки тому

      In which year was Mystic Manor established? (I managed to go to the park for a day in 2017-end)

    • @fingo_kiu
      @fingo_kiu 3 роки тому +1

      @@SaurabhUdhani it opened in 2013

  • @jakekuhl1
    @jakekuhl1 6 років тому +71

    This was amazingly done I felt like I was actually watching a history channel documentary!

  • @dynasty0019
    @dynasty0019 6 років тому +174

    Sigh, so many lost opportunities happened in the late 90's and early 2000's for Disney. Michael Eisner was truly the embodiment of "you either die a hero, or live no enough to see yourself become the villain." It got so bad that he called Diane Disney Miller (Walt's daughter) on the phone hoping he can get her endorsement when Disney shareholders were preparing to oust him, but she simply told him, "I'm Sorry Michael, but it's time for you to go." Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios, and Disney's California Adventure left a tarnished legacy to the Disney brand which the Walt Disney Company is still correcting to this day. DCA has just starting to right itself while HKDL and WDS recently announced multi-billion dollar expansion plans. The future is looking bright, but let's not forget the sourness of the past that made us appreciate the sweetness of the present and future.

    • @TheGraduate702
      @TheGraduate702 5 років тому

      SoCal Transportation Spotter what about Animal Kingdom ?

    • @axelpatrickb.pingol3228
      @axelpatrickb.pingol3228 5 років тому

      Don't forget Disneyland Paris - unlike HKDL (which is majority owned by the HK government), that park was the true money sink for Disney after 25 yars of operation...

    • @JKalama25799752
      @JKalama25799752 5 років тому +4

      Ohlourdes Padua Disney didn’t own Paris either, Disney sold its shares to investors and a Saudi Prince. They’ve only just bought back 90% of the resorts shares from the Prince and these investors. This is why there’s so much investment all of a sudden, that’s why almost every part of Disneyland Paris has been refurbished and renovated over the past 2 years and expansions are being announce for WDS, because Disney finally has the rights to make these decisions once again after 20 years. The other share holders never did any of these things because they couldn’t be bothered.

    • @littlebookbin
      @littlebookbin 5 років тому +4

      For all the bad he did, he’s done a ton of good for the company. He was a risk taker, whereas Iger is just way too safe. Disney needs a middle ground.

    • @hiridavidfeign
      @hiridavidfeign 5 років тому

      I'll never forget how depressing the company's attitude toward the Disney parks seemed in the late nineties. It's true that Eisner played a part in saving Disney, and he deserves great credit for that, but Frank Wells was also responsible and rarely gets his due. Eisner wanted to close down animation before Little Mermaid. His only instincts were in making things bigger. And don't forget SaveDisney.com, Roy Disney's site, dedicated to fighting Eisner's trashing of the company near the end of his reign of terror. When Eisner did go, he stripped the company of its assets and took his filthy lucre.
      Iger, on the other hand, has shown that he understands what the Disney experience is supposed to be about, and all the new park additions are genuinely historic. He's solidified his place as a leader and not just the next Eisner.
      I love that HKDL was and is a smaller park. There's no question that Disney Sea is impressive, but it's so massive and seems to have none of the intimate quiet places that makes some of the other parks so special. What makes the original Disneyland so magical for me is its miniature qualities, which only HKDL has fully preserved, while opening up the spaces with more walkways. All in all it's turned into a very lovely place, especially with the gorgeous mountains surrounding the park. I'm heartbroken over what they're doing to the castle though. What the...?

  • @chokitw
    @chokitw 6 років тому +63

    What a brilliant documentary. I love Hong Kong Disneyland, and have convinced plenty of friends & friends from near and far to get their Annual Pass. Despite all the criticism and people comparing it to Ocean Park, Disneyland is one of a kind, yes it's the smallest, but there's nowhere else out there where the Disney experience starts at a metro (MTR) station, with the dedicated Resort Line. From the bustling and ever so crowded city of Hong Kong, Disneyland creates the place for the people to truly unwind, and experience or to Disney's virtue, to dream & believer in magic.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  6 років тому

      We couldn't have said it better ourselves! It really is an amazing park that may have had a rough history but is well on it's way to being one of the top Disney Parks, especially for a Disney first timer!

    • @craftpaint1644
      @craftpaint1644 5 років тому

      I road that long skyway of birdcages. And the escalators, I didn't know they were the longest in the world.

  • @jermlai1784
    @jermlai1784 5 років тому +53

    This hurts me so much seeing what could've happened to he park in the late 90's. Being a fan of the Disneyland park and being a local in Hong Kong i would've loved to see their original idea of the park right in front of my eyes and being able to experience each attraction. But great documentary overall! Please make one of the second park! Would be interesting to know the plans of it and to see what lies ahead for Hong Kong Disneyland.

    • @ayeshanoor4583
      @ayeshanoor4583 5 років тому

      Same

    • @eduardoho5637
      @eduardoho5637 3 роки тому +2

      Instead of just another Toontown replica, HKDL could include a Disney Afternoon/Channel/XD-themed land named Cartoon Island which would be based not just on classic Disney cartoons and comics but also Disney TV Animation material such as DuckTales, Darkwing Duck, Chip n Dale the Rescue Rangers, TaleSpin, Kim Possible, Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, Star vs. The Forces of Evil, Wander Over Yonder, Kick Buttowski, Amphibia, The Owl House and Big City Greens. That would be a perfect vehicle for Dipper/Mabel, Star Butterfly, Anne Boonchuy and the Plantars, Luz/Eda/King, Wander/Sylvia, Kick/Gunther/Jackie/Kendall and the Green family meet-and-greets at any Disney theme park. Seriously, IMOHO, these characters could give HKDL some more edge of its own because none of the other Disney parks ever give any kind of love to them as much as they used to give in the past (Darkwing Duck, Kim Possible, Phineas and Ferb) or not at all (Gravity Falls, Star vs. The Forces of Evil, Amphibia, The Owl House, Big City Greens, Wander Over Yonder and Kick Buttowski.
      As for a second Disney theme park in Hong Kong, I think it could be Disney's Hong Kong Studios which could differentiate itself from its sister locations in Orlando and Paris by seamlessly blending Tokyo DisneySea, which is one of the best Disney theme parks of the world, with the Hollywoodland from Anaheim complete with their own modernized Great Movie Ride consisting of both Disney/Marvel/Lucasfilm/20th Century Studios movies and Hong Kong martial arts masterpieces like Crouching Tiger & Hidden Dragon and the Jackie Chan movies. Add several functional movie soundstages to rival Wanda's Oriental Movie Metropolis in Qingdao and create a tram tour attraction out of them. They would be a perfect location to shoot both Disney and non-Disney stuff. Also, there could be Pixar's Hong Kong satellite animation studio tasked to produce short films and contract work for their main Emeryville headquarters. That studio would be a joint venture between Disney/Pixar and Jade Animation and would also serve as a theme park attraction similar to the defunct Disney Animation ride in Orlando. This park could be a perfect vehicle for any 20th Century Studios franchises such as The Simpsons, (James Cameron's) Avatar, Titanic, Die Hard, Planet of the Apes, Ice Age, Horton Hears a Who! and The Peanuts Movie. It could also host Sesame Street characters and rides because, seriously, we would like to see Kermit the Frog and friends and the Sesame gang together again...in a Disney movie or TV special. Consequently, Disney's Hong Kong Studios could easily follow the footsteps of the original Disney-MGM Studios by having characters they never own and whose theme park rights are not owned by Universal Studios on certain countries. Oh, I almost forgot The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror! The Hong Kong version could be a combination of its original Florida incarnation (its facade and the Fifth Dimension portion) with the different storylines from its Paris counterpart.
      So, what do you guys think of my own ideas for HKDL? Please, gimme comments!

    • @cherylmaden5989
      @cherylmaden5989 Рік тому

      @@eduardoho5637 I would travel to China just to see a star and Marco pony head attraction! And I'm Floridian!

  • @charlesreed5506
    @charlesreed5506 5 років тому +8

    I visited the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in November 2005, despite it just having a bare bones park in its opening year it was still pretty fantastic. We were able to ride everything plus take photos with Mickey without waiting in long lines

  • @isaacng123456789
    @isaacng123456789 5 років тому +15

    I grew up in HK. When I visited Disneyland in LA, I was kinda jealous that people living in LA could get an annual pass and go to disney very often. And then I realized I could too, but HK disney is just so underwhelming and overshadowed by Tokyo Disney. HK disney is known to be small, while Tokyo is known for its magic and attention to detail. HK disney just does not provide that sense of "I'm in Disney, I don't have to worry about everything else." I might as well go to Tokyo Disney if I had to choose between the two since people in HK go to Japan every every every every every often.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому +4

      I think Disney finally realised Hong Kong needs more original exclusive attractions to become the International destination it deserves to be, whilst I don't think it will ever be as good at the Tokyo Disney Resort, I feel when all the upcoming changes are complete it will still be an amazing Disney park. Also, I'm incredibly jealous of you getting to visit Tokyo Disney so often! - Luke

    • @supertouring1
      @supertouring1 5 років тому +2

      @@ReviewTyme Not just HKD, but all Disney themeparks worldwide, will be getting some unique attractions that will then encourage people to visit the other disney parks elsewhere in the world. It makes senses to do that as opposed to having 100% identical cookie cutter themeparks

  • @angybattery
    @angybattery 2 роки тому +2

    I think Hong Kong Disneyland is getting better. With new rides and new updates currently on the way. I remember there actually being Disney Merch in the airport. Maybe there isn't any more but I still remember there being.

  • @antifagoat6591
    @antifagoat6591 5 років тому +6

    I wondered, once I started really getting into Disney history, why I had never heard of Hong Kong Disneyland when it had been around for so long. This video helps clarify that. Thanks for making this. :)

  • @rossgilbertson1938
    @rossgilbertson1938 6 років тому +15

    Really enjoyed this video. Never knew there were bigger original plans for this park.

  • @aaronsarchive82
    @aaronsarchive82 6 років тому +13

    Excellent video. Very throughly researched and professionally made.

  • @itzjoshh93
    @itzjoshh93 6 років тому +4

    I really enjoyed this video. Can't wait for more, keep up the good work! Definitely subscribing!

  • @danieladams9673
    @danieladams9673 3 роки тому

    This video was absolutely fantastic! The in depth details are the videos I look for on the daily. Love this channel man!

  • @jonsmith6496
    @jonsmith6496 5 років тому +3

    Great video! Thanks for the content!

  • @azzahrah1000
    @azzahrah1000 6 років тому +4

    Very nicely donee! The music, tone, even your voice is just right for this documentary.
    I wish that you guys could do more videos like this. Is there any plans on doing “why tokyo disneyland is better?”

  • @charlesreed5506
    @charlesreed5506 5 років тому

    Awesome work! I truly enjoyed this! Very well put together! 5 Stars

  • @sunnyling6822
    @sunnyling6822 5 років тому +4

    This is really interesting. As a Hongkonger, thank you for making this video!

  • @danielson371
    @danielson371 6 років тому +61

    I love Hong Kong Disneyland. They are slowly expanding and will soon build frozen land.

    • @MattMcIrvin
      @MattMcIrvin 5 років тому +6

      It's going to be the first Disney park to get a Marvel land, which is pretty cool.

    • @ChristopherSobieniak
      @ChristopherSobieniak 5 років тому +1

      @@MattMcIrvin Well they have something to be thankful for, at least it's not going elsewhere like Shanghai.

  • @D3Z112
    @D3Z112 5 років тому +7

    I've been to Hong Kong Disneyland several times and it has got number of new rides which include Mystic Manor and Iron Man Experience. However it is getting several new attractions such as a ride based on Marvel's Ant-Man & The Wasp and hopefully it can get HK Dinseyland back on track.

  • @craigfeldman
    @craigfeldman 6 років тому

    This is an excellent video, well done!

  • @NotCroutons
    @NotCroutons 5 років тому +1

    This is one of the best theme park videos I've ever watched.

  • @TheParkLifeKid
    @TheParkLifeKid 6 років тому +7

    Just subscribed!
    Hong Kong Disney has always interested me and I can't wait to visit it this summer!

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  6 років тому

      Thanks! We hope you enjoy your trip, it really is the hidden gem of Disney parks right now and it's only going to get better! We look forward to your trip reports from the resort!

    • @thebadmedic89
      @thebadmedic89 5 років тому

      Did you also visit ocean park?

  • @richarddavis4954
    @richarddavis4954 5 років тому

    Great work as usual

  • @j.gatsbyzmith5136
    @j.gatsbyzmith5136 6 років тому +9

    Great video and detailed history. I also am neutral on Eisner and and still amazed what he, Wells, and Katz did those first 10 years. I wonder, even though he left for GAP by 2002, how much influence and resulting minimalism Pressler had on the Hong Kong designs.
    I used to view HK as a lost opportunity, but now realize it likely help Disney, under Iger, go grander for Shanghai Disneyland

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  6 років тому

      Yeah we definitely thing Disney learnt their lessons around opening parks during this period, it's just a shame we had to get so many lackluster things for them to learn that.

  • @mrblackburn7028
    @mrblackburn7028 6 років тому +1

    Marvellous video

  • @rolensmash
    @rolensmash 4 роки тому

    Just stumbled on your channel today! Your videos are well scripted and edited, super informative, and of course, entertaining. Dropped a sub, thanks for the great content!

  • @edwardmenjivar7278
    @edwardmenjivar7278 6 років тому

    Great video, well done! I feel as though I am watching a bbc documentary. Keep up the good work, I look forward to watching your future videos!👍 Just subscribed.

  • @masakmerah
    @masakmerah 4 роки тому

    I LOVE HKD!!! went in 2015 and enjoyed it greatly! Recently visited Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea......WWAAYYYY OVERCROWDED!! in Hong Kong, we managed to take our time and not worry about queue times. And also, the night parade and fireworks were INCREDIBLE!!!!

  • @TheMakkieStation
    @TheMakkieStation 6 років тому

    I love this!

  • @Joypyf
    @Joypyf 4 роки тому

    Newer here and I’m really enjoying your videos!!! 😊👍🏼

  • @OfficialRuben187
    @OfficialRuben187 5 років тому +1

    this is an awesome documentary. please do more because these are amazing :)

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому +1

      Keep your eyes open we may have some more Documentary’s in the works!

    • @OfficialRuben187
      @OfficialRuben187 5 років тому

      ReviewTyme And what can we expect? More disney or other themeparks? Im curious 😬

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому +1

      Ruben Maes We have a bit of both coming, some Disney, some other company’s. Our next Disney one is a big one and should be out by the end of the year!

  • @jsl8461
    @jsl8461 5 років тому +3

    Your video is awesome, I really appreciate such a well-produced and informative history of this wonderful park. Now that it has a couple of expansions, and seasonal events every year, I think the park is a lot better than locals give it credit for. I hope it becomes profitable, and I can't wait to see what it will look like 5 years from now.
    The expansions are huge improvements on the park. Grizzly Mountain and Iron Man Experience are top notch rides with wonderful story-telling and world building in the pre-show / surrounding areas. They really did a good job on the details for those two rides. Mystic Manor is decent too, I like it better than Haunted Mansion, but I think the volume of the sound systems is a bit too loud -- if this is intended for all ages, they need to lower the volume for the sake of kids.
    The parades and shows are quite good, especially the Lion King Festival. The Golden Mickeys wasn't very popular when it was around, but during its last week of performances, the fans showed up in droves to show their support. The theater was packed, the troupe performed with unusual skill and passion, and fans were crying -- I was surprised at how emotional and heartfelt the send-off was. I wasn't really a fan of the show, but it was truly magical watching some of those final performances.
    From the perspective of a parent, HK Disneyland's number one selling point is that the lines are all fairly short. Even on the weekends, there are no long multi-hour waits for any ride, unlike Shanghai Disnelyand, Tokyo Disneyland / Sea, or Magic Kingdom in Disneyworld. The majority of the waits are 30 minutes max, even when the park is packed, and after going for 6+ years, I don't think I've ever waited more than 50 minutes, ever. The details, story-telling, and service staff's performances don't compare to say, Tokyo Disneysea (the service staff here deserves special mention) or Disney World, but with kids around, I'm willing to sacrifice some of that for not having to wait 90 minutes in line!

  • @RubenRuizJr
    @RubenRuizJr 5 років тому +1

    Awesome video! Thank you so much!
    I wonder how Shanghai is affecting this park now. I still want to go to Hong Kong Disney one day.

  • @Nabhan82
    @Nabhan82 6 років тому

    I'm from Oman and I've visited Hong Kong Disneyland twice so far (The last time being December 2017) and absolutely loved both experiences, and I have to say that I probably would have never been to Hong Kong if it wasn't for the Disney Park so it is doing it's job in generating tourism. It's not as magical as the other parks in Asia (Shanghai and Tokyo) or even Disneyland Paris, but it's charming in it's own way and features some beautifully unique attractions such as Mystic Manor and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. I look forward to visiting again once the new castle is complete.

  • @andrewdubose9968
    @andrewdubose9968 3 роки тому +1

    I went in summer of 2018. Not the biggest park, but wasn't crowded at all. Was actually really nice and intimate. Plus Mystic Manor is fantastic.

  • @FloppyTaco
    @FloppyTaco 5 років тому +2

    This was such a fantastic video, I'm so glad UA-cam recommended it to me, and I cant wait to see more content from you. I am now gonna watch all your videos in a binge session.

  • @terrycarroll823
    @terrycarroll823 5 років тому

    Fantastic video! I visited HKDL in 2017 and was shocked at how lacklustre this park was (compared to other Disney resorts). I doubt this resort will see a “downtown Disney” or second gate anytime in the next couple of decades.

  • @brycevo
    @brycevo 3 роки тому +1

    I'm glad it's getting some upgrades and updates. I hope they can get a second park

  • @rickfeng4466
    @rickfeng4466 5 років тому +29

    14:41 No, man wearing green hat means his wife is cheating on him. You had it backwards.

    • @MattMcIrvin
      @MattMcIrvin 5 років тому +1

      So, like the "horns" in traditional English slang...

  • @beaglelad
    @beaglelad 5 років тому +3

    That was excellent and something completely different that other theme park channels would not bother to cover. Thank you🙂🙂🤗

  • @xlc88
    @xlc88 5 років тому +2

    When I visited Hong Kong, I honestly loved HK Disneyland more than Ocean Park. I thought it had better operations and it was more enjoyable to walk around (more flat land). HKD also resembles more of California's Disneyland (which I love more than Disney World). Things do not need to be big and grand to be amazing. Yes the park should expand but with the Marvel land and Frozen land in the works, I think HKD will be okay.

  • @Parkhopper1985
    @Parkhopper1985 4 роки тому

    Great video

  • @jasimrandhailwal9084
    @jasimrandhailwal9084 5 років тому +3

    I got a Hong Kong Disneyland add on this 😂😂

  • @aussiesorcerer791
    @aussiesorcerer791 6 років тому +3

    Bruhhh this needs more views holy cow

  • @mindyschocolate
    @mindyschocolate 5 років тому

    I visited Hong Kong Disneyland about 10 years ago. I remember that park being minuscule, with no major rides. Was able to get through the park in one day. Glad to see it expanding.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      It really has matured into a great park since then and is getting better and better with each new expansion, anytime in the coming years once the new Castle is done would be a great time to give this park a second chance! - Luke

  • @themeparkreel
    @themeparkreel 6 років тому

    i never knew Hong Kong Disneyland also had major problems! despite it's issues it looks like a lovely park and their Big Grizzly Mountain ride looks AMAZING it looks way better than Big Thunder!

  • @Jite77
    @Jite77 4 роки тому +1

    Great video! Very interesting, just... Michael Eisner decide it was best to step down? Lol he was kicked out

  • @onceuponamouse8580
    @onceuponamouse8580 5 років тому +2

    Your speech about Disneyland Paris is true, but today, we know that Euro Disney is the first entertainment destination in Europe!

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      It's amazing how far that park has come and with all the announced upgrades coming to the resort since the full Disney takeover I think we are in an exciting time for the Disneyland Paris Resort!

  • @coreym162
    @coreym162 5 років тому +2

    Hong Kong is such a great place with great people. It's a shame that Disney was done so wrong initially

  • @Thomas-lk5cu
    @Thomas-lk5cu 5 років тому

    I visited last year during low season, and it was actually crowded and quite nice. I see a lot of potential here.

  • @jrob5465
    @jrob5465 5 років тому +1

    Thank you for making this video. I think the history of the Asian parks in particular are not well understood to Disney fans in Western countries, so I am so happy that you created this video to show the complexities and nuances of the creation of just one of the parks.
    Hoping you make another about Tokyo and Shanghai

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words, we are glad you enjoyed it. The history of the Asian Theme Parks is so interesting to us because it's usually so different from what happens in the US-based parks. We have been looking at Tokyo lately but the history is quite hidden to us Westerners but we will keep searching so stay tuned! - Luke

    • @jrob5465
      @jrob5465 5 років тому

      @@ReviewTyme Check out the Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill. Several years ago they did an episode about the history of Tokyo Disney Resort which is a great jumping off point. There is alot of great insight.
      Keep up the good work

  • @cim888
    @cim888 5 років тому +1

    I've been to both HK and Tokyo Disneylands so I can only comment on these two in regards to Disney. Although theres no doubt that Tokyo is way bigger, nicer in general the wait times for rides are crazy. I was luckily (somewhat) to be there during the Swine Flu epidemic so it was nowhere near as busy as it should've been but most rides were still 1.5 hour - 2 hour waits. I have heard that 3-4 hours isn't unusual during peak times. Bigger, larger and more pretty for sure and really should be done over 2 days to enjoy what it has to offer. I also stayed at the Disney hotel which is quaint and totally aimed at little girls but it was a fun experience. Guests I found were mostly school kids and couples, families were there of course but they were not the majority.
    HK disneyland on the other hand was much smaller pleasant and although the wait times for rides were normally under an hour there they felt smaller and slightly underwhelming. Also there were less rides and their dining areas I found understaffed and in need of maintenance. This park can be done in a day but the walk from the Disney train to the park entrance is stupidly long. Here you'll find that families rule everywhere, prams and (often) screaming young kids surround you no matter where you go. If you have a young family then you'll feel right at home here.
    If I didn't go to Tokyo first then HK would've been just fine (especially if you have young family being smaller and the similar patrons) otherwise I wouldn't bother. Stick with Disney Sea, Disneyland and if you can universal studios (Osaka) Try if you can to buy the respective fast passes if you can afford it, wear comfortable shoes and prepare to blow a lot of $$$

  • @ghabtan1939
    @ghabtan1939 5 років тому +1

    So sad for this park, it was my Childhood disney park, and the first that I've been to. I wish that HK Disneyland will further expand together with the frozen lands, and hopefully they'll be sucessful together with the new castle. I hope that Hong Kong Disneyland wont be such a failure after all, and that It will return to its former Glory. :D

  • @hiridavidfeign
    @hiridavidfeign 6 років тому

    Excellent. Well made, informative, with salient points all around. While I agree that the general content of the park is disappointing, I love that the Main Street architecture is in the classic Disneyland scale rather than the giant size that's come to be the norm. The smaller scale to me is what makes the original such an intimate, personal-feeling treasure. Shanghai is so over the top it just feels like an exercise in despair. But HK Disneyland, with its beautiful location among the mountains, is just the right scale. I'm not looking forward to the new castle though. Thanks.

  • @KAlovesherkitties
    @KAlovesherkitties 5 років тому

    This was really good. I don't know much about Hong Kong Disneyland but was considering going while we're in Asia. Yeaaaaah after seeing this I'll just check out something else.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      It really has improved as a park since and is getting better and better with more new expansions every year and is worth a visit in our eyes. If you want to see more of what the park is like today check out our review of Hong Kong Disneyland :) - Luke ua-cam.com/video/eIhfEcHKTSk/v-deo.html

    • @MattMcIrvin
      @MattMcIrvin 5 років тому

      My wife made a (short) visit there lately and had a lot of fun--the later expansions to the park added a lot. They've got a world-class ride called Mystic Manor that's unique to Hong Kong, a Toy Story Land (more like the Paris one than the Orlando one), and a unique roller coaster called Big Grizzly Mountain that is sort of Big Thunder crossed with Expedition Everest. I think the Iron Man ride is closed at the moment because the Marvel area is expanding, but there's going to be more there, as well as a Frozen land before too long.
      Also, the crowds there are still very light, so it's relatively easy to get into everything.

  • @micycles1200
    @micycles1200 5 років тому +2

    I've never been to Hong Kong Disneyland (though, it is of course a place I would like to visit) but I never thought it had a troubled opening. To be fair, I haven't heard a lot of things about HKD. It seems like the forgotten park, or the extremely introverted younger brother. But I always thought it was a financial success, probably because it seemed like such a safe build. I hope that it does expand to have another park. It seems like the next logical place to put one, to me. Also, being that Disneyland is my home park, it would probably be the most comfortable foreign park for me

    • @supertouring1
      @supertouring1 5 років тому

      HKD has additional challenges as the majority owner is the HK gov't who also happens to be the owner of Disney's main competior-Ocean Park. Ocean park has a bit of everything--a mini Animal kingdom/aquarium/county fair/themepark. Ocean park is also significantly cheaper than Disney for a family. To originally build it/expand now, HKD (being majority gov't owned) also has to request partial funding from the treasury board, another Hk gov't dept.

    • @craftpaint1644
      @craftpaint1644 5 років тому

      Time changes things but I would have turned to them and said "On an island?! How are you going to fill the park if people have to take a ferry to it?

  • @tiffanykushner821
    @tiffanykushner821 5 років тому

    Hong Kong Disney is really enjoyable. Not all design projects start out with the most spectacular of processes. At the least, I think the Hong Kong tourism company does a good job ensuring there’s some success.

  • @fluffyyoongi
    @fluffyyoongi 5 років тому +1

    what camera do you use to film the shots in hong kong? and what filter did you use? it looks great that it shows a nice colour and expression of the local culture!!

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      Thank you for the kind words! A lot of this footage was taken back in 2015 when I lived in Hong Kong. It was taken on a Canon 600D using a stock lens. The colour grading was done in Premiere using a lut and some personal style preferences that I also use when editing photos. I’ve moved to a Sony a7 and a DJI Osmo Pocket as they’re more convenient for our work. - Dom

  • @josephbernados1649
    @josephbernados1649 5 років тому +5

    DisneySea was an exception because it was funded by The Oriental Land Company. HK Disneyland was born in the era of the original California Adventure, when the Disney company over-all was aggressively conservative with their theme park investments.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      It honestly seems that the Oriental Land Company almost has no budget restraints when you compare it to what Disney themselves are doing everywhere else in the world! - Luke

    • @stitchcastle
      @stitchcastle 5 років тому

      ReviewTyme I’m sure Disney would be much more adventurous with their investments if all the parks were as massively successful as the Tokyo resort is. It helps that the Japanese just love Tokyo Disney and that there’s a big cultural inclination to buy a lot of merchandise. Also The OLC only have the one resort to fund and reap profits from, as opposed to Disney juggling 5 other resorts.
      That being said, the OLC isn’t entirely limitless with their purse strings. That’s why they opted out of getting World of Color for DisneySea (too expensive) or why the upcoming fantasy themed port is heavily IP-based.

    • @axelpatrickb.pingol3228
      @axelpatrickb.pingol3228 5 років тому +1

      DisneySea (and by extension Tokyo Disneyland) actually spend less than any of the other Disney parks - about the 100's of millions annually. And they are far more methodological in their planning and implementation which also leads to being the only Disney Parks that made public its financial reports.

    • @josephbernados1649
      @josephbernados1649 5 років тому

      @@axelpatrickb.pingol3228 That's really interesting actually. I wonder why they spend way less? Especially considering how notorious they are for having so many special events every year.

    • @axelpatrickb.pingol3228
      @axelpatrickb.pingol3228 5 років тому +1

      @@josephbernados1649 Their planning is methodological, and gradual (emphasis on this word). Unlike the American strategy of going big and expect short-term profitability, Japanese business mindset was more on long-term sustainability; hence they plan out years-long strategies that they can spend on less.

  • @gabrielrblx838
    @gabrielrblx838 3 роки тому +2

    Disney: time to create disneyland ASIA
    Tokyo Disneyland: am i a joke to you
    Also Disney: *changes name to hong kong disneyland*

  • @Bb-jm2xl
    @Bb-jm2xl 5 років тому

    I remember Hong Kong announcing the news like it was yesterday. Been here more than Disneyland

  • @desmondboris7511
    @desmondboris7511 3 роки тому

    As a HK disneyland Magic access holder, soooo excited for the new area of frozen. Luckily Stephanie Young becomes the new CEO who bring tons of new elements into hk disneyland 🙈

  • @user-xq9lw6go1u
    @user-xq9lw6go1u 5 років тому

    Say something' about Shanghai Disneyland, PLEASE~~ I do love your voice

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      We do have plans to visit Shanghai in the future, we are just trying to figure out when we can visit. So stay tuned :) - Luke

  • @michaelgamas2399
    @michaelgamas2399 3 роки тому

    it's my first Disney park so I have no comparisons then, around 2010. In my opinion the experience is quite same with the SG's universal studios and Ocean Park. But when I went to Tokyo 2 years ago, I really felt that difference in terms of design details, overall experience and the attractions. Hopefully HK Disneyland can overcome this challenge.

  • @cuscheung8766
    @cuscheung8766 5 років тому +2

    Well apparently Disneyland Hong Kong has had a record high profit of 14 billion HKD (which is around 1783 million USD) as well as an increase in guest numbers. Hope this somehow leads to the second theme park getting built and us getting some quality entertainment.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      That's great news, I honestly feel after they finish all the currently in progress expansions at Hong Kong they will re-evaluate and if all goes well we could finally see the second theme park for the resort! - Luke

  • @Mystic2760
    @Mystic2760 5 років тому +1

    Grizzly Gulch...Toy Story Land....The Iron Man Experience, and the soonest coming change, the expansion of the Marvelverse in Disneyland HK with Ant-Man and the Wasp. It is a shame we didn't get the HK Disneyland that was originally conceptualised and even brandished to the public, but I can't say I'm not happy with what we've got so far :)

    • @eduardoho5637
      @eduardoho5637 3 роки тому

      Mystic2760 The closest thing to any Toontown/Toon Studio I'd like to see in Hong Kong Disneyland is the Cartoon Island which would be themed to not just classic Disney cartoons and comics but also the Disney TV Animation output such as Amphibia, The Owl House, Big City Greens, DuckTales 2017, Kim Possible, Gravity Falls, Star vs. The Forces of Evil, Kick Buttowski and Wander Over Yonder.

  • @tucciproducer
    @tucciproducer 3 роки тому

    You should read Eisner"s autobiography. It gives a lot of insight.

  • @hardchaps
    @hardchaps 5 років тому +1

    HK Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland were the only best-performing Disney theme parks outside the US.

  • @TjSamson
    @TjSamson 6 років тому +2

    I think after the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland opens. 2nd gate, a shopping district, and some new hotels for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort might be in papers and in talks but that depends on how the expansion will impact the whole resort, income, and attendance.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  6 років тому +1

      Yeah we are hoping all the current expansions goes well and we could see the original expansion plans come to reality with everything we were initially promised (Just a little bit later than expected)!

    • @eduardoho5637
      @eduardoho5637 3 роки тому

      ReviewTyme The closest thing to Toontown we'd like to see is a land themed after not just classic Disney cartoons and comics but also Disney Channel/XD cartoons like Kim Possible, Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, Star vs. The Forces of Evil, Amphibia, The Owl House, Big City Greens, Wander Over Yonder, Kick Buttowski and DuckTales 2017. I'd personally call it Cartoon Island.

  • @musicalfreak49
    @musicalfreak49 4 роки тому

    PLEASE do a video on the 2nd gate :)

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  4 роки тому +1

      Hey Jordan, we would love to make a video on the second gate but there just isn't too much information out there sadly. But you can know if there ever is anything more leaked or revealed about the second park for Hong Kong we will be one of the first to make a video about it! - Luke

  • @SkepticalChris
    @SkepticalChris 5 років тому

    I've been to Hong Kong Disneyland a few times, and its a great park. I've also been to Disneyland and Disneyworld, and though HK Disneyland is much smaller, it is also much MUCH younger.
    By far, Mystic Point is one of the most original ideas, and Mystic Manor by FAR, is one of my most favorite rides. My first time riding it, I literally, went on it 6 times, from exit, back to entrance to go through it again and again! Only the Haunted Mansion is better than Mystic Manor and that is only by the tiniest margin to me.
    HK Disneyland has a lot of potential. I think Disney was too worried about the cultural issues, that they forgot that HKers love to have fun

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      I honestly feel after all the current expansions are done that Hong Kong Disneyland could be the perfect first Disney Park for a lot of people, it already has one of the best dark rides in the world with Mystic Manor and pretty much everything else coming to the park looks to be original and exclusive as well! It's an exciting future for Hong Kong Disneyland and we look forward to seeing it! - Luke

  • @AllDimensionEclipses
    @AllDimensionEclipses 5 років тому

    Beautiful. When i play Bendy and the ink machine I feel bad for Bendy and it makes me think what would happen if Disney went bankrupt. It would be a disaster.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      It's crazy to think about today but Disney almost did go Bankrupt in the 1980s, even though we insult some of Michael Eisner's decisions (Especially around the theme parks) he was the man who brought the Disney Renaissance and saved the company! - Luke

  • @Guernicaman
    @Guernicaman 5 років тому

    At least the Bob Iger area has enough properties, from Marvel to Pixar, Star Wars & Disney Animation, where they can build new & unique attractions from. Even original rides, like Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland, could bring that uniqueness that's needed.

  • @sirrliv
    @sirrliv 5 років тому

    One small, often overlooked, and seemingly insignificant point that in retrospect now seems very telling about Hong Kong Disneyland: It's Disneyland Railroad is the only one of its kind at any Magic Kingdom park to not use steam locomotives. At all other parks, even Tokyo Disneyland where due to legal regulations on passenger rail transport the railway is just a ride instead of a people-mover, the trains are drawn by actual live steam engines. But at Hong Kong they're diesels dressed to look like steamers.

  • @KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices
    @KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices 5 років тому +1

    Wow........that was...
    AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never knew about the original plans or the castle at the back of Fantasyland ever! But then you came with this video and I love it! I'm glad we're having the new updates, but I feel that the park overall should have a MAJOR revamp turning it into the original, or at least redesign one land completely to more be like the concept art. Like having the new castle, but pushing it back to the back of the land, and inside have a Shanghai Disneyland style once upon a time attraction! But then there's land cost, government issues, and guest critique...

  • @sewthernbelle
    @sewthernbelle 5 років тому

    I’ve just watched this video so far, but I am interested in seeing every Disney park before I die. With that said, the only thing that makes me hesitant about Hong Kong Disneyland is the stories I read when it first opened. Most involved how the park was unequipped to handle the crowds and from what you’ve explained in your video, I now understand the reasons why. But the stories where the locals cut lines and just let their kids go to the bathroom outside when the lines were too long just stuck in my brain. Please tell me as someone who actually has been to this park that these stories were exaggerated and what to actually expect when visiting as related to the crowds. Thanks!

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      Between the two of us here at ReviewTyme we have spent probably over 50 days at the park over the last few years and can honestly say we've never personally seen things like that. In the last 5 or so years, the park has really matured and grown into an awesome park to visit. It has some great exclusive attractions and looks to get even better in the coming years! Thankfully a lot has changed since the park opened and it's definitely worth travelling to, especially if you want to visit every Disney park! - Luke

    • @IDK-ui5en
      @IDK-ui5en 10 місяців тому

      as a local which has gone to the park milloins of times us as hong kongers are better than that and we would never do such things but idk if i can say the same about the mainlanders that come to hk but it doesnt happen very often and the bathroom thing yeah the staff members would never allow that but ive heard storys abt that happening in shanghai disneyland cause in mainland china idk why but they think its normal and it culturly ascepted to like pee outside in the grass in public they dont think its wrong but in hong kong we would never we are in china but we are culturly very differnt our history is very differnt even the languae we speak is differnt

  • @lukegreen5341
    @lukegreen5341 3 роки тому +1

    I've Might Go To Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park Near Hong Kong In China During My Australia And Hong Kong China Megatrip Next Year In November 2022. Wish Me Luck. Thanks Mate. X

  • @atribecalledjudah5436
    @atribecalledjudah5436 5 років тому +2

    Michael D. Eisner, the 2nd best CEO the Walt Disney Company ever had.

  • @sarah-janegalipo3995
    @sarah-janegalipo3995 5 років тому +1

    I love Hong Kong Disney land! Let’s be honest. Disney sea is the best of any park on the planet.

  • @craftpaint1644
    @craftpaint1644 5 років тому

    Disney "Missed the Mark" sounds catchy. I went to Lantau Island in 1997. Apart from the 200 foot tall Buddha the island looked deserted.

  • @ry6243
    @ry6243 9 місяців тому

    Hi, this is a great video.👍 I just wanted to check, at 6:53, it was mentioned that the Chinese government decided to delay the construction of a Disney theme park in China, hence Disney decided to build in Hong Kong. Can I check the news source for this?🙏 Thanks very much! 👍

  • @kevinkunzmann8782
    @kevinkunzmann8782 5 років тому +1

    Eisner was right now that Disney owns everything!!

  • @burpiii
    @burpiii 5 років тому

    My favourite ride in Hong Kong Disneyland was the Space Mountain. I don't know whether it's still there or not.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      Space Mountain currently has a Star Wars overlay making it Hyperspace Mountain, so the track is still the same but the music and theming have been changed! - Luke

  • @Bb-jm2xl
    @Bb-jm2xl 4 роки тому

    Hong Kong’s got by far the best overall food, from quick service to fine dining all good

  • @missshellybeach
    @missshellybeach 5 років тому +1

    They would have never had some of these problems had Eisner built this park in Australia like it almost was going to be

  • @squirrelybeth8493
    @squirrelybeth8493 5 років тому

    Great vid but I couldn’t help but see the dancers in white costumes at ground break, remind me white diamond from Steven universe.

  • @ariccua6101
    @ariccua6101 5 років тому +1

    Having gone to Florida many times before, when we went to this place, this one was really a disappointment. According to family friends, HK Disneyland can basically fit into Epcot's carpark.
    However, with the changes coming, I hope they get something better.

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      When did you attend the park Aric? Whilst it is still the smallest of the Magic Kingdom styled parks, hopefully once all the expansions open it will become a favourite for some people. - Luke

    • @ariccua6101
      @ariccua6101 5 років тому

      6 years ago. Was so small.

  • @nex5691
    @nex5691 2 роки тому

    hong kong having issues
    disney: lets build it here and leave
    controversy happens
    10 yrs later
    hong kong pro heartstone free hong kong
    blizzard: lets ban this man
    controversy
    j allen brack: why is this happening
    disney: FIRST TIME

  • @bunkerhillguy2542
    @bunkerhillguy2542 2 роки тому

    People also didn’t like Disney’s California Adventure when it opened up…. But with the new additions, I prefer it over Disneyland Park… so improvements can be made over time

  • @NXXNXNXXN
    @NXXNXNXXN 6 років тому

    I have read articles online that Hong Kong Disneyland was originally to be built in Australia

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому +2

      Hey Nick, as Australians we constantly are hearing about “Disneyland Australia” in one way or another but nothing has ever got past the planning stage sadly! We have a video coming in the future exploring the closest thing Australia has ever got to a Disney resort so stay tuned for that!

  • @micshork
    @micshork 3 роки тому

    I think Euro Disney should have been in London since the UK is HUGE in the Theme Park business.

  • @trentthompson627
    @trentthompson627 4 роки тому

    Overall, this was a very good video, but I feel like you missed a large component of it by not touching upon the Shanghai Disneyland Resort at all. Myself, I don't know if there was any impact of Shanghai's resort on Hong Kong's but I feel like that would have been the type of information to include.

  • @gedstrom
    @gedstrom 5 років тому +1

    It has been over 10 years since I visited Hong Kong Disneyland. I had a GREAT time. They had a better Lion King Show than Animal Kingdom. My #1 picture from the entire trip, however, was posing with 4 Disney princesses all at the same time: I call this 'The Old Geezer and the Young Princesses'. www.dropbox.com/s/w3grdscfa0dnkvv/T03429.jpg?dl=0

    • @ReviewTyme
      @ReviewTyme  5 років тому

      The park will have changed so much if you ever go back! It really has flourished into a great resort and should be even better in a few years time when all the current construction is completed!
      Also what an awesome picture! I doubt anywhere else in the world you would be able to get a picture like that in front of a castle with 4 princesses without them being hounded by guests!

    • @gedstrom
      @gedstrom 5 років тому

      The photo-op with 4 princesses was a VERY limited opportunity. It lasted only about 5 minutes after the park first opened in the morning. That is why you don't yet see a crowd in the picture. This was my last day at the park before flying home. If I had known about the photo-op during my prior visit that week, Belle would have been in her golden ballroom gown. So, to make sure I was able to get a picture, I got to the park well before opening. Just like at DIsneyland, they allowed you onto Main Street before the park actually opens. I positioned myself at the ropes so I would be one of the first ones into the park when they dropped the rope. I then did a brisk walk over to the photo spot in front of the castle. Still, I was about the 7th person in line. Only 3 more were allowed into the line before they closed it off less than 5 minutes after park opening. It took until about 20 minutes after before I got my picture. The princesses then dispersed to their regular individual photo-op locations around the park. Despite this being my favorite picture from the trip, I still had 3 disappointments concerning it. First: Belle wasn't in her ballroom costume. Second: The overcast weather. Third: Only Belle was Asian. I was hoping to get pictures with Asian princesses. But the other 3 were westerners speaking flawless English.

  • @philrabe910
    @philrabe910 4 роки тому

    I wonder how popular Star Wars is in China /Hong Kong? It would be great to see an entire park done with the level of attention that Galaxy's Edge received.

    • @Emplordxiii
      @Emplordxiii 3 роки тому

      Star Wars is not popular in China. All the Star Wars films were flops in China.

  • @MetaverseAdventures
    @MetaverseAdventures 4 роки тому +1

    Funny how things ended up for HK given how hopeful things were at the time of this video. Almost cute...and sad

  • @edvaira6891
    @edvaira6891 5 років тому +1

    California Adventure was built on the cheap because Animal Kingdom went SERIOUSLY over budget ($900 million plus), so it was made cheaply ($600 million...it cost almost double that with the 2010-12 refurbishment/expansion) as was Paris’ Walt Disney Studios ($500 million) and, sadly, Hong Kong Disneyland was made on the cheap, too ($600 million)...Seriously, the COMBINED budgets of Animal Kingdom, DCA, Walt Disney Studios and HK Disneyland are less than EuroDisneyland/DLP cost Disney to build...So, THAT’S THE REASON FOR THE SUBPAR PROJECTS...Tokyo DisneySea was actually funded by the private company that actually OWNS Tokyo Disneyland, the Oriental Land Company