Why Hong Kong Disneyland loses its magic in the rain

Melissa Stevens says a star attraction facing tough competition from Shanghai and an even tougher local business environment cannot afford to turn off its loyal customers because of a lack of wet-weather contingency plans

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The number of visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland dropped by 9.4 per cent last year. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 1:47pm, 13 Apr 2016Updated: 1:54pm, 13 Apr 2016

Hong Kong is one of the most bustling cities in the world and, as any parent will tell you, it offers plenty of high-quality activities for children, including Hong Kong Disneyland. With a five-year-old, my family is right in the Disney target demographic and we have enjoyed several pleasant visits, with my daughter delighting in the park’s attractions, particularly getting to see her favourite characters “in the flesh” during the parades. Every outing culminated in the fireworks display around the Storybook Castle.

While the appeal of Disney’s characters is enduring, it is well documented that Hong Kong Disneyland itself is facing challenges: along with many other local tourism attractions, it is feeling the effects of a decline in mainland tourist numbers. Figures show there was a 23 per cent drop in the number of mainland tourists last year,part of an overall decline of 9.4 per cent in visitor numbersat Disney.

It’s a slow year after all: Hong Kong Disneyland reports first annual business loss since 2011

Fireworks at Disney’s Enchanted Storybook Castle get a trial run at the Shanghai resort late last month. The Shanghai theme park is due to open on June 16. Photo: AP

One country, two Disneys: can Shanghai and Hong Kong theme parks share the spoils in battle for the tourism dollar?

It is anticipated that this decline will become more pronounced when Shanghai Disney, which is three times larger than Hong Kong’s offering and will boast the most elaborate Disney castle in the world, opens its doors in June. Tickets for the grand opening were snapped up within five minutes of going on sale – the kind of frenzied reaction usually associated with stadium concerts for global superstars.

While Hong Kong Disneyland bosses remain optimistic that there is enough regional demand to share between the parks, they are also working to keep their park fresh and competitive, planning to offer discounted entrance fees and hotel room rates, and opening a new Iron Man Experience attraction later this year.

Looking after your clientele can be done in many small, but effective, ways

But while the focus appears to be on big-picture responses, I was struck on a recent visit with my daughter that looking after your clientele can be done in many small, but effective, ways.