If Ocean Park could talk to Hong Kong Disneyland, what would it say?
- The two theme parks are rivals but both need good strategies to recover after the coronavirus outbreak
- Each week, our readers will vote on their favourite answer and the contestant with the least votes is eliminated
Theme parks Ocean Park and Disneyland chat to each other about the current situation.Every week, we ask our Brain Game contestants one interesting, thought-provoking or just plain quirky question. Their answers will be published anonymously in Young Post. Then readers vote for their favourite answer. We will eliminate the contestant with the least votes every week until we have a winner.
Votes close at midnight on Sunday.
Contestant 1
Ocean Park: Hey friend, how are you doing? What’s keeping you busy these days?
Disneyland: Well, there hasn’t been much fun on my side but that’s going to change tomorrow. How are you?
Ocean Park: I was really bored for the past four months and almost had to close my doors for good. Luckily, the government had a backup plan. Now I am over the moon since I’ve reopened.
Disneyland: That’s great to hear, mate! I’m reopening tomorrow. I’m so excited! My cousins in Shanghai are operating under social distancing rules while in Los Angeles they are planning to open mid-July. Still catching up with my other folks around the world. By the way, how did you spend your time during the lockdown?
Ocean Park: I took the time to look after my beloved animals as I didn’t have to entertain visitors. The animals kept my staff members motivated. My workers also kept the roller coasters and other rides in good condition.
Disneyland: Lucky you, at least you have animals to look after. I kept myself busy with the new Castle of Magical Dreams and other maintenance work. Are you back on a full-time basis?
Ocean Park: Not really. I can only take in 25 per cent (9,000 people) of my regular visitors a day under social distancing rules. But I think it’s good because it helps all of us to stay safe.
Disneyland: What are you doing to keep your pass holders interested?
Ocean Park: I’m going to extend the pass validity by four months.
Disneyland: That’s awesome, buddy. You know what? On a positive note, we both saved on energy consumption and had time to conduct safety checks.
Ocean Park: Remember we used to compete with each other for visitors? Now I’m only trying to survive while keeping the public entertained. Let’s hope for better days ahead!
Contestant 2
Hi Disney,
What’s up? You’ve been quiet for a long time. We used to compete but now we are best friends. It’s been a tough year. First, the pro-democracy movement took a significant toll on our business, and then came the coronavirus pandemic. Our closure was a big blow to the city’s tourism industry. I’m so thankful that I am open now. I like entertaining my guests. I love seeing the smiles on children’s faces, hearing people scream on the rides, and watching them enjoy our food in the restaurant. I’ve missed all this.
I almost had to close down completely but the government stepped in to help. It hopes to boost Hong Kong’s tourism industry and the economy in general, and we both play an important role in that.
When you open tomorrow, make sure all health measures are in order. Your visitors must wear masks, have their temperature checked, and maintain social distancing. Most importantly, my friend, start off with a 25 per cent visitor capacity and slowly raise it to 50 per cent. Now we only have locals visiting, but I’m sure there will be people from around the world at some point later this year. I’m sure your new Castle of Magical Dreams will be exciting. Children love us and they always will. We will always be a part of their lives and give them sweet memories.
Regards, Ocean Park