Tech & Biz

Special Visas for the Magic Kingdom

by Jordan Yerman | July 30, 2008 at 06:48 am

549 views | 5 Recommendations | 7 comments

Hong Kong may be home to a huge population, but residents keen on visiting the Magic Kingdom would ostensibly do so rather quickly, and not necessarily go again and again. Meanwhile, just over the border lies Shenzen, a massive city full of would-be Mickey fans... but visiting Hong Kong requires a visa process that must begin in one's home city: no good for those in Shenzen for work. In a last-ditch bid to keep this franchise of Disneyland afloat, though, China and Hong Kong have come up with a special tour-group visa, so that Shenzen residents can visit Disneyland with greater ease. It's worth pointing out that Disneyland Hong Kong is owned mostly by its government, and the special treatment is angering the caretakers of other Cantonese attractions.

Under normal rules migrant workers living in Shenzhen would have to return to their original homes to apply for a visa. New rules allow them to visit without visas on condition that they go as part of an organized tour group and do not travel anywhere else.

Some 8 million to 16 million people will be eligible under the new rules, which were announced Tuesday as part of the fifth phase in the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangements between Hong Kong and China, which have separate constitutional and legal systems.

Local newspapers described it as a "lifeline" for the park, which has failed to meet its visitor targets in its nearly three years of operation.

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Uwe Paschen

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 07:11 on July 30th, 2008

jordan, I like this story. It's good stuff.

I would be agree as well! Double standards can not keep the piece!

joanneteh_pold

at 18:10 on July 30th, 2008

joanneteh_pold has contributed a photo to this story.

r@chel mOmmy

at 18:23 on July 30th, 2008

As a mother of two girls, this is the first time I went to HongKong Disneyland since after I visited Tokyo Disneyland 15 years ago wit my first daughter. This was such a great place for returning to youth again, and also bringing back those lovely memories while young. HongKong Disneland is quite neat and clean. With more and more visitors from everywhere in Asia, it remains the good quality in all kinds of services no matter food, beverage, souvenir or welcoming and guidance. I was quite impressed with the good orders and good maintenance within all funs. I enjoyed a lot while walking in this wonderland and seeing people excited with what they have seen and experienced. It brought me back to young again, indeed. I love this place and I believe I will come back again sometimes in the future.

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Miko 姫

at 18:49 on July 30th, 2008

Disney Hollywood hotel

Miko 姫 has contributed a photo to this story.

Miko 姫

at 18:49 on July 30th, 2008

Disney Hollywood hotel, Hong Kong

Miko 姫 has contributed a photo to this story.

karhneg

at 20:44 on July 30th, 2008

It's a great interactive show for the kids.. Crush actually will look at you, remembers your name if you tell him and He TALKS TO YOU :)

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Xtar and Mpen in China

at 00:26 on July 31st, 2008

We visit the Magic Kingdom this summer. We've been in all 5 Disneyland Parks (Los Angeles, Orlando, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong). The HK one is the smallest one but the place, surrounded by mountains and trees is really lovely!

Xtar and Mpen in China has contributed a photo to this story.