Reflections upon visiting Hong Kong Disneyland

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Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island and is viewed as a local's park and tourist destination. Disney has worked hard to understand the Chinese culture and adapt its stories to the country. They have given back to the community in many volunteer and philanthropic endeavors.

I understand that the Walt Disney Company is an example of what some call imperialistic capitalism, but the Hong Kong Disneyland leadership team strives hard to make the park a viable entity in Hong Kong and China.

Hong Kong Disneyland is not the only Disney property in China. There is Shanghai Disneyland, which helps establish the Disney brand in mainland China and Hong Kong.

While we were there,  Hong Kong Disneyland celebrated its 20th anniversary. The park continues to grow, adapt and welcome the Asian market, as well as an international destination. I didn't see any signs of discontent by local citizens, media, businesses and government officials. 

One of the interesting things we did with the students was to research and experience Disney's use of storytelling to fit into the Chinese culture. We could give you examples of how Disney respects the culture and languages of China and Hong Kong. The way things were built, positioned and located by Disney were indicators that the company really strived to work with and fit into the market.

I understand that history shows a few hiccups of an American company moving into an international market, but I could see how Disney worked to make Hong Kong Disneyland a success. They learned a lot from Paris to Tokyo and to Hong Kong!

Duffy the bear?

Duffy is very popular in the Asian markets. Duffy the Bear never made a hit in the states, but it became a major player. Check it out on the web. It has creative ties to Mickey and Minnie, but Duffy and his gang has a strong following. 

Mickey and Friends are very popular. That includes Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. They have a Frozen land at the Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL). Marvel is very popular. Winnie the Pooh is also big over there. The Hong Kong people love characters with big faces, big eyes and cartoonish smiles. Marie from Aristocrats is a good example. Check out the characters that come out of the Asian markets; BDuck, Labubu, Monsters, Hello Kitty, etc. And Disney lends itself to that popularity. 

Hong Kong Disneyland is modeled after Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. HKDL is the smallest Disney park. It has Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Pixar. Interesting story, Hong Kong has Main Street USA celebrating America at the turn of the century, but Shanghai Disneyland DOES NOT have a Main Street USA because of culture differences. The Chinese government refused to let Disney call it Main Street USA. It's called Mickey Avenue in Shanghai.

Like our Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland is a people's park. A local hangout for locals. It is an intimidate experience, like Disneyland in California. As expected, food drives the Disney parks. You can get Churros in California and dried squid in Hong Kong. An attraction, Mystic Manor is the best example of culture between Disneyland USA and HKDL. Mystic Manor is their Haunted Mansion. The story had to change from our story in the USA, because Chinese culture views ghosts more as ancestors.

The Chinese people did not grow up on Disney like we have, so Disney is always educating the populace about the characters, movies and stories.

A confirmed extreme Disney fan, Jerry Johnson of Storm Lake is assistant professor of digital media at Buena Vista University.