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Hong Kong to expand stake in Disneyland

Hong Kong to expand stake in Disneyland.

HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong Legislative Council Finance Committee on Friday approved an increase in Hong Kong government's equity in the joint venture with Walt Disney Co., through conversion of HK$6.25 billion ($806 million) of an existing loan to shares, for the expansion development of Hong Kong Disneyland in the next five years. In what local media called "a lucky break," legislators voted 28-5 with 10 abstentions to approve the unpopular proposal. Legislators who voted for the proposal said they were in a catch-21 situation and described the proposal as "being hijacked," adding that the expansion proposal "is only a slightly less bad amendment to a very bad agreement." Legislators project a HK$100 million ($12.9 million) loss within the five years before the expansion is complete. For the expansion development, to which the Walt Disney Co. will contribute $452 million, the Hong Kong government will not inject new capital. The expansion is scheduled to be completed before 2014. The Hong Kong has already provided $420 million in equity and $725 million as a loan to the joint venture with the Walt Disney Co. since 1999, and has spent $1.4 billion on reclamation fees and related community facilities, along with $194 million to acquire 18.7 hectares of land adjacent to the site. The Hong Kong Disneyland site now amounts to 125.4 hectares, but only 72 of those are used for the existing theme park, including four themed areas and two hotels. The new development will see the construction of three new themed areas, namely "Grizzly Trail," "Mystic Point" and "Toy Story Land," which will take up an area equivalent to 23% of the area of the existing park. A new 1000-room hotel is reportedly part of the development, but a government representative said no discussion had been held about a new hotel. Hong Kong to expand stake in Disneyland Legislators vote 28-5 to approve the proposal By Karen Chu July 10, 2009, 10:37 AM ET HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong Legislative Council Finance Committee on Friday approved an increase in Hong Kong government's equity in the joint venture with Walt Disney Co., through conversion of HK$6.25 billion ($806 million) of an existing loan to shares, for the expansion development of Hong Kong Disneyland in the next five years. In what local media called "a lucky break," legislators voted 28-5 with 10 abstentions to approve the unpopular proposal. Legislators who voted for the proposal said they were in a catch-21 situation and described the proposal as "being hijacked," adding that the expansion proposal "is only a slightly less bad amendment to a very bad agreement." Legislators project a HK$100 million ($12.9 million) loss within the five years before the expansion is complete. For the expansion development, to which the Walt Disney Co. will contribute $452 million, the Hong Kong government will not inject new capital. The expansion is scheduled to be completed before 2014. The Hong Kong has already provided $420 million in equity and $725 million as a loan to the joint venture with the Walt Disney Co. since 1999, and has spent $1.4 billion on reclamation fees and related community facilities, along with $194 million to acquire 18.7 hectares of land adjacent to the site. The Hong Kong Disneyland site now amounts to 125.4 hectares, but only 72 of those are used for the existing theme park, including four themed areas and two hotels. The new development will see the construction of three new themed areas, namely "Grizzly Trail," "Mystic Point" and "Toy Story Land," which will take up an area equivalent to 23% of the area of the existing park. A new 1000-room hotel is reportedly part of the development, but a government representative said no discussion had been held about a new hotel.

Neverland replica planned for China - AOL News Canada

Neverland replica planned for China - AOL News Canada.

Chinese developers are planning to cash in on Michael Jackson's popularity during Expo 2010 in Shanghai next year by building a scaled-down replica of the late singer's Neverland Ranch. The Shanghai Morning Post says the theme park will be completed in less than a year to open just before Expo 2010's May 1 launch, and will cost 100 million yuan ($17 million Cdn.). It will cover 667,000 square metres on Chongming Island north of Shanghai in the Yangtze River, or approximately one-seventeenth the size of Jackson's ranch northwest of Los Angeles. Qiu Xuefan, president of the Shanghai Lanji Group and one of the project's initiators, told the newspaper that the tribute to Jackson will include an artificial lake, a cinema and a zoo. Since the singer's death on June 25, the company has been collecting Jackson memorabilia through public auctions and private channels and these items will be on display at the Chinese park. Named in honour of Peter Pan, the King of Pop's luxury home and private amusement park until 2005 includes carnival rides, a floral clock, two trains and a Disney-like station. It was valued at $33 million US in 2006, according to an accounting firm's report in 2007.

Thrifty theme parks

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Thrifty theme parks.

f you’re planning to take the kids to Alton Towers, Chessington or any of the other theme parks this summer, find out how to save a fortune, here! A good friend of mine took her son to Legoland for the day a few summers ago and came home swearing never again. After paying for the entrance fees (around £60!), a barely edible fast-food lunch, and a couple of rain covers to protect them from a surprise shower, she came home with her purse more than £100 lighter! Eek! Fortunately, if you are planning to take your kids to a theme park this year, there are some great ways to save money. All you need to do is a little planning.

Starbucks opens in Disney World Paris

Starbucks opens in Disney World Paris.

One doesn't usually buy a ticket to France with plans to visit Disney World or Starbucks. But for French tourists wanting a taste of America and American tourists wanting a taste of home, the Seattle-based coffee chain has just opened France's latest branch at Disney Village Paris. For France's 50th Starbucks, the company has pulled out all the stops to make this one really special. This new store is Starbucks' first truly eco-responsible outlet. In a décor marrying the authenticity of noble and natural materials, caffeine addicts can sip responsibly, knowing that their White Mocha Frappucino likely came from a fair trade farm. But they'll also enjoy the aesthetics of the Disney branch, as metal, wood, glass, and stone come together to create a haven of zenitude. In fact, the designers took their inspiration from 1930s European design and the sweeping lines of old Parisian artists' lofts. The result is a quirky, bold facade that fits perfectly into the Disney Village architectural scheme. And gives American tourists just one more reason to wonder how the French manage to pull of their projects with such panache. But concretely, here's why France's newest Starbucks deserves its green logo: * Adjustable, low energy lighting systems * A mechanical and natural ventilation system that makes use of the shop's tower shape * The large windows provide ample natural light and can be opened to ventilate the main room * Water efficient fixtures in the bar area and restrooms * Salvaged and recycled construction materials, including real wine barrels and champagne racks * Recycling bins for customers * A plan to monitor and thus improve energy and water consumption So, if the little French espresso lets you down, dart out to Disney and visit this environmentally friendly work of coffee house art. But if you want a more French experience, you may like to try one of Paris' numerous tea rooms. Click here for more information.

Theme park soon to be opened near Cali

Image by CanadaGood via Flickr

Theme park soon to be opened near Cali.

The highly anticipated theme park that U.S. company Vertigo Theme Parks is constructing in Buga, near Cali, will open its doors this year, the company's CEO said Thursday. It was planned that the park opened its gates in the beginning of 2009, but this was postponed due to "tough financial times". Now Vertigo CEO Kevin Johnson said that the company remains on course for an opening before the end of this year. The Vertigo Theme Park - Buga is already being highly anticipated. It has its own facebook page that counts 602 fans. Once opened, the Park will be the biggest in Latin America with the world's longest roller coaster

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OCEAN PARK IS THRILLED WITH BEING VOTED BY MAINLANDER FANS

(

Hong Kong

- 2 July 2009) Ocean Park Chief Executive,

Tom Mehrmann

, said that everyone at

Ocean

Park

is thrilled to hear that

Ocean

Park

was voted the Most Loved Attraction in Hong Kong by people from the Mainland, through a poll conducted by Sohu, one of the leading search engine companies in

China

.  Please see full report at http://gd.sohu.com/20090630/n264873601.shtml.

 

Mr. Mehrmann said, "Almost everybody who's been to Ocean Park, from three year-old's to 83 year old's, can sing Ocean Park's theme 「去玩！去癲！嚟Ocean Park！」  (Go play! Go wild! Go to

Ocean

Park

!)  This is what drives the people of

Ocean

Park

to give guests the most immersive experiences and memories.   Coming to

Ocean

Park

 is like setting foot in another world - of lush greenery surrounded by the majestic

South China Sea

; and a world of amazing animals.  Then, as a complete contrast, we also have gravity-defying thrill rides, and our five annual events, with Halloween Bash being one of the most renowned!  While we are a not-for-profit organisation, we have had seen five successive years of record -breaking attendance, revenue and surplus.  We are ranked by an international authority as the No 15 theme park of the world, and now, sohu customers also rank us the Most Loved Attraction in

Hong Kong

.  This tells us we are giving what our guests want, and I thank all our guests and business partners who have supported us.  Additionally, a big thank you to all the

Ocean

Park

staff is in order.  To us, this is recognition of the team effort from everyone at

Ocean

Park

."

 

The poll, "Websters’ Most Favorite Hong Kong Brand Name Selection Survey"  (2009網友最喜愛香港品牌評選) was conducted by the Sohu Hong Kong portal with 10 mainstream multi media during the month of June.  Over 170,000 Mainland websters participated in the survey.

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$452 million to be invested in Disneyland Hong Kong | Gadling.com

Image via Wikipedia

$452 million to be invested in Disneyland Hong Kong | Gadling.com.

The Walt Disney Co. said on Tuesday that it will be investing US$452 million in park expansions, seen as necessary to compete with a planned rival park in Shanghai. The expansion will include three new "lands," and thirty new attractions. A source familiar with the plan stated that two of the new lands will be exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland for five years after opening. The park will have exclusive rights in Asia to the third new land for five years, the source said. The first area will take three years to complete and the next two will begin over the following two years with the entire expansion set for completion in 2014.The much larger Disneyland rival in Shanghai is also expected to be complete in 2014, assuming that it receives approval from the Chinese government. So Disney fans, start making plans - and for the ultra-dedicated you might have to reschedule that ultimate park-hopper pass.

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Six people rescued from M&D’s rollercoaster - Hamilton Advertiser

Six people rescued from M&D’s rollercoaster - Hamilton Advertiser.

FIRE crews lifted six people to safety after they were stuck 40 feet in the air on a popular rollercoaster at Motherwell’s M&D’s Theme Park last Friday. Six people on a work’s fun day out were stranded when the Tornado ride shuddered to a halt at 3.50pm, 10 minutes before the park’s closing time on Friday afternoon. Firefighters removed the passengers from the carriages and brought them safely to the ground at the Strathclyde Park attraction. None of the passengers – five women and a man – were harmed during the incident. M&D’s said the incident was caused by a safety system being activated due to high winds, adding that the ride would remain closed while safety checks were carried out. The thrill ride gets up to speeds of more than 80kph over 1000 metres of track and features gravity-defying 360 degree loops. Park bosses advertise the Tornado by advising customers “don’t forget to bring new underwear”.

Thrills and Spills Galore at Ocean Park Prehistoric Summer Splash 2009!

Thrills and Spills Galore at Ocean Park Prehistoric Summer Splash 2009! Ocean Park is the First Choice for this Summer with Life-sized Jurassic Dinosaurs, Real Living Fossils, Japanese “Actroid” Lady Humanoid, Water Rides, Ice Age Stars, Over 60 Sizzling Summer Attractions and Much Much More... (You gotta see it to believe it!) (23 June 2009 – Hong Kong) Dinosaurs prowling and growling, water jets spurting and shooting, guests screaming, cheering and getting all exhilarated – that’s all happening at the Ocean Park Prehistoric Summer Splash 2009, which will take place from 1 July to 31 August. At a media preview held today, “Allan the Emperor”, keeper of the dinosaur kingdom, and also known as Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park, wowed media friends with the 60 irresistible attractions and 40 shows at the Ocean Park Prehistoric Summer Splash 2009. The attending media today were completely astounded by the most authentic dinosaurs at Ocean Park, all of which were exhibiting some of their “natural” behaviours toward the media guests. Their cousins, living fossils that are regular features at Ocean Park, such as the horseshoe crabs, sea urchins and sea stars also joined the fun. The party of Prehistoric creatures and scenes from Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs Live, and over 60 attractions and 40 shows to top it off, also totally piqued the interest of the media! Additionally, every corner of the Park has something for everyone, any time – from astounding animal encounters at the newly-launched Amazing Asian Animals and edu-taining experiences everywhere, to dare devil amusement rides and games, and sensational wet fun – Ocean Park will truly be the first choice for summer! Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park said, “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a thrill-seeker, animal-lover, conservationist, family of five, couple in love or just a “hot body”, Ocean Park brims with real life interactivity that will pump up your adrenalin anytime and anywhere you want it! So come escape the summer heat and delve into a world like no other here at Ocean Park – it’s THE place to be this summer!” Taking excitement to a whole new level, Ocean Park partnered with Kokoro Company Limited, a division of the Sanrio Group of Japan, to bring in more than 20 of the most life-like dinosaurs powered by high-tech electronics and robotics at the Credit Card Presents: Empire of the Dinosaurs at Tai Shue Wan Plaza. Here, the fierce and notorious Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) dominates as it’s the tallest and meanest of them all, but the Apatosaurus is a must-see too as it is the longest and heaviest dinosaur in Hong Kong! And to spice up the slew of exciting attractions, the world-renowned queen of humanoids, “Actroid Der 3”, will be making a rare appearance at Ocean Park to meet and greet adventure-seekers in three languages from 1 to 12 July. Next, guests can plunge into a whirlwind of wet n’ wild fun at the Stone Age Water World. A “can’t miss” is the sculpture of Whiskers, Ocean Park’s chief mascot, who will be clad in a Stone Age costume for the first time ever, making it the perfect photo spot for kids and adults alike! Guests can splash their way into a water battle at the Bucket War, lose track of time in the hysterical Dino Foam Party, or revel in the Prehistoric Wet ‘n Wild Playground where bumper Stone Age cars, water-erupting volcanoes, Prehistoric “phones”, water pumps and baby dinosaur friends await! Over at the Lowland Ha Ha Factory, scenes from Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs Live, the international mega summer hit movie using true 3D technology, will allow guests to relive the wonderful and thrilling adventure – as seen in the movie. Not only can they help the clumsy Scrat to escape from danger but they will also be welcome to take photos with these fantastic prehistoric Hollywood stars. Edu-taining moments abound all over Ocean Park. At Tai Shue Wan Plaza, there’s Wonders of Ancient Times. Here, curious kids can be an adventurous archeologist for a day as they hunt and dig for massive dinosaur fossil bones, stomach finds, even dinosaur pooh, or learn mind-blowing facts about these gigantic and extinct animals through educational touch screens, interactive games and Q&A panels. There’s also Hong Kong’s first and only exhibit of horseshoe crab fossils, brought to you exclusively by Ocean Park. Meanwhile, over at Whiskers Harbour at the Lowland, kids can let their imagination soar while creating their own prehistoric-themed crafts, such as a fancy dino hat at the Junior Dino Academy. Everywhere else, guests will be transported back to the Jurassic times as the Park will be decked out in prehistoric décor, cavemen art and even realistic dinosaur models. Guests can heighten their journey here by joining in all the sizzling madness at the Hot n’ Wild Party and Tropical Parade, or ooh and ahh at everything from dinosaur models to cavemen art! Tempting guests also is a range of sumptuous summer dishes, including over 30 dinosaur-themed delicacies at the Bayview Restaurant, Terrace Café, Café Ocean and Panda Café. And over at the Park’s retail shops, close to 300 special dinosaur souvenir items and 3,000 Ocean Park staples will line the shelves for all guests to choose from. Dr. Zeman concluded, “People, get your act together, the choice is so obvious! Where else in Hong Kong, except Ocean Park, can one admission ticket buy you non-stop thrills from over 60 unique animal encounters plus wet ‘n wild activities, as well as over 40 shows and performances to heat up this amazing Summer Splash of a lifetime? The Ocean Park Prehistoric Summer Splash 2009 starts on 1 July, so buy your tickets now, this minute, on our website!” Those who can’t even wait till 1 July can whet their appetite on the newly-created Ocean Park Prehistoric Summer Splash 2009 website at http://summer.oceanpark.com.hk for more attraction details and to instantly purchase tickets online. There are also Smart Fun annual passes – unbeatable value for unlimited fun throughout the summer and the rest of the year! To thank guests for their unwavering support to Ocean Park, guests can join a lucky draw simply by spending at least HK$20 on Hi-C tea drinks or Hi-C Local Café drinks (250mL 6-pack or 9-pack drinks) at PARKnSHOP, Wellcome or China Resources Supermarket from now till 9 July. Participants will have a chance to win Ocean Park SmartFun Annual Passes or a Breakfast with the Pandas session, or even join a behind-the-scene tour at Amazing Asian Animals! Act instantly and have the time of your lives this summer only at Ocean Park Prehistoric Summer Splash 2009!

Liberation Carnival Launches Tomorrow With County Fair Inspired Theme

Liberation Carnival Launches Tomorrow With County Fair Inspired Theme.

The beginning of Guam's 65th anniversary celebration of liberation from the japanese occupation during World War II begins tomorrow with the launch of the Liberation Carnival. This time, it's with a flair of a county fair!