Question of the week: Is Ocean Park better than Disneyland?
Marvin Chung Man-Ting, 15
Wah Yan College, Hong Kong
No, I think Disneyland is better than Ocean Park because it's more fun. Disneyland has an efficient Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system linking it to urban areas, which is quite convenient despite its remote location. Unique decorations of Disney cartoon characters inside the train cabins appeal to children and this kind of public transport is rarely seen in other theme parks. What's more, there are two first-class hotels in Disneyland whereas Ocean Park does not have any. Visitors can enjoy high-quality services and amenities provided by these hotels after a day of excitement. People can even get married at Disneyland. Such a fairy tale wedding will bring sweet memories. Is there anything better than the bride feeling like a princess in a classic carriage? Can you find this at Ocean Park? Although Hong Kong Disneyland is small compared to the ones in Orlando, Paris and Tokyo, it is compact and visitors get to see all the characters and feel the atmosphere. Children can take photos with their favourite cartoon characters, and teenagers can go crazy in the Adventure Zone and so on. Adults can relax and indulge in different cuisines in extraordinarily designed eateries. What's more enjoyable than the whole family spending a wonderful time together? The spectacular parades and amazing fireworks every day definitely impress visitors. Ocean Park does not have such magnificent shows.
Borromeo Li Ka-kit, 17
Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School
I think Ocean Park is better than Disneyland because firstly, there's a lot more to see and do in Ocean Park, which is much larger. It caters to the needs of both the young and the old. A record number of visitors was recorded in Ocean Park recently, and it revealed that attendance had reached 4.03 million by 2006. Disneyland is suffering from low attendance figures. Despite tedious and aggressive promotions, it still isn't able to live up to the expected turnover rate. On the other hand, the marine park has a much wider variety of thrill rides, ranging from roller coasters to the Octopus. And it has all the shows and marine characters. Even the firework displays and 'Disney on parade' cannot help Disneyland outshine Ocean Park. Disneyland is notorious for exploiting its staff, mishandling ticket sales, and the air pollution caused by its fireworks. These have all added up to a poor image. Ocean Park has offered a discount on tickets for Hong Kong residents of up to 40 per cent, and will continue to offer similar promotions for local, mainland and overseas visitors. A five-year redevelopment plan for the 43.7-hectare park has been drawn up. The number of attractions will grow from 33 to 70, adding animals including polar bears and penguins. The annual number of visitors will go up to seven million. Disneyland is no match for Ocean Park.