Hong Kong Disneyland raises entrance fees by 4 to 9 per cent
The increase, on the back of its rival Ocean Park’s entrance fee hike, comes as the theme park struggles to stay afloat
In its fifth consecutive annual increase, Hong Kong Disneyland will raise ticket prices between 4 and 9 per cent from Friday, with the daily entrance fee increasing to HK$619 for adults and HK$458 for children.
However, Hong Kong residents will enjoy a two-month grace period and can purchase park tickets at current prices – HK$589 for adults and HK$419 for children – until February 15 next year.
The theme park will retain its 30 per cent discount on tickets for disabled Hong Kong residents, while the daily admission price for senior citizens at the age of 65 or above will remain at HK$100.
The fee increase comes as the theme park struggles to keep its business afloat following a deficit for the second straight year, with its loss of HK$171 million in 2016 due to fewer mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong. Its loss for 2015 was HK$148 million.
A park spokeswoman said the price increase was due to a basket of factors including operations needs.
With the hike, annual passes will also cost more, with a silver pass costing HK$1,238, a gold pass HK$1,999 and a platinum pass HK$3,491. A 2-day ticket will be increased to HK$799 for adults and HK$589 for children.
But there will also be some concessions for annual pass holders, including an early renewal discount of 20 per cent on current prices, and a 15 per cent discount for local residents purchasing three or more annual passes at current prices until April 10 next year.
Earlier this year, Disney won Hong Kong lawmakers’ approval for a HK$5.45 billion funding application to revamp its theme park. It will cover the rest of the cost of the expansion project, which is due to start next year.
Meanwhile, Disney’s rival Ocean Park is also struggling. On Wednesday, it announced a 9 per cent fee increase following a deficit of HK$234 million this financial year and a drop in attendance. From January 1, entrance fees will be raised to HK$480 for adults and HK$240 for children.
Jason Wong Chun-tat, chairman of the Travel Industry Council, said the increases were moderate as he understood that Disneyland was under pressure to keep its business above water.
However, he hoped the theme park could introduce new services and features as compensation.
“I think the price rises are acceptable to visitors. I hope the park can think of other ways to attract more visitors.
