Hong Kong Disneyland annual pass holders rent out memberships; resort promises police intervention over misuse
- Mainland influencer’s viral clip, where he visits resort for fraction of price by renting Magic Access pass from regular holder, sparks online debate
- Vendors on Carousell tout HK$100 day-passes, specify hair styles and gender needed to match member’s identification photo
Some Hong Kong Disneyland annual pass holders are renting out their memberships for a profit amid the resumption of post-pandemic travel, triggering a stern warning by the resort that law enforcement will be contacted over any misuse.
The theme park issued a statement on Thursday to clarify that anyone who is not the registered cardholder of a Magic Access membership is strictly prohibited from enjoying the benefits of the pass. It also said cardholders were not entitled to use the membership for commercial purposes.
“Hong Kong Disneyland will handle such abuses very seriously and will contact the law enforcement authorities if there is any suspected case of fraud or illegal conduct,” the resort cautioned.
Online discussions were sparked after a video clip went viral on Douyin, the mainland Chinese version of social media platform Tik Tok, on Tuesday featuring a mainland influencer touting his experience of enjoying the Disneyland resort in the city for only HK$100 (US$12.74) by renting a Magic Access concessionary pass from its holder.
While many internet users in both Hong Kong and the mainland have decried the influencer’s action, the saga has also revealed the proliferation of annual pass rental offers on online retail platforms in the city and across the border.
The Post found about 20 offers for Magic Access pass rental on local online retail platform Carousell, where use of the silver or gold membership would cost an average of HK$100 a day with a refundable HK$500 deposit for the card and another HK$50 per rental.
Around 10 offers were also found on mainland social media platform Xiaohongshu with similar prices. In some cases membership cards could be picked up in the city or in Shenzhen.