Disney's Hong Kong rival exploring franchise opportunities

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

As Mickey Mouse heads north from Hong Kong to Shanghai, he runs the risk of being followed by his Asian nemesis: Whiskers the Sea Lion. Whiskers is the mascot of Ocean Park, a 32-year-old Hong Kong theme park that was widely expected to wither with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland four years ago. But Ocean Park has unexpectedly thrived instead and is now reviewing requests for franchised theme parks from cities across Asia and the Middle East — including Shanghai, where the Walt Disney Co. has just obtained permission to open its next theme park.

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I've been to both parks and both were good for what they were, but Ocean Park is really a Hong Kong tradition. (Plus it has the first looper I ever rode: The Dragon). I'm not surprised that it wasn't impacted by Disney.

Hobbes: "What's the point of attaching a number to everything you do?"
Calvin: "If your numbers go up, it means you're having more fun."

It's a nice park, though I can't imagine who would want to franchise it to be honest - it's nothing particularly special.

I develop Superior Solitaire when not riding coasters.

I agree Richard! The park is ok, but what truly makes it special is the location - it's spectacular.

For me, the tram ride from one side to the other was the scariest ride there - amazing.

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