News: Hong Kong Disneyland: Now open

Posted at 6:40 PM EDT (2240 GMT)

Sep. 12th, 2005 -- After six years of planning and construction, Hong Kong Disneyland officially opened today. In a ceremony that echoed the park's combination of traditional Chinese culture and Disney magic, the festivities included fireworks, Chinese lion dancers, and costumed Disney characters.

The park has received a generally warm reception from the people of Hong Kong and the Chinese government, in contrast to Disneyland Paris. Among the people on hand for the opening was China's Vice President, Zeng Qinghong, along with various Disney officials.

The theme park and its two hotels are located 30 minutes away from the center of Hong Kong. The park, which cost $3.5 billion to build, is expected to attract 5.6 million guests its first year.

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