Hong Kong Disneyland lifts entry prices

Entry tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland have been rasied by up to 16.2% this week, the second higher than inflation price rise for the theme park in as many years.

Explaining the rise, a park spokesperson told the South China Morning Post that the increase was "based on a variety of factors including the value of the resort's attractions and entertainment offerings and future development needs."

The price for a one-day general admission ticket for a person aged 12 to 64 has risen 10.8% to HK$499 (US$64) - as much as a two-day pass cost until the previous round of increases in March last year. Children's tickets will go up 10.9% to HK$355 (US$46).

The biggest increase will be in two-day tickets for adults, which will go up 16.2% to HK$680 (US$88), having risen by 17.2% last year.

Hong Kong Disneyland 's magic tickets, which offer access on a certain number of days each year, will also increase, although existing ticketholders will be able to renew at the old price until 10th November  next year.

A one-day adult ticket for Tokyo Disneyland costs 6,400 yen (HK$433/US$55); at Disneyland California the price is US$96.

One-day entry tickets Australia’s major theme parks on the Gold Coast cost around $90 (US$78) with discounts for online and multiple day purchases.

Reacting to the price rise, the South China Morning Post reported that the Hong Kong Travel Profession Union expressed concern that the higher ticket prices might deter visitors from mainland China, from where around half of the theme park's annual visitors originate.

Co-owned by the Hong Kong Government and the US-based Disney corporation, Hong Kong Disneyland experienced years of financial losses after it opened in 2005 and faced criticism for its relatively small size.

However, since 2012 the attraction has been profitable and is expanding, having opened several attractions and with a ride based on the superhero Iron Man (pictured) due to open in 2016.

Hong Kong residents, travel agents and wholesalers will be able to buy tickets at the previous prices until 10th January 2015.

20th February 2014 - HONG KONG DISNEYLAND ANNOUNCES RECORD PROFITS, PLANS FOR THIRD HOTEL