Disney has been a popular international brand and a successful company. However, its Hong Kong Disneyland attracted only 4 million visitors in its second year, compared to its rival Ocean Park that attracted 7.4 million. Hong Kong Disneyland earned its first profit in the last fiscal year of $14 million – a miniscule amount compared to Disney’s $1.9 billion profit overall. Why has not Disneyland attract more customers in the largest populated country, China, than the United States?

Perhaps the main reason is cultural and background differences. The children in China have not been exposed to Mickey Mouse and other fairy tale characters as much as the Americans. The differences of western and eastern values have negatively impacted the interest of the Chinese to visit Disneyland. It is evident that culture has a significant influence on businesses.

After recognizing the success of Ironman 3 in Chinese box offices, Disney plans to create an Ironman-themed thrill ride. This project will be finished by late 2016 as the company expects this new attraction will lure in more visitors. As well, Disney hopes that the opening of a Shanghai resort will complement Hong Kong Disnleyland.

Works Cited
NY Times – http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/08/business/international/to-lift-hong-kong-park-disney-deploys-iron-man.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=business
Image – http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/10/08/business/Disneyjp/Disneyjp-popup.jpg