18th March 2023 – (Hong Kong) A Mainland Chinese netizen has caused controversy by sharing a video on Douyin, in which he openly encouraged viewers to rent someone else’s Disneyland annual pass and bring in outside food. The netizen claimed to have only spent over HK$100 for a ticket that usually costs over HK$500, and recommended renting an annual pass from someone else as buying one is not cost-effective. The video has sparked a heated debate on social media platforms, with some praising the netizen and others disapproving of his actions and encouraging others to follow the rules.
The netizen claimed that renting an annual pass is an unregulated activity that is easy to deceive Disneyland staff, stating that “They’re not strict about checking. I went in with a straight face.” The video also showed the netizen openly consuming an outside drink, even claiming that he brought it in from their hotel, stating that “although it’s not allowed, they didn’t check at the entrance.” Although the netizen later consumed food inside the park, he still encouraged others to bring in their food and drinks, claiming that food and drink inside the park are too expensive.
The Mainland netizen who has faced criticism from both local media and Hong Kong netizens, has come forward to defend himself and accused others of cyberbullying. The netizen has argued that it is unfair for the media and Hong Kong netizens to attack him for recommending renting an annual pass for Hong Kong Disneyland. He explained that he made the recommendation after overhearing locals doing the same and spending over HK$2,000 on their own annual pass. He further claimed that his actions were motivated by the desire to save money, rather than to cause any harm. Moreover, the netizen accused local media and Hong Kongers of being embarrassed after the theft of a popular social media influencer’s bicycle in Mong Kok. He claimed that they decided to vent their frustration on him instead. However, others have condemned the netizen’s actions and encouraged others to follow the rules and regulations of Hong Kong Disneyland.
The video has been widely reported by Hong Kong media, and the netizen has faced criticism from both Mainland and Hong Kong netizens. In response, he said that it was not fair for the media and Hong Kong netizens to cyberbully him. He added that it was because recently, a Chinese popular influencer whose bicycle was stolen in Mong Kok that caused Hong Kongers to feel disgraceful and hence they wanted to shame him asi in revenge. Some have even asked for advice on renting an annual pass, while others have condemned the netizen’s actions and encouraged others to follow the rules. The netizen has defended himself, claiming that he only recommended renting an annual pass after overhearing locals doing the same and spending over HK$2,000 on their own annual pass. The controversy has highlighted the need for visitors to respect the rules and regulations of Hong Kong Disneyland.