Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that maintains that living with nature, rather than against it, benefits both humans and their environment. Paying homage to its Chinese location, Hong Kong Disneyland was designed with the principles of Feng Shui.

When the design phase of the park began, a Feng Shui master was consulted and some specific adjustments were made to make the design more harmonious. Incorporating the five basic elements -- wood, fire, earth, metal and water -- the master gave guidance on placement and balance.

The location of the Hong Kong Disneyland Park has been carefully planned to take advantage of the surrounding area including the auspicious hill formations "green dragon" and "white tiger." Additionally, the location of the park entrance has been adjusted to maximize energy and guest flow, as have the entrances to the individual attractions. Such placement, according to Feng Shui, promotes success.

The concept was extended to the hotels, as well. Both properties, Disney's Hollywood Hotel and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, have water located to the southwest, which encourages prosperity. The main entrance of each hotel and all entrances to their main public areas have also been maximized for good energy flow.

Numbers also figure into the design of the park and its hotels. Neither hotel has an official "fourth" floor, because four is considered an unlucky number in some Asian cultures. The Grand Ballroom at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel measures 888 square meters -- since 8 is considered lucky. Eight is also the number of restaurants that can be found within the park.

The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel's signature restaurant, Crystal Lotus, uses the five elements -- earth, fire, water, metal and wood -- to create a balanced feng shui atmosphere. Guests enter the restaurant by crossing a virtual koi pond, which uses computer-animated fish that scatter and create water ripples when guests walk on top. The bar area features fire effects behind the bar. Wood and metal are used in the furnishings and lotus flowers balance the earth aspect.

In all kitchen areas of the park and hotels, stove and burner locations have been placed in fortuitous locations to ensure healthy food and the well-being of the kitchen cast members (Disney's term for employees).

The theme park itself features two boulders strategically located to promote stability and each hotel has a similar Feng Shui rock in its courtyard or pool area. These boulders are said to ensure that good fortune doesn't flow out the back. Fountains have also been placed in plazas throughout Hong Kong Disneyland to accumulate good fortune.

For more information on Hong Kong Disneyland, or to make reservations, call 852 183 0830 or visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

Other articles in this series:

Disney Opens Its Newest Theme Park In Hong Kong
A Look At Hong Kong Disneyland
Disney's Hollywood Hotel Brings Vintage Hollywood to Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Offers Luxury In a Victorian Setting