Just before Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida, in 1970, there were a total of 160,000 jobs in Central Florida. Today, there are more than 816,000, he said. One in five of those jobs are tourism related and, an additional 19 new jobs are created with every 1,000 new visitors, he added.

Likewise, he feels Hong Kong Disneyland will create a wide range of jobs from entry level to professional.

"As projected, over 18,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created at opening, and that is expected to double to 36,000 by the project's initial build-out," he said.

To illustrate the magnitude of the park's business potential, Mr Tight ran down Disney World's snack list.

"Each year at Walt Disney World guests consume almost 7 million hamburgers, 5 million hotdogs, 9 million pounds of French fries, more than 275,000 pounds of popcorn, more than 46 million Coca Cola drinks, and 30 million packets of ketchup," he said.

"Now of course, the food products will certainly be different to cater to local taste, but the volumes are clearly remarkable."

Mr Tight tried to alleviate concerns that Disney would import labour by assuring that, "Our first priority is to employ the people of Hong Kong when available."

He also tried to alleviate fears that the giant theme park would devastate the largely unspoilt environment on Lantau Island. Operation of Hong Kong Disneyland will be consistent with Disney's tradition of environmental excellence, he said.

Upon its opening in 2005, which Mr Tight pointed out just happens to be in the Year of the Mouse, Hong Kong Disneyland is expected to attract about 1.5 million tourists who would have not otherwise come to Hong Kong.

This is expected to increase to 3 million as the park expands over time. In addition, tourists already coming to Hong Kong are expected to extend their stays to come visit the theme park.