If you living in South East Asia, Like Malaysia and Indonesia, the nearest Disney Land entertainment is in Hong Kong.
The local papers in Malaysia was promoting the tour. I am not sure whether there was any incentive place for the promotion. I would like to believe there was, as the writer was given a tour of the location.
Almost all kids in the world knows the Walt Disney character like Mickey Mouse and his friends. Even the later characters the like of the Disney Princess had been the talk of growing kids.
In conjunction with the fifth anniversary of the Hong Kong establishment, the resort invited press members from Asia countries to join the celebration. Off course it did not come exactly free, because the press were suppose to insert some stories in the paper. In fact both win, as the Disney Land get a free advertisement, the paper get a story and the press members get a holiday.
read further from the star newspaper...below.
The resort had invited members of the press from Asia to join in the festivities in conjunction with their fifth year anniversary that was launched on Jan 21.
Just as the cartoons suggest, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a magical place. It is fun to walk into any one of the resort’s two hotels, Disney’s Hollywood Hotel and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel because all you see around you are Disney characters.
Movie stars: Woody from Toy Story leading the pack with their very own float “To Infinity and Beyond”Paintings, statues, carvings and designs on the wall depict the hundreds of character that make up the Disney channel as we know it. The restaurants in the hotels serve up cute little dishes like Mickey Mouse pancakes and desserts resembling Winnie the Pooh.
The entire resort was alive with the celebrations for the fifth year anniversary celebrations dubbed “Celebrations in the Air” that will take place throughout the year.
Members of the media were whisked away for a day-long event at the Disneyland Park which began with a tour of the Main Street U.S.A. The street is filled with shops selling Disney merchandise and restaurants featuring special menus.
The latest addition to the Mainstreet U.S.A is the Centre Street Boutique offering trendy, exclusive collections created with a unique Disney twist.
There are also the anniversary gift series including three co-branded collectible ‘Vinylmation’ figurines as well as more than 200 new items featuring Tinker Bell, Sorcerer Mickey and Flights of Fantasy.
Bewitching sight: At night Tinker Bell’s Pixie-dusted castle comes alive.Next came the launch ceremony of the celebrations that was held in front of the Tinker Bell castle later that afternoon. Together with the president and managing director (ASIA) of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Bill Ernest was the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Andrew Kam, who introduced the latest addition to the park, Tinker Bell.
Also at the event was Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Phillip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism.
“We wanted something that is creative and imaginative for our guests. One of the things we found is that no matter who we are and what our age is, we are inspired by flight. Being part of Disney, we have a wide repertoire of characters representing flight,” said Kam during a press conference.
He also said that Tinker Bell was the best character that can represent the fantasy of flight since her pixie dust makes things fly.
The crowd enjoyed a wonderful performance by Asia’s popular singers Kelly Chen and Hacken Lee who sang the theme song for “Celebration in the Air” together with Mickey in his celebratory costume during the launch.
To add to the spectacular day, a brand new “Flights of Fantasy Parade” dazzled the crowd which gathered at the Mainstreet USA in the evening.
The man behind the parade, Steve Davison, said it was one of the tallest parade’s ever created in Disneyland history.
“The floats are 40-feet-high and we have used experts from all over the world. There is a lot of technology involved but you don’t see it so that makes it magical. Its amazing to see adults trying to figure out how it works,” added Davison.
Interesting: Mainstreet U.S.A has all sorts of stores with products to entertain both the young and old.Dumbo, the flying elephant, Mickey, Minnie and their friends, Lilo and Stitch, Winnie the Pooh and Friends and even the Disney Princesses had a float each and some 80 performers who interacted and performed with guests.
Children and their parents were seen excitedly taking photos and participating in the performances with the dance troupes.
At night, as the sun set, Tinker Bell’s Pixie dusted castle came alive as different colours illuminated the enchanting building, drawing sighs from spectators.
“This is the first time we have done anything like this. Taking something like Pixie Dust out of the screen is a challenge. We created two looks; during the day it glistens and by night it transforms magically with this fantastic light show,” said Theron Skees, the creative leader in charge of the Pixie dusted castle.
Finally, the night ended with a spectacular “Disney in the Stars” fireworks show that was well choreographed to blend in with the castle illumination.
Despite HKDL’s young age, the latest addition to the Disney theme parks has drawn some 25 million guests since its opening and recorded 5.23 million visitors just last year alone.
The numbers are no surprise considering the amount of effort and personalised service the theme park provides for its guests.
By 2014 there will be three new attractions that can be viewed at “The Magic Continues Preview Gallery”.
The Toy Story Land will be the first to be completed this year with interesting rides that will appeal to all ages.
When completed, the expansion will increase HKDL’s physical footprint by approximately 23 percent, broadening the park’s appeal by adding more experiences for young adults. The other two parks include Grizzly Trail and Mystic Point.
For more details on showtime and character greetings, log on towww.hongkongdisneyland.com.
