Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Overview
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, is a resort that was built and managed by Hong Kong International Theme Parks, a joint venture of the Government of Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company. The resort opened to visitors on September 12, 2005, and it is the second Disney park extension into Asia after the opening of Tokyo Disney Resort in 1983.
History
The history of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort dates back to 1998 when Disney was looking for a location for its second resort in Asia. After considering several locations, the company decided on Hong Kong due to its strong tourism industry and proximity to other Asian markets. The Hong Kong government was also eager to bolster tourism and agreed to finance the project.
Construction
Construction of the resort began in 2003 and was completed in 2005. The resort was built on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. The construction process was a massive undertaking, involving thousands of workers and costing billions of dollars.
Opening
The resort officially opened on September 12, 2005. The opening ceremony was attended by then-Chief Executive of Hong Kong Donald Tsang, Michael Eisner, Bob Iger, and other officials. The park's opening was met with enthusiasm from the public, but also faced criticism for its small size and lack of unique attractions.
Park Layout
The layout of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort follows a similar pattern to other Disneyland parks. The park is divided into seven themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street, U.S.A. is the first section of the park that visitors encounter. It is designed to resemble a typical midwestern town of the early 20th century. The area features American-style eateries and shops, and it's also where the daily parades take place.
Adventureland
Adventureland is the largest among all Disney parks. It features attractions that are inspired by the exotic landscapes of Africa and Asia. Some of the attractions in this area include the Jungle River Cruise, Tarzan's Treehouse, and the Festival of the Lion King.
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is where visitors can meet Disney princesses and enjoy classic Disney attractions. Some of the attractions in this area include Cinderella Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Mickey's PhilharMagic.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is a futuristic themed area with attractions that are inspired by the visions of the future. Some of the attractions in this area include Space Mountain, Orbitron, and Iron Man Experience.
Grizzly Gulch
Grizzly Gulch is a Wild West themed area with attractions that are inspired by the gold rush era of the 19th century. The main attraction in this area is the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.
Mystic Point
Mystic Point is the home to Lord Henry Mystic and his monkey Albert. The main attraction in this area is Mystic Manor, a trackless dark ride.
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is themed using oversized toys from the Toy Story movies. The main attractions in this area include RC Racer, Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, and Slinky Dog Spin.
Expansion
Since its opening, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has undergone a number of expansions. The first expansion, Toy Story Land, opened in 2011. This was followed by Grizzly Gulch in 2012, and Mystic Point in 2013. In 2016, the resort announced plans for a multi-year expansion, which includes the addition of two new themed areas based on Marvel and Frozen.
Operations
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is operated by Hong Kong International Theme Parks, a joint venture of the Government of Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company. The resort employs over 5,000 cast members, making it one of the largest employers in Hong Kong's service industry.
Impact
The resort has had a significant impact on Hong Kong's economy and tourism industry. It has attracted millions of visitors from around the world, boosting tourism and contributing to the local economy. However, the resort has also faced criticism for its environmental impact and for the government's financial involvement in the project.