How Hong Kong Disneyland Keeps Things Fresh After Almost Two Decades
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Hong Kong remains the top destination for Filipinos in the first quarter of 2024, according to Klook, with the top attraction being Hong Kong Disneyland. Dubbed the "Happiest Place on Earth" (along with other Disney parks around the world), it has always been a place of imagination and wonder since it opened on Lantau Island in 2005. And for the last 19 years, Hong Kong Disneyland has always kept things fresh through expansions, new immersive attractions, spectacular shows, and more.
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Celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company in 2023
Last year's highlight was undoubtedly the opening of the World of Frozen, the first-ever Frozen-themed land, on November 20, 2023. "World of Frozen represents Hong Kong Disneyland’s largest and boldest expansion since it opened in 2005," said Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, in a press statement.
It features Frozen Ever After, an indoor attraction where visitors go on a slow boat ride through Arendelle, Troll Valley, the North Mountain, and the Ice Palace. Familiar Frozen music like "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "Let It Go" play in the background.
Frozen Ever After
Then there's Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs, an outdoor roller coaster train ride that's 298 meters long and built into an artificial mountain.
Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs
Dining options in World of Frozen promise to be equally immersive. The Golden Crocus Inn serves hearty Norwegian-inspired meals in a cozy, nautical-themed setting, while Northern Delights offers a range of delectable sweets, including chocolate treats that are sure to delight. For a quick snack, Forest Fare in Arendelle Forest provides churros, cookies, and shaved ice, perfect for a mid-adventure pick-me-up.
Playhouse in the Woods
Highlighting Duffy and Friends and Marvel Characters in 2024
Outside of the World of Frozen, Hong Kong Disneyland continues to innovate with new attractions and entertainment. Duffy and Friends Play House opened its doors in March 2023, with the second edition of its annual fan festival, "Duffy and Friends Play Days," starting on March 15. It's a time when fans from across Asia visit the park in outfits inspired by the Duffy and Friends Disney franchise: Duffy, the Bear; ShellieMay, who is also a bear; Gelatoni, a tuxedo cat; CookieAnn, an adorable dog; Linabell, a pink fox; TippyBlue, a seagull; StellaLou, a rabbit; and ‘Olu, the turtle. Guests can hang out and take photos of the play house while waiting for their turn at the meet & greet.
Duffy and Friends Play House
The park also recently launched a daytime show at Tomorrowland called "Find Your Super Power: Battle for Stark Expo." The Avengers call on Marvel fans in the crowd to help them win the fight against Arnim Zola, who has invaded Start Expo. Another highlight is "Find Your Super Power: Battle in the Sky," a spectacular nighttime drone show that gets Marvel fans oooh-ing and ah-ing while looking up at the night sky.
Find Your Super Power: Battle for Stark Expo
Find Your Super Power: Battle in the Sky runs from April 26 to June 10
Snacks at Starliner Diner
Cuisines at the Explorer's Club Restaurant at Mystic Point also got an all-new menu called Explorer’s Semi-Buffet. The F&B is inspired by well-traveled globetrotter Lord Henry Mystic of Mystic Manor. It features Moroccan cuisine, Italian delicacies, and other dishes influenced by the ingredients of China, India, Russia, and Egypt.
Moroccan Lamb
Mushroom Lasagna
The main courses include the Moroccan Lamb, which is served in a traditional Moroccan cooking pot; Mushroom Lasagna, a vegetarian Italian dish; Indian Butter Chicken made from marinated tandoori chicken with cucumber raita and Indian spices; Chinese-style Pan-fried Salmon served with a soba noodle salad and wok-fried vegetables; Spice-Crusted Sea Bass for a taste of Calcutta; Russian Eggplant Caviar accompanied by garlic buns.
Spice-Crusted Sea Bass Fillet
Pan-Fried Salmon Fillet
The Explorer’s Semi-Buffet is served at the Explorer's Club Restaurant from 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. for lunch and from 6:15 for dinner. The lunch buffet starts at HK$198 for children and HK$298 for adults, while the dinner buffet (with admission to the "Momentous" special viewing area) is at HK$348 for children and HK$508 for adults. The package comes with free-flowing appetizers, salads, desserts, and drinks, plus a choice of one main course.
Hong Kong Disneyland's Post-Pandemic Recovery
Hong Kong Disneyland has yet to report its business results for the previous fiscal year. But in May 2023, they reported a positive turnout post-pandemic. The resort's total attendance saw an increase of 22%, fuelled by long Hong Kong residents given the waves of the COVID-19 restrictions. Revenue for 2022 grew by 31% to HK$2.2 billion. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation improved by 11%, to negative HK$861 million. Net loss narrowed to HK$2.1 billion, which represents a 12% improvement compared to 2021.
The resort hotels saw a slight increase in overall occupancy, edging up three percentage points to 24%, despite the absence of tourist arrivals and the temporary closure of Disney’s Hollywood Hotel for planned renovation. Efforts to enhance guest offerings and products led to improvements in per capita guest spending and per room guest spending by 11% and 7%, respectively, in 2022.
Animation Academy lets Hong Kong Disneyland guests participate in a drawing session with a Disney animator. It opened in 2007.
The resort has maintained exceptional guest satisfaction ratings, with 94% of theme park guests and 89% of hotel guests reporting their overall experience as "excellent," "very good," or "good." This high level of satisfaction can be attributed to the theme park's continuous efforts to implement health and safety measures while preserving the guest experience.
Hong Kong Disneyland also welcomed its 100 millionth guest in December 2023: a family from Hong Kong that happens to be Magic Access members.
The 'Momentous' Nighttime Spectacular is a 20-minute show of fireworks, Disney medley, and projection. It started in June 2022.
After these milestones, Hong Kong Disneyland continues to set the standard for immersive family entertainment, upholding its slogan of being the "Happiest Place on Earth." New attractions and updates keep kids and kids-at-heart coming back for more.
Hong Kong Disneyland tickets are available on Klook.
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