Teacher MarHistory of Hong Kong Disneyland
"The History of Hong Kong Disneyland"
One of the most exciting cities in the world also became "the happiest place on earth" when Hong Kong Disneyland officially opened on September 12, 2005. The occasion was celebrated in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, with dragon dances, music and fireworks. During its short history, the park has become a favorite destination, given its self-contained facilities on-site, and its convenient 30-minute proximity to Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula.
Plans
Plans to build Hong Kong Disneyland were first announced in 1999 by The Walt Disney Company and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), who are joint venture partners in the project. Project construction started at the site in January 2003. Before that, the Hong Kong Government completed site preparation, land reclamation, initial layout of roads and infrastructure and public park landscaping.
Lantau Site
Hong Kong Disneyland Ride Hong Kong Disneyland is located on a 300-acre site on Lantau Island. Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong's outlying islands and also home to Hong Kong International Airport, enabling fast and efficient transfers by limousine, taxi, Mass Transit Railway and other transportation modes. The Hong Kong Park is comparable to the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, featuring many of the same attractions and rides.
Disney Lands
Hong Kong Disneyland Parade Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are the four main "lands" in addition to 21 rides and two hotels that were part of the original development plan. Hong Kong Disneyland is ideally situated at Penny's Bay with hills and sea surrounding, and extensive landscaping. While Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest of Disney's theme parks, it is the first to be built in China, and has been welcomed by the people of Hong Kong as well as by overseas visitors, especially those from Asia and Australia. The only other Disney resort in Asia is in Tokyo, Japan.
Facilities
Hong Kong Disneyland includes two hotels. The 400-room Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel has a Victorian theme. Guest facilities include the Crystal Lotus Chinese Restaurant, the Enchanted Garden Restaurant with an international buffet, a grand ballroom, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a gift shop and a Mickey Mouse-inspired maze that fronts the hotel. There is also the 600-room Disney's Hollywood Hotel, an art deco style facility that offers guests restaurants, shops, terrace gardens and a pool shaped like a piano.
Expansion
Hong Kong Disneyland is embarking on another phase of development that will significantly expand its current range of attractions. A five-year expansion program will introduce three additional attractions: Grizzly Trail, Mystic Point and Toy Story Land. These new attractions are being developed between 2009 and 2014.