The HKDL Source

 

 

 

News Update & Commentary - Update for April 30 to May 6

 

 

So here we are again after another few crazy weeks. The site looks a little bit different to the last time we checked in with a weekly column, but the content – a little bit like the park we speak so often about – is pretty much the same. Suffice it to say there is still some construction going about both here and in Hong Kong Disneyland, so pardon our respective piles of pixie dust while we weave our magic over the lands.

 

Yes, that means we have very little to talk about this week, but in a clever construction segue, we present something of an update in pictures. One of our spies, Bennett, has updated us on a number of bits of construction going on around the park, chief of which is the ongoing work for it’s a small world. He paid a visit on Saturday 28th April, and this is what he saw:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, slow but steady progress is being made on the forthcoming it's a small world attraction, due to open in early 2008. The other bits of construction - namely the Toilets near the entrance and the Mystery Boxes behind Adventureland - remain full of activity, but yield very few answers at the moment.  For all we know, they could be building another crane to join its brethren in Fantasyland back there. Time will tell.

Many of you probably already associated banking with piracy, especially with the perpetual rise in interest rates and the rum and salted pork found in the foyer of most banks, but the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Bank has taken it one step further. If you successfully apply for one of the bank's Standard Chartered Visa Cards on or before July 31 this year, you'll get to choose between a Pirate's Takeover 4-pin set or a 1-Day pass to the park. You'll also receive a Pirate's Takeover phone strap, and a chance to win tickets to the May 22 premiere of the film.

 

The other thing I wanted to mention again this week is HKDL Source’s support of the Disney Online Community's charity drive, led by MiceAge columnist Kevin Yee, to Give Kids the World. Give Kids the World is a magical resort where kids who face life-threatening illnesses can be kids.

 

To make a donation to this very worthy cause, you can do a number of things. The most obvious is clicking on the banner below and making a donation that way:

 

 

 

Please donate. Every little bit helps.

 

 

Remember, as always, if you have any news, photos, trip reports or just a question, feel free to contact us. Another way you can help out the site is by voting for us on The Disney Portal. They rank all of the Disney sites on the web according to popularity and numbers of hits, and we are slowly making our way up the ranks. If you want to help us move up even higher, please use the link below to vote for us.

 

 

 

Current Closures/Refurbishments

 

• The Disneyland Story (Main Street): Disney wasted no time in taking down the Christmas trappings, but The Disneyland Story is still not as it was originally. The penguin figures and concept sketches from the forthcoming it’s a small world attraction will be temporarily on display in the Opera House.
• Fantasyland: No closures in Fantasyland, but there is constant construction going on ‘beyond the berm’ for the forthcoming it’s a small world attraction (Coming 2008).
• Land appears to be cleared and built upon behind Adventureland and the Promenade for as-yet-undisclosed project. While some contend that this land has always been in this state, we have reports that some construction was seen to be going on in this area. Others still say that this is prep-work for a Downtown Disney style area and the Pirates extension to Adventureland. Time will tell.
• Construction work is being carried out near the main gates, allegedly for some new toilets.

 

Events & Important Dates

 

If you know of any events that should be listed here, please let us know. 

 

May

• Buddha’s Birthday (May 24): The birthday of this spiritual leader is celebrated as a public holiday in Hong Kong. Another Peak Ticket Day.
• Pirates Overlay (May 4 to June 30): Disney has announced that they will be celebrating the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End in grand style, with pirates taking over Adventureland and the hotels. See here for more details.

 

June

• Tuen Ng Festival (June 19): Also, known as the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a day for patriotic remembrance, eating cakes and dragon boat races. It is yet another Peak Ticket Day.

 

July

• Summer attractions: While no official date has been announced as yet, we expect the Mickey’s WaterWorks parade and the Animation Academy to open sometime in July.
• Hong Kong SAR Anniversary (Confirmed): Disney confirms that they wish to celebrate with a series of events to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Hong Kong returning to China as, well as the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region Government on 1st July 2007.
• First Anniversary of HKDL Source: We turn 1 in July, and you know we aren’t going to let it slide. There will be street parades; fireworks…well, ok, maybe not. The budget won’t cover that. However, stayed tuned for competitions; more member interactivity and a whole makeover for the site!

September

• Hong Kong Disneyland’s Birthday: Hong Kong Disneyland turns two. No official word on any celebrations, but given that the First Anniversary was relatively low-key, we can’t imagine any huge events on the horizon. Don’t quote us though.

Current Discounts/Promotions

• Annual Passholders: From April 1 to June 30, 2007, this exclusive benefit allows Annual Pass holders to enjoy a soothing Victorian Indulgence Massage (50 minutes) or a relaxing Victorian Timeless Facial (50 minutes) for just HK$699, up to 35% off the standard price. Additional benefits for Premium Passholders, as well as more benefits for all, can be found here.
• Interest Free Installment when Purchasing Annual Passes: Purchase Annual Pass now with a Standard Chartered VISA Card or MANHATTAN VISA Card to enjoy a 12-month interest free installment. Offer Period: 1 December, 2006 – 31 May, 2007. See here for details. 
• Stay and Play for 2 Days: Book a hotel stay and enjoy an extra day at Hong Kong Disneyland when you purchase a one-day ticket! The offer has been extended until 29 September 2007!
• Dining Deal: Book breakfast in advance and receive 30% off. Conditions apply.

 

Park Hours/Schedule/Annual Pass Block-out Days

 

This week and almost of May, park hours will be from 10:00AM to 8:00PM. .The last week in May will change to 10:30AM to 8:00PM.

 

Value Annual Passholders will have all weekends blocked to them during May. Additionally, May 24 will be a Peak Ticket Day, blocked to Value Annual Passholders. Deluxe and Premium Annual Passholders get to go crazy, as no dates are blocked to them.

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