The HKDL Source

 

 

 

Update for May 7 to May 13 - News and Commentary 

 

Lazy Days

 

So last week's column was a bit slack, largely because it was pictorial, but partly because I neglected to mention the 903 Party; the first annual Gay Day (a subject that recently caused MiceChat to question my sexuality). We can only apologise, but with all the changes still happening here at the site, it was a struggle to simply post anything last week. The good news is that our Gallery is largely open and being updated again! We've even added a new Pirate Land section, but more on that later.

 

At any rate, on with the show...

 

 

Pirates Unleashed

 

As reported earlier in the week, Pirates officially took over Adventureland this week. Disney appears to have gone all out for the event, with masses of merchandise; great guidemaps; Pirate Boot Camps and other piratey treasures. This event, although officially kicking off this week, will last until the end of June and is sure to bring us more excitement and plenty of photo opportunities.  For that reason, we've opened a new Pirate Takeover Gallery to celebrate the event.  Despite only being a week into the event,  we have already gathered almost 80 photos from fans and Disney themselves.

This event is already huge, supported by some new commercials that have been seen and heard in Hong Kong this week, and promises to finally give Hong Kong Disneyland something that no other park is offering. If only they can keep up the momentum with, oh...I don't know...a certain E-ticket ride based on Pirates of the Caribbean?

 

Double Your Parade Fun

A little birdy in the form of a Cast Member reported to one of our spies that Mickey's WaterWorks will commence on July 1 this year. There are no plans to replace the existing Disney on Parade, meaning that guests will be treated to two parades each day presumably. However, Disney does not appear to be planning on running the WaterWorks outside of the summer season, so don't make any long-term plans for wetness.

 

Construction Updates

it's a small world continues whether you want it to or not. The latest photos show some definite progress is being made on the famous dark-ride attraction. Thanks to our newest spy, Mickey20d, we can see that there is a definite structure taking form being the brightly coloured fence, putting the ride on track for its 2008 opening. According to Mickey20d, they have built a bridge under the railway heading towards the Golden Mickeys theatre. Still no word on the other two bits of construction going on around the park, especially that behind Adventureland. This may have something to do with Pirate Land, when all is said and done.

 

 

Bizarro Hong Kong Disneyland

One of the strangest stories of the week comes from JapanProbe. Footage has surfaced of a blatant Disneyland copy that has been around for a few years in China, with often headless Disney - and other - characters wandering about the park. The park copies several aspects of the Disney park, including the famous castle, but features other characters beyond Disney wandering around the park as well. It's like Nara Dreamland all over again! The only thing more worrying than the Minnie Mouse that is claimed to be a "cat with very large ears" is that there are actually more rides (and seemingly more crowds) than the official Disneyland in Hong Kong. We'll definitely be following this more closely.

 

 

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): 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

• Mothers Day (May 11 and 12): Enjoy the day in the park and two Disney hotels before treating the leading lady to an array of scrumptious dining, as well as relaxing spa treatments at the Victorian Spa that are guaranteed to pamper her no end!
• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Premiere (May 22): Rumoured premiere of the film in the park.
• 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 (July 1): 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, 9:00 on weekends. The weekends accomodate the Pirates After Dark shows. 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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