The HKDL Source

Update for May 28 to June 3 - News and Commentary

 

Skip To: Current Closures/Refurbishments |  Events & Important Dates | Current Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours/Schedule/Annual Pass Blockout Days

 

Pirates Life for Us & Dangerous Toilet Construction Update

Avast ye, mateys! Oh, it’s so hard to get away from all the piratey goodness this week, especially as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End - starring Hong Kong’s own Chow Yun-Fat - opened in cinemas internationally this past week. Already showing its sea legs at the box office, the toughest hurdle – much like Hong Kong Disneyland itself – was the critics. While many of them gave it a mediocre review at best, and admittedly the film is a little long, rest assured that it is a rollicking adventure packed to the gills with fun and action. Johnny Depp, as always, steals the show, but it is also great to see Australia’s Geoffrey Rush back on deck, being someone who literally – as one critic put it – could act a monkey off the screen. HKDL Source covered the premiere event at Hong Kong Disneyland last week, but the question on everyone’s lips now is “Where is Hong Kong’s version of the ride?” After all, it is the only Disney theme park to not have the world-famous attraction in the resort.

 

 

Perhaps some answers can be gathered from this week’s construction update. For some time now, we have been wondering what the heck is going on behind Adventureland (presently known as Pirate Land). As our Construction Photos showed, something was definitely being built back there and we hoped against hope that it would be the rumoured Pirate Themed Land we spoke about at length back in January this year. However, an investigation into the Building Department of Hong Kong’s website by our Spy Bennett revealed that the project may be potentially more mundane. Or the most exciting bit of news this month. The monthly digests from February through April, available as PDF files on the Department's website, reveal that the construction is for a DG Storage Room (or Dangerous Goods Storage Room). Now, this could go either way. Spy Bennett optimistically suggests that this could be preparation for a new land involving pyrotechnics displays, such as the rumoured Fantasmic area in the proposed Pirate Land. Then again, it may be something as simple as a storage place for the fireworks that already launch there every night of the week. At the very least, this is one mystery we can kind of put to bed. Although we secretly would like to think that the expanded possibilities of this storage area could come true.

 

The Department website also confirmed that the construction near the entrance is a toilet block, and Cast Member break room. So we were given the right information there. Also, there are listings for an LPG Storage Area and a “Supersplash Parade Storage”, which I think we can assume is for the Mickey’s WaterWorks Parade.

 

Numbers & Critics

So it looks like stuff is happening in the park, but all of this comes on the heels of the news that the Hong Kong SAR is no longer keen on funding future projects. Monsters and Critics reports that Disney refuses to reveal numbers on Hong Kong Disneyland’s attendance over the last few quarters, understandable given that they have consistently taken a loss at the freshly minted park. To add insult to injury Allan Zeman, the Canadian-born entrepreneur who turned the small Ocean Park – Hong Kong Disneyland’s biggest competitor – into one of the top-ten theme parks in the world. In a review published in Reuters India, he declared himself the hands-down winner of the attendance war and promises a massive overhaul by 2012. As we long-time Hong Kong Disneyland watchers look on, we can only hope that the rumours of a Pirate Land or at least a slew of new attractions by 2010/2012 are truly on the cards in the fledgling park hope to survive in the long term.

 

According to RTHK News, it’s a small world is due to open in April 2008. Fingers crossed, huh?

 

Remember, as always, if you have any news, photos, trip reports or just a question, feel free to contact us.

 

Current Closures/Refurbishments

 

• Golden Mickeys (Fantasyland) – CLOSED (28-29): The attraction is closed on Monday and Tuesday 28 and 29 May for “routine maintenance” according to the Disney calendar.
• Comet Cafe (Tomorrowland) – CLOSED (May 21 - 27): Listed as being closed until at least June 3 according to the Disney calendar. So no Chinese fast food for anyone! For at least 50 metres anyway…
• The Disneyland Story (Main Street): Appears to be back to housing concept art, but expect more construction soon with the opening of the Animation Academy.
• 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 April 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

• 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. Several sources indicate that the WaterWorks is set for a July 1 opening, although we still have no word on the Animation Academy.
• 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 (September 12): 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.

 

April 2008

• it’s a small world (April 2008): RTHK News reports that the attraction is set to open in April 2008, which is consistent with Disney’s official line of ‘early 2008’.

 

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.
• Complimentary Deluxe Annual Passes: (May 15 to July 1) If you were born in 1997, you may be entitled to free Deluxe Annual Pass. Valid for for year from date of issue. Full details 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 Friday and Saturdays. The extended hours 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 June. Additionally, June 19 (Tuen Ng Festival) 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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