The HKDL Source

Update for June 25 to July 1 - News and Commentary

 

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

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It’s been a very Hong Kong week for me, having seen Eye in the Sky (with Tony Leung and Simon Yam) at the Sydney Film Festival last week. It was a great little reminder of just how vibrant the city is, and it was fun playing ‘spot the places I’ve been to’. I really look forward to getting back there next year, where no doubt regular readers will shout abuse at me and throw various sized fruit in my general direction.

 

Pirate Land – Here to Stay for a Bit

 

As this week brings us to the end of June, the Pirate Land was originally meant to close and return us to a state of Adventureland joy. However, two recent updates to the Official Site tipped us off that Pirate Land is not quite ready to leave yet. The most obvious one is a wonderful new interactive map, which we will discuss in more detail below, but the other hint is something a little bit more subtle. Where it used to say on the front page that Pirate Land was open from “now until June 30”, it now reads “now through the Summer”. This means that the Pirate Land will continue as late as August, as confirmed by Spy Bennett, who reports that advertisements have been screening on Hong Kong TV proclaiming the Pirate Land to be sticking about for summer and helping prop up the new Mickey’s WaterWorks and Animation Academy. We were able to report this on Friday.

 

The reasons for this may be multi-faceted. Aside from the obvious connection to the theatrical release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End still going strong around the box offices of the world, the event seems to have been a bit of a surprise hit for the flailing park. At least one reader has reported to us that Pirate Land is now “the most bustling area of the park”. The other reason is that Summer has traditionally been a big season for Disney parks, and even Hong Kong has been no exception. Last summer saw the launch of three new attractions in Tomorrowland, and this year sees the focus on Main Street with a new summer parade and Animation Academy. Disney presumably hopes to capitalise on the existing buzz created around the Adventureland overlay and keep new visitors attracted by the new events. Finally, this summer sees two major Hong Kong wide events taking place: the Hong Kong Shopping Festival dovetails nicely with the July 1 anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Disney would be mad to not push their best face forward during what will no doubt be a very busy tourist season in Hong Kong.

 

Now if we can only get that “best face” to include some kind of Pirates of the Caribbean dark ride, we’d be set.

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Hong Kong SAR

 

As we have mentioned a number of times over the last few weeks, it will be 10 years this coming Sunday 1 July since the handover of Hong Kong to China and the formation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. City-wide celebrations are on the cards, and Disney has already announced a series of promotional items for guests of the park on Sunday. These will include a limited edition pin set available from this Friday (June 29) from Town Square Photo on Main Street, USA, Kingdom Gifts in Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Celebrity Gifts in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. Guests who visit Hong Kong Disneyland on 1 July will be presented with a special Hong Kong themed badge with an image of Mickey Mouse and friends sailing on a junk through Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. The logos for the 10th Anniversary of HKSAR, and Hong Kong Disneyland are printed on the pin making it something a bit special for collectors. So if you are in the neighbourhood this weekend, pop in on Sunday to get yourself a special gift.

 

We’ve been told that our Chief Spy will be headed down that way this weekend, so expect a photo report around this time next week. Disney don’t seem to be talking to us at the moment, so we aren’t sure if there will be any ‘media events’, but it’s all about the fun, isn’t it?

 

Batter up!

 

Something we neglected to mention during the week, and for that we most humbly apologise, is that the Asia-Pacific Little League Regional Tournament of the Little League International Tournament baseball series will be held in Hong Kong Disneyland again this year. The regional tournament will be held between July 8 and 14 this year. If you recall, Hong Kong Disneyland hosted the event last year, something they invested $1.5 million in two baseball fields to do. The Guam Pacific Daily News reports that Hong Kong Disneyland are seeking a deal that would see them host the tournament through 2010, although nothing is set in stone as yet.

 

This would undoubtedly be a major coup for the park, especially after investing so much in the fields. Of course, I’m sure Disney fans would like to see the money go into more lands and attractions, but Hong Kong Disneyland seems to be gearing itself more and more towards the convention and ‘event’ circuit than any other Disney park. The trick, however, is turning all of these one-off visits into repeat visits.

 

 

 

 

Bogus Bomber Billed

 

The try-hard terrorist has handed us no end to the amount of prolific puns with an alliterative angle. If you’ll readily recall, the Bogus Bomber was bound and bailed earlier this month, with sentencing set for June 22. With the date due, the would-be ‘Hezbollah Hairdresser’ – who posted comments online about blowing up the theme park and the US embassy in Hong Kong - was finally fined $10, 000 HK ($1280 US approx.) and sentenced to 120 hours community service for wasting police time after pleading guilty to the offence. Strangely enough, the police actually spent an estimated $32,500 HK and 213 man hours finding him. So in effect, the Bogus Bomber is serving less time than it took to catch him. Ain’t justice grand? (Source: Monsters and Critics)

 

Other HKDL Sources

 

While we are not usually ones to trumpet some else's horn, as we have become quite adept at trumpeting our own,  we have to give props to Alain Littaye (author of Disneyland Paris: From Sketch to Reality) at his Disney and More Blog. This week, Littaye offers up a the third part of a terrific interview with Tom Morris, executive creative show producer for Hong Kong Disneyland. As always, his article is filled with photos and concept artwork and is a wonderful read. We may have delved into the Lost Lands, but Mr. Littaye completely outdid us. The series continues with an exclusive interview with Tim Delaney, the show producer of Hong Kong Disneyland's Tomorrowland!

 

HKDL Source 2.0

 

We are on track for the launch of the second version of our site in a few weeks. July 17 will see the launch of a far more interactive version of your favourite Hong Kong Disneyland fan site. There will be three new sections: the Members Zone, Community and an expanded Multimedia section. The News section of the site will also feature a few more neat mods. We are really excited about rolling this out just in time for our first anniversary, which also happens to be the 52nd anniversary of the original Disneyland in California. Stay tuned for more exciting information.

 

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

 

• Comet Cafe (Tomorrowland) – CLOSED (June 26 and 27): Listed as being closed for these two days, 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. The HK Building Department reports this as a 'Dangerous Goods Storage Area'. Time will tell.
• Construction work is being carried out near the main gates, allegedly for some new toilets and Cast Member break room.

 

Events & Important Dates

 

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

 

On Now

• Pirates Overlay (May 4 to August): 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. Now extended throughout summer.

 

July

 

• Hong Kong SAR Anniversary (July 1): 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. Giveaways, special merchandise and yet-to-be announced events will take place.
• Asia-Pacific Little League Regional Tournament (July 8 – 14): Once again, Hong Kong Disneyland plays host to the regional tournament of this international Little League baseball competition. Hong Kong Disneyland’s own baseball fields will serve as the setting for this annual event.
• Mickey's WaterWorks and Animation Academy (July 14 - August 31): While no official date has been announced as yet, the Hong Kong Tourism Board mentions this range of dates for the attractions. Several sources indicate that the WaterWorks is set for a July 1 opening, although we still have no word on the Animation Academy. However, given the timing of the HK SAR Anniversary for July 1, a mid-July launch seems more probable.
• First Anniversary of HKDL Source (July 17): We turn One 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.

 

October

• Halloween: Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialise all through October, as Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its second official Halloween. Look for the decorations to go up early October, and then segue into the Christmas/New Year celebrations in November. Rumour has it that this year will see a haunted house walk-through attraction temporarily erected.

 

November/December

• Christmas: From mid-November until New Year's Eve (December 31), Hong Kong Disneyland's Main Street will become a Winter Wonderland, with a tree lighting ceremony; musical events; special meals and the big man himself, Santa.
• Magical New Year and Countdown: Concluding the Christmas festivities, this big event will be a dance party for some; some old-school shindigging for others and an excuse to have fun for all. Count down to midnight in the park, and then go back and drain the hotels of all alcohol.

 

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 June, park hours will be from 10:00AM to 8:00PM, 9:00 on Friday and Saturdays. The extended hours accommodate the Pirates After Dark shows. From Friday July 6, weekend hours will extend to 10:00 to 9:00PM. From Friday July 13, park hours will stay at this extended time until the end of summer (August 31).

 

Value Annual Passholders will have all weekends blocked to them during June and July. Additionally, July 2 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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