The HKDL Source

 

 

News Update & Commentary - Update for November 27 to December 3

 

For a week where nothing appears to be happening in the park, beyond the usual magic that is, there has certainly been a great deal of buzz about Disney's latest Eastern venture. You can always rely on the 'Net to see any number of rumours and stories flying around about Hong Kong Disneyland.

 

One such rumour that doesn't want to go away - despite reports of it being delayed for a few years - is the forthcoming "It's A Small World" rumour. For those of us that have been following Hong Kong Disneyland's development for a while, the opening of the attraction seems like a foregone conclusion. However, with Disney's publicity machine remaining strangely quiet on the subject, we only have the cryptic words of Cast Members and alleged 'insiders' to go on. Late last week we reported a story that could see the ride officially announced as early as December. As this week takes us into the final month of the year, we all eagerly hold our collective breaths.

 

A closer inspection behind the construction fence that is currently erected, along with several cranes, in Fantasyland provide few clues as to the actual form the construction is going to take. All we can see is something that has been described as looking like a collection of 'Floridian condos'. Take a look at this exclusive photo below and see what you think:

 

 

In other news, last week saw a widely reported article from the Washington Post ("A Bumpy Ride for Hong Kong Disneyland"). It was a typical mixture of the usual rumblings about the park: complaints of it being too small; the feng shui aspects; it's varying appeal to the Chinese mainlanders and a bit of a positive outlook for the future. However, one line towards the end of the article jumped out at me. It was a comment from a Chinese visitor: "What impressed me most is the toilet".

 

Taken by itself, it was an amusing aside, possibly the result of a cultural difference. Then a second report was released in Metro HK News (Chinese only) proclaiming that the Hong Kong toilets were the best in the three main amusement parks in Hong Kong. It got me thinking: besides the obvious, what's in a toilet anyway?

 

 

It is true that the Disneyland bathroom is always an impressive affair, and they are usually nicely themed to fit in with the surrounding environment (see photo above). Surely this focus on toilets is somewhat odd, though?

 

So as we launch into December this week, with Christmas celebrations in full swing and fans the world over prepping themselves for the announcement of the next big attraction, we ask ourselves: Will even "It's A Small World" be able to top the lure of the Hong Kong Disneyland toilets?

 

Current Closures/Refurbishments

 

• The Disneyland Story (Main Street) replaced November 11 to December 31? While it is currently closed as an historical exhibit, it is presently being used to house Santa's Corner for the duration of the Christmas Festivities.
• Fantasyland: No closures in Fantasyland, but there are three cranes hovering over the land, casting a shadow of speculation. Most now suspect this has to do with It’s A Small World construction.  

 

Events

 

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

 

November

• A Magical Christmas: From November 11 to December 31. Nightly Tree Lighting and Sing-a-longs at 6PM on Main Street.
• Meet Santa Claus: From November 11 to December 31. At Santa's Corner on Main Street.

 

 

December

• A Magical Christmas and Meet Santa Claus: See November for details.
• Fan Meet in Hong Kong Disneyland: Fan site HKDLR is planning a tentative fan meet-up for this Friday 1st December. See their site for more details.
• Fun For Kids Zone: Craft and Yuletide activities for kids in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Kids Zone is open from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the following weekend and public holiday dates: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 30 December 2006.
• New Year's Eve Countdown: December 31 - January 1, 2007. Mickey's 2007 Countdown Party will see a 20-piece band at Sleeping Beauty's Castle, DJs in Tomorrowland and parties all around.

 

Current Discounts/Promotions

• Special Hotel Offer for Hong Kong Residents: Hong Kong residents will get 25% off Disneyland and Hollywood Hotel bookings until December 20. Details can be found here.
• Fall Magical Vacation Package exclusively with BOC Visa Card: Book your Disney vacation before November 30 this week and receive some groovy benefits. See here for details. 
• Dining Deal: Book breakfast in advance and receive 30% off. Conditions apply.

 

Park Hours/Schedule

 

Park hours this week will be a constant 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday 20 November 2006 through to Sunday 26 November 2006. Judging from the official calendar, these hours will continue for the next few weeks until the week leading up to Christmas and New Year. The park hours will extend during that period.

 

As of this time, only the weekends (that is, Saturdays and Sundays) have been classified as Peak Ticket Days.

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