Bangkok--24 Jan--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
All new imaginative experiences bringing Guests to new heights!
Beginning today, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 5th anniversary with Guests as it kicks off the year-long “Celebration in the Air”.
Many were entertained by the inaugural showing of the all-new “Flights of Fantasy Parade”. For the first time, the Park’s signature centerpiece “Tinker Bell Castle” was illuminated. The Resort is featuring the debut of an incredible line-up of new offerings, inviting everyone to celebrate this important milestone in the history of Hong Kong Disneyland.
In an opening ceremony staged in front of Tinker Bell Castle, Bill Ernest, President and Managing Director (Asia), Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Andrew Kam, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort welcomed Guests and media to this historic event. The Honorable Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism were invited as Guests of Honor to kick off the magical year-long celebration. Asia’s popular singers, Kelly Chen and Hacken Lee, also performed a duet on stage with Mickey in his celebratory costume, along with the first-ever appearance of Tinker Bell and many other beloved Disney friends, creating a rousing launch to the celebration.
“Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has been an important part of Hong Kong to both the tourism industry and the community in the past 5 years,” said Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, “I wish the Resort a great year with its ‘Celebration in the Air’ bringing more happy memories to local residents and visitors to Hong Kong.”
Tinker Bell teams up with Sorcerer Mickey to shower the entire Resort with pixie dust, magnifying the magic for 2011. Available only in Hong Kong Disneyland, the brand new, gravity-defying “Flights of Fantasy Parade” will wow Guests as it dazzles 40 feet in the air. “Tinker Bell Castle” will glisten by day and illuminate at night, making it the most photogenic icon in the Park. Mickey Mouse and his pals will greet Guests in their all-new 5th anniversary costumes. As part of the celebration, our Cast Members are ready to delight Guests with unique experiences throughout the Resort from themed merchandise and food & beverage offerings, to hotel activities and overall stunning Park decor.
Andrew Kam, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort told media that, “Our 5,000 Cast Members, including me, pin on our commemorative 5th anniversary name tags today and are committed to delivering Hong Kong’s world-class hospitality. By combining the splendor of Asia’s World City along with Disney’s magic, I hope ‘Celebration in the Air’ will become a highlight of the Hong Kong tourism experience in 2011 that is not to be missed.”
The Resort already began active promotions in the region including inviting over 400 media from local, China and overseas markets today to have a first-hand experience of the new entertainment offerings. It was the largest press hospitality program organized in 5 years.
On top of an already magical year, five special seasonal programs will be in place at the Resort to offer Guests even more excitement from spring to Christmas. The celebration year will conclude on a high note as the Resort opens the first completed themed area, Toy Story Land, under the expansion plan. While many Guests are interested in knowing how the Walt Disney Imagineers create the magic, an Expansion Preview Gallery was opened today to showcase design sketches, rendering pictures, layout plans and models of how things work “from Film to Reality.”
Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism was invited by Andrew Kam to jointly officiate at a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Expansion Preview Gallery before it was opened for public viewing. He said, “Hong Kong Disneyland is an important tourist attraction in Hong Kong. With the Resort’s 5th anniversary celebration and the completion of Toy Story Land in 2011, Hong Kong’s appeal as a premier tourist destination will be further enhanced.”
The “Flights of Fantasy Parade” was an 18-month collaboration of world-class talent from Disney Parks around the world. Many are specialists of parade float development, scenic design, show actions, and developing the large inflatable elements used on the floats. The team has also invited renowned costume designer Mirena Rada from New York to work with the local costuming team on a series of dazzling costumes that are also practical enough for performers in the air.
Local and international music talents were invited to create the theme song for “Celebration in the Air”. Earlier last year, the Resort launched a global anonymous music audition to compose the 5th anniversary theme song. The winning piece selected was composed by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s own Music Director, Rony Fortich. Fortich has been with the Resort since grand opening. Famous local lyricist Lin Xi was invited to work on the Chinese lyrics, which capture the very essence of “Celebration in the air.” In today’s opening ceremony, Asia’s popular singers Kelly Chen and Hacken Lee entertained Guests with the song to officially kick off the celebration.
“Our Guests will also be able to have a taste of the celebration even before they enter the Park. Beginning today, our admission tickets will carry a brand-new design featuring Celebration in the Air,” added Kam.
A series of regional marketing efforts will begin including television commercials airing in mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as a first-ever Facebook promotion in Asian markets.
The Resort will also work closely with alliance partners to activate year-round joint promotions.
During Celebration in the Air, Guests will be able to enjoy a more diversified shopping experience as the Resort opens a new merchandise outlet, Center Street Boutique, on Main Street, U.S.A. The new shop offers trendy, exclusive collections created with a unique Disney twist. The 5th anniversary merchandise series is definitely something not to be missed. It features three co-branded exclusive and collectible “Vinylmation” figurines as well as more than 200 new items featuring Tinker Bell, Sorcerer Mickey, “Flights of Fantasy” and Tinker Bell Castle.
More surprises await as Guests enjoy fabulous food in specially-themed packaging as take home souvenirs! The magic continues at the two Disney-themed hotels. On certain dates during the 5th Anniversary Celebration, families staying at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel can complete their magical day with Disney’s Story Time. Available at HK$168, the fascinating Storytellers will keep our little Guests captivated as they share favorite Disney tales. A Kodak moment of a surprise visit from a Disney friend and more wonderful delights will surely bring sweet dreams to the whole family before bedtime.
Plan now to visit Hong Kong Disneyland for the “Celebration in the Air” excitement in 2011. Tickets are available at Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express in MTR Hong Kong Station, the Hong Kong Disneyland Main Entrance, The Magic of Hong Kong Disneyland at Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Booth at Citigate Outlets, Tung Chung, All Circle K outlets, and Avenue of Stars Kiosks in Tsim Sha Tsui. Simply visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com or call Disney Reservation Center at +852 1830 830 for more details on tickets and hotel reservation.
Overseas visitors are welcome to check with your local travel agents for tickets, hotels and travel package information.
About Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers immersive, unique Disney experiences for all families, generations and ages to enjoy. Hong Kong is one of only five locations in the world that is home to a Disney themed park and the many Disney characters that are beloved the world over, such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. Since opening in September 2005, the Resort has welcomed over 25 million Guests from around the globe. Through the unique product offering and the world-class service provided by the 5,000-strong Cast at the theme park and the two hotels, the Resort has received outstanding Guest satisfaction ratings and a range of awards from the hospitality and entertainment sectors.
Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to serving Hong Kong people through a wide spectrum of community services programs from helping those in need to encouraging the protection of the environment in the region.
If you want to know more about us and want to enjoy a unique magical experience, visit us or click on to www.hongkongdisneyland.com for more information.
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Anita Lai
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Alvita Leung
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