Hong Kong Disneyland has already embarked on their latest massive expansion, but some of the attractions coming to the park as part of this overhaul have been revised, as well as some opening dates.
This new show, featuring inspirational visual storytelling, dancing, puppetry and music, recounts the adventures of Moana after she returns to her home village of Motunui. The show is set in an entirely new outdoor venue in Adventureland, Jungle Junction, that echoes the Pacific Islands architecture, décor and designs as seen in the smash-hit animated film.
Officiating the kick-off ceremony were Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Michael Colglazier, president and managing director, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – Asia Pacific.
Chan said, “Over the past two years, “Star Wars” and “Iron Man” have turned into resident superheroes, capturing the imagination of our Park visitors. And I have no doubt that the inspired musical theatre, and visual storytelling, of Moana, will do very much the same.”
“‘Moana: A Homecoming Celebration’ heralds a new era of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort as the first of many new and exciting offerings coming to the resort as part of a multi-year transformation,” said Colglazier. “The new Moana entertainment experience showcases what we do best at Disney, immersing our guests in their favorite stories as only Disney can. We’re excited to see Hong Kong Disneyland Resort continue to grow and create more fun for guests, with new attractions opening through 2023.”
Originally set to open later this year, guests will have to wait until 2019 for the Ant-Man and the Wasp themed ride that is replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland. In this attraction, guests help the heroes battle Arnim Zola and his army of Hydra swarm bots.
In 2020, the reimagined Sleeping Beauty Castle featuring over 13 towers representing 13 different Disney Princesses and their stories will be unveiled. A new Castle stage for new daytime and nighttime spectaculars will be a part of the new magic, including fountains and more.
2021 will bring the Frozen themed land to Hong Kong’s Fantasyland area, now with different attractions than originally announced. The Oaken Magic Sleigh ride is now a rollercoaster attraction, where guests will ride in a train of sleds through a ride similar to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction at Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disneyland.
“In this time of happily-ever-after, peace and prosperity have returned to the kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Elsa has now embraced her magical ice powers, and she and Princess Anna have created a Summer Snow Day for the merriment of the kingdom. Guests are invited to take part in this joyous occasion and celebrate the day that Anna saved Elsa with an act of true love. Guests can join a musical journey to Elsa’s Ice Palace and also venture across the bridge to explore the neighboring forest. They will enjoy an exciting family thrill ride that traverses the natural landscape, built by Wandering Oaken for this special occasion. Whatever discoveries and experiences guests enjoy, they will find that Arendelle offers countless opportunities for surprise and delight during this kingdom-wide celebration.”
Further expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland will continue into 2023 with more Marvel attractions in Tomorrowland.