Hong Kong Disneyland’s Expansion Countdown Clock Ticking Down Putting imagination in action, Asia’s only Toy Story Land ready for opening in mid Nov

DAPs Magic Disney News – PRESS RELEASE

(Hong Kong, September 8, 2011) — Hong Kong Disneyland Resort continues to grow and constantly create new and unique experiences, drawing upon the core Disney strengths of storytelling and putting imagination in action, inspiring people’s creativity in life. The next chapters of the Park’s tale are being unveiled with the imminent completion of its expansion bringing Hong Kong three original areas – Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point. The first themed area will be completed and open to public in mid November this year with the launch of the exclusive-to-Asia Toy Story Land, already in its final stage of preparation.

“The expansion project is our largest growth phase since our opening, with three new unique areas and countless new experiences on the way in the coming two years. We are proud to host Asia’s only Toy Story Land, which will bring the global blockbuster movie to life. It is a true demonstration of Disney’s legacy of storytelling, constantly creating new and unique experiences for our guests,” said Andrew Kam, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

“In addition to increasing our physical footprint by 23%, the whole expansion project will bring overall park attractions, entertainment facilities and shows to total more than 100. This is part of our long term commitment to Hong Kong – to position it as a premier travel destination in Asia and the world,” added Kam.

Through Toy Story Land, Walt Disney’s Imagineers are bringing to life the magic of the stories behind the global blockbuster Toy Story movies – stories that many people have literally grown up with over the past 16 years. Entering the themed area, Guests will get a shrinking sensation as they are surrounded by an immersive atmosphere with a unique sense of scale. Everyone will feel like toys themselves, immersed in the oversized world of Andy’s backyard and interacting with their beloved characters in countless fun ways. The three main attractions in Toy Story Land – RC Racer, Slinky Dog Spin and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop – will give Guests of all ages and origins incredibly interactive and playful adventures.

Andy’s speediest toy car is sure to get everyone’s adrenaline pumping. RC Racer is the most thrilling new ride in Toy Story Land. Guests can race along a 27-meter high U-shaped coaster as RC zooms around at full speed. Sarge also calls for all Toy Soldiers to join Andy’s troops for a 25-meter high flying adventure –Toy Soldier Parachute Drop that bring Guests up and down in a simulated parachute drop. Guests of all ages can also opt for the rollicking Slinky Dog Spin and howl with laughter as they join Slinky® attempting to catch his own tail.

“We’re bringing these cherished stories from the big screen to reality. It will be a place where our Guests will be transformed into toys themselves and get the chance to meet and play with their favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody, Jessie, the Toy Soldiers, Rex and more,” said Kelly Willis, Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong. “Toy Story Land will be a high-spirited and colorful place where Guests can feel free to let their imagination run wild and have fun.”

Hong Kong Disneyland’s expansion plan also includes two additional themed areas. The next to open after Toy Story Landwill be Grizzly Gulch. Based on an entirely new and original story of the “gold rush” days of the American Frontier and developed exclusively for Hong Kong, Grizzly Gulch will bring a high speed terrain coaster style attraction to Hong Kong. Following the launch of Grizzly Gulch will be Mystic Point. This brand new themed land will feature an eccentric world traveler and adventurer with a collection of his exotic and mysterious international artifacts. Many surprises will be in store for Guests in Mystic Manor as strange things are activated by the enchantment of a music box which possesses magical powers.

Hong Kong Disneyland is going to employ about 1,000 full and part time Cast Members to meet expansion, seasonal and business development needs. Open recruitment will be specially arranged at the Resort on two consecutive days on September 10 and 11, 2011.
In addition, the Park has launched a series of Toy Story Land launch events, dedicated to the travel trade community in 16 Asian cities. The events, including a first-of-its-kind “It’s Playtime” Challenge, provide a sneak peek of this new themed land to over 2,000 travel trade partners, to heighten awareness, achieve early buy in and prepare travel packages to ensure their clients will be among the first to experience the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland.
“Our 5,000-plus Cast Members at the Hong Kong Disneyland are getting ready for the completion of Toy Story Land,” added Kam, “We cannot wait to ignite the playful hearts of our Guests. It’s playtime at Hong Kong Disneyland!”