DAPs Magic Disney News – PRESS RELEASE
(Hong Kong, July 13, 2012) – Grizzly Gulch, the largest themed area in Hong Kong Disneyland’s expansion, will officially open tothe public on July 14, 2012. Today, Guests were welcomed at the Grizzly Gulch Grand Opening Ceremony to enjoy an unexpected runaway adventure through a unique multidirectional terrain-style coaster and numerous immersive Wild West attractions.
Officiating at the grand opening ceremony today were Guests of Honour the Honourable CY Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr. Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
“Today we celebrate an important milestone at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with the opening of Grizzly Gulch, the first themed area of its kind at any of our parks around the world,” said Tom Staggs. “The largest component of our expansion project, Grizzly Gulch transports Guests to a Wild West mining town that recalls a golden era of hope, adventure and opportunity. With its interactive water features, immersive entertainment elements and thrilling multidirectional coaster that crisscrosses the entire area, Grizzly Gulch is a spectacular addition to Hong Kong Disneyland and the Disney Parks and Resorts portfolio.”
“The expansion project heralds a new era of growth for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and the tourism industry in Hong Kong. As an integral part of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland has, since its inception, contributed vastly to Hong Kong’s economy, society, creativity, hospitality and much more. With the newest addition ofGrizzly Gulch, I look forward to continuing our success well into the future,” he said.
Other Guests attending the ceremony included the Honourable Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr. Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr. Bill Ernest, President and Managing Director, Asia Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Mr. Andrew Kam, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort; Mr. Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering; and Mr. Joe Lanzisero, Senior Vice President, Walt Disney Imagineering – Creative.
Building upon the successful opening of Toy Story Land last year, Grizzly Gulch will further expand Hong Kong Disneyland’s appeal to young Guests seeking thrill and adventure. With the opening of Mystic Point in 2013, the final installment of the expansion project, the Park will increase its footprint by almost one-fourth and will offer Guests over 100 attractions, entertainment facilities and shows, further strengthening the Park’s appeal across ages. The whole project is expected to be completed one year ahead of schedule.
“The completion of this three-phase expansion project demonstrates the continued growth of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and our commitment to enriching the Park’s experience to a broader range of Guests. This will further contribute to Hong Kong’s overall attractiveness as Asia’s top tourist destination,” said Andrew Kam.
The immersive Wild West setting of Grizzly Gulch transports Guests to a quintessential, bustling western Gold Rush township.The unique and innovative Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars takes Guests on a runaway adventure which features unexpected forward launches, backward dashes and rapid turns and crisscrosses the entire themed area.
Guests also will not want to miss the water jets at Geyser Gulch,warm greetings of the Grizzly Gulch Welcome Wagon Show and Disney Friends in new Gold Rush-era outfits, numerousWild West Photo Opportunities, auspicious Big Lucky Gold Nugget, Grizzly Gulch-inspired gifts from Bear Necessities or the hearty fare at the Lucky Nugget Saloon.
Plan now to head west for the unexpected runaway adventures ofGrizzly Gulch! 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, all Circle K outlets in Hong Kong, Avenue of Stars kiosks in Tsim Sha Tsui, selected Travelex Hong Kong Store and selected travel agents. Simply visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com or call the Disney Reservation Center at +852 1830 830 for more details on tickets and hotel reservations. Overseas visitors are welcome to check with their local travel agents for tickets, hotels and travel package information.
