Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's 20th Anniversary Starts June 28
Since Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened on September 12, 2005, guests have enjoyed the park's unique way of telling Disney stories. Now, the Disney park in Hong Kong, China, is set for a big year in 2025, and it all starts with the kickoff of its 20th anniversary celebrations on June 28. Highlights of the year-long celebration include new entertainment and the largest parade in the park's history.
Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said in a press release, 'We're thrilled to kick off The Most Magical Party of All on June 28. Our incredible cast members are putting their all into getting everything ready for the year-long party. This milestone celebration will be filled with immersive entertainment, extraordinary moments, and boundless Disney magic and surprises — we cannot wait to welcome everyone from around the globe to [Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's] most unforgettable celebration yet.'
A General view showing Hong Kong Disneyland on April 28, 2023 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Vernon ... More Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Over the past few years, the park has undergone plenty of expansions and refurbishments, but one moment that has set up Hong Kong Disneyland Resort for its next chapter is its new castle. For the park's 15th anniversary, Sleeping Beauty Castle got a major upgrade, becoming the Castle of Magical Dreams, which is inspired by 13 Disney princess stories. The Castle of Magical Dreams marked the first time any Disney castle has been transformed from representing one princess to highlighting multiple.
In fiscal year 2024, the resort welcomed a historic 7.7 million guests to the park, increasing park attendance by 21% over the previous year. That led to a cumulative attendance of over 106 million people since the park opened in 2005. 2024 also led to a historic level of net profit, HK$838 million (about $108 million in US dollars), which represents a 54% increase year-over-year. This high profit was partly due to the opening of the park's Frozen-themed area, World of Frozen, in November 2023.
A new nighttime spectacular will debut at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort as part of the resort's 20th ... More anniversary.
As the 20th anniversary looms near, the Castle of Magical Dreams is set to be the backdrop for much of the entertainment during the celebration. 'Guests will embark on a day-to-night magical party that builds excitement as the day unfolds,' shared Paul Rivet, executive Director of Entertainment at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, in a press release. 'Our 20th anniversary celebration also showcases how Disney entertainment has evolved to new heights. Get ready for three unmissable entertainment experiences, from our brand-new anniversary-only castle stage show, largest-ever parade to the grandest nighttime spectacular in [Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's]
The biggest entertainment offering during the 20th anniversary is going to be the new 'Friendtastic! Parade.' This all-new parade is the largest in park history, at around 30 minutes with 11 floats themed to Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films like Zootopia, Big Hero 6, Up, and Toy Story. The parade will also feature over 100 performers, including more than 30 Disney characters like Mickey and Friends, Duffy and Friends, and Disney Princesses.
Throughout the day, Hong Kong Disneyland Park visitors can see the anniversary-exclusive show, 'Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!' The 15-minute show will feature pop music, dancing, interactive moments with characters, giant balloons and more.
At night, guests can catch 'Momentous: Party in the Night Sky!' The nearly 30-minute nighttime spectacular takes place from the Castle of Magical Dreams all the way down Main Street, U.S.A. The show will feature eight highly technical elements, including large-scale 3D projection mapping, drones and water projections.
Duffy and Friends-themed afternoon tea sets will be available during Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th ... More anniversary.
No Disney party is complete without themed food and drink. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's 20th anniversary, the park will debut more than 80 new food and beverage items, including a Duffy and Friends-themed afternoon tea and themed family feasts with flatbreads and drinks.
The kickoff of the anniversary will also bring six new anniversary-specific merchandise collections to the park. These exclusive initial collections will feature more than 300 new items.
Both of these are easy ways for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to make more money in a market that keeps growing. In fiscal 24, per capita guest spending grew by 28% over the previous year. With these new offerings, guest spending should continue to increase.
With everything coming to the 20th anniversary celebration, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's momentum is strong going into the next 20 years of storytelling.
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