Of the three new attractions that
Hong Kong Disneyland is getting over the next four years, one of them is clearly drawing the most attention...
In 2013 you'll be transported to the
Edwardian Era of 1908, if you're going through
Adventureland that is. Traveling through the dense, dark jungle you come upon a large estate built in the middle of this wild forest. Inside that estate lies a large mansion, a manor occupied as home and museum of the occupant.
Lord Henry Mystic lives here and holds all the valuable relics he has gathered on his explorations across the world as an avid searcher, examiner and much valued member of the
Society of Explorers and Adventurers. Thus begins your tale...
And that's how it will start. But before it does, the other two attractions have to be constructed. The Toy Story Play Land, which opens in 2011 and the Grizzly Trail, which opens in 2012. When 2013 comes around Disney's Fifth kingdom will finally have the
Haunted Mansion that it was born without. I know, I know, some people have described it as a unique attraction and not a clone of the famous experience that originated in Disneyland, but that is its origin.
Perhaps clone is not the best word for it. Many people have seemed to take offense at calling it a HM clone and I've received several e-mails asking me for clarification. So let's say it's not so much a clone as it is a cousin to the ride. If you've been following the rumors about the HKDL expansion for the last couple years, you've likely heard about an "Adventureland version" of the Haunted Mansion that was being planned and designed. Well, this is the fruit of those rumors. Originally thought of as an extension of that land, it has now morphed into a separate land, a portal beyond Adventureland that exists in it's own right.
When Imagineers got together to work on Hong Kong's own version of the classic attraction, one of the things that was important to the designers and the Chinese officials they talked with was originality. No normal clones were wanted. WDI and the representatives felt that the Chinese should have their own HM; one that would express things in way unique to this park. The goal was to go above and in a different direction than the other versions of the ride which existed in the other four parks. The plan was to come at it from an original story line all its own, much like
Tokyo DisneySEA's version of The
Tower of Terror, which deviated from the original concept of the other E-Ticket versions of that attraction.
And while working on that original design of the attraction, they borrowed a bit more from the
TOT story in
Tokyo and added the linkage to
Harrison Hightower III and the connection to S.E.A. as well. There were many elements that didn't make it through the blue sky phase including the addition of a night watchman (think "Night at the Museum" kinda story). Another area that was stripped was an additional scene in the greenhouse that could still happen in a second phase (maybe). And as always, WDI tries to add and advance stories with the newest technology, which is why this one has no Omnimovers, but instead an advanced version of the trackless vehicles you would find at "
Pooh's Hunny Hunt." But slowly the essence of a ghost story and a haunting bride gave way to a story involving enchanted magic, mystical artifacts and a humorous narrative involving Lord Mystic's little monkey friend, Albert.
The attraction has gone through several phases and morphed into something far more than the original plans, but the basic idea of the Haunted Mansion rings true. It still holds the soul of that classic ride while infusing it with an entirely new and fresh story line that will lead many people to take a flight and purchase a ticket to this uncharted area of Disney's
Fifth Kingdom. Which is after all, what Imagineers intended. When it opens, it will undoubtedly be the focal point of the resort. A place and experience no other Disney park has. This will be something that the resort can hold up that
Ocean Park can't mimic. It'll be a perfect example to show the Chinese how Disney can be only be done by Disney. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and reserve an airline ticket. You don't thing it's too early do yo?
Expanding soon...