Videos: Super Typhoon Mangkhut Hit Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland With 225 Km/h Winds

Super Typhoon Mangkhut has hit Hong Kong today with winds on 225 Km/h and when you'll see the video below you'll understand why there is good reasons to fear that HKDL will be seriously damaged, somethi,g we will know soon. The short video below show the waves in Hong Kong harbor. And i can tell you that you really need strong winds to see waves like this in HK harbor as on this side Hong Kong is protected by Kowloon on China main land, right in front, and Lantau Island on the left.

Mangkhut was recorded packing sustained winds of 173 kilometers per hour (107 miles per hour) and gusts up to 223 kilometers per hour (138 miles per hour) as the storm's eye passed south of the territory in the early afternoon, according to Hong Kong Observatory. In neighbouring Macau, for the first time in its history the territory's famous casinos were ordered to close, and all fishing boats from Guandong province have been called into port.We’ll know tomorrow or so what damages the typhoon did at HKDL located on Lantau island...

In the meantime, have a look at these videos showing Hong Kong devastation today by Super Typhoon Mangkhut and its winds of 225 Km/h. I really have a bad feeling for Hong Kong Disneyland park and resort on Lantau Island... Does anyone living in Hong Kong intend to go to the park once the Typhoon will be over and can shoot pictures and video of the damages for Disney and more? Please send me a FB message if one of you can do it, and of course don't go at the park until it's perfectly safe to go. Thanks!

Official: New "Oaken" Coaster Added to HKDL Frozen Land, Opening in 2021!

Well, finally, it seems that the new HKDL Frozen land rendering which was leaked some weeks ago was the right one, meaning that a coaster like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has been added to the Frozen land, with the train now designed like a train sleds - see picture below - and, as written in the new official description below, guests "will enjoy an exciting family thrill ride that traverses the natural landscape, built by Wandering Oaken for this special occasion". At WDW the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train enter the Dwarfs mine and, here, for this newly themed Frozen version a closer look at the rendering seems to indicate that the train is also coming out of a cave - with snow on the top -  but whatever will be seen inside it remain to be known.



“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.”

There is more differences with the first rendering released last November and among them we can note that the fountain - bottom of the rendering below - is now being a "frozen" one - frozen by Elsa, for sure. Also added, a new mountain peak - the one that you can see below on the left to Elsa Ice Castle - though it'll be interesting to see if this one will be really built or is there just for the artwork.


Another change that i didn't noticed, so thanks to This is Mr B for this, is the change to the buildings in the front row near Arendelle lake - see pictures below, the new design is on the left, the old one on the right. It will help to don't have them hiding the houses on the row behind and to give more depth with a better tri-dimensional perspective.





You may also remember that, when HKDL did the expansion announcement another attraction with sleighs - artwork below - titled the "Oaken Magic Sleigh" ride was include in the Frozen land. No need to say that this one which apparently would have used the same technique than the Luigi's Rollicking Roadster ride at DCA Cars Land is probably cancelled.


HKDL Frozen land will open in 2021, a few years before another Frozen land open at Disneyland Paris Walt Disney Studios. Will the WDS Frozen land have the same "Oaken sleds" coaster? Mmmh... could be, not sure at 100% for now, though.

More HKDL News will come soon, so stay tuned on D&M!

Pictures: copyright Disney

Breaking: Sleighs Coaster Added to Hong Kong Disneyland Frozen Land - Now Edited with Latest Infos!

A new rendering has been released for Hong Kong Disneyland Frozen land, and it shows a major new addition that was not there on the first rendering, the one below...

And here is the new rendering, the new "sleighs" coaster is on the right.

A closer look at it reveal that it looks a lot like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, except that the coaster train has a design with sleighs instead than mine vehicles. But the exit from a cave and even the turn down hill look the same, meaning they might use the SDMT blueprint with a Frozen theme, and we don't know yet if there will be a scene with Audio-Animatronics inside the cave, or even if there will be a cave.

But you may remember that another attraction also with sleighs was announced for HKDL Frozen land - rendering below - which apparently would use the same technology than Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters at DCA Cars Land. This other one would be an indoor attraction, and all the question is: does this newly added sleighs coaster will replace the other sleighs attraction? And by the way, as a similar Frozen land is also coming to DLP Walt Disney Studios, will this sleighs coater be added too for the WDS Frozen land, or not?

Important Editing: After a double check, i have more infos about this sleighs coaster: First, and it's good to know, this rendering showing a sleighs coater is real, not a fake. BUT several different renderings were done, showing different options, with or without them, and this "new" rendering may be not that new and the sleighs coaster may or may not be included finally in the Frozen land, depending of the final choice, which itself will probably depend of the budget available. It doesn't mean that this sleighs coaster won't be done, whether at HKDL or eventually at DLP WDS Frozen land ( although the rendering shows clearly the HKDL version of the Frozen land ), it just means that there is no way to confirm it at 100% right now.

New Editing 5/6: According to Hong Kong Main Street Gazette, the completion of Hong Kong Disneyland's castle transformation has been pushed back from 2019 to 2020 and completion of the Frozen themed land has been pushed back from 2020 to 2021. Talking about Frozen land, the more i think about the new rendering we saw yesterday with the sleighs coaster, the more i think it was one of the different versions that were envisioned with the officially announced one being the final choice. Which would mean may be no sleighs coaster for HKDL Frozen land. We'll see what happen but so far, wrong or right, i don't feel it.

Pictures: copyright Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland Summer "Carnival of Stars"

This Summer at Hong Kong Disneyland will be the one of the "Carnival of Stars", a celebration of exciting new atmosphere entertainment and shows that’ll keep guests coming back for more. And it all starts today!

The new “We Love Mickey!” Projection Show will transform the buildings along Main Street, U.S.A., each night into a colorful canvas that pays tribute to Mickey Mouse’s major milestones. Keep your eyes out for the star of the show in his latest finery.


Guests can spot more than 100 Disney characters across the resort this spring, including the debut appearances of Black Panther, Spider-Man and Groot over the next few weeks. The Disney Friends Springtime Processional brings together more than 30 Disney characters to sing and dance with guests, and this summer, the first ever Disney∙Pixar-themed “Water Play Street Party” will keep guests cool.


Starting March 30, the Karibuni Marketplace will open in Adventureland to immerse guests in the lively colors, sights and sounds of Africa. Interactive games, exclusive souvenirs and special snacks will all be at the marketplace, and favorite Disney characters from “UP,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” will stop by.


Last but not least, the brand new stage show “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” will premiere in Adventureland this May, which is just the first attraction of the resort’s multi-year expansion. Until then, guests can now meet the brave heroine Moana in her debut appearance at the park. Note that the new artwork above apparently replace the first one below released in 2016 showing a different and bigger decor, which is apparently cancelled.



Pictures: copyright Disney

New Hong Kong Disneyland Castle Blueprints !

I have some great articles for you this week and we'll start by one about Hong Kong Disneyland, and more specifically HKDL Castle which, as you know, will change totally in the next two years. It happen that the latest blueprints of the new castle are now displayed in a window of HKDL Main Street shop and Disney Magical Kingdom Blog has posted on Youtube a video of them.




Unfortunately, as you saw on the video, it's poorly filmed and it's hard to see the blueprints well as the camera zoomed too close to the blueprints and is moving at the same time. So, i did a series of screen captures for you and you have them below, just make sure to click on each of them to enlarge the pictures.


Let's have a closer look to these blueprints!






On the picture above it's almost impossible to count how many different architectural styles there is for the turrets, and i still wonder if this mix is a good idea... On the picture below, note on the turret on the right the Dragon Mushu standing on the top of it.



















Note on the top right the mention saying that fiber optics will be embedded in the castle new ceiling, like they did inside Disneyland Paris Castle. Good idea.




And if you want to know how all this should look in real environment once completed, Octavius @ Mint Crocodile has posted on Twitter the picture below and did a pretty good job in including the rendering in a real picture.



I'll have for you tomorrow a great article about Disneyland Paris future, so don't miss it!

Blueprints: copyright Disney

Video: copyright Magical Kingdom Blog

Hong Kong Disneyland Losses Doubled in 2017 to $44.4 million up from $22 million

Things are not going too well for Hong Kong Disneyland, financially speaking, as Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has announced a financial deficit of HK$345 million for the most recent fiscal year.

HKDL is located on Lantau Island and is owned at 53% by the government and the rest of the shares by The Walt Disney Company. HKDL has been losing money for three years in a row, up until the fiscal year ending last September 30. HKDL has lost HK$148 million and HK$171 million in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

More from HKFP: "Samuel Lau, managing director of the resort, said the loss was owing to a depreciation of assets, the opening of new facilities last year, and the park’s expansion. New facilities included the Iron Man Experience, and the resort’s third hotel – the 750-room Disney Explorers Lodge. General hotel occupancy at the park was close to 70 per cent during the fiscal year.


The resort’s castle also stopped its daily fireworks display on January 1, as expansion works are set to continue until 2019. Despite the loss, the park saw a 3 per cent year-over-year rise in attendance to 6.2 million people for 2017. It included a five per cent increase in international attendance to reach a record high of around 1.6 million international guests.

Locals made up the largest group of visitors at 41 per cent, while mainland and international guests accounted for 34 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. Local attendance grew six per cent to its second highest level ever. The rise in attendance contributed to an eight per cent rise in revenue year-on-year to HK$5.1 billion. The resort employed more than 5,000 full-time and 2,000 part-time cast members on average during the year.

The Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest of Disney’s international theme parks. It faces a challenge from Shanghai Disneyland, opened in June 2016, which attracted more than 10 million visitors in its first year. Lau said the resort will form a working group to look into attracting visitors as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link will be operational soon.

The resort was opened in 2005 but only turned a profit in 2012. The trend continued for two years until it began making a loss again in 2015. The resort increased its entrance fee at the beginning of 2018, the fifth year in a row since 2013. The standard ticket was increased five per cent to HK$619, and the children ticket was increased nine per cent to HK$458."

That said, “HKDL is confident of the market outlook and new guest offerings to be launched in 2018 and that the park is back on a trajectory of growth”, the company said in a statement. New activities are helping launch a stronger first quarter of the current financial year.

In 2018, new attractions will include:
- An 8-minute “We love Mickey!” projection show on Main Street U.S.A. (in March)
- The launch of the African-themed “Karibuni Marketplace” in Adventureland (in March)
- A new stage show “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” in Adventureland (in May)
- A Summer special event with new Disney-Pixar themed “Water Play Street Party!” (in June)

The great aerial pictures of HKDL that you can see on the top and above were shot by Xavier, faithful D&M reader whom i thanks a lot,  as well as the video below.  The land you see on the left of the park is kept for HKDL second gate which might take some years to be build and open, considering the park financial results.

Below, an official Hong Kong Disneyland 2018 calendar video for the park upcoming events all along the year




Photos: copyright Xavier

Videos: copyright Xavier, Disney

Year of the Dog celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Usher in a Spectacular Year of Non-Stop Disney Magic!

Chinese New Year is next month and the Year of the Dog celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort usher in a spectacular year of non-stop Disney magic!

(Hong Kong, January 18, 2018) Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is ringing in 2018 with new excitement from day to night in every season this year, starting with a festive celebration for Chinese New Year.



From today to March 4, God of Fortune Goofy and playful Pluto will take center stage, showering blessings on guests for the Year of the Dog. Main Street, U.S.A. will be decorated with festive Lunar New Year adornments while Pluto-themed decorations can be found. Also, a brand-new Chinese New Year Night Market will be inaugurated in the park in the evening to immerse guests in authentic Hong Kong-style festivities!

Authentic celebrations with first-ever Chinese New Year Night Market
Discover magical fortune by taking an evening walk to the Chinese New Year Night Market! As night falls, Main Street, U.S.A. and the Plaza will be transformed into a special Night Market for Chinese New Year. Like Hong Kong’s unique Lunar New Year fairs, this is a special market filled with mobile stalls that offer festive delicacies and specialties. Indulge in local Hong Kong snacks with a Disney theme, like Mickey-shaped Maltose Toast, Mickey-shaped Red Bean Pudding and Egg Puffs. Take home some New Year’s luck and joy by purchasing exclusive merchandise items such as a Disney Greeting Windmill, Disney Blessing Ornaments and goodie bags, available in limited quantities. Mickey and friends will also appear at the Night Market to wish everyone Kung Hey Fat Choi, and there will even be atmosphere entertainment to drum up the festive spirit for families enjoying the market together.



From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year (February 16-20), the park will be presenting guests with a newly designed Year of the Dog-themed lai see packet (while supplies last)! It contains a chocolate gold coin and a merchandise coupon, giving guests more reasons to shop for the new year and share good fortune.

God of Fortune Goofy will greet guests at The Annex on Main Street, U.S.A. to share blessings with guests. Disney friends will appear in different festive outfits day and night to offer their best wishes, including StellaLou, who will be celebrating her first Chinese New Year at HKDL. Be sure to take photos with all the Disney pals for the family photo album!

A plethora of festive delights for a fulfilling start to the year
For a fulfilling start to the year, the park and three hotels will present nearly 70 festive delights, including Chinese New Year sets and snacks. Feast on the Chinese New Year Set Menu at Main Street Corner Cafe Hosted by Coca-Cola®, or a more formal celebration with the New Year Special Set 2018 at Plaza Inn.



There’s also festive snacks like Wishing Fish at the Market House Bakery and Outdoor Vending Carts. Or, order the “Lo Hei” at Studio Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel to usher in the year with extra good luck and prosperity. Lunch and dinner buffets at Chef Mickey also include a line-up of delicious choices.



 Gifts of good fortune A range of more than 40 merchandise items for the season will be available at HKDL to share blessings with friends and loved ones. New “101 Dalmatians” plush toys and Pluto in a Chinese New Year outfit are the perfect keepsakes for the Year of the Dog, while StellaLou plush toys in a traditional Chinese outfit will be available for the first time ever. Start the year by visiting friends and relatives while wearing festive Disney apparel and bearing Disney goodies, lai see packets and traditional “fai chun”!



New Year limited-time offers on hotels up to 40% off Make any Disney vacation magical with limited-time offers for the new year by staying at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Hollywood Hotel or the newly opened Disney Explorers Lodge! Guests can book a room on designated dates during January and March 20181 at one of the hotels starting at HK$1,356, representing discounts of up to 40% off. Booking for this special promotion is available from now to January 31, 2018. Stays at resort hotels during the Chinese New Year celebration come with a set of complimentary collectibles, including Chinese New Year-inspired amenities, slippers and door decorations. Young hotel guests and their families will be kept busy with a full range of recreational activities across Hong Kong Disneyland’s three resort hotels, from arts and crafts to a new year market and Disney Lion Dance.

A sweet Disney rendezvous for lovebirds On Valentine’s Day, romance will fill the park as lovebirds enjoy a sweet time day and night. Dazzling park lighting at night will set the scene for great photos of every romantic moment. More than 30 Valentine’s keepsakes, including Duffy and ShellieMay merchandise, will be available in the resort’s merchandise outlets to help guests find the perfect gift for someone special. There are also 25 Valentine’s meal items at HKDL for couples to enjoy together. Guests can make the most of a romantic evening by having a dreamy Valentine’s Day dinner at a hotel restaurant and staying at a themed resort hotel at night.

New Disney-themed elements throughout the year Throughout 2018, HKDL will introduce all kinds of themed experiences for guests to enjoy! Starting from Chinese New Year, there are even more chances to connect with beloved Disney stories and characters thanks to first-of-its kind entertainment and colorful seasonal events all year long.

An immersive party for Mickey fans
In mid-March, Minnie and her pals will gather everyone to join a surprise party for Mickey! Every evening, guests will be dazzled by the brand new colorful “We Love Mickey!” Main Street Projection Show, which features cutting-edge visual effects and lighting at Hong Kong Disneyland. This surprise celebration will transform the buildings into a canvas of vibrant, colorful visuals that pay tribute to Mickey’s major life milestones.



It’s Spring carnival time!
The month of March will also see more than 100 Disney friends appear in different ways at “Disney Friends Springtime Carnival.” Guests can enjoy whimsical character encounters and reconnect with new and longtime Disney friends for a vibrant springtime celebration. Moana will make her debut in Adventureland to greet guests for photo opportunities and inspire them with her adventures.

More magical experiences are lined up for the year as the park undergoes the start of its multi-year expansion. “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration,” an all-new atmosphere stage show to debut in Adventureland in May, will be the first attraction of the ongoing multi-year expansion plan. In the summer, guests can have fun with The Incredibles. Guests can enjoy spooky fun at “Disney Halloween Time” as Jack Skellington of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and other Disney Villains take over the park. At the end of 2018, guests will be immersed in Hong Kong’s most authentic Christmas experience with “A Disney Christmas.

Pictures: copyright Disney

Marvel Legend Stan Lee at Hong Kong Disneyland to Discover Iron Man Experience ride

Marvel Legend Stan Lee was at Hong Kong Disneyland Tomorrowland a few days ago to discover the Iron Man Experience ride, as you can check out the pictures below!













 

Stan Lee was even honored as the Grand Marshall in HKDL parade and Disney Magical Kingdom Blog has the video of it!

Hong Kong Disneyland Starts Construction on Multi-Year Expansion

Hong Kong Disneyland starts construction of multi-year expansion and soon you’ll be able to step into the storytelling world of Frozen, Marvel and more like never before at Hong Kong Disneyland! "Today’s special moment marks the start of six years full of exciting new attractions and entertainment, with experiences opening almost every year through 2023. This comes on the heels of several amazing additions to the resort this year, including the opening of Iron Man Experience and Disney Explorers Lodge."



In case you missed it, we previously shared that we’re opening two new immersive areas themed to the incredibly popular Frozen and Marvel brands. Both will include exciting attractions that transport you into your favorite stories and bring you face-to-face with some of your favorite characters. We’re excited to share that the thrilling new Marvel attraction will feature Ant-Man, The Wasp and S.H.I.E.L.D. Check the opening dates on the map above.









We’ll also open a new entertainment venue in Adventureland which will feature lively entertainment with the newest heroine from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Moana. To top it off, we’re transforming the castle to pay tribute to all of the Disney princesses, and we’re creating new daytime and nighttime entertainment to showcase the incredible new backdrop.



 It’s all coming to Hong Kong Disneyland starting next year, in 2018, with the opening of a Moana-themed stage show and the Marvel Ant-Mann ride where was before ether Buzz Lightyear ride!






Pictures: copyright Disney