Hong Kong Disneyland To Add 3 New Attractions

[crazy4wdw]

Hong Kong Disneyland To Add 3 New Attractions

December 14, 2006: 05:40 AM EST

HONG KONG (AP)--Stepping up its expansion program, Hong Kong Disneyland said Thursday it plans to add three new attractions by the first half of 2008, including the classic Disney ride "It's a Small World."

Hong Kong Disneyland said in a statement it will also add Animation Academy, where Disney artists will teach cartoon drawing, and "Mickey's WaterWorks" water-based parade.

The announcement came after the addition this summer of the "Autopia" driving ride, "Stitch Encounter," a theater show that allows audiences to interact with the "Lilo & Stitch" characters, and the space-themed "UFO Zone."

The park narrowly missed its first-year attendance target of 5.6 million visitors.

Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in September 2005, has come under intense scrutiny. The park is a joint venture between the Hong Kong government and The Walt Disney Co. (DIS), with Hong Kong taxpayers having shouldered most of the $ 3.5 billion construction cost.

Park executives expect mainland China to be a major source of tourists.

The park's statement said "Animation Academy" and "Mickey's WaterWorks" will open in the summer of 2007 and "It's a Small World" will open in the first half of 2008.

"It's a Small World" is a boat ride that features dolls singing the song by the same name. The Hong Kong version will feature China's Great Wall and the local skyline, the park statement said.

 

[2Xited4Disney]

it will also add Animation Academy, where Disney artists will teach cartoon drawing, .

Yeah that worked really well at the Disney Institute in WDW........

 

[MJMcBride]

what is the ufo zone?

 

[Another Voice]

The "UFO Zone" is a kiddie water playing area inside Tomorrowland.

Playzones are Disney's current favorite answer to the "add something for the ankle-bitters, but make it cheap". California Adventure already has three of them.

What's interesting about the annoucement was that there was no mention made of 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. At the moment it's planned around a raft-ride flume system instead of boats and only a handful (if any characters). Given the push for the movies, it was throught this idea was going to be pushed up. Maybe the cost did it in.

 

[disneygirl1980]

Has anyone been to Hong Kong Disneyland? Do you all think that adding these rides will get people more excited about this?

 

[Loomis]

I've been to HKDL, and I also help run a fansite.

HKDL is kind of Disneyland-Lite at the moment, and if they continue to build new attractions I think it has the potential to be one of the best and most innovative in the world. Adentureland is certainly a great blend of old and new. The new design of IASW in HK is something that the old guard of fans would never allow in the US, with a 'hands off the past' attitude.

But speaking of new, we have some new construction pics/concept art up in our gallery:

http://www.hkdlsource.com/gallery/viewcat?cat=5

And while I am here shamelessly plugging my site, I may as well mention the ongoing column we have, which this week comments on these new attractions as well as the question you asked: the pulling power of new attractions -

http://www.hkdlsource.com/news/viewstory?story=77

 

[MJMcBride]

The "UFO Zone" is a kiddie water playing area inside Tomorrowland.

Playzones are Disney's current favorite answer to the "add something for the ankle-bitters, but make it cheap". California Adventure already has three of them.

I know your problem with these little areas, but I must tell my "ankle biters" (more like shin biters now) love them. We just got back from the World and they loved the Boneyard, Pooh's area, etc. I think they should put more of these areas in. Now before you freak out, I'm talking about areas like the little playground near Splash Mountain. Its a perfect place to bring the little ones who "don't make the cut".

 

[Loomis]

Construction seems to be breaking out all over the park - including Adventureland and the Promenade! Photos and info right here, folks.

http://www.hkdlsource.com/news/viewstory?story=78

The Source, of course.

 

[disneygirl1980]

GREAT STUFF, Loomis. Love your site!

 

[Loomis]

GREAT STUFF, Loomis. Love your site!

Thanks, disneygirl. We've put a lot of effort into it.

Speaking of effort, our vigilant Spy has been working overtime to bring us a great collection of new photos today. We've not only got an EXCLUSIVE look at the land being cleared for possible Adventureland expansion, but we have a new set of shots showing the "it's a small world" construction quite clearly.

http://www.hkdlsource.com/news/viewstory?story=81

Enjoy!