Hong Kong Disneyland's ambitious expansion: New 'Frozen,' Marvel, and more thrilling attractions on the horizon

Will the magical appeal of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf be enough to entice visitors back to the world’s smallest Disney park?

The leadership at Hong Kong Disneyland certainly believes so.

In a recent statement, Hong Kong Disneyland announced exciting new attractions arriving annually from 2018 to 2023.

A major highlight is the introduction of a 'Frozen'-themed area, complete with rides, dining, shopping, and entertainment inspired by Arendelle’s beloved characters and stories.

The opening is scheduled for 2020.

Kicking things off: The Iron Man Experience.

Additional expansion plans include a new Marvel Super Heroes zone, designed to enhance the Iron Man Experience, which will officially launch on January 11, 2017.

The Iron Man Experience offers an immersive, multi-sensory motion ride, allowing visitors to soar above Hong Kong with Iron Man and battle Hydra’s evil forces.

Guests will also find a replica of the Stark Expo, where Tony Stark displays his latest cutting-edge inventions across several exhibition halls.

While details on the Marvel zone remain limited, it's been revealed that the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters will be reimagined into a new experience, where visitors can team up with Marvel icons in epic battles.

Other exciting additions to the expansion include a redesigned castle and central hub, featuring brand-new daytime and nighttime shows, plus an 'Adventureland Show Place.'

At the 'Adventureland Show Place,' visitors can enjoy the 'Moana’s Village Festival' and meet Moana, the heroine of the upcoming Disney animated film set to release this month.

'We are more excited than ever about the future of Hong Kong Disneyland,' said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, in a statement.

'We are bringing the best of The Walt Disney Company to this incredible tourist destination, offering guests from all over the world a one-of-a-kind Disney experience that can only be found at Hong Kong Disneyland,' he added.

As for new accommodations, the Disney Explorers Lodge resort hotel is set to open in the first half of 2017.

For a glimpse of some of the concept art for the upcoming additions, take a look at the gallery above.

MORE: Is Shanghai Disneyland worth the visit? The Theme Park Guy shares his thoughts.

The Hong Kong government is covering more than half of the expansion costs.

For many Mickey Mouse enthusiasts in the region, Hong Kong Disneyland has been overshadowed by the grand opening of the large-scale Shanghai Disney Resort this June.

This expansion could be the reason they return to Hong Kong Disneyland.

Disney's statement reveals that the expansion will be financed by Hong Kong Disneyland's stakeholders, including subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Government, which holds a 53% stake in the park.

According to the South China Morning Post, the expansion is projected to generate between 5,000 and 8,000 new jobs in the tourism sector.

'Despite a decline in tourist numbers, [Commerce Minister Greg So Kam-leung] anticipates the new attractions will help draw as many as 9.5 million visitors annually by 2025, an increase from 6.8 million in 2015,' reports SCMP.

MORE: Discover 17 of Hong Kong’s most beautiful locations