How Will Hong Kong Disneyland’s Expansion Affect Travelers?

When Hong Kong Disneyland Resort announced the permanent closure of its iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle on January 1, 2018, Disney fans worldwide were taken by surprise.

This response was expected, as it marked the first time Disney had ever shut down one of its six signature castles, explains Stefan Zwanzger, known as 'The Theme Park Guy,' who has visited over 350 parks in more than 100 countries.

‘Upgrading the castle from its original design to something much larger is a task Disney has never attempted before,’ he shares with Dinogo Travel.

The Hong Kong version of the castle, a replica of the one in Anaheim, California, is now being expanded into a more magnificent and expansive structure.

Slated for a 2019 unveiling, the new castle will blend various architectural influences from around the world, while also honoring the beloved Disney princesses, including Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana, and Anna and Elsa.

‘This is a fantastic move for Hong Kong Disneyland,’ says Zwanzger. ‘The original Anaheim castle always seemed small next to the magnificent Lantau mountains in the background.’

Major Changes Ahead

While visitors can still catch a glimpse of the top of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the base is now concealed behind blue construction barriers, with the words ‘Magic is happening’ and cranes looming in the background.

It’s an unusual sight, especially for those accustomed to Disney’s knack for keeping their behind-the-scenes operations hidden from view.

Spanning from 2018 to 2023, the expansion will introduce new attractions and entertainment options, many of which will be exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland.

The latest update came in early February 2018 when Disney unveiled the first concept art for an experience featuring Ant-Man, The Wasp, and S.H.I.E.L.D. This new addition will be located in Tomorrowland, replacing the former Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride. It is scheduled to open later this year.

This will be the park's second Marvel-themed ride, following the debut of the Iron Man Experience, and is part of a larger Marvel area planned for 2023.

One of the standout additions coming in the next six years is a Frozen-themed area, complete with rides, dining, shopping, and entertainment, all inspired by the beloved characters and stories of Arendelle.

This new area is slated to open in 2020.

Could this be the world's most desirable Disney resort?

When Hong Kong Disneyland Resort first opened in 2005, some skeptics joked that you could see everything in just half a day – and they weren’t far off.

Although the park had some iconic Disney attractions, it felt lacking in the excitement department, especially when compared to the sprawling parks in Florida and California.

In recent years, thanks to the addition of new areas like Toy Story Land and Mystic Point, the park has transformed into a much more enchanting experience.

Zwanzger shares this sentiment, telling Dinogo Travel that Hong Kong Disneyland has the potential to become one of the most attractive Disney resorts in the world.

He’s always believed that Hong Kong Disneyland boasts the best location of any Disney resort globally.

“The mountains and ocean that surround it, along with Inspiration Lake, make this park feel like a hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city,” he adds.

While the park started with very few attractions back in 2005, he notes that it has greatly improved since the latest expansion and could be on the brink of even more exciting developments.

“Depending on the attractions and budget the Imagineers and the HK government agree on, it could eventually become the most desirable Disney resort in the world,” he speculates.

“While Shanghai Disney currently offers superior rides, its location in a flat, rural, smoggy area cannot compare to the prime setting of Hong Kong Disneyland,” he adds.

Hong Kong Disneyland Today

So, what should visitors expect when they head to Hong Kong Disneyland today?

Along with classic Disney attractions like Dumbo and It’s a Small World, there are a few exclusive experiences you won’t find at any other Disney park.

Mystic Manor, which debuted in 2013, draws inspiration from the iconic Haunted Mansion rides at the American Disney parks and Tokyo Disney. It's a cutting-edge, trackless experience, and the first Disney attraction globally to use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.

This thrilling adventure takes guests on a journey through a magical mansion, where a mischievous monkey named Albert brings the place to life.

The ride's enchanting theme music was composed by Danny Elfman, the legendary composer known for his collaborations with Tim Burton on iconic soundtracks like 'Edward Scissorhands' and 'Nightmare Before Christmas.'

Toy Story Land, which opened its doors in 2011, is packed with quirky photo spots and exciting rides – from the heart-stopping RC Racer to the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, a tamer version of the traditional drop tower thrill.

Grizzly Gulch, which launched in 2012, features one main attraction – the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, a ride that delivers a thrilling, unexpected backward plunge down the tracks.

But it's Tomorrowland that's currently the epicenter of excitement, with Disney's acquisition of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises making a significant impact on recent attractions.

The latest addition to the park, Iron Man Experience, which opened a little over a year ago, immerses riders in a multi-sensory flight across Hong Kong’s skyline to take on the villainous forces of Hydra.

There's also a recreated Stark Expo, where Tony Stark showcases his cutting-edge technology in various interactive exhibition halls.

In the meantime, Hong Kong Disneyland has reimagined its classic Space Mountain indoor rollercoaster, transforming it into Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. Riders race through an intense dogfight between Rebel X-wing starfighters and Imperial TIE fighters.

The Star Wars Command Post provides opportunities for photos with iconic characters like Chewbacca and BB-8. Aspiring young Jedi can also participate in a stage show, where they get to face off against Darth Vader himself.

What you should know before visiting

Overall, the park offers just the right number of attractions for visitors looking to experience a full day, enjoy some of the shows, and embrace a busy, action-packed schedule.

Note: The fireworks display has been temporarily paused until the castle transformation is completed.

As always, the best advice is to avoid weekends and holidays whenever possible.

During a recent weekday visit, the longest wait time for rides was just 20 minutes, which was the worst-case scenario.

Be sure to download the new HK Disney app. Wi-Fi is available throughout the park, and the app provides real-time ride wait times, show schedules, and a GPS-enabled map. It also allows you to make restaurant reservations and find character photo opportunities.

If you're visiting during peak times and have a budget to spare, consider booking the exclusive three-hour tour. It lets you skip the lines and enjoy VIP seating for all shows and parades.

Language barriers are smoothly handled in true Disney style. For example, on the Jungle River Cruise in Adventureland, guests can select from Mandarin, Cantonese, or English-speaking guides.

While English speakers will appreciate the outstanding Lion King live show, the stage performance of 'Mickey and the Wondrous Book' is predominantly in Cantonese.

What’s on the menu? While you'll find the usual burgers and popcorn, it's the local flavors that really shine.

Forget turkey legs. Instead, enjoy grilled squid, and hot dogs are served on a stick rather than in a bun.

While you can indulge in Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles, you can also savor dim sum that’s shaped like the Toy Story aliens.

Where to stay

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort now offers three hotels: the Hollywood Disney, Disneyland Hotel, and the newly opened Explorer’s Lodge, which debuted in 2017.

Explorer’s Lodge, the latest addition, offers a unique experience compared to the grand, Victorian-style Disneyland Hotel, making it an excellent choice for guests seeking a higher-end alternative to Hollywood Disney.

The seven-story Explorer’s Lodge, with 750 rooms, is decorated with safari-inspired themes and divided into sections representing Asia, Oceania, South America, and Africa, showcasing artwork and artifacts that reflect each continent’s culture.

While the Explorer’s Lodge doesn’t go all-out Disney, featuring only subtle touches like Mickey and Minnie busts on the walls and themed toiletries, it generally maintains a standard hotel feel.

Unexpected details, like an elevator designed to resemble a hot air balloon basket and Goofy’s voice announcing your floor, contribute to the whimsical atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy two excellent restaurants serving both Western and Asian cuisine, along with character dining experiences. There’s also a cafe offering convenient takeout options, including sandwiches and fresh fruit.

While the Explorer’s Lodge is not within walking distance of the Disneyland park, a shuttle bus runs frequently for easy access.

Hong Kong Disneyland, located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.