Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has delighted guests for two decades. To mark its 20th anniversary, the park launched a yearlong celebration called The Most Magical Party of All. Since opening on September 12, 2005, HKDL has become a favorite destination for locals and travelers. It blends Disney magic with the culture and energy of Hong Kong.
Disney’s Arrival in Hong Kong
The idea of a Hong Kong Disney park took shape in 1999. It became Disney’s first park in China and its second in Asia after Tokyo Disney Resort. The location was strategic, as half the world’s population lives within a five-hour flight. Disney Legend Wing Chao even consulted a feng shui master to design the park with prosperity and good fortune in mind.
When the gates opened in 2005, guests enjoyed four classic lands — Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland — plus two themed hotels. From the start, HKDL became a gathering place where families and fans created memories together.
Expanding the Magic
HKDL has continued to grow with attractions found only in Hong Kong.
- Toy Story Land debuted in 2011, shrinking guests to the size of toys.
- Grizzly Gulch opened in 2012 with Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, a one-of-a-kind coaster with surprising twists and a backward launch.
- Mystic Point followed in 2013, introducing Mystic Manor. The story of Lord Henry Mystic and his pet monkey Albert has become a guest favorite, with Albert merchandise soaring in popularity.
- Marvel arrived in 2017 with the Iron Man Experience, later joined by Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! in 2019. Both are set in modern-day Hong Kong, giving the attractions a local connection.
Disney Explorers Lodge, opening in 2017, added a hotel inspired by tropical regions across Asia, Oceania, South America, and Africa.
Castles, Frozen, and New Icons
In 2020, the park unveiled the Castle of Magical Dreams. Inspired by 13 Disney Princess and Queen stories, the redesigned castle blends cultural elements and stands as a symbol of courage and hope.
In 2023, to honor Disney’s 100th anniversary, the park revealed a bronze statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Soon after, World of Frozen opened, the first land fully themed to Disney’s Frozen films. Guests now step into Arendelle, explore icy landscapes, and meet Anna, Elsa, and Olaf in an immersive world.
Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Hong Kong Disneyland
- Feng Shui Roots: The park’s entrance and layout were designed with feng shui principles to attract good fortune.
- Smallest Park, Big Ideas: At opening, HKDL was Disney’s smallest Magic Kingdom-style park, but it has since grown with exclusive lands.
- Unique Marvel Stories: The Marvel rides are set in present-day Hong Kong, making them one-of-a-kind in the Disney portfolio.
- Mystic Manor Magic: Unlike Haunted Mansion, Mystic Manor uses trackless ride technology and focuses on magic instead of ghosts.
- Castle Transformation: The Castle of Magical Dreams is the only Disney castle transformed from an existing one, rather than built new.
Celebrating 20 Years
The anniversary celebration features new shows, exclusive merchandise, festive outfits for Mickey, Minnie, and Duffy and Friends, and themed food offerings. Looking forward, HKDL will debut a major Marvel attraction and a Pixar-themed entertainment expansion.
Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said: “As we celebrate 20 years of bringing happiness and moments of joy to guests, we couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.”
Plan Your Visit
Located near Hong Kong International Airport and close to landmarks such as Ngong Ping 360, HKDL remains a must-visit Disney destination. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit. The 20th anniversary is the perfect time to celebrate the past and look toward the future.
