Entertainment Brings Hong Kong Disneyland to Life As VIPs, Media 'Experience the Magic' on Preview Day

Entertainment Brings Hong Kong Disneyland to Life As VIPs, Media 'Experience the Magic' on Preview Day

HONG KONG, September 11/PRNewswire/ -- On the day before Hong Kong Disneyland officially opened to the public, an invited audience of political and business leaders and media were special guests for a Preview Day on Sunday, enjoying an advance look at some of the spectacular shows and attractions in the first Disney theme park in the region.

Highlights of the day included preview ceremonies for several of the park's most eagerly anticipated shows and rides.

Robert A. Iger, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer-elect, The Walt Disney Company, welcomed the special guests to the majestic Theater in the Wild in Adventureland for a preview performance of "Festival of the Lion King," a unique live theatrical experience created especially for Hong Kong Disneyland.

The joyous high-energy spectacle uses song, dance, puppetry and stunning visual effects to create an African savannah setting filled with lions, giraffes, birds and gazelles. In this theater environment, "Festival of the Lion King" retells the story of the lion cub Simba, from the Disney animated feature film "The Lion King," and his struggle to regain his kingdom following the death of his father. The show features the award-winning music from the movie, written by Elton John and Tim Rice.

"When 'The Lion King' debuted in 1994, it became an instant classic, capturing the imagination of the world with its unforgettable characters, soulful rhythms and timeless story," said Iger. "The tradition of 'The Lion King' continues today as we share with you our latest, original interpretation of this classic tale with 'The Festival of The Lion King.'"

Hong Kong Disneyland also presents a second live show, "The Golden Mickeys," in the Storybook Theater in Fantasyland. Modeled on a Hollywood awards show, "The Golden Mickeys" brings favorite Disney stories to life with song, dance and special effects.

Main Street, U.S.A. was the stage in Hong Kong Disneyland for the celebratory "Disney on Parade," also previewed for the Sunday guests. The parade features more than 100 performers and nine fantastic, larger-than-life floats. It showcases the history of Disney from the early classic Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck cartoons to the fairy tale stories of Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and the Little Mermaid to recent classics like "Toy Story," a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film.

Earlier that day, Hong Kong actor-singer Eason Chan joined Iger for a preview of one of Hong Kong Disneyland's most exciting attractions, Space Mountain. Combining special effects, pulsating lights and a high-speed trip through near-total darkness, the space-themed indoor roller coaster has become one of the most popular thrill rides at Disney theme parks worldwide. Since the first Space Mountain opened in 1975 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, other versions have opened at Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan and Disneyland Paris in France.

"Space Mountain is one of the most popular theme park adventures ever created and is a truly iconic Disney attraction," said Iger. "Experiencing the thrill of these high-speed rockets has become a tradition for countless guests every time they visit one of our parks, and I know the same will be true here at Hong Kong Disneyland."

The latest Disney theme park innovation was roaming at large in Hong Kong Disneyland on Sunday. Nine-foot-tall Lucky the Dinosaur walks freely and interacts with children and families, even signing his own distinctive four-leaf-clover "autograph."

Sunday's Hong Kong Disneyland preview culminated with an after-dark party that was both elegant and exotic. The "Enchanted Evening" began with food and drinks served along the jungle trials of Adventureland to the accompaniment of reggae music and hard-driving rhythm from village drummers. After dinner, the guests moved to the fairy tale setting of Sleeping Beauty Castle. There, majestic Chinese dragons appeared and were joined by spectacular Chinese acrobats and drummers to announce a sensational concert which mingled East and West, combining Asian and American musicians and singing stars to present well known Disney songs.

The international lineup of stars was headlined by Hong Kong Disneyland spokesperson Jacky Cheung, and also starred Emil Chau, multiple platinum album Hong Kong recording artist; Andy Hui, Hong Kong singer and film star; singer-actor Eason Chan; 13-year-old piano virtuoso Rachel Cheung; Brad Kane, the American voice of "Aladdin"; Coco Lee, Chinese pop star; Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle in "Beauty and the Beast"; Lea Salonga, Broadway musical theater star and the voice of "Mulan"; and Joey Yung, award-winning Cantonese/Mandarin singer.

For a final burst of light, color, music and special effects, the evening's entertainment concluded with the dazzling "Disney in the Stars" fireworks show. The night sky is the staging area for "Disney in the Stars," and Sleeping Beauty Castle comes to life with dreamlike images projected onto its walls. "Disney in the Stars" is a spellbinding experience in which fireworks are choreographed to music like dancers in a ballet, and it was the perfect "good night" ending for the very special Preview Day.

About Hong Kong Disneyland

Located on lush Lantau Island overlooking Penny's Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and recreation center consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style theme park of shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (400 guestrooms), Disney's Hollywood Hotel (600 guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public area featuring boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum. Offering guests of all ages a full day immersed in imagination and creativity uniquely Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mulan and other Disney characters beloved the world over.

A joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort employs 5,000 cast members. The HKSAR Government estimated the first phase of the project will generate a present economic value of HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) in benefits to Hong Kong over a 40-year period.

The project was announced in 1999 and construction began in 2003.

For additional information and to book a magical vacation at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel, guests can contact:

Hotel Reservations Hotline Hong Kong Disneyland Reservation Center Telephone: +852-1830-830 Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Hong Kong time), daily

To purchase Hong Kong Disneyland park tickets, guests should visit http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com .

Web site: http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Source: Hong Kong Disneyland

Betty Law of HKDL Publicity, +852-3550-3370

------- Profile: Ent