After initially being closed in January due to the coronavirus Hong Kong Disneyland reopening on June 18. After another spike in the country, the park was closed again – less than a month after reopening. Then on 25 September 2020, Hong Kong Disneyland reopened – once again – to guests.

According to a press release during the initial reopening stage, “the park will implement a new five-day per week operation and will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except public holidays and special days designated by the resort from time to time) until further notice.” The resort will continue its measured approach with health and safety measures such as capacity control, health screenings, temperature checks, requiring face masks, social distancing, and increased cleaning and sanitization. Additionally, the park will also continue to limit park capacity and and the online reservation system will remain in place.

In 2016, Disney announced they were undertaking a multi-year transformation of Hong Kong Disneyland included the reimagining of the park’s centerpiece – Sleeping Beauty Castle. When the park was opened in 2005, the castle was an exact replica of the one at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Many were disappointed with the castle calling it “diminutive” and a “cheap imitation.” Additionally, many said it was a result of Michael Eisner’s, then CEO and former chairman of The Walt Disney Company, cost-cutting measures that were prevalent at the time with Disney.

Hong Kong Disneyland has announced, just in time for the park’s 15th anniversary, the castle – now known as the Castle of Magical Dreams – will reopen to guests on 21 November 2021. It was to have been completed this past September, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdown of the park construction was delayed.

Thirteen Disney princesses and queens will be represented in the castle – a first of its kind in Disney history. Disney said the new castle will be “inspired by 13 stories of beloved Disney Princesses and Queens” and will offer “something special for every guest with its many towers and spires …”

In addition, a stage has been added in front of the castle and an area for guests to watch the castle shows on the other side of the moat. According to the South China Morning Post, “During the day, there will be a parade featuring Disney characters and stories will be told through dance, acrobatics, pyrotechnics and other performances. As well as the fireworks, the evening entertainment will include fantastical projections and fountain displays.” However, it is unclear how much of this will be available in a couple of weeks.

To celebrate the opening of the castle, Disney will give guests two new experiences related to the the Castle of Magical Dreams. First there will be a new exhibit – Building a Dream: The Magic Behind a Disney Castle. This exhibit will show how the Walt Disney Imagineers reimagined the castle from concept and design to reality. There will also be a new guided tour of the castle – Glimpses of Magic. With an audio guide narrated by Hong Kong actress Karena Lam, guests will learn about the “architectural designs of the towers, turrets, domes, spires and finials, and see how their various colors, icons, patterns, and cultural features were inspired by the Princesses and Queens.”

Michael Moriarty named new Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Today The Walt Disney Company announced Michael Moriarty will be the new managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL). Most recently Moriarty was the managing director of Hasbro Far East and Senior Vice president of Global Sourcing. He previously worked for the Walt Disney Company for 14 years, including at Walt Disney World Resort and Walt Disney Imagineering. Moriarty previously worked for the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, between 2009 and 2012, where he served as the chief financial officer of HKDL.

According to a press release, Moriarty will replace Stephanie Young, who is transitioning to President, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing for Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Products in December.

“I am pleased to be returning to the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and work with the Resort team to build upon the strong foundation laid by Stephanie,” said Moriarty. “This is an exciting time for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with several new developments underway that underscore a commitment to Hong Kong and its people as we look to the future of this great city as a place where tourism will continue to thrive.”

His appointment will be effective 27 December 2020.

Feature Image: This is Mr. B/Facebook