Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is marking its 15 years of launch with the opening of its reimagined Castle of Magical Dreams on 21 November.
The re-transformed castle—formerly Sleeping Beauty Castle—is inspired by 13 Disney's princesses and queens, and features patterns, textures, colours and ornamentation on its towers and spires.
Visitors may view the imagineering process from concept and design development, collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studio, building techniques and upcoming offerings at the 'Building a Dream: The Magic Behind a Disney Castle' exhibition.
HKDL will also roll out a special 'Glimpse into the Magic' tour of the Castle of Magical Dreams on 21 November. This tour allows guests to venture through the castle while guided by an audio narration from local celebrity Karena Lam.
“It’s a very immersive tour which allows guests to appreciate the architectural designs of the towers, turrets, domes, spires and finials, and see how their various colours, icons, patterns, and cultural features were inspired by the Princesses and Queens,” Lam shared after experiencing the tour.
Guests who visit the park on 21 November will receive a commemorative, limited-edition 15th anniversary-themed button. Kicking off on the same day is the 'A Disney Christmas' event special.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has reopened to guests on 25 September after shutting its gates for more than two months amid a third wave of coronavirus infections in Hong Kong.
Current entry requirements include having to purchase tickets in advance, reserve a visit up to seven days ahead, making mandatory health declarations while booking online, temperature checks and wearing of masks at the park.
Disney veteran Michael Moriarty will join HKDL.
New managing director appointed
HKDL will welcome new managing director Michael Moriarty, starting 27 December 2020. He replaces Stephanie Young, who is transitioning to president of consumer products, games and publishing for Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Products also in December.
No stranger to the Disney world, Moriarty—who has lived in Hong Kong for nearly 15 years with his family—had previously held several leadership positions at the Walt Disney Company, including at Walt Disney World Resort, Walt Disney Imagineering and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Between 2009 and 2012, Moriarty was chief financial officer of HKDL, where he was responsible for finance, controllership, treasury, alliances and technology. His most recent role was at Hasbro in Hong Kong, where he was managing director of Hasbro Far East and senior vice president of Global Sourcing.
“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," said Moriarty.