Taking the Mickey

It's fun ahoy at Hong Kong Disneyland this summer, with The Pirate Takeover in Adventureland at the theme park. Guests at the closest Disneyland to Chinese mainland can expect a one-of-a-kind swashbuckling experience, a new attraction and new parade, Animation Academy and Mickey's WaterWorks. "You can only enjoy them at Hong Kong Disneyland ," says Susan Chan, director of publicity at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Pirate Takeover comes at an opportune time with pirate fever at its peak around the world, with the much-anticipated release of Disney's blockbuster trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End in May. This interactive experience marks the first time Hong Kong Disneyland has created such a large-scale themed land. Highlights of Pirate Takeover include Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Boot Camp where guests can learn the ways of the pirate, the Pirates Procession in which guests make rowdy music with washboards and spoons, and the Jungle River Cruise, Pirate Takeover - with surprises around every bend!

Captain Hook and his archenemy, the giant crocodile "Tic Toc" as well as Pirate Mickey, Goofy and Pluto make special guest appearances for all those special photos. Themed photo corners are also dotted throughout Pirateland for magical memory making. "We trust that our guests will be as excited as we are to experience this completely new, first-of-its-kind entertainment experience," Susan says. The fun doesn't stop there! The Adventureland Pirate Takeover is just the beginning of an exciting summer brimming with new and fun-filled experiences for everyone. Creative abilities and flights of imagination will soar as Hong Kong Disneyland presents Animation Academy, an interactive attraction that immerses guests in the heart of an animation studio where they can learn to draw the world-famous Disney characters. Disney artists will showcase the magic behind Disney Animation while sharing drawing tips and tricks with guests. Under their tutorage, guests will be guided through the fundamentals of character creation to experience what it means to be a professional artist. As one of the boldest creations to date, Disney Creative Entertainment has developed the dynamic parade called Mickey's WaterWorks, exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland. Featuring a fleet of water spraying and vibrant colored floats and supporting entourage, this energizing parade will keep guests fresh and cool. Mickey and his pals will join the fun and show guests just how gardening is done around Hong Kong Disneyland. Don't be surprised to see guests watered, sprayed and fed like a garden patch! Both Animation Academy and Mickey's WaterWorks parade will open to guests this summer. Poking his white-gloved mouse paws into the sides of a giggling Chinese child, Mickey's antics have brought delight to the world's newest Disneyland in Hong Kong. Since its opening last September in Hong Kong on China's southern coast, the park has over 5 million guests. At least a third of them were from the mainland. Soon, the world's youngest Disneyland became a hot touring spot for those from the Chinese mainland, especially Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. "Hong Kong is a place blending Oriental and Western culture, so does the Hong Kong Disneyland," Susan says. "Since opening, we have introduced many traditional Chinese elements in the theme park, especially during the Lunar New Year holidays. You can always have surprises here. " During the two-month event, international guests can also take advantage of Cathay Pacific's "Buy 3, Get 1 Free" travel package to enjoy the Pirate offering. Please visit www.cathaypacific.com for more details. Guests who visit HKDL on July 1, 2007 will be presented with a special Hong-Kong-themed badge with an image of Mickey Mouse and pals sailing on a junk through Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. The logos for the 10th Anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and Hong Kong Disneyland are printed on the pin making it a collectable item. Hong Kong Disneyland has launched special celebrations to mark the event.


(Source:China Daily , 2007-06-29)