Latest news with #ToyStoryLand
Nylon
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Nylon
Hong Kong Disneyland Turns 20: A Magical Milestone Worth Celebrating
As the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle twinkles under the Hong Kong sky, there's an extra spark in the air. The beloved Hong Kong Disneyland isn't just celebrating another year; it's marking a spectacular 20th anniversary! For two decades, this compact yet utterly charming Disney park has been on the travel list for those in the region — especially Singaporeans, considering we're just a short flight away. From its humble beginnings, Hong Kong Disneyland has grown into a vibrant tapestry of beloved stories and thrilling adventures. We've seen it evolve, adding new lands, exhilarating rides, and dazzling entertainment that keeps raising the bar. And for its 20th birthday, the celebration has gotten bigger than ever. Toy Story Land at Hong Kong Disneyland. NEW SHOWS, MERCHANDISE AND F&B The official celebration will kick-off on 28 June 2025, and there will be so much going on, starting with the all-new 'Friendtastic' Parade, which will be the largest-ever parade at Hong Kong Disneyland, and features a whopping 11 party floats. Here's a sneak peek at 3 parade floats from Mickey and Friends, Encanto, and Turning Red. You'll see your favourite characters, including Mickey who will be performing live drumming during the parade. Then there's the Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle! This is an all-new anniversary-only Castle Stage show that will be presented for a limited time. It brings together beloved Disney Friends and Princesses for a high-energy, fun-filled party experience. At the famous Pavilion, Hong Kong Disneyland will present, Momentous: Party in the Night Sky, a light and drone show that's upgraded with additional stories, projections, and drone choreography. This immersive experience extends with mapped projections from the castle down the entire length of Main Street U.S.A. And of course you can also bet on special anniversary merchandise that collectors will absolutely love, plus unique food and beverage offerings created just for this anniversary. Special edition Hong Kong Disneyland 20th anniversary pins. We spoke with Michael Moriarty, the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and he shares that the park is a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with one out of every three visitors from Singapore to Hong Kong planning to visit the park. And to manage demand at this popular attraction, there will be a focus on Disney's premier access, VIP tours, and multi-tier pricing. The multi-tier pricing structure, which varies based on calendar dates, helps manage demand and ensures a great guest experience. Despite price adjustments, the lowest price has been maintained for five years. Additionally, a reservation system has been introduced to prevent overcrowding and enhance the experience, especially on busy days. The World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland. FOR SINGAPOREANS But beyond the newness, what truly makes Hong Kong Disneyland special for us Singaporeans, is that it's the perfect blend of familiar Disney charm with a distinctly Hong Kong flavour. It's the manageable size that allows you to truly soak in the entire atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed — perfect for a long weekend getaway. Furthermore, there's the impeccable service, the delicious local food options mixed with classic theme park fare (like the Turkey Leg!), and the incredible efficiency that makes navigating the park a breeze. At the 20th anniversary celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland. As we look forward to the celebratory year ahead, it's the perfect excuse to plan that magical escape. Whether you're a seasoned park-hopper or planning your very first visit, Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags (keep them empty for all the souvenirs!), get ready for some dazzling fireworks, and prepare to make new cherished memories. Here's to 20 years of dreams coming true! BOOK YOUR TRIP Booking tickets for Hong Kong Disneyland on the app. You can book your Hong Kong Disneyland experience through and collect Trip coins, find the best deals, and book flights, hotels and other activities through the platform. You can check out some of our recommendations here: Keep an eye on direct flight deals to Hong Kong. And for the best experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to enjoy pleasant weather and potentially smaller crowds. Happy anniversary, Hong Kong Disneyland!
Listly
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Listly
6 Amazing Getaways in Hong Kong: The Best Summer Outings Outside the City
Located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland has been an institution for decades, bringing the magic of your favourite characters to Asia's favourite city. Themed lands like Adventureland, Toy Story Land, and World of Frozen are just a few of the many zones that cater to all ages, paired with seasonal events and fireworks displays. Adventureland, in particular, is the largest of its kind in the world, promising an entire day of fun and adventure. Beat the heat with indoor attractions, meet beloved Disney characters, and enjoy the summer-exclusive parades and snacks. The immersive experience makes it a top pick for families and couples alike. Entry is also included for LCSD pass holders, which also includes access to iconic museums and attractions—perfect for sightseeing in Hong Kong.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned Disney theme parks left to rot with 'cruel' zoo and mystery island
Walt Disney World in Florida is known for being a magical place, but there are some parts of the resort that have been left abandoned and are now slowly decaying Over its more than 50-year history as one of the Orlando area's premier vacation destinations, Walt Disney World has undergone countless transformations - and with those changes often comes the quiet closure of beloved attractions and venues. Sometimes, a shuttered attraction is quickly replaced or reimagined, breathing new life into an area, as was the case when Hollywood Studios' Backlot Studio Tour gave way to the vibrant and immersive Toy Story Land. But not every space gets a magical makeover. In some cases, the remnants of former attractions are left behind, slowly fading into the background of Disney's ever-evolving landscape. Here, we take a closer look at some of Walt Disney World's most infamous abandoned locations—spaces once filled with magic, now standing silent as echoes of the past... The Outpost Shop Just outside the main entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom sits an abandoned gift shop once known as The Outpost Shop. This store was once the first - and last - chance for guests to pick up Animal Kingdom-themed merchandise without needing a park ticket. Visitors could browse a variety of items, including safari hats, African wood carvings, Disney toys, and souvenirs featuring the Animal Kingdom logo. Conveniently located outside the gates, it offered a way to take home a piece of the park even if you weren't going inside. Discovery River All that remains of the Discovery River Boats at Disney's Animal Kingdom are the covered docks that once served a short-lived and often misunderstood feature of the park. When Animal Kingdom opened in April 1998, the Discovery River Boats were introduced not as an attraction, but as a means of transportation - essentially water taxis designed to shuttle guests between different areas of the park. However, guests assumed it was a full-fledged ride and lined up in droves, expecting an immersive riverboat experience, according to OrlandoParksGuy. In an effort to manage expectations, Disney rebranded the service just months later as the 'Discovery River Boat Water Taxi.' Despite the name change, confusion persisted. By 1999, the boats were quietly discontinued altogether. Though the boats are long gone, the infrastructure remains. The Upcountry Landing dock in the Asia section of the park is now used for guest seating and occasional special events. Meanwhile, the dock in the former Safari Village - now known as Discovery Island - is often repurposed for character meet-and-greet experiences. Discovery Island If you've ever stayed at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, or Fort Wilderness Resort, you've likely seen Discovery Island quietly resting in the middle of Bay Lake. Water taxis pass by the island all day, and if you look closely, you can still spot traces of what it once was. Originally opened in 1974 as Treasure Island, the location was themed around the classic Disney story and featured exotic birds and botanical gardens. Though it predates many modern Disney experiences, it's fondly remembered by long-time fans. Later renamed Discovery Island, it operated as a small zoological park starting in 1995, with guests paying separate admission to visit. But when Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, the island's fate was essentially sealed. Discovery Island closed quietly in 1999, and it has remained abandoned ever since, with no official plans for redevelopment. Despite its current state, the island has a fascinating - and controversial - history. Before Disney purchased it, the original owner used the land to cultivate exotic plants. Later, the company faced scrutiny and was charged with 16 counts of animal cruelty, casting a shadow over its zoological chapter. Over the years, curious explorers have tried to sneak onto the island, but all were eventually caught and permanently banned from Disney property. Today, Discovery Island stands as a hidden relic of Disney's past - silent, overgrown, and filled with mystery. Fort Wilderness Marina Once upon a time, guests staying at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, or any resort along Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon, could enjoy a wide selection of boat rentals. From pontoon boats and Boston Whalers to the fan-favourite Sea Raycers (also known as Water-Mouse boats), these rentals offered a unique way to explore Disney's scenic waterways at your own pace. While boat rentals are still available at Walt Disney World, Fort Wilderness is no longer one of the locations offering them. Today, if you're hoping to get out on the water, you'll need to head to Disney's Contemporary Resort or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Both offer pontoon boat rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. The Fort Wilderness Marina, once a bustling hub of recreational activity, is now mostly quiet. It remains open only for guests with pre-scheduled fishing charters. Its once-full boat slips now sit largely empty, save for a few service boats and the water taxis that continue to ferry guests to and from Magic Kingdom. Though the days of casual boat rentals at Fort Wilderness are gone, the memories of zipping across Bay Lake in a Sea Raycer still live on for those who experienced it. Aunt Polly's DockSide Inn Aunt Polly's was once the charming quick-service restaurant tucked away on Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom - a spot so secluded, you could only reach it by raft. Known in its heyday for classic Southern fare like fried chicken and biscuits, it was a quiet escape from the park's usual hustle. But those days are gone. Aunt Polly's is now listed as permanently closed on Google Maps, and it has quietly disappeared from the official Walt Disney World website. While the building still stands, it remains shuttered, a silent reminder of one of Magic Kingdom's more hidden dining experiences. In fact, Tom Sawyer Island is shutting up shop altogether later this year. 'To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world 's most iconic racers,' Disney said in a press release. Fans can anticipate 'two new Cars-themed attractions' coming to Frontierland in the area adjacent to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disney World Makes Major Change That Leaves Visitors Fuming
It's always disappointing whenever a theme park announces their intention to raise prices. With that being said, eager travelers hoping to book a trip to "The Most Magical Place on Earth" were in for a rude awakening when they checked Walt Disney World's ticket prices for 2026. With the company recently releasing available dates from January to October of next year, fans may have noticed a sharp hike in pricing for the Orlando-based amusement park. This development comes after Disney World executives faced heavy criticism for raising their park's prices this coming autumn -- not to mention significant price increases at some of the park's most famous restaurants and eateries. In the case of most Disney parks, tickets will rise an average $10 from 2025 to 2026, although Disney's Hollywood Studios -- best known Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land -- will see a slightly higher price increase. Right now, tickets for the property's flagship park Magic Kingdom can set you back anywhere from $139 to $189, depending on the time you book. Beginning in January, 2026, however, those ticket prices can soar as high as $199. Similarly, tickets for Animal Kingdom -- estimated at $119 to $169 right now -- will sell for $119 to $179, while Epcot's prices will jump from $129 to $184 this year to $129 to $194 by next year. The most dramatic change in pricing is rooted around Hollywood Studios, with current ticket prices ranging from $139 to $184. Beginning in 2026, those same tickets will skyrocket as high as $199. That Hollywood Studios will experience the largest price increase in Disney World is likely due to the attention-grabbing new additions to the park, including such popular attractions as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, and Slinky Dog Dash. The change in pricing is also likely as a result of decreased traffic to Disney's parks, as well as the upcoming debut of Universal's new amusement park, Epic Universe.
