Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has hosted the grand opening ceremony of Toy Story Land, a brand new themed area exclusive to Hong Kong within Asia. The opening of Toy Story Land marks a key milestone for the Resort, concluding the first phase of its expansion project. Inspired by the global blockbuster Toy Story trilogy, the new themed area contains imaginative, storytelling attractions that can be enjoyed by Guests from Hong Kong and around the world alike.

In an opening ceremony staged in front of the 6-meter tall Woody at the entrance of Toy Story Land, Bill Ernest, President and Managing Director, Asia Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Andrew Kam, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Joe Lanzisero, Creative Senior Vice President, Walt Disney Imagineering welcomed Guests and media to the historic event. The HonorableJohn Tsang, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr. Shao Qi Wei, Chairman of the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China; the HonorableGregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; and Mr. Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were present as Guests of Honor to help kick off the official launch of the first themed area of the Resort’s expansion project.

“Today we mark the beginning of another new and exciting chapter at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with the opening of Toy Story Land, the first of three new themed areas of our expansion project,” said Bill Ernest. “For the first time ever, Hong Kong Disneyland Guests can experience the feeling of being shrunk to the size of a toy when they enter Andy’s backyard to play with their favorite Toy Story friends.”

Subsequent to the opening of Toy Story Land, the second themed area of the expansion project, Grizzly Gulch, will be completed and opened to public in 2012, followed by the third, Mystic Point, in 2013. The whole expansion project will increase the Park’s physical footprint by 23% and bring the number of overall park attractions, entertainment facilities and shows to total more than 100.

“The completion of this multi-phase expansion project will not only increase the Park’s physical footprint, it also demonstrates The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to the people of Hong Kong and the continued growth of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. This enhances Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness as Asia’s top tourist destination,” added Ernest.

“All of us here at the Resort are so proud and thrilled to be a part of this moment,” said Andrew Kam. “We’d like to thank everyone for their support in getting us to this point, including the over 20,000 guests – including trade partners, Magic Access members, alliance partners, media friends, celebrities and etc – who joined us for rehearsal days in early November, whose positive feedback has been greatly appreciated.

“Also, thank you to all those who have worked with us on our comprehensive marketing strategy, which has created tremendous buzz around Toy Story Land throughout the city,” added Kam. “We’re delighted to see the positive business overview that is resulting from the limitless imagination and extraordinary effort of our 5,000-plus Cast Members, partners and various lifestyle brands.”

Bringing the cherished stories of the Toy Story movies to the real world, Toy Story Land provides an incredible, immersive experience for Guests of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Entering the themed area, Guests will feel like they’re being shrunk to the size of a toy as they are transported to the oversized world of Andy’s backyard. In addition to the three main new attractions – RC Racer, Slinky Dog Spin and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop – Guests will also be enthralled by all the new food and beverage options, entertainment, photo opportunities and merchandise offered in Toy Story Land. With the magic of toys coming to life through all its interactive and playful adventures, playtime at Toy Story Land will become a highlight of the Hong Kong tourism experience that is not to be missed.

Also showcasing the spirit of imagination in action were 300 young talents from the community who participated in Disney ImagiNations Hong Kong, a design competition in which students from select education institutions in Hong Kong were invited to apply their technical, artistic and creative skills to developing hypothetical concepts for theme park attractions and experiences concepts. About 50 finalists gathered at the newly opened Toy Story Land today to witness this prime example of imagination being transformed into the reality.

In addition, from November 18, 2011 to January 2, 2012, all Hong Kong residents and tourists can also come visit Andy’s backyard at Hong Kong Disneyland and also celebrate Christmas. This Christmas, to welcome Woody, Jessie and all the other new toys to Toy Story Land, Mickey has also invited all Guests to join in a whimsical celebration – Santa Mickey’s Toy-riffic Street Party. Toys will come to life, dancing down the snowy Main Street, U.S.A. Christmas Town amidst its many whimsical decorations and romantic atmosphere. Guests won’t be able to resist chiming in with calls of “Toy to the World!”

To celebrate the opening of Toy Story Land, Corporate Alliances partners will launch a series of promotions to invite customers to the Park. one2free customers signing up to selected service plans are eligible for two complimentary park tickets or an exclusive Limited Edition “Toy Story” Pre-Paid SIM and Voucher Box Set. Citibank Visa Cardholders can enter lucky draw and have a chance to win a Magical Vacation at Hong Kong Disneyland by meeting designated spending and redeeming “$10 Redemption” Rewards at Harbour City. And Guests who present a Park Ticket dated from Dec 1 onwards and purchase over 60 prints via digital output service at selected Kodak Express outlets can enjoy discounts and get a Toy Story Land themed 5R border print for free.

Guests can also get a chance to win Park Tickets when they purchase a “Coca-Cola” Combo offer at MCL Cinemas, sing karaoke at Neway Karaoke Box or purchase Toy Story merchandise at Toys “R” Us.  It’s playtime throughout all of Hong Kong!

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