Hong Kong Disneyland is planning to feature more "Frozen" and Marvel superhero attractions soon. The Hong Kong Disneyland expansion project is slated to begin in 2018 and will reportedly cost about $1.4 billion.
Wall Street Journal revealed that Hong Kong Disneyland is preparing to commence construction of the expansion area in 2018, and will continue until 2023. Half of the HK$10.9 billion amount will be shouldered by taxpayers. The new additions will focus on themes from Disney hits "Frozen" and various Marvel superhero movies.
The massive theme park improvement will increase its total attractions from 110 to 130. About 5,000 to 8,000 jobs will also be created in the tourism industry with the new area in Hong Kong Disneyland.
The government is the biggest shareholder of Hong Kong Disneyland, which will infuse HK$5.8 billion to the project, subject to the approval of the Legislative Council approval, while the remainder will be paid by the Walt Disney Company. Although Hong Kong government officials are divided whether to support the Hong Kong Disneyland expansion or not, some believe that it is the right time to feature the new attractions for tourism development in the long term.
Los Angeles Times reported that according to Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the proposed expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland will bring the best of the Walt Disney Co. to this side of Asia. It also aims to provide guests with a unique experience that only Disney can deliver. The inclusion of Disney's most beloved characters and stories from "Frozen" and Marvel will be a great addition to the theme park.
The Hong Kong Disneyland announcement follows the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in mainland China. The opening of Shanghai Disneyland did not seem to have a negative impact to Hong Kong Disneyland.
There was actually some uptick in the attendance of guests at Hong Kong Disneyland shortly after Shanghai opened. There is apparently an interesting growth and pride locally in the Hong Kong theme park.
The two other Disney parks in Asia are Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. More updates and details on Hong Kong Disneyland are expected soon.
