Thieves made off with 8,000 Disneyland tickets worth about $800,000 when they stole a box trailer from a youth agricultural education organization that was going to distribute them to participants at a conference in Southern California, officials said.
The trailer owned by Future Farmers of America was stolen Wednesday from the group's office in the city of Galt, south of Sacramento, the California Highway Patrol said.
FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2015 file photo, visitors walk toward Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Authorities say thieves made off with 8,000 Disneyland tickets when they stole a box trailer from a youth agricultural education organization. The California Highway Patrol says the trailer is owned by Future Farmers of America and was stolen Wednesday, April 18, 2018, from the group's office in the city of Galt, south of Sacramento. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Security footage shows a dark pickup truck backing up to the trailer and driving it away, said Matt Patton, executive director of the California chapter of Future Farmers of America.
Patton said the thief broke through a gate and broke a lock before hooking the trailer to the pickup truck.
"They had definitely been scoping it out because they went directly to the trailer and didn't waste any time doing anything else," Patton said.
The trailer also was loaded with another $800,000 in audio and visual equipment for use at the group's upcoming annual leadership conference in Anaheim, which starts Sunday.
Patton says Disneyland has canceled the tickets and is working to print new ones for the California students attending the four-day conference so they can visit Disney's California Adventure Park on Tuesday.
The highway patrol warned people to be cautious when purchasing Disneyland tickets from unknown sources.
By Michael Moriarty, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland, and appointed member of the Hong Kong Tourism Strategy Committee
HKDL marked its strongest performance since its opening in fiscal year 2024 and entered its 20th anniversary milestone this year. The resort will continue to build on this momentum to help reinforce Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class tourism city.
Hong Kong stands at a pivotal moment in its tourism journey.
The city has made commendable efforts in reigniting interest—through government subsidies, mega-events, and promotional campaigns. Yet, the question remains: how do we ensure this rebound becomes a renaissance?
The answer lies not in discounts, but in delivering lifelong memories.
As a city known for its vibrancy, diversity and global connectivity, Hong Kong must now lean into what truly sets it apart: its ability to deliver emotionally resonant, culturally rich, and unforgettable experiences. In today’s travel landscape, experiences are the new currency. And the most valuable ones are those that spark joy, create memories, and inspire multiple return visits.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, HKDL presents brand-new party entertainment experiences, including HKDL’ grandest ever nighttime spectacular, largest parade and a castle stage show.
At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL), we’ve seen this firsthand. Fiscal year 2024 marked our strongest performance since opening—not because we lowered prices, but because we elevated the experience. We listened to our guests, adapted to their evolving preferences, and delivered immersive, personalized offerings that connected deeply. From the viral success of the Jungle River Cruise skippers to the launch of the world’s first and largest World of Frozen, our strategy has been clear: create experiences that endure beyond the moment.
This year, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re reminded of how deeply embedded HKDL is in the fabric of Hong Kong’s tourism and community life. We’ve grown alongside the city, not just as an attraction, but as a place where aspirations are realized—for guests and cast members alike. Our commitment to cultural relevance and civic engagement has built a foundation of trust and goodwill that no subsidy can replicate.
HKDL is deeply embedded in the fabric of Hong Kong community and committed to civic engagement. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the resort will donate over HK$5 million to support sick children and youth development.
During periods of economic uncertainty, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to continuously invest in our people and our products. In recent years, we’ve transformed Hong Kong Disneyland with the reimagined Castle of Magical Dreams, daytime castle show “Follow Your Dreams,” Momentous Nighttime Spectacular and World of Frozen — each milestone reinforcing our efforts to draw repeat visitation and appeal to broader audiences around the world.
But the true strength of our industry lies in the people who bring these experiences to life every day.
HKDL remains steadfast in its commitment to creating innovative experiences, connecting the dots across sectors to ignite the future of Hong Kong tourism.
Investing in the training and well-being of employees is not just good business—it’s essential to our identity as a top destination. At HKDL, we consider our cast members ambassadors of the Disney brand and a reflection of our local culture. When we empower our teams and treat them with respect, they can elevate the guest experience and help reinforce Hong Kong’s reputation as a welcoming, world-class city.
The lesson is simple: exceptional experiences drive both revenue and resilience.
Hong Kong’s Tourism Blueprint 2.0 rightly emphasizes mega-events and destination branding. To truly differentiate ourselves from neighboring cities, we must pair these events with immersive products that reflect Hong Kong’s unique character. That means bold collaborations, seamless storytelling, and a readiness to innovate together.
HKDL has seen powerful results by joining hands with Hong Kong International Airport and the MTR to create buzz, and with travel agents and airlines to bundle park tickets with concert tickets and other experiences that extend stays. These joint efforts don’t just drive visitation—they deepen engagement and build affinity to Hong Kong. Our themed cable cars with Ngong Ping 360, our cultural collaborations with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong Ballet, and city-wide activations during the 20th anniversary celebration are all proof that when we connect the dots across sectors, we create something truly memorable.
The global market is shifting in our favor. Travelers from mainland China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and beyond are seeking authenticity over bargains. They want to feel something authentic. Be a part of something meaningful. And Hong Kong is perfectly positioned to deliver that—if we lead with innovative thinking and a united approach.
Some may question whether Hong Kong can reclaim its former standing. I believe we can do more than that. We can redefine it.
By embedding local culture into global brands, embracing innovation, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, Hong Kong can become the model for sustainable tourism for decades to come. This is not just about economic recovery—it’s about renewing emotional connections. It’s about giving people a reason to believe again, to travel again, and to rediscover Hong Kong in ways that leave a lasting impression.
As Walt Disney once said, Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group.” “For Hong Kong, that group includes government, industry, community, and our global visitors. We collectively have the power to turn this moment into a movement.
Let’s bring this vision to life—and ignite the future of Hong Kong tourism together.
