Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Celebrates 20 Years of Magic A Celebration of Legacy, Innovation, and Community Pixar and Marvel Expansion Progress, Exclusive Merchandise, and Reimagined Dining Experiences Unveiled

Today, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) marked its 20th anniversary with a spectacular celebration that honored its legacy, embraced its future, and brought together cast members, guests, and leaders in a day filled with joy, gratitude, and enchantment.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Celebrates 20 Years of Magic A Celebration of Legacy, Innovation, and Community ,Pixar and Marvel Expansion Progress, Exclusive Merchandise, and Reimagined Dining Experiences Unveiled .

A Tribute to Cast Members and Community

The day began with an exclusive photo moment featuring cast members who have been part of the HKDL journey since its opening. Joining them were beloved Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, alongside distinguished guests:

• Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

• Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

• Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences

• Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International

• Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

(Right)Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Third on the right_Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

(on stage from left)Ji Estorino,President and Managing Directorof Disney Parks International Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences Michael Moriarty,Managing.

This moment celebrated the dedication and spirit of the cast members who have helped shape HKDL into a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s tourism and cultural landscape.

"Over the past two decades, Hong Kong Disneyland has grown into an iconic, world-class destination that captures the imagination of millions of visitors from around the globe. More than just a theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland has become an essential part of Hong Kong’s tourism landscape and an important contributor to our economy." said Chan.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

A Magical Surprise for Guests

As the gates opened, a Japanese family who has held Magic Access membership joined the Disneyland Band to perform the 20th anniversary theme song “The Most Magical Party of All”. They also hand made a 20th anniversary costume for this event. It symbolizes the deep emotional connection between HKDL and its guests, many of whom have grown up with the resort being part of their lives.

“For two decades, Hong Kong Disneyland has been a leading tourism driver through world-class storytelling, unforgettable guest experiences and an unwavering commitment to the community," said D'Amaro. "Our 20th anniversary marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to expand, bringing even more beloved Disney stories to life."

(Right)Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences.

Expanding the Magic: Pixar and Marvel Experiences

HKDL is poised for a new chapter with two major expansion projects underway: a Pixar entertainment offering and Marvel-themed experiences. D'Amaro, Estorino, Disney Imagineers and the HKDL team toured the construction sites, getting a glimpse into the immersive worlds being built.

Pixar entertainment 

The new Pixar entertainment experience is an immersive theatrical adventure coming to Hong Kong Disneyland. Guests will join their favorite Pixar characters in a fun and heartwarming experience unlike anything we have ever done before at HKDL. Using cutting-edge theatrical technology that blends real and digital environments, this entertaining live experience celebrates the joy of friendship and the power of play. Generations of Pixar fans will personally and universally connect through storytelling that surprises and delights in a way that only Disney can deliver.

Marvel experience

Marvel experience

An exciting new Marvel-themed experience will expand Tomorrowland at HKDL! This new expansion will feature an all-new attraction, plus entertainment, shopping offerings. Inspired by Tony Stark’s vision for a better future, the area brings together brilliant minds from the Avengers and their friends working together in Hong Kong to showcase their cutting-edge inventions and technologies. Unique to Hong Kong, this immersive experience will further expand the Stark Expo - allowing guests from around the world to go on a variety of adventures and team up with a wide array of heroes.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Celebrates 20 Years of Magic A Celebration of Legacy, Innovation, and Community , Pixar and Marvel Expansion Progress, Exclusive Merchandise, and Reimagined Dining Experiences Unveiled.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of our guests and fans, and the dedication of our cast members. As we look ahead, HKDL is full of boundless opportunities. We will stay focused on delivering innovative and enchanting experiences that will inspire our guests for many years to come,” said Moriarty.

Celebrating with Exclusive Merchandise and Culinary Adventures

To mark HKDL’s 20th anniversary, a new commemorative merchandise collection has been unveiled — featuring collectible cards that pay tribute to the resort’s development over the past 20 years. Guests can also discover brand-new “Friendtastic!” parade themed Mickey and Friends, and articulate Duffy and Friends, plush toys crafted as timeless keepsakes.

Parade Plush + Bag Charm + Collection Card.

12inch Articulate plush.

Adding to the excitement, special crossover items including a 20th anniversary commemorative Coca-Cola glass bottle and GODIVA premium chocolate gift set bring a unique blend of indulgence. These will be launched on HKDL’s official website and the resort’s merchandise stores this month.

20th anniversary commemorative Coca-Cola glass bottle

Guests also enjoyed the grand reopening of the newly themed Wayfinders' Table, a Moana inspired dining experience that brings Oceania’s flavor and legends to life through immersive storytelling and culinary excellence. The restaurant features Halal-certified options crafted by a professional chef team. Nestled in a shaded setting, Wayfinders' Table offers enhanced ventilation comfort and ambiance with Disney story, making it the perfect gathering place for guests at the park.

Mickey & Duffy Godiva box set.

 12inch Articulate plush.

Mickey invited tourists to join the anniversary celebration

Earlier this week, Mickey Mouse and cast members extended the joy of HKDL’s 20th
anniversary celebration beyond the park gates. Inbound tourists at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Hong Kong International Airport received the invitation and park tickets for joining this anniversary celebration with a surprise moment.

Mickey invited tourists to join the anniversary celebration.

Looking Ahead

As HKDL commemorates its anniversary day amid its year-long celebration, “The Most Magical Party of All,” the resort reaffirms its commitment to innovation, storytelling, and community. With heartfelt moments shared among cast members and guests, HKDL continues to shine as Hong Kong’s tourism flagship and a beloved destination for generations to come.

The journey so far has been magical — and the future promises even more unforgettable moments.

Mickey invited tourists to join the anniversary celebration.

Government responds to Coroner's verdict on death inquest for vessel collision incident near Lamma Island in 2012

The Coroner's Court today (January 22) finished reading the verdict on the cause of death of the passengers involved in the vessel collision incident near Lamma Island in 2012.

A Government spokesman said the Government respects the judgment of the Coroner's Court and would study the verdict carefully with serious follow-up. At the same time, the Government expresses its deepest condolences to the families. After the incident, the Government conducted two investigations, including the one conducted by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Ordinance and the internal investigation led by then-Transport and Housing Bureau (then-THB); and accepted the expert reports under various investigations.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau has all along been supervising the Marine Department (MD) in following up on the recommendations of the CoI and the experts, and in adopting a systemic approach for fully implementing five categories of measures to enhance marine safety and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. Relevant measures include -

Enhancing safety standards onboard: including requiring all passenger vessels' watertight doors to be fitted with visual and audio alarms; specifying the requirements of watertight door warning markings; improving the labelling and placement of life jackets; and establishing standards for securing seats to the deck;

Improving plan approval and vessel survey standards: including the creation of a dedicated team for plan approval for local vessels; introduction of standardised procedures for vessel surveys and plan approvals; introduction of the tripartite Inspection and Test Plan Scheme (ITP) for high-risk vessels by requiring the shipyard, shipowner and the MD to reach a consensus on important test items and acceptance criteria to clarify any misunderstanding or ambiguity regarding design and regulatory requirements, thus ensuring a vessel's watertight integrity and compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements;

Promoting operational safety within the industry: including the introduction of the common life jacket for use by adults and children; the enactment of the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance to regulate drink and drug boating; and the mandate of lookout arrangements onboard vessels;

Strengthening industry professionalism and promoting safety culture: including the introduction of the Fast Speed Passenger Vessel Endorsement regime to enhance coxswains' and engine operators' navigational skills and ability to handle emergency situations, as well as the introduction of the Local Safety Management System; and

Introducing systemic reform of the MD's management and regulatory regime: including strengthening professional development of MD officers; launching of the electronic vessel survey system and introducing the use of electronic certificates to enhance work efficiency and quality.

Please refer to the Annex for details of the relevant measures.

As for the responsibilities of the MD officers involved, the then-THB forwarded the internal investigation report (THB Report) to the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) for follow-up, and the CSB has, in accordance with the recommendations in the THB Report and the legal advice from the Department of Justice, took actions according to the disciplinary procedures and finished following up on the relevant cases. There were also two MD officers involved who were criminally prosecuted and sentenced to imprisonment.

As regards the recommendations of the Coroner for the MD, including (1) to continue regular engagement with shipbuilders, marine transport service operators and relevant professional bodies or issue simple guidance notes or clarification to ensure that they understand the application of relevant rules and regulations; (2) to implement a new declaration system requiring vessel owners, before each periodical survey, to confirm whether any alterations have been made since the previous survey; (3) to continue to review the working hours and rest arrangements of seafarers, with a focus on identifying fatigue risks in day-to-day operations, and with major ferry operators consulted in the process and the Local Vessels Advisory Committee used as a forum for relevant discussions; and (4) to disseminate to the trade information on the recommendations the Coroner gave to Cheoy Lee Shipyards, the MD will seriously study them and follow up. In respect of the first recommendation, the MD has been stepping up communication with the industry and implemented the Local Safety Management system, with the adoption of a proactive risk management approach to enhance communication with the industry on marine safety issues. For the second recommendation, the MD is actively preparing for the introduction of a requirement under the existing ship inspection system that shipowners must declare that there were no unauthorised alterations of the vessels concerned prior to a survey. In respect of the third recommendation, the Government will review the working environment and conditions of local seafarers and will thoroughly consult relevant stakeholders. For the fourth recommendation, the MD will communicate with other shipyards in respect of the relevant issue.

The spokesman expressed that the Government will continue to work hand-in-hand with the industry to strengthen marine safety together.

Source: AI-found images