2023 marks the 17th anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and it has a lot of experiences planned for the New Year, from participating in the company-wide “100 Years of Wonder” to the opening of Disney’s first ever “World of Frozen.”
Ready to see what the park has in store for Guests? Let’s take a look
100 Years of Wonder celebration
The year 2023 marks the 100th anniversary celebration of The Walt Disney Company, which was founded in 1923.
At Hong Kong Disneyland, this memorable milestone event will run through October, and include spectacular events from Lunar New Year to Halloween, with appearances from fan-favorite characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale in all-new 100th anniversary outfits.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, one of Walt Disney’s original cartoon creations, will be making his debut in the park at long last too.
The excitement continues with the unveiling of Hong Kong Disneyland’s long-awaited Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue near Cinderella’s Carousel.
And a rich lineup of 100th anniversary merchandise will be available in store for fans to take home, too.
World of Frozen
As announced at D23 Expo 2022, “World of Frozen,” the first highly immersive Frozen-themed land inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film franchise, is coming to Hong Kong Disneyland by the end of the year.
Guests will be able to visit the kingdom of Arendelle, and be fully immersed in all its sights, sounds, cuisines, and traditions.
“World of Frozen” will be home to two exciting attractions:
- The first Frozen-themed coaster, “Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs,” where guests will embark on a scenic ride designed and built by Wandering Oaken, and powered by his buddies Olaf and Sven.
- “Frozen Ever After,” the attraction where guests are invited to go on a whimsical journey to visit Elsa’s Ice Palace on the special occasion of “Summer Snow Day,” and meet all their beloved friends from Frozen.
Year of the Rabbit
Later this month, the resort will celebrate 2023, which in the Chinese zodiac is the Year of the Rabbit.
Duffy’s friend StellaLou will be the ambassador, and there will also be meet-and-greets with LinaBell, Mickey and friends in festive outfits, and seasonal blessings in the hotels, shops and restaurants for a magical Lunar New Year. The celebration will run through February.
Duffy and Friends
A brand-new immersive Duffy and Friends-themed experience will magically transport guests into the world of Duffy and all his friends at Plaza Grounds from March through June 2023.
It will feature more themed play, shop, and dine experiences on Main Street, U.S.A. that will create refreshing memories for guests with the beloved Duffy and Friends.
Heroes: Avengers and Future Heroes Assemble
In May and June, Marvel fans will be recruited as the “next generation of heroes” and invited to a series of Heroic Encounters.
The Avengers will take the Tomorrowland stage with an epic arrival. Fans can also gear up with a series of Marvel-themed merchandise assortments, and fuel up with hero-friendly dining options.
Summer Splash!
From June to August, as the summer sun shines down on Hong Kong Disneyland, splash into the coolest party ever with the beloved Disney and Pixar friends.
A series of summer surprises await guests, including the much-loved “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” and a summer edition of the “Follow Your Dreams” live outdoor party.
Disney Halloween Time
Guests will be invited to the most wicked and spookiest Halloween celebration only at Hong Kong Disneyland in September and October.
Disney Villains will transform the park with different evil delights, awaiting everyone to unleash their wicked side.
Plus, the delightfully evil and much-loved musical stage show, “Let’s Get Wicked,” is a not-to-be-missed item during the Halloween extravaganza. The show won a prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring award this year for “Most Creative Halloween Haunt, Show, or Experience.”
A Disney Christmas
The resort will end 2023 with “A Disney Christmas” in November and December. It will once again feature Disney friends, magical snowfalls, and festive experiences at the resort.
You can experience videos of this year’s festivities, which included weekend themed concerts, in our Christmas Day round-up.
Looking Ahead
In talking about the year ahead, Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said:
“2023 will bring to guests magic and surprises like never before as we celebrate having grown and evolved across 17 fantastic years so far.
Join in as we celebrate ‘100 Years of Wonder’ with Mickey and Friends and our cast members in a year of many firsts, with the ‘World of Frozen’ opening in the second half of 2023, a brand-new Duffy and Friends-themed experience, and our very own Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue on the way! The excitement will be set to one hundred in 2023!”
