Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Plan for Multi-Year Expansion; New "Tiana's Riverboat Party & Parade Viewing" to Debut

Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Plan for Multi-Year Expansion:

Today, Hong Kong Disneyland announced a multi-year expansion that will begin in 2018 and be completed by 2023. The expansion will include new lands based off of "Moana", "Frozen", and Marvel. The expansion will cost $1.4 billion. Here is a rundown of what's coming in phases beginning in 2018:

• A transformed Castle and Hub area to showcase new daytime and nighttime spectaculars and entertainment experiences (2019)
• An all-new Frozen-themed land with two new attractions (a major E ticket and Oaken’s Enchanted Sleighs, similar to Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters at Disneyland Resort) where guests can experience the characters and stories from the beloved films in ways never before at a Disney park (2020)
• Dedicated Marvel themed area featuring exciting new Marvel attractions and entertainment from one of the most popular Super Hero franchises in history. New attractions will replace Autopia (2023) and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (2018)
• A new entertainment venue, Moana’s Village Festival in Adventureland, which will feature a lively stage show (2018) Credit: MouseInfo

“This proposed expansion brings the best of The Walt Disney Company to this wonderful tourist destination, giving guests an experience only Disney can deliver and infusing some of Disney’s most beloved characters and stories into this unique destination,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

The expansion includes for the first time a rebuilding of a Disney castle in Hong Kong Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty castle that will create a canvas for never before seen daytime and nighttime spectaculars. Entertainment experiences like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will also be added.

Are you excited about the new attractions and lands being built in Hong Kong? Do you think any of this will eventually be coming to Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

New "Tiana's Riverboat Party & Parade Viewing" to Debut:

Beginning next week, guests will be able to experience a new dessert and parade viewing party at the Magic Kingdom. "Tiana's Riverboat Party - Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing" will debut on November 29 in a special event held on the Liberty Square Riverboat. Here are the details:

Treat your senses to a Liberty Square Riverboat “sundae fun-day” and reserved viewing of one of our grandest processions.

Make the most of your next visit to Magic Kingdom park, where Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are throwing an unforgettable party… and you’re invited! The occasion begins on the dock as your royal hosts welcome you and your sweet tooth to an ice cream social, complete with ice cream and toppings, drinks, and sweet treats.

Then board the Liberty Square Riverboat and relax while enjoying the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade—all from the comfort of your special viewing location!

After the parade, Tiana and Naveen will join you to continue the party as you all cruise around the Rivers of America, circling Tom Sawyer Island.

The event will cost $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 3-9 (tax included). To make reservations you can call (407)WDW-DINE (939-3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/Dining. 

ABC to Air Disneyland 60 Special in February Featuring Elton John, Pentatonix, and More

Just a few days ago, it was revealed that ABC will air a special on Disneyland's 60th Anniversary on The Wonderful World of Disney on February 21 at 8 p.m. (EST). Disney and ABC will be taping the show this Tuesday, January 12. Audience ticketing company 1iota is offering free tickets to the taping. Some of the performers to be featured during the show according 1iota are Sir Elton John, Pentatonix, and 'Dancing with the Stars' professional dancers Derek Hough and Witney Carson. More performers for the show are expected to be revealed this week.

According to Variety, "ABC will celebrate the inventiveness and inspiration of Walt Disney's big, bold creation with a star-studded Diamond Anniversary event, both in the heart of Hollywood at the Dolby Theater and throughout the most iconic locations at Disneyland Park, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, USA, as well as Cars Land, a themed are of California Adventure Park." The special will also showcase two displays of technology in its news night shows in the "Paint the Night" parade and the "World of Color - Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney at Disney California Adventure. 

That's not all fans at home will also be able to participate during the show as ABC announced they can join in on Sir Elton John's performance. During the performance along with Disney Applause app, using Walt Disney Imagineering technology "Made With Magic" Applause delivers a second screen, an interactive experience that will sync directly with the broadcast's major musical segments, displaying colorful light shows and original content on viewers' phones. Their display will be in harmony with the illuminated accessories worn by guests and elaborate lighting design during the performance. 

Fans will also have a first ever opportunity that will allow guests to view a special performance in virtual reality through the Jaunt VR app. The app will transport fans into joining the celebration at Sleeping Beauty Castle for the musical superstar's concert and then to Main Street for a very special dance routine. A 360-degree view of the virtual reality elements will also be available on ABC.com. More details ABC's special on Disneyland's 60th are expected to be released in the coming weeks so stay tuned.