Rediscover the World of Laughter with "it�s a small world"

Rediscover the World of Laughter with "it�s a small world"
Hong Kong Disneyland�s newest attraction brings childhood fun

(March 28, 2008) In a colorful presentation reminiscent of childhood days, Hong Kong Disneyland announced the countdown to the launch of the �it�s a small world� attraction today, an exciting milestone in the Resort�s history. The attraction will be officially open to the public on April 28, 2008 and is part of the all-new immersive and exciting experiences the Park will offer in 2008.

With elements unique to Hong Kong Disneyland, the �it�s a small world� attraction will invite guests to join a world of laughter. The attraction is filled with over 200 hundred Audio-Animatronics figures representing children from around the world � dressed in their national costumes, featuring splendid landmarks from numerous countries and, for the first time ever, 38 Disney characters. �it�s a small world� takes Guests into the whimsical world of children, where friendship crosses all boundaries and nationalities.

��it�s a small world� is a timeless attraction that has delighted generations of adults and children alike across the world, and has deep roots in the Hong Kong community,� said Maple Lee, Vice President, Marketing, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

�The Cantonese version of the theme song has lived in the hearts and minds of Hong Kong citizens for over 30 years because of its simple yet powerful verses composed by legendary lyricist James Wong. The opening of the attraction will be a significant step for the Resort, continuing Walt Disney�s vision of uniting all nationalities through the universal languages of music and laughter.�

Created by Walt Disney and first appearing at the 1964 World�s Fair in New York, �it�s a small world� was one of the earliest attractions in history to make use of revolutionary Audio-Animatronics technology created by the Walt Disney Company at the time. The original artistic designs were created by Mary Blair, a veteran Disney artist, along with Marc Davis an original Disney film animator and Imagineer and the catchy theme song was composed by the Sherman Brothers. Hong Kong Disneyland�s version of �it�s a small world� builds upon the classic attraction with exciting new additions.

�With Hong Kong Disneyland�s version of �it�s a small world�, we had the unprecedented opportunity to expand on a classic attraction and seamlessly blend local, regional and international elements,� said David Minichiello, Art Director, Walt Disney Imagineering.

�Four new languages, Cantonese, Putonghua, Korean and Tagalog, have been added to the classic theme song. Combined with expanded sections, all-new scenes and the incorporation of familiar Disney melodies with the theme song, we have brought a truly unique offering to Hong Kong.�

Disney Characters & Artistic Design
For the first time ever, in addition to the hundreds of dazzling and brightly decorated figures of children, the attraction will feature 38 Disney characters in their countries of origin. These dolls, toys and animated props will offer a fresh new perspective on the classic attraction, while remaining true to the artistic style created by Mary Blair and the original Walt Disney Imagineering team.

Expanded Sections, New Scenes & Sets
The expanded Asia scene will feature famous landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven. The Middle East has its own scene and new sets have also been added to the Americas scene.

Guests will see Aladdin and Jasmine on their magic carpet in the Middle East scene and meet Woody and Jessie from the Disney/Pixar Toy Story films while sailing by New York�s Empire State Building and San Francisco�s Golden Gate Bridge in the Americas scene.

A Classic Re-recorded
Complementing the dazzling and colorful scenes will be the �it�s a small world� theme song. Walt Disney tasked the Sherman Brothers with making the �it�s a small world� theme song �simple, catchy, and able to be sung in many different languages�. The duo far exceeded this goal and to this day, generations of adults and children enjoy this tune about friendship and mutual understanding. Hong Kong Disneyland has re-recorded the classic song in four new languages, Cantonese, Putonghua, Korean and Tagalog. In total, �it�s a small world� will be sung in nine different languages at Hong Kong Disneyland. In addition, the theme songs of several Disney animated features have been interwoven into the attraction�s soundtrack.

A Unique Facade
One of the defining elements of Hong Kong Disneyland�s version of �it�s a small world� is the facade. Inspired by the facades at Disneyland, California, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, a unique color palette was specially created to match the attraction�s surroundings. The facade itself will have an extensive and stunning LED lighting system that will sparkle and glitter each evening.

At the centerpiece of the facade is the Small World Clock Tower. Just like its brothers and sisters across the globe, the clock will chime at the appointed hours and will feature a classic toy parade, with a newly added Chinese Opera character.

For more information on �it�s a small world�, please visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com.