LP Lotion: Hong Kong Disneyland Line
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HKDL Resort Line
On 1 August 2005 MTR the Hong Kong mass transit
operator opened the new Disneyland Resort Line which is the first dedicated
metro line to a Disney theme park. A special link from Sunny Bay (and the Tung
Chung line) on Lantau Island speeds guests to the front gates in just a few
minutes. The trains feature Mickey Mouse portholes giving guests the
opportunity to see the new recreation lake (Inspiration Lake) at the edge of
the resort on their way to the Disneyland Station. The cars are remarkably
similar to those found of the Tokyo Disney Resort Liner (although theirs is an
elevated pseudo-monorail concept) with minimal seating and open connection
between the cars. In the middle of each car is a display case with a bronze
sculpture of a famous Disney character. The flexible connections between cars
feature giant framed photographs of Walt with his trains.
The arrival hall at the Disneyland Station has
numerous Mickey motifs and echoes the Victorian architecture reminiscent of
Disneyland Park in Paris. The station spills out into an esplanade between the
bus station and the park itself. Guests are immediately greeted by a giant
archway featuring a proud Mickey and the words "Welcome to Hong Kong
Disneyland Resort".
Beyond the Welcome sign guests are funneled into a
stunning fountain courtyard in front of the main gates. The fountain is
embedded in a starfish-type formation which is actually the official flower of
Hong Kong namely the Bauhinia. Mickey is at the center riding his surfboard
atop the blowhole of a friendly whale. At each point of the flower another
member of the Fab Six is also engaged in an aquatic enterprise. Pluto is being
playfully teased by fish (squirting the cowardly dog), Goofy is jet-skiing
(although with little apparent comfort!), Minnie proudly displays her beach
ball, Donald is looking particularly angry about his sunken boat and Daisy is
preparing for an Olympic-quality dive. The entire fountain is also
choreographed to music and is spectacular at night.
The fountain itself is to sit at the entrance to
both planned parks at the Resort although of course only Hong Kong Disneyland
is ready to greet its first official guests on 12 September 2005. The final
exit from the fountain courtyard leads to the Disneyland Resort Pier and the
two Disney Hotels. A series of courtyards fill the esplanade with the only
other one that is currently accessible to guests being themed to that of a
Moorish design with extensive tile work.
Join us for future Hong Kong Disneyland updates as
we explore the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Hollywood Hotel and Hong
Kong Disneyland itself. As the advertisements currently planning all over the
territory exclaim "We're ready for the magic to begin, are you?"
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