Hong Kong Disneyland
Although described by many as "Disneyland Lite", this fifth Magic Kingdom will attract millions of new guests to a Disney theme park when it opens its gates in late 2005/early 2006 (the former remains a distinct possibility as progress on the park and the two accompanying hotels is on course). The park will not open in time for the May 5 2005 launch of the celebration, but is certain to come online during the 18-month party. Details remain sketchy as to how the newest Disneyland will participate, but it seems a distinct possibility that Disney’s Electrical Parade and even the five-year old Parade of the Stars will arrive in Penny Bay for Opening Day.

Progress on Hong Kong's Sleeping Beauty Castle
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Disney Cruise Line
An exclusive on LP.com last week, Jay Rasulo was most proud of the agreement struck with the Walt Disney World Co. (owner of both ships) to allow the Disney Magic to sail on 12 consecutive 7-night cruises (departing Saturdays) from May 28. In addition, guests also have the opportunity to enjoy two 2-week vacations aboard the Magic as she sails between Florida and California via the Panama Canal. Key to the agreement was ensuring that the ship remained in continuous operation throughout the transition.

The Disney Magic will depart the Port of Los Angeles on Saturday evenings, en route to Puerto Vallarta.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy both Sunday and Monday at sea, prior to arrival in the port on early Tuesday morning. Then on consecutive days, the Magic will also dock at Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, before returning to Los Angeles after spending another day at sea. In addition, guests can book all-inclusive packages that will also involve either pre- or post-cruise stays at one of the Disneyland Resort’s three hotels (usually for three nights).

The reservations center began accepting guest queries on May 5 and are already reporting a brisk trade.

The Future
I am sure that Jay and his team at Parks & Resorts will pull out all of the stops to ensure that this celebrations surpasses that wonderful spectacle that was Walt Disney World’s Millennium Celebration. For me, I intend to wait until July 17 to experience all of the new attractions and events at Disneyland, but you can be sure that LaughingPlace.com will be there from Day One. July 17 1995 remains my favourite day in a Disney theme park ever, and I just hope that ten years on, the cast ensure that this special day will be at least equal in spectacle and history.

As usual, Lindsay and I would like to express our enternal gratitude to Walt Disney Imagineering & Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially Anne Hamburger, Duncan Wardle, Barry Braverman, Jay Rasulo, Matt Ouimet, Marty Sklar and Don Goodman for access to these events. We both have no doubt that we would not hold annual passes for the Disney resorts without their tireless dedication to ensuring that Disney theme parks are in a class of their own.

In subsequent articles, we shall present highlights for the recent Easter celebrations at Disneyland park in Paris, a full photoessay of the 100 Mickeys from Walt Disney World Resort and comprehensive photo coverage of the latest WDW property, Disney’s Pop Century Resort.