Special Events
Pirates Spotted in Hong KongNot all Disney events can be enjoyed forever. Some are seasonal, some are one-offs that can only be enjoyed once and then they join Hong Kong Yesterland forever. We've collected our coverage of those special events here so that we can enjoy them any time we like!
For annual and other regular events, such as New Year; Halloween; Christmas and Chinese New Year - please visit our main Seasons section.
Grand Opening 2005
On 12 September 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland opened its gates to the public. The opening featured a mix of Chinese traditional celebrations and Disney parades. Present at the gala opening were Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government); Zeng Qinghong, Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China; Michael D. Eisner, then-Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer; and Robert A. Iger, then Walt Disney Company President and present CEO, Chief Operating Officer and CEO-elect.
News Coverage:
- 1999 Press Release
- Grand Opening Press Release
- Lost Lands - What Didn't Open with The Park
Pirates Takeover 2007
In April 2007, Disney announced in spectacular fashion that Adventureland would be taken over by scoundrels and become Pirate Land for the months of May through August. We didn't miss a second of the action, covering both the Official views and those of our Spies in the park. Avast ye, mateys! There be pirates in that there Disney park!
News Coverage:
- Pirates Overlay and Events in May and June (2 March 2007)
- Pirates Spotted in Hong Kong! (12 April 2007)
- Pirate Land to Take Over Adventureland (12 April 2007)
- Even More Pirate Fun in the Lead-up to the Exciting Pirate Takeover! (27 Aprill 2007)
- Pirates Officially Take Over Adventureland (4 May 2007)
- More Pirates Merchandise (22 May 2007)
- Pirate Land to Stay for Summer (22 June 2007)
- Mickey's Summer Blast (26 June 2007)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Premiere
On 22 May 2007, Pirate Land closed early for a very special event - the Hong Kong film debut of the third Pirates of the Caribbean film. Our Chief Spy was there for the launch of the third Pirates of the Caribbean film and caught all the action on camera and in word.
News Coverage:
- 'Pirates' Premiere in HKDL on Tuesday? (20 May 2007)
- Pirates Premiere Report (24 May 2007)
10th Anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR
In 2007, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) celebrated its tenth anniversary. In addition to offering complimentary Annual Passes to all children born in 1997, Disney designed new merchandise, decorations and a number of special events.
News Coverage:
- Complimentary Deluxe Annual Passes for all Children Born in 1997! (30 March 2007)
- Children born in July redeem their Complimentary Deluxe Annual Pass early (13 May 2007)
- Limited Pin Set for SAR Anniversary (7 June 2007)
Mickey's Summer Blast 2007
Disney kicked off Summer 2007 with two new attractions, the Mickey's WaterWorks Parade and the Animation Academy, along with the extension of the Pirates Takeover Overlay. It was the first major Summer celebration in the park, and it really got the crowds in. At least one permanent attraction came out of this, as the Animation Academy is now a fixture of Main Street. We've got it all covered here!
News Coverage:
- Pirate Land to Stay for Summer (22 June 2007)
- Mickey's Summer Blast (26 June 2007)
- Summer Benefits for Annual Passholders (2 July 2007)
- Mickey's WaterWorks Debuts (8 July 2007)
- HKDL Officially Kicks Off the Summer Blast (10 July 2007)
- Fahrenheit Visit the Park (8 August 2007)
- Further Fahrenheit Fun (17 August 2007)