Hong Kong Disneyland's New and Improved Castle Will Pay Tribute to 14 Disney Princesses
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Hong Kong Disneyland is kicking off its 15th anniversary celebration this Nov. 21, officially revealing the newly transformed, highly anticipated Castle of Magical Dreams.
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Formerly Sleeping Beauty Castle, this redesigned attraction will pay tribute to not one, but 14 Disney princesses and queens with designs and decorations reflecting their beloved stories. Hong Kong Disneyland's first castle was smaller, similar to the classic Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle, but this reimagined centerpiece builds upon that design with a one-of-a-kind addition unlike anything we've seen at the other Disney theme parks around the world.
According to the Hong Kong Disneyland site, "the architectural elements embrace the characteristics of each heroine through the interpretation of colors, icons, patterns, and cultural features, with uniquely designed towers, turrets, and spires dedicated to their respective stories," so we can't wait to view the castle up-close to see how our favorite characters are represented.
Related: 18 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Disney's Cinderella Castle (Video)
The transformation started in 2017, and more details about the park's multiyear expansion — currently underway — were revealed in 2019. One of the most anticipated additions coming to Hong Kong Disneyland is the Frozen-themed land and its coaster, called Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs, which will take riders on a journey through Arendelle. This new land — the first-ever Frozen-themed land — is scheduled to open in 2021 with the Frozen Ever After boat ride (which currently operates at Epcot), and all sorts of themed food, drinks, and merchandise. Marvel-themed attractions are set to open in a new area at Hong Kong Disneyland in the future, too.
Despite park closures and reopenings amid the coronavirus pandemic (Hong Kong Disneyland just reopened again on Sept. 25), some of the international Disney theme park resorts are unveiling major changes this year. Hong Kong Disneyland isn't the only Disney park in Asia with openings this fall. In September, Tokyo Disneyland opened its largest-ever park expansion with a "Beauty and the Beast"-themed ride, restaurant, and shops in Fantasyland, a "Big Hero 6"-inspired ride and popcorn shop in Tomorrowland, and a new meet-and-greet in Toontown.
Disney World in Florida has been open since July after closing in March due to the pandemic, but we still don't know when Disneyland in California will reopen. It was the only Disney theme park in the world that remained closed until last week, when Disneyland Paris closed again amid another national shutdown in France.
Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure who loves all things theme parks. Follow her adventures on Instagram at @elizabetheverywhere.
