Hong Kong Disneyland is the Most Overlooked Masterpiece in the Disney Empire. Many might be surprised by the statement in this article, but I do actually believe this resort has overcome most of its issues and is now a world-class destination. Today I invite you onto a journey of discovery into this incredible resort, from its tumorous history to its great design. As an architecture student I want to study Theme Park Design Theory and today, HKDL will be our case study!
Transportation is a topic most Disney fans don't often discuss, but Hong Kong Disneyland is actually incredibly well-designed in this regard, boasting a robust public transit connection via the Sunny Bay Station on the Disneyland Resort Line. While Shanghai Disneyland and Disneyland Paris also enjoy good rail connections, the US theme parks lack this convenience, highlighting Hong Kong Disneyland's strong start in providing accessible transportation.
The site of the park also offers some great advantages, the first being the topography. Although the resort itself is quite flat due to its location on reclaimed land, the hills in the background provide an interesting juxtaposition in the landscaping. Combined with a newly renovated castle, this creates a beautiful and picturesque landscape within the park.
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| Original concept art: credit Disney |
The original design of the resort was done in a very hard time for Disney, they were obsessed with the Mini-park that was budget-friendly, this resulted in terrible designs like Walt Disney Studios Park and Disney's California Adventure. The original plans as so did suffer from that: Thsi concept art showcases a park without the classic Disney train, with a station serving only as restaurant. The hotel would have been inside the park like at DCA and there would also be a 'show lagoon' Tommorowland would be scarily similar to the one at Disneyland. 'Land of Adventure's a wild mix of wildest and pirates. The park would also feature a small Toontown area and a weird castle. These plans are quite interesting tho.
Let's take a look at how HKDl is laid out today: Located at a precious piece of land with the sea and those beautiful hills, the hotels are located near the waterfront, one side gets views of the sea an date other theme park views. The resort, a off 2024, offers 3 hotels; The Hollywood hotel takes queues from art moderne; The Explorer's lodge is personally my favorite with incredible theming; The Hong Kong Disneyland hotel is quite similar to the other Disney victorian hotel in Paris and Orlando. HKDL lacks a main Dining and entertainment venue like Disney Town in Shanghai, this results in a long walkway with greenery, while the landscaping is quite beautiful the space fells empty and could have a more extensive program.
The entrance to Hong Kong Disneyland bears striking resemblance to its Disneyland counterpart, featuring a classic Main Street reminiscent of the original. While lacking the iconic trolley tracks, the inclusion of a Gazebo and brick roads adds a touch of sophistication. However, what truly stands out is the introduction of a new park icon: The Castle of Magical Dreams. This renovated version of the Sleeping Beauty Castle serves as a focal point, uniting the park with its grandeur. Additionally, the surrounding hills provide a picturesque backdrop, offering visitors an intriguing perspective as they enter the park.
Let's dive into the layout of the park: With extensive expansions over the years, there's a noticeable departure from the classic 1955 layout of Disneyland. The park now boasts "Mickey ears" on both sides, with lands extending beyond their original boundaries: from "it's a small world" to Grizzly Gulch, Toy Story Land, and Arendelle: World of Frozen. To accommodate this expansion, underpasses have been constructed for guests to traverse beyond the railways. This innovative design approach is not unique to Hong Kong Disneyland; we've seen similar strategies implemented in other parks like Disneyland (2019) with the introduction of Galaxy's Edge. Additionally, there's speculation about a potential Beyond Big Thunder expansion in the works.
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| Credit: Disney |
Let's delve into the highlights of HKDL, and my personal favorite is Grizzly Gulch. This land seamlessly blends thrilling roller coasters with a touch of Frontierland charm. Its standout feature is the imposing bear mountain, reminiscent of DCA's iconic landmark. The roller coaster winds its way through various points of interest within the land, offering an exhilarating experience. The architecture adds to the fun atmosphere, with a flooded town that doubles as a play area for children. However, the crown jewel of this land is Mystic Manor, the park's equivalent of Haunted Mansion. Expanding on the captivating story of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers from Tokyo DisneySea, this trackless dark ride is nothing short of phenomenal. Widely regarded as one of Disney's best attractions, Mystic Manor has earned praise from enthusiasts worldwide—a testament to its exceptional quality and immersive storytelling.
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| credit: Disney |
The latest addition to HKDL is the Arendelle World of Frozen, strategically positioned at the rear of the park to provide guests with glimpses of the majestic snow-capped mountain beyond the castle. This land seamlessly blends natural elements with intricate rockwork, creating a one-of-a-kind Frozen experience with the hills in the background. A notable feature is the inclusion of the Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs roller coaster, injecting kinetic energy into the land despite its short duration. The charming town of Arendelle boasts authentic shops, a refreshing departure from similar areas in other Disney parks, notably the one in Japan. However, the disappointment lies in the inaccessible Arendelle castle, which serves merely as a scenic backdrop rather than an interactive attraction—an aspect that may leave both young fans and adult enthusiasts wanting more.
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| Credit: Disney |
However not everything is perfect, there are some weird quirks and drawbacks to this theme parks specifically when we talk about theme park design. Firstly, Tomorrowland appears to be grappling with an identity crisis. Once boasting futuristic themes, it now finds itself in a perplexing state. Hyperspace Mountain, a permanent Star Wars-themed overlay, dominates one half, while the other half is dedicated to the Avengers. Originally intended to become the third Avengers Campus, this section was slated for a significant E-ticket attraction in the former Autopia ride location. However, as of 2024, updates on this expansion have been scarce. Consequently, Tomorrowland remains trapped in a conundrum of "what should I be," exacerbated by the overarching theme park dilemma of "which IP should occupy this space." Compounded by a lackluster performance of MCU movies in recent years, Disney faces a pivotal moment in revitalizing this area. Furthermore, while serviceable, Toy Story Land lacks a standout E-ticket attraction akin to Toy Story Mania, leaving visitors yearning for a more exhilarating experience.
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| Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre (Google Earth 2/2024) |
Lastly, HKDL finds itself overshadowed by Shanghai Disneyland in mainland China. This reality becomes apparent when considering the resort's missed opportunity to develop a second gate on the land opposite the current park. Unfortunately, due to the global events of 2020, this parcel of land was repurposed as the Penny's Bay Quarantine Centre. Now, this presents a compelling dilemma for both the government and the park: Should Hong Kong prioritize attracting more tourists or focus on residential development? As an architectural student, I view this real estate as invaluable, and I question its suitability for housing, especially given its proximity to a fully operational park where background music can be heard. Disney should also regard Hong Kong as a unique location, akin to how they approached Disneyland for potential expansion with a second park in 2001 and the Disneyland Forward initiative today.
In conclusion, Hong Kong Disneyland stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of theme park design and the complex interplay between commercial interests, urban planning, and cultural identity. Despite its challenges, including identity crises in certain themed lands and competition from neighboring parks, HKDL continues to captivate visitors with its unique offerings, from the thrilling Grizzly Gulch to the enchanting Mystic Manor. As an architectural student, I recognize the park's significance not only as a source of entertainment but also as a case study in urban development. Looking ahead, it's essential for both Disney and local authorities to navigate the delicate balance between tourism promotion and sustainable land use, ensuring that Hong Kong remains a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors alike.
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