THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS HEAD TO HONG KONG DISNEYLAND RESORT FOR 10K WEEKEND 2019

BY GABRIELLE

On the weekend of November 3 and 4, more than 10,000 local and international runners arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) to take part in the annual 10K Weekend.

The popular weekend of running is now in its fourth consecutive year at HKDL. Cheering the runners on throughout the theme park were more than 100 Disney characters, Pixar pals and performers.

Showing their support for the popular event, were leaders from different tourism organisations and non-profits, who took part in the ‘HKDL Leadership 3K’ race, designed to promote healthy living.

To demonstrate the park’s commitment to encouraging accessibility and promoting sports for all, a portion of the proceeds from the weekend. went to the ‘HKFHY Momentum Academy’ program. The scheme is aimed at giving children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports and outdoor activities to support physical strength, confidence and healthy living.

HKDL’s managing director, Stephanie Young, spoke about the fun-filled and healthy weekend, commenting: “We are so proud to see so many happy faces at this fourth edition of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s 10K Weekend, which is a great way to encourage healthy living and exercise in the most unique way imaginable.

“We have a few exciting developments to reflect our continued efforts on sustainability, diversity and healthy living this year.

“One such way is through our sponsorship of the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth (HKFHY), helping more children and young people with disabilities enjoy outdoor exercises and fitness activities. It means so much to us to see many people with different abilities and backgrounds come together to take part in the 10K Weekend each year,” Young continued.

Peter Crewe, chief executive officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, the weekend’s presenting sponsor, commented: “We are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor at the 10K Weekend for the fourth consecutive year in the name of AIA Vitality.

“This event combines fun and exercise for people of all ages and has been well-received by the community every year. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to create more magical experiences for the community, fulfilling our brand promise of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives,” said Crewe.

The 10K Weekend also enabled HKDL to show it sustained dedication to being an environmentally friendly theme park. The resort collaborated with several green organisations to help achieve a carbon neutral event.

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND’S TRANSFORMED CASTLE NAMED THE ‘CASTLE OF MAGICAL DREAMS’

BY GABRIELLE

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has finally announced the name of its new centerpiece that has been undergoing a major renovation. The transformed castle is known as the Castle of Magical Dreams.

Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products, unveiled the castle’s name at the D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, California.

Chapek also revealed the new concept artwork and some of the more intricate details the re-imagined castle.

The Castle of Magical Dreams is the first castle in a Disney resort to undergo such a huge transformation.

The castle’s new themed spires and towers are all dedicated to a well-known Disney story. The towers, turrets and spires are currently being fit into place at the site.

The design of the transformed attraction is centred on Disney’s iconic princesses. Through a playful and creative use of colours, patterns, icons and cultural features, the castle will play homage to many of Disney’s much-loved heroines.

The reinvented castle is designed to stand for courage and hope and to inspire visitors to “think big.” The attraction will be home to both nighttime and daytime shows.

The Castle of Magical Dreams is due to open in 2020.