The 5th dimension

MANILA, Philippines - Fifth birthdays are a big deal for Filipinos. Same thing with Hong Kong Disneyland, where the fifth anniversary celebration included some 400 media guests who attended a daylong party that included rides, parades, photo ops with Disney characters and a special gala buffet and open bar after the park closed down for the night.

“Celebration In the Air” was the theme, and it was fitting that the 22.4-hectare theme park took to the skies to promote its future: according to managing director Andrew Kam, Hong Kong Disneyland’s attendance numbers are only going up. Since opening in 2005, the park has weathered some recessionary blues, but according to Kam, it’s experiencing a 22-percent growth in visitors, making it one of “the most desirable markets in Hong Kong.”

So far, 25 million people have visited the park. Some 42 percent of those visitors come from Mainland China, but India is a contender this year (with an 80 percent increase in tourists), and the Philippines was said to be the “strongest market in Southeast Asia” for Disneyland arrivals.

Guests stayed at the art deco-style Hollywood Hotel, one of two theme hotels on the park grounds, and got a chance to schmooze with Tinker Bell, the latest addition to the park’s cast of characters. 

“This is the first time Hong Kong has introduced Tinker Bell, so there’s the value of novelty,” said Kam. “She’s really the best character to demonstrate the fantasy of flying.”

Everyone loves a parade.

Flirting, too. Media guests lined up to meet and greet the sassy little vixen in a green mini who blew kisses, cocked her hip, winked and waved to crowds like Paris Hilton’s, er, more wholesome cousin.

“We want to offer guests something inspirational and imaginative,” continued Kam. “Our team found that, no matter who you are, where you come from, what age you are, everyone is inspired by flight. Being Disney, we can capitalize on that fantasy with a wide range of characters — really taking the flight experience to a new level.”

The new flight effects were on display during the Flights of Fantasy Disney Parade, co-designed by British, US, Chinese and Hong Kong teams. By mid-afternoon, park guests saw parade floats enhanced by hydraulics and bungee jumpers rolling down Main Street. Floats stood 30 feet high, and acrobats took flight mid-air inside the inspired designs.

Let’s get small: Scale model of Toy Story Land shows what’s in store for Disneyland this December.

Another special touch was the lighting of Tinker Bell Castle at sunset, an elaborate technical effect that simulated Tinker Bell’s flight around the castle, spreading pixie dust. Definitely worth seeing if you’re there.

As usual, there is a tight grid of decorum encircling Disneyland. Media guests were given the following “guidelines” on dressing: “T-shirts with inappropriate logos, tattered clothing, tank tops and sandals are not allowed in the park.” “Any body tattoos should be covered by long sleeves, jackets and trousers.” In addition, “Touching any Disney character is not allowed during the meet and greet sessions.” (Sorry about that, Tink.)

Sharing a cocktail with characters is also a no-no, as I learned during the outdoor gala dinner after the park closed. Wandering into a queue for photos with Donald and Daisy Duck, I initially thought hoisting my cocktail glass would make a good Facebook shot. Nuh-uh. The park employee taking my photo asked to “hold” my glass for me before taking the shot. Party pooper!

(Speaking of Facebook, Disneyland also offers Filipinos a chance to win a free trip to the Hong Kong park from now until March 31 by coming up with their own video clip celebrating the 5th anniversary. Go to “HK Disneyland 5th Anniversary Promotion” on Facebook or www.disneyland.com/5thanniversary for details.) 

The 5th anniversary culminated in an amazing lighting cere-mony of Tinker Bell Castle.

Though no new rides were offered at the event, expansion plans for 2011 were revealed for our inspection. Toy Story Land is set to open this coming December, a new park experience that places visitors inside the Toy Story world — with larger-than-life toy characters roaming about. Visitors will be on the scale of green army men, while Buzz Lightyear and Woody will be 20 feet high. That, plus two new adventure experiences — Mystic Point and Grizzly Gulch — are promised by 2014, expanding the park area by some five hectares.

“It’s going to be full of surprises,” noted Kam. “Tremendous eye candy for everyone.” Hey, they don’t call it the Happiest Place on Earth for nothing.