Download For Immediate Release - Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

For Immediate Release
Imagination Comes Alive with
“Magical World of Disneyland” Story Writing Competition
HONG KONG (August 1, 2005) –Twenty-four talented primary students today
showcased their creativity at the “Magical World of Disneyland” story writing award
ceremony.
Jointly organized by Hong Kong Disneyland and Radio Television Hong Kong
(RTHK), the story writing competition is designed to provide local primary students
with the opportunity to broaden their imagination and creativity.
Launched in January this year, the competition required all participating
students to submit a 500-word story about “My Magical Word”. There was only one
key criterion – exceptional creativity!
The competition has received overwhelming response from students, who all
demonstrated exceptional imagination in their works. Students were immersed in
their own creative worlds, including a journey in the sky with a swan and Dumbo the
flying elephant, life of a princess in the forest and how she broke the spell, and a
journey on the grasslands of Africa and a meeting with Lion King Simba.
At today’s ceremony, Hong Kong Disneyland Ambassador Angela To was
present to share the story of Disneyland with the audience. “One day, as
Disneyland’s founder Walt Disney sat on a wooden bench watching his daughters
play at the local park, he began to dream of a wonderful playground that was safe,
clean and a place where there was something fun for the entire family. Walt knew
that place didn’t exist and so he put his vivid imagination to work, and adding a dash
of creativity, the dream of Disneyland was born,” Ambassador explained.
Today, out of the 24 finalists, 12 final winners were announced who will have
the opportunity to take part in a tour of Hong Kong Disneyland on September 11, one
day before the Park opens to the public.
During the tour, students will be assigned to write a 100-word report on a
specific experience at Hong Kong Disneyland. The most creative reports will be
broadcast on “Children Sunday” program on RTHK 5 on Sep 18.
-more-
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The student reports will have to highlight the world of magical experiences at
Hong Kong Disneyland and could include such attractions as Disney on Parade at
Main Street USA, meeting and greeting beloved Disney friends, choosing a special
souvenir or sampling the menu at several dining venues.
Hong Kong Disneyland Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Roy Tan
Hardy said, “At Hong Kong Disneyland, storytelling is at the heart of the theme park
experience and this competition gave students a chance to unleash the potential of
their dreams and realize that in the magical world of imagination anything is possible.
The story submissions were truly outstanding and are a testament to the young
talent and creativity that is blossoming in this dynamic city.”
“The competition offers the students opportunities to imagine beyond their
daily boundaries, create their own magical world and strengthen their presentation
skills, “ Eric Ng, Head of Channel 5, Radio Television Hong Kong said. “It is an
excellent opportunity for us to be able to understand more about the wonderful
worlds of the children’s imagination.”
All 24 finalist stories will be read out by local celebrities on the “Children
Sunday” program, to be broadcast on RTHK 5 every Sunday, from August 7 to
September 11.
About Hong Kong Disneyland
The Hong Kong Disneyland project was announced in 1999 as a venture between
The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong SAR Government. With the
completion of reclamation for Hong Kong Disneyland Phase I by the Hong Kong
SAR Government, theme park and resort construction began in January 2003, with
the project now scheduled to open on 12th September, 2005. At opening day, Hong
Kong Disneyland will comprise a theme park and two Disney-themed hotels.
The Phase I build-out includes a projected 10 million annual visitor Disneyland-style
theme park, 2,100 hotel rooms, and an area for retail, dining and entertainment. The
project is estimated to create 18,000 new jobs at opening (both Disney and other
employment) growing to 36,000 once the first park reaches build-out. The Hong
Kong SAR Government estimated that the first phase of the project will generate a
present economic value of HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) in benefits to Hong Kong
over a 40-year period.
To book a magical vacation at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s
Hollywood Hotel, please contact:
Hong Kong Disneyland Reservation Center
Telephone: 852-1830-830
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm (Hong Kong time), 7-days a week
Guests can also purchase park tickets online at www.hongkongdisneyland.com.
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