Hong Kong Disneyland Turns 20: A Magical Milestone Worth Celebrating

As the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle twinkles under the Hong Kong sky, there's an extra spark in the air. The beloved Hong Kong Disneyland isn't just celebrating another year; it's marking a spectacular 20th anniversary! For two decades, this compact yet utterly charming Disney park has been on the travel list for those in the region — especially Singaporeans, considering we're just a short flight away.
From its humble beginnings, Hong Kong Disneyland has grown into a vibrant tapestry of beloved stories and thrilling adventures. We've seen it evolve, adding new lands, exhilarating rides, and dazzling entertainment that keeps raising the bar. And for its 20th birthday, the celebration has gotten bigger than ever. Toy Story Land at Hong Kong Disneyland.
NEW SHOWS, MERCHANDISE AND F&B
The official celebration will kick-off on 28 June 2025, and there will be so much going on, starting with the all-new 'Friendtastic' Parade, which will be the largest-ever parade at Hong Kong Disneyland, and features a whopping 11 party floats. Here's a sneak peek at 3 parade floats from Mickey and Friends, Encanto, and Turning Red. You'll see your favourite characters, including Mickey who will be performing live drumming during the parade.
Then there's the Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle! This is an all-new anniversary-only Castle Stage show that will be presented for a limited time. It brings together beloved Disney Friends and Princesses for a high-energy, fun-filled party experience.
At the famous Pavilion, Hong Kong Disneyland will present, Momentous: Party in the Night Sky, a light and drone show that's upgraded with additional stories, projections, and drone choreography. This immersive experience extends with mapped projections from the castle down the entire length of Main Street U.S.A.
And of course you can also bet on special anniversary merchandise that collectors will absolutely love, plus unique food and beverage offerings created just for this anniversary. Special edition Hong Kong Disneyland 20th anniversary pins.
We spoke with Michael Moriarty, the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and he shares that the park is a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with one out of every three visitors from Singapore to Hong Kong planning to visit the park. And to manage demand at this popular attraction, there will be a focus on Disney's premier access, VIP tours, and multi-tier pricing. The multi-tier pricing structure, which varies based on calendar dates, helps manage demand and ensures a great guest experience. Despite price adjustments, the lowest price has been maintained for five years. Additionally, a reservation system has been introduced to prevent overcrowding and enhance the experience, especially on busy days. The World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.
FOR SINGAPOREANS
But beyond the newness, what truly makes Hong Kong Disneyland special for us Singaporeans, is that it's the perfect blend of familiar Disney charm with a distinctly Hong Kong flavour. It's the manageable size that allows you to truly soak in the entire atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed — perfect for a long weekend getaway. Furthermore, there's the impeccable service, the delicious local food options mixed with classic theme park fare (like the Turkey Leg!), and the incredible efficiency that makes navigating the park a breeze. At the 20th anniversary celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland.
As we look forward to the celebratory year ahead, it's the perfect excuse to plan that magical escape. Whether you're a seasoned park-hopper or planning your very first visit, Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags (keep them empty for all the souvenirs!), get ready for some dazzling fireworks, and prepare to make new cherished memories. Here's to 20 years of dreams coming true!
BOOK YOUR TRIP Booking tickets for Hong Kong Disneyland on the Trip.com app.
You can book your Hong Kong Disneyland experience through Trip.com, and collect Trip coins, find the best deals, and book flights, hotels and other activities through the platform. You can check out some of our recommendations here:
Keep an eye on direct flight deals to Hong Kong. And for the best experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to enjoy pleasant weather and potentially smaller crowds. Happy anniversary, Hong Kong Disneyland!

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Vogue Singapore

8 hours ago

• Vogue Singapore

Playwright Chong An Ong and director Timothy Koh investigate the meaning of home in Singapore, Michigan

In a faraway corner of Michigan, United States, situated at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, is the little town of Singapore—or at least, it was, until the town met its demise in the 1870s when fires swept through the state, leading to surrounding areas being completely deforested to supply lumber for rebuilding, and thus causing the winds and sands to erode the town into ruins due to the lack of protective tree cover. Today, its remnants lie buried under the sand dunes of Lake Michigan, its only legacy found in its reputation now as the state's most famous ghost town—and, more recently, as the opening anecdote used in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first National Day Rally in 2024. It is this fabled town that sets the scene for Pangdemonium's latest production. Written by Chong An Ong and directed by Timothy Koh, Singapore, Michigan follows three college friends—two Singaporeans and one American—on a mission to find the abandoned town. But when they find themselves trapped in a blizzard, they are forced to confront questions of belonging, passion versus practicality, and what home really means. Developed as part of Pangdemonium's New Works Lab, the play is Ong's first, written during his own time spent studying in the States. Last year, an early version of it was also staged at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). In the lead-up to the show, Ong and Koh chat about the inspiration behind the play, the parts they've been looking forward to explore in the rehearsal room, and what they're most excited for audiences to see. Singapore, Michigan stars Ching Shu Yi, Shrey Bhargava and Zane Haney. Courtesy of Pangdemonium How are you guys doing in the lead-up to the show? Timothy: We're in the midst of rehearsals right now, and that's been surprising in the best ways. We're making a lot of discoveries in the room that I wouldn't have thought of had I just read it on the page. I think that's just the magic of what happens when actors come into the space with us. That's always when I'm at my most excited, and when I have the most fun. Chong An, this is your first play. What has it been like getting to stage it? Chong An: It's like a pinch myself moment in a dream. It's really surreal and full-circle, as one of the first experiences that got me interested in theatre was Pangdemonium's Next to Normal production in 2013. I'm aware that they've done new original works before, but it's always been with really established writers and theatre professionals. To be in that company now is daunting, but also really exciting. I'm honoured to be a part of the New Works Lab program in particular, and I look forward to seeing more works come from other Singaporean writers as part of it. What inspired you to write Singapore, Michigan? C: I started writing this play in the winter of 2020, as part of an undergraduate writing workshop at the University of Chicago. I was in a similar place as the characters—a college senior about to graduate and come back home to serve my government scholarship. And I was thinking a lot about the same questions. What do I want to do with my future? How has four years of college in a foreign country shaped me, as opposed to the person I was before that? I think, in Singapore, oftentimes, there's this almost ritualistic invocation of the idea of home. After four years of talking to both my Singaporean and non-Singaporean friends, I was having these epiphanies about the concept of home that I wouldn't otherwise have had if I'd stayed in Singapore. It was a transitional period of my life where a lot of these questions were boiling, and it honestly almost felt like I had no choice but to write it, to process a lot of the emotions that I was going through. The play follows three friends who get snowed in whilst on a mission to find the ghost town of Singapore, Michigan. Courtesy of Pangdemonium Has the play evolved since you first started writing it in 2020? C: For sure. Writers will often say that playwriting itself is a very lonely endeavour, but the exciting part of the experience is when the play meets other people. Having conversations with the Pangdemonium team, receiving feedback from a wider audience at the developmental platform at SIFA, and now having the actors in the room—I get to learn new things about the play and expand it beyond what was a very personal piece that I had written for myself. Incorporating all these different experiences and perspectives of home really enriches the dramatic potential of the piece. So a lot has evolved, not just from when the play first met Pangdemonium, but from when I first wrote it five years ago by myself in a college basement classroom in Chicago. Has writing this play helped you to find some of the answers to the questions you were asking? C: For me, rather than answers, it's more about finding other people who feel similar, and discovering community and companionship through the power of art. That was a conversation I had with Tim as well—about having a more open-ended exploration of the play, and being okay to sit in the ambiguity of it. 'In Singapore, oftentimes, there's this almost ritualistic invocation of the idea of home' Timothy, as a director, what draws you to the plays that you choose to work on—and why this play in particular? T: I've been quite known in the scene for doing classic or classic-adjacent work. That is a big part of my desire to work in theatre, and that will always be there, but what I've also been pushing for in the last couple years is new plays and new young playwrights, because there is nothing more thrilling than being able to create something entirely new. That said, I think that there is a very strong through line in all the plays I choose to do, which is that they all concern intelligent, articulate characters who are faced with very difficult decisions. I like exploring the psychological aspect of characters, and I think this is true both for my classic work and for new plays. But with this piece, I was certainly drawn to it because the characters are so richly drawn and so complex that we learn new things about them every day, and I think that's what makes it fun. Was there an aspect of the play that you were most excited to tackle in the rehearsal room? T: It's no secret that there is snow in this play, and that's something I've been quite excited to play with. Obviously, we're not getting real snow on stage, but when you come see the show, you'll see how we tackled it. This show has some fun sets and scenic moments that we employ, so I'm very excited to tech it because I think that would be the final piece to the puzzle that we've been working on. C: I agree that the snow is very exciting. Winter is my favourite weather, and when I first started writing the script, I always knew this play was going to be set in the winter, because the dissonance of Singapore in the winter is very interesting. But this is such a personal piece for me, so the most exciting thing is really just having these characters and words and emotions that have lived within me for five years at this point come to life on stage. Singapore, Michigan was developed as a part of Pangdemonium's New Works Lab. Courtesy of Pangdemonium Have there been any challenges along the way? C: I have a day job—I'm a civil servant—so it's been a bit of a challenge for me to balance the rehearsal and script revision demands, plus my own personal life as well. T: I'm lucky that this is my day job [laughs]. Every piece presents different kinds of struggles, but weirdly enough, I actually think this has been going quite smoothly. Nothing particular comes to mind. C: I do think there was a degree of trepidation before coming into the rehearsal room, right? There were moments right before and right after we had the actors come in that I personally felt a bit without a safety net. And then afterwards, it was like, 'Oh, this is good. There's a lot to explore here. We're ready for the actors to attack it'. What has that been like—seeing the actors bring your words to life? C: It's really surreal. Words fail to describe that kind of feeling. What I will say is, as a playwright, the ideal is always to be able to create something that is flexible enough to fit different interpretations. That was something that I wanted the text to have. I wanted room for the actors to play and discover, so it's very heartening to see that validated. There is space for other collaborators to come in and offer their own additions, which is the magic thing that you always want in the theatre. T: And we have such intelligent performers in Ching Shu Yi, Shrey Bhargava and Zane Haney. Sometimes I feel the actors might know the characters in more intimate ways than we do, because they offer up interpretations of texts that we don't think about, and we're like, 'Whoa, okay, yeah, that makes so much sense'. I think that is the most enlightening part about the rehearsal process. 'As a playwright, the ideal is always to be able to create something that is flexible enough to fit different interpretations' Lastly, what are you most excited for audiences to see with this play? T: I'm excited for the audience to be challenged. I really like theatre that challenges audiences to think more deeply about situations or people or issues in a way that perhaps they have not thought of before. I would consider this play successful if it raises difficult questions for audiences, while still offering a fun and enjoyable theatrical experience. But I think at the heart of it, I really want the audiences to investigate what home means. What does it mean to belong, and how do you think about home when you're not there? C: When I wrote this play, I included a lot of twists and turns—kind of like the Alfred Hitchcock theory of drama being such that there is a bomb under the table. The audience knows it's there, but they don't know when it's going to go off. We've really amped up those twists and turns in the rehearsal room. Yes, I think it's important that the play explores important themes and provokes important reflections, but I'm also excited to see the audience react to the roller coaster ride that I hope we're creating for them. I feel like it would be very gratifying to see the different energy that each new audience will bring every night. Singapore, Michigan runs from 26 June to 11 July 2025.

New Paper

20 hours ago

• New Paper

Singaporeans look to recreate slice of home in San Francisco Bay Area to mark SG60

Ms Joy Chee sat on a bench facing Gardens by the Bay's Supertrees, her sketchbook and pen in hand. With furrowed brows and unwavering focus, she recreated the towering structures stroke by stroke. The 19-year-old, a second-year computer animation student at the Ringling College of Art and Design in the US state of Florida, is part of a team of overseas Singaporeans hoping to commemorate the Republic's 60th birthday by recreating a slice of it abroad. Their event, themed A Legacy of 60 Years, will take place on Sept 21 in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is being organised by a team of volunteers from SingaporeConnect, a non-profit organisation that hosts social and cultural events for Singaporeans residing in the Bay Area. First conceptualised in October 2024, the one-day celebration will be open to Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans alike, said Mr Richard Chan, 52, one of the event's co-chairs. With a core team of 11 people, this event is SingaporeConnect's most ambitious yet, said Mr Chan, with a projected attendee size of 3,000, and a volunteer pool of 100 to 150. "This event will be a good opportunity to showcase what Singapore looks like, and who Singaporeans are," said Mrs Tabitha Chee, 54, Ms Chee's mother and the other event chairperson. Mrs Chee currently works as a human resource associate at a church. The Chees were speaking to The Straits Times while they were in Singapore on a trip to gather archival images and other materials for the exhibition. SingaporeConnect is also working with the Singapore Global Network (SGN) to obtain funding for the event. SGN did not reveal the amount of funding granted to SingaporeConnect, citing confidentiality reasons. This event is one of more than 30 ground-up National Day events being organised worldwide, with celebrations also planned in countries such as Australia, China, Saudi Arabia and the UK, the Ministry of Defence said in response to queries from ST. Mr Chan, a start-up founder, likens SingaporeConnect's vision to the tech hub's mindset. "Here in Silicon Valley, we are used to developing start-ups, which are always about dreaming big and persisting through hardships - this is the same mentality we are taking with the SG60 event," he said. Before this, the team had organised several National Day events, including a live-streamed pandemic edition in 2021, with Singaporeans across five American cities. Singapore's history, in themed rooms The event's theme was the brainchild of Ms Emily Lim, the 33-year-old chef and owner of Dabao SG, a Singaporean restaurant in San Francisco, and a volunteer with SingaporeConnect. The Singaporean moved to America's West Coast 11 years ago in pursuit of her culinary dreams, and fondly remembers her childhood in Singapore. Ms Joy Chee's sketch of Gardens by the Bay, a location she has incorporated in her design of the event space. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI She recalled playing in her neighbourhood's dragon-shaped playground, catching spiders and tadpoles, and buying food in her primary school canteen for "just 50 cents". Drawing inspiration from Singapore's history, she aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia through the event. "I wanted to revive the Singapore of yesteryears and rekindle some memories. It's this sentiment that makes us human and pushes us to connect more with one another," she added. One of the highlights will be themed rooms, designed to guide visitors through pivotal moments in Singapore's history: from Sang Nila Utama's arrival in 1299 to the beginning of British colonial rule in 1819, the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, and Singapore's remarkable growth after gaining independence in 1965. Ms Chee, the event's lead artist, is playing a key role in bringing Ms Lim's vision to life. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she grew up with limited knowledge of Singapore's history. To conceptualise the rooms, she received a crash course in the Republic's history from her mother, who grew up in Singapore, but emigrated to the United States in 1999. Ms Chee supplemented her mother's information with her own research on Singapore's art and cultural history and decided to "incorporate different art styles through the ages". "I began researching art references and various artists that were from that period. For example, the room which depicts Singapore under British colonial rule is designed to resemble a traditional British painting, instead of the more brushy and airy style of traditional Asian artworks from that era," she said. In addition to the themed rooms, the event will feature a performance area with Singaporean talent. Ms Janice Chua, the home-grown creative and associate producer of the film Crazy Rich Asians, will share insights into the movie's production process, while Ms Elisha Tan, a Singaporean comedian based in the Bay Area, is slated to put on a stand-up comedy show at the event. In a dining area decorated with murals of a kopitiam, visitors can enjoy a taste of Singaporean dishes like satay and chicken rice. There will also be kopi and teh at the event, with one vendor putting up live teh tarik demonstrations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs at a marketplace showcasing Singaporean entrepreneurs and brands. Ms Lim of Dabao SG said she hopes the event will foster community among Singaporeans living overseas. She said: "As someone who has lived abroad for so long, I hope to see more Singaporeans come together and embrace the value of shared connections." As for Mrs Chee, she hopes attendees will come away with a good sense of what Singapore is, which to her, includes not just its food, but also the story of its people. "The key to Singapore is its resilience. Visitors will be able to see how Singapore has evolved over time, emerging stronger and maintaining its competitiveness at every stage," she said.

Straits Times

a day ago

• Straits Times

Fun With Kids: Win a Busan trip, enjoy free inflatable play space, design a Barbie for charity

Join a photo contest for a chance to win a holiday for four to Skyline Luge Busan that is worth up to $15,000. PHOTO: SKYLINE LUGE BUSAN SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities. Win a holiday to Busan Stand a chance to win a holiday for four to Busan in South Korea. The trip is worth up to $15,000 and includes a luge experience at the Skyline Luge Busan, known for its scenic tracks with sea view . Take part in the contest by uploading a photo of your outing at Skyline Luge Singapore in Sentosa, on Instagram or TikTok. Use the hashtags #100MillionLugeSEA #100MillionLuge. The deadline is July 31. Skyline Luge, which launched in New Zealand in 1985, has eight locations around the world, including in Canada and Malaysia. The giveaway is part of its celebration for notching a total of 100 million rides at its outposts, including Sentosa, which is one of its busiest sites all year round. The Sentosa attraction opened in 2005 with one track and expanded to four by 2017. In 2023, it was the first branch to introduce the night luge experience, allowing riders to race to music after dark. Skyline Luge has achieved a milestone of 100 million rides worldwide, with its Sentosa outpost in Singapore contributing to this record. PHOTO: SKYLINE LUGE SINGAPORE Singaporeans and permanent residents can enjoy its SG60 Family Fun deal until Aug 31. The $60 bundle comprises four off-peak rides for two adults and a child below six years old and under 110cm in height. A free digital photo is included. Go to for details. Free inflatable play space at OTH Festival OTH Festival is back with eight giant inflatables from June 14 to 29. PHOTO: OURTAMPINESHUB/FACEBOOK The annual OTH Festival at Our Tampines Hub returns with the theme, Super Terrific Happiness, and will run until June 29. Its outdoor Town Square has been transformed into a whimsical wonderland, featuring eight super-sized inflatable playgrounds and sculptures that will delight children. Also, head to Festive Walk East for game booths, such as ring toss and walk the plank, and craft activities, like a beads workshop for kids. Enrol your children aged three to 12 in the newly relaunched OTH Kids Club. This free membership programme offers various activities, deals and events focused on community building and nurturing young changemakers. Plus, enjoy local music acts in the evening, from Friday to Sunday. Go to for details. Design a Barbie doll for charity Design a one-of-a-kind winged Barbie doll at charity event Wings Of Art. PHOTO: PEACE OF ART SG Design a one-of-a-kind winged Barbie doll at charity event Wings Of Art at Marina Square's central atrium from June 25 to July 1. Organised by non-profit Peace of Art SG, all proceeds will benefit underprivileged children supported by Singapore Red Cross' Young Hearts. It costs $75 a doll for weekday sessions and $85 on weekends. Only 1,000 dolls are available and children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Register for a slot at Couture designer Frederick Lee's winged Barbie doll, titled She Who Rises, is embellished with more than 1,000 Swarovski crystals. PHOTO: PEACE OF ART SG After the workshop, stay on to admire dolls designed by 60 local personalities, including couture designer Frederick Lee , actress-producer Selena Tan and multidisciplinary artist Aparna Chakravarty. Their creations are open for bidding at with proceeds going to Singapore Red Cross as well. All 1,060 winged Barbie dolls will be displayed on a 60m-long 'runway' that is set to secure a place in the Singapore Book of Records. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more