Hong Kong Disneyland opens

Against the backdrop of Sleeping Beauty's castle and the grandeur of the green Lantau Island mountains, Hong Kong Disneyland officially brought the fun and excitement of a Disney theme park to Hong Kong Monday with an elaborate grand opening. The ceremony began with a colorful display of spinning parasols which parted to reveal children welcoming the spectators in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. Classical Chinese tradition joined with Disney heritage as the ceremony continued with the 100-voice Hong Kong Children's Choir, Chinese acrobats and dancers, and Disney ambassadors representing all of the Disney theme parks worldwide--Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and the United States. The Monday Grand Opening of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort was preceded by a weekend preview for business and government leaders and such celebrities as Eason Chan, Emil Chau, Jacky Cheung, Andy Hui, Brad Kane, Coco Lee, Paige O'Hara, Lea Salonga and Joey Yung who spent Sunday enjoying the themed lands of Hong Kong Disneyland Park. The vacation resort on Hong Kong's Lantau Island is a joint venture of The Walt Disney Co. and the Hong Kong SAR Government. It includes two intricately detailed hotels--the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel--with breathtaking views of the theme park and the South China Sea, along with a public recreation area with a sparkling lake and arboretum. Following the ceremony, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened its gates for thousands of waiting guests. Other highlights in Hong Kong Disneyland include live Broadway-quality entertainment, distinctive Disneyland gifts and souvenirs, and flavorful Asian and Western cuisine in a variety of restaurants and cafes.