Hong Kong Disneyland’s Castle of Magical Dreams Opens in November 2020

When the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Hong Kong Disneyland closed for renovation in 2017, it’s safe to say that many visitors’ Disneyland experience was never the same. After all, it’s been the theme park’s centrepiece since opening to the public in 2005. Despite the wait, and while the world continues to battle the pandemic, tourists and Disney fans can rejoice. Its made-over version, the Hong Kong Disneyland Castle of Magical Dreams, will finally open starting 21 Nov 2020!

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How it’s different and what you can look forward to

Besides a visibly larger and taller frame at 167 feet, the new Castle of Magical Dreams will pay tribute to not only Aurora of Sleeping Beauty, but 13 more Disney princesses and heroines. They are Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana, as well as Anna and Elsa. Upon entering the castle very soon, don’t be surprised when you stumble upon familiar displays, props, and designs, whether it’s Snow White’s poison apple or Belle’s enchanted rose.

“This is the first time that an existing castle in a Disney park has undergone a transformation of this scale,” said Hong Kong Disneyland in 2019. “The castle will stand as a shining beacon of courage, hope and possibility, inspiring all who dare to dream big. Guests will be able to recognize the individual elements inspired by their favorite Disney heroines, celebrating a sense of diversity, inclusion and unity.”

One of the more exciting features that you can look forward to is a salon called Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here, guests can have their own Disney princess-inspired head-to-toe makeover. As one would expect, all the featured Disney princesses will also have their scheduled appearances inside the castle. Daytime and evening shows will also take place at the structure’s outdoor stage.

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Other things to know when visiting the Castle of Magical Dreams

The Castle of Magical Dreams will open as part of Hong Kong Disneyland’s 15th anniversary celebrations. In addition to the actual castle, guests can also go to an exhibition known as the Building a Dream: The Magic Behind a Disney Castle. Here, you can learn more about the castle’s reimagining process as spearheaded by Walt Disney Imagineering. From 21 Nov 2020, guests can also take part in the Glimpse into the Magic tour. It will show you all of the castle’s wonderful architectural features!

Guests who plan on visiting the Castle of Magical Dreams and Hong Kong Disneyland must make a reservation at least seven days before your planned tour. As part of safety measures, the theme park has been strictly implementing social distancing measures. They have also adjusted character encounters and have been following reduced daily capacity. For more updates, you can also visit the Hong Kong Disneyland go-to guide for visiting amid the pandemic.

All images credited to Hong Kong Disneyland.