One-of-a-kind statue commemorates Disney’s legacy while looking ahead to the future

(PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is proud to announce the debut of the Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse Statue, “Dream Makers” in celebration of 100 years of Disney and the resort’s 18th anniversary. Today, “Dream Makers” was revealed against the picturesque backdrop of the Castle of Magical Dreams.

The statue depicts Walt and Mickey returning to the park decades after he had the inspiration for Disneyland, reflecting on the past 100 years of success of The Walt Disney Company and looking forward to what comes next. In the statue, Walt and Mickey are depicted as they would have appeared in Walt’s late 50s. The park bench Walt is sitting on is modelled after a Griffith Park bench on display in Disneyland in California, USA.

The unveiling moment on the eve of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary was officiated by Michael Moriarty, Managing Director, HKDL; Ali Rubinstein, Senior Vice President, Executive Global Management of Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering; and Edward Ovalle, Archives Manager at Walt Disney Archives, along with senior executives, representatives from non-profit organizations, community friends, devoted fans, students and alumni from Disney Imaginations Hong Kong and local youth program Project Melo, and distinguished guests from Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong.

Along with Mickey, they unveiled the statue and two plaques beside it – on the left is an open sketchbook, symbolizing Disney’s legacy so far, while on the right is a sketchbook yet to be opened, symbolizing that plans for the future are still unknown, with endless possibilities waiting to be discovered.

(PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The celebration featured a “Dream Makers Fireside Chat” for around 900 guests moderated by 2022-2023 Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Ambassadors Lily Chan and Tony Dick, featuring Moriarty and guest speakers Rubinstein and Ovalle, who spoke about Walt Disney as a person, entrepreneur, innovator and storyteller.

Moriarty shared, “Walt’s impact can be felt  throughout our organization. His spirit of innovation and ability to think outside the box  inspire and encourage me and our leadership team every day. We’re always coming up with new ways to surprise and delight guests, making each visit more memorable than the last.”

Ovalle shared insights on Walt’s early life and inspiration, while Rubinstein shared how Disney continues to carry forward his legacy.

Ovalle said, “Walt was a family man. It was during time spent watching his daughters ride the Merry-Go-Round again and again that ignited his dream of what would become Disneyland.”

Rubinstein said, “Walt never stopped Imagineering, we will never stop Imagineering. Through storytelling, technology, placemaking, ride development and experiences, we are dreaming bigger than ever before, across all our portfolios, and in everything we do.”

The event also showcased videos of Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong’s creative team talking about the making of the statue from concept to production, and historical footage of Disney Ambassadors sharing firsthand insights on Walt’s spirit and legacy.

(PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Resort pays tribute to Walt Disney with themed food and merchandise

Walt’s Cafe and Grand Salon at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel are serving Walt’s favorite foods and themed dishes as part of “Eat like Walt Disney” through late November. The menu evokes memories of Walt’s impact on the world of entertainment and the enduring legacy he left behind. As guests enjoy these delicious dishes, some of which Walt himself savored, they can take a moment to reflect on his incredible vision and imagination, and the countless dreams he inspired.

Guests can also purchase exclusive “Dream Makers” themed merchandise at HKDL, including a figurine, to celebrate the launch of the one-of-a-kind statue and Disney’s incredible legacy on this milestone anniversary.

HKDL has also collaborated with its corporate alliance sponsor, Chow Tai Fook, which will launch the highly collectible “Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse” commemorative gold coin in early November featuring the legendary pair engraved on the front. This coin shows Walt and Mickey’s lively postures in pursuing dreams, designed using the “Dream Makers” statue as its blueprint. On the rear of the coin, the Castle of Magical Dreams that shimmers with an enchanting, iridsescent luster is set against a backdrop.

Guests are welcome to take photos with the “Dream Makers” statue. Disney PhotoPass photographers will be available to take pictures, which guests can purchase with a “Dream Makers” themed photo border and take home as magical memories.