“As tourism in Hong Kong continues to strengthen, we will look for more ways to expand Hong Kong Disneyland and enhance our guests’ experience, adding entertainment for the whole family to enjoy,” said Bill Ernest, the park’s executive vice-president and managing director, when the announcement was made back in December. “Today’s announcement, coupled with our recent expansion of Tomorrowland, reinforce our long-term strategy and we are excited about what the future holds.”

Tomorrowland will be expanded to incorporate three new attractions – the exciting Autopia experience, the Stitch Encounter and the UFO Zone adventure. Arriving this summer will be Animation Academy and Mickey’s WaterWorks.

But it’s the arrival of It’s A Small World (pictured) that is one of the most significant announcements. The boat ride contains a colourful cast of international dolls singing the eponymous theme song, celebrating the notion of nations, people and societies coming together in harmony. The Hong Kong version will open in the first half of 2008.

This classic attraction was first seen in New York at the 1964/65 World’s Fair before being moved to become the newest attraction at Disneyland in California the following year.

For the first time ever, more than 30 popular Disney characters, including Peter Pan, Aladdin and Mulan, will be seamlessly blended in with the existing dolls. It’s A Small World will also be enhanced with an expanded Asia section including famous regional landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and the distinctive Hong Kong skyline

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