Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort "A Welcome Ceremony for World of Frozen" today (November 20):
Josh (Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products of the Walt Disney Company, Mr Josh D'Amaro), Jill (President and Managing Director of the Disney Parks International of the Walt Disney Company, Ms Jill Estorino), Michael (President and Managing Director of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Mr Michael Moriarty), and Disney fans!
Good morning. Like you, I am delighted to be here and invited by Elsa and Anna to celebrate with you all the opening of the World of Frozen, the first-ever and largest Frozen-themed land in the world. Thank you Olaf for bringing me here all the way from Central.
I can still vividly remember how this Frozen-themed zone started as a sketch some seven years ago. The fantasy is now a reality, almost beyond our imagination back in 2016. But seeing is believing, and I am thrilled to be here to see how the Kingdom of Arendelle from the Frozen movie franchise has come to real life. Visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland can now physically immerse themselves in iconic scenes once only featured in animation.
And to make it even more unique, the World of Frozen integrates the picturesque natural landscape of our Lantau Island as the backdrop, and deploys the latest technology to deliver a truly innovative guest experience. Please join me in a round of applause for the talented Disney team who have made this dream come true.
I would call the Disney team "imagineers" – bringing dreams to life, fantasy to reality, and sketches to tangible deliverables. You have certainly reminded us that success and greatness are always a formula of imagination and innovation, plus meticulous planning, dedicated efforts and resilience in overcoming challenges all the way.
We in Hong Kong all know the essence of hard work. But perhaps we could also be more bold, to imagine, to embrace new ideas, create new models and break new grounds. As the late American astronomer Carl Sagan said, "Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere."
Last year, when I officiated at the "Momentous" Premiere in front of the Castle in the pouring rain, I mentioned that Hong Kong Disneyland is a critical element in our flagship tourism offerings. And on this bright "Summer Snow Day". I am confident that the opening of the World of Frozen is a "defining moment" to elevate Hong Kong Disneyland to a whole new level, and to attract more tourists to embark on journeys to Hong Kong. Indeed, a side trip to Arendelle Harbour is a must for Disney fans. It may well join our famous Victoria Harbour on the long and exciting "bucket list" of must do when you come to Hong Kong.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Walt Disney Company for its staunch partnership in bringing excitement and happiness to so many local residents and tourists .
Thank you once again to Elsa and Anna, as well as all the "Arendellians", for your hospitality. I wish you all an enjoyable journey in the World of Frozen. Thank you.
Follow this news feed: East Asia