Hong Kong Disneyland unveils first Disneyland Resort Line train

Hong Kong Disneyland and the MTR Corporation today unveiled the first Disneyland Resort Line train, which will bring guests to the heart of the magic at China’s first Disney theme park, set to open on September 12, 2005.

The MTR Disneyland Resort Line, which comprises two new stations - Sunny Bay Station and Disneyland Resort Station - and whimsical Disney-themed trains, were exclusively designed by the MTR Corporation in conjunction with Disney’s Imagineers.

Today’s Disneyland Resort Line train unveiling at Sunny Bay Station marks the very first dedicated train line for a Disney theme park anywhere in the world and will offer Hong Kong Disneyland guests an exciting and convenient journey, being just 23.5 minutes from Central.

“Since Disneyland Resort Line trains serve a single destination, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, we thought it was important that they incorporate ‘Disney’ touches into the trains to begin the transition from the real world of Hong Kong to the magical realm of Hong Kong Disneyland,” said Mr. Don Robinson, Group Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland. “The MTR Corporation team has done a terrific job of creating trains that are fun and exciting, in keeping with the spirit of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.”

click image to see larger version which opens in a new window

The trains themselves are sleek and modern, but their colors and fanciful details, including Mickey Mouse-shaped windows trimmed in red that look out over gold ribbons and sparkling pixie dust, provide a classic look that enables them to appear equally at home in either of their destinations: the futuristic Sunny Bay Station and the Victorian-themed Disneyland Resort Station.

This feeling of enchantment continues inside the trains, which are painted in vibrant hues of blue, red, yellow and violet, and boast ceilings that look like star-filled skies. Each car highlights classic photos illustrating Walt Disney’s own fascination with trains, and feature bronze figurines depicting many of the classic characters he created, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Tinker Bell, Pluto, Snow White and Jiminy Cricket.

All of these details combine to create a sense of playful anticipation for visitors as they make their way to the magical kingdom of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Mr. C K Chow, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation said, “The 3.5-minute train journey is not to be missed for Hong Kong Disneyland guests wishing to enjoy the full theme park experience. The Disneyland Resort Line takes visitors on a journey through time from Hong Kong’s modern MTR network to the Victorian-themed Disneyland Resort Station. It will be a ride to enjoy and remember.”

Passengers riding the MTR can reach Sunny Bay Station from anywhere in Hong Kong. After arriving at the station, passengers take only a short walk across the platform to begin their magical journey to Disneyland Resort Station which is just in front of Hong Kong Disneyland. From Tsing Yi Station, the journey will be 9.5 minutes for a fare of HK$12.60 using the Octopus card. From Kowloon Station, it will take just 20.5 minutes for a fare of HK$18.10 and from Hong Kong Station, the journey time will be 23.5 minutes for a fare of HK$23.10.

The two stations of the new line, namely Sunny Bay Station and Disneyland Resort Station, feature open-air designs providing natural ventilation and the best utilization of natural lighting. Station platforms are fitted with platform gates similar to the platform screen doors installed in most MTR stations in Hong Kong. Facilities for passengers with special needs including lifts, tactile guide paths, and wide gates are also provided.

The MTR Disneyland Resort Line will operate using an advanced signaling system that allows fully automatic train operations. The technology has been proven around the world and is a common mode of operation particularly for tourism attractions in many different world cities.

See other recent news regarding: Hong Kong, Disneyland