Hong Kong Disneyland Breaks Ground on New 750-Room Hotel

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has broken ground on its third hotel.

Named Disney Explorers Lodge, the new 750-room hotel is slated to open in early 2017.

Dedicated to the spirit of exploration, Disney Explorers Lodge will feature four distinct gardens based on cultures from around the globe, along with new themed restaurants, a shop and a large outdoor swimming pool.

“This groundbreaking is another exciting milestone in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s almost 10-year history,” said Bill Ernest - President and Managing Director, Asia, for Walt Disney
Parks & Resorts. “This expansion is key to continuing the resort's growth and momentum, and it underscores The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to Hong Kong. This project, along with other upcoming expansion projects and new offerings, will continue to add to the appeal of Hong Kong Disneyland.”

The two existing hotels have enjoyed an occupancy rate of more than 90% in recent years and the third hotel will increase the total room supply by 75% to 1,750.

The third hotel will differentiate itself from the two existing hotels in terms of its theme and design.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel boasts grand Victorian elegance while Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is accented by the style and architecture of Art Deco.

Disney Explorers Lodge, on the other hand, is designed to be a respite for adventurers, surrounding them with the wonders of nature and diverse cultures. Guests around the world can stay at the hotel and become explorers themselves, embracing the lodge motto of “ad explorandum et somniandum” (to explore and dream).

Inside the South American Garden at Disney Explorers Lodge, art and nature coincide, bringing the vibrancy of South American plant life to the garden’s visitors. Three banyan trees holding hanging lanterns within their limbs reside in the middle of the garden, while purple jacaranda trees surround the space.

As guests walk through the Polynesian Garden, they might believe that they can hear ocean waves gently rolling toward them. In fact, the garden’s lawn is designed to look like the rolling waves of the South Pacific.

The Asian Garden celebrates both the natural beauty of Asia, and the distinct elegance of its eclectic cultures. Located adjacent to a themed Chinese restaurant, guests can stroll along the winding path and relax amid the lush landscape and seasonal flowers.

Finally, within the African Garden, the rustic yellow and orange tones of a savannah wash over visitors, making them feel like they might be about to camp out on safari or on a grassy plain in the African continent’s wild landscape.

John Tsang, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, said, “The government treasures our partnership with the Walt Disney Company. And, like any Disney fan, I am thrilled to know that there's much more to come – much more Disney magic to look forward to – beginning with this year's 10th anniversary celebrations, followed by the launching, in late 2016, of the Iron Man themed area and, in 2017, the opening of the Disney Explorers Lodge.”

Construction of Disney Explorers Lodge will create additional job opportunities as well as another 600 to 700 full-time equivalent positions in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort after it commences operation.