Welcome to a world of unlimited possibilities - Statue meant to inspire dreamers and creators to be unveiled

Dream Makers– a bronze statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse for The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary as well as Hong Kong Disneyland’s 18th birthday – will be unveiled on October 15.

Having brought countless joyful memories to Hong Kong people and tourists, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort officially marks its 18th anniversary today and unveils a one-of-a-kind Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue called Dream Makers on October 15.

Also coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Disney, the bronze statue hopes to inspire everyone to become dreamers and create unlimited possibilities.

The statue depicts Walt Disney seated on a bench between Castle of Magical Dreams and Cinderella Carousel, gesturing toward the carousel with his left hand and toward the castle with his right hand, as Mickey stands alongside and looks at him with delight.

In the statue's story, Disneyland has already opened in Anaheim, California, and Walt Disney is now in his late 50s. He returns to the park bench with Mickey to reflect on all that has been accomplished and dreams of what is possible in the future.

The seeds of the idea of creating a magical place is planted in Walt Disney’s mind on a Saturday as he sits on a bench and watches his two daughters on a merry-go-round. He feels there has to be somewhere where parents and children can have fun together.

The world’s first Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955, signifying a crowning achievement for the American animator.

The theme park has also been called “a road map of Walt Disney’s life” because many designs are a reflection of his sense, hobbies and experiences. For instance, Main Street, USA, the first "themed land" at the main entrance of the many Disney parks around the world, recalls his childhood in Marceline, Missouri.

Disneyland Railroad reflects his enduring love of trains, Tomorrowland demonstrates his optimism and belief that the future holds infinite possibilities and Fantasyland features the characters and stories he popularized in films.

Many of the attractions from the original Disneyland have been adapted to Hong Kong Disneyland to show Disney's heritage is alive and well and that it continues the spirit of its founder.

It has also featured a number of unique and innovative attractions and programs adhering to Walt's vision.

For example, Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad has three locomotives – named after Walter E Disney in a tribute to the The Walt Disney Company founder; Roy O Disney, co-founder of the company and Walt’s brother; and Frank G Wells, the company's president from 1984 to 1994.

Also in the main depot building of Main Street Station are tributes to Walt Disney and his love of trains, including a replica of Lilly Belle, the scale-model locomotive Walt Disney had built at the backyard of his home in California and named after his wife.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort lives up to The Walt Disney Company's legacy of presenting culturally diverse and unique experiences for guests of all ages, with an innovative approach to creating a place “where the parents and the children could have fun together.”

As Walt Disney had said: “Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

From sketches to stardom

Born of humble beginnings in Chicago on December 5, 1901, animator and entrepreneur Walt Disney was hardworking and determined from an early age.

He was fond of drawing and studied art and photography in high school and even sold his early sketches to neighbors to make money.

Walt decided he wanted to become a commercial artist and was hired by a small studio in Kansas City, Missouri, to create commercial illustrations for advertising.

It was in that studio where he met lifelong friend and artistic collaborator, Ub Iwerks, and had his first introduction to animation.

Mickey Mouse, the classic cartoon character he and Iwerks developed in 1928, made his debut in the first-ever synchronized sound cartoon Steamboat Willie.

Since then Mickey has become a worldwide phenomenon and icon who fills every fan with childhood wonder.

Walt Disney once said he hoped people would never forget one thing – and it all started with a mouse.

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