Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates 15th anniversary

The ever-popular theme park has kick-started its 15th anniversary celebrations and continued to help its cast members fulfil their dreams.

Since opening in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland has brought happiness to visitors old and young, and encouraged everyone to believe in and chase their dreams. To celebrate the special occasion this year, the happiest place on earth is paying tribute to its cast members, whose steadfast commitment to their roles and concerted efforts have helped spread Disney’s magic to the public. 

The Disney Moments HK Facebook page has recently published a collection of 15 real-life stories of its cast members, with videos on their journey in the magical kingdom, to offer visitors insight into those who make fantasies come to life. This time, the spotlight is shone on Katrina Teh, the Creative Designer of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Dream does come true

Having won the ‘Disney ImagiNations Hong Kong Design Competition 2012’, a student contest offering youngsters the opportunity to turn their imaginations into new Disney exploratory experience, Teh joined Walt Disney Imagineering as an intern, and became the Creative Development Trainee a year later.

When asked about her impression of Disney, Teh says that everything is simply magical. “Designers are always passionate about creating things, and revel in observing people’s reactions and responses to their work. As a creator of magic, I’ve enjoyed every minute of my work at Walt Disney Imagineering – it’s the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.”

Given her undoubted talents and enormous potentiald, Teh has risen to become the Creative Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering who, along with her colleagues, works on designing and implementing the  fascinating spots and attractions at the theme park.

On collaborating with the creative and design teams at the Walt Disney Imagineering, Teh says it is vital to “trust the people you work with, including yourself.” “The good thing about the role is that we are always exposed to new things, and never get bored from this magical kingdom,” she notes.

Teh has, in particular, been involved in various illustrious projects within Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, including Fairytale Forest, Main Street Pandora Shop, Duffy Shop, and Star Wars Tomorrowland Takeover, as well as providing creative solutions to other theme parks in the Asia region.

Developing the attractions, Teh says, is all about creating a guest experience that tells a compelling story. “Being a creative designer is to construe a world not just for toonies, but for people to immerse in. I want people to come in and feel legitimate that this is where they can be transformed into a magical kingdom.”

Among all the creative projects she has taken part in, Teh says ‘Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique’ means the most to her. She created the look and feel, including the carpet and wallpaper, for The Bouqitue, alongside the many princess illustrations. “The best part of the illustration is creating princess and queen stories, especially the opportunity to re-imagine their lives beyond what was depicted in the original films.”

The Castle of Magical Dreams

Another attraction Teh is thrilled to partake in is the Castle of Magical Dreams project. The reimagined centrepiece of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, she says, has many princess stories ingrained in it. “Everyone knows princess stories, but they are particularly meaningful to me because I really believe the motto of ‘Friends are always here for me’, ‘Stay Strong. Stay Kind’, and that one should never give up on any dream.”

Inspired by those who dare to dream and believe, the Castle of Magical Dreams shines as a beacon of courage, hope and possibility. Taking inspiration from the 13 stories of Disney princesses and queens, its architectural design embraces the characters’ unique characteristics through the use of color, icons, symbols, patterns and cultural features.

Brand new, exciting experiences also await guests in the castle. Visitors can meet their favorite princesses and queens at ‘The Royal Reception Hall’, where the regally appointed interiors feature intricately carved details and tapestries, as well as small bronze statues that depict the beloved heroines who inspired the castle’s design.

Then, visit the ‘Enchanted Treasures’, the first-ever Castle of Magical Dreams Chow Tai Fook Jewelry store, where artisans from the renowned jeweler Chow Tai Fook have been appointed as Royal Jeweler for all of the kingdom’s magnificent keepsakes and treasures.

For 15 years running, Hong Kong Disneyland continues to be the place where countless dreams have come true, and where even more dreams will be fulfilled for many years to come.

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