Hong Kong Disneyland to Add 3 Attractions

HONG KONG (AP) – Hong Kong Disneyland announced Monday that it planned to add three new attractions to the theme park as part of its expansion plan. The additions are the "Autopia" electric car ride, the "Stitch Encounter," a theater show, and the UFO Zone – made up of water-squirting robot, rocket ship and flying saucer, said a Hong Kong Disney spokeswoman Esther Wong. The three attractions – located in the Tomorrowland section of the park – will be open to the public this summer, Wong said. Wong said the Hong Kong government is expected to finish reclaiming land by 2008 for the construction of the second phase of the park. At 126 hectares (310 acres), Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest Disney park in the world, but Bill Ernest, the park's managing director, said the company is "reviewing expansion plans for the park." "This is a long-term improvement measure designed to do two things: increase capacity by a steady program of expansion and enhance the guest experience with thrilling new attractions and features," Ernest told Hong Kong lawmakers during a legislative session. In response to admission problems that erupted during the Chinese New Year when the park was overwhelmed, Ernest said they planned to improve logistical measures for times when the company needs to restrict access to the park. The park is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Co. and the Hong Kong government, which shouldered the bulk of its construction fee.