Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has officially launched its year-long 20th anniversary celebration, The Most Magical Party of All, with a brand-new castle show, the largest parade in the resort’s history, and a special edition of Momentous nighttime spectacular. Guests can enjoy an all-new, immersive experience filled with joy and wonder, made possible 9,000 dedicated cast members with unique talents. Much like the characters in Marvel’s latest blockbuster Fantastic Four, each of them plays a vital role and their strengths combine to create extraordinary experiences.

Among them, four cast members, Ricco Leung, Annie Chow, Denise Fong, and Kim Lam, who have known each other for 20 years, have gone above and beyond in preparing this extraordinary celebration, determined to create an unforgettable and joy-filled party for every guest.

From opening team to 20 years of friendship

Their story began in 2005, even before the resort’s grand opening. Each of them joined for different reasons.

Kim, manager of operations development, experienced a transformative moment during a visit to Disneyland Paris, where she saw a custodial cast member joyfully singing in the rain while working. That moment made her realize that work could be filled with happiness and purpose—inspiring her to join HKDL.

Denise, senior manager of operations integration; Ricco, manager of park operations; and Annie, senior manager of communications and public affairs, felt proud to have a Disney Resort in Hong Kong, embracing the opportunity with a “How could I not be part of this?” mindset. Over the years, they have built a strong bond and enduring friendship, becoming trusted partners.

Over the past 20 years, the four of them have built a lasting friendship that began when they joined the park operations team. Though they now work in different teams, they come together for their annual tradition to take a group photo in front of the fountain at the park’s entrance. This February, their leaders, longtime colleagues and partners surprised them with a special celebration, presenting them with gifts to mark this remarkable milestone.

Preparing for the 20th anniversary: Excellence in every detail

Over the years, they have collaborated on numerous major events such as the resort’s annual run 10K Weekend and various kinds of events. Their strong connection and mutual trust have been vital to their success. “We rarely have arguments,” Ricco said, “Most of the time, a single glance in a meeting is enough to know what the other is thinking. Challenges are always part of event planning, but as long as the four of us face them together, we can get it done and get it right.”

Four of them kicked off the planning for HKDL’s 20th anniversary celebration 18 months ago, with the goal of delivering the most magical party for guests. The team conducted over 100 site inspections, tests, and meetings to ensure every detail was executed to perfection.

Denise played a pivotal role in coordinating the year-long celebration’s operational blueprint, working closely with various teams to fine-tune logistics such as parade routes and drone flight paths, ensuring seamless execution.

Ricco collaborated with different teams such as Disney University and Design and Show Quality to design the “D Chat” training program. This initiative equips cast members to better connect, play and interact with guests in a fun, Disney way. A prime example is the attraction Jungle River Cruise, where the skippers’ lively storytelling has gone viral across social media platforms. “D Chat” has helped cast members embrace their roles as party hosts for the 20th anniversary celebration, elevating the guest experience.

Kim played a key role in preparing for the grand celebration by enhancing backstage facilities and optimizing space usage, such as the allocation of additional spacing and signage to support the new float parade, and the renovation of cast members’ offices and rest areas. By actively gathering feedback and refining plans along the way, Kim ensured cast members had the ideal environment to shine on stage.

Annie having led the frontline teams in an earlier role, has a deep understanding of frontline operations. She and her team actively stay connected with cast members and share updates through various channels. Working closely with Human Resources team, Annie and her teammates have organized various cast-exclusive activities throughout the year, such as the 20th Anniversary Celebration Sneak Peak, allowing cast members to have an exclusive first look at the new parade. These efforts significantly boosted cast engagement and fostered a strong sense of belonging.

Diverse development opportunities: Embracing new challenges every day for 20 years

Denise highlighted the resort’s “Happy Me, Happy Guests” management philosophy, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and caring environment for cast members. By prioritizing their well-being, the company ensures that cast members approach their roles with enthusiasm, delivering unforgettable experiences to guests. She credits this strong sense of “togetherness” as a cornerstone of the team’s success—something she believes cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence.

HKDL also offers diverse development opportunities cast members. Annie’s journey is a testament to this ethos. She began her career in park operations and has since held various roles, including guest services manager and park duty manager, before transitioning to her current role in communications and public affairs. “This company truly supports both lateral and upward career development,” she shared. “It helps us find the path that suits us best. Even after 20 years, every day still brings new challenges and excitement.”

Looking ahead: The next 20 years of wonder

As part of the park’s opening team, the four of them continue to share a passion for their jobs and HKDL’s future. Having witnessed HKDL’s continuous innovation and expansion over the years–from the openings of Grizzly Gulch, Toy Story Land, and Mystic Point, to the Iron Man Experience, the castle transformation, World of Frozen, and the upcoming Pixar entertainment offering and Marvel-themed experiences–they firmly believe in the resort’s limitless potential and ability to deliver surprises at every turn.

While they know that one day they will pass the torch to the next generation of leaders, they view this not as an ending, but as a continuation of the story. “Even after I retire, I’ll still be following every update about the park,” Annie said. “I hope it continues to grow and becomes the most beloved place in everyone’s heart.”

Together, they are confident that the next 20 years will be even more magical—just like their enduring friendship, which continues to stand the test of time.