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A "SHORT" OVERVIEW
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Disney's Dark Kingdom is the SAU's second gate to
Hong Kong. It is located right across from Disneyland proper (just to the left of the map, there is the entrance to the HKDL). This gives the resort the tight-nit nature of Anaheim while keeping enough space for sightlines and future expansions.
You might notice the
Tao Symbol at the center of the resort. This is crucial to the overall theme. Hong Kong Disneyland Park represents the
yang -- the "light side" while Dark Kingdom represents the
yin -- the "dark side". We can see this imbued throughout the two parks' land rosters: Jiu Cheng's gritty historical realism counters Main Street's nostalgia, Rothana Drive Yards' pessimism counters Tomorrowland's optimism, or Black Bayou's bitter warning of the unknown monsters counters Adventureland's profound love for the unknown.
This not to say the park isn't fun, just under the surface there is a lot more pessimism. I maintain, the park's messages are not "bad": pessimism (when limited) has value in certain places.
LANDS AND THEMES
I will not spend much time exploring the many attractions at Dark Kingdom because your parade route will be more focused on the lands and properties. What characters fit where? I'd still encourage you to read up the project, but fair warning it is a bit lengthy.
If interested in reading the original project, please visit
here.
Now for the rest of you: Dark Kingdom is divided into
six lands. They are (going clockwise) Jiu Cheng, Rothana Drive Yards, Black Bayou, Pleasure Island, Wonderland, and Night Hollow.
JIU CHENG
Means "Old City". Shows Hong Kong under its rough occupation by the British when Industrialization was just spreading to the city. There aren't many IPs present here: the only attraction is a gangster thrill ride. Doctor Strange and Indiana Jones do appear, but only in references tied to China.
ROTHANA DRIVE YARDS
A unique take on Galaxy's Edge, Rothana is an ice-cold planet ruled by the Galactic Empire. The land's backstory is set to the OT, but other eras of Star Wars should fit in here just fine.
BLACK BAYOU
A sinister land-based off the swamps of Lousiana and Florida. Dr. Facilier and Oogie Boogie are the main IPs here, but any swampy property should fit.
PLEASURE ISLAND
Although it takes its name from Pinnochio, Pleasure Island also houses an indoor Wreck it Ralph themed area. In addition to many Pinnochio references.
WONDERLAND
An indoor, neon land set to Alice in Wonderland. The focus is on the original animated movie, not the recent live-action, but everything should fit in here. This is also open to more "weird" original creations.
NIGHT HOLLOW
Your standard "dark forest" area, set atop an Alpine Mountain. Maleficent, The Evil Queen, Ursula, Jafar, Gaston, Prince Hans, Captain Hook, Mother Gothel, and Chernaborg all present. Most classic Disney villains should fit here.
In addition, the night-time (held on the other side of the mountain, facing Jiu Cheng) sees Ernesto de la Cruz, Hades, and Darth Vader in significant roles.
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And that's Disney's Dark Kingdom in a nutshell!
