Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Toy Story Land

I was able to attend yesterday's event at The Peninsula Manila's Rigodon Ballroom called "Toy Story Land Trade Launch Event: It's Playtime Challenge" courtesy of Hong Kong Disneyland. A launch like this is annual activity of Hong Kong Disneyland where they host lunch for select travel agents so as to promote a new attraction/ride/event at the Hong Kong Disneyland.

As the title of the event suggests, this was going to be all about the new Toy Story Land opening in November 2011. The concept of the Toy Story Land is set on Andy's backyard wherein his toys are scattered all over. Everyone who is someone in Toy Story is included in the concept such as Woody, Jessie, Rex and Slinky Dog (Buzz Lightyear already has an existing ride at one of the other lands inside Disneyland which is why he is not present in any of the hand-outs for Toy Story Land).


Some of the travel agents waiting at the foyer of the Rigodon Ballroom. The invitation stated 1130H but the doors did not open until 1230H. Luckily, I came in late at 12noon so I didn't have to wait that long.


The stage set-up before the start of the program.


Simple yet creative center piece set up on each table. Very theme appropriate! (I got to take home four of those blocks)


Each table was equipped with these devices. It turned out this was to be used for the game during the duration of the program (we lost at a pathetic ranking of 20). The game also took so long that lunch was served at 1400H.


The toy soldiers reporting! They were clad in green from head to toe and it was as if the toy soldiers really grew and came alive!


The winning teams posing with Woody and Jessie as well as claiming their medals and prizes...I actually felt a tiny tiny tiny pang of jealousy :( I should be on the stage too claiming my prize (sore loser hehe)


Our late lunch started with Caesar Salad. Good but nothing extra ordinary.


Cajun roasted chicken roulade with grilled peppers, vegetable bouquet and steamed rice. Taste was good but the chicken was a bit tough. The hotel, I guess, is not to be blamed for this since they were told that lunch was to be served at 12noon but instead, delayed to an acid-inducing-in-your-tummy hour of 1400H.


Vanilla mille feuille with fruit coulis. Don't ask me what it means but this did not disappoint. Sweet that goes well with tea. Each dessert was presented alongside an edible Toy Story themed white chocolate 'picture' stand.



As with any Hong Kong Disneyland organized activity, this was well thought of and well prepared. All the key sales and marketing people were there to answer any queries by the travel agents. Plus the game was very engaging and fun although hunger pangs still haunt me up to this day. I look forward to personally visiting the Toy Story Land on my next visit to Hong Kong Disneyland.