Here’s Why This Long-Struggling Disney Park Is Giving Away 200,000 Free Tickets

A trip to Disney may be magical, but it’s rarely cheap. Whether it’s the rising cost of park tickets, the gradual disappearance of complimentary perks, or the sticker shock at snack stands, fans have gotten used to budgeting down to the churro. That’s what makes one Disney park’s latest move feel like a throwback to the pixie-dusted days of old: it’s letting 200,000 people in… for free.

Yes, really.

Disney Park Opens Up 200,000 Tickets to Charity

As Hong Kong Disneyland gears up for its 20th anniversary, the park is celebrating in a big way. This week, it announced a plan to distribute 200,000 free tickets to local charities and NGOs—a giveaway that’s double the size of its usual annual donation of 100,000 passes.

Each ticket allows one-time park entry between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Registered organizations can apply now through April 30 on the park’s official website.

It’s not the first time Hong Kong Disneyland has extended a hand to its community. Earlier this year, it partnered with the Li Ka Shing Foundation to provide 4,200 complimentary tickets to domestic helpers. Alongside free park entry, each guest received a transportation stipend and a meal allowance—helpful touches that made the visit more accessible and enjoyable.

While the free ticket program is getting attention, it’s just one part of a much bigger celebration. The “Most Magical Party of All,” as the park is calling its 20th-anniversary event, will feature new entertainment, expanded offerings, and plenty of limited-time experiences for regular guests, too.

A Parade, A Spectacular, and a Castle Party

Headlining the anniversary festivities is Friendtastic!, a brand-new daytime parade featuring 11 colorful floats and a wide array of characters. It marks Hong Kong Disneyland’s first full daytime parade since Flights of Fantasy ended in 2020.

Meanwhile, the fan-favorite “Momentous” Nighttime Spectacular will receive a serious glow-up. New scenes, drone elements, and Main Street projections are being added—similar to Happily Ever After at Walt Disney World Resort, Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland Resort, and Disney Tales of Magic at Disneyland Paris.

There’s also a new castle stage show starring Mickey and the gang—plus Hong Kong favorites like Duffy, StellaLou, LinaBell, and CookieAnn. Expect new food and merch, and a themed refresh across all three hotels. While Paint the Night won’t return (yet), the rest of the entertainment lineup looks stacked.

It all kicks off with a pre-party on April 17, which will host 550 invited guests, including media and content creators from across Asia. It’s a splashy return to form for the park—and a signal that Hong Kong Disneyland is finally hitting its stride.

From Struggle to Stability

Since opening in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland has faced no shortage of challenges. From slow early attendance to years of operating losses, the park struggled to gain momentum. Political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic made things worse, with nine straight years of red ink at one point.

But things have turned around. The castle got a dramatic makeover, World of Frozen finally opened, and the park has tapped into a broader regional audience—including visitors from Southeast Asia and mainland China.

For those further afield who are used to the likes of Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland is still worth a visit. The park is home to standout attractions you won’t find anywhere else, like the wildly inventive Mystic Manor (the park’s take on Haunted Mansion) and the action-packed Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. With lower crowd levels, lush surroundings, and a mix of cultural charm and classic Disney design, it’s a refreshingly unique park experience.

Now, with a new parade, upgraded spectacular, and a whole lot of free Disney park tickets on the way, Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th year might be its strongest yet.

Do you plan on visiting Hong Kong Disneyland any time soon?