Hong Kong, China - Hong Kong Disneyland’s largest themed expansion, Grizzly Gulch, has been inching towards its debut this year. Planned to open on July 14, 2012, according to the parks press release, the new section is based on a unique storyline created specifically for the park, mixing Wild West and Gold Rush “boomtown” experiences, and will feature a variety of new attractions. Overall, the new area has clearly taken much of its inspiration from Disney’s old Frontierland, but updated with some new twists.

The highlight of Grizzly Gulch will be the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, described as a "multi-directional terrain-style coaster.” Based on descriptions of the coaster, it appears it will be a mixture of the well-known Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR) coasters and Expedition Everest. The layout and layout dashing all around Big Grizzly Mountain and tear through the local town will be very reminiscent of BTMR, but will feature both forward and reverse sections of ride like that seen on Expedition Everest.

Along with Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, the expansion will have seven other “must-visit” attractions. Geyser Gulch will be an all new play-area for kids and their families, which will have numerous water-based play elements, accompanied by eruptions of Mother Geyser. New gifts can be purchased from Bear Necessities, and new foods can be had, such as battered fish fillets, shrimp, and chips, at the Lucky Nugget Saloon. A new show, Grizzly Gulch Welcome Wagon Show, and Disney character meet-and-greet will be in the area, and two new characters, Disney Grizzly’s Koda and Kenai will be introduced.

Hong Kong Disneyland is hoping that this year’s opening of Grizzly Gulch will continue to grow on the back of last year’s opening of Toy Story Land. The park is not done yet either, planning to open yet another new themed area in 2013 to be called Mystic Point. Details are currently limited, but this particular expansion will be set in a deep, unexplored rainforest surrounded by “mysterious forces and supernatural events.” The highlight of this new section will be Mystic Manor, a Haunted Mansion style ride exclusively built for the Hong Kong park.

After not adding anything new through its first 6 operating seasons, after opening in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland is clearly not just sitting back, now adding 3 new lands in 3 years. By 2014, Hong Kong Disneyland should easily be able to compete with the world’s best amusement parks.