A $1.4bn, multi-year expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has received approval from the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Hong Kong government’s share of investment.

Disney said the funding approval would help ensure the long-term success of the resort, while further positioning Hong Kong as a world-leading tourist destination.

“We welcome the support of the Legislative Council and we can’t wait to get started on our ambitious plans to bring to life the very best characters and stories The Walt Disney Company has to offer,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“We will work with the Hong Kong government to give guests new reasons to visit Hong Kong, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, leveraging on some of the most popular stories of the Disney brand.”

Hong Kong Disneyland’s expansion will see the launch of new themed areas, attractions and entertainment almost every year from 2018 to 2023, as the resort looks to diversify its appeal.

New additions will include a transformed Castle, complete with new day and night-time spectaculars and entertainment experiences; an all-new Frozen-themed area with meet-and-greet characters; and a dedicated Marvel-themed area with a range of attractions.

The expansion plans follow a period of historic growth at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

The resort recently opened Iron Man Experience, now the most popular attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland.

On April 30, the new 750-room Disney Explorers Lodge resort hotel welcomed its first official guests as Hong Kong Disneyland Resort continues to grow as one of the region’s top tourist destinations.