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Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is my third Disneyland visited around the world where I have also visited the Anaheim Disneyland in California and the Tokyo Disneyland in Japan. What else but make that pilgrimage here since I had an extra day while visiting Hong Kong and the Disneyland Packages were irresistible when offered by my hotel, The Dorsett Seaview.
Disneyland Entrance Fountain with Mickey Surfing
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land on Penny's Bay in Lantau Island and was opened in September 12, 2005. The park also resembles the other Disneyland's around the world with four themed lands, Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland but the only difference was that the cast and crew in the Hong Kong Disneyland are all Chinese so expect communication in Mandarin, Cantonese and in English. But to my surprise, the princess of the Enchanted Castle was a Caucasian girl.
Disneyland Main Street USA Double Decker Bus
Hong Kong Disneyland also attracts about 35,000 visitors a day and is also the smallest of the Disneyland's around the world. When I booked my Disneyland Package from the hotel concierge, we paid about HK$400 per person including transfer, tickets and pickup from the Dorsett Seaview Hotel which was quite a good deal for a Disneyland package.
Disneyland Main Street USA mobile pianist
It was quite humid when we went there in September but the crowds were really nice and moving around was relatively easy. Honestly, the best time to visit the Hong Kong Disneyland is during the cool season or winter period in Hong Kong. But be prepared for hordes of people and super long queues for rides, something I would not want to ever experience after trying out the other Disneylands in Japan and America.
Disneyland 's Enchanted Castle
From the Dorsett Seaview in town, we took the hotel's Disneyland shuttle service which made a few stops at some other hotels before proceeding to Lantau Island. The journey which started at 8.30am took us about 30 minutes. Upon arriving, we were dropped off at a bus parking area where the van would pick us up at 8.30pm. Walking to the main entrance of Disneyland from the car park took us another 10 minutes before going through the main entrance and into Hong Kong Disneyland.
Disneyland Fire Department
The first place you see is Main Street USA where buildings are similar to the American style Victorian architecture from the early 20th century with typical stores selling candy, souvenirs and gifts. Restaurants Cafes are also found on this themed section. Several old styled buildings like city hall and a fire station is also well decorated for picture taking purposes.
Disneyland City Hall Building
Wandering around Main Street USA, we had already felt hungry as the hotel breakfast was not enough so we went into one of the pastry shops and bought some pies and drinks for our second breakfast. Sitting along the main street was interesting as several classic or antique buses and taxis would pass by ferrying guests to a drop off point.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse
Mickey and Minnie Mouse! How could one resist not taking a picture with these two iconic figures of Disneyland for over 80 years. By the way, did you know Mickey Mouse was born in 1928?
Photo opportunity with Mickey and Minnie Mouse
And there, we did it. The legendary Mickey and Minnie mouse picture moment. Every child's dream I am told except that if Ben 10 was there, there would be major confusion.
Disneyland Jungle River Cruise view from Tarzan's Island Tree House
We then made a trip to Adventureland next. A number of rides reminding me of Indiana Jones are available here but since most of them were pretty much children-friendly, we made a quick walk around and ended up going to Tarzan's Island and then out of Adventureland. Just so you know, there is a great Jungle River Cruise if you plan to visit with kids. There is also a Broadway Show called 'Festival Of The Lion King' going on here too.
Disneyland - It's A Small World Entrance
Fantasyland has always been one of my favourite since my first trip to Tokyo Disneyland in 1990. A very cheerful and colourful place, the children would absolutely love this place. Good luck trying to get them out of Fantasyland. Below are a few videos taken inside 'It's A Small World' - The Ride here.
Trust me, the song goes on and on on the easiest ride in Disneyland. Each ride unit can carry two persons and takes about 15 minutes to complete the ride while going though various cultures and places around the world.
In this section, the same tune of music goes on but in another language. Throughout the ride, I must have heard about 6 languages of the famous song 'It's A Small World'.
While admiring the beautiful and cute kid figures moving about throughout the entire ride, take a look at the details put in, especially the costumes and countries they represent. Note, they are robotic toys and not real kids, just in case you thought wrong.
Disneyland - Tomorrowland Entrance
Finally, we have Tomorrowland which would be absolutely child crazy if you have boys for kids. This part of Disneyland features most of the modern rides like Space Mountain (Not recommended for the weak), cartoon rides like Toy Story, Stitch Encounter, UFO Zone and some other rides.
Tomorrowland - A space craft provides water mist
Some of the props which resemble spaceships and rockets from various movies like Toy Story are placed around the rides. Great for picture taking that will bring a smile to your kids and adults too.
Disneyland Tomorrowland - Strange Structure
One of the structures features a mechanical planet with smaller planets orbiting the main structure. Not a ride but more of a 'mummy, look at that'. That thing must have been about 50 feet tall.
Space Mountain - The Best Roller Coaster Ride in Disneyland
Space Mountain, also called the ride of rides in every Disneyland I visited is not for the faint heart, those with lygophobia (fear of darkness) and toddlers. Trust me, this ride is pretty much in the dark, even lining up to get in is dimly lit as if you are in a space station getting ready to board your shuttle. Once the ride starts, you start to climb pretty high up and then.... 2 minutes of speed and dark till the end. A total rush if you love roller coasters.
Buzz Lightyear, once an icon to everyone
Buzz Lightyear, pretty much as famous as Michael Jackson but not enough to compete with Ben 10. Huge statue were every kid and adult I saw took a picture with him. Heck, I took one too but sorry, I am not posting it here.
By the way, sorry there were no pictures of Fantasyland as I skipped the entire thing due to the fact that children especially girls would really enjoy this place. So if you have a daughter, bring her here.
Writer does the legendary Disneyland pose
I admit, I had to take the picture above as I have a collection of pictures (non-DSLR days) with me holding the same post in front of the ever famous Enchanted Castle of Disneyland. By the way, as the humidity was really high we could not take the heat anymore and decided on leaving Disneyland early at about 4pm. I contemplated on staying for the world class Disney On Parade Show that goes on every evening, but once you have seen one, they are about the same so off we went.
Disneyland Exit Sign
With this Hong Kong Disneyland trip, I have successfully visited three Disneylands around the world and only the Euro Disney (or Shanghai Disneyland) left to visit.
Disneyland Resort MTR Station
Heading back to Kowloon, we walked to the Disneyland Resort MTR Station and purchased our one-way tickets back. I thought that the Disney experience was over untile I got onto the platform of the station.
The writer posing by one of the MTR Train Mickey Mouse shaped window
The special MTR Train that runs to the resort was one of a kind with windows in the shape of Mickey Mouse. Something I did not expect but it brought out the kid in me when I saw that. You should have seen Lilian's face when I excitedly asked her to look at the windows.
A Mickey Mouse Train Hand Rail
Even the hand-rail was in the shape of Mickey Mouse! Looking around inside the train, there were bronze statues of Goofy, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and other Disney characters encased in special perspex casings on each side of the train interior. Talk about going all the way, I take my hat off.
My conclusion to Hong Kong Disneyland: A must visit if you have children as planning a trip to the other Disneyland's may be a little expensive so thank the heavens for opening one in South East Asia. If you are a young couple, a full day in Disneyland is sufficient. However if you have children, you may want to plan a stay over at Disneyland as it can and will get tiring for you and the kids. The Hong Kong Disneyland offers 2 luxury 4 and 5 Star Hotels in the premises while there are several others out of the main park.
Finally, if you have never ever been to a Disneyland before, I suggest you make a trip to any of the Disneyland's around the world. It's like one of those things you must see and do before you die.
Getting to Hong Kong Disneyland is quite easy:
Kowloon Area: Take the Tung Chung Line from Kowloon to Sunny Bay and then transfer to Disneyland Resort Line. The journey is about 30 minutes. Ticket/Fare: HK$16.2/Octopus or HK$18.0/Single ticket
Mongkok Area: MTR MongKok Station, take Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King station and then transfer to Tung Chung Line to Sunny Bay station where you can take Disneyland Resort Line to get to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Tsuen Wan Bus station: Take bus R42 (Tsuen Wan - Disneyland). Journey is about 40minutes.
From Hong Kong Airport: Take bus S1 from the airport to Tung Chung MTR station (HK$5) and then take MTR(disney Resort Line) from Tung Chung to Disneyland Resort (HK$2.5)
Taxis: Generally fast and expensive from around Hong Kong
Disneyland Entrance Fountain with Mickey SurfingHong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land on Penny's Bay in Lantau Island and was opened in September 12, 2005. The park also resembles the other Disneyland's around the world with four themed lands, Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland but the only difference was that the cast and crew in the Hong Kong Disneyland are all Chinese so expect communication in Mandarin, Cantonese and in English. But to my surprise, the princess of the Enchanted Castle was a Caucasian girl.
A video of Mickey Mouse surfing on top of a fountain
Disneyland Main Street USA Double Decker BusHong Kong Disneyland also attracts about 35,000 visitors a day and is also the smallest of the Disneyland's around the world. When I booked my Disneyland Package from the hotel concierge, we paid about HK$400 per person including transfer, tickets and pickup from the Dorsett Seaview Hotel which was quite a good deal for a Disneyland package.
Disneyland Main Street USA mobile pianistIt was quite humid when we went there in September but the crowds were really nice and moving around was relatively easy. Honestly, the best time to visit the Hong Kong Disneyland is during the cool season or winter period in Hong Kong. But be prepared for hordes of people and super long queues for rides, something I would not want to ever experience after trying out the other Disneylands in Japan and America.
Disneyland 's Enchanted CastleFrom the Dorsett Seaview in town, we took the hotel's Disneyland shuttle service which made a few stops at some other hotels before proceeding to Lantau Island. The journey which started at 8.30am took us about 30 minutes. Upon arriving, we were dropped off at a bus parking area where the van would pick us up at 8.30pm. Walking to the main entrance of Disneyland from the car park took us another 10 minutes before going through the main entrance and into Hong Kong Disneyland.
Disneyland Fire DepartmentThe first place you see is Main Street USA where buildings are similar to the American style Victorian architecture from the early 20th century with typical stores selling candy, souvenirs and gifts. Restaurants Cafes are also found on this themed section. Several old styled buildings like city hall and a fire station is also well decorated for picture taking purposes.
Disneyland City Hall BuildingWandering around Main Street USA, we had already felt hungry as the hotel breakfast was not enough so we went into one of the pastry shops and bought some pies and drinks for our second breakfast. Sitting along the main street was interesting as several classic or antique buses and taxis would pass by ferrying guests to a drop off point.
Mickey and Minnie MouseMickey and Minnie Mouse! How could one resist not taking a picture with these two iconic figures of Disneyland for over 80 years. By the way, did you know Mickey Mouse was born in 1928?
Photo opportunity with Mickey and Minnie MouseAnd there, we did it. The legendary Mickey and Minnie mouse picture moment. Every child's dream I am told except that if Ben 10 was there, there would be major confusion.
Disneyland Jungle River Cruise view from Tarzan's Island Tree HouseWe then made a trip to Adventureland next. A number of rides reminding me of Indiana Jones are available here but since most of them were pretty much children-friendly, we made a quick walk around and ended up going to Tarzan's Island and then out of Adventureland. Just so you know, there is a great Jungle River Cruise if you plan to visit with kids. There is also a Broadway Show called 'Festival Of The Lion King' going on here too.
Disneyland - It's A Small World EntranceFantasyland has always been one of my favourite since my first trip to Tokyo Disneyland in 1990. A very cheerful and colourful place, the children would absolutely love this place. Good luck trying to get them out of Fantasyland. Below are a few videos taken inside 'It's A Small World' - The Ride here.
Video of It's A Small World Ride in Fantasyland
Trust me, the song goes on and on on the easiest ride in Disneyland. Each ride unit can carry two persons and takes about 15 minutes to complete the ride while going though various cultures and places around the world.
Video of It's A Small World Ride in Fantasyland in another section
In this section, the same tune of music goes on but in another language. Throughout the ride, I must have heard about 6 languages of the famous song 'It's A Small World'.
Video of It's A Small World Ride in Fantasyland in the rainforest section
While admiring the beautiful and cute kid figures moving about throughout the entire ride, take a look at the details put in, especially the costumes and countries they represent. Note, they are robotic toys and not real kids, just in case you thought wrong.
Disneyland - Tomorrowland EntranceFinally, we have Tomorrowland which would be absolutely child crazy if you have boys for kids. This part of Disneyland features most of the modern rides like Space Mountain (Not recommended for the weak), cartoon rides like Toy Story, Stitch Encounter, UFO Zone and some other rides.
Tomorrowland - A space craft provides water mistSome of the props which resemble spaceships and rockets from various movies like Toy Story are placed around the rides. Great for picture taking that will bring a smile to your kids and adults too.
Disneyland Tomorrowland - Strange StructureOne of the structures features a mechanical planet with smaller planets orbiting the main structure. Not a ride but more of a 'mummy, look at that'. That thing must have been about 50 feet tall.
Space Mountain - The Best Roller Coaster Ride in DisneylandSpace Mountain, also called the ride of rides in every Disneyland I visited is not for the faint heart, those with lygophobia (fear of darkness) and toddlers. Trust me, this ride is pretty much in the dark, even lining up to get in is dimly lit as if you are in a space station getting ready to board your shuttle. Once the ride starts, you start to climb pretty high up and then.... 2 minutes of speed and dark till the end. A total rush if you love roller coasters.
Buzz Lightyear, once an icon to everyoneBuzz Lightyear, pretty much as famous as Michael Jackson but not enough to compete with Ben 10. Huge statue were every kid and adult I saw took a picture with him. Heck, I took one too but sorry, I am not posting it here.
By the way, sorry there were no pictures of Fantasyland as I skipped the entire thing due to the fact that children especially girls would really enjoy this place. So if you have a daughter, bring her here.
Writer does the legendary Disneyland poseI admit, I had to take the picture above as I have a collection of pictures (non-DSLR days) with me holding the same post in front of the ever famous Enchanted Castle of Disneyland. By the way, as the humidity was really high we could not take the heat anymore and decided on leaving Disneyland early at about 4pm. I contemplated on staying for the world class Disney On Parade Show that goes on every evening, but once you have seen one, they are about the same so off we went.
Disneyland Exit SignWith this Hong Kong Disneyland trip, I have successfully visited three Disneylands around the world and only the Euro Disney (or Shanghai Disneyland) left to visit.
Disneyland Resort MTR StationHeading back to Kowloon, we walked to the Disneyland Resort MTR Station and purchased our one-way tickets back. I thought that the Disney experience was over untile I got onto the platform of the station.
The writer posing by one of the MTR Train Mickey Mouse shaped windowThe special MTR Train that runs to the resort was one of a kind with windows in the shape of Mickey Mouse. Something I did not expect but it brought out the kid in me when I saw that. You should have seen Lilian's face when I excitedly asked her to look at the windows.
A Mickey Mouse Train Hand RailEven the hand-rail was in the shape of Mickey Mouse! Looking around inside the train, there were bronze statues of Goofy, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and other Disney characters encased in special perspex casings on each side of the train interior. Talk about going all the way, I take my hat off.
My conclusion to Hong Kong Disneyland: A must visit if you have children as planning a trip to the other Disneyland's may be a little expensive so thank the heavens for opening one in South East Asia. If you are a young couple, a full day in Disneyland is sufficient. However if you have children, you may want to plan a stay over at Disneyland as it can and will get tiring for you and the kids. The Hong Kong Disneyland offers 2 luxury 4 and 5 Star Hotels in the premises while there are several others out of the main park.
Finally, if you have never ever been to a Disneyland before, I suggest you make a trip to any of the Disneyland's around the world. It's like one of those things you must see and do before you die.
Getting to Hong Kong Disneyland is quite easy:
Kowloon Area: Take the Tung Chung Line from Kowloon to Sunny Bay and then transfer to Disneyland Resort Line. The journey is about 30 minutes. Ticket/Fare: HK$16.2/Octopus or HK$18.0/Single ticket
Mongkok Area: MTR MongKok Station, take Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King station and then transfer to Tung Chung Line to Sunny Bay station where you can take Disneyland Resort Line to get to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Tsuen Wan Bus station: Take bus R42 (Tsuen Wan - Disneyland). Journey is about 40minutes.
From Hong Kong Airport: Take bus S1 from the airport to Tung Chung MTR station (HK$5) and then take MTR(disney Resort Line) from Tung Chung to Disneyland Resort (HK$2.5)
Taxis: Generally fast and expensive from around Hong Kong
Opening Hours:
10:00 to 19:00 (weekdays)
10:00 to 21:00 (weekends and holidays)
Tickets Selling Hours: From 09:00 until the park closes
Park Tickets:
| One-Day Tickets | Annual Passes Prices | |||
| Value | Deluxe | Premium | ||
| Adults | HK$ 350 | HK$ 650 | HK$ 1,300 | HK$ 1,800 |
| Students (12-25) | HK$ 350 | HK$ 460 | HK$ 930 | HK$ 1,250 |
| Children (3-11) | HK$ 250 | HK$ 460 | HK$ 930 | HK$ 1,250 |
| Seniors (65 or above) | HK$ 170 | HK$ 370 | HK$ 740 | HK$ 1,000 |
*Children under 3 are free.
More information on Disneyland Tickets
Tip: Check with your hotel if they have special Disneyland Package Tickets
More information on Disneyland Tickets
Tip: Check with your hotel if they have special Disneyland Package Tickets
Visit the official website for Hong Kong Disneyland
Technical details from Wikipedia about Hong Kong Disneyland
Visit the California Anaheim Disneyland or the Tokyo Disneyland
Map to Hong Kong Disneyland
View Hong Kong Disneyland in a larger map
~ David Jr
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19 comments:
Interesting enough I've never been to Hong Kong and any Disneyland. Maybe will go next year, maybe.
Wilson, it's pretty much alright but worth a visit. Go in Spring/Autumn.
Regards,
David
wow.. how i wish i can visit the disneyland..
that is just a wish and you had went to 3 disneyland so far..
so nice..
btw, nice post~~
Kwong Fei, it took me almost 20 years to visit 3 Disneylands :) You have a head start at your age now so go for it!
Regards,
David
Jr, went there with the jen & the kids a few weeks ago and I (note the 'I') absolutely loved it - not to mention Jen and the kids too.. the weather was pleasant and although many people (adults) I spoke to did not have many good things to say about HK disneyland, I guess they are not kids at heart.
A place I would recommend to people if they grew up with Mickey and friends.
Jeff, well, I guess those born before the 90s would appreciate it more. Thanks to the internet, kids have less interest in mickey but more for Ben 10.
Regards,
David
WOW! You've visited 3 Disneyland. That's AWESOME! China is opening another Disneyland in Shanghai. A whooping 1 000 acres compared to HK Disneyland mere 300 acres.
Look like a great place for everyone. Wish I can travel to any Disneyland in the world :)
Cheers!
mylo
Hong Kong Disney land may be small for the moment, but it is very delightful and it has much of things going for like it. The mountains and just sheer unique location make this park really feel special.
Regards,
Mylo, started at a very young age of 19 back then. Now it looks like I have 2 more to complete my Disneyland Quest. Euro Disney and Shanghai Disney... and to think I am going to Shanghai next April... mmmmm
Regards,
David
Mylo, started at a very young age of 19 back then. Now it looks like I have 2 more to complete my Disneyland Quest. Euro Disney and Shanghai Disney... and to think I am going to Shanghai next April... mmmmm
Regards,
David
Luray, you are absolutely right. Small and easy to move around unlike the major Disneylands. Spend like 2 full days and you still have not seen everything.
Regards,
David
I've visited only two Disney theme parks, the one in Anaheim and the much bigger DisneyWorld in Orlando. I have yet to see the one in Hong Kong but from what I've heard, it's a bit smaller than DisneyLand in California.
Since last tow years my kids are requesting me to plan a trip to Disneyland....I think this summers I'll be able to go there with my family...
holiday cruises
I have never been to Hong Kong but I heard a lot about this place!
Today I can see some very nice pictures on this blog. They are very useful to me!
Thanks a lot!
wow.. ur blog are very useful especially for me.. i'm planning to visit hk nx march.. can't wait to see mickey N minnie.. i'm so confused.. are we malaysian need to get visa to hk?? 50% said yes n the other said x...
The Nomadic Pinoy, yes it is the smallest of the Disneylands. My suggestion, do check it out but for a day trip only.
Maria, I think next year (2010) would be a good time to bring the kids. :)
Vietnam Tours, thank you so much. Hope you plan a trip there since it is quite near to you.
Regards,
David
thank you for the pictures of hong kong disneyland.i wanna go there someday..
you're lucky you have visited 3 disneyland.
that's one of my dreams.. to go visit all the Disneyland in the world.
HOpefully can bring my poor princess to hongkong disneyland for this year. They really3 want to go there...
huuu...kids! please be patient ok, mummy still saving the money for your disneyland -> don't know until when....haiyaaa!!! =((
Thanks HngKongFlights, I know that you will be able to complete your wishes one day.
KhakiShopping, haha how many kids you have? And hope you achieve your wish to go there this year. Just avoid going in the summer. Autumn will be the best time.
David
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