Hong Kong Disneyland

As a little girl, watching Disney movies was my favorite pass time. So you could imagine what it meant going to Disneyland to a Disney lover like me. Back then the nearest Disneyland was in Paris, and was still under construction. Since I moved quite a lot, when it was time of the opening my parents gave me the bad news, which was moving time AGAIN! BUT wait…the city we were heading was the location for the only Disneyland in Asia at the time, Tokyo Disneyland! Yeeeaayyy…even though it took me a long time, I finally went in my high school year. Magic Mountain was the main attraction for me and my brothers. I have the pictures of us back then but I’ll have to go to my parent’s house first and then later share it with you.

Anyway, I had med school after that so I had to put all my dreaming behind. Everything changes after I had my little girl though. Times have changed as well, now we have Disney Channel and Miley Cyrus apparently. So when the time comes for us to go on a vacation, guess where we're heading? Yes! Disneyland! No need to go back to Japan for that, Hong Kong is slightly closer. The second Disneyland Park in Asia.

Let’s talk about that now. Hong Kong Disneyland is about 5 hours by plane ride  from Jakarta. We booked the tickets about 3 months in advance; prices could get pretty low for early birds. My girl was just 3,5 years old and my boy was just 1,5 years old. Some people thinks it’s too young for them to remember, but in our case, this only happen for my boy. My little girl still remembers the time she was playing with the fairies on the parade. She asks to go again next year because of it.

From arriving at The Disneyland Hotel and being treated to Disney Movies in the waiting area while the parents check in was a treat for them and moi hehehe. The ambience of the lobby was great, very classic Cinderella. The service was so fast, efficient and friendly. We had a room overlooking the swimming pool and they provided a cot for my boy, even though we didn’t ask for it. I think it was very thoughtful of them. 

Main Entrance

Waiting area by the check in desk

Our double room

We took a taxi with the help of the concierge to have dinner at Citygate Outlet. It was only about 15 minute drive, very close from the hotel. There you can find Food Temptation and many branded outlets and also a convenient store below.

We start our day with breakfast at the Enchanted Garden, this is really is a must when staying here, because you’ll have private photos taken with the characters like Mickey Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto. No need to find them because they will go to each table and say hi to you. They have a special person to help you with your camera, so need to worry just smile and say cheeseeee….!!!  

Entrance to Enchanted Garden

Everything Mickey here...!

With The One and Only Mickey Mouse

 Then is off to Disneyland we took the the shuttle bus from the hotel to the park. Because The Disneyland Hotel is the first stop, we had a lot of seats available. But not to worry though even if it gets full, they have so many shuttles running every 3-5 minutes. We arrived at the parking lot situated next to the Disneyland train/MTR station. If you didn’t stay at the hotels here then, this is where you will end up. From here you are greeted with the famous Disneyland green gate. Having entered the gate, you will have to walk about 20m to the Mickey Mouse Fountain; from there you buy your tickets or if you already have them like us from the hotel, then just go through a security check and through the door.

Start queuing here

Inside the shuttle

You can hear the music from here

The Surfer Mickey Fountain

From here your adventure begin, first thing first, you must take a Disneyland map or if you already have them look through the location of different attractions and time schedule for shows and character appearances and their location. We decided to go through shops at Main Street all the way towards Fantasyland, ride Dumbo the flying elephant, spins with the Mad Hatter Cups, watch The Golden Mickey Show and the cool off inside the It’s a small world castle. After having lunch at The Main Corner Cafe we decided to watch The Lion King Show at Adventureland and then off to Toystoryland for a Slinky Dog ride. We cooled off playing water canon at Grizzly Gulch.

The Snow White Castle

Dumbo the flying elephant

Golden Mickey show in Chinese though

Kids Menu at Corner Cafe

Then comes the time to watch the Flights of Fantasy Parade, make sure you arrive early so you can seat in front. I believe the best spot is in front of Main Corner Cafe. Children will have more chances at getting picked to dance with the characters or dancers. For my little girl this is actually her best and most unforgettable experience.

Dumbo Leads the parade

My daughter's unforgettable moment

The perks of sitting in front

After the parade we look around Tommorowland for a picture with Mr. Buzzlightyear, my son’s favorite character and ride the Orbitron. We waited for the 8 o’clock firework show but last minute the rain just couldn’t be stopped and showered us hard. We took cover at one of the shops in Main street and decided to buy raincoats so that we can walk out towards the shuttle.Well, even though it ended with rain but we had an amazing time.

Orbitron

Mr. Buzz Lightyear to the rescue

Before the storm

In the words of Mr. Walt Disney...If you can dream it then you can do it...see you later Disney Lovers!