Sun Kissed Bucket List embarks on a magical journey to Hong Kong Disneyland, marking a significant milestone as it completes their tour of all three Asian Disney parks. This visit is particularly special as it coincides with Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary, celebrated with festive touches like special party hats for guests.
The day begins with the park opening at 10:00 AM, and despite initial expectations of fewer crowds, the excitement is palpable. The travelers are quick to embrace the Disney spirit, with one donning Mickey ears purchased from the Ladies Market. The heat is a significant factor, prompting the use of sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas.
Their first priority is the newly opened World of Frozen, a highly anticipated attraction. The park's layout is noted for its thoughtful design, ensuring good flow. The iconic castle, though smaller than others, is described as beautifully done with a unique twist. Main Street offers a classic Disney experience with shops and themed food like Mickey Waffles.
Inside World of Frozen, the immersion into Arendelle is immediate, with Elsa's ice palace and charming details. They experience the "Wandering Sleigh" ride and then brave the queue for "Frozen Ever After," finding the animatronics remarkably lifelike and the ride itself a thrilling, albeit surprising, experience with an unexpected drop.
The adventure continues with Big Grizzly Mountain, a ride they missed in Japan due to maintenance. They strategically use a fast pass for this attraction, planning to ride it again later. The roller coaster is described as intense, with sudden changes in direction and significant G-force.
A surprising highlight is the parade proceeding despite the sweltering 35°C heat, a contrast to experiences in Japan where parades are canceled in such conditions. The parade itself is met with enthusiasm, featuring beloved characters and a lively atmosphere.
Later, the weather shifts dramatically with a sudden downpour, offering a welcome cool-down. They encounter Jessie from Toy Story and explore Tomorrowland, where they opt for mobile ordering for lunch amidst the bustling crowds. The Avengers-themed burger, priced at around 350 Hong Kong dollars, is noted as potentially expensive compared to other Asian Disney parks, though deemed decent.
A practical tip emerges: bring your own water bottle to refill at stations, as bottled water is expensive. The Ant-Man and The Wasp ride is tackled using a fast pass, saving significant waiting time. The day concludes with a visit to "It's a Small World" and a spectacular "Festival of the Lion King" show, praised for its Broadway-quality performance.
The day winds down with a ride on the carousel and the magical 20th-anniversary castle light show and fireworks, which are described as incredible and captivating. Despite the park's smaller scale compared to others, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, leaving the travelers with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What makes this visit to Hong Kong Disneyland special?
- A: This visit is special because it's our first time at Hong Kong Disneyland and it completes our tour of all three Disney parks in Asia. Plus, it's their 20th anniversary!
- Q: What's the weather like at Hong Kong Disneyland?
- A: It was a very hot day, around 35 degrees Celsius, but then it rained, which cooled things down significantly. Definitely pack for both heat and potential rain!
- Q: How is Hong Kong Disneyland compared to other Disney parks?
- A: It's definitely on a smaller scale, but still incredibly magical and beautifully done. The design is thoughtful, and the new World of Frozen is a fantastic addition.
- Q: What are the food prices like?
- A: The food can be quite expensive, with an Avengers burger costing around 350 Hong Kong dollars. We heard it might be the most expensive food among the Asian Disney parks.
- Q: Any tips for saving money on drinks?
- A: Yes! Bring your own water bottle and refill it at the water stations. A small bottle of water was priced at $30, which is a rip-off.
- Q: How useful is the fast pass?
- A: The fast pass is incredibly useful! We bypassed about 45-50 minutes of queuing for the Ant-Man and The Wasp ride, saving us nearly two hours.
- Q: What was the 'Festival of the Lion King' show like?
- A: It was flipping amazing and high quality, comparable to Broadway shows! It was almost half an hour long and incredibly entertaining.
- Q: What was the best part of the day?
- A: The closing ceremony for the 20th anniversary was insane and the best ever! It was so good, it had us bopping along the entire time.
