Hong Kong Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth
by: Lana Margaret Caronongan
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China, Tokyo, Hongkong? What do these three countries have in common? Hint: They all call it: “The happiest place on earth”.
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China, Tokyo, Hongkong? What do these three countries have in common? Hint: They all call it: “The happiest place on earth”.
When
I was a child, I used to watch Disney films. I, being Aurora, and my
two sisters as Belle and Arielle. It was so colourful and full of
fantasy. Growing up, it was always our dream to be part and
experience the world of Disney, to meet and talk to them or even just
to see their majestic castles & Disney gowns up-close. So when
The Walt Disney Company decided to have an amusement park which we
can meet our favourite characters, I felt excited and somehow ask
myself, when and how I will get there.
Hongkong Disneyland was
opened on September 12, 2005 and is known as one of the shortest
construction periods for any Disneyland themed park. As one of
the two large parks in Hongkong, Disney made consideration to the
Chinese culture, tradition and custom in building and designing the
park. They have seven themed attractions: Toy Storyland, Mystic
Point, Grizzly Gulch, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and
Main Street, USA. (Toy Storyland and Fantasyland are my top!) Also,
guide maps are printed in different languages for everyone’s
convenience.
Fast forward, June of
2016 came, Jherson told me that we will be visiting the happiest
place on earth. Reminiscing that moment was really remarkable. I
mean, it’s like winning an overnight to a luxury hotel or an
all-expense trip to Europe. And how lucky we are because Disney is
celebrating its 10th year anniversary when we got there and they just
recently launch their Star Wars Experience Fever!!! Cool right!???
So anyways, enough of the
blurbs, it was Thursday when we went to Hongkong, the sun was shining
brightly and we were very excited. Our hotel was located in Tsim
Sha Tsui. So, from our hotel, we had 5 minutes’ walk to MTR
station. From Tsim Sha Tsui Station, we got off to Lai King Station
and transfer to Tung Chung Line. After that, your most awaiting next
stop will be Sunny Bay where our well-loved DISNEYLAND is located.
Disneyland has its own
train line. And oh my! The train is so vibrant and lively! From
windows, to hand trails and displays. Mickey Mouse and friends are
everywhere. I can’t help but hugged Jherson while going there
because of excitement. Train ride will take you around 6 to 10
minutes. Before going in the amusement park, you need to get your
tickets (entrance and meal stub) on their Disney machine and Ola! You
are few steps away from you Magic Land.
So, as a first timer in
Disneyland, here are my tips for you:
1. Go as early as you can. Don’t wait for 10am. (Unless your hotel is within the area). If you want to be first in line or to have a good shot to their beautiful and picturesque banner or just to have an early great scene or vibe on the place then be early. You won’t regret that ever.
2. Don’t be shy to wear your Disney costumes, Mickey hats or Minnie headbands. Everybody is literally wearing something to show their love for Disney
3. Go to Disneyland on weekdays if possible to avoid massive crowd.
4. Stickers are not given unless being asked. Don’t be ashamed on asking stickers because it’s for everyone and it’s free. It would be a good souvenir for yourself or you can give to your kids someday.
5. Always check your map for guide. Picture-taking with Disney characters have time schedules. So make sure to balance your time well. Also some rides / parks have allotted time when will it be open and close.
6. Theatre shows is a
must when you are in Disney. Lines seem long but when they started
to let you in, it’s no sweat. Theatre is one of the highlights of
our adventure. I recommend having it in morning activity.
7. Wear comfortable
shoes and don’t forget to bring caps or anything that will protect
you from sun because it’s an outdoor place.
8. Bring water and snack bites while inside the park. Food is a bit expensive unless it’s included in your budget.
9. Disney Paint the
Night and Disney in the Stars Fireworks is a must! Disney Paint the
Night features original floats with fully-LED parade of Disney
characters, where you can say hi to your favourites and dance with
the beat of the sound. While, Disney in the Stars is a nightly
firework show that coordinated with Classic Disney music. It’s a
great way to end your magical adventure! Each attraction last for
one to two hours.
10. Most of Disney Souvenir Shops are located in Main Street USA. Some prices are fair enough for you to have. Prices varies depends on the colour tag, better check their chart before grabbing all the things you want
11. Believe it or not,
you can explore Disneyland in one day (because we did!) You just
need to plan your time well and avoid too much excitement. Haha.
12. Lastly, take pictures as many as you can. Have all the rides without hesitation. Watch all the musical shows. Walk, Run Laugh. It’s DISNEYLAND and not everyone can visit this extraordinary amusement park. So savour every hour, every minute and second while you are there!
1. Go as early as you can. Don’t wait for 10am. (Unless your hotel is within the area). If you want to be first in line or to have a good shot to their beautiful and picturesque banner or just to have an early great scene or vibe on the place then be early. You won’t regret that ever.
2. Don’t be shy to wear your Disney costumes, Mickey hats or Minnie headbands. Everybody is literally wearing something to show their love for Disney
3. Go to Disneyland on weekdays if possible to avoid massive crowd.
Main Street
4. Stickers are not given unless being asked. Don’t be ashamed on asking stickers because it’s for everyone and it’s free. It would be a good souvenir for yourself or you can give to your kids someday.
5. Always check your map for guide. Picture-taking with Disney characters have time schedules. So make sure to balance your time well. Also some rides / parks have allotted time when will it be open and close.
8. Bring water and snack bites while inside the park. Food is a bit expensive unless it’s included in your budget.
10. Most of Disney Souvenir Shops are located in Main Street USA. Some prices are fair enough for you to have. Prices varies depends on the colour tag, better check their chart before grabbing all the things you want
12. Lastly, take pictures as many as you can. Have all the rides without hesitation. Watch all the musical shows. Walk, Run Laugh. It’s DISNEYLAND and not everyone can visit this extraordinary amusement park. So savour every hour, every minute and second while you are there!
Disneyland Discounted Tickets,
online reservation is more convenient with Klook. An app for booking travel activities within
your reach. We bought our Disneyland tickets together with a meal stub with abig discount from klook.
I hope these few guides
will make your Disney Adventure as colourful and magical just like
what we had. And of course, these moments are better to experience
than to be read. So what are you waiting for? Save. Plan. Book.
Don’t look for excuses because this place is not just for kids but
also for those people who choose to grow up and made their happily
ever after come true. Make yours too. Live it up!
