Experiencing the Disney magic at Hong Kong Disneyland

Disneyland, a place usually associated with kids, is also a place for adults who grew up with Disney cartoons. It’s hard to resist the Disney magic that you feel as soon as you step unto the resort grounds.

Located in Lantau island, the Disneyland Resort is a sprawling estate that covers the theme park, the Disneyland Hotel
and Disneyland Hollywood Hotel. The resort can be reached by the specially designed MTR train on the Disneyland Resort line that connects to the main MTR line through Sunny Bay on the Tung Chung Line. Public buses also serve the resort’s Public Transport Interchange, as well as taxis. Taxi from the Hong Kong International Airport costs approximately HK$120.

Walking from the transport interchange, you’re welcomed by instrumental themes from Disney movies. Just before you go through the ticket booths (day tickets cost HK$350 for adults, HK$250 for kids aged 3-11 years and HK$170 for seniors. Tickets can be bought online.), there’s a musical fountain with Mickey surfing on the waters coming out of a whale (is that Monstro?). The full force of the Disney magic hits you when you go through the park’s entrance. Disneyland is exactly how you’d imagine it to be: grand, whimsical and full of small details that’s distinctly Disney.

Though many of the rides are for kids, there’s a number of attractions that adults can enjoy. Give your competitive streak a treat as you blast through Zurg’s underlings at the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Tickle your senses as you ride in pitch darkness through Space Mountain (be sure to open your mouth wide and scream your hearts out throughout the whole ride). Sit back and enjoy reminiscing through Disney Favorites at the Golden Mickey Show and the Lion King Show.

There’s a lot of people flocking to Disneyland anytime of the year. If you have limited time in the park, invest on a Fastpass, that lets you in on an express lane on Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. If you have serious moolah to spend (about HK$3,200), consider a Supreme tour, wherein you get direct entrance for all attractions.

You’re not allowed to bring food and drink into the park, but don’t worry as there are plenty of food options for all tastes and budget. You can enjoy Cantonese noodles, country fried chicken or a full vegetarian Indian meal in the restaurants around the park.

Shopaholics who still haven’t gotten their fill from Hong Kong’s crazy shopping scene can still indulge at the many souvenir shops scattered around the park. It’s not uncommon for guests to be wearing shirts, hats and accessories bought from the shops, so don’t be shy and walk around wearing that Minnie Mouse headband you just bought.

The park is open daily from 10 am to 7pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and up to 8pm from Tursday to Saturday. The park’s closing is marked by the grand fireworks by Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Everybody gathers around for this, so if you want prime seats to enjoy the show, be sure to come at least 30 minutes to claim a spot. The park’s pyromusical extravaganza puts other fireworks display to shame. It’s a fitting end to a magical experience.

This is the third post of a four-part Hong Kong series. Read part 1 and part two to for our adventures in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. For more pictures, head on over to my flickr.

This trip was made possible by Nuffnang.