Hong Kong Disneyland Latest Review
This latest review of Hong Kong Disneyland is based on my second visit to the theme park, which is located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. My first trip here was in 2008 when I was there to attend a wedding. I took a quick and straightforward day trip to the park.
It has been five years, and I was allowed to revisit the theme park Hong Kong Disneyland, which had recently launched some new attractions and rides. Moreover, I also had the pleasure of staying at one of the premier hotels at the park.
Hong Kong Disneyland Latest Review
For the would-be traveller to Disneyland, I have also given the pros and cons of staying here and out of the park, so do read through and see which kind of holiday you would prefer. I have personally done both, so I am sharing the information based on my personal experience.
If you should know, the theme park, which opened in 2005, is located on Lantau Island on reclaimed land, which is out of Hong Kong City, and there are MTR trains and buses that service guests directly to the park. There are various ways to get here, and will be explained below.
Hong Kong Disneyland has seven themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land. Malaysians will be pleased to know that the theme park’s cast members speak Cantonese, English, and Mandarin; however, there is no Malay or Indian language there.
 |
| Hong Kong Disneyland. |
The theme park is highly recommended for those with children. Disney characters, rides, and shows are filled with energetic fun and excitement. Moreover, if you are a young parent, you have probably grown up with Disney cartoons and movies, so it is not unusual to see parents getting excited here. Continue to read about the many attractions and reviews of Hong Kong Disneyland.
Staying at Hong Kong Disneyland
Two main hotels are located in the park area: the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. Both are equally amazing and offer guests impeccable 5-star service.
It’s slightly on the high side, but you can buy an entire package that includes a stay, meals, and park entrance. I stayed at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, which reminded me of the Art Deco period of the 1930s-40s.
Edit April 2017: A new Disney Explorers Lodge is opening on 30th April 2017, making it three hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland.
The rooms are beautiful and colourful, decorated with Disney memorabilia. The floor carpet is colourful, which adds an element of fun. Even the bathroom carries Disney products, which are great souvenirs for collectors.
You will find all your general bathroom amenities inside one of the Mickey Mouse containers. The shower gel and shampoo come in cute Mickey-themed bottles, ready to be used and refilled daily by the friendly housekeeping staff. The bedroom slippers are Mickey-themed and come in a whole family size, making them excellent souvenirs for any Mickey or Minnie Mouse lover.
Restaurants at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel
Enchanted Garden Restaurant
The Enchanted Garden is the main attraction, as guests who have breakfast here will have the chance to see and photograph the many Disney characters. Each Disney character moves from table to table with a photographer, where you can get your souvenir shot with Mickey or any other characters.
This is only available for guests who stay at the hotel, so it is one of the perks here. It is recommended for families and those wanting up-close and personal experiences with Mickey and friends. The breakfast buffet offers various international dishes, and lunch and dinner packages are also available.
Chef Mickey Restaurant
Guests will be treated to a scrumptious buffet spread at this popular restaurant, especially for breakfast. At the restaurant’s entrance, you can be photographed with Mickey Mouse in a chef’s uniform. This is one of the places where guests who stay at the hotels here can be photographed with the various Disney characters.
Crystal Lotus Chinese Restaurant
For those wanting pure Chinese cuisine, the Crystal Lotus Restaurant will amaze you with its beautiful lotus designs and decorations. Food can be ordered a la carte or by individual courses.
We had the 7-course Chinese dinner, and I was very impressed with the restaurant’s preparations, food quality, and overall ambience. This restaurant would be highly suitable for Malaysian or Asian travellers visiting Disneyland Hong Kong.
Walt’s Cafe
This is one of the places that I personally like. It is a restaurant themed after Walt Disney, where a good mix of traditional Disney style is perfectly blended in this restaurant. On my arrival day to Hong Kong Disneyland, our meeting point with everyone was here where we had lunch which was pretty impressive.
For starters, the salad bar offers the freshest vegetables and cold-cut meats. After lunch, we had Walt’s Beef Burger and a Wagyu Beef Cube rice dish. The menu offers a variety of Asian and international cuisines.
There are halal dishes for Muslims (guests must inform the hotel before checking in), and local Malaysian dishes are also offered here. One of the highlights is the desserts, and it is highly recommended that you try the Mickey Mouse Chocolate Profiterole, which is made in the shape of Mickey.
Attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland
As there are seven main areas in the park, completing all the attractions here will take a whole day. This is also based on a weekday. The 7 Areas of Hong Kong Disneyland are;
- Main Street, U.S.A.
- Fantasyland
- Adventureland
- Tomorrowland
- Grizzly Gulch
- Mystic Point
- Toy Story Land
If you are there until the evening, don’t forget to catch the Disney in the Stars Fireworks Show at the Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is a must-watch show for anyone who is coming here.
It is also best to come here an hour earlier to get your best spot for the show. You can also check with the park staff on the timing of the fireworks show.
For shows, there are the Festival of the Lion King, The Golden Mickey, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic, which are recommended for people to catch. Many other shows cater to families and adults, but the three mentioned are interesting and worth watching.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Anyone entering will pass by Hong Kong Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A., which serves as the park’s main entrance. The decoration here resembles an American small town from 1890-1910. The Flights of Fantasy Parade will pass through here, and you can find all the Disney memorabilia and souvenirs. There are restaurants, cafes, and speciality shops.
Fantasyland
As you pass the main street and head towards the main castle, you will enter Fantasyland, which features the world-famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. When you are there, you will also see the Fantasy Gardens, where costumed Disney characters can be met to be photographed. Several rides are available here for all ages.
Adventureland
One of the must-visit areas in Hong Kong Disneyland is Adventureland, where adults and kids can enjoy themselves together. This fun area features a large island home to Tarzan’s Treehouse. Another attraction that circles the treehouse is the Jungle Cruise. Adventureland is also home to the “Festival of the Lion King” show, a must-see for anyone visiting Hong Kong Disneyland.
Tomorrowland
One of the popular areas for kids is Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland, which houses unique attractions such as Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, Autopia, and Stitch Encounter. This is the more futuristic part of Disneyland, appealing to adults and kids. Some of the best rides can be found here.
Grizzly Gulch
Opened on 14 July 2012, this themed land reminisces an abandoned mining town called “Grizzly Gulch”, set amidst mountains and woods. The centrepiece structure will be Big Grizzly Mountain, which Grizzly Peak inspires in Disney California Adventure Park.
The town was set to be founded on 8 August 1888, the luckiest day of the luckiest month of the luckiest year — by prospectors looking to discover gold. The popular attraction here is the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, which is super exciting.
Others include Geysers Gulch and the entertaining Welcome Wagon Show. This attraction is also a world exclusive at the Hong Kong Disneyland.
Mystic Point
This latest attraction opened on 17 May 2013 in Hong Kong Disneyland and is also the final chapter of the park’s current expansion. Attractions here are Mystic Point Freight Depot, Mystic Manor, and Garden of Wonders. Mystic Point is another world exclusive here in Hong Kong.
Toy Story Land
Opened on November 18, 2011, Toy Story Land was the first new themed land since the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005. The theme uses bamboo to act as giant blades of grass surrounding the area.
The themed land will make use of characters from the Toy Story movies, such as an enlarged Woody, Rex, an oversized paper plane, and Luxo Jr. Rides like the RC Racer, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and Slinky Dog Spin are some of the popular attractions here. Toy Story Land is also an Asia-exclusive attraction for those who do not know.
How to go to Hong Kong Disneyland
- There are numerous ways to get to Hong Kong Disneyland from the airport or city. Usually, families will take a taxi from the airport as it is much more convenient and affordable.
- However, for the single or couple traveller, a recommended method is to take a bus and then MTR all the way to the park, as this is hassle-free and easy.
- From Hong Kong City, the MTR is the easiest way, while if you book your Disneyland tickets from a tour or hotel counter, they will provide you with a shuttle service there and back.
- Visit the official website for more details on transportation to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Conclusion
Finally, if you have not been here and plan to do so, I hope this guide and review will help you and your family have a wonderful experience at the theme park. I suggest going on the weekday as it is less crowded and going in Spring or Autumn when the weather is much cooler.
Staying at any of the Disney Hotels here is also highly recommended, as you can take your time and not rush, and the meeting of Disney Characters during breakfast will be something to share. Thanks for reading my Hong Kong Disneyland latest review. If you have any comments or feedback, please share them below.
Share this content:
0 comments