Hong Kong Disneyland sometimes gets a bit of a hard time from your avid Disney fans. If you have been to the States and visited Disneyland or Walt Disney World, then yes, you will be shocked to discover this somewhat small, quaint Disney Park. In my opinion this park is ideal for smaller kids, for first timers, and for those who aren’t too fussed about the epic thrill rides.
The Hong Kong Disney experience is just as magical; the kids adored seeing their favourite characters in the streets, and the shows, they loved the Iron-Man shaped waffles, and adored the rides. They had a true ‘Disney Experience’, and left the park after 7 hours with a whole heap of sweat dripping down their backs and oodles of Mickey Magic in their hearts.
The day we visited it was nearly 38 degrees and very humid, so I had made sure our bag was full of water, umbrellas and suncream. There is very little shade in the park, and I would highly recommend a fan of some description to keep you cool whilst queuing. Yes, the dreaded queues are the same as any other park. You can opt to get a fast pass at a few of the rides, which would save you a good deal of time in line. We did this at the Iron Man Experience and went straight in. It was fab! We were very sweaty by the time we got to ride 3 and the air con was a treat!
Hong Kong Disneyland is so much busier than it was when we last visited 7 years ago. Although it was a regular Monday in Hong Kong, the queues were longer, the crowds were bigger, and it took far longer to get lunch. This may have been as it was a public holiday in mainland China, or because the park is much more popular.
The set up in the park is just like the other Disney parks. The castle overlooks Main Street which is full of shops and restaurants. This is the perfect place for grabbing some food, and for purchasing all your Mickey Mouse souvenirs on the way out.
Hong Kong Disneyland is laid out in 6 different ‘Lands’. Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point and Toy Story Land. Each one very different, with lots of fun attractions for everyone and it’s well worth trying to get through all of them. Monty (5) didn’t miss out on anything he wanted to do, and was thrilled that he was the right height for everything! There are so many great rides, our favourites included “It’s a Small World” the ‘Jungle River Cruise’, the Buzz Lightyear ride, and the Iron Man Experience!
The Wilson’s top ride!
The Iron Man Experience is a fairly new ride at the park. It’s a thrill ride, that takes you flying above and through the streets of Hong Kong, trying to save the city from attack. It’s incredible. One of the greatest rides we have been on. We would highly recommend it for all super hero fans.
Don’t miss out on a show!
We stopped at the Storybook Theatre to see Mickey and the Wondrous Book, which was a mind blowing 28 minute stage show bringing the Disney classics to life. Although the characters were speaking Chinese, the children didn’t mind at all. I whispered the subtitles, and we all sang along to the famous songs. Disney really know’s how to put on a show.
Grab your spot for the parade!
The Parades are always a must see. We made sure we had a good spot for the 4pm parade, within reach of the shops aircon, right on the pavement, in the thick of it. The parade throws the park into a magical frenzy as everyone is waving and hollering at their favourite characters. The children’s faces were a picture. It is real life Magic!
The Wilson’s Top Tips for Hong Kong Disney
- Get there early!! Before it even opens!
- The train on the Disneyland Resort line from Sunny Bay Station is Disney Themed and worth a ride.
- Plan your day, your breaks, and use the loo when you see it!!
- Find out when and where you can see your favourite characters! It’s such a shame to miss them!
- Download the app to check on wait times, browse maps and see schedules.
- Leave your selfie stick at home. They aren’t allowed to be used in the park.
- Check out the fast passes, and make use of them to avoid wait times. (Hyper Space Mountain, Iron Man Experience, and Winnie the Pooh!)
- Get a good spot outside a shop door for the parade. You will feel the breeze of the air con every now and again.
- Eat lunch early to avoid the rush at lunchtime. Have a big brekkie, as the food is super pricey!
- You have the option to purchase a second day ticket when you book. If you have the time & energy, this would be good with kids, as it takes the pressure off.
- Take lots of drinks, fans, suncream and cash.
- Wave with all your might at the parade and you may get picked to join in!!
- Hire a stroller, even if your little one loves walking. It can be tiring especially in the heat.
- ‘It’s a Small World’ is by far the best ride for cooling down!!
- Pick up a guide map, they are super handy, and the kids can show you where to go.
- The park gets busiest after 3pm, so try and hit the rides you want before then.
All the details
Standard Park Tickets- Choose from 1-day or 2-day tickets.
Starting from: HK$589 (Don’t forget you get in Faster with your eTicket)
Special Tour booking is here!
You can check out all the rides here.
If you need more information to help you plan your journey to Hong Kong Disneyland click here!
The Wilsons of Oz 