Not surprisingly, Disney has made a foray into Hong Kong with their theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland, in 2005. Already home to Hong Kong Ocean Park, the introduction of Disneyland gave visitors and locals a choice of entertainment.
Owned jointly by the Government of Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company, Disneyland is located on Lantau Island and is about 30 minutes from the MTR Hong Kong station. The 310-acre resort houses Hong Kong Disneyland and two hotels.
As with the other Disneyland parks, the Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into themed areas. The park currently has four themed areas; Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Main Street USA. Each area has restaurants providing quick service and snack carts. Expansion plans to expand the current park are underway which means that there is construction in areas of the park.
If you have children from 5 – 9 years old, you will find that the majority of the park is geared to that age group. Although the park is the smallest of the Disneyland parks and is not completed, you will find that you can keep young children entertained all day long with the rides and sights. The price is a bit expensive but the memories that a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland will create for you child are priceless.
Fantasyland brings the world of Disney fantasy to life. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto are joined by Chip and Dale, Cinderella, Woody, Tigger, Dumbo and many other Disney characters. In the lush Fantasy Garden, you can have your child’s picture taken with the Disney characters. The settings and interaction with the Disney characters will solidify your child’s belief in their favorite character. With Storybook Theatre, Fantasy Gardens, the entertainment and the amazing rides will leave your child hungry for more.
The futuristic Tomorrowland offers up Space Mountain, Autaia, interactive rides will make your child a believer in the future. This area is probably more suitable for children that love Stitch and Buzz Lightyear and will not be frightened by the rides. Younger children will love the interactive Stitch Encounter show.
A riverboat cruise down a jungle river will keep your children enthralled. The jungle cruise includes scenes that will transport your child to the jungle and its inhabitants. At the end of the cruise, there is a war between the fire god and water god that will enthrall young and old alike. The cruise, entertainment at Theater in the Wild, exploring Tarzan’s Treehouse and more will give your child memories of a lifetime.
Main Street USA simulates an American town at the turn of the century. Quaint streets, day parades, vintage vehicles, and nightly fireworks will provide older children with an endless source of fun.
Within Hong Kong Disneyland there are three themed shops selling exclusive Disney keepsakes. The keepsakes include: clothing, accessories, plush toys, stationery, and a wide assortment of headwear. Your child’s love of princesses, Pooh and friends, Sorcerer Mickey & PhilHarmonic Donald should be fulfilled by the offerings.
When you decide on the length of your visit to Hong Kong Disneyland, there are two hotels from which to choose. Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, the flagship hotel, is the place to stay if you have young children that believe in the magic of Disney characters. Featuring a spa, indoor and outdoor pool, Mickey Maze, entertainment and a lot of kid friendly activities; this hotel gets rave reviews for the amount of time children get to spend with Disney characters.
If your children are older, you might want to choose the less expensive Hollywood Hotel. The Hollywood Hotel features a piano shaped pool, vintage car displays, gardens, scavenger hunts and lots of green space. There are lots of activities to keep the children entertained but less elaborate than at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.
