A Whole New World (Disneyland Hong Kong)

Member Name: mattconnect

Product:	Disneyland Hong Kong
Date:	08/08/09 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great theming. Just right for a day visit.

Disadvantages: Overpriced.

Disney Land Hong Kong opened a few years ago and follows the other three (Japan, Florida and Paris) in style but with a Chinese tint.

+++LOCATION AND ACCESS+++
Disneyland Hong Kong is located on Lantau island and has MTR train links which make travelling there extremely convenient. Changing at Yan O station, you can take a Disneyland express train which is beautiful and nicely decked out with comfy seats and mickey mouse hand rail.

+++RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS+++
Upon entering the park, you are at Main Street, and have direct access to three main lands: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Adventureland, each housing rides and attractions.

Tomorrowland
This is where there is a futuristic theming and houses Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Lazer ride, Autopia and Stitch Theatre. Space Mountain was quite rough but worth it, whilst Autopia was very boring and was not worth queuing for. Buzz Lightyear was quite fun and the queue line is well themed, although the lazer aim is not very good but still quite fun. Here you can also find a restaurant and toilets.

Adventureland
This area has an African Jungle theme, and is very reminescent of Tarzan setting. In the centre of a lake, you can find Tarzan's House, which you can take a short raft trip to, as well as a jungle cruise (which was very enjoyable given the guide was very into the part). The most attractive attraction here is the Festival Lion King Show, which mixes Music and Dance and is like a Mini Version of the Lion king Musical. However, queuelines are hot and stuffy.

Fantasyland
It has a magical pink theming, and houses It's A Small World, Mickey Mouse 3D show and various other flat rides such as Carousel, Coffee Cups and a Dumbo spin ride. The coffee cups are quite nauseating if you spin it quickly whilst the Dumbo Spin ride is easing and great for children. It's A Small World was absolutely magical and fresh. It looks very new and just beautiful! Winnie The Pooh Storybook ride was not worth the wait, and I would definitely advise avoiding the queues by getting a fast pass and returning later, although it is quite beautiful inside.

+++FACILITIES AND SHOPS+++
After most large rides, there are shops with air conditioning which make it quite comfy to browse after a hot ride or queue. There are toilets scattered around each major area, and shops are all along the main street.

Restaurants are also dotted around the park, although they could be pricey but similar to any other restuarant in a theme park.

The shop products are really attractive and beautiful and they sell a large range of goods, from cups to t-shirts to stationary to bags and keychains to soft toys... the list goes on, and you can really browse for ages. Personally, the goods are way too overpriced however much you want to buy them.

+++PARADES AND OTHER+++
During my visit, there were several parades going on, such as Stitch's Summer Dance Bash, High School Musical and one where they spray water and you get wet. These are very enjoyable and give a lot of Disney Magic. It makes you feel like a child again and is really enjoyable.

At night 8pm, there is a fireworks show lasting about 15 minutes which is very beautiful as well, and plays several well known Disney tracks to accompany the show which make it magical and a great finish to the day.

+++PRICE+++
It costs $350 to enter the park for the day, which is relatively expensive for such a small park. Food is overpriced, as are the goods, but one must be willing to spend extra for a thrilling and magical experience and it is expected that it will cost more. Be prepared!

+++OVERALL APPEAL+++
Amidst the negative criticism of the park, for the lack of attractions, its size and so on, I personally found it a great visit for the whole day, and the rides, theming and parades were very enjoyable and magical. It makes you want to watch the Disney films again and brings you back to the days when you were young.

It is a magical experience everyone should encounter, whether it is in Hong Kong, Paris, Japan or Florida.

Summary: A good day out, lots of fun, be prepared to spend money and you will be WOWED.