Hong Kong Disneyland!

I have always been a fan of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Imagine my delight when Disneyland opened its park gates in Hong Kong, a mere 2-hour airplane ride from Manila! My family and I lost no time in visiting the theme park soon after it opened in 2005. I had a magical time! 

Sleeping Beauty Castle & Snow White. Nov 2005.

I have a good excuse to keep going back, now that my kids enjoy going there, too :). I hope I'll never be too old for Disneyland!

Enjoying an ice cream at Fantasy Gardens, Fantasyland 

Season:
I've gone to HK Disney in March, May, July, Sep, Nov & Dec. My favorite times would have to be in Nov and Dec when it ranges from a cool 18 to a cold 12 degrees celsius, the better to walk around the park without sweating buckets. 

Cold Weather Tip: Rug-up when you watch the fireworks
at night. It can get chilly. Bring a beanie, a scarf & a jacket.

Gingerbread Village. The Christmas theme at the park in December is so pretty!

Christmas "Princess" display house. Main Street, U.S.A. Dec 2010

If it's hot when you are there, find ways to see the indoor performances and attractions first when the sun is at it's brightest and hottest, i.e. Festival of the Lion King, The Golden Mickeys, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters & It's A Small World (After All!). You will want to see the parade during the day but as I found out on one visit, there are ways to enjoy the parade indoors in air-conditioned comfort...

Inside Corner Cafe, Main Street USA. July 2009

Disneyland Hotel. Sep 2010

Hotels: There are two hotels inside the HK Disneyland complex. The Victorian-themed Disneyland Hotel and the movies/L.A.-inspired Hollywood Hotel. I like both(told you I'm a fan)!

* Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel:

Twin garden view room at Disneyland hotel

Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs theme on the mirror frame and the toiletry packaging

Too cute to use! Tip: Bring a set of toiletry that you will use. haha!  

* Disney's Hollywood Hotel:

Rooms here at Hollywood are a bit smaller compared to
Disneyland hotel but the rates are also higher at the latter.

Mickey & Mickey ears theme everywhere at Hollywood Hotel!

Yes, even on the shower curtains! :-) 

Highlights:
* Disney-bound train & hotel shuttles:

From the city, catch a train on the Tung Chung Line which connects to
Sunny Bay Station. You then board the train to Disneyland Resort Station.

Complimentary resort shuttles for Disneyland & Hollywood Hotel guests

* Mickey-shaped food! If you're not a Mickey fan like me, you might get a bit of an overload on the recurring theme. You can't escape it, not even if all you want is a hotdog! :) 

As for me, it suits me just fine! ;) For breakfast...

Or for afternoon tea...

Mickey waffles with ice cream & sprinkles

*Breakfast at Disneyland Hotel with some well-loved characters!
I like Hollywood hotel for its quirky interiors and its keyboard-inspired swimming pool but I LOVE buffet breakfast at Enchanted Garden Restaurant at Disneyland Hotel. This is where you get quality time with Mickey and the gang. Aside from Mickey, I've seen Pluto, Daisy and Goofy do the rounds of meeting, greeting and having their photos taken with the breakfast crowd.

He will dance with little "princesses",

much to their delight!

* My Favorite Park Attractions: My first stop inside the park is usually at the Information Counter at City Hall, Main Street, U.S.A. I've sent many postcards from here, with special Disney character stamps. If you're at Disney celebrating someone's birthday, ask the guest relations staff for a "Today is my birthday" pin for the celebrant who will get extra special attention from park staff.

My friend Ces & I posing with guest relations staff. May 2009

Disney on Parade. Sep 2010. Notice the umbrellas? 28-32 degrees celsius that day.

Simba, Festival of The Lion King, Theater in The Wild, Adventureland

My favorite tulips & windmills, Netherlands display at It's A Small World.

I was extra happy to see this Filipino section. Sep 2010

Paalam (Filipino for farewell), as the "It's A Small World" ride is about to end.

Paalam na muna Disneyland, sa uulitin! ;)