We left Macau early this morning on the ferry (once again catching an earlier boat). As before, the journey was pleasant and uneventful. We docked in Hong Kong around 8:30 and hopped in a taxi to Hong Kong Disneyland. That’s right… “you’ve just returned from Macau, what are you going to do now?” I’m going to Disneyland! Actually, this was Libby’s idea. She’s always wanted to visit a foreign Disney park. So, why not take the opportunity when it presented itself?
Upon arrival at Disney, we stored our luggage (Disney provides a luggage check service), bought our tickets (about 50% of the price of a Florida 1-day admission), put my electronic gear in the lockers on Main Street USA, and headed off for a day of fun and compare/contrast. The park is physically smaller (or at least has less on offer) than the Magic Kingdom at home, though they’re building out new areas. In fact, Toy Story Land (2011) and Grizzly Gulch (2012) already opened. Mystic Point—which will house a Hong Kong version of the Haunted Mansion—opens later this year.
Aside from some differences in food options (though standard American fare is on offer), there’s relatively little “Hong Kong” in the Hong Kong Disneyland. This was a bit disappointing to us as American visitors, but I suppose it’s actually what most visitors would want/expect from their Disney experience. The biggest difference we noticed was that all of the buildings seemed to be much smaller in scale. For example, the iconic Sleep Beauty’s castle—when standing in front of it—looked to be little more than “one up, one down.” I don’t know if this was as a result of adherence to Feng Shui or something else, but I thought it may have lost a touch of the magic as a result.
All in all, we had a good time. I’m glad to have seen it. Would we go back? Maybe with Emerson some day in the future, if she expressed an interest. Objectively speaking, Hong Kong Disneyland is more-or-less a typical Disney experience (good, bad, or indifferent). So, unless it’s meaningful for you to visit as a Disney aficionado, I think it could be safely skipped.
We left Disney in the late afternoon and checked into our hotel, the Marriott Hong Kong SkyCity. It’s a fairly unremarkable business hotel at the airport. We enjoyed a free suite upgrade and dinner in the executive lounge. And, it was perfect for our early morning flight home, but it’s not a great place to stay on a visit to Hong Kong.
Hi Paul and Libby, this has been a quick trip for you guys, with no cruise involved. I guess you had to fit the travel around Libby’s Spring Break. Well, you at least checked off a few more countries from you list. Look forward to seeing you both when you get back.
Ciao,
Yes, it was indeed a short trip. You’re 100% correct about fitting this into Libby’s break. This summer (our ‘around the world’ adventure) will be much longer — though no cruise then either.
Let’s get together soon!