As a child, growing up with the magical world of Disney where dreams come true and happily-ever-afters are possible, life was totally Hakuna Matata (no worries) for me, filled with the hilarious antics of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, and romance-filled frames of Snow White and the Sleeping Beauty. So, I was excited about a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. After all, “adults are only kids grown up”, said Walt Disney.
And as I step into the fabled land where my reel friends from childhood turn real, I can't help but sing ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah' in my head. There are Mickey, Donald and Daisy! And is that Princess Aurora I see in the corner? The excitement from the kids and adults swarming the park is infectious.
Members of my group and I decide to take it easy on the first day at the park. We catch the train at Disneyland railroad, which gives us an overview of the park. Then we wander aimlessly soaking in the sights and sounds around us. Munching on caramel popcorn, we plonk ourselves near Sleeping Beauty Castle to view the legendary fireworks display. As we arrive early, we get a good viewing point. Oohs and aahs echo all around as spectacular fireworks in rainbow colours light up the sky in tune to well-loved Disney songs. What a magical way to end our first day!
The second day is dedicated to rides, shows and attractions spread over the park's four themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland and the newly opened themed area - Toy Story Land.
As Toy Story Land is the first “Toy Story”-themed area in Asia, we head there first. Everything in this land is super-sized that even the tallest in our group feels dwarfed. After posing with Woody and Jessie, Toy Soldiers engage us in their boot camp. We decide to try RC Racer, a steel shuttle roller-coaster. Feeling as if we would topple out any second, we hold on to the rails for dear lives. The Slinky Dog Spin, a caterpillar-style ride and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop are fun rides, with the latter offering a bird's eye view of the park.
Although, we do not have time to get onto all the rides, we do manage to squeeze in major rides such as Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, Space Mountain, It's a Small World and Cinderella Carousel. Space Mountain is no doubt a favourite — a rollercoaster ride, the ride takes guests on a journey through the darkness of space. A hidden camera captures a candid expression of yours during the ride. Needless to say, our picture has us in less-than-flattering expressions.
While the rides are amazing, the shows are even better — we catch The Golden Mickeys, Festival of the Lion King and Mickey's Philhar Magic.
The Golden Mickeys is presented in the style of an awards ceremony with characters from Disney movies being nominated for awards. Although the characters speak Cantonese, English subtitles help the audience understand what is going on stage. The Philhar Magic, a 3D ‘experience', has Disney characters come to life –– and jump off the screen, while an adaptation of the story of The Lion King is staged at the Festival of the Lion King with colourful costumes, songs, dance, and acrobatics.
Flights of Fantasy Parade is a highlight of our second day at the park as floats, performers, and the Hong Kong Disneyland Marching Band go by.
This parade, which stars Mickey and company, the Disney Princesses and other Disney favourites, is full of song and dance. A close second is perhaps learning to draw Mickey Mouse at the Animation Academy.
Our last day at Disneyland is spent shopping and dining. Those who want a taste of home need not fret when they come to the park as Tahitian Terrace at Adventure Land offers North Indian thalis . You can also dine on Indian food at the two Disneyland hotels — Disney's Hollywood Hotel and Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. Disney's Hollywood Hotel, as the name suggests, is a Hollywood-themed hotel.
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel has the opulence and charm of the Victorian age, with modern amenities. Here, not only do you dine on various cuisines, but you can also click pictures with Disney characters. Now, that's quite a memory to take back home, isn't it?
(The writer was at the resort at the invitation of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort)
