Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Trip Planner

Booking Your Flights

We have flown both Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong (HKG). My experiences with both a somewhat mixed.
In October 2012 we flew with Cathay Pacific from London Heathrow. On this particular trip we flew Cathay Pacific because they offered good connecting options to Tokyo, as we intended to go to Tokyo 4 days later.
The flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo is a further four hours.
Cathay's prices are overall not bad. They are one of the cheaper options, which is another factor in why we chose them.
I liked the airline overall and would recommend them. By my own standards, I wouldn't say they are the best I have flown, but they are better than nearly all US based airlines (though in my experience that isn't hard). If you're going to fly direct from Europe and have a bit more cash to spare, I would actually recommend Virgin Atlantic, who fly direct from London Heathrow. I fly Virgin to the US all the time (several times per year, at least), and if I could afford it, would definitely fly them to HKG, too.
Flights from West Coast USA and Europe both are around 11 or 12 hours. If you fly from Europe you'll usually flying overnight, and arrive the following day. Hong Kong is 7 hours ahead of the UK/GMT during the summer.
If you fly from the US, you'll usually fly westbound and head over the date line, which causes all sorts of confusion with your body! You'll be losing an entire day when you arrive, but when you return, you'll gain most of a day back. As an example, one time visiting Tokyo from the West Coast, we were actually able to visit Tokyo Disney Resort on the morning we left, and arrived in California "3 hours" later, and went to Disneyland there for the rest of the day! It certainly is an interesting, and exhausting, experience!
As a guide, flights from Europe can cost anywhere from 800 to 1000 pound/euros return fare. From the US, they can cost anywhere from $1000 upwards.


Flying internationally nearly always means the best deals are had when you book as far in advance as you can. Prices normally go up as more seats sell.

At the Airport

Upon landing in Hong Kong you proceed through all the usual annoyances associated with travelling internationally. The airport is modern and the staff friendly, and everything is well signposted in English.
The immigration line, though can look long, always moves fairly quickly and efficiently.
Once you have cleared customs you can collect your luggage and exit into the main terminal area.
Upon arrival in the main terminal, you immediately find that it is very different to Japan (if you're doing a multi-trip). There doesn't seem to be the strict rule of law imposed at every turn, and things seem more relaxed. The stores are not as bizarre and they even have a more westernised feel to them.
On your return journey you'll be pleased to find a HKDL Store just past the security gates (meaning on the departures side).
The store has a good selection of merchandise and included some of the offers from the park.

Transfers to Your Hotel and Disney

Once you have cleared customs and immigration, and collected your luggage, various options for getting to your hotel await you.
Trains, taxis and busses are all readily available at the exit of the terminal. All these options are discussed below.

Taking the Train

Getting to HKDL from the airport is interesting because, the airport is very near the resort, and yet you have to change trains twice to get there!
The route you have to take is:

• Airport - Tsing Yi
  
• Tsing Yi - Sunny Bay
  
• Sunny Bay - Disneyland Resort

Tickets can be purchased at the airport for your entire route to HKDL. Check the MTR website for the latest fare information.
Overall it isn't a complicated or painful experience. Everything in HK runs very efficiently and smoothly, and you'll be in HKDL in no time. Just be careful to check the signs for where to go to get tickets and which platform. Arriving in an unfamiliar country, with no idea of how their system works can be confusing at first.
Trust me, it isn't all too bad, but just be prepared to really have to pay attention.

The train from Sunny Bay station is really neat because it is just a Disney service that goes back and forth from one side of the mountain to the other. The train is all decked out with Disney icons and is certainly a nice welcome to the resort.
The train station at HKDL is equally well themed, and very clean.
From the train station you can take the short walk to the bus stop to get the shuttle to your hotel.
It's a very short ride around the outside of the park boundary to get there.

Overall, getting to HKDL is easy enough, although a little expensive.

Taking a Taxi or a Bus

When we left from our stay in October we decided to take a taxi, and to be honest, that was cheaper than the train, quicker and more comfortable. Also of course it was door to door!
Next time we go to HKDL we'll take a taxi both ways to save us time and money.
Many (if not nearly all to be honest) Hong Kong and Kowloon hotels offer a free shuttle bus service. A lot of these have a desk at the main terminal building after you exit from the customs area. Check with the hosts at the desks to see which bus will take you to your chosen HK hotel.
If your hotel doesn't have a designated desk, the hosts can normally put you in the right direction anyway, or ask at the general airport information desk, and they can tell you where a specific hotel bus pick-up is located.

If You're Staying in the City

If you're staying in Hong Kong, Kowloon or anywhere else, the best thing to do is take the airport express train direct from the airport to the centre of Hong Kong, where you can then make any connections.
The Hong Kong 'MTR' system is very clean, efficient and safe. You'll have no problems using it.

For Further Information

I have included the links on the panel on the right, but I just want to point out that the official Hong Kong Airport website has a ton of information for visitors, including links to all sorts of useful bus and train websites, and lots more really good travel information for visitors. Definitely recommend you read it!

The Hong Kong Disneyland Official website has a good amount of information and links about trains and busses. Links can be found on the side panel to the right of this article.

The Disney Hotels

Seeing as there are only two Disney Hotels on property at HKDL, and seeing as HK is pretty cheap overall, we have actually been lucky enough to stay in both.
As there are only two, I can go into a bit more detail about them here, more so that I would on the other Trip Planners for the other resorts.
In October 2012 we stayed in the Hollywood Hotel, which is the cheaper of the two.

Our first impressions of the Hollywood Hotel were very good, and over the course of 3 days I have to say that it became one of my favourite Disney hotels I've stayed in to date.
It is beautifully situated on the water with excellent views across to Hong Kong. The grounds and gardens are immaculately kept, and are stunning.
The hotel offers free wifi in the lobby, and paid access in guest rooms.
There is one gift shop, a lounge-bar, a main restaurant for main meals, and a quick service place for breakfast and snacks.
There is an outdoor pool and various other normal facilities that you would expect.
The rooms are very well equipped with all the modern amenities that you could need, including a kettle.
You get some really neat, unique stationary items left too, and if you bag them each night, the next day housekeeping will leave you more! I absolutely cannot fault the Hollywood Hotel.

In May 2013 we stayed in the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

Our room had a view towards the pool, pier and further out you could even see Hong Kong and Kowloon!
The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is gorgeous, and replicates some of the design features and styles of the Grand Floridian in Florida, or the Disneyland Hotel in Paris.
Like the Hollywood Hotel, the grounds are immaculate and pretty, too. There is both an indoor and outdoor pool, a maze, gift shop, three restaurants, a bar/lounge, and other facilities.
Although I don't think we were meant to per se, we actually could pick up free wifi in our room, but that isn't advertised. Free wifi is usually only available in the lobby. Guest room internet usually requires a credit card. I guess we just got lucky!
The rooms are well appointed, spacious, and feature tea and coffee making facilities, and a surprisingly large bathroom.

Getting to the Park

From the both hotels you can either walk to the park (about a 25min stroll along the beautiful promenade), or you can take the shuttle bus from outside the main lobby of each hotel.
The bus drops you off next to the train station, which is about a 5min walk to the park entrance.

Dining at the Hotels

For our experiences dining at the hotels, see the dining section.

Staying Off Site

If you wish to stay off site, then you'll most likely find yourself in Hong Kong itself, or on the island of Kowloon.
Both are equally as fascinating and diverse, and offer a wide range of hotels to suite all budgets and needs.

We have stayed in the Mandarin Oriental in central HK, which is a stunning deluxe hotel, and we have stayed in the Cosmo Hotel Wan Chai, which is definitely on the budget end.
Of course I'd be lying if I said they were equally as good (the Mandarin blew us away), but both were comfortable, functional and offered great locations.
I suggest you look around Expedia and other travel websites, stay away from anything under 3 star ratings, and read reviews before booking anything.
I have linked to the Cosmo and the Mandarin on the side panel.

Purchasing tickets for HKDL is very easy. The options are very simple.
You can buy a one day or two day pass, or an annual pass know in HKDL as Magic Access.
Current ticket prices range from HK$450 to HK$585. Discounts are available for children and seniors.


You can buy your tickets online beforehand, or at the gates. As well as the regular kiosk service serviced by Cast Members, there are electronic booths where you can print your own. I believe these are currently for ones you have pre-purchased online, but that could have changed, and you MIGHT now be able to buy new ones here too. A credit card will be required to use the machines.
HKDL is so quiet most of the year, that we have never purchased our tickets in advance (save one evening, which I'll explain in a moment), and always bought them on the day.

Special Event Days

On occasion HKDL might make available special tickets, such as at Halloween time, when they have their special Halloween parade on the weekends, in the evenings.
These are NOT party tickets, and regular day admission is perfectly fine, but there may be other reasons why you may want to take advantage of these tickets.
If you don't plan to arrive until later in the day, or only want to attend the special Halloween happenings, then buying one of these tickets would be cheaper - except you should do it in advance online.
These tickets guarantee you that even though you do not hold full day admission, that even if the park is full because it's a special event day, you will be allowed entry.

Magic Access (Annual Passes)

Hong Kong Disneyland tickets are so cheap that if you end up visiting for more than several days at a time, or even multiple trips in a year, then an annual pass - known at HKDL as Magic Access - is definitely worth your while.
With an AP comes not only park entry, but like the US and DLP parks, special benefits and discounts.

In the past HKDL was criticised heavily for its apparent lack of attractions. Well, having been there three years in a row, and seen each new land open, I can honestly say that HKDL definitely does not lack things to do anymore.
In the beginning, yes, it was small. I guess you could say that physically, parts of it do still feel small, but that doesn't mean it still has nothing to offer.
By my own count (and not the Disney count that usually includes non-attractions such as the Liki Tikis, meet 'n' greet areas, and City Hall), HKDL with the opening of Mystic Manor, has 21 attractions (also excludes the two stage shows - I've listed those in the shows and entertainment section).
Twenty-one I know is not a lot by a Magic Kingdom style park standard, but as I pointed out, there are also the stage shows, plus all the other entertainment offerings that do not fall under attractions.


If you've been to any other Disney Park around the world, most of the attractions at HKDL will feel very familiar, but like the other parks and their little differences, HKDL also has some unique elements.
The biggest difference is the wait times. HKDL is a breeze, and wait times are nearly always very short - if there is a line at all.

As for attractions themselves, let's start with Mickey's PhilharMagic and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which are virtually identical to their US counterparts, but still enjoyable nonetheless.
The Main Street Vehicles offer an identical experience to the other vehicles of the world. One way trips up or down the street, except in HKDL the view is a bit different.

The Orbitron, Dumbo, the Tea Cups and the Carousel are again, like for like. The differences being that you'll see different scenery around the attractions while spinning around on them.
If you have been to DLP, then the RC Racer, Parachute Drop and Slinky Dog are almost the same, again except some cosmetics and scenery surrounding them.
Space Mountain as a whole is very similar to California's, but the ride cars are tiny and the interior queue and boarding area is different.
The Stitch Encounter is just like DLP's (if you haven't experienced this, think Turtle Talk with Crush at EPCOT or DCA), but usually the HKDL one can be more amusing. Maybe the comedic talent in China is better than in France!
Their "it's a small world" is more akin to California's, but has some unique sets inside. HKDL's version was also the first version to include Disney Character dolls inside as part of the attraction - California later copied this idea. Outside, at night, the facade is lit in thousands of twinkling lights, and looks very pretty.

So, with that, what's left to experience that is different, I hear you ask?
Well, their Tarzan's Treehouse is in the middle of the Rivers of Adventure, and while the actual treehouse is almost the same as California's, you have to take a raft across to it, and it is completely surrounded by HKDL's Jungle Cruise! The views from up top are decidedly more tropical too!
Their Jungle Cruise is definitely recommended. The scenery is different and the ending is unique.
Over at Grizzly Gulch there are the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. Anyone who claims that this is the same as Big Thunder is lying. The Runaway Mine Cars are entirely unique. The story and theming is different, and the whole experience is a world apart from the four other Thunder Mountains. For a start, the Runaway Mine Cars travel backwards for an extended time!
It is a lot of fun and one of the highlights of the park since its expansion.


For us though, the new highlight, and the creme de la creme of attractions in the park (and probably the world, to be honest!), is Mystic Point's Mystic Manor.
Mystic Manor is home to Lord Henry Mystic and his pet monkey, Albert.
You are invited on a special tour of Lord Henry's home, but of course things go wrong! Filled with dazzling special effects and trackless ride vehicles, Mystic Point is what all Disney attractions should be modelled on! Do not miss it!

Disney's FastPass Service

Currently HKDL only offers FastPass at Space Mountain, Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear. Even the park's newest, and best, attractions - Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Manor - do not offer FastPass because the park simply isn't busy enough to warrant them.

Hong Kong Disneyland, despite its size, does have a fair amount of entertainment.

Day Parades

The current day parade is Flights of Fantasy. Without a doubt worth watching for anyone who likes to see a Disney parade and the characters. Although no special characters feature, the floats are really neat, and the costumes are great. It's lively and fun, and just works for HKDL.


When it rains in the park (which is often by any account), they replace the parade with the Rainy Day Express, which is a cute cut down version of the parade. It features the core characters from the parade aboard a special train. Mickey and friends even wear cute rain jackets!
There are regular fireworks of an evening. These, honestly, are not that great. The soundtrack is nice, but if there's a big crowd, you're tired or other circumstances prevent you from watching properly, then you aren't missing much.

During Christmas and Halloween Seasons, there are special parades or cavalcades that take place, also.

Bands and Live Entertainment

The park does have several roaming bands and live entertainment offerings.
On Main Street you'll regularly find the Hong Kong Disneyland Band and a smaller brass/jazz band.
In Adventureland they have tam-tam drummers, and in Grizzly Gulch there is the Welcome Wagon Show and Grizzly Joe who wanders around strumming his guitar.
Tomorrowland used to have the JAMMitors, but I don't know if they re there regularly anymore.
At Mystic Point you can watch the Freight Depot Show.

Stage Shows

There are two main stage shows presented in the park. The first is the amazing Golden Mickeys in Fantasyland. Filled with great characters, spectacular scenery and costumes, and lovely music, it is definitely a must see.
The second show is HKDL's own version of Animal Kingdom's long running Festival of the Lion King. Everyone I know who has seen this show, and myself included, enjoy this version much more than the DAK one. It is colourful, well presented, and generally has a different feel and approach to it. It seems to just work better here.

Fireworks

The fireworks at HKDL are pretty, and I like the soundtrack, but by all accounts, they aren't anything spectacular. The show does not feature big rockets, or loud bangs; the fireworks are fairly low and more just "showers" or sprays. Definitely a magical end to a Disney day, but don't set your expectations too high!

Guided and VIP Tours

Just like the other Disney Parks around the world, HKDL offers a selection of guided and VIP tours. There are a variety of experices on offer, and these can change regularly depending on demand and season. Check with City Hall on Main Street during your visit for more detailed information.

Impressions

Dining at HKDL is a really pleasant experience. They seem to have an excellent variety of food, usually all cooked fresh in front of you (even at large counter service places such as Royal Banquet Hall, it's prepared fresh!), and the restaurants are clean and efficient.
The biggest problem is that there aren't very many restaurants at the resort, but what they do have is very good.

Dining in the Park

We would recommend the Royal Banquet Hall in Fantasyland, Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland, Corner Cafe on Main Street and both Tomorrowland counter service places are all very good too. The Star Liner Diner in Tomorowland in particular has some nice desserts!
The only place I've never really liked is Clopin's Festival of Foods in Fantasyland, but that could just be me.

The only place in the park that is dedicated to ice cream is a small kiosk down at the back of the park, in front of "it's a small world".
I have to say the desserts here are amazing, but I cannot figure out why in this hot, humid climate they don't have a full ice cream parlour like all the other resorts around the world! There is also very little seating back there, and the desserts are pretty big, so be careful not to drop them in transit while finding a place to eat it!
Popcorn and other light snacks can be found on carts throughout the park, along with more regionalised options that may seem really odd to western guests (fried squid sold on the same cart as bottled drinks and popcorn seems odd to me!).

Dining at the Hotels

There are a number of dining options at both on site hotels. From casual quick dining, table service, and buffet.
From our own personal experiences we would highly recommend the Enchanted Garden character buffet at the HKDL Hotel, and Chef Mickey's buffet at the Hollywood Hotel (Chef Mickey is in attendance on select days, but not all the time).

One morning during October 2012 we had breakfast at the Hollywood Hotel's quick service place, Hollywood and Dine. It was ok, but I didn't like the sausage, and felt I would have been better off with something from the park. The food tried to be more Western, but had an Asian flare, that at least for me personally, I didn't like. That isn't to say the food wasn't good at all - it's just me!


Chef Mickey is a buffet restaurant which on select nights features Chef Mickey himself. Of course, he was there when we went.
It isn't an actual character meal per se, as Mickey isn't always there.
Mickey wears his chef outfit, and stays in one location. You are seated and given a ticket to meet Mickey when your number is called. It's actually a fairly efficient system and worked well.
The buffet food is really good and I loved the look and feel of the restaurant. I would definitely recommend it, especially if Mickey is there when you go!

We have also eaten breakfast at the character dining Enchanted Garden at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, and none of the other restaurants, therefore I can't comment on those.
Enchanted Garden is the only permanent character dining restaurant on property. It is one of our must-sees each trip.
The food is buffet style and is really very good. There is a lot of variety, and it is well presented.
The restaurant has really nice views over the lower outside ground area, and an outdoor terrace.
The characters and atmosphere are more relaxed there than many other character meals we've ever had around the world, which was nice.
During Chinese New Year, Halloween and Christmas seasons the characters at the restaurant have special costumes.

Shopping at Hong Kong Disneyland is a mixed bag of experiences. On the one hand Hong Kong Disneyland definitely lacks any major retail space, but at the same time has some great offerings.

The stores are incredibly small; even the Emporium on Main Street is like a miniature version of the Disneyland in California one!
If you take a look at our detailed park guidebook pages, you see that the theme park itself only has 18 listed stores, plus the usual carts and stands scattered throughout.
There are only two Disney Hotels currently on property, and these feature one store each. Both of these store feature a key range of merchandise from the park.



Having said all of that, I absolutely love shopping at HKDL! The merchandise is so much more interesting than the other parks (in particular compared to the US).
They have a huge selection of fantastic pins, very cute plushes and really unique items that you don't see anywhere else (lunch boxes and bags, fans, candy items, to name but a few).
On top of that, merchandise is so much cheaper than anywhere else. Compared to Tokyo Disney Resort (which will bankrupt you), HKDL probably has the lowest prices of any Disney Park.

Package Pickup

If you don't want to carry your purchases around all day, and you can't rent a locker, then purchases made in most stores can be sent to the front of the park for collection later. Guests staying at either HKDL Resort Hotel can have their purchases sent to the hotel gift shops.

The Park, Environment and Cast

The cast members at HKDL are the absolute friendliest we've ever met, bar none. They will bend over backwards to help you in any way possible.
They love to help, love to give out free character stickers (of which HKDL seems to have an infinite amount and variety!), and they love to make sure you are having the best time possible.
The park, resort areas and the hotels are absolutely immaculate. Some areas are so spotless you'd think the park just opened that day.
The respect for the park and its environments is unrivaled, we think. There is one exception, and that is that the Castle (which is Sleeping Beauty Castle, and from the outside looks exactly like Disneyland in California's - except there is nothing in it!), is really drab.

I don't know what happened to their colour scheme, but in the three years we have been visiting it has always looked the same. It should be repainted a completely different colour to freshen it up.
Castle aside, couple all that positive stuff in with the amazing merchandise, dining and unique attraction experiences (please see all those appropriate sections for details), if you haven't been to HKDL, then a trip is well overdue!

Visas and Entry into Hong Kong

British and US Citizens with no criminal convictions or endorsements can enter HK without a visa, and will need to fill out a landing card on arrival. You actually have two parts to it, one which is given upon entry and the other exiting the region. To visit mainland China all visitors usually need a visa and should check before travelling.

When to Visit

It's a tough choice to figure out when you want to visit. Hong Kong is very hot all year round, but we have been in July when it is so humid you can barely breathe, and I do not recommend that to anyone!
We've been in October, April and May also, and found the weather at those times to be really quite pleasant (if a little changeable).
In terms of crowds, HKDL is the least busy Disney Park I've ever been to. Attraction and character lines can build up during peak times, but honestly, compared to the other four resorts at peak times, HKDL is a breeze.
We've rarely had to wait for anything, and you can normally find spots for the parade throughout the park right before it steps out.
Being in HKDL is so relaxed and calm, you'll almost forget you're in Disney!

Time Zones

Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of the UK during summertime, and 6 hour ahead of most of Europe.
There is a 13 hour time difference during the summer for the East Coast USA, and 16 hours for the West Coast.
Hong Kong does not usually observe Daylight Savings Time, and so these time differences may vary by an hour each way outside of the summer (depends on whether your own time zone changes or not).

How Long Should We Stay?

When you look at how many overall attractions and shows the park has, and how deathly quiet it is most of the year (in terms of lines), you'd think you would only need two days tops.
I can assure you once you have spent a day in the park, you'll want to keep going back!
The park has some sort of enchanting draw about it, and it makes you feel so happy and relaxed about being there. It really is the most pleasant park we've ever been to.
To ensure you see everything at least once (including all shows and parades etc), and probably twice if the park is especially quiet, you'd need at least 3 days, we think.
If it is Christmas or Halloween season, then maybe four days.
Four days might seem a lot, but in order to really know the park, see all the shows and absorb it all, four days at a seasonal time of year seems very fair (although three would work too if you didn't have the time or money).

Money Matters

The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar, and at the moment HK$10 equates to about 84p (British). The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort accepts HK$ and RMB at most full service locations (shops, restaurants etc that are not cards or stands).
An ATM (cash machine) is located at City Hall on Main Street USA. Unlike in Japan, most foreign bank cards work in Hong Kong. Credit and debit cards may need to be unlocked by calling your service provider in order to work abroad (mainly Europeans need to do this. It is a fraud prevention measure).
Most main foreign currencies can be exchanged into HK$ at City Hall. Check on the day of your visit.

Guest Services - Strollers, Wheelchairs, Lockers etc

Hong Kong Disneyland is a very modern park, and all facilities, like the rest of the park, are immaculately kept and serviced often.
Located on Main Street, the park has stroller and wheelchair rentals.
Prices start at HK$90 for strollers, and HK$60 for wheelchairs.
Baby care, first aid and City Hall are also located on Main Street. City Hall is where you can ask questions, make complaints or ask assistance for most other needs.
There is also a first aid center in Grizzly Gulch.
Locker rental is available on Main Street, about half way up, on the right (down Center Street). If you don't want to rent a locker, purchases made in most stores can be sent to the front of the park for collection later. Guests staying at either HKDL Resort Hotel can have their purchases sent to the hotel gift shops.
Disabled guests are accommodated in a variety of ways, and you should check with City Hall on Main Street for a full list of services available to you.

Meeting the characters at HKDL is a lot of fun. The lines are short, the characters are always fun and seem to have a real vibe about them, and they have some cute costumes at different times of the year.
Although the park does not really have a huge selection of characters, we really enjoy meeting them in HKDL because of the relaxed approach and the friendliness of the cast members and guests.
You can meet a variety of Disney pals, from the Princesses, Mickey and friends, Pooh, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Koda and Kenai and even PUSH the Talking Trash Can!
Main Street tends to be the home of Mickey and Friends, while Fantasyland has the Princesses.
Fantasyland is also home to Fantasy Gardens, which is a really pretty area that is dedicated to character meet 'n' greets. Usually you can find Mickey or Minnie, a Pooh friend, and two other characters (sometimes another of Mickey's friends and a Princess, though this can vary).
The Barrel of Fun in Toy Story Land is the dedicated place to meet Woody and Jessie.


The cutest regular outfits in the park are those of Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale over at Grizzly Gulch.
Prospector Chip and Dale are probably my among my favourite costumes anywhere!

During special times of the year, such as Chinese New Year, Christmas and Halloween (and sometimes other special events too), the Disney Characters will appear in themed costumes throughout the park. During Halloween Season Jack Skellington and Sally Stitches greet guests, and at Christmas time Santa may even appear!

For more detailed information about meeting characters at HKDL, check out each of the park's lands dedicated pages in our HKDL guidebook.

Like the other parks around the world, HKDL celebrates various holidays.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is obviously a big one since the park is in China. During that time they have special entertainment going on, as well as greetings with the Disney Characters in their really cute Chinese outfits. The outfits nearly always change year-on-year too! The actual date of Chinese New year can change year on year, but is near the end of January or the start of February.

Summertime

During the summer, in the past the park has featured water themed cavalcades, mini parades and special greetings (Mickey and friends in summer outfits for example). The summer entertainment seems to be inconsistent though year-on-year, so it's best to check nearer the time of your visit.

Disney's Haunted Halloween

Halloween is celebrated at HKDL, and we absolutely loved it! In some ways it is very similar to the US, but in other ways completely different!
They have character greetings (Mickey and friends in Halloween costumes, plus Jack and Sally), Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy, and they have a special parade (most recent version was the Glow in the Park Parade). Then they have some darker, more sinister and adult offerings. I am not one for things that make me jump or scare me, but honestly, they do an amazing job with their controlled environments they set up.
The first is Revenge of the Headless Horseman, and is a ghoulish circus nightmare, filled with performers who jump out at you! The other is the Graves Academy, a creepy, run down school filled with spooky students and teachers!
Both of the above are full walk through experiences, set up within the park. I cannot express to you what a spectacular job they do of theming these temporary environments! I have never seen Disney do such a good job on something that only lasts a month! The sets, props, performers and overall experience is incredible - even if they scare you half to death in the process!
They also have the Cursed Jungle, which involves roaming performers in Adventureland who creep around scaring unsuspecting guests. Finally, there is the vampires vs. werewolves dance performance on Main Street.
At night the parks lighting is altered, as is the soundtrack, and it really feels like a scary, ticketed Halloween event - but it's all included in regular admission!
Halloween is truly excellent, so be sure to try it!

Disney's Sparkling Christmas

HKDL do celebrate Christmas also. Again, they have a cavalcade, character greetings, lovely decorations and other holiday entertainment.
Unlike Halloween, there are no real attraction alterations or additions, but overall the park has a special seasonal feel to it, and is most certainly worth a visit.

At all seasonal times of the year, as with all the other parks, you'll find special merchandise and food offerings.
At the Enchanted Garden restaurant in the HKDL Hotel, the characters change their costumes according to the season. For example Halloween and Christmas they dress in special outfits that are different from those in the park.

Nighttime

There wasn't really anywhere else I could put this, but I wanted to make specific mention to nighttime at the Park.
If you have ever visited another Disney Park, you'll know that as night falls, a different kind of magic sweeps over the magical realms. Main Street comes alive with tens of thousands of flashing lightbulbs, and the Castle is lit in multicolored effects.
Hong Kong Disneyland's Fantasyland is very pretty at night, especially around the Clopin's Festival of Foods area. Their "it's a small world" is exceptionally pretty, and is lit in thousands of multicolored changing bulbs. It is definitely the prettiest of all the "small world" attractions.
Tomorrowland comes to life with its electric neons, and the Big Grizzly Mountain famous rock faces are lit for all the Wild West to behold.

Set on a group of islands in the South China Sea, just off the mainland, Hong Kong manages to have a wonderful balance of East meets West.
Massive buildings in greater size and number than I had ever seen before, beautiful mountains and lush green landscapes all engulfed in the waters of the western Pacific Ocean.
What I find interesting and somewhat amusing is that due to the region's previous ruling by the British, HK has an interesting mix of British things intermingled with Asian. The road signs for example are all very British. As are all the traffic lights and signals. There are British banks, and all the signs and notices tend to favour English first, then Chinese.

They also drive on the same side of the road and have double decker busses just like the UK!
You probably also won't able to help wonder how many 100 story apartment blocks a city could need.


The highest point above the city is at Victoria Peak Garden. The first time we went to HK, Our driver did an amazing job of navigating the practically vertical hills high above the city and once we arrived at the peak it became apparent we made the best choice of our stay.
The views over the surrounding city, islands and bay area are second to none. With panoramic views for miles and miles and lush green scenery, it is truly a beautiful sight.

Some of the buildings in HK must be amongst the tallest in the world as they are simply enormous, but up in this tranquil paradise the hustle and bustle below look merely like a model village from a theme park. It is simply incredible. There is a mountain side tram that runs up and down the side to the very point I was talking about, and it is in the central HK city area, but you would have to find out where exactly.
Also near the peak is a small shopping mall (because malls at the top of mountains are normal, right?!) that includes a McDonald's, and other useful amenities.

I definitely think that Hong Kong is a much more interesting city than Tokyo. Not that we didn't like Tokyo, but HK just had more character to it and was visually stunning, as opposed to the very industrial and sprawling Japanese capital. One night we also had a meal at a very upmarket Chinese restaurant in a large tower block. I don't recall the name, but you had to be a member to go there - which our hotel was, which meant we could use it. So if you ever stay at the Mandarin Oriental, ask about those exclusive members only restaurant around the corner - it's definitely worth a try. Before we move on to the resort itself, I'll just mention some practical things that we came across that might be useful to someone reading this.

Kowloon

Easily accessible on the MTR system, and facing HK island is the 'sister' island of Kowloon.
Just as fascinating and diverse as HK itself, Kowloon has streets jam-packed with retail, dining and other vendors, selling their unique items.
There is a definite mix of western and Chinese influences that have collided to create this wonderfully individual, yet familiar place. You'll find McDonalds on every block, and the weirdest Pizza Huts you'll ever eat at, alongside more traditional Chinese stores and restaurants.
Big name brands, and small local outlets are crammed into the long and busy Kowloon streets.
Street vendors (carts) sell a mixture of unusual items, mostly seafood. Be warned - some of it might turn your stomach!

The Kowloon Night Market is a famous street market that takes place most evenings, and offers the chance to get some discount bargains, ranging from accessories, toys, clothing and more. One big tip - be sure to haggle to get the best price!


Kowloon also has its own Walk of Fame, situated on the waterfront facing HK island (with amazing views of the city!), which pays homage to the most famous Chinese exports, such as Bruce Lee.