After reading my two long posts on Hong Kong Disneyland (Part 1 and Part 2), I bet you need a summarized version that highlights all the must-see, must-do, must-try and must-eat. So, here goes my Top Six Recommendations in Hong Kong Disneyland, along with some useful travel tips.
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Top Six Recommendations in HK Disneyland
1. Must-Eat: Magical Afternoon High Tea Set at Main Street Corner Cafe
I stumbled upon this Victorian-styled restaurant in the Main Street USA that serves the most beautiful high-teas that I’ve ever had.
The cakes, pastries and fruits are tastefully decorated, mostly in Mickey Mouse shapes, on a nice tea set stand. The moment I looked at it, I was like “WOW, I think I’m in love!” They are oh-so delicious too!
This high-tea set is available from 3pm to 5:30pm, at HK$298 and it’s good for twin-sharing.
2. Must-See: Flights of Fantasy Parade
Don’t miss this interactive sky-high celebration that starts at 3:30pm. It begins in Fantasyland, near the entrance of Storybook Theatre. Do arrive early to get the best seats with unblocked view.
3. Must-Try: River Jungle Cruise
Among all the rides in Disneyland, I think River Jungle Cruise is the most family-friendly ride that you must try. This big boat adventure has no height limit, so you can bring your entire family to come face-to-face with the hippos, elephants, cobras, orang utans, etc. The funny boat captain will make you laugh with her jokes during your ride. I’ve posted a short video of the cruise in Part 2.
4. Best Breakfast: Enchanted Garden Restaurant
Where else? It has to be the Enchanted Garden Restaurant in Disneyland Hotel! Sumptuous breakfast with Disney characters meet-and-greet, as well as fun photography sessions. Our boy wanted to take pictures with every Disney characters that he met, so I’m busy taking pictures than eating actually.
5. Best Lunch: Crystal Lotus Restaurant
A visit to Hong Kong Disneyland will not be complete, unless you try-out the cutest Disney-themed dim sum at Crystal Lotus Restaurant in the Disneyland Hotel.
6. Recommended Dinner: Walt’s Cafe
After a long and exciting day at Disneyland, perhaps a little tiring too, nothing beats having a quiet and romantic dinner at Walt’s Cafe. This cafe is located in Disneyland Hotel, and it serves fine dining menu with Western and Asian choices.
Our set dinner for the day: Cobb Salad with Caesar Dressing; Cream of Potatoes and Leek; Grilled Sirloin Steak with Seasonal Vegetables and Potatoes; Pan-seared Salmon Fillet with Tomato Salsa, Fresh Vegetables and Boiled Potato; and White Chocolate Cheese Cake.
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Useful Travel Tips
1. Do some advanced planning
I would advise you to do some advanced scouting prior to your trip to HK Disneyland. Here are some useful links, with up-to-date information on the recommended rides, new attractions, show times, park hours, dining options and hotel room rates.
On the day of your visit, don’t forget to pick up your Disneyland Guidemap and Times Guide near the entrance! There are two important timings that you should take note:
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Flights of Fantasy Parade: 3:30pm daily
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“Disney in the Stars” Fireworks: 7:30pm from Mon to Sat, 9:00pm on Sun.
2. Rent a stroller, if you need it
When your kid is whiny, sleepy or tired of walking, go straight to the Disneyland Fire Department on Town Square to rent a stroller at a minimal charge. These strollers are in good condition, reasonably clean with padded seat and water-proof cover.
If you’re bringing your own stroller, please pack along a battery-powered fan, a storage portion to hold snacks and drinks, stroller hooks to lug your stuffs on the stroller, as well as an overhead canopy – especially when you’re travelling during summer! I’m a huge fan of stroller; seriously I don’t want to break my back carrying my 18kg boy along with my backpack.
3. Have your shopping items delivered
Shopping in HK Disneyland is fun; there is a mind-boggling array of merchandises that will surely delight you – canned biscuits, clothings, soft toys, watches, bags, hair accessories, key chains, magnets, photo frames and many more.
To minimize the inconvenience of carrying your shopping items around the park, you can request for free delivery to your hotel lobby (if you’re staying in the Hollywood or Disneyland Hotel). Just check with the cashier staffs when you’re making payment, and they’ll be delighted to offer the service to you.
Little Edison’s Buzz Lightyear Toy Gun
4. Get your FASTPASS
For the convenience of all visitors, HK Disneyland has installed FASTPASS Card at 3 major attractions – “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” at Fantasyland, “Space Mountain” and “Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters” at Tomorrowland.
To get your FASTPASS, simply insert your Park admission ticket into a FASTPASS Distribution Machine at the designated attractions – and out comes your FASTPASS! It’s free after all. You’ll find detailed instructions and your time of entrance on the Card. Now, you can visit other attractions first and return to the attraction on your Card at the instructed time. It really saves you the trouble of queuing.
Click HERE for more information on Disneyland’s FASTPASS.
5. Book your meals in advance
From my experience, I understand that some of the popular restaurants like Enchanted Garden and Crystal Lotus can be fully-booked on weekends and peak seasons. Thus, I would advise you to make your reservations in advance prior to your trip to avoid disappointment.
Hopefully, my recommendations and guide would be useful if you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland soon. I shall end this post with two more pictures of the beautiful Hong Kong Disneyland.
The Beautiful HK Disneyland during the day
The stunning Sleeping Beauty Castle at night
To read all my posts on Hong Kong Disneyland (2012), please go to: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | ALL
