Want to celebrate your child’s birthday in a big way or just looking to spend a fun weekend with your barkada? Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) is less than two hours away! It may be the youngest park of the franchise, but it’s also constantly under development. In fact, in just three years, the park has opened three new theme lands, namely: Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, and Mystic Point, all of which have already become crowd favorites. Still, every visit to HKDL promises something new for kids and kids-at-heart. Here, 10 things you may have yet to try at the park.
1. Watch the Disney Paint the Night parade.
By now, HKDL veterans know to anticipate the Flights of Fantasy Parade in the afternoon. However, the evening parade, Disney Paint the Night, will literally dazzle you. The spectacular and mesmerizing LED extravaganza features Disney favorites such as Mickey Mouse, Tinker Bell, and Sulley and Mike from Monsters, Inc., but what makes it really special is that you can actually interact with the entourage using the Mickey Magic Paint Brush. Use it to change colors on selected costumes at the parade or change the colors on your own Minnie Glow Bow and Mickey Glow Mitt.
2. Pose with Anna and Elsa.
Fans of Frozen will be glad to know that the sisters of Arendelle have made their way over to Hong Kong. And as if that’s not enough, Arendelle fashion is also in stock, so your young daughters are free to dress up as Anna and Elsa!
3. Open the gates with Mickey and Minnie.
Never tried going to HKDL before opening hours? Try setting your alarm, and head down to the park bright and early. Every day, one lucky guest (or sometimes, family) is chosen to officially open the park gates, alongside Mickey and Minnie, to the crowd. Wouldn’t that be one for the Instagram books!
4. Indulge your inner foodie.
If you think amusement park food is overpriced and undercooked, HKDL will blow your mind. From Plaza Inn’s yummy dim sum offerings to Main Street Corner Café’s delectable selection of afternoon treats, your taste buds will be spoiled. Staying at the HKDL Hotel? Make sure to reserve a table at the award-winning Crystal Lotus!
5. Spot the Pinoy cast members.
Many of our kababayans have been part of HKDL since it opened in 2005—from music director Rony Fortich to park choreographer Jaime Del Prado—and the numbers are steadily growing. Catch Rochelle Raki Vega, the main vocalist for the song “Find Your Light” in HKDL’s Show Your Disney Side campaign, as Bebe and Gian Magdangal as Shang in the Golden Mickeys.
6. Enjoy a vegetarian feast.
Is there a vegetarian in the family? You’ll find that the restaurants at HKDL don’t scrimp on their greens. Steamed rice roll with vegetable and bamboo pith, anyone?
7. Fawn over Duffy and ShellieMay.
Don’t know who these adorable bears are? Duffy is Mickey’s huggable bear, while ShellieMay is a bear Minnie made, so Duffy wouldn’t be so lonely. Too. Much. Cuteness.
8. Indulge in their famous egg tarts.
Hong Kong is also famous for its egg tarts, and the ones at Plaza Inn are simply delicious.
9. Get a Baymax balloon.
Baymax action figures are easy enough to get here in the Philippines, but HKDL has the most adorable Baymax balloons that you and your children will love.
10. Watch the fireworks from the best place ever.
The fireworks display at the end of the day is definitely not something to be missed. The best place to see the pyrotechnics in all its glory: right by the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad at the Main Street Station.
PHOTOS: Hong Kong Disneyland
