Hong Kong Disneyland is by far the second Disneyland I had visited (first was Disneyland Paris in 2015). Opened in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland is located in Penny’s Bay on Lantau Island, spanning an area of 28-hectares. The magical park has 7-themed areas to explore, including Main Street U.S.A, Toy Story Land and Adventureland, as well as some rides that are unique to only Hong Kong Disneyland.
Don’t Miss: 8 Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss In Hong Kong Disneyland
Getting There
Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island, the same island as the Hong Kong Airport. It is super convenient if you decided to visit Disneyland after touched down or before your flight (there is luggage valet available).
If you’re staying on the other side, the easiest and inexpensive way to get to Hong Kong Disneyland is via the MTR. There is a designated train at Sunny Bay Station straight to the Disney Resort. The Disney-themed trains depart every few minutes daily, starting early in the morning before the park’s opening time until late at night.
Best time to Visit
Hong Kong’s weather can be hot and humid during the summer months from June to August. If you prefer milder temperatures, consider visiting during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is more pleasant. Like a themeparks worldwide, avoid major holidays like Chinese New Year, Christmas and other Chinese holidays. Weekdays generally tend to be less crowded compared to weekends when local residents and tourists often visit the park. I visited in late August on a weekday, and the longest time I had to wait in line was 30-minutes.
The usual Disneyland Hong Kong opening hours are 10.00am to 9:00pm, but try to aim to arrive before 9:45am to witness park opening, also known as rope drop. You might get lucky if they do start letting you in before the park opens, but you can only access Main Street which give you an opportunity to grab some photos before anyone else!
Purchasing your Ticket
Disneyland tickets are getting more and more expensive, and it’s no exception in Hong Kong. There are plenty of ways you can purchase your Disneyland tickets – over the counter, online, with a travel agent, the airport, and there are even kiosks all over the city. Some charges full price, others higher than most, and some offers different types of promo. Whichever way it is, I would highly recommend to buy your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues at ticketing counter and saving all the hassle.
The original price for a 1-Day single admission ticket costs HK$639 (US$82.50) for ages 12-64. I got my discounted ticket from Klook which comes with a package inclusive of meal vouchers.
Download Hong Kong Disneyland App
I highly recommend downloading the Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app before entering the park. Look over the map and attractions on the train as a way to get familiar with the park and plan your day. You can easily keep track of all the attractions’ waiting time, show times and locate your favourite characters.
Make use of free Fastpass
Did you know your standard day-ticket entitled you to have 3 free fastpass? The designated attractions are: Hyperspace Mountain, Iron Man Experience and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Simply scan your day-ticket on the “FASTPASS” machines in the attraction and you will get a slip which allows you to enter the attraction via the express lane if you return within specific time frames.
You are only allowed to hold one fastpass at a time. Your day-ticket will not be able to scan for another ride if your previous fastpass is not utilized. Most other rides have “Single Rider” queue! If you’re going alone, or don’t mind separating from your friends, this queue helps shorten your waiting time as well.
Don’t follow the Crowd
Out of the 7-themed lands in Hong Kong Disneyland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland have the largest concentration of attractions. These two are the most iconic parts of Hong Kong Disneyland so most visitors usually go to these lands first.
If you are early for the “rope drop”, rush straight to Tomorrowland for Hyperspace Mountain or Iron Man Experience. After either of the ride you have taken, go to the other one and get your free fastpass. While waiting for your allocated time slot, you may visit other lands such as Grizzly Gulch or Mystic Point where it gets crowded at later time.
In short, always explore the furthest part of the park first.
Stay Hydrated
Hong Kong can be hot and humid especially in Summer. Even though there is a bag check at the entrance to prevent you bringing dangerous items and outside food, but that doesn’t means your can’t bring a water bottle. We all know how overpriced a bottle of drink costs in a theme park, so make use of drinking fountains located around the whole Disneyland.
Get Freebies
One of the unique aspects of Disneyland is that all the cast members have stickers in their pockets that they love giving away to kids (and also adults). Ask politely to any of the staff you see and you might get lucky receiving limited edition stickers!
Don’t miss the finale Parade
As per customs, a dazzling display of fireworks at Sleeping Beauty Castle marks the closing of Hong Kong Disneyland every night. When I was there, the castle was under renovation thus there was no fireworks. Nevertheless, the “Disney Paint the Night” parade is as spectacular and has all your favourite Disney characters drifting past on glowing floats.
Lastly, as a final tip, try to leave a few minutes before the end of the parade, or you will inevitably be stuck in a crazed dash with everyone else trying to leave Hong Kong Disneyland.
What is allowed and not allowed at the park?
ALLOWED:
- Cameras and small tripods
- Strollers, wheelchairs, and service animals
- Water Bottles
- Children’s dress up
NOT ALLOWED:
- Selfie Sticks
- Nothing which resembles or could be used as a weapon, including toy guns
- No masks can be worn by anyone over the age of 16
- Food, alcohol, cans, or glass containers
- Strollers over 92-centimetres
Lastly, if you want to keep a track of all my photos and travels, remember to follow @wanderrsaurus on Instagram!
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