Hong Kong Disneyland has been last on my list of things to do in Hong Hong with kids and my visit proved exactly why this was. I’m not big on Disneyland and think Mickey Mouse has a bit of annoying voice but I’m definitely not against it. I went to Disney in Orlando and that was alright, all things considered. So this negative review of Hong Kong Disneyland is not because I’m just against big ears and whiny voices.
It’s pretty easy to get to Hong Kong Disneyland, take the MTR to Sunny Bay station then hop on one of the many regular trains that go to Disneyland. If you want to go in a taxi it’ll cost you around HKD$300 each way. There’s lots of car parking, we (as usual) got there before it opened and still loads and loads of parks available. You can also get the bus – more information on the Hong Kong Disneyland website.
I took Grobbler on a Sunday, getting in not too many people and I thought we were going to get lucky. That didn’t last long, which we’ll talk about in a minute. We managed to do a few rides before the crowds came as we were there as soon as it opened, but after that, you’re going to be waiting in lines for pretty much every ride. Staff aren’t particularly friendly so don’t expect the service you get at Orlando Disney.
Food is expensive and barely edible, I’d bring your own food. If you’re really into theme parks then maybe it’s worth a go, but if you’re thinking about other things to do, give this a miss. My best mate from Thailand took his 3 girls to Hong Kong Disneyland and he said it wasn’t too bad as far as crowds and unruly behaviour go, but he went on a weekday so might be a bit different. If it’s a mainland China public holiday, I’d avoid Hong Kong Disneyland at all costs.
If you live in Hong Kong and have kids I guess you have to go at least once, if you don’t mind cuing up for every single ride and don’t mind people getting in your personal space, yelling and screaming, then you might have a good time. People more patient than myself might have no problems but if you’re an expat who gets the least bit frustrated with uncivilised behaviour, then maybe send your helper along with the kids. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy and have a chuckle at a good fart in public, but the constant yelling, pushing up against you in lines, spitting and otherwise is not my idea of a fun day out.
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