Exploring Hong Kong Disneyland

Situated in Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland is the perfect destination for families, kids, and just about anyone who wants to relive their childhood. The theme park is divided into seven different lands—Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land—that promise uninterrupted fun and the chance to meet and befriend your favourite Disney character. Inaugurated in 2005, the park also incorporates Chinese culture and traditions. (Text by Mayank Kumar)

Situated at the main entrance of Disneyland, Main Street, U.S.A, is designed to resemble a 20th century small town in America. It also hosts a daytime parade called Flights of Fantasy, during which visitors can mingle with Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto and Goofy.

Visitors can also take a ride in period vehicles such as a Paddy Wagon or a Main Street Taxi. The roadsides of the Main Street, U.S.A are lined with food carts offering American and Cantonese-style snacks, as well as several bakeries.

The Adventureland at Hong Kong Disneyland is the biggest among all the Disney parks. It also stages a lively theatrical show based on the animated film, The Lion King, with dancers, acrobatics and fire.

Packed with many jungle-theme adventures, Adventureland comprises a large island surrounded by a small river. Visitors travel on a boat and are introduced to exotic animals, before river rafting to reach Tarzan’s Treehouse, which is inspired by the 1999 film about the feral character. Other attractions include magic shows, tribal dances and sudden water showers.

With an indoor rollercoaster ride in darkness, Tomorrowland offers the illusion of exploring space. The accompanying lights, music and special effects add to the thrilling experience.

Visitors can also play several exciting science fiction games. They can compete with each other using laser guns, or join hands with Buzz Lightyear to battle aliens. There’s also a talking robotic trash can, vibrant UFOs, cool flying spaceships, toy cars and an interactive show featuring a mischievous little alien called Stitch. The eateries in Tomorrowland—Comet Café and Flying Saucer Snacks—offer burgers, curries and a variety of snacks.

Characters Woody and Jessie cheerfully welcome you as you walk into Toy Story Land, which appears to be a replica of the film set of Toy Story. The landmark attractions of this area are the Toy Soldier Boot Camp, the Slinky Dog Spin ride and the 27-metre-high, U-shaped roller coaster called RC Racer.

The high-flying adventure ride—Toy Soldier Parachute Drop—is a must-try experience at Toy Story Land. If all that playing leaves you hungry, Toy Story Land also has a variety of fast food outdoor carts that offer pizza cones, popcorns and ice creams.

Resembling an abandoned town set amidst mountains and woods, Grizzly Gulch will transport you back to the era of mine explorations. Visitors can take an adventurous ride on the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars to get a first-hand experience of how gold was discovered and for some close encounters with grizzly bears.

Grizzly Gulch’s other attractions include water games at the Geyser Gulch and a musical performance called the Wagon Show. The old jail adds to the raw appearance of the theme land, and also makes for a fun photo-op.

Home to many antiques, fine art exhibits and sculptures, Mystic Point is the newest addition to the Hong Kong Disneyland. It revolves around the story of a late 19th-century eccentric explorer called Henry Mystic, who resides in the Mystic Manor. Guests take the Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage ride to reach Mystic Manor to see Henry’s old-world collections. Located in the same complex, the Garden of Wonders and the Mystic Point Freight Depot contain antiques, sculptures and dazzling 3D paintings. Designed in a themed décor inspired by Egypt, Russia, Morocco, India and China, the Explorer’s Club Restaurant in Mystic Point offers an exotic dining experience.

Built in the medieval style, the fairy tale castle of Aurora (the classic Disney fairytale princess)—also known as the Sleeping Beauty Castle—lies at the centre of Hong Kong’s Disneyland. Go for a fun-filled spin in the Mad Hatter Tea Cup ride (inspired by Alice in Wonderland) and take a speedy ride in the Cinderella Carousel.

There’s plenty of street entertainment in the form of singing and juggling at Fantasyland. Besides the circus-like extravaganza, don’t forget to meet Snow White and the seven dwarfs at the Snow White Grotto, and Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Donald at the Fantasy Gardens.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Hollywood Hotel, located nearby the theme park provide visitors with a range of themed accommodations. If you haven’t had enough of the Disney experience, you can dine with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other characters at eateries such as the Enchanted Garden Restaurant and Chef Mickey.