Everywhere you looked, Mickey Mouse was there. Carved at the center of the archway that welcomes you, surfing on the fountain, his face on the pancake you ate for breakfast, and now, even on the dimsum that you just had at the hotel. Of course, this is Disneyland, where the pixie dust can alter your state (Tinkerbell was just right around the corner) and where your dreams, whether it’s becoming a princess or a dog (Pluto) can come true.
I have been to Disneyland a couple of times in different parts of the world. Each experience is unique and special and magical. I honestly didn’t expect much from this last visit, save from the usual snapshots with Mickey and Minnie that were to be expected of any trip. Turns out there’s so much to experience from HK Disneyland — more than what you’d expect it to be.
There are several new attractions that are worth every penny. Experience the Grizzly Gulch, where one can feel the old world roar of a trek towards places unknown. Think Texas meets cowboy town where you explore different places inhabited by individuals during old Western times.
Toy Story Land shrinks you to a minute specimen in the midst of giant plants and toys, mingling with Woody and Buzz Lightyear, among other characters. We were fortunate enough to get on a couple of rides here, and while they’re not for the faint of heart, they’re actually for those who wish to conquer their fears of the unknown. There were puppet shows that showcased Chinese-speaking characters, but I’m not sure if that’s what will draw you to the theme park that brings in thousands every year to experience the magic that is Disney. Too many attractions, too little time. So make the most out of it.
Meet and greet the disney stars
We lined up to meet and greet Chip and Dale, Tinkerbell, Snow White, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy Duck, among other Disney attractions. This was no ordinary meet-up as I saw them hop from one table to another to make sure that everyone got their dose of character consumption, from breakfast or all throughout the park — Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy and more show up at the breakfast buffet area to make an appearance and have their photos taken by everyone. Current fans are composed of Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong residents and foreigners eager to have a souvenir photo op with Mickey. I heard so many Filipino tourists as well, and I just hoped they were having as much fun as I was having.
Another area worth mentioning is the Mystic Point where you’ll discover Lord Henry’s mystic secrets in the huge mansion accompanied by his mischievous monkey Albert. I had such a great time going around Mystic Point that I got lost within the magic and musing until I realized the place was, indeed, filled with secrets that made the place more mysterious and worthy to explore. What an experience it was to experience Mystic Point with so many surprises and unexpected twists and turns.
The Philippine media representatives spent a few days at the Hollywood Hotel at Disneyland, an Art Deco-inspired hotel that was meant to complement your Disney experience. From themed stores to restaurants, it made sure that the Mickey branding was intact and ready to go. On the other side was Disneyland Hotel, where even the dimsum was in the shape of Mickey Mouse, and where Snow White was seen walking around, having photos taken with the people present that afternoon. How’s that for keeping things in character?
Each day started with a breakfast buffet filled with Mickey treats. Then we would proceed to our day’s exploration of Disney feats, from presidential suites filled with Mickey touches to hotel lobbies that would serve as venues for characters to pop out, as if you were in a storybook.
In the end, after all the rides, meals and the countless photo ops within the theme park, you ask yourself and wonder why such places exist. Then you realize that after everything, you are a child at heart, and you grew up listening to these classics, listening to these stories, and that there’s no denying the strong influences Disney has had on our childhood and on the generation. From the lives of princesses to seeing beyond the beastly looks of a person, to fantasy fireworks displays accompanied by classic Disney theme songs and even artificial snow during this month of December, what better way to help usher in the Yuletide season ahead? Disney has taught us how to laugh, enjoy, accept other people without judgment, and how to celebrate that child within, one animated feature at a time. From film to TV to toys to special projects — the magic never stops. It’s time to play, everyone!
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