Everything You Need to Know About Hong Kong Disneyland
A trip to Disneyland is the stuff of dreams, but to paraphrase The Little Mermaid’s Ariel, who says it can’t become reality? Bringing this vision to life is easier than you think: it’s possible to visit Hong Kong Disneyland on lush, mountainous Lantau Island in a long weekend – the flight is just 9.5 hours from Sydney. It may be the smallest of the Disney parks, but Hong Kong Disneyland is packed with enough rides, attractions and magic to warrant at least two days of exploration. Best of all, once the castle gates close behind you there’s a happily ever after in the form of dazzling Hong Kong and its myriad exciting experiences. Whether you’re seeking a stop-over excursion or a leisurely getaway, here are our essential tips for visiting Hong Kong Disneyland.
How do you get there?
Hong Kong’s super-reliable MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is one of the fastest ways to get around the city and thanks to a designated Disneyland stop, arriving at Hong Kong’s most family-friendly destination is a relatively simple affair. Trains leave every few minutes for the six-minute journey from Sunny Bay Station for Disneyland Resort (if you’re coming after your flight, change here from the Airport Line), as well as from Kowloon and Hong Kong MTR stations, about 30 minutes away. Taxi and bus options are also readily available throughout the city and should take around 30 minutes from Central District, depending on traffic.
Where can we buy tickets?
Pre-purchasing tickets direct at Hong Kong Disneyland, or via third-party sites such as Klook, Traveloka, KKday, GetYourGuide or Expedia is easy, once you’ve figured out which package is right for you. There are one- or two-day passes available plus the option to add on meal passes. Alternatively, the ticket booths onsite open 30 minutes before the park itself does.
What are the operating hours?
Hong Kong Disneyland is typically open from 10am and closing times vary from 8pm to 9pm. There are occasional closures or extended holiday hours (Christmastime brings the much-loved tree-lighting ceremony and a host of themed shows) so be sure to check the website’s Hours and Events Calendar when planning your trip to maximise your adventure.
When is the best time to go?
The trick to avoiding crowds is to visit during the week, as most locals will head to the park on weekends. During the peak of summer (May through to September), Hong Kong Disneyland is not only busier, but conditions are humid and rainy as well. The months between November and March, when Hong Kong is at its coolest and driest, usually deliver the best weather forecast.
Where should you stay?
There are three accommodation options attached to the park, all of which offer regular shuttles and multiple moments of Disney-themed magic. Fashioned after Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort in the United States, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is the most luxurious. Here, grand stairways and crystal chandeliers reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast wrap your stay in old-world opulence and the international buffet served daily in the hotel’s Enchanted Garden Restaurant features cameo appearances from Mickey, Minnie and the crew. Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is a more budget-friendly option with Art Deco rooms and cute diner-themed eateries, while the gardens and pools of Disney Explorers Lodge, themed after the four unique tropical climates of Asia, Oceania, South America and Africa, make it an extra-special adventure for kids.
Diminutive yet thrillingly animated, Hong Kong is an adventure in itself. Book flights at qantas.com now.
How many days do you need?
Hong Kong Disneyland is compact enough that even a one-day stopover allows enough time to be immersed much of the magic but to soak it in properly, set aside two full days.
What are the best rides for little kids?
Adrenaline-fuelled roller-coasters might not be your speed with little ones in tow but there are still plenty of rides on offer to captivate tiny hearts and minds. Frozen Ever After (a gentle boat trip through an ice-cave complete with holographic trolls and singing snowmen) and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs both transport you straight to Arendelle from the Frozen franchise; while the Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Cinderella Carousel, Mad Hatter Tea Cups and Disneyland Railroad lean into more traditional Disney favourites.
What are the best rides for big kids?
Like all Disneylands, the Hong Kong iteration delivers non-stop thrills in spades. Mystic Manor is Hong Kong’s answer to Disneyland California’s Haunted Mansion with a locally-inspired twist including a Chinese Salon room with a giant jade Sun Wukong statue brought to life. Winding its way through cliffs and caves, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars is a perennial crowd favourite and the Iron Man Experience provides interactive 4D thrills in Tomorrowland.
What are the must-see shows?
It wouldn’t be a trip to Disneyland without entertaining the whole family at one of the theme park’s signature shows. Book ahead via the Hong Kong Disneyland app to make sure you don’t miss out on the park’s theatrical offerings, which include the Frozen-inspired Playhouse in the Woods, musical extravaganza Mickey and the Wondrous Book and the circus-like acrobatics of The Festival of the Lion King. Scattered throughout the park, themed “atmospheric” performances also run regularly – you might encounter jungle-drumming circles, magic displays or live balloon-animal creation, all while beloved Disney characters spread smiles at almost every turn. After sunset, don’t miss Momentous, the 20-minute fireworks spectacular, featuring lasers, large-scale 3D projection and choreographed fountains. Disneyland Hotel guests can purchase an add-on for a starlight picnic on the West Lawn, which delivers front-row views to the show.
Which characters can you meet?
Apart from the usual suspects (you’ll spot everyone from Pocahontas to Pluto) wandering the park in costume, more intimate meet-and-greets occur at all three hotels that form the resort, making your lunch break the ideal opportunity for getting up close with your favourites. Book ahead for Character Dining at the Disneyland Hotel’s Enchanted Garden Restaurant to share a bite with a Disney icon or keep your eyes peeled during mealtimes at the Hollywood Hotel, when the characters are known to make appearances. Breakfast at Dragon Wind Restaurant at the Disney Explorers Lodge is an all-in affair, where Mickey and his mates, clad in adventuring attire, stop by each morning to mingle.
What are the best dining options?
Among the ever-present nods to classic American fare (caramel popcorn, fried chicken and chips, Mickey Waffles), you’ll find culinary surprises here, too, including must-try locally inspired options. Udon noodles in pork bone soup with a jumbo crab stick might not be your classic theme park nosh but provide a decadent meal break at the Comet Café. Each of the hotels, accessible by shuttle throughout the day, offers buffet options, the best of which is at the Disneyland Hotel’s Enchanted Garden restaurant. For the perfect respite from ride-hopping – and a few hours out of the sun – go for Dim Sum (yum cha) at the hotel’s Crystal Lotus eatery.
Top tricks and tips
The Hong Kong Disneyland app allows you to purchase Disney Premier Access (FastPass) passes, which let you head to the front of the queue on popular rides, ensuring you make the most of your park time. Ride fanatics are best served by picking up an eight-attraction ticket, while parents of younger kids might prefer the three-attraction pass. Meanwhile, purchasing Early Park Entry Passes grants you access to Hong Kong Disneyland an entire hour before the main rush. Strollers are also available for hire through the park (bring cash for the deposit) and it’s worth packing something you can use to cover the pram in the event of rain.
Disneyland may be the drawcard but Hong Kong’s Cantonese cuisine, dazzling views, natural wonders and helter-skelter pace guarantee your happily ever after. Book flights now at qantas.com.
