Today we surprised Mia with a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. We laughed at her slow recognition of where we were going. We took a couple of metro trains to get there. The last one is called the Disneyland line. We watched her read the signs, but she didn't react. The train then has Mickey shaped windows and hand holder things. Still no mention from Mia. Once there, there are big welcome to Disneyland signs. We ask her if she knows where we are, and you can see some confusion. She says, "I know I am still in Hong Kong." (Meaning we didn't transport back to CA.) She sees all the Disney signs, but still doesn't really get it. After buying tickets and posing for the picture in front of the station, we head to the bathroom. I mention to LaoLao that she gets to ride on rides (not that she understands.) Mia then says, "They have rides here?" Me, "Mia, where do you think you are?" (Mia has been to CA Disneyland twice, the latest being when she was 6.) Mia correctly responds, Disneyland, but I have to explain that is just like the one at home. Finally, I think she got it!
HK DL is smaller than CA. Some of the rides are the same, some seem to be inspired by CA rides. There is Space Mountain, It's a Small World (clearly LaoLao's favorite ride), Winnie the Pooh, The Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Autotopia, the carousel, the little kid rocket ride, and tea cups. Instead of Thunder Mountain there is a Grizzly Something roller coaster that is very cool. It goes forwards and backwards! It was Mia's favorite. The Haunted mansion is Mystic Manor...all about an old home with artifacts and paintings that come to life. And since the park is only 9 years old, all the technology of the rides is much improved. We went to an interactive Stitch show (alien dude from Lilo and Stitch.) He is an animated character on the screen, but he interacts with the audience. Mia was the first person he talked to. He asked her name, where she was from, and if she brought him any chocolate. The man doing the voice was very funny and did a great job improvising with the audience. Mia was thrilled. They also had a Toy Story land that was all new rides that we don't have in CA.
It was not crowded at all which was great. Most rides you could walk straight on. We only needed one Fast Pass for Winnie the Pooh. The longest wait was 20 minutes for Autopia.
The day ended with a bit of shopping, a fancy Elsa dess for Mia for playtime and Halloween, and fireworks. We took the Metro back, surprised at the efficiency considering so many people were leaving DL at the same time and many of them taking the Metro. We came back and took cold showers and baths since the cool rooftop pool was already closed. I hope all that walking gets two girls to sleep in tomorrow!
Sounds like a perfect visit!
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