Disneyland 101: A Big Girl’s First Time in a Little Child’s Theme Park (Part 2)

ONCE I familiarized myself with Hong Kong Disneyland's different themed parks, which I gave an overview in my previous post, what came next was the actual immersion in the ones that speak best to my inner child. 

Fortunately for me, Toy Story Land was already developed during my visit and it was pure bliss seeing Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of Andy's toy friends come to life!

 The thrilling RC Racer 

Area exclusive to Asia, the concept of the park is for guests to be shrunk to the size of Andy’s toys, and go on the Slinky Dog Spin, the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, and finally, the thrilling RC Racer ride. Other activities in this area include the Barrel of Fun, the Toy Soldier Boot Camp, and playtime with Cubot. For hungry toys, Jessie’s Snack Roundup is also just around the corner.

The Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars goes all over Grizzly Gulch

Besides Toy Story Land, the two fairly new parks must also be visited. Over at Grizzly Gulch—the most spacious among the three—the sole ride called the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars goes all over the place. Forward, backward and sideways!

For dining, there's the Lucky Nugget Saloon

A prosperous community, the gulch also has its Assay Office, the Old Jail, the Geyser Gulch for photo opportunities, and the Lucky Nugget Saloon for dining.

Mystic Point is not only the newest attraction, but it is also the most advanced and unique

Lastly, there is the Mystic Point, which not only serves as the newest attraction at HKDL, but also its most advanced and unique. It is tells the original story of the journeys of Lord Henry Mystic, a renowned traveler and explorer and his companion Albert the Monkey.

Ride the Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage

The tour of the Mystic Manor is where the mysterious journey begins by riding the Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage, which will show Lord Henry’s antiquities and oddities. Suddenly, Albert will open a newly acquired, magical music box, which will unleash endless surprises.

Besides the manor, there the area also features the Garden of Wonders, Explorer’s Club Restaurant, the Archive Shop and the Mystic Point Freight Depot.

Meet and greet Disney characters

At 23, I never thought meeting Disney characters would still count as a magical experience for me. But to see, touch and play with Mickey Mouse is simply that no matter how old you are.

Playtime with Mickey at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel's Enchanted Garden 

Now, one of the best places to meet Mickey up close is at the Chef Mickey’s at the Disney Hollywood Hotel. Here, Chef Mickey greets guests while they eat their power breakfast. Over at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Mickey also shows up at Enchanted Garden Restaurant, but with the his fabulous gang of four, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy too!

Back at the park, Mickey and Minnie are always waiting for guests at the Town Square Pavilion, dressed in their festive best this time of year.

A star-studded Disney cast! 

For more photo opportunities for other larger than life characters, head on over to Tomorrowland where Buzzlightyear is busy saving the universe; to Fantasyland where Sleeping Beauty is wide awake; or to Toy Story Land where Woody and Jessie never cease to play.

And always keep your eyes open as you’ll never know when Stitch, Chip and Dale, Duffy the Bear, Tinkerbell, Snow White and all the other beloved Disney characters will suddenly walk on by.

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There is no time but now to experience the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland. Just a two-hour flight from Manila, a mere 15-minute from the airport, Filipinos should take advantage of the no-Visa entry to Hong Kong—while it lasts. For more information, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

(PHOTOS: ©HONG KONG DISNEYLAND / TEXT: ©THEMANILATIMES/EUDENVALDEZ)