The smaller HK Disneyland is still massive magic for little tykes and their minders
Ryandall Lim
Snugly situated on Lantau island, Hong Kong Disneyland is easily accessible from Hong Kong Island or Kowloon by taxi, public bus or, most conveniently, the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), which takes less than half an hour. Comparatively smaller than its sister theme parks in the United States, Hong Kong Disneyland, which overlooks Lantau's scenic Penny Bay, is a dream for parents (or uncles, in this case) minding kids with an inexplicable energy that never ever tires. The entire park can be covered in a day, taking in its four main sectors of Main Street, USA; Adventureland; Fantasyland; and Tomorrowland.
Back to the future
Entering the park, visitors are transported to the early 20th century in a main street in America (hence, Main Street, USA). Here, hop on the Disneyland rail to circumnavigate the park or a vintage Paddy Wagon for a ride around the "town square".
.If time is short, be warned that parading Mickey, Donald, Winnie and friends may stop your enthralled kids in their tracks, with pleas for photo sessions with every one of the beloved characters.
Where Simba reigns
Next stop: Adventureland. We were in time to catch Festival of the Lion King, a short musical that scored with high-quality singing and dancing, and excellent sets — an ideal way to start your Disneyland adventure. Then explore the Rivers of Adventure and Tarzan's treehouse on the jungle river cruise. Stop at Liki Tikis and be caught by an unsuspecting gush of water from the ground.
The magic begins
Fantasyland, home of the iconic Sleeping Beauty castle, Snow White grotto and Cinderella carousel. Younger kids who love Winnie the Pooh will have a hoot sitting in a "hunny" pot train to explore the Pooh's many adventures. Then, experience animation almost come alive at the 3-D Mickey's PhilharMagic. Fantasyland seems to be the "natural" habitat for most of the Disney characters, so be sure to allocate more time here. Also, rides (and queueing up for them) in the Mad Hatter tea cups and on Dumbo the flying elephant, and the mini theatrical extravaganza at the Storybook Theatre will take up significant time.
The final rush
On to Tomorrowland, also home to Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. Older kids will probably love Buzz Lightyear's astro blasters that allow them to zap enemy targets from laser canons. At Space Mountain, pent-up adrenaline can be satisfied over and over again in the dizzying rollercoaster.
After all this, if your family still has plenty of zip, stay for the nightly fireworks that mark the park's closing. Outside the theme park, there are also scenic picnic spots at Inspiration Lake, Park Promenade and the Arboretum. If you're too tired to make your way home after a thrill-filled day, stay over at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel. When you wake up the next day, you can relive your dreams all over again at Hong Kong Disneyland.
For that extra Disney magic
Book a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland with SA Tours by Sept 30 and enjoy extra magic. You can choose an exclusive "Extra Magic" gift from among the following: A complimentary photo at selected attractions; a one-for-one offer on main courses at selected restaurants; or a free Disney-themed lunchbox (picture). In addition, enjoy a complimentary breakfast if you stay at one of the Disney-themed hotels. For more information, visit the SA Tours website at www.satours.com or call 6536 6633.
Article extracted from TODAY 27 April 2006
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