Originally Posted By Faith I had a great time there- and I was surprised that it was not totally empty. I mean, it wasn't crowded- but I did find a need to use FastPass (neither Pooh nor Buzz warrant waiting more than 10 minutes in line), I was closed out of seeing Golden Mickey's on my first attempt when I arrived nearly 30 mins before show time, and I couldn't get in to the sitdown restaurant on Main St for dinner because they were booked for the night. It was obviously not crowded compared to MK in the summer- but it wasn't empty, either. Also, I was surprised that I didn't have time to do/see everything. (I took a ~2 hr break in the middle of the day when the heat was getting to me) I could have gone back for a 2nd day for free because of the deal they have with their hotels, but I was too eager to see HK proper. Perhaps if the park had been in walking distance I would have popped in, but it seemed too much of a hassle to bother (even though I never really had to wait for shuttle buses). I think I made the right decision in limiting myself to 1 day. The park does need more attractions- another thing that might have gotten me to use the 2nd day of my ticket would have been more repeatable E-tickets; I can never tire of things like Splash Mr or ToT. I love Space Mountain- but it doesn't really have as much Disney magic as other rides and experiences. Philharmagic was as magical as I expected- but still not enough to lure me back for a 2nd day. But what is there is nice, and the Hollywood hotel was terrific. The Waterworks parade was definitely a great touch. I was indifferent to the Pirateland takeover of Adventureland- although it did seem to accentuate the fact that PotC was missing. Not sure what else to say... Full Hong Kong/ Bangkok trip report (with linked pix) is up at: <a href="http://theatrefest.com/2007asia" target="_blank">http://theatrefest.com/2007asi a</a>
Originally Posted By irishfan Great to hear you enjoyed it. I'm looking at possible visit in January.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>But what is there is nice, and the Hollywood hotel was terrific.<< EXACTLY my thoughts since day 1, and I was there two days after their grand opening. Naysayers like X and WD need to go back and give the park a 2nd chance, and unlike the mighty MK at WDW, this lovely little park is kept clean!
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<Not sure what else to say>> No need; it's all in your report. I don't think anyone writes as detailed reports... I am only on page four! LOL.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Great stuff Faith, glad you enjoyed it. Congratulations on joining the Disney World Traveller club, a very select group I hope to join one day. Now that you have been to them all, which is your favorite?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I thought this was funny: >>>At any rate, it was a neat little show- it's the sort of thing that makes the city seem a little more sophisticated and also more friendly; in the US, I can't imagine any city having a free light show every night. That is more of a Disney thing. <<< I thought Vegas. But yep, love the light show at HK.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Just finished reading your blog. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I love Hong Kong, and look forward to taking my family when the kids are older. Thanks for sharing.
Originally Posted By Faith >>Now that you have been to them all, which is your favorite?<< It's hard to compare- each has its own flavor. Nothing can beat WDW for being a destination unto itself and having the most to do- but nothing can top the service of TDR which also has some pretty damn incredible things. There are things I love about DL and DLP but the former is marred a tad by the cheesy surrounding area and the latter by people cutting lines and cast members who were not exactly magical. I thought the cast members were very good at HKDL and there were also lots of neat things- but it's definitely way too small to be a favorite. I haven't been to DCA or Paris Disney Studios though... BTW the things I missed at HKDL were: Lion King show (scheduling issues), Tarzan Island, Animation Academy, The Disneyland Story (forgot it was there), Teacups (no interest), Carousel (no interest), and Autopia (little interest). The only things I did twice were Space Mountain and Buzz. I was a little confused about the "Single Rider" line for Space and ultimately got in the regular line- first time was a practical walk on anyway; 2nd time, I was ultimately taken out of the regular line and offered to go in the single ride line after I'd already waited about 10 mins.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Glad you had a good time . Once again, the park asserts what we been saying all along, there is absolutely no reason to visit a second day....some might even say a second time, but I'm not one of them exactly ;D. Anyway, it sounds like you enjoyed yourself and when I get the time will read your full report. I'm curious to know your thoughts on the rest of HK and espeically Bangkok since I kind of let on a while ago when you made a thread its sort of an acquired taste . Hope it was all fun and I'm jealous. I want to travel again .
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Nothing can beat WDW for being a destination unto itself and having the most to do- but nothing can top the service of TDR which also has some pretty damn incredible things.<< Like I am surprised by TDR topping WDW with quality over quantity... Hahaha! And let's not forget TDR's cleanliness.. >>BTW the things I missed at HKDL were: Lion King show (scheduling issues), Tarzan Island, Animation Academy, The Disneyland Story (forgot it was there), Teacups (no interest), Carousel (no interest), and Autopia (little interest). << Too bad you missed the Lion King show.. very well done and much more elaborate than DAK's version... and somewhat different too. (No tacky "Monkeys" singing we have no bananas). As for Tarzan's island and Treehouse...very well done and quite nicely designed. Autopia features the best track and fabulous gardening of the "future" and for that, it's oneof the best Autopia rides out there.
Originally Posted By Faith I wanted to see the Lion King show, but I ended up having to choose between that and Golden Mickeys after I didn't get in the first time I attempted to see Golden Mickey's (TLK had already started by that time) I can't remember the last time I went on Autopia in any of the parks. >> I'm curious to know your thoughts on the rest of HK and espeically Bangkok<< Loved both cities, in different ways. This was one of my best trips ever- all the logistics went smoothly and I was on the go every day and never felt I was pushing myself too hard. (yay for being more in shape than ever- I've become addicted to ice skating over the past yr or 2) And now I need to figure out where I am going next.
Originally Posted By Mr X Glad you had a good time...I'm looking through your awsome trip report now... Wow, Macau has changed almost completely compared to the 2 years ago I was there (in fact, LESS than 2 years)...that Grand Lisboa wasn't even under construction! (or maybe it was, but I sure didn't notice anything like THAT around there)...looks awsome. Question...what is "void" "voidy" "voidier"? I'm getting old and miss out of the slang these days I guess.
Originally Posted By Mr X Oh, my! I just got to the Bangkok page...what a hotel room!! My goodness gracious, I will HAVE to go to Bankok now just to stay there!!!! You were intimidated? lol...I would have been in heaven (feet on the furniture and the whole deal, feeling like a billionaire!)... May I ask how much that place costs in general? I assume you were on a package deal with all that travelling, no? Just curious anyway. If it's less than $500 USD per night, I will be there next week!
Originally Posted By Faith >>If it's less than $500 USD per night, I will be there next week! << The deal I got was less than half of that, which is why I couldn't resist. Expensive for Bangkok... but damn cheap for anywhere else! Included a daily breakfast buffet full of tons of stuff, free interent, and a private mercedes from the airport. It was more expensive on wknds and they had fewer deals like the one I got. I booked everything myself- no packages. Eventually, I got comfortable- but my first reaction was just awe. >>Question...what is "void" "voidy" "voidier"?<< Don't feel bad- it's a word that is used on the board where I originally posted the report. The definition from their FAQ is below, although it's come to be used in a broader sense for things that are sorta weird but in a positive and interesting way... I guess that is sorta how to describe it. I forgot that I was using terms that were not in general usage... strangely enough, no one else has asked me about that yet. LOL Void Has several meanings - And one day there shall be more I am sure. Official Skating wise Explanation from Skate Guv: "Oh gawd that's a tough one to define, better ask christopher dean !!" It stems from me and sharps watching old documentary about T&D where we pee'd ourselves laughing at the following quote from Chris, which he said, erm, very dramatically "....and suddenly, we found ourselves in this...hole...this huge, big VOID !! We could do anything we wanted to, our only limits were our own imagination !! It's like floating free, it's like being in outer space !!" "So we use the term "Voidy" to describe anything in skating which is a drama fest ala Dean. You know the sort of thing, angst expressions, hands outstretch, weird programs with weird music, skaters who clearly think they are skating as ar-TEESTES and creating an arty masterpiece...it's all "voidy"
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I thought you meant to "avoid" the places you described as "voidier". Now I will have to pour thru your report again to understand it better.
Originally Posted By SMCD Hey, glad you liked it. You seem to have gotten the same impression of the place as I did. However, as TDLFAN pointed out, too bad you missed the Lion King-show and Tarzans tree house, which were highlights of my visit.
Originally Posted By Mr X **The deal I got was less than half of that, which is why I couldn't resist. Expensive for Bangkok... but damn cheap for anywhere else! Included a daily breakfast buffet full of tons of stuff, free interent, and a private mercedes from the airport. It was more expensive on wknds and they had fewer deals like the one I got. I booked everything myself- no packages.** Wow. That is an amazing deal for such a posh place!
Originally Posted By jlghk I have read through your blogs. You could visit Cheung Chau island in your short trip to HK, I believe you had done a lot of homework beforehand. Apart from Cheung Chau island, there are some other villages at the countryside which are worth to see e.g. Lamma island, Lantau island. Science Museum is for `high school students'. From your detailed trip reports/blogs, I know how a western tourist sees HK now. The light show at the harbour is the no. one must-see attraction.
Originally Posted By Mr X I missed it!! Stupid WorldDisney had to stay at DISNEYLAND instead!! *stomps off and cries!!*
