Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<and skip TDL's puny high altitude pyro show. Now THAT is a weak show at TDL.>> I wouldn only skip the show if I couldn't find a decent viewing spot one minute before showtime Disney Magic in the Sky is almost exactly like Disneyland's old Fantasy in the Sky. I view it as a nice little bonus at the end of the day and not as a true "spectacular" like Remember...Dreams Come True. Besides, I think of Dreamlights as Tokyo Disneyland's nighttime spectacular since it is so awe-inspiring.
Originally Posted By Mr X Having just seen both about an hour ago, I'd agree with TDR_Fan. Dreamlights is amazing (the new stuff is beyond that, right into MINDBLOWING, and makes all the old electrical parades look like dusty relics!). The fireworks? Meh. A nice little touch if you happen to be anywhere in the park with a good view at showtime, but nothing worth going out of your way for.
Originally Posted By SMCD >>The park doesn't "suck", so don't get the wrong idea! The only thing to keep in mind is that there isn't a lot to do. So, keep that in mind and you'll have a great time. You can take it slowly, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the resort as a whole (since you're staying at the hotel), and repeat whatever you liked several times<< That was my initial impression of the resort, thanks for confirming it. And thanks for the tips about the city. Victoria Peak is a given, and I like casinos so we may very well check out Macau. >>SMCD, the fireworks are ok. The only difference is the lack of high altitude pyro due to smog restrictions and neighboring areas where rich neighbors rule (Discovery Bay). However, to get the full blast of the show.. get closer to the castle and you can see the projections that go along with the pyro. It's a neat show. << Sounds good. Will try to get a spot close to the castle, then. >>I think of Dreamlights as Tokyo Disneyland's nighttime spectacular since it is so awe-inspiring<< Unfortunately Dreamlights didn’t operate when we were at TDL. Does it close for low season? The nighttime show in the castle park was nice though, with the lit up castle, statues, and trees. The fireworks were nothing to wait up for as some of you point out.
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi >>Unfortunately Dreamlights didn’t operate when we were at TDL. Does it close for low season? The nighttime show in the castle park was nice though, with the lit up castle, statues, and trees. << That nighttime show is the reason "Dreamlights" was off during your stay in late February. In the days that "Cinderellabration" is being performed, the parade is on hiatus. -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Correct^^ and that being the case then, you SMCD must have seen the lights of Romance display at the hub which is IMHO.. "FABulous!"
Originally Posted By Mr X SMCD, if you don't mind spending a little extra, the high speed ferry gets you to Macau in just about 1 hour, making it an easy afternoon trip from Hong Kong. If you REALLY want to splurge, helicopter service is also available from the same location (Central Station in Hong Kong). If you do check out Macau, you'll probably want to only see the new "high class" casinos like Sands and Wynn...however if you want to see "old school" Macau, go to the casino Lisboa downtown. Talk about a pit! But interesting from a cultural sense (I also won 200 bucks on a slot machine there ). I'll let others chime in more on Hong Kong...SuperDry, TDLFAN, and WorldDisney can all offer a lot of advice since they've all been there several times.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney <<The city really looks awesome. Do you have any tips for things we can’t miss see/doing in the city?>> Ah man, do I???? Your in luck! This is something I sent to my friends when they went to Hong Kong for the first time last year and I copied it for you (but edited for LP standards ). The top ten things to do when you are in Hong Kong! Enjoy! THINGS TO DO (MUST SEE TOP 10 LIST!!!!!) 1. Victoria Peak--Yeah, No. 1!! You already know its the biggest thing to see, but best time is at NIGHT!! The night views are always amazing. The daytime is nice too WHEN it isn't polluted and you can't see anything. I was in Hong Kong for 3 weeks last time and not ONE day where there was sunlight, so nighttime is best, but if its sunny, its cool to go both day and nighttime. Only once, DEFINITELY night. You can take the tram OR just a the bus #15 in the Central area (main area in Hong Kong for transportaion and government). Very easy. <a href="http://www.aviewoncities.com/gallery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0471&dir=hongkong&tpe=city" target="_blank">http://www.aviewoncities.com/g allery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0471&dir=hongkong&tpe=city</a> 2. Giant Buddha--Yeah, have to see it. He's a BIG!!! Also, cool monastary and you can take pictures of the monks. I bet they never get tired of that . Also, there is a huge cable care that you can see the Big Buddha from. HAVEN'T been on it, it wasn't open last time I was there, very new. That would definitely be on my list when I'm there again. <a href="http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popphotogalleries-lantau-showimage-329.htm" target="_blank">http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popph otogalleries-lantau-showimage-329.htm</a> 3. Tsim Sha Tsui--This is THE tourist area in Kowloon. It's where you can walk and see the Harbour and the buildings. It's where all the discount shopping, hotels and restaurants are. IF you stay in this area, you can hang out every night to see the skyline. That's worth it alone. It's the name of the subway stop and VERY easy to get to, so no worries if you don't stay on that side. <a href="http://www.aviewoncities.com/gallery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0322&dir=hongkong&tpe=city" target="_blank">http://www.aviewoncities.com/g allery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0322&dir=hongkong&tpe=city</a> This what you get if you stayed on that side every night: <a href="http://www.aviewoncities.com/gallery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0318&dir=hongkong&tpe=city" target="_blank">http://www.aviewoncities.com/g allery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0318&dir=hongkong&tpe=city</a> 4. Cheung Chau Island- Yeah, you HAVE to hit one of the islands and get away from the city. This is my favorite one. I was there again in November AND March. It's just a great place to walk, great Chinese food and even a nice beach!! It's just more laid back and rural. Very Anti-Hong Kong. Have to take a ferry there. It's only about U.S.$2.00 each way by slow ferry and 1 hour, U.S.$3.00 by fast ferry and takes only 30 minutes. Here's some pictures and info: <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/islands/ta_isla_142568.jhtml" target="_blank">http://www.discoverhongkong.co m/eng/touring/islands/ta_isla_142568.jhtml</a> 6. Lamma Island- Another cool island to see and VERY big, 3rd biggest island in Hong Kong. It's much bigger than Cheung Chau, but not as appealing to me. Only been once 3 years ago. GREAT seafood though. If time, go to both. If not, Cheung Chau definitely. <a href="http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popphotogalleries-lamma-showimage-305.htm" target="_blank">http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popph otogalleries-lamma-showimage-305.htm</a> <a href="http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popphotogalleries-lamma-showimage-287.htm" target="_blank">http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popph otogalleries-lamma-showimage-287.htm</a> <a href="http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popphotogalleries-lamma-showimage-291.htm" target="_blank">http://www.m-dream.co.uk/popph otogalleries-lamma-showimage-291.htm</a> 7. Aberdeen--It's the area of the city where people live and fish on their boats. You can get someone to take you around on a junk boat for HK$49 (Or US$7). Also, a HUGE floating Chinese restaurant in the middle of the water called Jumbo Chinese Restaurant. You can only get there by boat, but expensive!!! Yeah, don't bother, but nice pictures . I've been to Arberdeen twice before. Definitely interesting, but feels a little too touristy now. Should go if time. <a href="http://www.idi.ntnu.no/~noervaag/travel/hong_kong98/images/aberdeen2.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.idi.ntnu.no/~noerva ag/travel/hong_kong98/images/aberdeen2.jpg</a> 8. Symphony of Lights--DEFINITELY do this!!!!! It's just a big laser light show on the harbour EVERY night at 8 pm in Tsim Sha Shui. It takes place with music (sucks) and lights over the skyscrapers (doesn't suck). Cool experience and its FREE!!!! When I was there last time, I caught the show 7 times mainly because I was always at the nearby Starbucks writing. So, you will like it. Here's all the info: <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/lighting/index.jhtml" target="_blank">http://www.discoverhongkong.co m/eng/showtime/lighting/index.jhtml</a> 9. Star Ferry (Ferry across the harbour)--Takes a full 8 minutes and cost HK$2.20 (U.S. 30 cents; same price since 1920). But yeah, it REALLY makes you feel like you are in Hong Kong and a cool way to get across the harbour instead of subway. You can always tell the difference between the tourists and the commuters because the tourists are always standing taking pictures of the buildings---the commuters don't care . <a href="http://www.aviewoncities.com/gallery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0145&dir=hongkong&tpe=city" target="_blank">http://www.aviewoncities.com/g allery/showpicture.htm?key=kvecn0145&dir=hongkong&tpe=city</a> 10. Hong Kong Museum of History--If you guys decide you have to spend at least half-a-day in a museum, this is it. Been twice, last time in March and its just a cool museum showing the history of Hong Kong from early man to modern day Hong Kong and done REALLY well. Lots of exhibits, little films and props you CAN'T touch (I'm not allowed back in anymore). They devote an entire floor to the Japanese occupation, the most interesting. It's HK$10 (U.S$1.10--yeah, very cheap). Here's all the info: <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/museums/mu_kln_0002.jhtml" target="_blank">http://www.discoverhongkong.co m/eng/heritage/museums/mu_kln_0002.jhtml</a> So that's all the MUST DO'S!!!!! But there's a lot of things in Hong Kong to see if you have the time. Lots of other temples, islands, walks, museums and sightseeing. Oh, and number 11 if you have time: Hong Kong Disneyland, but ONLY if you got the time . Trust me, the stuff I just gave you will blow the park out of the water, but yeah, go if you got a few hours ;D.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Sorry some of the links are a little outdated . Been awhile when I wrote this out the first time. But yeah, just follow the other links on the websites and it will show you the rest of the places I mentioned. Seriuosly, Hong Kong is my third favorite city behind Compton (where I was born ) an d Tokyo. It's just a GREAT city to explore and soooo convient to get around. Also, believe it or not, that message was LONGER lol. I also included places for shopping and nightlife, but didn't think it was all that important (and honestly, you will find most of this on your own anyway) but if you want info for that, just let me know .
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Also, there is a huge cable care that you can see the Big Buddha from. HAVEN'T been on it, it wasn't open last time I was there, very new. That would definitely be on my list when I'm there again.<< Actually the gondolas are not that huge but they claim they can pack 16 people in them...but seem to me there is only room for 8 seated guests. The trip on the gondola is quite nice and smooth and takes about 20 minutes each way. You get spectacular views of the surrounding airport areas and once you get to the top, it's very cool to see the Giant Buddha in the distance. They also have a cute shopping village next to the gondola station. As for the Buddha itself... it's a great workout to go up the stairs to the top, especially in the heat of summer. I also like the trail along side the mountain...
Originally Posted By WorldDisney ^^^Yeah, I tried to take that trail once on the side of the Buddha. Apparently, it will take you all the way down to a subway stop if I remember correctly, but it was about 7 km. I walked half a km, got tired and went back to the bus instead. Wasn't in the mood for 'adventure' that day like I thought .
Originally Posted By Mr X Awsome "things to do" list WD! Why didn't WE do all that stuff (oh yeah, Disney and casinos...that's why ). >>You can always tell the difference between the tourists and the commuters because the tourists are always standing taking pictures of the buildings---the commuters don't care<< I'm surprised there are any commuters at all. The subway would seem a lot faster and more convenient. I suppose just cause it's so cheap? And yes, for the tourist it's MUCH cooler than taking the subway under the harbor (even though that's like, 3 minutes max...if you're in a hurry it's better, or going further of course).
Originally Posted By WorldDisney ^^^Yeah, I did have plans to show you more things Mr. X when you weren't sure if you going to do Macau or not and our schedule was TIGHT with HKDL. I thought about taking you to the Big Buddha or maybe a ferry to an island and explore one of those. Well, like I always say, if you didn't see it the first time, you have an excuse to go back .
Originally Posted By Mr X Oh I definitely will someday. Not entirely sure I'll return to the park though. Especially if I am on a tight schedule again!
Originally Posted By WorldDisney ^^Oh yeah, I agree. I have no plans to return to the park again. UNTIL they add something substantial or original at least, there is no point of going anymore. Hopefully in a few years, something will be there to make me excited to go back . As for Hong Kong itself, part of me is thinking of having a small visit in a month or so .
Originally Posted By WorldDisney ^^LOL, what's the AHA for? Yeah, I'm thinking of going to Hong Kong, for a visit next month, but it's just a possibility at the moment .
Originally Posted By Mr X Well, WD, don't forget Small World! (of course, it's the cheapest possible version)
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Well.. that remains to be seen.. Just because it's based on the DL design, does not mean the actual show will be lesser than...say, DLP's?
Originally Posted By Mr X Well, I think all the versions are pretty cheezy and boring...but that's just me. The Disneyland version, in any case, is by far the cheapest one. And the one they are copying for Hong Kong (for obvious cost cutting reasons).
