This Hong Kong Disneyland planning information will assist you determine all you want to know to organize to your journey: park tickets, points of interest, eating, transportation, accommodations, and way more! Since Hong Kong solely has one park and three accommodations, it’s a lot simpler to plan a go to right here than simply about every other Disney resort world wide. (Up to date Might 16, 2023.)
Critically, even with the language barrier, a primary journey to Hong Kong Disneyland is a lot simpler than a primary journey to Walt Disney World! Varied nuances of worldwide journey could make it a little bit tough, however general, it’s a reasonably easy place to go to. Since Hong Kong Disneyland isn’t too sophisticated, this information covers extra concerning the logistics of doing the journey and getting there, plus basic data about touring to Hong Kong normally, versus specifics when you’re there.
All issues thought of, we view HKDL as one of many cooler locations in Hong Kong. Even for people who find themselves not Disney followers, it’s a enjoyable strategy to spend a day, and it being situated close to the Tian Tan Buddha and Hong Kong Worldwide Airport makes it a straightforward place to go to exterior of town correct. This covers the whole lot you want to know for those who’re planning a go to to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2023 or past. We’ve stayed at all the accommodations at HKDL, carried out each attraction, and eaten at (virtually) each restaurant…
As for critical Disney followers, Hong Kong Disneyland is lastly a park that’s on many bucket lists, with the extremely extremely regarded Mystic Manor virtually alone making Hong Kong Disneyland value visiting. (Virtually.) It’s additionally enjoyable to check and distinction the similarities and variations between it and the opposite parks, in addition to expertise different distinctive Hong Kong Disneyland points of interest.
Along with this information, we advocate consulting our Hong Kong Metropolis Information on TravelCaffeine, our non-Disney planning website, to your time downtown. We additionally advocate testing Macau, which is a well-liked “facet journey” from Hong Kong. Though we go to Hong Kong commonly, we’ve solely been to Macau as soon as. It was an fascinating expertise and doubtlessly value visiting, relying upon your pursuits (however a “one and carried out” for us).
With that mentioned, let’s get began with the information…
What’s New & Subsequent in 2023-2024 at Hong Kong Disneyland
Arendelle – World of Frozen – This new land formally opens in November 2023 and will likely be house to 2 points of interest, together with an enhanced model of the Frozen Ever After boat journey and the all-new curler coaster, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs. World of Frozen will even provide distinctive character experiences on the Playhouse within the Woods, plus a restaurant, retail, and different issues to do.
“Momentous” Nighttime Spectacular – The brand new fireworks present above Citadel of Magical Goals options near 40 traditional Disney moments, almost 150 cherished characters, and involves life with multimedia components, together with giant scale 3D projection mapping expertise, choreographed fountains, illuminated water projection, lasers, theatrical lighting, pyrotechnics, and fireworks results. What’s extra, your ears will likely be regaled with newly-reimagined traditional Disney songs. It’s a spellbinding expertise that’s positive to soften hearts, heat smiles, and reawaken beloved reminiscences.
Citadel of Magical Goals – The reimagined citadel reworked the tiny Sleeping Magnificence Citadel right into a a lot taller monument to 13 tales of beloved Disney Princesses and heroines. The Citadel of Magical Goals celebrates Cinderella, Tiana, Aurora, Ariel, Mulan, Snow White, Moana, Merida, Belle, Rapunzel, Pocahontas, Jasmine, plus Anna and Elsa. The central, raised stage in entrance of the Citadel of Magical Goals hosts a wide range of daytime reveals all year long centered on favourite Disney characters and tales via music and dance. At night time, there’s the above-referenced Momentous fireworks present.
Extra Marvel…? – Over the course of the final a number of years, Marvel points of interest have debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland. Tomorrowland is now house to Stark Expo, which presently contains the Iron Man Expertise simulator and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! The previous is a simulator similar to Star Excursions, whereas the latter is a shooter attraction that reimagined Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
Sooner or later sooner or later, a Marvel E-Ticket may be in-built Tomorrowland. Though initially introduced a number of years in the past, these plans are nonetheless up within the air. Between the closures and prior monetary struggles–plus Disneyland in California revisiting the E-Ticket idea–it’s unclear what, if something, else will likely be constructed. The Hong Kong authorities launched a report in Might 2023 indicating that solely about half of the unique enlargement finances has been spent, however it’s unclear whether or not the opposite half will nonetheless come to fruition, or if the corporate and metropolis will lower their losses.
Hong Kong Disneyland as a Vacation spot
We love Hong Kong Disneyland, however no American ought to make the costly journey to Hong Kong solely for Hong Kong Disneyland. That will simply be silly and extreme for a park that could be a 1-day park for 95% of friends and a 2-day park just for excessive Disney followers. Fortuitously, there are a few different methods to go to Hong Kong Disneyland that do make the journey cheap.
We’ve been to Hong Kong Disneyland just a few instances, and every time, that has been along with one other vacation spot. Our first two instances, we did Tokyo Disney Resort after HKDL, treating it because the “Gateway to Tokyo Disney Resort.” One our most up-to-date go to, we went after attending the Grand Opening of Shanghai Disneyland.
There are just a few causes for stopping in Hong Kong. First, it’s very simple to e-book Hong Kong as a low/no-cost stopover on the way in which to Tokyo or Shanghai, which implies that it’s about $0 to $50 so as to add Hong Kong to an Asia journey from an airfare perspective. (We’re conscious that lots of people don’t perceive how stopovers work, so you may examine that in our “The way to Go to 3 Disney Locations on 1 Airfare” submit.)
Second, whereas Hong Kong Disneyland has come into its personal as of the final couple of years by way of being a high quality Disney theme park, it nonetheless doesn’t evaluate to Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, or Shanghai Disneyland. It is best to not fly to Asia solely for Hong Kong Disneyland.
Lastly, though we don’t imagine there’s a considerable language barrier at Tokyo Disney Resort or Shanghai Disneyland, English is way more widespread in Hong Kong (a British colony till the late Nineteen Nineties), making it a great way to ease right into a overseas setting for these inexperienced with worldwide journey. If you happen to’re additionally visiting the Japan or Shanghai parks, be sure that to seek the advice of our Tokyo Disneyland Journey Planning Information and our Shanghai Disneyland Journey Planning Information. There’s much more you’ll must know for these visits!
Another choice is to go to Hong Kong Disneyland as a part of a visit to Hong Kong and Macau. (For these unfamiliar with Hong Kong, though technically a part of China, it’s a “Particular Administrative Area” on an outlying island, that means that visiting places in mainland China like Shanghai and Beijing requires one other flight.)
Hong Kong is often described as the place “East Meets West,” and there’s actually one thing for everybody. From temples and shrines to a developed metropolis, Hong Kong has all of it. Macau is akin to Las Vegas on steroids, and is a spot the place you will discover UNESCO World Heritage Websites mere streets away from bigger than life casinos.
Language
Very like Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland is a little bit of a melting pot by way of visitor demographics. Many guests come from Hong Kong, however it appears that evidently simply as many come from mainland China (there’s a fairly large distinction between the 2). Hong Kong Disneyland additionally sees its justifiable share of Australians, friends from different international locations in Asia, and a wide range of friends from different English talking international locations. Cantonese, Mandarin, and English are all commonly-spoken languages by Solid Members at Hong Kong Disneyland. Actually, some points of interest provide choices for every of these three languages.
Some points of interest and features of the park aren’t in English, however as English-speaking friends, we did under no circumstances really feel remoted or at a drawback. The issues that aren’t in English are fairly simple to know given their largely visible nature, or via subtitles. We don’t view Hong Kong Disneyland as having any vital language barrier.
How Lengthy to Go to
We form of touched upon this within the part above, however until you’re a very critical Disney fan, we advocate someday at Hong Kong Disneyland. Opposite to standard lore, Hong Kong Disneyland isn’t a half day park. It’s additionally in all probability not a two day park, although. If you happen to do go for two days, that provides you time to decelerate and do nearly the whole lot, plus repeat favorites, have a desk service meal or two, and take in the ambiance. That a lot time isn’t crucial (besides maybe on nationwide holidays?), although.
You possibly can hit the highlights in a single day, and for those who’re touring all the way in which to Hong Kong, you may need to allocate any further time to exploring town. In case you are in any approach crunched for time, (e.g. visiting each Hong Kong and Shanghai Disneyland or Tokyo), don’t spend greater than 1 of your theme park days at Hong Kong Disneyland; spend the remainder of your time at Shanghai Disneyland and/or Tokyo Disney Resort.
When to Go to
Hong Kong Disneyland is the worldwide park at which we’ve spent the least time. We’ve researched it extra, and have discovered the next. Mainly, you need to keep away from three issues: 1) the summer time vacationer season (not solely are crowds excessive, however so is humidity–the realm round Hong Kong Disneyland may technically be a jungle), 2) weekends, and three) holidays, particularly the Chinese language New Yr.
We’ve heard that crowds might be very excessive throughout these instances. Throughout our weekday low season Christmas go to, the park appeared empty by US requirements. There have been a number of instances in the course of the day when Mystic Manor was a walk-on, and solely a handful of standard, low-capacity rides had prohibitive waits.
After we returned in the summertime, the humidity was killer. We are going to by no means return to Hong Kong Disneyland between Might and September ever once more as a result of the humidity is just too brutal to have a pleasing time.
Halloween season is one other time of yr that Hong Kong Disneyland, however whether or not it is best to keep away from it or go due to this can be a good query. We went throughout Halloween a few years in the past, and it was wonderful. Check out our photographs and ideas on the flowery (and genuinely scary!) Halloween leisure choices at Hong Kong Disneyland.
The one draw back was that it was nonetheless fairly humid, however not almost as dangerous. We wouldn’t hesitate to return at Halloween-time, just because the leisure is so superior. Crowds are a bit larger, however it’s completely value it.
What to Pack
As all the time, we predict the objects on our Distinctive Disney Packing Listing will likely be useful in any of the Disney theme parks. Particular to Hong Kong, we observe that since it’s a jungle (or jungle-like, on the very least) setting, plan for decent climate. Issues like Frogg Togg Chilly Pads will turn out to be useful, as will moisture wicking clothes.
Normally, we might warning in opposition to overpacking. That is very true by way of toiletries for those who’re staying at one of many on-site accommodations. Hong Kong Disneyland Lodge supplied a big set of toiletries in our room (giant sufficient that it was themed to the Seven Dwarfs and there was a distinct merchandise for every Dwarf!). Bear in mind, Hong Kong is a world metropolis, and you should buy absolutely anything in Hong Kong that you just’d have the ability to buy at a comfort retailer in Orlando.
If you’re going to be staying in a number of accommodations in Asia, we extremely advocate packing cubes or compression baggage (I choose the cubes) for group. You possibly can learn extra of our “carry-on philosophy” and which kinds of baggage we use right here.
Getting There
In comparison with Tokyo, attending to Hong Kong from america is tremendous simple. Nicely, minus that complete 12-16 hour flight. When you land in Hong Kong, for those who’re going on to Hong Kong Disneyland, you’re going to take a taxi there. Sure, you may take the MTR, however that may require two transfers and considerably extra time than simply taking a taxi. Each Hong Kong Disneyland accommodations are mainly “airport accommodations,” and they’re solely a few 10-15 minute taxi journey that may value round $20. You’ll actually save a little bit cash taking the MTR, however the time and headache financial savings greater than justify taking a taxi.
In case you are additionally visiting Hong Kong as a part of your journey, we advocate doing town itself earlier than Hong Kong Disneyland, during which case taking the MTR into Hong Kong is the way in which to go. Our rationale for doing town first is as a result of it places you at Hong Kong Disneyland proper earlier than your flight leaving Hong Kong, and also you presumably will likely be on extra of a strict schedule (because you flight has a set departure time) on the way in which out than you’re on the way in which in, and it’s simpler to financial institution on the 10-15 minute taxi journey to the airport than it’s on the 30 minute to an hour lengthy MTR journey from downtown Hong Kong to the airport.
The MTR may be very dependable–it’s one of the best public transportation we’ve encountered wherever on the earth–however it’s nonetheless extra predictable/safer to depend on a brief taxi journey to the airport than an extended practice journey, which suggests you gained’t must construct as a lot of a time cushion into your return airport journey.
Cellphone/Web
There are a number of choices obtainable for telephones and web in Hong Kong, however from what we might collect, only a few fairly priced choices that may enable us to make use of our iPhones. In contrast to Japan, the place MiFi is a straightforward and comparatively cheap possibility, it appeared that Hong Kong was extra geared in the direction of cellphone and SIM card rental.
Fortuitously, we didn’t should spend an excessive amount of time researching this, as we shortly discovered that Hong Kong has a formidable, free-for-visitors WiFi community. Moderately than paying for something, we’ve got simply used the free public WiFi when visiting Hong Kong.
Free WiFi is now obtainable in Hong Kong Disneyland. Nevertheless, it’s very spotty, that means that you just gained’t have web entry in any respect in some lands. When this has occurred, we simply did with out web for an hour or so.
If you’ll actually die for those who don’t submit to Instagram for an hour, try rental choices. We wouldn’t need to be liable for a headline in USA In the present day studying, “American Overseas Dies From Snapchat Withdrawal.” 😉
Cash
We strongly advocate having a bank card with no overseas transaction charges for any worldwide journey and in addition carrying money for emergencies (plus small retailers and taxis that will not settle for bank cards), however we didn’t discover ourselves utilizing bank cards or money a lot in Hong Kong. As an alternative, we used what’s known as the Octopus card. You assume Walt Disney World’s MagicBands are cool? The complete island of Hong Kong has had the tap-to-pay system down since 1997.
The Octopus card is a reloadable tap-to-pay card that can be utilized at a large number of places, from 7-11 to the trains. It’s tremendous simple to make use of, and the way we paid for in all probability 75%+ of our transactions in Hong Kong.
Resorts
Hong Kong Disneyland has two official accommodations, Hong Kong Disneyland Lodge and Disney’s Hollywood Lodge, each of that are strolling distance to HDKL. (There’s additionally a shuttle for those who’d choose.) We’ve stayed at every of those accommodations, and gives you a fast synopsis of every, together with hyperlinks to our critiques.
If you happen to’re on a tighter finances, there are additionally some close by accommodations that you will discover on the standard suspects of reserving websites. We’ve stayed at a few these, and would advocate the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Lodge. It’s mainly a enterprise class airport lodge. Very nice (and also you earn factors!).
By way of perks, there’s no actual profit to staying on-site. Hong Kong Disneyland doesn’t have Further Magic Hours, an airport shuttle, and so forth. The practice journey in from the Sunny Bay Station is very nice, so we don’t see the hurt. The largest advantage of staying on-site is the comfort of strolling between your lodge and the park, and in addition being enveloped within the Disney ambiance.
We don’t advocate reserving a lodge in downtown Hong Kong for the whole lot of your keep. If you happen to go to downtown Hong Kong, it is best to do a cut up keep, altering accommodations for the Hong Kong Disneyland leg of the journey. Very like Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland is an honest practice journey from downtown, and also you’ll spend a few hours per day in transit for those who make downtown your private home base all through the journey.
Park Tickets
Park tickets for Hong Kong Disneyland are tremendous low-cost as in comparison with the US parks. It can save you cash on Hong Kong Disneyland tickets by buying from Klook, which will even can help you immediately print your ticket. You may also use the coupon to buy a discounted meal voucher for Hong Kong Disneyland.
One factor to robust think about for those who’re going for 2 or three days and plan to remain on-site is to have one individual in your occasion buy an Annual Move. At the moment, the breakeven level is 3 days within the park for an AP. On condition that most individuals gained’t be visiting for 3 days and the truth that the bottom tier of Annual Move has 100+ blockout dates, it’s not going to be a very good possibility for most individuals. (Nevertheless, Annual Passes provide a wide range of reductions, together with on accommodations for choose dates.)
Eating
Eating at Hong Kong Disneyland is fairly easy, too. The eating places are usually good, have a various number of choices (amongst them), and cater to a wide range of dietary wants (together with a few locations which are Halal Licensed). Consider it as form of akin to eating within the World Showcase in Epcot at Walt Disney World.
We’ve solely reviewed just a few Hong Kong Disneyland eating places to date; to learn these be sure that to take a look at our Disney Restaurant Evaluations Index. We even have a Prime 10 Hong Kong Disneyland Eating places submit, which is extra to the purpose about the place it is best to–and mustn’t–dine.
As with Tokyo, be sure that to pattern Hong Kong Disneyland’s snacks. There aren’t almost as many, however there are some good ones. These embrace the specialty drinks, seasonal donuts, Korean squid, turkey legs, and even Marvel-themed snacks in Tomorrowland.
Additionally, we extremely advocate doing the dim sum meal at Crystal Lotus in Hong Kong Disneyland Lodge. This must be booked upfront, so cease in right here the primary night time of your journey, or name upfront. In case you are keen on character eating, our favourite possibility is the breakfast in Hong Kong Disneyland Lodge. As we wrote in our Enchanted Backyard Restaurant Evaluation, this buffet is without doubt one of the finest character meals on the earth!
One other factor value attempting is the afternoon excessive tea. As talked about above, Hong Kong is a former British colony, so this isn’t misplaced prefer it might sound. We now have carried out excessive tea at each River View Cafe and Nook Cafe on Important Road, however we observed that it was additionally obtainable at a few different eating places.
There’s additionally a Victorian excessive tea in Hong Kong Disneyland Lodge. The presentation of our desserts was wonderful, and we felt it was effectively well worth the cash for the expertise. This appeared pretty standard, so think about reserving day-of reservations.
That’s actually the majority of our suggestions. You’ll find what sort of delicacies every Hong Kong Disneyland restaurant serves right here. You’ll discover not many burger locations, so for those who’re a choosy eater, your choices are restricted. We averted the burgers, and located the opposite choices to be wonderful and never so unique that anybody ought to be scared away from attempting them.
What to Do?
We’ve already written an intensive attraction information for Hong Kong Disneyland, so there’s no level in reinventing the wheel right here, simply learn that. It incorporates technique in addition to critiques of the points of interest. There’s additionally now an official Hong Kong Disneyland cellular app that gives wait instances, amongst different issues.
In our expertise, Hong Kong Disneyland didn’t see huge crowds proper at park opening like Tokyo. Moderately, the attendance builds all through the day, with the busiest time being within the late afternoon. We’re not advocating sleeping in (particularly with the park’s quick working hours), however for those who do, it’s in all probability not the tip of the world.
There’s much more we might embrace on this information, however Hong Kong Disneyland actually doesn’t should be “over-thought,” so let’s lower it off there. We will certainly add to this based mostly on widespread questions, and I’m very happy to supply help and recommendation within the feedback you probably have questions.
Your Ideas
I do know this simply begins to scratch the floor of planning for a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland. In case you have further questions, please go away them within the feedback. If you happen to’ve been to Hong Kong Disneyland and have ideas of your individual, please add them within the feedback—I would simply borrow them for the information itself!