Hong Kong Disneyland

The happiest place on earth holds different attractions for people of varying ages and how my travelling companions and I enjoyed the park is a testament to that.

Today was not my first time at Hong Kong Disneyland, I was there too in December 2005. But despite it being my second time at the park, it still brought out the child in me and made me giddy. I particularly enjoyed Mickey's Waterworks Parade, a new feature that was added in the summer that guarantees that the audience will get wet unless you stay in a dry zone. Well, we stayed in a dry zone all right and ended up mostly dry. It's a good thing that my cousin Kayers' jacket shielded the both of us from the water attack. It was also interesting to see Adventure Land overtaken by pirates.

Kayers, who was a part of a university choir who toured Europe and won accolades, particularly enjoyed the live performances and Mickey's Philharmagic. She also had a blast taking pictures. Photo opportunities abound in the park.

Like my musical cousin, I also enjoyed the shows, parades and the fireworks. Must see attractions are The Festival of the Lion King and The Golden Mickeys. Both were live performances and could easily rival those on Broadway. A number of faces looked Filipino. I was craning my neck to see if I could spot Ralion Alonso, a favorite theater actor/dancer from Repertory Philippines before he joined the exodus to Hong Kong Disneyland.

My sister's eyes lit up when a Disney themed store would come into view. She loved shopping in the park and though she had many opportunities to do so, she wouldn't tire of it and would even shop in the Disney store of the hotel up to closing time.

For my 79-year old aunt, the availability of benches around the park was a blessing for her as the walking can be very tiring. Like the 3 of us, she also enjoyed meeting the characters up close.

We all loved dining at the park. In fact, I consider its menu better than Disney World because it's not all burgers and turkey legs, there's dimsum too.

It was during our character breakfast at Plaza Inn that Goofy smothered my aunt with affection. She claims Goofy made a pass at her. Isn't that enough proof that the happiest place on earth is for all ages?

hong kong disneyland, travel, walt disney