The first question that entered my mind as I approach the majestic gateway to Hong Kong Disneyland was, “How could any theme park mascot stand this HEAT?”

My group got day tickets to HKDL for what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year in the former British colony. Now, going to the latest addition to Disney’s resorts was a breeze. Literally. The MTR trains in Hong Kong are air-conditioned, and a mild gust blows throughout the cabin interior whenever the train moves from station to station, as if there were open vents built into the roof. Even the above-ground transfer station from the main line to the special Disney Resort Line in Lantau Island had a roof to shield us from the glaring sun, with only the hot wind blowing on our faces as a hint of the furnace that was to follow. The train was already an attraction in itself, with large Disney character figurines behind glass cases adorning each cab.

The unpleasantness started during the unshaded walk from the Disney terminal to the ticket gates. At around 9:30 am, the sunlight was already intense, and it was already hard to look around without a cap with a visor. We saw a large fountain with a Mickey Mouse statue midway to the gates, and I regretted not bringing my swimming trunks so I can cool off in this wonderful oasis. I was further disheartened to realize the fountain itself wasn’t part of the rides.Now, as a veteran of several theme parks, HKDL to me was less a vision of the past, the present, and the future and more of a collection of the standard rides we find in any other theme park, but dressed up with all the Disney trappings. There’s your carousel (Cinderella Carousel), the water ride (Jungle River Cruise), the roller coaster (Space Mountain), the kid-friendly rides (Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters) and the ever-present gift shop. Straightaway, my favorite ride is Space Mountain, located in the section called Tomorrowland. I kept seeing the Mountain from Disney resort photographs and videos in my youth, and I always wondered what was contained in that humongous structure. Was it an exhibition hall like the EPCOT Center in Florida? An arcade mall? Only in my visit did I discover that Space Mountain was an enclosed, air-conditioned roller coaster. Wow.

The hot day had a multiplier effect to the wow factor I experienced. Riding a high-speed roller coaster as it twists along inside an air-conditioned environment will erase all evidence that there was a tropical climate outside the mountain, with all the sweat and heat stroke reduced to a delightful chill by the end. Even the horrible feeling you get when the ride is over too soon goes away by just repeat the ride as many times as you want without ever leaving the cool shade of the metal construct. I ended up riding the Mountain no less than eight times that day, until the evening no longer required the cooling effect of that climate-controlled mass of steel and concrete.

In between our repeat visits to Space Mountain, my group rode a large raft across the Jungle River to visit Tarzan’s Treehouse, a multi-story exhibit that replicated the apeman’s jungle dwelling from the movie. Another notable attraction we visited was the Stitch Encounter in Tomorrowland, where a videowall displayed an interactive alien Stitch who joked and flirted with the crowd. Impressive.

The mascots were noticeably absent that day. I can tell; based on all the propaganda I’ve been exposed to all my life, they should have been crawling all over the park. I didn’t mind not having photo opportunities with Mickey or Goofy, or even the human mascots like Cinderella. At those stifling temperatures, I’m sure the humans operating under the disguises would be too miserable to shower us guests with the magic.

The last major attraction we visited was Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3-D show where Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and their other friends joined up with Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and other Disney characters. As Donald hilariously took to the Arabian skies and dove under the sea, the audience members are air-blasted and splashed by special devices along the seats to enhance their experience.

As closing time drew near, the crowd gathered in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle to witness the traditional fireworks display and the accompanying musical medley. My friends and I waited along with them, but we shuffled ever so slowly towards the gateway, eager to avoid the crowd that will take the train back to the city.

I’m sure some Disney theme park aficionados would scoff at HKDL, the smallest of the worldwide Disney attractions. But the Disney resorts are meant primarily for the kids, who are easily delighted by cartoon fantasies made real. And I’m lucky enough to be a Disney first-timer, as some of the magic the children feel rubbed off on me.

Hong Kong Disneyland is located in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It can be reached through the special MTR Disney resort line at Sunny Bay Station, just 23 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport and 33 minutes from MTR Hong Kong Station. It can also arrive via car, bus, or taxi. Operating hours are 10am to 8pm.

Visit the official website at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Posted in Attractions, Hong Kong

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