We departed in Clark International Airport, which is near Tarlac as compared to NAIA.
We arrived in Hong Kong International Airport. It was huge (bigger than Suvarnabhumi airport in Thailand). We even rode a train going to immigration. The train was fast! From the Airport, we rode taxi going to Hollywood Disney Hotel (around HK $130 with luggage charges). We arrived in the not so very fancy expensive hotel and my uncle took care of the booking.
Things I noticed:
- Room rates were very, very, very expensive. I was shocked with the room rates when I researched on the internet a week before the travel. One night per room (good for 4, cheapest) was worth my budget in Bangkok for 4 days including shopping expenses. I did not worry too much of the rates since my sister will take care of it.
- Room design, size, interiors were too cheap for that price.
I was surprised to hear that he purchased 2-day passes in Disneyland for all of us (and I am to stay in HK for 2 days only). It only meant that I was bound to see Disneyland only.
Check-in was at 3PM so we went Disneyland via free shuttle. It was around 10 minute ride. Buses came every 10 minutes during that time (6AM-8AM every 20 minutes; 8AM-12MN every 10 minutes; 12MN-1AM every 20 minutes).
So we arrived in Disneyland. The kids were very excited. I was sort of excited too though I did not grow up knowing every Disney cartoon characters.
Things I noticed:
- Foods are very, very, very expensive. A good rice meal anywhere within the park was worth around HK $70 (Php400). Ice cream - HK $30, bottled juices – HK $22. Do the math.
- Very hot (remember, it’s a park), though there are plenty of trees and shades. Thank God my sister brought 2 umbrellas.
- There are few water-refilling stations. It will save you money.
- You can bring food (rice, snack, bottled water). Security will not thoroughly check your bags.
- Don’t expect to tour the whole park in a day. Two days maybe is enough for some, but not for us (especially we were with 4, 7, 8 year old kids).
- Check on the schedule of the shows. Some are really just for kids. I was so sleepy during the Lion King show but the kids enjoyed it. The 3D show in PhilMagic something was the best. Adventure boat tour was also exciting. Boat tour featuring the “It’s a small world after all” song was way too boring for me. Kids will definitely like it though.
- Tinker Bell was really in character. Very perky.
- Cinderella, Bell, Snow White were cute in costumes.
- Long lines for picture-taking with the characters.
- Parades were OK. Find a spot along the sidewalk where you can sit. The theme back then was Halloween, so the kids didn’t like it so much because they were too afraid.
- Don’t miss the fireworks display at 9PM. I enjoyed it. Find a good spot.
On our last day (afternoon), I suggested to go to Mongkok area to shop. They all agreed since they wanted also to eat cheaper foods.
There are several MTR trains in Hong Kong. We rode 3 trains going to Mongkok. It was a 30-minute ride though the trains were really fast. It was the kids’ first time to ride a train (technically 2nd time since we rode a train inside the airport).
One-way ticket from Disney to Mongkok was around $28 but cheaper for concessionaries (kids, HK senior citizens).
Things I noticed:
1. Trains were very fast (probably triple the speed of LRT, MRT).You can really feel the pressure in your ears especially if you’re staying near the train doors.
2. The trains are very efficient (like in BKK). I hate MRT.
3. Trains can be congested but nothing will beat MRT.
We looked for restaurants suitable for kids. McDonalds. Meals are OK. Way cheaper than burger, fries, drink combo inside Disneyland but a little bit more pricey than McDonalds in the Philippines (30 pesos difference).
Things I noticed:
- After exiting the station, it feels I was in Binondo with stores in Chinese signs. It was cold! Around 20 degrees Celcius.
- Skyscrapers were all around you. Foods were nice to taste but we have to consider the kids. They are still expensive as to Pinoy standards.
After the scrumptious meal, we went to Ladies’ Market. I bought a souvenir for myself. After few minutes, I left them to go somewhere else.
I left Mongkok at around 10PM via the trains. I remembered my travel in Bangkok 2 months ago where the trains were mainly my means of travel. Free shuttle Bus from Disneyland to Hotels (Disney’s hotel, Hollywood hotel) was still available until 1AM.
My mother woke me up at around 6AM. I then packed my things, ate burger from Mongkok, bid my goodbye, and rode the bus to Disneyland.
Note: There is no direct train ride from Disney to the airport. You need to buy a ticket from Disney to Lai King (2 train rides), then buy another ticket from Lai King station to the airport (worth $60). Good thing I still had $100 with me. The airport express train was I guess first class (with comfortable seats, 1st come 1st serve basis) though I saw some Filipinos standing during the trip.
I arrived the airport after few minutes. Both train doors opened (Terminal 1 on the left, Terminal 2 on the right). You don’t have to swipe your train ticket again to go out because it will lead you straight to the airport. I had no idea where I was going. I chose Terminal 1. I was correct. After few questionings, I arrived in departure area on the far right part of the enormous building.
You really need to check-in 2 hours before your flight because of the long queue in immigration (unlike when traveling within the Philippines only where I usually check in 1 hour at most before the flight).
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