My first time to visit Hong-kong Disneyland; never too late to fulfill a childhood dream

I grew up knowing Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse. My father introduced me to them, he bought me colorful books about Snow White and Cinderella, and he even brought me to movie house showing Cinderella, Dumbo and other Disney stories. Thanks to my father who seemed to enjoy exposing his only child to the world of Walt Disney. At that time I didn't even know that Walt Disney was actually a person who owned all the Disney characters that I know, including the Disney Land. Disneyland for me then is a dreamland that I only see in movies and pictures, and as a child, I told myself then that someday I am going to Disneyland, I didn't know at what particular day or time or even where, but I know it will happen.

And it happened... my cousin brought me to Hongkong Disneyland, and I thank her really for making it possible to make my childhood dream a reality, indeed there is no age limit in fulfilling a childhood dream.

We arrived at Disneyland just in time for the first parade. It was just a short parade as if presenting the Disney characters for the day (which was Sunday), I saw Mickey Mouse as the front line character, the kid in me went out, so I really rushed myself to the parade and took pictures of the famous Disney characters. Goofy followed him immediately and my favorite dog was followed by a Bear, unfortunately I am not sure who he was, my cousin said he could be from the Pooh family, then after him came Donald Duck and next to him was Minnie Mouse who was the last in the line. It's really different to see them live and human size.

Another dream was fulfilled when I finally had a chance to meet Mickey and MInnie mouse and posed with them in their photo booth. My cousin and I have the luxury of time so we did not mind joining the people who chose to fall in line just to have a picture with the couple. It was no dull moment staying in our line, in fact we didn't feel like we waited at all. I guess the cold atmosphere contributed in the light feeling while roaming the Disneyland Community. No wonder it's very ideal to go there from November to April because it's more refreshing to walk around the place during cold weather.

Extravagant, Grandiose, Lively, Colorful, Festive and Beautiful, those words came to mind when I was watching the second parade. Most of them were reminders of happy childhood. Dumbo made me recall the feeling when he was finally reunited to his mother, Snow white reminded me of a beautiful princess and her seven dwarfs, Some floats were reminders of characters that became popular when I was already an adult, example Toy Story and Aladin.

I am also happy to see fellow Filipinos in the parade, I saw one in the band playing the trumpet and one doing the acrobats. Obviously I was not the only adult enjoying the parade, I guess just like me they had their share of recollections too.

I am not really fond of joy rides whenever I go to a carnival, but at Disneyland I rode the Utopia which made me feel like I can really drive. I also rode the River Cruise, where in there was a story teller while cruising the man made river with too many Animals that are machine operated. There were two lines in the River Cruise, the one for the English Speaking visitors and the other one for the Chinese Speaking. There are more other rides that I failed to take photos but I have posted a picture of one where my friend's son rode.

It's my first time to watch or experience a 4G movie and I enjoyed it a lot. The story was about Donald duck running after his hat and he encountered most of the popular Disney Characters (Aladin, Ariel of Little mermaid etc)while trying to get it back. 4g glasses were provided and I was comparing the difference while watching. I also felt sprinkles of water whenerver there was a water throwing scene... It's simply amazing and I had fun really..

When I go back to Disneyland, I will never miss going to the souvenir shops and buy one or two more watches. The prices of the watch are reasonable, in fact the one I bought is only 278 HK Dollars, just 1,500 plus in Philippine money. But you cannot buy that watch everywhere, only at Disneyland, so add the airfare going to Hongkong plus 2,000 or $ 50 Disneyland Entrance, the watch can be very pricey....

Aside from watch there are Jackets, Sweaters and Hats..

Where to eat at Disneyland, too many but my cousin brought me to Star ship where we ate burgers and fries. I ordered for a garden fresh salad so my lunch reached about 102 HK dollars, equivalent to 500 plus in Philippine Money, but definitely there are other cheaper options.

Disneyland is a beautiful community, the dreamy effect is lingering, making me feel like my Hongkong trip was an Ideal one and I would really love to comeback soon. Just a suggestion, it's better to go to Disneyland during cold season, and that was from November to April.