Time of your life at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is the newest addition to Walt Disney’s global franchise of theme parks; however what makes this theme park different from others that were put up all over the world is the distinct Chinese ambience that it exudes. When planning the theme park in Hong Kong project executives were aware of the cultural issues that faced the Disneyland in Paris, therefore great pains were taken to integrate the theme park with Chinese culture, Feng Shui consultants were brought in to assist with the design and incense was burned to bless the buildings that were completed.

Officially opened in 2005, the park was slated to attract up to six million visitors per year. The official name for the project was Hong Kong Disneyland Resort which consists of a Disneyland theme park, two Disney themed hotels and a host of dining and entertainment options. The park was built on reclaimed land at the north eastern tip of Lantau Island near Penny’s Bay. The environmental furor that was created surrounding the land reclamation and later on the decision to serve shark fin soup tarnished the image of the resort slightly but now with those teething problems behind it, HK Disneyland has become a premier tourist attraction.

Upon entering the theme park you would first be in the "Main Street, USA" theme park area. You will be surrounded by dim gas lamps and paddy wagons passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports you back to America of the early 20th century. With the image of cartoon heroine, Market House Bakery and Main Street Corner Cafe are also good places for you to enjoy. Lingering in Emporium and Main Street Mercantile, having a look in The Curiosity Shop and Silhouette Shop, you will surely find timeless treasures.

For adventure seekers the place to go is the aptly named "Adventureland." The Jungle River Cruise will take you into the heart of the African jungle complete with hippos, cobras, elephants and orangutans. 'The Lion King' performance will keep you entertained with its colorful pageant of music and dance which is just like a classic music drama because of its consummate performers, costumes and exotic scenery. Exploring Tarzan Island and a visit to Tarzan's Treehouse reminds you of the epic Disney classic of a human child raised by gorillas. Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and River View Cafe is true tropical jungle dining experience while you can buy a jungle leaf in Professor Porter's Trading Post as a souvenir.

Fantasyland brings to life the fairytale romance of Disney animations. Cinderella Carrousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Sword in the Stone, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White Grotto are some of the rides that are themed after popular fantasy cartoons. Leave the fairytales and their old world charm behind and step into Tomorrowland. Scream away in Space Mountain, an exciting roller coaster ride and in Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, you can fly in your space capsule and fight against the aliens with your space gun. Orbitron lets you fly above Tomorrowland and take a rest while enjoying the view. After an exhausting trip around space, take a break at Starliner Diner and Comet Cafe to enjoy some good old terrestrial cuisine.

If you are looking for comfortable accommodation, a Hong Kong hotel that is conveniently located and offers great shopping opportunities is the Cosmopolitan Hong Kong Hotel.