Welcome to the “happiest place on Earth” also known as Disneyland. It is the place where one can be carefree and believe that magic comes alive, whether you’re young or young at heart. While Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest among all, it is still worth a visit for both locals and tourists. With many new attractions added since its opening, visitors always have an excuse to come back. To help with that, we made this guide that lists everything you need to know about Hong Kong Disneyland. Plan the perfect trip to the theme park with our list of best rides, tips on the best time to go, hacks, and more.
Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It is certainly a must for everybody, especially after the opening of the first World of Frozen. A Marvel-themed section will soon follow but for now, there is still plenty to do. So, make the most of your day at the theme park with our guide which includes helpful tips that’ll make navigating this magical world easier.
The ultimate guide to Hong Kong Disneyland: Unmissable rides, best time to visit and useful tips
How to get to Hong Kong Disneyland?
By MTR
The easiest way to get to Hong Kong Disneyland is to take the MTR. The Tung Chung Line takes visitors to Sunny Bay. From there, switch to the special Disneyland train. It only takes five minutes from Sunny Bay Station to Disneyland Station.
By bus
Bus R8 runs from Lantau Link Toll Plaza to Hong Kong Disneyland. There are also buses operated by Long Win Bus and Citybus that run to and from locations around Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland.
By taxi or Uber
For hassle-free travel, consider taking a taxi or Uber. We suggest hailing a cab from Central and from there, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get to the park. Fares typically cost HKD 300-500 depending on the traffic situation.
By private car
Visitors with a private car can use the open-air car park next to Hong Kong Disneyland at HKD 280 per day. There are also parking spaces near Inspiration Lake (HKD 55 per hour) and Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (HKD 50 per hour).
Insider tips on how to plan your day at Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland opening hours are normally from 10 am to 9 pm. However, it is extended during special events and holidays. Check the website or app for the most updated information.
LSA tip: While the park admits visitors at 10 am, we suggest arriving at 9:30 am, especially during weekends. There is likely a queue so arriving earlier means being at the front of the line. This also means fewer queues at the rides. Lines start to get busy by 11:30 am. They get shorter by 5 pm as visitors prepare to watch the parade and fireworks. We also recommend leaving the park at least 30 minutes before closing time to avoid the crowds rushing back to catch the train at the same time.
A day at Disneyland is incomplete without photos. Make sure you’re all powered up but in case your phone runs out of battery, there is a power bank rental service. To rent, you can download the ChargeSpot App. Register with a phone number to get a verification code or log in with third-party apps. Then, pay via credit card or settle the deposit. To return, insert the power bank into the empty slot and check the record in the app to confirm a successful return.
If visiting with children, it is best to travel light. Rent a stroller for one day so you don’t have to carry one during the commute. It only costs HKD 150 per day with a refundable HKD 100 deposit. Families can also use the stroller parking should kids want to go on a ride. They are available all over the park and outside every ride. Storage lockers are also available for rental.
There are many ways to go around the park but start at Main Street USA then make your way to Tomorrowland. From there, you can easily go to Fantasyland and World of Frozen. Then, visit Adventureland, Grizzy Gluch, and Mystic Minor. Finally, end your day at Toy Story Land.
Should you get weary from walking, consider taking the Disneyland Railboard train. It is a 20-minute trip aboard a steam-powered train. Trains arrive at each station every 5 to 15 minutes.
Meet Disney characters
Grab the chance to meet your favourite Disney characters. At the Tomorrowland Stage or Expo Assembly Station, visitors can catch Black Panther, Spider-Man, Captain America, and Doctor Strange.
Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie greet visitors at Barrel of Fun. Over at Main Street and Town Square, catch Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Mickey and Minnie. Moana makes her appearance at Adventureland together with Pocahontas. Don’t miss Tinker Bell at the Fairy Tale Forest as well. Click here for more information on the Disney characters you can meet.
When is the best time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland?
The best time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland is between October and February when the weather is cooler. The only downside is that December to January (and sometimes February) are also peak months due to Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year holidays. That said, visitors can try to avoid crowds during weekdays. Plus, there are seasonal offerings and decorations during Halloween, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.
Summer months from June to August are the worst months to visit. They are also crowded due to students on their summer breaks. If you do end up visiting during summer, make sure to pack hats, sunglasses, water bottles, and sunscreen.
LSA tip: Watch Disney shows in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat. You can also opt for the indoor rides where queues are usually shaded.
Note that the park still opens during Typhoon 3 (T3), however, many of the rides are closed. Only indoor rides are available during T3. The park is closed during Typhoon 8 and higher as well as when the Black Rainstorm is hoisted.
Hong Kong Disneyland rides, attractions and shows you can’t miss
Main Street USA
Animation Academy
Visitors can learn how to draw a Disney character during a 20-minute hands-on session with a Disney artist. The class is conducted in Cantonese only. Check the class schedule at the entrance beforehand and arrive early as seating is limited.
World of Frozen
Frozen Ever After
At Frozen Ever After, visitors can ride on a boat through Elsa’s Ice Palace. Enjoy the company of Olaf and Sven and listen to Olaf’s version of ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman’ or Elsa’s rendition of ‘Let It Go’.
Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs
Visitors to Arendelle can ride Oaken’s family-friendly carnival coaster behind the Trading Post. The sleigh takes riders through the rugged yet picturesque landscape of Arendelle Forest.
Grizzly Gulch
Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars
A speeding mine train that plummets downhill, backwards, and zips around an old mining town. Along the rollercoaster-type attraction, riders can encounter friendly bears, a barren canyon, and a mine shaft.
Fantasyland
It’s a small world
Go on a whimsical boat ride past a musical congregation of singers from around the globe belting out different versions of ‘It’s a Small World’.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Fans of Winnie the Pooh shouldn’t miss this attraction. Hop on a giant Hunny Pot and immerse yourselves in the pages of A.A. Milne’s classic tales. The storybook adventure includes colourful sights and classic Disney songs.
Tomorrowland
Hyperspace Mountain
If you live for the thrill, then Hyperspace Mountain is a must. A reimagined version of the classic Space Mountain, this attraction has riders engaged in a Star Wars Battle.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle
Shrink down to the size of an ant and join the fight alongside Ant-Man and The Wasp against Hydra at Stark Tower. Board S.H.I.E.L.D’s combat vehicle, Dagger and use EMP Blaster to disable the Swarmbots.
Iron Man Experience
Find yourselves inside Stark Industries on this ride. Armed with a pair of StarVision glasses, visitors get to “fly” in the Iron Wing and get an aerial tour of the city—or so they think.
Adventureland
Jungle River Cruise
Go on a thrilling eight-minute cruise expedition and see elephants, gorillas, and hippos. Note: As the ride is on a boat, there is a chance to get wet.
Tarzan’s Treehouse
You don’t have to go the distance to see Tarzan’s treehouse. Hop in a log raft across the Rivers of Adventure to explore Tarzan’s home. Visitors can relive his story at the attraction which includes sights of the family hut and kitchen.
Toy Story Land
Toy Soldier Parachute Drop
Want to see Disneyland from high above? Then, be the latest squadron recruit at the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop. Visitors “float” up to 25 metres in the air and from there, they can take in the incredible views of Toy Story Land, Mystic Manor, and Grizzy Gluch before dropping to the ground.
Mystic Point
Mystic Manor
Visitors can tour Mystic Manor, the manor house and private museum of adventurer and art collector, Lord Henry Mystic. Make your way through labyrinths of rooms filled with drawings, photographs and other artworks.
LSA tip: Opt for Disney Premier Access (HKD 129) for priority access. There may still be a queue but the wait time is relatively shorter.
Shows times to note
Festival of the Lion King: 12:15 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:45 pm
Moana: A Homecoming Celebration: 12:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm
Playhouse in the Woods: 11 am to 7 pm
Mickey & Friends Street Celebration: 1:45 pm, 5:30 pm
The 20-minute “Momentous” is on every night except for Wednesdays. But it may not be available regularly during seasonal months when the theme park has a “special” offer. Check the calendar to stay updated.
LSA tip: There is an information board near the Castle of Magical Dreams on the right-hand side, just before Tomorrowland. It lists the show timings and the waiting time for rides. It’s a great way to know which rides have fewer people in line so you can plan accordingly.
Where to eat at Hong Kong Disneyland
Golden Crocus Inn
At Golden Crocus Inn, diners will feel like they have stepped into the world of Arendelle. Dishes include Lamb Shank, Chicken Roll, and Baked Salmon.
Comet Cafe
An open-air, quick-service restaurant modelled after the wings of a spaceship. There are two food stations: rice and noodles. Specials include Japanese Curry Pork Chop with Rice and Seafood Sanuki Udon.
Explorer’s Club Restaurant
As its name suggests, this restaurant allows diners to enjoy different cuisines from around the world. There are five dining rooms to choose from that offer international cuisine including vegetarian options.
Main Street Corner Cafe
Enjoy an all-American dining experience at Main Street Corner Cafe. Indulge in a range of American dishes such as burgers and steaks. The menu also has dishes that are inspired by Walt Disney’s own family recipes.
LSA tip: There is a virtual queuing service available at the reception for guests to register.
Main Street Bakery
Need a quick bite or coffee? Main Street Bakery is the place to be. This old-fashioned American bakery has fresh pastries, sandwiches, desserts, coffee, and tea.
Royal Banquet Hall
Just like a banquet hall, this restaurant has different food stations that serve a range of cuisines. For instance, the Grill section has American-style classics like Roasted Chicken while the Japan section offers ramen and bento boxes.
Small World Ice Cream
Cool off with creamy delights at this stall. The Italian Gelato Waffle Basket is a must to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. It is also the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day or a dessert during cooler days.
Starliner Diner
Head over to this Marvel-themed diner to enjoy a range of fast food options. Highlight dishes include the Iron Man Wagyu Beef Cheese Burger and the Spider-Man Prawn Cheese Burger.
Tahitian Terrace
Savour the punchy flavours of Asian cuisine at Tahitian Terrace including Beef Rendang with Coconut Rice and Butter Chicken with Coconut Rice.
Where to shop at Hong Kong Disneyland
Drop by Emporium to shop for limited-edition memorabilia, sweets and treats, and even get a personalised My Disney Tee. Marvel fans shouldn’t miss the Expo Shop where you can find Iron Man collectables. The shop also has more than 70 Hong Kong Disneyland-exclusive Iron Man merchandise. For Frozen-exclusive goodies, make your way to Tick Tok Toys & Collectibles.
LSA tip: Bring your own shopping bags to reduce the use of single-use plastic. Disneyland is no longer giving plastic shopping bags to contribute to environmental protection efforts.
What are the Hong Kong Disneyland ticket prices?
There are different Hong Kong Disneyland ticket prices. A one-day General Admission (Level 1) ticket costs HKD 669 for adults and HKD 499 for kids aged three to 11 years old. Children under three can enter free of charge. Tickets for seniors aged over 65 also cost HKD 499. These are available on ordinary weekdays. Visitors can purchase tickets up to three months in advance.
Meanwhile, Level 2 tickets (weekends), Level 3 (public holidays), and Level 4 (peak days like Christmas), costs up to HKD 939 for adults and HKD 705 for children and seniors. Check out the official website for the latest ticket prices.
For those who want to visit the theme park on multiple days, consider the Magic Access Pass. There are Silver, Gold, and Platinum options available. The only difference is the blackout dates. For instance, the Silver pass can’t be used on weekends. Only the Platinum pass has no restrictions. These passes also have dining and retail discounts available all across the park.
(Featured and Hero Image credit: hkdisneyland.pa/Facebook)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.