Happy 5th anniversary Hong Kong Disneyland!

5 years ago, Disneyland officially opened in Hong Kong!  This meant a lot to us Filipinos because we don’t have to go all the way to the US to experience the magical world of Disneyland.  Hong Kong is just 2 hours away from the Philippines and this meant, more happy trips to kids and… well, adult kid like me 😛  It’s more affordable to for us of course and we don’t need to apply for VISA in Hong Kong (unless you stay for more than 30 days).   Almost everyone can go: kids, adults, family, couples and even persons with disabilities!  Hong Kong itself is a pretty friendly place for PWD, moreso Disneyland and its different attractions.  You will clearly see in the map that they took every consideration to also have PWD enjoy touring around Disney and experiencing its different attractions.

Flights of Fantasy Parade

For their 5th year, they included more special productions.  Check out their parade every 3:30 pm.  Parade time may change though so please check the timetable when you’re there. This parade is a new production and they call it “Flights of Fantasy Parade” which happens exclusively in Hong Kong Disneyland.  This means that you can see it only in Hong Kong and not anywhere.  This production will only be played on this year.

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the parade.  It was an awesome production and you shouldn’t miss this because you will get to see different Disney characters.

Are you into photography like me?  If you are, Disneyland is the perfect place for you to practice your landscape and portrait skills.  The sun shines bright and you can practice tinkering on your manual settings.  At night, there are fireworks so you would also get to practice your fireworks photography and low light snap shots because even at night Disneyland is very colorful.

I enjoyed taking photos on the Flights of Fantasy Parade more than anything else because it was so colorful and I practiced my portrait photography too with different characters.  I didn’t need a studio and a model to practice my portrait photography, here in Disneyland I already have models and efficient source of natural light 🙂

So, here we go… sharing the photos I enjoyed taking during the Flights of Fantasy Parade in Hong Kong Disneyland!

Before the parade, I took photos of myself first before I get overwhelmed taking photos of different characters.

Time check it’s 4:02 but the parade started at 3:30 The characters move around the streets of the Disneyland Resort.  Where we are is the last stop of the characters and check out the crowd – all excited to see the characters!

Also, check out the uniform of the Disneyland staff – they’re so cute and they are all in costumes too!

Here you go, the Flights of Fantasy parade celebrating the 5th year of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Good ol’ Disney characters Chip and Dale, Donald Duck and Goofy!

Bees flying around in front of me!  I want to try jumping around this thing.  What they’re doing looks so much fun!

Wee!  I love the composition of this photo.  It’s so colorful!  Disneyland is very photogenic indeed!

She’s so cute, she posed for me!  I want to go inside the pot because my nickname is also “Honey” or “Hunny”

The parade won’t be complete without the Disney Princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Belle and Aurora.

They get into character all the time and really act like princesses – the way they smile, they move and they speak 🙂

Princess Aurora a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty

This is the lovely and cute Tinker Bell

Go a nice portrait of one of the flower characters 🙂

Fairies! They looked so cute riding a bike 🙂

Toy Story soldiers!  They are life sized though and they are not statues – they are real people in costume and they move! but they move like a toy which is so amazing!  That soldier just waved at me!  I must commend the costume and the makeup – good job!

Now I want to cosplay Buzz Lightyear!  These are really cute costumes and I want to make one for me to use 🙂

See Buzz LIghtyear, Ham and the Aliens!

and guess what, by 2012 – Hong Kong Disneyland is going to have a new attraction!

Toy Story Land!!!

My favorite Disney character – Stitch!

Aloha Hawaiian girls!

That’s about it for now.  It was really a great production and congratulations Disney for preparing this magical production for everyone!

Happy 5th Anniversary and more magical years to come!

Check out my other posts:

Flaircandy Visits the Magical World of Hong Kong Disneyland

My Favorite Hong Kong Disneyland Attractions

Flights of Fantasy Parade at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Enchanted Garden and Disney Characters

Most Memorable Dim Sum Lunch at Crystal Lotus Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney in the Stars Fireworks and How to Capture It

Related Links

-        PARK

-        Hotel

-        Disneyland Hotel

-        Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

-        Ticket and reservations

-        5th Anniversary

-        Star Guest

Vince and I love going to Hong Kong and we came back last February 25, 2011 to explore the magical world of Disneyland. We had a splendid vacation last November spending 5 days and 4 nights on the island we love. We brought work with us so pretty much we spent most of our time working and did not have enough time to roam around the city! I scheduled our trip on a very busy month, my bad. But, it’s one of the advantages of being a full-time blogger, a social media manager and a digital entrepreneur. Pretty much, Vince and I can bring our work anywhere!

Check out my previous posts about our November trip to Hong Kong here.

On our recent vacation to Hong Kong, we only stayed for 3 days and so we decided to spend most of our time on the happiest place on Earth – Disneyland! We stayed at Hong Kong Disneyland hotel too and boy-oh-boy, I tell you we had a splendid time! It was a relaxing and fun vacation where we didn’t rush through our itinerary. We even had time to swim, go to the spa and just totally bum out.

Anyway, check out this cool video I made featuring my favorite Hong Kong Disneyland attractions!

Tomorrowland

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Help Buzz Lightyear save the universe from evil Emperor Zurg on this interactive adventure by shooting any Zs you see! You will be scored in this game and you will find out what level you are. Vince and I went to this attraction and played the game for 5 or 6 times 😛 Vince got Level 5 and I got only ’til Level 4 🙁

Space Mountain

Take a thrilling high-speed journey to the far reaches of the universe an

d back on this interstellar roller coaster. Minimum height for this adventure is 102cm. They just stated minimum height, but what about maximum height? We had a friend who’s 6’7″ and he was worried he might bump something during the ride. This is something you shouldn’t miss as you go around, up and down in total darkness and some shining *stars* wee! And don’t forget to smile because they take a photo of you XD.

Stitch Encounter

I didn’t expect this attraction to be fun! I was lining up to check it out but I had no clue what it is about. Another attraction you shouldn’t miss because this amazed me. You get to interact with a 2D character Stitch on screen and it still amazes me how they do this.

Autopia

This is fun for kids who want to try to drive around without fear of getting into an accident or getting a driving license. Adults can help them step on the accelerator and the kids will enjoy maneuvering the car 🙂

Fantasyland

Mickey’s Philharmagic

It’s not 2D, it’s not 3D, it’s 4D!!! It’s fun watching this all the time. check out the Guide Map brochure of Disneyland that you can get from the information center or City Hall to check out schedule for this.

It’s a Small World

Take a journey on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed” as children of the world sing and dance to the song “It’s a small world.” It’s a pleasant boat ride around different places on earth and even in space and fantasy land! Kids would absolutely love the colors and all the toys and dolls around. For adults, it’s nice to take a ride on this relaxing boat ride. Check it out and look for the Philippines!

spotted, Jack Prinya (a celebrity in Thailand! woot!) with one of his triplets 🙂

The Golden Mickeys

It’s a magical celebration of Disney’s films, and characters. This happens in Disney’s Storybook Theater. I want to perform as one of the characters in this theater musical 😛

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Technically it’s for kids… but I am a big kid at heart I highly enjoyed the ride joining Pooh and friends for a storybook journey through the Hundred Acre Wood.

Fantasy Gardens

Meet and take photos with Mickey Mouse, and your favorite Disney Friends! Lines can go long at times so it’s advice you guys to do this early in the morning 😛

Just right outside the gates of Fantasy Garden, A man wearing colorful clothes was doing cool tricks that amazed the crowd!

Snow White Grotto

I made a wish on the well that I can’t share 🙂 You can also take a nice angle of the Disney Castle from this area 🙂

Adventureland

Jungle River Cruise

Journey with your intrepid skipper along the mysterious Rivers of Adventure. You’d also get to see a nice view of Tarzan’s Treehouse.

Tarzan’s Treehouse

Climb to high adventure in the treetop home of Tarzan. Conduct experiments and play musical instruments in an interactive playhouse at the base of the tree. It’s nice to take photos here too! 🙂

Festival of the Lion King

They say you shouldn’t miss this show and I agree! It’s an amazing production and you have to watch this! You can witness a colorful pageant of music and dance inspired by celebrating Disney’s animated classic “The Lion King”. You can watch this in Theater in the Wild.  I took a few photos only because it is best to just sit down and enjoy the show 🙂

Main Street, U.S.A.

Main street is usually where the shops are and that’s what people think this side of Disney has to offer. But let me tell you, two of my top favorite attractions are here! Did you know that you can learn how to draw Disney Characters here?

Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad

But first, take the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad. This will take you around the entirety of Hong Kong Disneyland. It’s a relaxing ride and you will get to pin-point areas you want to go to. We noticed some areas under construction! Soon they will have Toy Story land and two other attractions!

If you get a bit tired of walking around, ride the chu-chu train and relax!

I really like my Minnie Mouse cap 🙂

Animation Academy

This is where I learned how to draw Daisy! I think they feature different characters from time to time. The class is in Mandarin though, but don’t worry, just watch the screen and follow what the lao shi (teacher) does.

Art of Animation

Man, I just saw the most amazing thing in animation here. Drop by and check out how they explain animation and how simple and basic the concept is, but with this they created tons of great animated movies! This building is a celebration of Disney and Disney-Pixar animation featuring the spinning Toy Story Zeotrope.

That’s it 🙂

These are my favorite Hong Kong Disneyland attractions!  Have you been to Hong Kong Disneyland yet?

If so, what are your own favorite attractions?

Up next is my post about the Flight of Fantasy Parade and how to capture fireworks in Hong Kong Disneyland!

Check out my other posts:

Flaircandy Visits the Magical World of Hong Kong Disneyland

My Favorite Hong Kong Disneyland Attractions

Flights of Fantasy Parade at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Enchanted Garden and Disney Characters

Most Memorable Dim Sum Lunch at Crystal Lotus Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney in the Stars Fireworks and How to Capture It

Related Links

-        PARK

-        Hotel

-        Disneyland Hotel

-        Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

-        Ticket and reservations

-        5th Anniversary

-        Star Guest

Who would’ve thought I’d meet my favorite Disney characters in person!  I am such a Disney child.  I grew up watching almost all Disney movies and even as I grow up, I still watch Disney with my little sister and little brother.  My favorite shows were Lizzy Mcguire, Phil of the Future, Adventures of Zach and Cody, Lilo and Stich the series (watched every episode), Kim Possible (watched all episodes too!), Totally Spies and Martin Mystery.  Of course I love the movies of Disney too.

My mom bought me an Alice in Wonderland Betamax tape when I was 4 years old and I swear, I watched this film a thousand times along with Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast!  I was so happy that I finally would go to another vacation – a very happy and magical one!

Flaircandy invades Disneyland!

The main reason why we went back to Hong Kong is to experience the magic of Disney!  Ever since I heard about the new Disneyland in Hong Kong 5 years ago, I was very eager to go since I haven’t been to any Disneyland before and Hong Kong is only 2 hours away from the Philippines!

Can you believe it? It has been 5 years!  This year, Hong Kong Disneyland is celebrating their 5^th year anniversary and our timing was just perfect because they made everything more special.

I’m such a big kid that I lined up with the rest of the kids to have our pictures taken with the Disney Princesses 😛  I have so much to share with you guys including some helpful tips in maximizing your Hong Kong Disneyland vacation.  I will be telling you soon about my favorite attractions in Hong Kong Disneyland and share new things about Hong Kong Disneyland.  This time in Hong Kong, we were booked in Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and it’s worth all the bucks that you pay to have a wonderful magical stay in the land of Disney and I will tell you soon why.

Hong Kong is just two hours flight away from the Philippines and I’m sure a lot of you folks will be heading off to Hong Kong Disneyland by summertime.  School is out and everyone’s is heading off to a lovely vacation.  If Hong Kong Disneyland is your choice, then it’s perfect timing especially if you go this year because they are celebrating their 5th year anniversary!

Anyway, here are a few snippets of our Hong Kong Disneyland trip.  This is just a teaser of more to come! Boy, oh boy… I have so much to share 🙂

The princesses Cinderella and Aurora were really sweet and they act in character all the time from their movements, to the way they look, their gestures and the way they say things.

Here’s a Flair tip for you guys:

This is one advantage of staying at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, characters come from time to time and not a lot of people know about this!  They usually come at around 10-11am in the lobby.  Do check the hotel information for their schedule.

“My goodness that’s a very big bow, it’s bigger than mine!  You should show it to Minnie” – Alice said to me when I approached her for a photo op 🙂

We had breakfast at the Enchanted Garden (to tell you more about this soon).  And Mickey Mouse was there!

He saw my big bow and kissed my hand before this picture was taken <3 <3 <3

Enchanted Garden is actually a restaurant located at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and they serve buffets.  Disney friends visit during breakfast or dinnertime and they will go to every table so that you can have photo ops!

I drew Daisy!  Now, this is something not a lot of people know they can do in Disneyland and I will share more details about how to draw Disney Characters soon!

For now, know that you can go to the Animation Academy along Mainstreet, U.S.A. in Hong Kong Disneyland to learn how to draw Disney characters!

This was a cool attraction in Tomorrowland -the interactive Stitch encounter.  While lining up, I made goofy faces imitating different kinds of Alien Monsters!

Notice something different on the castle? It’s glittering with gold isn’t it?

For this season, the Castle was decorated with Tinkerbell’s pixie dust!  They put this special decoration here to celebrate the 5^th Anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland.

At 8pm, they usually light the castle and the sky with Fireworks that dance with the music.  The pixie dust adds more to the glitter and glamour!

And thanks to my uggs, walking around Disneyland was not so painful at all.  Reminding everyone to wear comfortable clothing and footwork if you want to fully enjoy Hong Kong Disneyland!

Aww… I feel pretty holding tinkerbell’s wand and wearing her garland.

There are shops everywhere and you can actually wear this around Hong Kong Disneyland while you’re touring around and take lots of photos!  These things would look cute on camera!

Don’t forget to say DISNEY!!!

It’s Tinkerbell!   Sadly, we weren’t able to take photos with her because the line was so long 😛

Tinkerbell is one of my favorite Disney characters because she reminds me so much of myself.  The only difference is I love pink and she loves green 😛  This Pixie Hollow photo booth with Tinkerbell is only available in the 5^th Anniversary Celebration of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Munching on my favorite snack – Caramel Popcorn!

If you get hungry, munch on something.  They sell ice creams, waffles and popcorn everywhere!

Don’t forget to take lots of photos!

Oh, buy souvenirs too! Like I bought this hat for HKD100 I’m not sure about the exact amount but wear something cute like this throughout your Disneyland experience!  It will look good on your photos!

Pictures are not complete without a jump shot!  Although, I blocked the sign that says “Welcome to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort” PHAIL

Walking on the hallways of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.  I admire the whole building!  Every detail, every corner and every little design has been well thought of.  I am sure to book here again if i go back!

I brought a tripod with me the whole day because I know it will be worth carrying when I want to take photos of the fireworks at night 🙂  I love capturing fireworks and catching them with the castle was a bit hard.. but patience is a virtue and I am very happy with my shots!

I cried while I was taking this photo… They start out with the song “Tale as old as time… (ten ne ne ne nen), true as it can be…”

and the fireworks and the harmonious Disney songs on the background gave me goosebumps and made me cry.  I was overwhelmed with joy that I exploded with both tears and laughter.

I maximized the trip and roamed around Hong Kong Disneyland resort for 2 days.  I tried every attraction there was, even the ones meant for kids.  I thought I would be bored and stuff, but hey – I was simply amazed.  Every ride brought out the child in me 🙂

Since Disney is turning 5€¦

Happy 5^th Birthday Hong Kong Disneyland!!!

They made their parade more special and they call it “Flights of Fantasy“

You shouldn’t miss this parade because this is your chance to see different Disney characters and this parade is exclusive only in Hong Kong Disneyland and you can’t see this in other Disneyland resorts.  This will be only available this year for their 5^th year anniversary.

Congratulations Hong Kong Disneyland!  It was indeed a great production!

I think that’s it for now. 🙂  Follow me on my other posts, yah?  ^_^

By the way, I was very happy to meet Qiuting (known as Bongqiuqiu in the blogosphere).  She is one of the top bloggers in Singapore and was happy to meet her there! She’s so tall and pretty and very nice in person.  She gave me shopping tips and where to go in Hong Kong.

Find out more about her at BongQiuQiu.blogspot.com

Check out my other posts:

Flaircandy Visits the Magical World of Hong Kong Disneyland

My Favorite Hong Kong Disneyland Attractions

Flights of Fantasy Parade at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Enchanted Garden and Disney Characters

Most Memorable Dim Sum Lunch at Crystal Lotus Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney in the Stars Fireworks and How to Capture It

Related Links

–        PARK

–        Hotel

–        Disneyland Hotel

–        Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

–        Ticket and reservations

–        5th Anniversary

–        Star Guest

So, I was walking around Manila Polo Club yesterday night and I felt the cool night breeze that you will only feel around this time of the year.  To me, it was the perfect weather!  I heard some reggae music and I had the weirdest adrenalin rush! ^_^ If you don’t know yet, I’m a raggamuffin’ girl (a girl who loves reggae)!  and I usually just hear these vibes on summer and I love how reggae music usually calms me down and sets me to chill mode.  Listening to reggae music is therapeutic enough for me to change my bad mood to chill!

I was then like, omgee I miss the beach!  I can’t wait for summer!  But then I realized that I am one lucky girl because I live in the Philippines where the beaches are available 365 days in a year unlike other countries that are experiencing blizzards at this moment!  In fact, it’s surf season from October to Feb and I usually spend time on the beach to surf.  Comes March to July – summer time and you’ll often find me in Boracay or in other awesome beaches here in the Philippines!  August – September is also another surf season so if you ask me if it’s possible to be summer all the time then hell yeah it is!

Havaianas encourages the summer state of mind and with this, they just launched the ‘Always Summer’ campaign to remind Filipinos that they don’t need to wait for the season to rejoice in its spirit.  Summer in a tropical island like the Philippines never ends and neither do the happy moments that come with it.

The Havaianas Race to Hawaii

As part of its year-long summer celebration,  Havaianas is launching the Havaianas “Always Summer: Race to Hawaii” contest.  Flip-flops lovers nationwide can compete in a day of exciting summer fun by purchasing two pairs of Havaianas and winning a slot in the race.  Winners in the regional leg will proceed to Boracay – all expenses paid – to compete in the final leg for the ultimate prize: a trip for two to Hawaii – the land that inspired Havaianas.

More details about this contest at their official website www.havaianassummer.com

Havaianas Event Photos

Nails done at Nailaholics prior to the event

Notice the gold serpent ring on my hand?  I will give it away soon c/o Panopio Jewelry!

Me and Telly

Coffee Break!!! It’s been a while since I’ve listened to them live

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

I think this was when they were singing “Pass the Dutchie”

hell, it was awesome~!

The event was set at the Manila Polo Club, but I felt like I was on the beach.  Daym, I had great memories in Bora with Telly ^_^

Alvey Pulga of Channel V

sorry dude, I wasn’t able to get a good shot of you coz you were hyper and moving a lot

Intermission number (it’s like Poi dancing without the fire)

This is kewl *pats self*

Summer Plans

Anyway, summer is around the corner too!  But before I greet summer, I’ll go off to Hong Kong first and experience staying in Hong Kong Disneyland’s luxury hotel ^_^  I want to feel like a princess on a cool weather and I want to wear the Uggs that I bought that I wasn’t able to wear on my last Hong Kong trip.  I’m also there to shop! Uniqlo and HnM here I come again!

For summer, I want to go Boracay again.  And this early Feb imma go surfing!!!

Of course, I’m also planning to buy two pairs of Havaianas so that I can have a raffle entry!  HAWAII is on my to-go list! I want to surf there and I hope I WIN!

So guys, are you excited for summer?

YEAH?!?!!?

Then share your plans on the comment section below ^_^