Hong Kong
Sunday 3rd March
I'll be arriving in Hong Kong at 2:20pm, and will go straight to Hong Kong Disneyland on the train. I've been before, so I know which trains to get and where to transfer etc. Once I get to Disneyland, I could take the shuttle to my hotel, but I think I will walk along the park promenade, and probably stop for photos of my favourite fountain.
I'll be staying at the Hollywood Hotel this time, in a park view room.
After settling in, I plan to go for a walk around Inspiration Lake. I didn't get there last time, and since weekends are blocked out on my pass, I can't go to the park today.
For dinner, I plan to walk to the Disneyland Hotel (where I stayed last time) and have snacks and drinks in the foyer/lounge area. It's very comfortable and they often have entertainment.
If there's time after dinner I might wander to the fountain/Disneyland entrance again to take more photos after dark. If not, I'll just go back to my hotel and call it a night. I will of course be watching the fireworks from my room (the whole point of getting a park view).
Monday 4th March
This morning I want to ride the cable car up to Ngong Ping to see the big Buddha. We didn't get to go last time because it was down for maintenance, so if it's up and running this time, I definitely want to go. It opens at 9am, and I've figured out that I can get there and back, plus spend an hour at the top, and be back at Disneyland before lunch
First of all I'll have to take the train to Tung Chung. I've been there before too, and it's the end of the line, so it should be easy to manage. Might grab a bite to eat at the train station. From there the cable car station is just across the road.
I want to get a crystal cabin if I can. These ones have clear floors so you can see straight down. Since the ride takes 20 minutes, and I will be on my own, I may end up regretting this choice
Once I get to the top I'll see the big Buddha and maybe wander some of the trails - not interested in any of the 'experiences' up there. Then come down again, get back on the train and head back to Disneyland.
When I get to Disneyland, I'll be heading straight for Grizzly Gulch and doing the Runaway Mine Train ride - can't wait!
After that I'll have some CS lunch somewhere, and have a look at the show times for The Lion King and The Golden Mickeys, and will probably plan to see them tomorrow. Then off to some of my favourites (in clockwise order from Grizzly Gulch) Tarzan's Treehouse, Jungle Cruise, Mickey's Philharmagic, Winnie the Pooh and Space Mountain.
I'll be watching the parade, and will happily interrupt my ride schedule for that if required. Then continue with some character meets at Fantasy Gardens, Grizzly Gulch again after dark (I want to make sure I experience it fully), and shopping (love their biscuit tins!). Then to finish off the night with a sweet treat from the bakery while watching the fireworks.
Tuesday 5th March
Today I'll be aiming to do as much as I can before the parade, because I will have to leave straight afterwards. I'll have to check out of the hotel before I go, but will leave my bags there. I aim to be at the park for opening, and will grab a bite to eat from the bakery while waiting for rope drop. Once the rope drops, I'll be hot-footing it over to Grizzly Gulch again!
The rest of the day will be more favourite rides fit in around The Lion King and The Golden Mickeys. About half an hour before the parade, I'll grab a yummy strawberry and mango Minnie ice-cream bar and stake out a good spot.
Unfortunately I won't have time to say a proper goodbye as I'll be hot-footing it out of there again to grab my bags and be on the train to the airport
I may be able to get another quick Disney fix at the airport with the Disney Store
Then I'll be heading back to Melbourne on an 8 hour overnight flight - always a terrible way to end a great holiday!