What worked and what I would have done differently - HK trip!

[DianaMB333]

Hi

I went Friday Nov 28th and Saturday Nov 29th, solo trip. Weather was very nice, easy to walk around with shirt and light pants; after 4-5pm it cooled a bit to get a sweatshirt or windbreaker jacket.

What worked well:

• Travel: Flight landing at 7pm was a positive to help adjust jet lag, taking the taxi at the airport, 15 mins ride was very easy.
• Lodging: I stayed first night at Disneyland hotel, and the second one at Explorers. Both hotels are very good, distinctive ambiance in each, Luggage transfer worked as easy as in WDW. The Tai Chi with characters at Disneyland hotel was very cute, a cast member leads the activity for 10-15 mins, and the character come out for a brief session and photos, outfits are very cute.
• Breakfast buffet at both hotels were top notch on variety, quality and dining room facilities. Explorers Dragon Wind has an edge on décor, also I found lining up for the character photos easier than waiting at the table (Enchanted restaurant at DL, they were rushed), also they were using a distinctive costume at Explorers, vs normal outfit at Enchanted.
• I booked the Early Pass both days, mostly because I woke up at 3-4am (very tiring jet lag adjustment); it was worth it for shortcutting security lines, as well as having castle photos with almost no one around. I went to Frozen first, did it
• I booked the Momentous + 8 Premier Passattractions package for Day 1, and individual Premier Access for 2 or 3 attractions for Day 2. Well worth it, while the lines weren’t as bad either day (max 30 mins), the Premier Pass was almost walk on every time. Very convenient. The package is worth it if planning to do 4+ attractions and/or the shows.
• I also booked the seating option for theHoliday concert on Saturday, well worth it and very organized, they got seats in front of the castle. Show was very good.
• Entertaintment shows are very good. The Lion King one is outstanding, I went to it both days, very well done, the costumes, music, and performances are so good. The Mickey and the magic book show was also well worth it having in the package.
• The Holiday tree illumination show is so nice, it included performers and drones.

Considerations for next time:

• Lodging decision: more than 2 pax then Explorers hotel; if planning to use Gym/indoor-outdoor pool: Disneyland hotel; if planning for a mid-day break: Disneyland hotel (as I found it easier to walk than waiting the bus). The path to run/walk around has a very nice sightseeing of the sea and city.
• Duration. One full day at the parks could be enough, weather dependent though, so I would still book for two days at the parks just in case and have a more relaxed journey to take more advantage of the hotel facilities.
• Clothing: I was dressed up too informally, park-related tshirt and relaxed pants, people dressed up way more formal and dapper.
• Meals: I booked the Crystal Lotus Dim Sum experience for Friday noon, I pre-booked the Duffy dumpling and the Mickey pancakes. It was good, but I didn’t find it as a must do. Probably the A la carte menu would have been better, at least for a solo trip.
• Next time I won’t book lunch back at the hotel, unless I plan for a mid-day break, napping, using facilities. As I was switching hotels, room wasn’t available at that time.
• Watching Momentous. I didn’t see it this time The big fire at the city triggered a suspension of the show out of respect, as well as the Symphony of Lights and other events in the city. They provided a gift card as compensation; it is not the same but still understandable and beyond their control.

Planning to go back soon!