I've been to Hong Kong Disneyland multiple times over the years. Once with colleagues, another with the wife while we were dating some ten years ago, once with girlboss, but this is the very first time I've visited with a child. More specifically, my very own child.
The experience was really different. I mean we definitely had more fun despite not being able to take as many rides. As cliche as it sounds, seeing the smile on my son's face made me really really happy.
He had snacks, watch live performances, had more snacks, got some toys (some can be an understatement when the father is a big toy fanatic), had more snacks, and he got his favourite bubble gun! It has been over a month since our return and he is still trying his luck with, "Papa, we go Hong Kong Disney again? I can eat popcorn. See Mickey Mouse. Take Aeroplane."
He really really wanted that.
I mean we had fun for sure but it's not that easy traveling with a child after all. So I'm gonna share some tips. You are welcome.
1. Disney Hotel
Hong Kong Disneyland is relatively smaller as compared to its counterparts but a child's stamina is still relatively limited when it comes to them walking around the park. We did considered quite a bit before making this decision because it's not exactly cheap. Well, on hindsight we have no regrets. With the hotel located so near to the park, we actually managed to go back for a break in the middle of the day just to make sure lil Seth doesn't get tired out and grouchy before all the parades.
2. Two days pass
The park might seems small to you when you are 1.7m tall (average height lah, I'm 1.8m pls.) but it's not exactly the case for the 2yrs old. The walk seems longer, meal time was longer, plus every little details seem really cool to him and we had to stop at almost every corner for him to check it out. Not to forget, the nap
3. Disneyland Stroller Rental
"Should we bring our own stroller to Hong Kong?"
"Nah, I don't think so. Hong Kong ain't exactly stroller friendly."
"What about Disneyland?"
"I think we can get a rental at a pretty decent price over at Disneyland."
Once again, thanks to the wife's strange observation skill which she usually lacks in day-to-day life, we managed to score a stroller for Seth. I mean I was there for 3 other times but I've never noticed things like this. I mean why would I since I've never needed one right?
It's not like we put him in all the time but it is really good for him to have an option between taking a seat or having the freedom of running around the park. It's a lot easier for us as well so we do not need to be carrying him around all the time.
And nope, he doesn't want to be tula-ed around anymore. He said, and I quote, "Papa, Tula is for babies. I'm a big boy now." #okaycan
4. Send Help
It's always good to have an extra pair of hand. Friends, family, or anyone. I take the last one back, don't try anyone, strangers overseas is not exactly ideal. Thanks to these two for tagging along. They sure did help us a lot throughout the trip especially with taking care of Seth. Seth had so much fun with these two he literally cried the moment we part ways after the trip at Changi airport.
The trip to disneyland was a lot more enjoyable than I imagined. I was having doubts considering the fact that I've been to disneyland so many times but I'm really glad my wife convinced me to make this trip.
Even the usually uptight wife let her hair down and had much fun!
Seth, "We go back to Hong Kong okay? Can we go Hong Kong tomorrow?"
Me, "No."
Seth, "Why?"
Me, "Because I need to work."
Seth, "Why?"
Me, "Because I need to earn money."
Seth, "So we can go Hong Kong again?"
Me, "Ya."
Seth, "So we go Hong Kong tomorrow?"
Me, "..."