HK Disneyland (Park and Hotel) 2012 - Our girls' birthday trip! PART 1

This was indeed a magical trip to remember.  Will definitely go down the books of our family travel.

Welcome back to me! Been on a couple of months' writing hiatus, work schedule and the rainy season brings the allergy and asthma season to our family.

Actually, two (2) weeks prior to this trip, A was diagnosed with feverless pneumonia.  Imagine that.  Didn't even know she was having such a hard time breathing already, since her appetite and playfulness didn't change much.  Ok a separate post on that :)

As early as March of this year, Hub and I decided we would take them to Disney, A was turning 5 and S was turning 2, just four days apart.  We took advantage of the early bird promo at HK Disneyland Hotel http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_us/hotels/landing?name=hongkongdisneylandhotellandingpage, which gives you 20% off.  Since we established right away that this was definitely not going to be a shopping trip, we booked a room on the Kingdom Club Floor, which includes buffet breakfast and unlimited access to the Club Lounge.

Airlines considered were PAL and Cathay initially.  But after a last minute check Hub did on Cebu Pacific online, the ongoing promo was too good to pass on.

Fast forward six months and the most awaited day finally arrived!  Parked at the Terminal 3, and checked in with just enough time to grab warm noodles and soup and of course coffee before we boarded the plane.  S, during this plane ride was much more manageable than our previous trips ;P  But of course, their Ipads still provided much needed entertainment during the almost two hour flight.

Then hello Hong Kong!  We opted on grabbing a taxicab that would take us straight to the Disneyland Hotel rather than taking the train as we had a stroller and two pieces of luggage, plus the kids' backpack with us.  It proved to be the quickest and most hassle free way if coming from the airport, with kids in tow.

We arrived at 1130AM, a tad too early for our 3PM check in, but we were ushered straight to the Club Floor (7/F) to check our luggage in and to confirm what time our room would be ready.  For hotel club floors, you will have a separate check in desk here.  We were immediately offered cookies and refreshments upon entering. Our room would be ready by 2PM, and we absolutely had no qualms about waiting in the lounge ;)

One of the best perks we had during this trip was thanks to Hub's good friend, who was able to help us get in the Disneyland Park for free!  We saved almost Php 5000 on tickets alone, since kids did not have a discounted rate.  We just had to meet them at the entrance of the park so we can get 'stamped' and be able to return later that day.  A shuttle bus is available from the hotel to the park and back every 10 minutes, so queuing while waiting for the shuttle bus will not take much of your time.  We arrived at the park at around 115PM and the sun was shining at its brightest, though very hot, we were thankful for such fine weather.

 Surfing Mickey on a whale fountain

 Find the not so hidden Mickey! :)

 Cooling off at the bird fountains while waiting for Uncle Sherwin

After having our hands invisibly stamped, we went back to the hotel to check in our room and rest a bit before we went back to the park later that day.  Being a Sunday, the park would close at 930PM, gave us enough time to have a late lunch, freshen up, and nap.  Our food from room service was brought to the lounge, which was great since we could get whatever drink we wanted.  Plus fruits and cookies and candy for dessert were unlimited too :)

Took photos of the hotel from the 7/F while S napped in her stroller.  The cool A/C and the wonderful classic Disney live music helped set the mood for her afternoon nap.

 Toiletries :)

Our room was very spacious, plus a balcony overlooking the maze garden and the bay.

We were at the park by 6PM, and it was still bright, but temperatures were cooler by this time.  This was also a first time for me, have not been to any Disney park.  I assumed it was built on a smaller scale than it's cousin in Anaheim, CA, it was still a wonderful experience for us.  Walking down Main Street, and getting A her dream Princess Belle gown.  She absolutely rocked it!  She was going around the park wearing her beautiful gown, complete with a tiara, purse, scepter and gloves.

We rode the 60 piece carousel, and the Slinky Dog roller coaster over at Toy Story Land.  We also got to visit Tarzan's Tree Top home!  The trek going up was enough work out for Hub and me :)

Dinner was at the Banquet Hall, with food edible enough for us who were tired from trekking up and down the park.

Then it was time for the Disney in the Stars fireworks show!  It was already almost 930PM and we did not even notice it!

Believe it or not, I got a bit teary eyed while watching it.  Felt so blessed and thankful that we were able to bring our children to such a magical place. 

As expected, throngs of park patrons were falling in line to go back home either through the trains, by their own cars, or by hotel shuttle like us.  And ever the efficient bunch, we queued up and were on the bus in less than five minutes!

What a great first day it was.  Next up, our hotel exploration :)