waltography
Well-Known Member
Currently on day 2 of my time at HKDL, but jumping in to say what a refreshing change of pace for this Disneylander. Between World of Frozen, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and their refreshed castle, HKDL is just so, so fun. Will try to post a more thorough trip report when I get back, but some random thoughts:
- Hard agree with whoever said FEA is an E-ticket in HKDL and D-ticket in EPCOT, having ridden both the differences are truly night and day. The lift hill castle moment is much better, the A1000 animatronics are incredible, the whole Let It Go section is enhanced with amazing LED effects, and everything about the ride system just feels better from the backwards section to the much more intense splashdown.
- Playhouse in the Woods is such a smart meet & greet experience. Went in with zero expectations and came out excited to see the rest of Arendelle.
- I've been so disappointed in the lack of Albert/Mystic Manor merch while I've been here! Insane we can't get a plush of him.
- Explorer's Club restaurant was great. The food was superb (common theme throughout the resort) and the theming carrying over from the ride and vice versa is such a treat.
- I've completely skipped over Toy Story Land outside of photos, which is a shame. I dislike TSL as a concept but would say Hong Kong probably did it best given its natural berm + strong choice of foliage resembling grass. Would love a stronger mini-land here to complete the Grizzly Gulch/Mystic Point trifecta.
- Stark Expo is great. The Ant-Man ride is much better in-person than videos suggest, the experience and haptic feedback is much better than Astro Blasters at Disneyland. Iron Man Experience is a great HK-exclusive to showcase the city Star Tours-style. Drone show was pretty cool, even if the conceit was pretty cheesy.
- The Momentous pre-shows pulling from the time theme and doing projections every 5 minutes around an hour before show time is so dang smart. I think DL and MK should consider replicating that idea.
- Momentous itself was great. I'm really happy the "-ous" shows (Luminous & Wondrous Journeys included) are killing it. Wish they were allowed to have bigger pyro as it'd really add that oomph the show needs, but the whole experience was still great.