Family Fun Asia: Playtime in Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park

There is something quite magical about visiting Disneyland. I would say it’s magical for kids but honestly, it brings out the kid in us grown ups too! With amusement rides, roller coasters and even when Mickey gives you a hug.

There are a few great theme parks in Asia that are great for any family holiday where the kids are included. More than Disney, there are are some other theme parks filled with rides, popular characters, rollercoasters and all sorts of fun. Here are 2 of our favourite theme parks in Asia that promise magical atmosphere, a chance to meet your favourite Disney stars, and a great family adventure in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Disneyland 

Meet Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Rapunzel or Elsa. Have a go on the iconic rides and explore the exclusive lands found only in Disneyland Hong Kong: Mystic Point and Grizzly Gulch! 

You might not be able to make it to every attraction in the park unless you are truly a master planner with complete control of the kids, so schedule ahead to catch the Flights of Fantasy parade to see all the big Disney characters together in a lively show at 330pm. Everyone gets to see their favourite princess or cowboy – no complaints!

Opening Hours

10am to 9pm

Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Prices

Standard Ticket: Adult – HK$499, Child – HK$355

2-Day Ticket: Adult – HK$680, Child – HK$480

Book Hong Kong Disneyland tickets online

Hong Kong Disneyland Highlights

Visit Toy Story Land to explore Andy’s enormous backyard. Kids will also love the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop ride, which takes you 25 metres up in the air in a six-person parachute jump vehicle before suddenly dropping to the ground. Or take a gravity-defying ride on the 27-meter U-shaped RC Racer. Sort of like a viking ride only much much higher!

If it’s sweltering out, have some frozen yoghurt to beat the heat. By Toy Story Land you’ll find yoghurt served with fun little fruity bubbles that burst in your mouth. Yum!

If you’re more of a Buzz fan, head to Tomorrowland to blast some enemies in the indoor interactive and uber colourful Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride.

In Adventureland, watch the amazing live performance of the Festival of the Lion King where Simba, Timon and Pumba come to life in the indoor theatre. Who doesn’t love Lion King right??

If you can keep the kids on their feet right up to the closing time, we highly recommend finding a comfortable spot early to watch the Disney in the Stars fireworks display at 9pm.

Editor’s Note: Watching this myself, I was dazzled and felt every bit like a little girl in a magical wow moment. It’s like the intro of every Disney movie come to life, with fireworks going over the iconic Disney castle. Loved it! 

Dining Options in Disneyland Hong Kong

There’s plenty of magical themed options for lunch as well. Besides numerous carts, you can settle down for a nice break and hearty lunch at the Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland where they serve things with a bit more spice. Indian vegetarian food, Halal food and other South Asian food.

In Fantasyland, slurp up some delicious noodles at Clopin’s Festival of Foods or dine like princes and princesses in the Royal Banquet Hall.

Editor’s Note: I personally loved the Beef Brisket, a signature Hong Kong dish, served in the pretty Royal Banquet Hall. A yummy lunch next to a sunlit statue of Cinderella dancing with The Beast? Why not!

If you’re all about burgers and fries, Lucky Nugget Saloon is the way to go with American-style favourites in Grizzly Gulch. in Main Street USA, there are few more Western food options in Hong Kong Disneyland plus a bakery and vegetarian opions in the Plaza Inn.

Where to Stay

Don’t break the spell – spend your night in the magical Hong Kong Disneyland hotel!

Book a stay at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel for a real treat the kids won’t forget as all the Disney magic follows right through to your room. Unique Disney touches include the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where little girls can go for princess makeovers and a Mickey-themed garden maze.

There is also the Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.

Located on Lantau Island, the Hollywood-themed hotel near Hong Kong Disneyland caters to families with 3 room types that include Disney-themed amenities. Enjoy the buffet cooked up by chef Mickey Mouse, wind down the waterslide into the piano-shaped outdoor pool and slumber in the comfort of brightly-coloured Disney themed hotel rooms.

Photo: Courtesy of Disney

If you want to stay nearby but off-site, then just two kilometres away you’ll find the Auberge Discovery Bay HongKong, a tranquil oceanfront hotel that comes with a full-service spa.

[button style=’green’ url=’https://www.expedia.com.sg/things-to-do/hong-kong-disneyland-park-admission-with-transfer.a251132.activity-details?srp=true&location=Hong%20Kong%20(all),%20Hong%20Kong’ fullwidth=’true’]Pre-book Hong Kong Disneyland tickets online including hotel transfer[/button]

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Balancing education with entertainment, Ocean Park is an animal lover’s delight. A great chance for your little ones to learn about animal conservaiton as well.

Photo: Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board

Visit themed exhibits showcasing animals from around the world, including Giant Panda Adventure and Gator Marsh. Your children can take pictures with sealions and meet animals from Australia like the ever cute koalas and wallabies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even scuba dive in the Grand Aquarium to truly get up close to manta rays and sharks!

At The Summit, there are encounters with seals, penguins, dolphins and many more animals from polar regions, rainforest habitats and the underwater marine world.

Photo: CC2.0 by Anniewongw

When you’re ready for an adrenaline rush, hit the rides. Head up into the sky on the Whirly Bird or zoom down the Mine Train roller coaster. There’s tons more to try – side to side, up and down, over water, round and round and some bouncy castles the kids will love.

Kids love water? Take the plunge on the Raging River log boat ride.

Photo: CC2.0 by Anniewongw

Opening Hours

Depends on weather as Hong Kong has four seasons, but generally the park is open at these times:

Weekdays: 10.30am to 7.30pm. Summit closes 6.30pm.

Weekends: 10am to 7.30pm. Summit closes 7.30pm.

Ocean Park Hong Kong Ticket Prices

Standard Ticket: Adult – HK$345, Child – HK$173

Free Admission for children under 3 yrs

Book tickets to Ocean Park Hong Kong online

Top Attractions at Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ride the cable car between the Lowland Gardens and Headland sections of the park for a positively breathtaking view. Visit your favourite animals’ habitats, whether it’s to see the pandas, sea jellies or even the sharks in their aquarium. Don’t forget the rides!

Photo: Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board

There are several shows to watch as well, such as the Emperors of the Sky bird show, Ocean Wonders about marine animals, and Bamboo Jam featuring an acrobatic show about endangered bamboo forest animals including the giant panda, snow leopard and tigers. Check the website for details on show timings and feeding schedules.

Where to Stay near Ocean Park 

Wind down in luxury at the end of an amazing day just over a kilometre from Ocean Park at lifestyle boutique hotel Ovolo or the stylish L’hotel pictured below.

[button style=’blue’ url=’https://www.expedia.com.sg/Ocean-Park-Hotels.0-l501198-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels’ icon=’entypo-suitcase’ fullwidth=’true’] View room rates of Hotels near Ocean Park Hong Kong[/button]

[button style=’green’ url=’https://www.expedia.com.sg/things-to-do/hong-kong-disneyland-park-admission-with-transfer.a251132.activity-details?srp=true&location=Hong%20Kong%20(all),%20Hong%20Kong’ fullwidth=’true’]Pre-book your Hong Kong Oceanpark tickets online including hotel transfer[/button]