Now here's a vid of Hong Kong Disneyland's parade of characters from my sissy April. Feel like a child again by clicking on play below! :)
More blog entries to come on our HK-Macau family vacation! :)
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Getting Around Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is not just some ordinary theme park where you could only take a 360-degree turn in just an hour. But Hong Kong Disneyland is vast, wide, colossal, enormous, (and all the adjectives in the world) where every corner of it entails you to a world of amazing and incredible surprises! So to begin our Hong Kong Disneyland day tour, grab these disneyssentials at the entrance gates as your passport to a fun-filled magical Disney day:
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| Guide Map, Times Guide, and Dining and Shopping Guide |
The guide map gives you all the information you need to know in getting around Hong Kong Disneyland. It has a list of all attractions for you to be guided according to what you prefer the most. For the all-time Disney lovers and kids at heart, Fantasyland would surely make your Disney fantasy come into reality. In here you will find the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasy Gardens, and Snow White Grotto. Safe fun rides for kids are also around like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Cinderella Carousel, and Mad Hatter Tea Cups. These are just the simple rides that my guts can tolerate.
Aside from these, you can also take a journey inside "it's a small world" and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh wherein you can see everything pleasing to the eyes.
Next stop to the itinerary is the Adventureland. Now this is definitely for boys! You can cross the Rivers of Adventure through the Rafts to Tarzan's Treehouse. Once there, climb up to Tarzan's Treehouse wherein you can conduct experiments and play musical instruments the primitive way. Or just enjoy the Jungle River Cruise or better yet, sway to the beat of Liki Tikis.
Then off we go to the Grizzly Gulch! Now this is the home of the wildest ride ever - the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. This crazy roller coaster ride is far beyond the ordinary 'coz you will not just go up, down, upside down, and turn around, but you'll also go backwards! As in literally backwards that would definitely jolt up your spirit and stir your intestines 'round! For the faint-hearted, this ride is a sure no-no. So just try the Geyser Gulch instead. Well, that's just a water fight kind of thing with a twist.
To slow down a bit from the aforementioned adventures, a tour to the Mystic Point would be great enough. Take snapshots at the Garden of Wonders and enter Lord Henry's Mystic Manor wherein you can find antiquities from around the world.
Now if you're up to more extreme rides, don't miss to visit the Toy Story Land! Andy would be more than happy to lend his toys to you. You can drop from the sky at Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, get dizzy at Slinky Dog Spin, or fuck up your internal organs (according to my student Kezzia) at RC Racer. But if you're not the ride-all-you-can type of person, just meet and greet your fave toys at the Barrel of Fun.
Then we head back to Main Street, U.S.A. for the Flights of Fantasy Parade. (See schedule at Times Guide) After the parade, you may learn to draw your fave Disney characters at the Animation Academy or cruise up or down Main Street through the classic Main Street Vehicles. Shops are also located wherein you can buy Disney souvenirs for your loved ones left at home.
Lastly, let's take a look at Tomorrowland while waiting for Disney in the Stars Fireworks. (See schedule at Times Guide) For those who are fond of extreme rides, another roller coaster awaits you here which is the Space Mountain. You may also take Orbitron and Autopia or have fun with the interactive show, the Stitch Encounter and play interactive games at UFO Zone and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
Aside from the seven wonder lands, rides, and attractions of Hong Kong Disneyland, there are also theater shows that would get your soul connected to the wonderful world of Disney. The Times Guide will tell you the schedule and venue of the shows. On top of the list is The Golden Mickeys. This show is a musical celebration of Disney's films and characters. This is definitely a must-see especially to Disney babies like me. The stage play is jsut so amazing with live performances of Quasimodo, Tarzan, Ariel, Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, Woody and Jessie, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of course, and my ever favorite Belle and the Beast (before and after turning into a handsome prince).
If there is a live performance, there's also a 3-D show which is Mickey's PhilharMagic. It tells of the funny plight of Donald Duck into the world of Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and others.
In addition, the Festival of the Lion King is also presented in honor of Simba. The much-awaited part of the show is the graceful ballet execution of the Spirit Bird which is being portrayed by a Filipina.
Of course, you will get hungry while strolling around Hong Kong Disneyland and the Dining and Shopping Guide now comes in very handy. Know the food points beforehand so you'll not run out of sugar as you take in the sights of the spectacular fireworks display in the evening.
To wrap up your Disney day, the Disney in the Stars Fireworks is the perfect show to watch and experience! Click here for a preview on what you're going to see and feel once you're in there!
And that ends our Hong Kong Disneyland day tour. You may also spend one more day at the park and check-in at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel to continue the enchantment. If I had the extra money to splurge, I would have died not to. But for a babe in a budget, a day in Disney is already more than enough! Now if you're planning a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, take these helpful tips to make your visit a wise one:
1. Do not queue for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pictorial at the entrance. You will find other Mickey's and Minnie's in meet and greet points around the park. This took us almost two hours and that's already a big chunk of time being wasted.
2. Do not be late for shows because they do fill up too quickly.
3. To save time, use the Disney's Fastpass so you won't wait longer time queuing.
4. Entire party must queue up together. If your companion will not line up with you, he/she cannot overtake when it's already your turn. One person to queue means one admission only.
4. Entire party must queue up together. If your companion will not line up with you, he/she cannot overtake when it's already your turn. One person to queue means one admission only.
5. Enter all portals to all attractions and theater shows for these are already included in admission. Make the most out of your time in Hong Kong Disneyland!
6. When in Hong Kong, stay at Oi Suen Guesthouse and buy your Hong Kong Disneyland tickets there at 30 HKD off! For more information about Oi Suen, visit their website here.
More blog entries to come on our HK-Macau family vacation! :)
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Monday, April 28, 2014
Monday Matters: How Disneyland Started
Monday Matters is dedicated to all things that matter.
Once upon a time, there was an artistic cheerful boy named Walter Elias "Walt" Disney. Walt was born to a humble family of Irish-Canadian and German-English descent. In his early years, he was already drawn to the world of vaudeville and motion pictures by his school mate who came from a family of theater aficionados. During his teens, he knew what to do and that is to begin his artistic career. But the road was not easy for him when he decided to become an animator.
Although obstacles and rejections came Walt Disney's way, he victoriously created his very first film, Alice's Wonderland in 1923. However, he only made a few hundred dollars for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit since it was distributed by another company and not by him. So in 1928, he came up with the idea of a mouse character named Mortimer to recover from the loss of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Later on, the mouse was renamed Mickey Mouse which paved the way to The Walt Disney Company!
Then the lucky star shone on Walt Disney. In 1934, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered and became the highest-grossing film of that time. From the profits of Snow White, Walt constructed a studio complex which became the home of other animated shorts and features namely, Pinocchio(1940), Fantasia(1940), Dumbo(1941), and Bambi(1942).
Eventually, more and more films were produced as well as the Disneyland series. With this, Walt conceived the idea of creating a real Disneyland wherein both parents and children could play and have fun. So in 1955, Walt opened the very first Disneyland to the public in Anaheim, California.
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| Photo from Web Walt Disney Opens Disneyland, 1955 |
So the magical world of Disney started with more and more animated features as Lady and the Tramp(1955), Sleeping Beauty(1959), and One Hundred and One Dalmatians(1961). And though Walt died in 1966, the magic lives on with family-friendly films like Escape to Witch Mountain(1975), Freaky Friday(1976), and Robin Hood(1973).
Moreover, The Walt Disney Company soared greater heights with the releases of The Little Mermaid(1989), Beauty and the Beast(1991), Aladdin(1992), The Lion King(1994), Pocahontas(1995), and Mulan(1998) which I call as my very own Disney years! I was at the tender range of ages 7-16 at that time when I had the luxury of time to watch the movies again and again. The movies also came up with theme songs which I solemnly swear that I'd memorized by heart! Even the lines of the characters, I also know by heart! And with this, the fantasy of fairy tales and happy endings of the Disney princesses I truly believe by heart!
And so, entering Hongkong Disneyland last week was more than a dream come true to me! There I saw all the characters I had been watching my whole childhood through came to life! It was just soooo overwhelming to come up close and personal with them (though I know by this age that they are just mascots). It was still magical to me, so fantastic, and oh so wonderful! Even until now, I'm still in cloud nine just thinking of my small childhood fantasy which already became a big reality!
So keep dreaming and keep wishing on a star! For "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy".....
More blog entries to come on our HK-Macau family vacation! :)
Source: Wikipedia.com
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Sunday, April 27, 2014
Disney in the Stars Fireworks
"Unbelievable sights, indescribable feeling....." That's my Disney in the Stars Fireworks experience! I stood in awe wowing while the music, lights, and fireworks are at play! Even until now as I watch the vid I had taken, it still gives me the chills!!!!! The fireworks display made me realize that wishes can really be granted and dreams do come true! At the right time, we can have what our heart desires! By the middle of the show, I almost wept tears of joy! What I felt was beyond words! I was just like smiling the whooole time! I couldn't believe I was there, I couldn't believe that my childhood fantasies were already unfolding right on my face! It was just so surreal but it was actually happening right before my very eyes and oh so real!!!
Haaayyyy, if ever I'll have the chance to go back, I would really love to over and over again! Well anyway, I know thousands of people had already uploaded videos on YouTube of the Disney fireworks. But I also have to show mine though it was not professionally done for the purpose of sharing to you the wonderful experience I had. So here it is:
As was written on the entrance gates of Hongkong Disneyland, "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy", our Disney day was truly magical!
And now, let the MAGIC begin!
More blog entries to come on our HK-Macau family vacation! :)
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Thursday, April 24, 2014
A Sneak Peek to Our HK-Macau Family Trip
HK Day 1: Avenue of Stars and Symphony of Lights Show at Victoria Harbour
HK Day 2: Disneyland
HK Day 3: Ngong Ping Cable Car, Giant Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Madame Tussauds, and Victoria Peak
Macau Day 4: Wynn Hotel, Grand Emperor Hotel, Senado Square, St. Dominic Church, Ruins of St. Paul, Fortaleza doMonte, Galaxy Macau, and The Venetian Macau
HK Day 5: Ocean Park
HK Nights: Ladies Market
Watch out for my future detailed posts on our HK-Macau family vacation! :)
*All photos above were taken by camera phones only.
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Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Another Great Summer Adventure
Just a preview of our whitewater rafting experience in Cagayan de Oro City:
Beat the rapids! Contact Kagay for other awesome adventure packages. Visit their website here! :)
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Beat the rapids! Contact Kagay for other awesome adventure packages. Visit their website here! :)
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Fast Facts on Zorbing
Zorbing is also known as globe-riding, sphereing, or orbing. Orb means circle.
There are two types of orbs, harnessed and non-harnessed. Harnessed orbs are for one or two riders while non-harnessed orbs carry up to three riders.
The makers, Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers conceived the idea of zorbing from hamster balls which are made for small rodent pets in 1994.
The first ever zorbing site was established in Rotorua, New Zealand by brothers David and Andrew Akers.
In June 2009, a teacher died in the Czech Republic while trying zorbing. In December 2012, a woman died from zorbing in Boracay, Philippines. And in January 2013, a man died from a broken neck in Dombay, Karachay-Cherkess Republic.
But one cannot die zorbing if you would only take extra precaution and pray to God for a safe landing and fun adventure! :)
Visit Dahilayan Forest Park and experience an adventure of a lifetime! Visit their website here.
Source: Wikipedia.com
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Sunday, April 13, 2014
I Faced My Fear and Conquered It!!!!!
I just conquered my fear of heights (acrophobia)!!!!! I survived a minute-or-so dare zipping!!!! Hurrah to Dahilayan Adventure Park for helping me unravel an other side of me!!! And that is being brave in facing my fear and really beating it!!!!
More of our Dahilayan adventure in my next blog posts...... :)
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Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Braving a Historical Journey at Fort Siloso
Today is the Day of Valor in our country, the Philippines. This blog post might stir you up and think twice of my patriotism but I would just like to go on with this without much hesitation. I'd just like to share with you how another country had paid tribute to the bravery of our Filipino soldiers.
Fort Siloso in Singapore was built at the start of World War II as a coast artillery battery to protect the land from Japanese troops.
Filipino soldiers among with the native Malays and Singaporeans were in service at "Fortress Singapore".
According to tales, the bravery of the Filipinos was exceptional thus taking the credit of the name of the fort.
The word siloso in the Philippines means a "jealous man". But this does not mean that Filipinos were a jealous kin. There was no written explanation on why the word siloso among so many other Filipino words. But it was the thought that the fort must be named after something Philippinish.
In Fort Siloso, you can find life-size replica soldiers who are in action.
You can actually experience the commotion of a war scene because of the sound effects that would definitely startle you.
Aside from that, you can also smell some pungent odor whatsoever that could take you to the exact time when warring was on its height.
A tour in Fort Siloso entails you a reenactment of the drama during those times. I myself had goosebumps and was frightened with the soldiers all around.
What if they will move? What if they will fire at me? When I was in one corner taking pictures alone, I suddenly realized to run to the crowd because of this imagination.
However, to an avid history fan like me, braving a tour at Fort Siloso was such an achievement! Though I had imagined that one soldier might strangle me, I had fought that imagination away. I had to be brave for the Filipino soldiers who had given their lives in service to the fort and in giving honor to our country.
*All images used above are grabbed from YourSingapore.com.
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