I always thought of Disneyland as a place for kids, of things I left behind many moons ago. Well, I did grow up watching Disney cartoons and all but that was a thing of the past. My grandmother as well as my mum have always been wanting to bring us kids to Disneyland. However, due to the distance (USA) and cost, the trip was never materialised.

Now that Disneyland has finally arrived in Hong Kong since last September, my mum suggested that we pay a visit to the fantasyland of our childhood days. I was pretty neutral about the whole idea, as being 23 years old, the thought of meeting Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy was not as appealing as it had been 10 years ago.

Nevertheless, since we were already in Hong Kong to visit a sick relative, we decided that we should finally make that trip. We set out really early and arrived at the gates of DL before it was even opened. Lo and behold, there was a long crowd queueing up to enter. (And to think that I thought we were the kiasu ones)

At the entrance, we were greeted with this signboard which said…

Below are some snapshots taken…

Sleeping beauty’s castle

The live band playing famous Disney songs

Cinderella’s carousel

There were tons of Disney products on sale, including those customized for Chinese New Year

Unfortunately, it was rather cloudy and rainy the entire day, which spoilt the atmosphere a little I guess. When the Disney on Parade commenced at 3.30 pm, the rain was at its heaviest. Tons of people swarmed the shops to buy Disney umbrellas and raincoat.

Disney on Parade, in the rain

A family wearing Mickey raincoats

Minnie mouse being shaded by two umbrellas

After all that rain, I was fed up. I told my mum that we might as well leave early. However, just as we were about to make a move, the rain started pouring again. We took shelter at a hut in Adventureland and ended up watching the Festival of the Lion King, which was somewhat like a musical. It was a good thing we stayed for that, as it was probably the best performance of the day.

By 7 pm, everyone was gathered at Main Street USA, outside the castle to watch “Disney in the Stars” (fireworks) which was the grand finale before the park closed. Even though the rain and wind blew the fireworks off course, rendering them to be asymmetrical, the music and the overall impact was just undescribable. Everyone was simply mesmerized by the amazing sight. I almost cried as I recalled those carefree days, watching Disney cartoons and playing all day. I secretly wished that I could be a kid again, with less worries and stress….

Anyway, rain and all, it was a trully magical ending to magical day. I was glad that I finally visited Disneyland…