Why Choose Hong Kong Disneyland?
Hello everyone! If you've read my previous posts, "Review: Solo Trip to Hong Kong from Mainland China (Shanghai)" and "Review: Budget-Friendly Eats in Hong Kong," then you know I love sharing my travel experiences. This is the final piece in my series: my take on why you might prefer Hong Kong Disneyland (especially when comparing it to Shanghai Disneyland).
Hong Kong Disneyland vs. Shanghai Disneyland
1. Facilities
Shanghai Disneyland is newer and about five times larger than Hong Kong Disneyland. It also boasts more attractions. However, I found the rides at Hong Kong Disneyland to be much more thrilling.
2. Crowds
I often hear people mention waiting times of 30-40 minutes per ride at Hong Kong Disneyland, but that's nothing compared to Shanghai Disneyland! On a Tuesday at Shanghai Disneyland, I waited 100 minutes for one ride. The average wait time was 50-60 minutes. Luckily, when I visited Hong Kong Disneyland, there were hardly any lines. I rode around 15 attractions, some multiple times!
3. Ticket Prices
My ticket for Shanghai Disneyland cost 1,360 yuan, while the Hong Kong Disneyland Tier 1 ticket was 1,581 yuan. I managed to find a cheaper option on an app, and I didn't need to schedule my visit in advance. One downside to Hong Kong Disneyland tickets is that they aren't verified using personal identification, meaning someone else could potentially use them. Shanghai Disneyland requires you to present your ID upon entry.
4. Security Checks
Security checks are far more relaxed at Hong Kong Disneyland than at Shanghai Disneyland. You're allowed to bring snacks and drinks into the park. Even selfie sticks are permitted, even though they're technically prohibited (I don't encourage bending the rules! Even though I was traveling solo, I didn't bring a selfie stick). Bringing a selfie stick into Shanghai Disneyland is pretty much impossible.
5. The Feeling
This is where Hong Kong Disneyland truly shines, and the real reason I would choose it.
- Hong Kong Disneyland has its own dedicated subway line, so you're already immersed in the atmosphere when you arrive at the station. Inside the park, there's a train and vintage-style electric vehicles that travel around the different zones, further enhancing the experience (and saving your feet!).
- I found everything at Shanghai Disneyland to be very rushed. The staff didn't seem particularly attentive. However, at Hong Kong Disneyland, while I was taking photos in front of the castle, two cast members, without me asking, offered to spray bubbles and take photos for me.
- Furthermore, the fireworks display at Hong Kong Disneyland is something Shanghai Disneyland just can't replicate. The Hong Kong Disneyland fireworks finale is magnificent and fulfilling, straight out of a fairytale. The fireworks at Shanghai Disneyland were a bit underwhelming (I understand that Shanghai has restrictions on fireworks, and Disney did its best within those limitations).
Overall, I rate Hong Kong Disneyland much higher, even though I live only 30 minutes by train from Shanghai Disneyland. I wrote this to help you make your own informed choice. Thanks for reading! 🥰
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