The HKDL Source

I went to Hong Kong Disneyland on 22 November 2007 for the preview of "A Sparkling Christmas". I entered the park at 3:30 pm. There were a lot of people and it was so crowded. I took the time-guide to read immediately and discovered the "Let it Snow" Christmas Parade was unexpectedly included on all of the Christmas programs.

Chip and Dale

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I walked around Main Street, USA and snapped shots of the Christmas decorations, and I discovered that Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy had changed into their new Christmas clothing. Chip and Dale had put on a new scarf, but Pluto did not have on a trace! There were too many people, so I did not line up to wait and only snapped a few shots with them nearby.

At 4:15 pm, I went to Fantasyland by train, getting on at the Main Street Railway Station. The train was very full and I crushed into the compartment with great difficulty. My main purpose was take photos of the "its a small world" appearance and the building progress. It was quite good and looks about 70%-80% complete. The periphery square has also started raise trees! A big poster of IASW is located at the bottom of the railway bridge.The passageway beside Storybook Theater has re-opened. This arrangement gives more convenience for tourists when "The Golden Mickeys" finishes. I tried to find a good place to enjoy the Let it Snow Christmas Parade on Main St. USA at 4:45 pm. What a pity the best position (facing the Christmas tree's left side)had been reserved for the media. However, I just chose the right side of the Christmas tree!

Let It Snow Parade

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Santa Claus led a lucky family down Main St and they held the magic club together at 5:30 pm. Then "Let It Snow Christmas Parade" official started. All decorated vehicles were re-equipped and 'used' cars (from Disney On Parade), and I personally thought the re-equipping was done splendidly. Under the strong Christmas music, the co-ordinated slam dancing performance, and the snow everywhere, most of the tourists danced and the mood to surged upward, as if Christmas day already approached! I think Hong Kong Disneyland may give you a magical Christmas experience this year! I arrived at the Sleeping Beauty Castle to prepare to appreciate Sparkling Castle Lights. I stood quite far away so I did not photograph it. The show was punctual and started at 6:30 pm. Mickey Mouse went to a little stage and under the magic spotlight, he co-ordinated music and the fireworks. Now you can put on the 3D eye glasses, and the lights and the fireworks turned with three-dimensional effects! It was so interesting! Finally, Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Ice Sculptures were all lit up, and I felt very affected at that moment! I wanted to walk around Santa Workshop, but there were really too many people to queue up. I gave up finially but I will go next time!

At 7:00 pm, I left the paradise...

Sparkling Christmas 2007

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You can always count on me to bring The Positive Side of Disney to the forefront.

I took the little one today after lunch, and it was once again magical. First stop, Santa's Workshop. They turned the Haunted Hotel into Santa's Workshop. It's short, 3 rooms only but nicely done. A mainlander was trying to rush my little one when she was telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas, and I have to hand it to the elf in the room, she put that tourist in his place quickly. Santa is for telling what you want, right? Not just taking pictures! The elf told him he would get his picture when the little girl was done talking with Santa and he could just wait! Pictures will be on the way once you take those others down.

O Christmas Tree

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Then off to Fantasyland and Adventureland for the Kidz Zones. They were a bit disappointing this year. A paper ornament in one place, and a color-in Christmas card in the other. Of course the little one didn't care. Jungle River Cruise once, and over to the parade. Lunch at the castle, then back over for another cruise. Boring right. The little one decided to go make another card, and we were heading off for Pooh ride when lo and behold, we saw a few off duty cast members enjoying a day off. What did they do? They took my little one for another ornament making session, a "Mickey eyes" (Philharmagic) and a walk around Fantasyland. We got an "insiders" tour. They told us next time they would take us into the bowels of the Castle, but they had to meet some friends. It was a nice personal touch that they didn't have to do. I've always said the staff was wonderful. We were given not one, but 70!!! of the new Christmas stickers by those lovely ladies! (please tell me what anyone needs 70 stickers for).

The park was busy, but not crowded. We went to Main Street to buy a Minnie Christmas doll, were told to watch the 5:30 parade. While waiting, the Dapper Dan's came out and sang a few carols. Little one requested "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" they admitted to not knowing it, so they sang Jingle Bells for her instead. On to the Parade. Now this was amazing. My little one turned around at one point and said "Mama, I see your teeth!" Ok, for the first time, I was eyes and teeth. They were filming the parade, and it seemed extra wonderful today. I was transported back in time, and space. The snow machines were on during the parade, and the illusion was so real! I felt like it was snowing. I was so enchanted that I forgot to take pictures. It reminded me of a Christmas at Disney about 18 years ago in Florida. Not the floats, the atmosphere, it snowed that year and it was like a dream come true. Disney today was that dream all over again. I have to say, I'm not overly impressed with the floats, I was hoping for Santa at the end, but not bad overall. As always, it's the little things that make it work. The Christmas tree cufflinks on the band, the buttons on the Giant Mickey, the Christmas coloured starfish on Ariel's float. But my all time favorite is the Christmas paper wrapped gun on the toy soldiers.

Santa's Workshop

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We grabbed a quick dinner in Tomorrowland and then headed over to watch the Castle lights again. They are short, one song long, but truly amazing! (I sound like a broken record, I need to find a new word) Mickey moves out of sync to the music, the lights don't come on in a sensible way, or at least not one I've figured out yet. But the effect is...you guessed it amazing. Today's glasses were snow men, and the fireworks with the castle lighting was an experience to say the least. One not to be missed. Flying snowmen! Who would have believed it! 

I then went to City Hall to ask for the number of customer relations. A Senior Cast Member came over took us into a side room, gave me the number, and gave the little one a picture of Mickey and Goofy and a notebook. She asked about the glasses, and he told her more would be coming. I can't wait to see what the next pair is. I loved the snowflakes from Friday.

We went into the candy shop (I'm still hoping for candy canes one of these years). They had a funny little game going on. Toss a ping pong ball into a plastic glass and get a stack of stickers. Little one tried, and missed all three balls. Those nice ladies! They gave her stickers anyway (like she needed anymore)! Did I forget to mention that she was dressed in her Santa dress again? One of the girls told us they remember her because she is not only nice, but because she always dresses as something different when she comes. Read spoilt brat here, but she loves to go to Disney in costume.

During the 3:00 parade, one of the male dancers spotted her dancing to the music and pulled her out on the parade route for a few minutes for a short dance. Now, I know we've been there well over a hundred times and lots of people recognize us, but it is these little things that make the day worth it. I don't think they do it because we are "regulars", but because they enjoy it. I watched the jester playing with some kids today, and it warmed my heart. Those people really love their jobs, and it shows.

Let It Snow Parade

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As always, once I walked through those gates, my shoulders relaxed, all my thoughts of my job went away, and I was free of all the cares in the world. Who needs a shrink when you have Disney in your back yard? Once again, I don't have the words to truly express how I felt today.

Until the next trip... This is your Chief Spy signing off...