The “World” According to Jack

There are two Hotels at the Hong Kong Disney Resort, the Disneyland Hotel and the Hollywood Hotel. Since I wanted this trip to be extra special, I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel which is the more expensive of the two.

As you can see from the pictures, it is very reminiscent of the Grand Floridian at Disney World, only smaller. Since the hotel sits on Penny Bay, I decided to book one of the most expensive, standard rooms so I could enjoy the view. When I arrived I found that Hong Kong Island and its imposing skyscrapers were well within sight of my balcony. However, Hong Kong is often hazy and smoggy and the best view I had of the skyline was a ghostly image. However, I have no regrets, I could still watch ships pass by and see islands scattered in the distance. The building jutting into the bay is a ferry landing that brings guests to the resort from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

The check-in area of the hotel is nice and has a number of beautiful oil-paintings of Disney landscapes.

The lobby is impressive. Massive windows offer a sweeping view onto manicured gardens and Penny Bay. An elevator sits to one side of the room and is encased in intricate ironwork. If you look closely, you can find Mickey and Minnie.

Also in the lobby is the Grand Salon. Here you can enjoy a continental breakfast or High Tea. Since Disneyland didn’t open until 10am, I chose to eat breakfast here each morning. This was truly a highlight of my trip. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere lush. I felt like a celebrity eating in such surroundings.

My room was very nice, but it didn’t knock my socks off. There were two queen-sized beds, a dresser with a flat-screen TV above it, and a nice table and chairs. Internet access was available for free.

The balcony was small, but big enough for two chairs.

The bathroom was adequate. However, it did not have a separate door for the toilet area. Carved images of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs could be found on the mirror and the toiletries also had their likeness. I sure wish Disney World still offered toiletries like these.

The one outstanding feature for me was the shower. Living in Florida, I’m used to water restrictors, but I guess Hong Kong isn’t worried about saving water. When I turned on the nozzle I was almost knocked over by the force of the spray. I was in heaven.

The grounds of the hotel are beautiful. In the center of the hotel is a Victorian maze with Mickey Mouse in the middle. It’s about four feet high so adults can see over the hedges, but children are completely hidden.

Next to the maze is a gazebo for weddings and other celebrations.

The hotel has two restaurants, the Crystal Lotus (which I did not eat at) and the Enchanted Garden Restaurant (which I did eat at).

The Enchanted Garden Restaurant offers character meals and an international buffet. The buffet was interesting as it did offer a few “western” dishes and some pasta, but 80% of the “international” was Asian. Foods from China, Japan, Korea and much of Southeast Asia were offered. All of it was attractively displayed and also very tasty.

While eating, Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto made the rounds and a professional photographer was on hand to snap your picture. And let there be no doubt, the Disney characters stir up just as much enthusiasm in China as they do in the U.S.

To get to Disneyland form the hotel you can walk or take Disney transportation. The walk is nice and it takes about 15-20 minutes. The walkway is extensively landscaped and is a most pleasant way to start your morning. The bus is quicker but not nearly as relaxing.

I do have one complaint about the hotel. You can only charge purchases made at the hotel to your room. You cannot charge purchases made in Disneyland to your room. I was shocked. I’m so used to this convenience at Disney World it never occurred to me that a newer resort would not offer this same service.

In my next blog I’ll talk about the Hollywood Hotel and give you my overall opinion of the resort and Disneyland.

Read my entire Hong Kong Disneyland Blog

its a small world

Overview Hong Kong Disneyland and Main Street

Hong Kong Disneyland Adventureland Part 1

Hong Kong Disneyland Adventureland Part 2

Hong Kong Disneyland The Hub and Fantasyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Tomorrowland and Disney on Parade