disneyland
I always wanted to go to Disneyland as a kid. Unfortunately NZ is really far away from America so it was never on the cards as a kid. I loved Mickey and Minnie Mouse and would have been over the moon to ‘meet’ them in real life. So it’s really inexcusable that it took me over 2 years to get to Disneyland here in Hong Kong. My younger self would be less than impressed. However, I finally made it to the place where dreams are made (thanks to a drunken ticket purchase with trooper friends!). Turns out the midst of a global pandemic is a good time to go, having park capacity capped at 50% made for a much more chilled out experience and (at least in the morning) minimal queueing. It did mean that a few iconic parts weren’t happening though, no parades, no fireworks, less shows and less characters roaming the streets. Mickey was there though so my key childhood wish was fulfilled. It was such a happy happy day, I had actual sore cheeks from smiling the whole time. I purchased mouse ears the moment we arrived, ate a strict diet of mickey-shaped food and took a ton of photos. From the iconic spinning tea cups to HK-Disney-only attractions like the Mystic Manor it was all special in its own Disney way. I think I would have lost my mind there as a kid. I’ve heard this is “nothing” compared to the one in America so although my childhood wish is now definitely fulfilled … I don’t think this will be my last Disney adventure!
