Hong Kong Holiday

@ 32 months 3 weeks

December was quite a relaxing month. Hubby was asked to clear his leave and we couldn’t be more happy when the HR told hubs in addition to his annual leave he gets additional 3 days child care leave that he needs to clear. Yea.. thanks to the govt’s recent ‘baby boom’ initiative (in Singapore, all working parents are entitled to additional 6 days child care leave).

10th – 14th December: Hong Kong Trip.

We had a fabulous 5D/4N trip to Hong Kong. Ryan deserves a pat on the shoulder as he behaved extremely well throughout our stay. The only difficulty we had was with his food intake. He was extremely picky. He ate bits of this and that but generally I think he pretty much survived on milk. We departed from Singapore Changi airport at 9.30am. Ryan did not nap the whole 3.5 hours flight. We had wanted him to take a power nap but this boy was too excited to even wink. So we kept him busy with his Ultraman shows on our netbook while we eat our food peacefully.


At the Changi Airport

First stop was Hong Kong Disneyland. After about 15 mins coach ride, we arrived at our destination; Hong Kong Hollywood Disneyland hotel. We have chosen this hotel for their Mickey Mouse themed designs.


Our room

By the time we settled all the check in etc, it was about 2.30pm. The room was nice and clean but really nothing to shout about. To me, it’s just an overly priced regular room. Anyways.. we were all too tired to go anywhere. We all agreed nap was what we needed most to recharge. Such lazy family eh. Hehehe.. 

By the time we woke up it was about 5pm. We got ready and went to the Disneyland Park. By the time we reached the park it was almost dark. We rented the stroller (HKD60 per day) and since it was approaching 6pm, we moved on to pavement and found ourselves a good spot to watch the ‘Let It Snow’ parade.


Christmas ‘Let It Snow’ Parade
 

By the time we finished watching the parade it was completely dark. You can’t really see much when it’s dark except for the dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. We hang around on the Main Street, USA to enjoy the falling ‘snow’ decending from the ceiling. They were actually tiny bubbles but the after effect was really good. Just as real as snow falling from the sky. We saw many kids jumping around happily. I guess kids and bubbles can never be separated.  It really does give the wonderland feel.

We didn’t Q for any ride. Instead, we spent time leisurely exploring the park. We had our dinner at The River View Cafe at the Adventureland. Food wise, it was just average but we enjoyed the peace away from the crowd at the main street. Though Ryan did not eat much, he did not make a fuss. He kept himself busy with his Ultraman toys (again). We enjoyed our meal peacefully.

After our meal, we walked a bit more and decided to go back to the hotel for a good night rest as it was turning quite cold. We called it a day. Hahaha.. that was how we wasted spent our first night in Disneyland.

Day 2:

We woke up early for our ‘Meet The Disney Characters’ breakfast at the Enchanted Garden Restaurant. Ryan was very shy if not afraid when he saw the characters. He kept looking away when the characters approached. It took him awhile to warm up. The breakfast doesn’t come cheap but it’s all worth it. They served scrumptious spread of buffet and importantly the opportunity to take pictures with the characters without having to Q.


Mr Shy Boy

Soon warmed himself up 
Soon warmed himself up and able to pose for camera
 

After breakfast we wasted no time and went straight to the park. We rented the stroller again as it was just too tiring and too much of a hassle to carry Ryan. He simply refused to walk and insist to be carried nowadays. We toured the park like any tourist would. We walked a bit on the main street then went for the HK Disneyland Railroad. After the train tour, we decided to check out FantasyLand.

We went for a few rides here and there and by around 1.30pm, Ryan was showing signs of sleepiness and we decided to go back to the hotel for our nap again.We went back to the park at about 4pm to check out what’s on Tomorrowland and Adventureland. We went for the jungle cruise and a few more rides here and there. Our favourite ride has to be the Autopia (electric car ride). Ryan had so much fun on it.


Autopia Car Ride

After our dinner at Plaza Inn, the crowd started to pull in. Everyone were waiting anxiously for the dazzling fireworks to start. We too, did not miss the fun this time. We found a spot and waited patiently for the clock to strike 8pm. That was when the sleeping beauty castle light up and the fireworks show started to fire the minute the song ‘A Whole New World’ was played. The castle was so beautiful under the lights of fireworks. You literally see the sky burst into a kaleidoscope of colors and lights while your ears being entertained by disney themed songs. I did not keep track how long the fireworks lasted. I think it was about 10 mins or so. Ryan was totally mesmerised. He kept himself busy with the hologram viewer (you could actually see snowman if you use the hologram to watch the fireworks). My hands were totally numb from carrying this 14kg boy but the beaming look on his face wiped all my tireness away. It was all worth it.

After the show we headed back to our hotel. That’s about it on our second night. 

 

Day 3:

We had a quick breakfast at the hotel. Our park tickets only allow us two days’ entrance so on this 3rd day we decided to check out what’s in the vicinity of the hotel. Nothing much. There was a heated pool and a small playground nearby. We walked a bit further and were pleasantly greeted by a beautiful view at the waterfront promenade.After a short walk we decided to check out.


Splendid time at the playground

 


At the waterfront promenade

We ordered a cab from Disneyland to our hotel in Kowloon. After about 20 mins ride, we reached Shnagri-la Kowloon hotel.Service was excellent at the front desk. Generally I find service standard in Hong Kong very efficient and attentive. Singapore is not bad though may not be as efficient. It’s an unfortunate the same could be said about the service in my own home country.


Impressive Hotel Lobby

As soon as we stepped foot into our room, we were awed by the beautiful Victoria Harbor view that greeted us. I absolutely love my room. They definitely lived up to the expectation being an award winning hotel known for legendary warm and friendly hospitality. I’m a happy guest for sure.


Admiring the view

After refreshing ourselves, we took a stroll along the harbor across the road. We walked pass a stretch of hand imprints set on cement on the ground by Hong Kong stars. This is Hong Kong’s very own Avenue of Stars.We had McDonalds for lunch. Ryan definitely need more solid in the stomach. He munched down lots of fries and nuggets. Not very healthy food but then… so long he eats.

 
Yummy unhealthy food

In the late afternoon I went for my shopping spree while the boys nap. I came back to the hotel 2 hours or so later to be greeted cookies and tea complimentary from the hotel.

 
What a view to enjoy our tea break..Aren’t we spoiled???

At night we met up with Misha and family for dinner. We’re relatives but never really got in touch until there’s such a thing call blogosphere where we found each other. What a small world. Misha family brought us to Yung Kee Restaurant (a Michelin 1 star restaurant) near Lan Kwai Fong for dinner. The food was super yummy. Misha daddy insisted I should try the century egg. I have never been a fan. After a small bite, I surrender. Hehehe… anyway, hubs said they were yummy. :D


Spot the familiar face?

Day 4:

We went to The Peak early in the morning. I wasn’t too keen but hubs insisted because the last time we went up the peak many years ago, it was at night. So this time round, hubs was adamant to catch the view at day time. We didn’t do much the rest of the afternoon. Didn’t do much shopping either since they sales in Hong Kong were pretty much on their winter clothing.


Beautiful skyline from The Peak Tower


Enjoying cutting his cake @ Pacific Coffee, IFC Mall

At night we met up Jane, my ex Uni Mate. She brought us to this toy shop in Mongkok that sell lots of Ultraman and monsters. We stocked up a fair bit of them incl those Ultraman shows in Cantonese language. Ryan was sure a happy boy.  

 
Check out those eyes

Day 5:

We had breakfast in the hotel as we were simply too lazy to go out. We had simple breakfast at Cafe Kool. Not so ‘cool’ place to have breakfast considering the price we paid. 2 american breakfast and a bowl of cereal for Ryan cost us about HKD400!

 ?
Breakfast at Cafe Kool

The coach came to pick us up at 11am to the airport. Our flight was at 2.30pm. When we reached the airport, the Q already started to build. We were asked to proceed to the fast track lane since we’re travelling with a tot. There were about 4 passengers in front of us yet we waited for like 30 mins before our turn. Speaking of fast track??? 


At the  Hong Kong International Airport

Overall it was a good trip. Ryan seemed to enjoy himself very much too especially at Disneyland. Until today he still insist of watching the videos we recorded again and again.

Happy New Year everyone. Wishing you all a great start in everything. :D Good luck to those sending kids off to school for the first time (ditto to myself.. grrrrr)

22 thoughts on “Hong Kong Holiday”

  1. Happy to hear ryan is well behaved. i can never imagine going anywhere with peace together with my kids.. :(((

    EM: One is still managable.. two… like you said.. tough tough… I can imagine that.

  2. i wanna go HK disneyland too but gotta wait kids are older, easier to manage!

    EM: They are expanding HK Disneyland. So maybe it’s wise to wait first…..

  3. I think you worry too much lah, bring Ryan to travel more often lah, he will behave.

    Glad that Ryan enjoyed his trip to the Disneyland.

    EM: How to travel.. boss has to work la…’ta kong cai’ :( but ya.. I was more than glad he enjoyed. Pheww….

  4. whoa..ryan such a good boy lah…if Vyktore, I think I would have gone berserk

    EM: Kids are very unpredictable.. but then who knows.. he may surprise you. You deserves a good break after all the bad episodes….:(

  5. wah, finally… ur trip to HK came through….

    really sound like fun, and makes me wanna go too… but the scary cat rachel, sure won’t enjoy much in disneyland lar…

  6. Oh..HK trip! I’m planning to bring my boys to HK, now i’m a bit worry to travel with two kids. Hope my holidays dream can come true. :)

    Hope not too late to wish u and your family “Happy new year”!

  7. wow really admire you for having the courage to bring him there cos i don’t think i can handle kylie!! i was planning only to bring her when she turns 7 (like the age when i brought Kieran..kekekekeke)

  8. A well deserved holiday for the family :) And thumbs up for Ryan for being so well behaved!

    You guys are definitely spoiled :) We stayed at Shangs Kowloon in 2003 but dun remember having tea served in our room…not so privileged like you all :p

  9. wow…..me wanna go too
    I can see Ryan is so grown up dy.. I bet he enjoyed every moment of it. Only shopped for Ryan (ultraman)..how about for the adults?

    Glad it was a good family trip..

  10. Misha and you related?? Wow.. such a small world.

    We didn’t go for the breakfast at Disney ler.. because we always woke up late, by the time e.body got ready already @ 11am. Too bad, or else could have taken photos with the characters w/out queueing.

    Your hotel stay in Shang is really fabulous. You guys always travel in style. :)

  11. Wah…what a nice trip. I wish I can bring wai wai go Disneyland too one day, but have to wait until he 5-6 years old. Now my mom band us for traveling, because this boy always fall sick every time came back from trip. I am sure Ryan enjoy so much during the trip.

    Happy New Year to you and your family too!!!

  12. I agree with Hui Sia O_O your trip super duper expensive!

    Nice to see no crowds at all eh unlike our trip!!!

    Ryan isn’t much of a Disney fan too eh? Bet he’d be different if it’s Ultramanland (is there?)…

  13. looks like an excellent trip. Somehow Disney seems to appeal to girls more especially with their Princess themes now.Nice pics!

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