07 Mar 2009

After a bit of searching for the entrance to the nearest train station, we got on the train to get our tickets to today's destination, Hong Kong Disneyland. We had to get to another train station where we were to pick up our tickets before continuing to the end of the line where we changed trains to get to Disneyland. 

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I thought the only thing special about the train was the windows shaped of their most famous cartoon character, but once inside, you see that even the handles for then overhead grips were shaped like that. Plus it was like a mini, moving museum, showcasing the many characters associated with the company's many classic cartoons.

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Upon reaching the station, which looked rather like something out of a cartoon, we had to take a short walk past the welcome sign, where you're greeted by a Mickey surfing the waters from the spout of a whale. Turn right at the  fountain and you'll soon reach the entrance to Disneyland. Once we got in, we went straight to the cart selling souvenirs to get a cap as it started to drizzle and we wanted to keep our heads warm before we got sick. Good thing we did too as the parade started right after we got our caps on and was about to walk down to explore the rest of Disneyland.

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Now that we feel like two kids after watching the parade and gushing over cartoon characters, we went around to get something to eat as it was time to fuel up for the day. Airol seems to get similar things everywhere we go, and this time he got a pizza and some curry fishballs. I usually try to get everything on the menu and I almost did this time as I really couldn't decide what to have. So after stuffing in all we could, it was time to move on to other parts of this cartoonish world.

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We walked passes all the souvenir shops and get to the area where all the rides were located, but just as we wanted to go check out a ride, it was closed. Good thing was, Buzz Lightyear was there to take photos and since there wasn't much of a line, we decided to get one with him.

Then a bit more shopping at the souvenir shop just behind, as we realised that each shop seem to carry a certain few items related to the ride next to it, before we headed to some car ride called Autopia. Airol was a bit worried that he really had to drive a car around a track, but looking down from the queue, we realised all we had to do was step on the accelerator and let the tracks do the rest. Well, easier said than done if you go on the car ride and had to video the whole experience, plus try to take Airol's photo while doing it. I guess that's also why Airol deserved the knock I gave him from behind at one point. Thank goodness this car accident didn't put a dent in my license.

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We were considering a 2nd ride after that, but the line really deters you, and with the sun starting to set, we had to try to explore as much of the place before the fireworks finale at 7.30pm. As we walked around with more souvenirs, we spotted Stitch and couldn't resist taking a photo with this fella, but I think the costume needs a bigger head to make it a little cuter, or at least match its giant feet.

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The lights came on the the whole place is looks a little different, with everything seeming more colourful to the eye. We got to the teacup ride and were considering taking a spin, but the line was so long we opted to just take a picture in the cup right outside. Just after the picture was taken, the ride stopped and the line just doubled as the children inside just ran for another spin. I wonder if it would be that fun for us adults?

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More shopping to pass the time, and then Disneyland just took on a whole different feel, maybe it's the inner child that came out right then. Both of us just kept turning around spotting things and just smiled like two idiots. Awestruck, dumbstruck or struck by magic - whatever you call it, we were it.

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Once it got nice and dark (well around 7.30pm), the announcement was made that the show was about to start and everyone starts to walk towards the castle. Airol and I saw that we were too far to get back to the front and decided to hang back and just enjoy it from afar. I guess it was a good decision after all as we could see the whole fireworks display from where we were standing.

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With the amount of souvenirs we got, and since it was still early, we went off to one of the many night markets to get a much-needed bag, and dinner. Dinner for Airol was a whole load of takopatchis which he ate while I went around searching for a money changer. I just had some of the items from Disneyland and also snacked on some things that we got along the street while shopping. Finally turning a corner, we spot a stall selling items that could be deep fried, barbecued or boiled, and that's where I found the elusive smelly tofu. Much better than the ones in Taiwan and thoroughly stinky like it should be.

After getting 2 bags for our souvenirs and enough food to last our bag packing session, we went back to the hotel room to attempt something almost impossible.

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