Disney's Hollywood Hotel & Breakfast at Enchanted Garden Restaurant

One thing that I didn't mention during my visit to Hong Kong Disneyland was actually both Boyfie and I spend a night staying in one of Disney themed hotel. There are two themed hotels available within Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel - Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel. We opted for the latter one cause it was slightly cheaper compare to the first one. We booked a package which include 2-day pass for 2 adults and 1 night stay in Disney's Hollywood Hotel under a special package rate that applies for Hong Kong citizen only.

#1: Baby blue modern exterior of Disney's Hollywood Hotel

  

#2: Walk in and feel like A-list celebrities

#3: The front desk was so colourful and cheerful

#4: Lobby area filled with plenty of seats. The only place that you get free wireless Internet connection.

#5: Spot any hidden Mickey on the carpet of the hall way towards the room?

#6: Our spacious and comfortable king-sized bed room with garden view.

Unfortunately, we were given a room located on the ground floor, or else we will able to overlook the imaginative and beautifully manicured greenery. There are three distinctive room types; Garden View, Sea View and Park View and of course, these three are vary in terms of the room rate. The only drawback was there is no free wireless Internet connection inside the room and if you seriously need, it is chargeable. 

#7: The Mickey themed art deco style.

 #8: The room is equipped with LCD TV and mini bar. As for the in-house slippers, its complimentary for every guests to bring back as sweet gift.   

#9: Even all these fanciful Mickey toiletries and the yellow folded handkerchief can be brought back home.

#10: Savour an international buffet in Chef Mickey

Speaking about dining options, there are 5 delectable dining establishments within Disney's Hollywood Hotel and each has its own special take on the Hollywood lifestyle. We didn't try any of them cause we had booked to dine-in in one of the restaurants in Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

#11: A huge Hollywood Hotel sign in the garden behind of the hotel

#12: Strolled through the garden and we spotted classic cars

#13: I swear if I were given extra more days to stay here, I would soak myself inside this pool.

#14: Piano Pool Bar but unfortunately it was temporarily closed until further notice given

While making the hotel reservation earlier, we also directly informed them about reservation for breakfast in Enchanted Garden Restaurant which nestled within Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. And upon check-in process on the arrival date, we reminded them about this so that can arrange shuttle for us on the next day. This is because both Disney's Hollywood Hotel and Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel are not located near to each other and you might need to take shuttle bus.

#15: The breakfast coupon

#16: Beautifully painted wall mural at the ground floor of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

#17: The entrance to the restaurant was perfectly decorated. Just like a magical garden.

#18: The ambiance of the restaurant surrounded by Victorian elegance

#19: It was Disney Villains themed breakfast buffet during our visit

#20: The buffet spread served the combination of Asian and Western delicacies. Look, it's Mickey Mouse figurines in their waffles and pancakes and seriously, it makes me so sinful to bite them instead.

#21: Priceless moment when your ordinary breakfast turned into surprised greetings from the Disney characters. Mickey, Minney, Donald, Goofy and the rest will delight every table with a special visit and memorable photo moments.

If not mistaken, Enchanted Garden Restaurant doesn't serve any walk-in customers. Hence, it is better to reserve earlier and choose among the available two slots; either at 7:30 am or 09:30 am. We prefer to take earlier slot so that can have more spare time to enjoy in the park later. But before back to the park, we ventured another magical garden of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. 

#22: The fairy tale castle of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

 #23: Have fun in this Mickey Maze

#24: The 2 days 1 night stay in one of Disney themed hotel was indeed a magical moment and we are looking forward to stay in Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel in happen to return back to Hong Kong again.

#25: The free shuttle buses that connect between the two Disney themed hotels and park.

Because of the two Disney themed hotels and Disneyland Park are not located to each other, hence you might need to take the shuttle services provided by the Disneyland Resort and no worry, it's free of charge. The frequency of the buses were regular, like every 10-15 minutes and it took less than 5 minutes for each ride. It's really convenient for those intend to stay in the hotels.

We spend our last day in Hong Kong by revisit the Disneyland again before depart to the airport. There are numbers of way to get directly to airport from Disneyland but we opted for taxi cause it was much cheaper, convenient and hassle free.

The room rate for Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is as low as HK$2,300 whereas for Disney's Hollywood Hotel's room rate start from HK$1,650. To know more about these two themed Disney Hotels, do check out their official website - click HERE. 

Oh Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind. Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!

Face it you didn't read it, you sang it.

My Reflection on 2013 & Resolution for 2014

Just like previous years (here, here and here), this post serve as my first official blogpost for the brand new year 2014. Nothing much interesting things happened to my life except for travel, which indirectly being part and parcel of my life within these few years. As for my working life, I received few freelance jobs that able to support few of my trips and because of that too, I able to fully sponsor my mom a trip to Japan. Well like they said, "Work hard, Play harder!"

Simplified it and here's the recap of my travel adventures for the year 2013:

• January - Johor Bahru & Singapore. Boyfie & I went Johor Bahru just for the sake of Legoland. We also spend a day trip to Singapore. Thanks to AirAsia 1Malaysia Integration Programme by offering 10,000 free seats to all Malaysian early of the year where we managed to grab such a grab deal as low as RM15 for a return ticket KK-JB-KK.
• February - Bangkok, Thailand. My family and I went to the Capital of Smile for Chinese New Year holiday. Within less than half a year, I went Bangkok twice and I really love to return there again. Oh boy! I think Bangkok has put spell on me.
• March - Siem Reap, Cambodia. A small gathering with my collegemates to Kingdom of Wonder. We spend completely 6 days in Siem Reap itself and cover most of those top attractions such as Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Phrom, Tonle Sap and more.
• June - Hatyai, Thailand. Impromptu decision with a very good friend of mine. For someone who has bitten by travel bugs and not being able to travel for more than 3 months, the heart and leg were indeed super duper itchy for not able to leave footprints in elsewhere within that period. Hence, it was kinda last minute booking and luckily the airfares were a great steal where I got a return airfare KK-KL-KK via Malaysia Airlines for just RM136 and KL-Hatyai-KL via AirAsia for only RM161.
• July & August - Central & Northern, Laos. To continue another journey of mine for South East Asia adventures and this time around, I went with a humble and friendly Malaysian travel blogger, Jeff Chuah. It was a freaking long bus ride where we started from Yangon Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, Luang Prabang and finally ended back to Vientiane again. In total, more than 24 hours bus ride for 8 days trip #butthurt but then, it was indeed one of the greatest adventures in my entire life and now, I'm looking forward for another South East Asia long overland trip. 
• September - Kuching, Kedah & Penang. It's like Cuti-Cuti Malaysia month for me. Early of the month, went Kuching for my cousin's wedding and in the middle of the month, went Kedah & Penang for my very best friend's wedding. Seriously, I was putting on more weight cause both Sarawak & Penang are well-known to be food city. So sinful but then it's really  hard for me to resist all those heavenly foods. 
• October - Japan. It was a birthday treat for my mom cause she always wanna go this Land of the Rising Sun. Flew with Malaysia Airlines for just a return ticket that cost RM797, it was indeed a great steal and we're purely focus on certain Kansai area such as Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe and Kyoto. Now, both of us pray hard for another Malaysia Airlines great deal to Japan again.
• November - Kota Bharu. Being invited with few Sabahan bloggers together fellow medias for an exclusive 4D3N Media Fam Trip to Kota Bharu, Kelantan in conjunction with the inaugural flight of this significant new route which AirAsia is the first carrier to connect between both East Malaysia and East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia directly. 
• November & December - Taiwan. My year end trip with Boyfie. For this trip, we also tagged along Boyfie's best friend also tagged along and within 7 days, we covered both Taipei and Taichung.

Oh dear! If not cause I cancelled my trip to China and Vietnam with few of #TravelholicAwesome members that took place in April and May, I guess I'll travel almost every month. Part of my travel plans were booked earlier but there were some consider kinda last minute booking such as to Hatyai, Japan and media fam trip invitation to Kota Bharu. It's not my intention to travel every month but there were some beyond my control somehow. 

All in a nutshell, 2013 is another year I included another two new countries into my list (Cambodia and Laos) and visited few new cities. I also managed to repeat my 2010 travel history - visited Japan and Taiwan for second time, which was part of my travel #wishlist. I totally lost count on how many times I flew with plane but I really enjoy the feeling of boarding on a plane since I was a month old baby.

Speaking about blogosphere, little did I know this little tiny blog of mine has reached another milestone whereby I received few media familiarization trip invitations from Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia, Legend Resort Cherating Pahang (specially thanks to Fienuts for the recommendation) and more. But I know for sure that this blog of mine couldn't go any further if without any support from my blog readers. Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to extend my gratitude to every reader of mine for the continuously supporting my blog!

As for this year resolution, I decided not to have another unforeseeable long list cause I didn't manage to accomplish my 2012 resolution. What a failure! Now all I can do is let what may come and brace myself for another possible adventures in this brand new year. But of course, like every other years, I wish to travel endlessly.

Till then...

Source

Have Dayre? Follow me at http://dayre.me/dtdianateo

Top 3 Commentators for Year 2013

Another year has passed and it's the time again for me to reward three blog readers of mine who leave the most trail or comments in this little humble blog of mine - Travel & Living Journal of DT. This year I didn't spend much on souvenirs while I was on the road but mostly on foods instead. So, it's kinda hard for me to courier those foods (I wish I could somehow) and I try to replace with something else. Plus, two of the winners are travel bloggers who had been almost the same places I'd been to and it's really cracking my head what to give to them. Anyway, I hope the three winners will like the little and simple token of appreciation I'm giving.

Now, it's the time for me to reveal the top 3 Commentators for the Year 2013 *drum roll again and again..................*

From the bottom 3

Biqque from Beauty in Darkness (travel blogger) - with 46 comments

• A set of Travel stationery theme
• Face masks and fridge magnet from Taiwan 
•  Keychain from Sarawak
• Lavera hand cream

As for Top 2

Jeff Chuah from Jeff's Travel (another travel blogger) - with 51 comments

• A set of Travel stationery theme
• Sling bag and fridge magnet from Bali, Indonesia
• Face masks from Taiwan
• Sticky memo
• Keychain from Sarawak

And the Winner goes to...  

 Small Kucing & Mamarazzi from www.smallkucing.com - with 63 comments

• T-shirt from Macau 
•  A set of Travel stationery theme
• Face masks from Taiwan
• Handcream from Hatyai, Thailand
• Cute notebook from Osaka, Japan
• Fridge magnet from Bangkok, Thailand
• Keychain from Sarawak

Not forgetting to the rest, thank you so much for continuously supporting my blog. I'm truly appreciate for all the comments I received and emails too, for willing to share all your thoughts of my blog.  

Here is the list for this year Top 10 Commentators:
1. Small Kucing & Mamarazzi from www.smallkucing.com - 63 comments
2. Jeff Chuah from Jeff's Travel - 51 comments
3. Biqque from Beauty in Darkness - 46 comments

4. Choi Yen from theChency - 40 comments
5. Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography - 38 comments
6. Shirley Tay from Luxury Haven - 32 comments
7. Time Traveller from Travel My Way - 20 comments
8. Mr Lonely from A Growing Teenager Diary and Twilight Man from Twilight Zone - 17 comments each
10. Aemy Nadira from Aemy the Lil Lady - 14 comments

As for Hong Chern Wern and Shirley Tay, I would like to surprise both of you with mystery travel goodies for becoming the top 10 commentators for 3 consecutive years.

So for the five winners above, don't forget to leave your name, mailing address and contact number to my email: dianateodt@gmail.com within 14 days from the date of this post for acknowledgement. In case no response were given within the timeframe given, new winner will be chosen.

Once again, this post concluded the final and last post of my blog for the year 2013 and I hope that each and every readers of mine enjoying read all my travel journey and adventures. Oh boy! I'm really trying hard to complete my never-ending 2012 and 2013 travelogue as soon as possible.

Before I wrap up,

"Let's all welcome 2014 with a smile,
a spirit of giving, a sense of humanity,
a pledge to spread peace and happiness.
Happy New Year to all my blog readers!"

Hong Kong Day 6 & 7: Magical Moments At Hong Kong Disneyland For Second Time

Date of Visit: 22nd & 23rd September 2012

When I visited this fairy-tale theme park for the very first time back in year 2010, the rain poured right after my friends and I bought the entrance tickets. It was so unlucky that we unable to experience most of the outdoor rides and we were completely soaked when the rain refused to stop and poured for the whole day.

Two years later, here I am again back to this Magical Kingdom and this time around, without thinking any longer we bought 2-Day pass and spend two whole days here with all the non-stop of fun and play! They said Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest one compare to the rest but I just can't get enough especially anything relate to Mickey. Regardless how old you are, Disneyland is always dedicated to the young and the young at heart. Hong Kong Disneyland is the third Disneyland Park I visited after Paris and Japan.

#1: Front entrance of Hong Kong Disneyland

#2: Mickey Mouse surfing on the top of the fountain

#3: Get ready your camera before proceed into this fairy-tale theme park!

[One thing about visiting theme parks is you yourself will take at least hundreds or maybe thousand photos in just one particular theme park for sure, and that will be no exemption for myself too. Overall, I took almost 500 photos but when comes to pick those photos to upload in blog, really headache cause I try to avoid from uploaded massive photos here]

Just like every other theme parks, currently Hong Kong Disneyland comprises of seven themed areas hosting different rides, shops, restaurant and live entertainment; Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point (not yet opened by the time I went).

Main Street, U.S.A.

Main Street, U.S.A. serves as the entrance of the park. No thrilling rides in this themed area but it featured an array of restaurants and shops. Information Center can be found here along with stroller and wheelchairs rentals, ATM machine and currency exchange spot.

#4: Main Street, U.S.A themed is based on the 20th century American Town.

#5: Taxicab anyone?

#6: I can't help myself but went countless times into their souvenirs stores.

Adventureland
Our second pitstop is Adventureland - a mysterious and exotic jungles combination of both Africa and Asia. It is the home to Tarzan as well for The Lion King.

#7: Adventureland is the biggest themed land among all Disney parks

#8: Tarzan's Treehouse - Cross the Rivers of Adventure and climb up high to the adventure in the treetop home of Tarzan.

#9: Jungle River Cruise

#10

Besides Tarzan's Treehouse and Jungle River Cruise, spend some time for "Festival of the Lion King" show - a colourful pageant of music and dance perfomance. We watched this two years ago and hence, we decided to skip.

Fantasyland

Fantasyland is always one of my favourite themed land because this is where all those classic stories I watched during my younger time seems like turning into realities such as The Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo and more. 

#11: Immerse in a Fairytale of Fantasyland where Disney stories come to life.

#12: The Golden Mickey - A Broadway-style musical celebrating Disney movies such as "Mulan", "Toy Story", "Lilo & Stitch", "Beauty & The Beast" and more. A show that shouldn't be missed!

#13: Take an enchanted journey on the happiest cruise that ever sailed as the children of the world sing and dance to the song "It's A Small World".

#14: Mickey's PhilharMagic - 4D film with 3D effects, scents and water as well as a number of characters from Disney movies. It was one of the best show in Disneyland that we watched twice.

#15: Walk through this magical portal of Sleeping Beauty Castle into a timeless realm of enchantment.

#16: Catch all these Disney Characters on stage during performances at Flights on Fantasy Parade which will be showcased at 3:30pm daily.

#17: Flights on Fantasy Parade

#18: Meet, greet and get closer with your favourite Disney Character such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pooh and more in Fantasy Garden.  

#19: I wanna take photo with Mickey but it was super long queue. But I managed to take photos with Minnie, Pooh and Donald.

#20: It's Halloween again!

#21: Felt like I in Garden of Flowers

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland in Hong Kong Disneyland features an emphasis on metallic trim, dominated by blue and purple hues.

#22: Tomorrowland - Discover the thrill of space exploration as you ride through the dark in an exciting indoor rollercoaster, battle aliens with Buzz Lightyear, interact with Stitch and more.

#23: Autopia ride

#24: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Toy Story Land

This themed land is based on one of the Disney Pixar most popular animated film series "Toy Story". Looks like Andy, the young boy from Toy Story films has left his toys unattended in this immerse and highly themed environment.

#25: The overview of Toy Story Land

#26: They're GIANT and I felt like being shrunk to the size of a toy.

#27: Toy Soldier Parachute Drop

#28: Slinky Dog Spin Pass

Grizzly Gulch

This particular themed land is reminisces an abandoned mining town called "Grizzly Gulch", set amidst mountains and woods. Grizzly Gulch are home to cowboys and gold rushes and being set just like Wild Wild West theme.  

#29: Newly opened Grizzly Gulch

#30: Wild Wild West performance

#31: Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars - The wildest ride in the West! Grizzly bears send the mine cars racing out of the mountain, backward and forward, through the entire town of Grizzly Gulch. 

#32: "Disney in the Stars" fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle

#33: Impressive and mesmerising fireworks

TIPS:

1. Grab a guidemap once you enter. Don't underestimate the size of this theme park cause there is high possibility you might get lost. Trust me! Their guidemaps are printed in traditional and simplified Chinese as well as English, French, and Japanese
2. Pick up a "Times Guide" to take note of the stage shows time, parade and fireworks time and etc cause it may be varied from time to time.
3. Minimum height required for some rides such as Space Mountain and Autopia in Tomorrowland, RC Racer in Toy Story Land and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars in Grizzly Gulch.
4. One and only Halal restaurant is available in Adventureland themed land - Tahitian Terrace restaurant.

Although both Boyfie and I visited for two days, but it's really impossible for us to enjoy most of those thrilling rides and attractions cause it super duper crowded most of the time, even we went on weekdays. So if you ask me whether will I go for third time, YES of course! This is because I always have this deep love towards Disney and it will never fade or change, no matter how old will I be that time. [Read my post - My Love on D]

#34: Hong Kong Disneyland, I'll be back again!

How to get to this fairy-tale theme park:
Take the Tung Chung Line to Sunny Bay and then transfer to Disneyland Resort Line. Just that easy!

Admission Fee:

It will revised every year. During my first visit, it was HK$350 and then, it increased to HK$399. Now, the latest admission fee is HK$450.

[Credit To: Wikipedia]