Category: Asia

Hong Kong Disneyland: The Most Magical Party of All!

Disney fans, add Hong Kong Disneyland to your bucket list! It’s the smallest Disney park, but it’s packed with incredible rides, entertainment, and seasonal magic.

This year is extra special because Hong Kong Disneyland is celebrating its 20th anniversary, accurately named, “the most magical party of all!” The celebration includes a beautiful parade, a brand new castle show, and magical additions to already incredible seasonal offerings.

Tips for Visiting

My first suggestion is downloading the Hong Kong Disneyland app. It’s helpful for navigating the park, checking ride times, finding show schedules, ordering food, and planning your day. If you’re worried about language barriers, don’t be. The majority of cast members speak enough English to assist you, and if they can’t, they’ll find someone who can. The signage around the park is also in English.

Crowds can be intense, but are generally manageable due to the park’s size. If you prioritize what you want to do, you can see a lot in a day, even on the most crowded days! And during the busiest periods, you have options. Premier Access allows you to skip lines for certain attractions, but I recommend waiting until you’re in the park to decide if it’s worth it. Sometimes, buying a single fast pass for your favorite ride is all you need, and you can do it on the spot.

Entertainment and Seasonal Offerings

Hong Kong Disneyland doesn’t hold back when it comes to entertainment! Halloween celebrates the Disney Villains through a show called “Let’s Get Wicked,” and this year there was a special show on Main Street called “Uninvited.” The performers, dancers, and creative team went above and beyond with this show.

I may be biased, but Christmas here is pure magic! You’ll find carolers on Main Street and in Fantasyland, fantastic music from the Marching Band and the Toy Drummers, a nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Disney Live! In World of Frozen you’ll find more music from the Carolers of Arendelle (that’s me!), and the Royal Troubadours. If you’re lucky you might even see Elsa bringing some snowy magic, and help Kristoff decorate an ice sculpture of Sven.

A few shows remain staples year-round: Mickey’s Wondrous Book and The Lion King. Both are must-sees. There’s something special about hearing Mickey speak Cantonese (don’t worry, there are English subtitles) — it’s a reminder that Disney magic transcends language. And the Lion King cast delivers consistently stellar performances.

Featured Friends

Character interactions are a highlight at Hong Kong Disneyland, and some favorites here might surprise you. Elsa is, unsurprisingly, the star of the show. You can meet her and Anna in an interactive experience called “Playhouse in the Woods,” where you get to witness Elsa’s magic!

Have you ever heard of Duffy and Friends? Duffy is a teddy bear who was hand-sewn by Minnie Mouse and given to Micky to take on his travels so he wouldn’t be lonely. Duffy has gathered many friends, and they’re all very popular throughout Asia!

You may also encounter rare characters like Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and everyday you can enjoy a special Moana show that brings the spirit of adventure to life.

Rides, Fireworks, and Hotels

If you’re a ride enthusiast like me, Hong Kong Disneyland does not disappoint. With Grizzly Gulch, Hyperspace Mountain, RC Racer, Mystic Manor, and Frozen Ever After, I am constantly laughing, screaming, and having the time of my life. The Jungle River Cruise here is the only one where the skipper speaks three languages, Mandarin, Cantonese, and English — it’s incredible!

At the end of the day, don’t miss Momentous, the iconic firework show, which is all about living in the moment and loving the memories you make along the way. For the 20th anniversary, new projections have been added on Main Street, so you can be totally immersed no matter where you’re viewing from. It’s the perfect way to end a magical day.

How can I forget the hotels? The classic Disneyland Resort Hotel with Mickey and Friends in the dining area, the Explorers Lodge, focused on adventure, and the Marvel-themed Hollywood Hotel. Excellent options to get the entire Disney experience in Hong Kong!

Your Adventure Awaits

If Hong Kong Disneyland wasn’t on your list, it should be! Shorter lines, year-round entertainment, stunning hotels, and warm hospitality make it a truly magical destination.

Ready to plan your own unforgettable journey? Let’s talk! Reach out to start designing your adventure today: 616.957.8113

Hong Kong: Things You Might Not Know (and Why You Should Visit)

What Comes to Mind When You Hear “Hong Kong”?

Is Hong Kong part of China? Is it its own country? Where is it? Let’s clear up a few misconceptions and explore why Hong Kong is such a unique and exciting travel destination.

Is Hong Kong a Country or Something Else?

Here’s a quick history lesson — it’s key to understanding Hong Kong today. From 1841 to 1997, Hong Kong was a British colony (except for a brief Japanese occupation during World War II). British influence is still strong: cars drive on the left, double-decker buses are abundant, and English remains an official language.

Currently, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) in a 50-year transition period under Chinese sovereignty. This arrangement, often called “one country, two systems,” means Hong Kong has its own legal system, culture, and language—though its future beyond 2047 is a topic of debate.

Where is Hong Kong?

I definitely did not know where Hong Kong was before coming here, and I’ve found that’s the case for a lot of people! A common misconception is Hong Kong is close to Japan or Taiwan, and that’s not the case. It’s actually farther south — closer to Vietnam and the Philippines than Japan. The climate is therefore quite warm and humid, comparable to Florida in a lot of ways!

Why Visit Hong Kong?

1. Accessibility

Thanks to its British legacy, Hong Kong is very traveler-friendly. Signs and public transport announcements are in English, and many locals speak English fluently.

2. Shopping Paradise

Love shopping? Hong Kong is packed with malls and markets. You can browse luxury brands at K11 Musea and then haggle for bargains at the Ladies Market—all in the same afternoon. You’ll wonder into malls on accident whether you like shopping or not!

3. Outdoor Adventures

Prefer exploring nature? Hong Kong offers incredible hikes with city skylines, ocean views, waterfalls, and island trails — all easily accessible from the city. I use the app AllTrails to help plan hiking adventures!

4. Food Culture

Dim sum is a must-try: small, shareable dishes like dumplings and steamed buns, always served with tea. Hot pot is another favorite—cook meats and veggies in flavorful broth right at your table. And don’t miss bubble waffles and boba tea for a sweet treat!

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong has something for everyone. It’s an international hub where people and cultures mix, city and nature collide, and beauty is all around you. If you’ve never been to Asia, Hong Kong is an excellent first destination—vibrant, accessible, and full of surprises.

Ready to plan your own unforgettable journey? Let’s talk! Reach out to start designing your adventure today: 616.957.8113

Hong Kong for the Holidays

At the end of October, I’ll be returning to Hong Kong to sing as a Christmas Caroler at Hong Kong Disneyland for the third year in a row! This incredible opportunity began when I performed with the Goode Time Carolers in Nashville, TN. Through my connection with Goode Time, I was invited to audition for the caroling contract at Hong Kong Disneyland, and the rest is history.

So, what do I actually do there?

This year, I’ll be spending most of my time in Arendelle! Hong Kong Disneyland is the first Disney park to feature a World of Frozen, which opened during my first contract in 2023. There are three quartets who will be spreading Christmas cheer all around the park seven days a week (each quartet having normal five-day work weeks).

On my days off, I try to balance rest and recovery with adventure and exploration—but I usually lean toward adventure! With limited time, I want to soak up as much as I can.

I will also continue to work for Witte, remaining reachable to talk about performance tours, contacting potential clients, preparing for upcoming conferences, and making as many connections as possible in Hong Kong. To get to do it all is a dream and a gift!

What am I most looking forward to this time around?

Friends, visitors, and nature!

The friendships I’ve made through this experience are truly special. I’ll be returning with my same quartet as last year, as well as many other friends from the other two quartets. Sharing this experience with them is magical.

This year will be extra special—my parents will be visiting for the first time, and my husband will be returning for his second visit! I already know my time with them will be rejuvenating and memorable.

I love Hong Kong as a city, but especially the way the city blends seamlessly with the nature. The hiking in Hong Kong is phenomenal, and there are plenty of perfect weather days for getting outside in December.

Follow Along!

I’ll be documenting this journey right here on the blog. Expect posts about tourist attractions, food, what makes Hong Kong a fantastic travel destination, performing updates, and more!

Some might call this a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. I call it an “as many times as possible in a lifetime” opportunity—because I’ve truly fallen in love with this contract. The people, the city, the adventure, the performing… I’m grateful for all of it, and I can’t wait to be back!

Ready to plan your own unforgettable journey? Let’s talk! Reach out to start designing your adventure today: 616.957.8113

3 Reasons to Visit China in 2014

A web search for reasons to visit China brings up a variety of responses, with the food and culture on almost any list.  While I don’t doubt the food is excellent and the culture enticing, those two responses can be said about most foreign destinations.

Great Wall of China
By Ofol [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Travelers to China are ready for adventure, new experiences and stories to send home.  Often travelers to China have traveled before and seek a place more unfamiliar than Europe. If you ask me, my three reasons to visit China this year are:
1. Adventure – Adventure seekers to China have a wide definition of this word. Think of adventure travel in this case as anything exciting and thrilling.  This may mean hiking to Tibet or biking along the Great Wall but many find excitement in less obvious ways.  For a lot of people, adventure is found new cuisine, alternate forms of transportation such as rickshaws, trying to haggle in a foreign language, making their way back to the hotel after not being able to read the map, exploring local towns, going “unplugged” for the duration of the trip, or in making a new friend. Whatever your definition of adventure is, China has activities that will exceed your expectations.
Food of China
By Jakub Hałun (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. New Experiences – There is a quote from Mary Anne Radmacher that says “I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” What an eloquent statement. Travelers looking for new places, venues, journeys are are looking to expand on what they know.  For those of us considered western, the language, culture, religion and food of China is often novel.  Exposure to unfamiliar situations creates life long memories.
3. Price – Right now it is cheaper to offer a comparable tour to China than it is to Italy.  Deals are out there to be found.  Witte and other tour agencies are offering China packages that have full itineraries, good hotels and include airfare, all for low prices.  This is an excellent way to see many of the sights of this big country.
Simply google tours to China or view our China Tour Brochure to start dreaming about your upcoming trip to China.  And if I may- my favorite thing about our China tour are the dates.  The outstanding itinerary, first class hotels, almost half your meals- don’t top the fact that this tour ends on the 22nd of November.  Just in time for a short work week! With Thanksgiving the week the tour returns there is plenty of time to rest and recover from your time overseas.

 

by Whitney Korstange | Group Tour Specialist