#LifeWanders in Hong Kong: A Marvel fan's guide to Disneyland
Peter Parker and I may have something in common.
Growing up in a household that could not afford to go Hong Kong Disneyland, let alone book a plane ticket and a hotel room, I found solace in our recent trip to the so-called “happiest place on Earth”. While a colleague recreating her childhood photo with the iconic Castle of Magical Dreams in the background was one for the books, my aimless wandering on Main Street and hugging my first Disney mascot Linabelle seemed like a far-fetched, bizarre dream.
But Disneyland is not only a place for funny animals, genies, and fairies. Now, the Marvel Universe, another fandom that took over most of my adolescent and young adult life, has converged with the amusement park’s sci-fi-themed area Tomorrowland. It assembled the Earth’s mightiest heroes, the Avengers, plus some Guardians of the Galaxy to patrol the Stark Expo. Interestingly enough, its Spider-Man speaks in Cantonese - well, Peter Parker might be broke but he’s a genius who could learn different languages, right?
Hong Kong Disneyland has also kicked off its “Marvel Season of Super Heroes”, currently running until June 10, featuring activities you can book via Klook.
The Archivist at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel
After checking in to any of the hotels near Hong Kong Disneyland (ours was the safari-themed Disney Explorers Lodge), you might want to enjoy a Marvel-themed dinner in The Archivist at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel the night before you go to the theme park.
The art-deco resto’s enhanced menu includes the Marvel Heroes Mini Burger Skewers and Ragnarok Medley; and cocktails like the Synthezoid (inspired by the Vision), Marvelous Punch (a tribute for Captain Marvel), and Planet X (named after Groot’s home planet).
The Archivist also has a wall of breathtaking digital paintings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s key moments. Inside, you can take photos with replicas of the Infinity Stones and the resto’s centerpiece Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet.
Find Your Super Power: Battle for Stark Expo
Jerald Uy
Come Disneyland Day, a.k.a. D-Day, set aside your afternoon for all things Marvel in Hong Kong Disneyland. Perhaps visit the World of Frozen first in the morning and enjoy a filling lunch at the Explorer’s Club Restaurant in Mystic Point at noon.
By 2 p.m., head to Tomorrowland for Find Your Super Power: Battle for Stark Expo, a kid-friendly choreographed fight featuring the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. teaming up with the Avengers to stop Arnim Zola’s Hydra forces from stealing the arc reactor. The new daytime show starts with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents teaching the audience how to fight Hydra agents. After the play, the cosplayers can take quick selfies with the guests.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!
Jerald Uy
Next stop is the Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, a target-shooting game that doubles as a slow, spinning ride. Here, you are coached by Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Pym (Evangeline Lilly) as you and your companion are “shrunk” to eliminate the Arnim Zola AI using laser guns in various locations throughout the ride. Compete with your seatmate with your scores after the Nano Battle.
Iron Man Experience
Jerald Uy
If you want to experience what it is like to be an armored Avenger, you and your friends can take this 3-D motion simulator attraction in Tomorrowland. You will experience flying, landing, and even nearly falling as you, Iron Man, and his new robots save Hong Kong.
Animation Academy: Baby Groot
Jerald Uy
To kill time before the next Marvel activities at Tomorrowland, you can head to the Animation Academy on Main Street to keep the marvelous momentum going. Attend a 20-minute class to learn how to draw the cutest Guardian of the Galaxy, Baby Groot! While you’re in the area already, catch the Main Street Parade at 5:30 p.m.
Starliner Diner
Head back to Tomorrowland for an early dinner. To continue our mission, let’s keep ourselves fuelled up with Marvel-themed eats at Starliner Diner or its outdoor vending carts. These are the Quantum Hot Dog, the Hulked-out Super Power Churro, and the new Spider-Man Popcorn Bucket that reveals three different faces of Spider-Man.
Another collectible from the Starliner Diner is the Avengers’ Sipper with Super Soda which features interchangeable Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man logos.
Find Your Super Power: Battle in the Sky
Jerald Uy
At 7:30 p.m., prepare to be mesmerized by a spectacular drone show, Find Your Super Power: Battle in the Sky. Here Arnim Zola’s Hydra swarmbots prepare to invade Stark Expo but are fended off individually and collectively by the Avengers. The nighttime drone show also serves as an exciting prelude to the Momentous Nighttime Spectacular 3D projection show happening an hour later.
Expo Shop
Before you head to Main Street for Momentous, gear up with a wide range of Marvel-themed merchandise or customize your own Marvel Super Heroes-themed battle attire at the Expo Shop. If your wallet is already complaining like J.A.R.V.I.S., you can take pictures with the 1:1 life-size statues of Iron Man, Captain America, and Ant-Man. For toy collectors, you might want to bring extra cash to grab the five new Hong Kong Disneyland’s first park-exclusive Hot Toys Super Heroes COSBABY collectibles and keychains.
Sleep like an Avenger
Come August 9, Disney’s Hollywood Hotel will launch Marvel-themed guest rooms with a stylized depiction of a Quinjet from The Avengers soaring high above the Stark Tower. The centerpiece is an astonishing mural on the wall featuring the Earth’s mightiest heroes. Plus, you can pre-order the Groot-themed surprise with in-room merchandise products as well as participate in Marvel Super Heroes Arts and Crafts Mission at the hotel.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
So if you’re green with envy like the Hulk, don’t forget to book your tickets through Klook for instant confirmation and early entry to the park. Remember that guests are required to purchase their tickets in advance and have a valid park reservation for their visit.
Just like Spidey, do your homework first before going to any foreign destination. Hey, if you've been working double-duty like the ol' webhead, reward yourself by being a kid again. It's time to end your Parker luck.
Editor’s Note: PhilSTAR L!fe is here to help you choose items you may love, want or need. Each product we feature has been independently selected by our team. If you click and buy the products featured, we may earn commission. This trip was sponsored by Klook.