Qisnep

When I was a kid I always thought that the 'D' in Disney's logo was a 'Q'.  One of those fancy, cursive 'Q's I guess.
I figured it was one of those tricky english language things like a silent Q that sounds more like a D type of thing.
oh that doesn't exist? Well as an 8 year old it did.
And a friend always thought the 'Y' was a 'P'.
Apparently that's Disney's one fault. They're catering to an audience that, truly, can barely read.

But of the many things they're doing right: Hong Kong Disney.
I'll admit that I was skeptical. Sure it's Disney, so it should be awesome...but it's still in Asia. I know, that's sounds so very...ummm...American of me. But that's just me being honest. I wasn't expecting the fabulousness of Orlando to have stretched all the way to HK.
Lo and behold, good ole Walt pulled it off. When the Christmas parade starting coming down Disney's "Main Street" and everyone was happier than what should be legally permissible, I got all teary eyed. Sure, Disneyland is fun as a kid. But I'm convinced it's more fun as an adult. Seeing my kids wave at the princesses, give Pluto hugs, and dance with sugar plum fairies was more than my camera could handle.

Here's a glimpse of our day.


Started the day off all bright and cheery eyed...or maybe that's just sun in their eyes...



We arrived just in time for a Christmas parade.


See that smirk on my face? That smirk says, "oh...uh...I just realized I'm the only parent out here dancing and acting like a fool."  My bad. I thought they were inviting me to come dance, when apparently they were probably only inviting my cute, blonde kids.



The parades were probably our favorite part.
These images will forever be frozen in my brain.


Her giddiness. Her wave at all the characters. The way she turned around and announced to me every "person" that she saw. It was so much fun to watch her.



It was a gorgeous day, despite being a bit chilly.
Caleb was less than impressed. Poor buddy...I promise to take you back someday when you actually care about Buzz Lightyear.


HK Disney has recently opened up a big Toy Story Land. It was the one area of the park where I felt that they fell short. Our kids were too young for all the "rides" so we didn't stay in this area very long. Just long enough to snap a picture with Rex.

The whole area is meant to look like it's in Andy's back yard. But in my opinion it just looks like Walt needs to dust off his lawnmower and get to work.

If you ever visit HK Disney, one thing you should know: GROWN UPS stand in line to see Mickey and Minnie. I take that back. They stand in line to see all the characters. I'm talking 54 year old men in business suits. Does this happen at Disneyworld? I can't remember. None the less, I thought it was weird. And then they thought it was weird that I didn't want my OWN picture taken with Minnie.

Eden's favorites were of course the princesses.


Salem was less than impressed. He wears his emotions on his sleeve.

Scratch that. He just says exactly what he's feeling. Right about this time he informed Snow White, "you scary." Yes, this movie has scarred him for life.



Really, he was thinking that he'd just rather go back and see Winnie the Pooh again.



I can't blame him. I was kind of envious of Pooh and his big furry yellow suit. It was pretty chilly out there!
Salem was smitten with Pooh. His eyes say it all. He gave Pooh a "present leaf" and hasn't forgotten about it.


I loved that Pluto had a touch of Asian flair to him.



It was such a fun day. One that I hope our kids have fond memories of...or at least enjoy seeing the pictures someday. We did the tea cup spinning thing and Salem almost vomited. Maybe he won't have fond memories of that part. The day ended with the two "big" kids asleep in the stroller, Caleb asleep on me, and Brandon and I nearly falling asleep in the subway. = Success!