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Robb & Elissa in Asia - 2016!


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Couple questions - I'm guessing Roaring Rapids was closed? I didn't see you post anything about it. Wondered how the big Quaraq animatronic looked...

Yes the ride is closed during the winter months. From what I've been told and have seen, the animatronic turned out to be not quite as impressive as people had hoped. Nice, yes, but it was no lava monster.

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Great trip report and a lot of useful info I can use when I make a future trip to China. Big fan of Disney so both Disney parks there are most definitely on my bucket list. However, confused why there is a dislike of Pepsi so much. I've been following these forums for many years and seen quite a few posts of how some are sad Pepsi is at certain theme parks. I mean I like Coke too...But I also like Pepsi...I'll drink either. I'm just curious. Are you all mad at Pepsi for setting Michael Jackson's hair on fire or just don't like the taste? Either way, not a big deal. Just curious?

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For those that don't realize there are still two classes of people in China with a great cultural divide between those who grew up in urban versus rural communities. Although many Chinese have moved (or were forced to move) from farms to factories, the new urban families have not quite forgotten and revert back to their their rural ways. During my three weeks in China I talked to the guides quite a bit, and many of them were embarrassed by the uncivilized half of the population that is flooding into urban areas. Many Chinese are still learning how the rest of the civilized world interacts and are a product of their culture. Many don't realize it is inappropriate to relieve yourself whenever you need too, they don't know the concept of waiting patiently (versus pushing), they don't understand the need to provide personal space, and the tonality of the language gives the signal that everyone are always yelling when sometimes they are not. Quite frankly when you are trying to relax on vacation those foibles are annoying and can ruin the magic.

 

This is 100% correct. We had our guide from our first two sightseeing days say the exact same thing to us and at Disney, we had quite a few cast members including management come us to us and try to explain and apologize for some of the Chinese behavior. It's the same thing with a lot of Brazilians I know. While I realize the entire culture doesn't behave like a Brazilian tour group at a theme park, often times my friends I have from Brazil will apologize for those groups because even they know they act horrible. And honestly, there are plenty of awful Americans, too (just go read social media for ten minutes) and I find myself having to apologize for the "Ugly Americans" when we travel abroad. Having to do it even more now thanks to our recent election results. :/

How very true though that no country is completely clean. I live in the U.S.A. and graduated from high school a couple years ago (currently in college) and assuming that nothing has changed there, American high schools sound very much like the description of the Chinese park goers you described. It's more than a cultural thing, it is the way people are brought up.

 

As for Pirates Of The Caribbean, I thought the same technology was going to be applied to a new Star Wars ride in Hollywood Studios at Disney World. With that being said, as much as I would not mind seeing Pirates replaced, keep it for the fanboys while the "cool kids" ride the new Star Wars boat ride.

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So after two full days of Shanghai Disneyland, we took a break, went back into the city and explored a bit more...

 

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When traveling to Shanghai Disneyland by train, there is an easy access Metro station right at the park! This also allows you to get into the city easily as well!

 

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Ahh, yes.... this is what I'm used to China looking like!

 

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Anal bead tower... (official name, not making it up!)

 

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I'll take "phrases I never thought I'd hear for $100, Alex"

 

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The real reason for our trip into Shanghai this morning! The World's Largest Disney Store!

 

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WARNING!!! Lots of Shanghai "World's Largest Disney Store" pics coming up next!

 

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Ok, I *NEED* all this Baymax Christmas stuff in my life right now!

 

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There are a ridiculous amount of TsumTsum here! Never seen this many in one place!

 

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More TsumTsum ... and wait there is even MORE...

 

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INSANE!!!

 

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Why don't we have any of this cool Baymax stuff back home???

 

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I also need all this awesome Zootopia stuff in my life!

 

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Some of the interior of the world's largest Disney Store Shanghai! It's amazing!

 

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Plenty of stuff for your little princess!

 

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Star Wars section and yes, more TsumTsum!

 

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If you are into the Asian Disney Store UniBEARsity character there is plenty here!

 

Here's a quick look around the World's largest Disney Store!

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A new Taco Bell just opened in #Shanghai and after our awesome Tokyo Taco Bell visit last year we had to check this out!

 

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Because when in China... You get tacos! Of course! Duh!!!

 

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International Taco Bell is VERY different than in the US! Familiar yes, but not as "fast food" as you're used to.

 

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I love the "Taco characters" you see at Asian Taco Bell! I need these in my life! lol

 

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Having a wonderful #TacoFriendsChristmasParty! lol

 

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Yay! We found our favorite Chinese local! Brent and his family came and met up with us in Shanghai!

 

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To complete our "ugly American fast food" tour of China, we went to the new Pizza Hut where you are seated by this cute robot!

 

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Much like Taco Bell, Asian Pizza Hut is VERY different from what we are used to in the US! It's less like "crappy, greasy pizza" and more like "somewhat decent restaurant." I mean, they have steak and escargot on the menu!!!

 

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Back at Disneytown at Shanghai Disneyland, We've seen Disney park service cast members do "water art", "chalk art", but this the first "leaf art" we've seen!

 

We found something cool in our hotel room!

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And that wraps up Shanghai! Next stop... Hong Kong Disneyland!

 

Click HERE for the next section of the report from our trip!

Edited by robbalvey
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Loving the Taco Bell and Pizza Hut photos. The tacos look edible, and not covered in nacho cheese powder! And the meat tray at Pizza Hut.

 

I would love to experience the Shanghai version of Pirates. I liked the one in California quite a lot (it became my new favourite dark ride), but even based on the videos I've seen of the Shanghai version, it looks just light years ahead in technology and visually impressive. I don't know if we'll ever get to China, though I'd love to, and most Americans certainly never will. Disney does a remarkable job keeping their attractions relevant and appealing, so maybe we'll see this copied in the U.S. I would absolutely make another trip to either Disneyland or WDW if they did.

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My eyes are popping out at your incredible coverage in your Trip Report.

 

I'm still deciding between the escargots at Pizza Hut - or.....maybe buying ONE OF EVERYTHING at the world's largest Disney Store!!

I need more STUFF!!! NEED. MORE. STUFF.

 

Alice

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Our next stop was Hong Kong Disneyland! This is a park I have visited several times since it opened in 2005 and it has been impressive to see the insane amount of expansion that has been done in that time. The park has added some major new "original" attractions like Mystic Manor and Big Grizzly Mountain along with other major to minor expansions like Toy Story Land, a new Castle projection show, Paint The Night Parade, Hyperspace Mountain, Storybook walk-through area, a new show to replace the Golden Mickey's, etc. And at the moment they have a new ride opening, Iron Man Experience, as well as some more major additions announced: Frozen area with a new major ride and a Marvel area with another new major ride. They are also well into construction of a new Explorers themed hotel and will be upgrading their castle. IMO, this is the Disney park that has the most potential in the upcoming years!

 

Anyway, onto some photos!

 

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What better way to start our visit to Hong Kong Disneyland than with some Mickey Mouse waffles?

 

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We have only been at Hong Kong Disneyland like 20 minutes and we've already met Mickey!

 

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Can you spot the hidden Mickey?

 

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We have arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland!

 

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Our morning at Hong Kong Disneyland has started out with some exclusive ride time on Big Grizzly and Mystic Manor before the park opened!

 

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Mystic Manor is one of the most amazing dark rides I've ever been on! Disney tech & storytelling at its best!

 

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Big Grizzly is yet another star attraction of Hong Kong Disneyland! One of the best coasters Disney has built!

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Soon the Hong Kong Disneyland castle will be transformed into a larger majestic icon! Wish they'd do the same in California!

 

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OMG! Love these TsumTsum Stitch headbands!

 

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Which Gelatoni dress do you think Kristen should get?

 

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So much awesome Duffy, Shellie May & Gelatoni merchandise! We want it all!

 

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Who wishes they had a FastPass for Hyperspace Mountain right now?

 

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You can either meet "Santa Goofy" or write him a letter and mail it!

 

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Are you the kind of girl who would rather have a bouquet of TsumTsum over flowers?

 

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Absolutely love all this black light glowy merchandise!

 

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Hyperspace Mountain was GREAT! Wish we would see this overlay at a few more Disney parks!

 

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The amount of Duffy merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland is really approaching Tokyo levels now!

 

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Did we mention there is a butt load of Duffy merchandise?

 

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Here we are having a blast on RC Racer!

 

This is the best "don't take photos of your onride pic" deterrent I've ever seen! Very clever!

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Coming soon! The Iron Man Experience attraction opens in January!

 

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This interactive walk-through fairy tale attraction was super cute!

 

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The Christmas tree in the hub of Hong Kong Disneyland! I love that Baymax is included on it!

 

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This Christmas show with all the Duffy characters was awesome! I wish these guys took off more in the US!

 

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Night time here at Hong Kong Disneyland!

 

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Main Street Christmas decorations look amazing!

 

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Really looking forward to the castle re-do!

 

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It's snowing on Main Street!

 

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Hong Kong Disneyland's fireworks absolutely proves you can do amazing projections on a small castle. Why isn't SoCal Disneyland doing this???

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Giant letter U or RC Racer? You decide...

 

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Yes, they do the Jedi Academy show at Hong Kong Disneyland as well and yes a lot of new Jedi's are created from it!

 

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Tomorrowland is very glowy and pretty and makes me smile!

 

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Here's a look at Mystic Manor at night!

 

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And here's Big Grizzly Mountain at night!

 

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Paint The Night! The most visually impressive parade I've ever seen!

 

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Wow! It was busy today at Hong Kong Disneyland but it didn't feel like it! Operations were smooth and fantastic! Clientele was wonderful and well behaved, especially compared to Shanghai.

 

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Great first day at Hong Kong Disneyland! We will be back again tomorrow!

 

Click HERE for the next section of the report from our trip!

Edited by robbalvey
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Since the Hong Kong castle's coming down soon to be replaced by a bigger one (It'll be weird seeing a Disney park without a castle ), is there any current sign of deconstruction? Or is that not for a while yet?

 

This is the best "don't take photos of your onride pic" deterrent I've ever seen! Very clever!

 

Says the one who took a video instead. But yes, it was amazing and more parks should try to do something similar. Do any other Disney parks do this?

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Since the Hong Kong castle's coming down soon to be replaced by a bigger one (It'll be weird seeing a Disney park without a castle ), is there any current sign of deconstruction? Or is that not for a while yet?

 

That's not quite right. From what I've read on other Disney park sites, the castle itself is staying, and the top of it is being "added to,"

if I remember, making it taller and grander.

 

This is based on an earlier report that the "topper" part was already designed, for Disneyland's castle, possibly for it's 50th back then. But

Disney realized that the original castle that Walt built shouldn't be tampered with, that much. So, the plans were shuttered, until recently.

And since Hong Kong's castle is pretty much a copy of the DL one, those plans could be applied to this castle.

 

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