Heading to Hong Kong Disneyland (or HKDL as Disney fans call it) and wondering which attractions are must-sees and which aren’t? Then this post is for you! While a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland is a lot more uncomplicated than say a trip to Walt Disney World or Tokyo Disney Resort, it still requires a bit of planning so you don’t just run around the park like a chicken with its head cut off in the blazing Hong Kong heat. One of those things you need to consider and plan for when visiting HKDL is which attractions are worth your time and which aren’t.
All in all, HKDL has over 30 attractions, shows, and rides for you to enjoy. For the purposes of this post, I will only be talking about actual rides, attractions, and shows, not theming elements that HKDL considers an attraction like the Liki Tikis or Geyser Gulch. While those are fine experiences and they definitely add to the lands they’re in, I don’t think anyone would consider them real attractions.
I will be going over each attraction briefly, starting from the best attractions to the not-so-great ones, to help you discern and figure out which ones you want to prioritize based on their quality and if they interest you. As a rule of thumb, every attraction that gets a B+ or higher is considered to be one that you shouldn’t miss.
If you want to see how the rides stack up against one another, I have another post that ranks all the rides at HKDL, which you can find here. Again, just a reminder, this post will be a little more informative than that post as this will dive into the shows and non-ride attractions as well.
So without further ado, let the attraction and ride guide begin!
Can’t Miss Attractions
Mystic Manor
Rating: A+
Hong Kong Disneyland’s best attraction, and one with a glowing reputation known all over the world. Theme park fans all consider it to be a modern classic and an Imagineering marvel. Luckily enough, the attraction and its surprises and effects have held up over time and have re-rideability. It follows collector and S.E.A. member Lord Henry Mystic and his monkey sidekick Albert who, after Lord Henry acquires a mysterious Balinese music box that reportedly has the power to bring inanimate objects to life, decides to be a little mischievous and opens the box. What transpires after is a whirlwind adventure filled with tension, laughs, and eye-popping sight gags that are sure to leave a lasting impression. With its plethora of rooms and set pieces, from dart-shooting tikis to head-chopping suits of armor, the attraction succeeds in telling a complete story that incorporates variety into its design.
Since that side of the park doesn’t open until about 30 minutes to one hour after the rest of the park opens, I would recommend going on this a bit later in the day and prioritizing the Toy Story Land attractions or Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars first. However, if you want to ride this multiple times in a day and the rides at Toy Story Land don’t interest you, I’d recommend doing Big Grizzly Mountain first then heading here to ride it multiple times.
Momentous
Rating: A+
An epic show on a grand scale that will surely leave you not only breathless but with a tear in your eye. Featuring engaging projections and a captivating musical score, Momentous ranks up there with Happily Ever After, Remember…Dreams Come True, Disney Dreams, Wondrous Journeys, and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth as one of the greatest Disney nighttime spectaculars of all time. Its story is simple. It chronicles all the major life points of the human experience, from birth to death, benchmarked by Disney songs that relate to those big life moments. It’s a concept never seen before, and one that blows you out of the water. It’s the perfect way to end the day at HKDL and a day at HKDL is incomplete without it.
There are several ways to watch Momentous. Most people just stand in the hub, also known as the big central area that the various lands radiate from, to see it. There are no projections along Main Street so you can only really see them on the castle, which means the closer you are the better. That being said,unless you’re visiting during a holiday or peak season, it should be easy to get a viewing spot at the hub. There are also packages, experiences, restaurant reservations, and premier access packages that include a reserved space in the viewing area right in front of the castle. They cost extra, naturally, but might be worth it for you if you’re only going to be there for a day.
Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars
Rating: A
HKDL’s second best ride, and deservedly so, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars (a mouthful, I know. I’ll be calling it BGMRMC from now on) is a park highlight. Located in Grizzly Gulch, which you can access from either Mystic Point or Adventureland, this coaster is a mixture of Big Thunder Mountain and Expedition Everest with a little Grizzly Peak thrown in. In the attraction, you take a tour through the Big Grizzly Mountain Mines when, all of a sudden, a family of bears that live in the mountains derail your tour and send you careening across the entire land. Featuring a backwards section and a launch, this coaster packs a lot of thrills and surprises with an interesting story and cuddly protagonists. The story is original, just like Mystic Manor, and is a hallmark of 2010s imagineering.
When the lands of Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, and Mystic Point open in the morning, this is the first attraction I recommend you hit. The line for it tends to get longer as the day goes by, and while it’s stunning at night as well, I always recommend experiencing attractions in the daytime so you can still see and appreciate the detail. Ride it until the line gets long or until you’re all Grizzlied-out then make your way to Mystic Point to ride Mystic Manor.
Mickey and the Wondrous Book
Rating: A
Similar to Mickey and the Magical Map and the inspiration for Mickey’s Storybook Adventrue in Shanghai Disneyland, this stage show is pure Disney magic. Its premise is simple: Mickey and Goofy find a huge enchanted book containing all the Disney stories we’ve come to know and love. When they open it, out jumps Olaf from Frozen. Mickey and Goofy now need to return Olaf to his rightful place in the book and, along the way, encounter Disney stories and songs. It’s basically a plot written as an excuse to string Disney songs together, but the story and the performances make this show a lot more captivating than Disney’s other theme park shows. It has a lot of heart, and comes with amazing renditions of songs like Friend Like Me, Dig a Little Deeper, and a medley of Part of Your World, When Will My Life Begin, and Touch the Sky. The cast is insanely talented, and it all makes for an amazing show.
As usual, arrive 30 minutes ahead of showtime to get a good spot. The theater is huge but they have been known to turn people away if you arrive a little too close to showtime. Sit to the right for English translations of the dialogue, which is in Cantonese. Also, try seeing the later showings or showings at lunch time as they tend to have less crowds.
Festival of the Lion King
Rating : A
Miles ahead of Animal Kingdom’s version (which is saying a lot considering Animal Kingdom’s version is also excellent), Festival of the Lion King is a 30-minute retelling of The Lion KIng featuring all the musical numbers you’ve come to expect from the show. Told in a theater-in-the-round, this rousing show includes four huge floats, more than 30 performers, acrobats, fire twirlers, and a finale that will leave you awestruck. When I first visited the park in 2006, this was considered one of the highlights of the entire park. Now there are some attractions that steal the spotlight from it, but it’s incredible how much this show has stood the test of time. It hasn’t been replaced yet, and I hope it runs forever.
Just like Mickey and the Wondrous Book, arrive 30 minutes ahead of time to get a good spot. This show is about 90% in English, so a seat up front until about the middle of the stands would be optimal. Also, just like Wondrous book, seeing later shows or shows during meal times means less crowds, so if you can, see the show at those times.
Frozen Ever After
Rating: A
HKDL’s newest E-ticket attraction, this version of Frozen Ever After is leaps and bounds better than the Epcot version due to its improved pacing, animatronics, and sense of place. Located at the far end of World of Frozen, this ride puts you in the center of the action as you journey to the North Mountain to celebrate summer snow day, or the day Anna saved Elsa. It’s a fairly simple boat ride, with an uncomplicated story. While it does have a few narrative lapses and lacks a lot of tension, it’s still a well-executed ride that feels incredibly immersive. The scene where Elsa sings Let it Go will go down as a classic dark ride scene, and the audio-animatronics look incredibly expressive and are some of the most advanced animatronics in the world. You would be missing out by not riding this attraction.
Due to it being a popular ride, I would recommend hitting it first thing in the morning. If you can swing it, buying the early entry pass is worth it. You could ride Frozen Ever After, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, take pictures throughout the land, and still have time to ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which is included in early entry. This is currently the hottest ticket in the park, so experiencing it should be a priority.
It’s a Small World
Rating: A
Known all over the world for its message of world peace and for (to some people) its annoying song, it’s a small world is a thematic masterpiece. Featuring dolls representing countries from around the world all clad in their national costumes, as well as some Disney characters who were thoughtfully placed in their countries of origin, this timeless boat ride takes you through scenes featuring landmarks of different countries, designed in that distinctive Mary Blair art style. These stylized depictions of national scenes are endearing and full of hope and optimism for a world at peace. While it doesn’t have a story per se, It’s a Small World’s message and themes will stick with you long after you’ve left its pastel colored building. Don’t forget to check out the parade of dolls that takes place every 15 minutes outside the attraction.
This ride never gets that long of a wait and, if it does, it is never longer than 30 minutes. It’s what Disney fans know as a “people eater” meaning it moves a significant amount of guests per hour. As such, getting on the ride is never too much of a hassle. I would save this for when it’s hot outside and you need an AC break or in the middle of the day when crowds are at their worst.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Rating: A-
A classic Disney dark ride, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is endearing, joyous, and bursting with heart. With an interesting story, well-designed scenes, and incredible special effects, the world of the Hundred Acre Wood comes alive in this 4-minute adventure. Climb into a honey pot as you meander through the hundred acre wood on a blustery day that ends with the toppling of Owl’s house, a bouncing session with Tigger, a trip through a heffalump and woozle fever dream, all culminating in the ride’s most impressive scene: sailing through a flooded hundred acre wood. The effects on this ride still hold up after all these years, and its timelessness is the reason why it’s one of the most popular attractions in the park.
This is a popular attraction, so I would recommend riding it after you’ve ridden both World of Frozen attractions. If you’ve purchased early entry, Pooh is included in the rides that open early. Try to get there before the regular crowds do. Alternatively, you can ride it at the end of the day.
Jungle River Cruise
Rating: A-
Probably the best version of the Jungle Cruise in the world (although lacking the iconic backside of water), the Jungle River Cruise is buoyed by its outstanding finale, which features a fight between the fire and water gods. The story of the Jungle River Cruise has also been updated, now incorporating a Society of Explorers and Adventurers element to it. Its story is very simple: you’re exploring the jungles of different regions of the world. But its execution is amazing and the result is an exciting and hilarious boat ride. The various scenes in the ride, such as the elephant bathing pool, the headhunters, and the stranded research team that have climbed a pole to escape attacking animals, all add to the humor and stakes of the ride. Overall, it’s one of HKDL’s best rides that you shouldn’t miss.
This ride is best done after you’ve explored the trio of minilands (Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land). It fortunately doesn’t get a long line right away, which makes it the perfect attraction to do right after lunch (if you can withstand the heat). It’s also a good one to do around dusk when the day is less hot as a lot of the ride has you in direct sunlight.
Hyperspace Mountain
Rating: A-
An epic Star Wars adventure, there are few experiences that come close to whizzing past X-wings and TIE fighters in almost complete darkness as you aid the resistance in their fight against the empire. Featuring a replica of an X-wing in its queue, this ride combines the classic Space Mountain ride with Star Wars theming, delivering a thrilling ride through the galaxy. You’re first briefed by Admiral Ackbar, and then sent onto your ships to be deployed to fight the Empire. While I do miss the original Space Mountain, this is a more than worthy replacement. They really went all out in retheming this attraction, and the result is a ride you should definitely put on your list.
I always recommend experiencing Tomorrowland attractions at the end of the day. With the exception of World of Frozen, most people head to Tomorrowland first thing in the morning. Going against the crowds is always recommended when you’re in a Disney theme park, so when all the crowds have migrated to other parts of the park, head to Tomorrowland to do all the attractions there.
Iron Man Experience
Rating: A-
Disney’s first Marvel themed ride, the Iron Man Experience is an exciting romp through Hong Kong as you join forces with Tony Stark to save Hong Kong from a HYDRA invasion. The minute you step into the ride’s fantastic queue, you’re immersed in the world of Iron Man. Showcasing models of different Iron Wings, as well as a full size Iron Man suit, you’re then quickly whisked away into the latest Iron Wing and then take off from Stark Expo to tour the new Arc Reactor that is at the top of a Stark Tower in downtown Hong Kong. Hydra, however, invades Hong Kong in an effort to steal the Arc Reactor. What follows is a thrilling battle between Iron Man and your Iron Wing and Hydra. While it isn’t innovative like Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run and doesn’t have the randomizes scenes like Star Tours, it still tells a compelling and exciting story and is a major part of the HKDL attraction lineup.
Just like the other Tomorrowland attractions, save this for later in the day. It never gets long lines unlike some other areas of the park, but if you want to avoid the longest lines of the day, definitely go later in the day.
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Rating: A-
The classic 3D show has been a staple of Hong Kong Disneyland since opening in 2005. While the title is a little misleading given that Donald is the star of the show, and while its use of 3D is kind of an outdated novelty at this point, it’s still a very fun romp through the worlds of Disney animation. Although the HKDL version of this attraction doesn’t include the new Coco scene, it’s still a strong attraction (and a nice AC break when the weather is hot and humid). The queue and the waiting area feel quintessentially Fantasyland, and since the theater was made with the show in mind, the scents and effects make this show come alive in a very visceral way
This show rarely gets a line and your wait will depend on if the next show has just started or is nearing its end. If you catch it right as it’s about to end, you probably won’t end up waiting for it that long. If you catch it just as it begins, however, you’re going to have to wait till the show cycles through to the next show.
Fairy Tale Forest
Rating: B+
While many dismiss this as a simple walkthrough attraction, I would say this is one of HKDL’s most charming experiences. As you wind your way through the maze, you’ll encounter different scenes and moments from classic Disney animated movies like Tangled, the Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and Snow White. The areas are beautiful and fun to walk around in. It’s almost like a walkthrough version of the Storybookland Canal Boats at Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Be sure to crank the wheel at each location to unlock special scenes in each area, as well as the shadow boxes dotted in each space. Also, pay attention because you just might see Pascal the chameleon from Tangled lurking in one of the bushes.
Do this anytime. Since it’s a walkthrough attraction there is no line to enter. I would recommend saving it for later in the day though as it can get quite hot in the middle of the day and there’s almost no shade in the area.
Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs
Rating: B+
While many may dismiss it as being just another junior coaster, and a short one at that, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs (to be shortened to WOSS from now on) propels itself to the “Good” attractions list because of it’s theming, queue elements, and its vantage point that offers stunning views of World of Frozen. You pass through Oaken’s trading post as you enter the queue and see that he’s also celebrating Summer Snow Day by creating this sled ride that is powered with the help of Olaf and Sven. True to the story, there is an animatronic Olaf and Sven at the beginning of the ride as they help you up the lift hill. The attraction is also thrilling for what it is, and even though it’s short, it has views of World of Frozen that simply cannot be beat.
Do this as soon as you’re done with Frozen Ever After. It can sometimes command a higher wait time than FEA because it loads a lot slower due to the fact that it’s a coaster, so just make sure you bolt over to it so you don’t have to wait too long. Given that it’s a 30 second ride, I wouldn’t wait longer than 25-30 minutes for it, but if waits don’t bother you then definitely give it a chance.
Ant-Man and the Wasp Nano Battle
Rating: B+
This ride’s debut was actually revolutionary, as it’s story tied into the story of the neighboring Iron Man Attraction. While Tony Stark is fighting off Hydra for the arc reactor, Ant-Man and the Wasp are called to defeat Arnim Zola, who used the HYDRA attack as a distraction so that they can steal the Data Core, which is housed in the Science and Technology pavilion at Stark Expo. While the ride is fun and exceeded my expectations, I still think it has massive flaws. Static sets, no animatronics, and the fact that you can’t spin the vehicle anymore notch this lower than the attraction that was previously there: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. It’s still fun, and the upgraded shooting system is really good. You shouldn’t miss this when you’re at the park.
I’m going to sound like a broken record at this point, but save this for later in the day when everyone else has moved on from Tomorrowland. We were there during a school break and rode it three times straight closer to the end of the night because everyone was already staking out spots on Main Street for Momentous or were in other parts of the park. So it pays to save it for later in the day.
Follow Your Dreams
Rating: B+
HKDL’s first proper castle stage show, this show is a rousing celebration of the power of dreams. Featuring songs from classic Disney movies like Frozen, Zootopia, and Mary Poppins, it features Mickey and Friends learning to chase their dreams. It’s a bit light on story, but it’s still a very entertaining show and one that shouldn’t be missed if you’re a fan of Disney’s in-park stage productions. The cast is amazing, the backdrop of the castle gives the show a stronger impact, and the song choices for the show are great.
Watch this later in the day as it is under the sun and the Hong Kong heat can get quite intense. But be warned too that this show gets canceled very easily. On my last trip, 3 showings in one day all got canceled. Be wary of this if you’re planning on seeing it.
The Rest of the Pack
I won’t go into too much detail with these attractions since I wouldn’t consider them the headliners. Experience them if they pique your interest, but if they don’t you won’t lose anything for not experiencing them.
Playhouse in the Woods
Rating: B
An Anna and Elsa show taking place in the same mountain as the Sliding Sleighs, it’s supposed to be “interactive” but the interactivity is limited to picking a spirit to determine how the show will end. Nothing to write home about.
You need a standby pass to experience this show, which you can get on the Hong Kong Disneyland app as soon as you enter the park.
Moana: A Homecoming Celebration
Rating: B
A simple but entertaining retelling of the classic Moana show. While its light on spectacle and its staging is relatively simple, its use of theatrical techniques to tell Moana’s journey is endearing and can be enjoyed by anyone.
Don’t do this in the middle of the day as the theater is outdoors and there are only a couple of seats so you may end up standing in the back of the theater if you arrive too late. It’s recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before showtime to get a good spot.
RC Racer
Rating: B
A viking-ship ride with a Toy Story skin, this ride makes up for its simplicity with an amazing queue and the biggest thrills of any ride in the park (yes, even more than Space Mountain and BGMRMC, in my opinion). If you’re a fan of thrill rides, this is for you. But if you’re not, you can totally skip this.
If the Toy Story Land rides are important to you, you should be lining up for them as soon as the rope drops for that section of the park (which is usually 30 minutes after official park opening). I would do them first before Big Grizzly as Big Grizzly is more of a people eater and has manageable lines compared to the Toy Story Land rides.
Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad
Rating: B
In any other park this would be a B+ to A- ride, but HKDL’s train suffers from the fact that you can’t see Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, and World of Frozen from the train. While they do include some nods to the Jungle River Cruise on the Main Street to Fantasyland leg, there’s almost nothing interesting about the Fantasyland to Main Street leg. Unless you’ve done the other attractions, I would say to skip this one.
If you do want to ride it though, I’d recommend riding it at the hottest part of the day. While it doesn’t have AC, it’s still a nice ride in the shade. It also never usually gets a long line, so feel free to drop by it whenever you feel like it.
Tarzan’s Treehouse
Rating: B
Sitting on an Island in the middle of the Rivers of Adventure, Tarzan’s Treehouse is a fun little diversion of an attraction. You need to take the rafts to get there, but once you’re there you’ll be immersed in Tarzan’s story through scenes that are placed throughout the treehouse. It’s a walkthrough attraction, but in my opinion pales in comparison to Fairy Tale Forest. It does get plus points for its interactivity, but it’s starting to show its age.
You can do this at any time of the day. Just be aware that it does close sometime before dusk. And for people who are differently-abled, you do need to walk up steps to fully experience this attraction.
Animation Academy
Rating: B
Similar to other Animation Academies around the world, you get to draw your favorite Disney characters with the help of a Disney animator. While it’s easy to follow along with what the artist is saying, the entire presentation is in Cantonese, which you’ll need to keep in mind if you plan on attending a session. While your drawing makes for a fun souvenir, I wouldn’t go out of your way to do this, especially if you’ve done it in other parks.
Check the board outside the attraction so you know what characters are being drawn that day and when their schedules are.
Duffy and Friends Playhouse
Rating: B
A walkthrough attraction on the left side of the end of Main Street, this walkthrough allows you to meet Duffy and his friends in a setting that resembles one of those toontown houses located in Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.
While it’s a big draw if you’re a Duffy fan, I wouldn’t enter if you aren’t as the lines to get through the whole thing can get pretty long. Do this as soon as it opens if you’re interested in it.
Orbitron
Rating: C+
In my opinion, this is the best version of Astro Orbiter in the world. Its unique flying saucer vehicles make it stand out, as do the blue space ball and planets that turn above you. It offers stunning views of Tomorrowland, and you can even see the castle from up there. While it isn’t a major draw and sometimes commands a line longer than its worth, it’s still a fun attraction.
This ride would be my lowest priority in Tomorrowland, so only do it if you have the time and if the line is shorter than 30 minutes. Otherwise it’s not worth doing in my opinion. It also looks better in the evening once all the lights are on.
Toy Soldier Parachute Drop
Rating: C+
This ride’s simplicity is buoyed a bit by its better-than-average queue. In the ride, you’re taken on a drill by the Toy Soldiers as you rise and fall in a parachute. This ride offers amazing views of World of Frozen, Mystic Manor, and Grizzly Gulch (if you know where to sit). While it’s a fun attraction, I wouldn’t go on it unless the line is short. It doesn’t really have a lot of thrill and it loads pretty slow too.
Just like the other Toy Story Land rides, I’d do them as soon as the land opens. This will minimize the wait you’ll experience for them, and it’s worth saying again that it is not worth waiting longer than 20 minutes for. If you do want to experience it though, make it your first stop in Toy Story Land.
Slinky Dog Spin
Rating: C
Similar to those caterpillar rides you can find in carnival’s, the ride has you riding on Slinky Dog as he chases his tail around and around. It’s a basic ride compared to Florida’s Slinky Dog Dash ride, and is my least favorite of the three Toy Story Land rides as it doesn’t have any redeeming qualities about it.
This is the one Toy Story Land ride I recommend you skip, given that it’s the most unexciting of the three. If you want to do it, however, I’d do it second after Toy Soldier Parachute drop.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Rating: C
A classic Disney ride, Dumbo is the only ride in the world that is present in every Disney park. Its position and design in HKDL, however, make HKDL’s version one of the weakest of them all. It doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of views, and it consistently has a long wait time. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have little kids who really want to experience it.
It’s one of those rides that is open with Early Entry, so I’d recommend doing it then after you’ve done Frozen Ever After, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, and Winnie the Pooh. Its line decreases at night, but so do the views you can see.
Cinderella Carousel
Rating: C
Themed to Cinderella, this carousel is a fun little burst of kinetic energy in Fantasyland. Its position in the middle of Fantasyland makes for a more immersive ride, but at the end of the day it’s just a carousel. There are some beautiful pieces of art from the movie Cinderella adorning the interior of the carousel, but other than that there’s not much to write home about.
This attraction never gets a long line usually, so save it for when the park is at its busiest. It also looks more stunning at night.
Mad Hatter Tea Cups
Rating: C-
The staple tea cups ride that is found everywhere else, this version is the most bare bones version of the ride. The queue is uninspired, the building of the attraction is a generic tent with some lanterns on it, and its location in Fantasyland is very awkward and kind of feels like they plopped it there last minute for the sake of adding a ride to the park’s opening day ride count.
This ride seldom gets a long line, so feel free to ride at any time or save till the park is at its busiest. Just like the carousel, it’s also more stunning at night.
Main Street Vehicles
Rating: C-
These vehicles go up and down Main Street, and while they’re good for kinetic energy, they’re usually so slow that walking would be faster and more efficient. They also operate at odd times and usually cease operations before nightfall. I wouldn’t go out of my way to ride them, unless you want a break from walking because your feet hurt.
Like I mentioned, they operate at odd times so check the Hong Kong Disneyland app for specific times. They never get any lines too so it should be fairly easy to ride them.
Thanks for reading this Attraction and Ride Guide! For more HKDL tips, see my HKDL Guide, HKDL itineraries, and other helpful planning posts.