Who doesn’t love a holiday! If we could we’d be on holiday forever, but alas there are always time limits and budgets to think about. So figuring out what’s worth your time and money is super important to make the most of your trip.
If you’re still choosing between two of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions, that is Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, here’s a guide to help you decide. There are heaps of things to consider but don’t worry, we’ll help you out!
First time in Hong Kong? Here’s a guide for the ultimate holiday experience:
Should you visit the magical world of Disneyland or the adventurous expedition of Ocean Park? Check out their similarities and differences down below!
Ticket cost and where to get them
When it comes to ticket prices, Ocean Park’s tickets cost less than Hong Kong Disneyland’s.
Meet the cutest animals at Ocean Park Hong Kong. Credits to @kelvinyan
Ocean Park day trip passes for adults (aged 12 and above) start from $46.15 USD, and children aged 3-11 start from $27.69 USD. Kids aged 3 and under can enter the park for free.
Get welcomed by Mickey Mouse at Hong Kong Disneyland. Credits to @kelvinyan
Disneyland’s tickets are a little more expensive (but well worth it!), with day trip passes starting from $75.55 USD for adults (aged 12-64), $57.49 USD for children (aged 3-11), and $12.79 USD for senior citizens.
For both parks, tickets can be purchased through their websites and travel agencies. However, you can book cheaper tickets with more perks from Klook!
- Buy Ocean Park tickets starting from $46.15 USD with perks such as INSTANT confirmation and HK$30 E-cash vouchers.
- Buy Hong Kong Disneyland Tickets starting from $75.59 USD and get INSTANT confirmation and skip-the-line privileges.
How to get there
Being Hong Kong’s most popular tourist destinations, they’re both super easy to get to!
Use the Disneyland MTR to visit the Castle of Magical Dreams. Credits to @hkdisneyland
Once Hong Kong Disneyland was launched in 2005, it was also granted its own subway link, the Disneyland Resort Line. So using the MTR is a really convenient way to get to the park.
It’s easy to get to Ocean Park with its own MTR station. Credits to @cheungyin
Ocean Park also has its own MTR station with the same name that will take you to the park from Admiralty Station in only 4 minutes.
Depending on where you’re staying, Ocean Park is more accessible from Hong Kong Island. For areas such as Kowloon, New Territories, or if you’re coming straight from Hong Kong International Airport, Disneyland would be easier to get to.
Rides and Cut-the-Line Privileges
Both parks have passes that will allow you to cut long lines for their rides. This becomes especially useful when you visit during peak times or on the weekend.
Ocean Park has special FasTrack tickets which get you priority access to 15 rides (can only be redeemed for 7 rides though).
Hong Kong Disneyland’s FASTPASSes give you priority access to 3 out of 5 premier rides including Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Mystic Manor, Iron Man Experience, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, and It's a Small World.
Both parks have thrilling rides that everyone can enjoy (given that you meet the required height!) and here are some of the ones we think you can’t miss!
Go on exciting rides at Ocean Park. Credits to @mykelgran
Ocean Park has plenty of rollercoaster rides such as The Dragon, Arctic Blast, and the ever-so-popular Hair Raiser. This rollercoaster will make your hair stand as you’re suspended above the South China Sea!
Ride the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. Credits to @hkdisneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland boasts three rollercoaster rides: Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, RC Racer, and Hyperspace Mountain.
On hot summer days, both parks have the perfect water rides to cool you down. Enjoy Ocean Park’s Raging River log boat rides (with raging rivers!) or Disneyland’s Jungle River Cruise to get surprised by splashing sea-borne creatures!
Entertainment and Activities
Of course, these parks are not limited to thrill-seeking rides—they also have entertaining activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Hakuna Matata! Credits to @accrualbowtie
At Hong Kong Disneyland, they offer a variety of performance shows, such as Festival of the Lion King and Mickey’s Philharmagic. Aspiring animators can take a quick 20-minute course at their Animation Academy. Kids can also experience their own Star Wars fantasy as they train like Jedis, complete with robes and light sabers. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is available daily, but since slots are limited, it’s best to sign up once you get to the park.
If your trip extends into the night, make sure to catch Disney characters at Flights of Fantasy Parade and Disney Paint the Night Nighttime Spectacular.
Get up close with your favourite sea creatures. Credits to @hkoceanpark
Ocean Park also has an awesome offering! Be competitive in their Bumper Blaster bumper cars, or relax and take a stroll in the Garden of Joy. You can also experience their Explorer R interactive technology adventure hub to discover more about nature. This park is also 3 times bigger than Hong Kong Disneyland, so there is a lot to explore for the entire day. Ocean Park’s edge would be their animals and emphasis on nature as well as how it must be protected.
So, which park is best for you?
Both of these parks would be perfect for your Hong Kong holiday! They offer a wide variety of attractions and activities, which will allow you to make the most of your time here.
Ocean Park costs less but offers many attractions for the whole family. It’s perfect for those seeking nature and, of course, animal lovers too. This is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed.
Hong Kong Disneyland might cost a little bit more, but it’s definitely worth it to experience the magical attractions they provide.
Which park would you like to go to first?
Written by: Nina Marable
