Magic happens at Hong Kong Disneyland

Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Hong Kong

We were warned, but there was no way we could have been prepared for our sojourn to the Magic Kingdom.

In a briefing for eight Indonesian media companies held three days prior to the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Park -- the fifth Disney theme park -- we had been told that we should wear light clothing (but not tank-tops because government officials might pop in to check the 11th-hour preparation) and sneakers during the trip.

We might as well expect the unexpected to welcome us there, the organizer said.

But we were still surprised to find that everything was arranged and ready for us, as well as 600 other journalists from around the world.

A reliable media host who arranged our interviews kept newspaper, magazine and TV media updated on any changes in the itinerary and gave us hand-out after hand-out of press releases from the organizer and the sponsors -- even waking us up early in the morning.

A fully equipped media center with an endless supply of snacks, fruit salad and soft drinks was provided in Disney's Hollywood Hotel, where we stayed on the first two days, and at the theme park on the remaining two days.

Raised platforms for cameramen and photographers, as well as special sites for live broadcasts had been erected in the theme park.

With all the facilities provided, covering the preparation and the opening ceremony on Sept. 12 was a piece of cake, but only if one could endure the scorching sun and dense humidity -- the park is on reclaimed land -- amid a tight schedule that required moving from one venue to the next on foot.

And it was a surprise to find Disney pals accompanying us during lunch that some of us, especially those who are parents, were moved to tears: "Our children should be here instead of us," a daily reporter said between sniffles.

Another woman reporter made a solemn oath to bring her husband and 13-month-old baby to the park next year.

It was not only the stardust and magic of Disneyland that made all of us walk jovially no matter how tired we were, although the park was smaller than the first Disney theme park in Asia, Tokyo Disneyland.

The orderly rows of shops and park benches, the clean pavements and the smiling faces of the staff was worth the long queue to each of the attractions.

Luckily, we were provided a fastpass, which gave us special scheduled rides -- and so a shorter queue.

The magic even brought a Hong Kong man, who identified himself only as Mak, to propose to his long-time girlfriend -- a Disney cast member -- when Hong Kong Disneyland threw open its doors to the public on Sept. 12.

He brought with him a bouquet of roses and, in the middle of dozens of curious onlookers, media and park staff in Fantasyland -- the realm of Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella -- popped the question.

And swept up in his arms and the spirit of the moment, she said yes.

Meanwhile, die-hard Disney fans realized their dreams to snap up limited-edition pins and to trade pins among themselves. Some of them braved crossing the continents to be the first one in line to the park -- one such fan stood in line as early as 4 a.m., even knowing that the gates would not open until 1 p.m. and not a minute before then.

Bedtime stories and childhood dreams came to life for the child in us all, affecting each and every one of the visitors and park staff -- even if only momentarily.

And in the end, we received a bag full of collectibles -- a small bag of that Disney magic -- to take home.

How to get there

* Hong Kong Disneyland can be reached on the specially designed Disneyland Train, which will take visitors right to the front gate. The train takes only 3.5 from Sunny Bay, the station closest to the park, and 56 minutes from Wan Chai, the furthest.

* Buses and taxis can drop visitors off at the interchange station, only a three-minute walk to the park.

* Those arriving on private vessels, yachts and tour vessels will call port directly at the Disneyland Resort Pier.

* Further information, including ticket and hotel reservations, is available at www.hongkongdisneyland.com or call +852-1830830 during office hours.