Beyond the rides and parades, the resort hides unique experiencesâfrom character-led tai chi to whimsical dining that can make your trip even more magical!
1. Do Tai Chi with a Disney Grandmaster
This is a unique experience found at both Hong Kong and Shanghai Disney Resorts, and is one of our favourite things to do. There are two sessions every day:
- 9am - 9.15am
- 10am - 10.15am
Tip: To snag a position in the front row, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes beforehand. Warning: the queue fills fast!
Start by learning basic Tai Chi moves from a cast member. Once youâve found your footing, get ready to exercise together with the Disney Grandmaster. So far, weâve met Mickey, Goofy, and Donald on separate occasions. Each session ends with a guaranteed character photo (one per group).Â
2. Princess Transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Our daughter loves dressing up, and we knew that sheâd have the time of her life at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (as would we!). There are two locations: one at Disneyland Hotel, and one within the park at Storybook Shoppe (Fantasyland). If youâd like to maximise park time, the hotel opens at 9am before the park opens. However, if youâre after the magic mirror experience (more on this later!), the parkâs boutique would be a better bet.
Tip: Use the Hong Kong Disneyland websiteâs chat function to book a time-only reservation. Youâd otherwise have to select and pay for a specific package if you book the timing through the websiteâs landing page.
Catering for children aged between three and eleven, the boutique has three packages to choose from. Save money by bringing your own dress for the Crown Package, or go for the Parade or Castle packages that include a dress. There used to be a Prince package for boys, but it seems as if it has been removed for the time being.
We did baulk at the steep prices initially, but decided to just go for the whole shebang (Castle package) since itâd be our first experience. To start things off, a fairy godmother guided our daughter through choosing her dress, and gave her a say in everything that sheâd wear â from the colour of her tiara, hairstyle, and wand, right down to the eyeshadow colour and type of jewellery.Â
It was so much fun to watch Cinderellaâs mice making the dress in the magic mirror (not included in the Crown package) before the big reveal.
The girls are truly treated like little princesses, and the makeover was an amazing experience for parents to watch. Our daughterâs expression was priceless â and is something that weâll remember fondly for years to come.
These, including the crown and dress, were all ours to bring home.
Each package comes with a photoshoot, with an option to top-up for an album (10 printed photos) or storybook. We were adamant about not wanting the photos at the start but, like many other parents around us, we just couldnât resist. We even added another HKD498 (~SGD80) for all the soft copies (only available with purchase of the album or storybook), and were able to join our daughter for some family shots.
Tip: After the makeover, head next door to the princess meet and greet at The Royal Reception Hall. We also recommend going for the Playhouse in the Woods interactive show, where the audience gets a chance to interact with Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Our daughterâs dress caught their attention, and she was over the moon to hold their hands and dance with them!
3. Try Disney Dim Sum
How cute do these dim sum look? This special menu is offered at Disneyland Hotelâs Crystal Lotus restaurant, and requires an advance reservation of at least 48 hours. Once you make your reservation, youâll receive an email with the menu. Choose from items like Olu Mel pineapple and seafood buns, Winnie the Pooh honey and milk custard buns, Piglet corn and chicken buns, Tigger maltose and purple potato buns, Mickey seafood glutinous pancake, and more. Thereâs also a set menu that includes select items on top of other Chinese dishes.
The dim sum tastes quite yummy, but we found the buns to have too little filling. Theyâre great for a unique photo op, but might not be the most substantial. Theyâre quite pricey too, so it might be best to share them with a group.
Tip:Â If you have time to spare, check out the Disney dim sum-making class for a more hands-on experience.
4. Take on the Fill-it-yourself Jar Challenge
Many visitors might not even notice these at the park, but weâre sure glad that we did! Take on the challenge where you have five minutes to fill a jar with as many figurines as you can.Â
Youâll find Winnie the Pooh, OG Disney characters, and Duffy figurines at the merchandise cart near the Mad Hatter Tea Cups ride, Frozen figurines at the World of Frozenâs merchandise cart near Playhouse in the Woods, and Toy Story figurines at Toy Story Landâs merchandise cart near Slinky Dog Spin.
5. Visit the Zootopia Donut Shop
Recently opened in end November 2025, the âBig Donutâ shop is part of the Emporium gift shop along Main Street. Fill your tray with âdonutsâ, which are actually rolled-up socks or scrunchies. Afterwards, be treated to an interactive show where youâll add colourful sprinkles to your goodies.Â
6. Complete the Magic Passport
Launched in conjunction with Hong Kong Disneylandâs 20th anniversary celebrations, the Magic Passport is a fun and interactive way to traverse the parkâs different themed lands! Pick up a Magic Passport from any of the gift shops along the main street; theyâre available in English and Mandarin, and cost HKD129 (~SGD21) each.
There are 12 stamps to be collected in total, which can be found at various locations. Keep a lookout for these Magic Passport kiosks, and have fun! Once youâve completed the entire booklet, head to Center Street Boutique to claim a golden medallion as a reward.
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