China, Japan & Hong Kong 18 July - 9th August

[Vik]

Its Holiday time again. This time its something that has been on myself and Daves bucket list for years but always filed away in the too difficult folder and occasional dusted off for another look only to be filed away again for another 12 months. This time though, the file stayed out and the planning commenced.

This trip consisted of visiting China, Japan & Hong Kong over 3 weeks, visiting the following parks :-

1. Universal Beijing (2 Days)
2. Happy Valley Shanghai (1 Day)
3. Disney Shanghai (2 Days)
4. Universal Japan (1.5 Days)
5. Nagashima Spaland (2 Days)
6. Fuji Q (2 Days)
7. Disneyland Tokyo (1 Day)
8. DisneySea Tokyo (2 Days)
9. Hong Kong Disneyland (2 Days)

Of course some 'culture' thrown in to the mix too (I.E Trying out the local beers)

One initial hurdle to overcome was that I thought that a visa would be required for China, involving handing over £150 and going to Manchester to give biometrics during the short daily (Mon-Fri) window that the opportunity to do so arose. However upon more research, discovered that it was possible to has visa free transit, as long as you had a flight booked to a '3rd' country (IE You could not go back to where you started from). Indeed from late last year this transit free Visa was upped from 144 hours to 240 hours, and it was also permitted to be able to travel out of the initial arrival area to other regions (In our case, Beijing), where previously you were restricted to the particular region you arrived in to. Of course the didn't stop me getting absolutely paranoid a week or so before we were due to travel that I had messed something up and our itinerary of arriving in to Beijing and departing from Shanghai would fall foul of the rules.

Our final itinerary was born.. We would fly to Beijing, departing from Manchester Airport on Fri 18th July around lunch time, arriving in Beijing at 6AM on Saturday Morning. Then travel down to Shanghai on 21 July. Fly over to Osaka on 25th July, working our way up towards Tokyo. Another flight over to Hong Kong on 6th August before flying back to Heathrow on 9th August very very late at night, arriving at around 6AM on 10th August, then train back home towards the delightful leafy Cheshire. I would of liked to of gone to Tokyo for DisneySea last, but direct flight home was insanely priced and indirect to anything between 24-48 hours.

So finally after months of planning and lots of money spent, it was finally 18th July and time for the off. First port of call was a ride on a 777. Not of the plane variety, but of the rail variety. This would take us on the first leg of our trip to Liverpool (in the complete opposite direction of Manchester but such is the joys of public transport in the North West



After the 30 minute or so journey to Liverpool James Street, ascending to the rickety old lift to ground level, took the short walk to Liverpool One Bus Station to catch the National Express Coach to Manchester Airport, arriving 10 minutes early just before 09:00. We then had to go to the check in counter as we needed to inform them we were taking advantage of the Visa Free Transit and to show required documentation. It is worth noting we were taking hand luggage only, which was a Cabin Size case and a small (or probably Mega large in Daves case), back pack. All this went pretty smoothly and we passed through security and we airside within about 30 minutes of arriving at Terminal 2, and comfortably in time for our 12:15 flight over to Beijing.

Had initially planned to go the Espire lounge, having a voucher for it, and having confirmation that walk ins were available, only to be met with the rudest person possible manning the entry point who just barked 'No walk ins' before snorting and spitting something in to a bin and walking off. After the less than savoury welcome, we sauntered off the find a bar, which we did. We also got a free beer as someone had poured the wrong beers for an order so offered them to us for free. Ummm. Yes Please!!!

Finally time to board our flight, which was with Hainen Airways, a Chinese Airline. We had back row seats, but due to their location, we could not see out of any windows. Flight time was around 13 hours. Departing bang on time and arriving at Bejing PEK airport bang on time at around 06:00 on Saturday 19th. Flight was OK. The Cabin felt a little forlorn but nothing too bad but was reasonably comfortable and plenty of leg room. The mess left behind at the end of the flight though was really something else. I've travelled on a few long haul flights and never seen a cabin left in such a state as this was.

Then it was time for all the immigration visa free transit fun. Arriving at Immigration point, it was empty, probably about 10 people tops, and all of them in the Visa Free Transit line . After some confusion about what form to fill out, after initially being directed to the wrong one, then made our way to the immigration desk. Boy are they thorough here. Check every last minute detail on the passport. Of course then studying the exit flight details and also details of the planned itinerary whilst in China, giving finger prints, then being directed to a second person who double checked everything the first one did before issuing the 10 day transit visa. Finally we were through. They were very efficient though with all the checking. Took 10 minutes tops.

So, what does one do after arriving in to a new Country after a 13 hour flight, arriving at 6AM? Well of course only the crazy amongst us would head to a Theme Park straight away, and that is exactly what we did, head straight to the first park of the trip, which was to be Universal Beijing, and our accommodation for the next two nights Universal Grand Hotel. We took a Taxi, which took about 35 minutes and cost around £25. This saved us an in to Beijing and out again train ride, which would of took 90 minutes.

Anyway, next part will indeed be Universal Beijing, alas this will have to wait until tomorrow as I am still waiting for the rest of the photos to upload off my phone and Icloud is being an *** and appears to of gone on strike....

 

[Vik]

Guess its time to crack on...

Our first Park of the trip was Universal Beijing. Having successfully navigated immigration and somehow managed to survive the hair raising taxi ride from the airport, we arrived at Universal Beijing, and our accommodation the next two nights which was Universal Grand Hotel shortly before 8AM. The check in process was quick, and though our room wasn't ready yet, we were able to store our bags.



Park opening hours were 09:00 to 21:00 both days, but being hotel guests we got entry an hour early. So with the time rapidly ticking along to 08:00, we made our way down to the entrance to the park. Here we were met with what seemed like a chaotic swarm of people waiting to get through the security check and enter the park. However, the line moved pretty fast, and again, everything was very efficient. To enter the park, you need to show your ID, in our case, Passports. This was the case with all the places we visited in China, and also the high speed trains. Effectively your passport is your ticket, so needs to be carried at all times.

With plenty of time to kill before the masses were let loose, it was time to head off to our first ride, which would of course be hot footing it over to Hogwarts to Forbidden journey. Of course its pretty much a clone of the original, which I do enjoy, but have found on occasions can produce a but of nausea. Though I didn't have an issue with this one. Pretty much walk on at this point.



Flight of The Hippogriff was left until later on as there was already a 60 minute queue for it. Had a quick explore of the area then headed out to get a couple of other attractions in before it got too busy.


Next would be Jurassic Flyers, which is the same type of coaster as Arthur at EP. Having seem some POVs, this looked a bit naff, however the ride itself was very good, getting up to some good speeds and occasionally pulling 1.0001g. The theming though was pretty poor. Looks like they forgot about it, or maybe they went for the minimalist look? Overall, was a decent ride but nothing worth waiting over 30 minutes for. Once the park opened this did generate a queue of 90 mins or more, bit did calm down later to around 40 mins. Following this was Decepticoaster, which is a clone of Hulk at UIA. Rides pretty much the same, and despite the fact that it is fairly new, has that 'old skool' feel to it.



Once the masses started swarming in, time for a quick rest stop. That humidity (and of course lack of sleep, lots of travelling) does really take it out of you. Had the faff of trying to pay for something with Alipay for the first time. This seems one of the main methods to pay for things in China. But once it was figured out it was all quite straight forward really, but Apple/Google Pay is much quicker and easier.

After rest, had a look around Kung Foo Panda land, which was actually really good, all indoors and set up for a night time look, and also nice to get in to an air conditioned building , and also took a ride on Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior, which is a boat ride. Pretty good, and though we didn't wait long, the queues for this generally got quite big at some points during the day.



Of course, any trip to a Universal Park wouldn't be the same without a visit to Minion Land. So, we came, we looked, we left. . Despicable Me already had a 90 minute queue, so that was a good enough excuse to go on it, and that excuse lasted for 2 whole days, as by the time it was noted as being 20 minutes, just really couldn't be bothered by that point.

Generally rest of the morning and early afternoon was wondering around, admiring the views, riding some rides, cooling down in air conditioned building and taking plenty of fluids (not actual beer). Worth noting that you could buy a Coke for around £1, and water was about 70p.

After heading back to Hogwarts and waiting around 40 minutes for Flight of the Hippogriff, it was nudging 15:00, and we were really starting to hit the wall in terms of tiredness so thought we'd head back to the hotel, get our room and rest for an hour, so that's what we did, however, the hour turned in to 3 hours. More tired that we thought I guess.

Headed back on park just after 18:30 for the last few hours, and also got some night rides in on Decepticoaster as the wait was pretty much 0 minutes.

After Park close, had a wonder round taking some photos as the place was pretty much deserted by then, before heading back to hotel and heading straight to the bar for a night cap or two, eventually heading off for some much needed sleep around midnight.

Next morning, up bright and early, all refreshed, ready for a second day on park. We headed in just after 08:00, it was a lot less chaotic this morning, but still felt like everyone was in a rush. Got in Jurassic Flyers and a couple of goes of Decepticoaster before the masses piled in.

Quick pit stop for breakfast, then a ride on Jurrasic World Adventure via Single Rider queue, which was less than 5 minutes as opposed to a 50 minute wait main queue. Again, thought this was very well done. Also a good mix between proper theming and animatronics and screens, which felt just about the right balance.

At some point late afternoon, it was decided to wait for Raptor Encounter. I was led to believe that this was a walk through attraction where you get to see some nice friendly Dinosaurs. However, it turned out to be be nothing more than a photoshoot with a Velociraptor. 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back, but got a cool photo.



Again, rest of day spent getting in some re-rides. Single Riders were a god send at times being a fairly busy day with queue times up to 90 minutes for the big ticket attractions, but did calm down later in evening.

Had a browse around City Walk, stopping for some much need liquid refreshments before heading off to the Hotel and some more liquid refreshments.

Overall, had a great visit. Whilst fairly busy, we did everything we wanted to do. Theming is generally pretty good. Though they could of 'finished' the Hogwarts theming and maybe covered up the show building for Forbidden Journey? Maybe also put a bit of theming in for Jurassic Flyer they seem to of forgotten about it .

The Grand Hotel was great, and worth the money. Found the staff across park and hotels to be pretty friendly. Some times things did seem a little chaotic, but this is the same as I found everywhere in China, they seem chaotic, but pretty efficient in what they do.









After a hectic couple of days, now being July 21, it was time to embark on our next journey. Heading off to Shanghai for Happy Valley and Disney. I had booked us on to the 12:00 train departure from Beijing South to Shanghai just so we could get a sort of a lie in. we left around 09:30, heading through City Walk to the train station to take us to Beijing South, about an hour journey. Initially very quiet on board, it quickly got busy. One thing I noted, and something I had seen at the park. Everybody is completely engrossed in their phones, usually watching videos etc without headphones. On the train, all you could hear was a multitude of tinny noise coming from everyone. Luckily I can tune out, but a million time worse than I have seen in UK or Europe. Also, all stations have security checks where baggage is screened and go through a metal detector.

Arriving in to Beijing South around 11, had to find our way to the high speed lines which was easier said than done with very poor signage. Found where to go eventually and went through another security checkpoint in to a seen of chaos (I was warned this would be the case), with hundreds of people 'queueing' for different trains. Eventually found the queue (scrum) for our train, passports scanned (these were our tickets again), and about 15 minutes before departure were let through to board.

Had booked first class for this as had heard that these trains can be pretty busy and rather noisy. Thankfully first class, though busy was fairly quiet for the journey, and we got a couple of complimentary snacks and drinks off the first class host.

Journey time was around 4hr 30, reaching speeds of 350kmh



Heading in to Shanghai, we passed by Happy Valley, which was to be the next part of our visit the following day. After arrival in to Shanghai around 16:30, and some brief confusion of what metro to get (I had put in the wrong start station on the journey planner), headed off towards Disney Shanghai, and our hotel for the first 2 nights of a 4 night stay, which was Marriot Courtyard which was a couple of miles from Disney, and about a 15 minute walk from nearest Metro Station. A fairly busy journey, taking about an hour or so, plus the 15 minute walk, which felt like double that given how hot and humid it was.

Finally checking in just before 18:00, much needed shower, then time for some food and drink. Luckily hotel did have a bar/restaurant, which had quite a lot on offer, and very cheap too.

After food, drink, and more drink time to sleep and prepare for following days fun and games...


And indeed, next up will be Happy Valley Shanghai and of course Disney Shanghai

 

[Vik]

Next park of the trip is Happy Valley Shanghai on July 22. Park opening hours were 09:00 - 22:00. Due to the long journey time, we didn't plan to arrive for park opening. We also didn't stay until 22:00 either. Not because it was bad, just simply, we had done many things multiple times. This place is home to 7 coasters.

It was quite the journey on the Shanghai Metro. With the walk to the station, then around an hours ride on the Metro, with one change then a free shuttle bus for the final mile or so to the park. Total cost for this journey was around 40 pence one way. We arrived on park around 10:30. Again, our Passports were our tickets (They know exactly where we are at any time ). Entry was pretty swift.

We decided to head over to the aptly named Wooden Coaster Fireball, to see a wait time advertised at 120 minutes and the queue line full. After waiting around for about 5 minutes and not seeing a train dispatch, did start to wonder if this sort of wait time would be the norm on every ride throughout the day. Thankfully, it wasn't.



After questioning our life choices, headed over to Diving Coaster, which is, well a B&M Dive Coaster. 1 train operation, however there was no queue. The loading procedure is a bit of a faff. There are no air gates. Once the shuttle is ready to board a member of staff opens the gate and everyone is directed to the other side to store belongings before taking a seat. You are sort of assigned a row, but it was a bit of a free for all. The ride itself though was pretty good, quite intense in places, certainly one of the better Dive Coasters out there.

To exit the ride, and indeed any other attraction here, staff wait until everyone is off and collected their belongings, then a quick check to ensure all belongings are accounted for, then they open the exit gate to let you out. Did feel an odd procedure, but throughout the day, there were many times people left stuff behind in storage bins or things such as phones had fallen out of pockets on to the train seats that it did sort of make sense.



There is also a really weird Top Spin ripoff, with two gondolas rotating together. We watched a cycle and decided it looked absolutely pants.



There is an Intamin Ultra Coaster called Blue Moon Speed. Again, 1 train operation, only a small queue, with minimal wait. Before loading here, they get you to do some neck and shoulder exercises and sing some songs. . Another decent ride, with good speed, quite intense and the occasional pop of airtime. Sadly only had one go of this one. Did head back at one point but it was closed (I think for Staff breaks). Though we did pass the area a few times,the entrance kind of blends in to other theming nearby so simply forgot it was there

There was a weird Pink Train that does a circle around the park. Not sure what the actual purpose of this was. It moved at about 2mph and did occasionally have people on. There was some blatant rip off Finding Nemo Theming around, with 'Finding Nemo' Electric buggies available to Hire.

The Intamin Mine Train Coaster, which is Steam Punk themed was actually pretty good. Packed in a bit of a punch, and felt fairly similar to Colorado Adventure at Phantasialand in terms of ride experience. Again, no wait time for this (Probably wait longer for the exit gate to be opened )

There a B&M Family Invert Coaster called, err, Family Inverted Coaster. Bit of a wait for this, probably about 20 mins or so. It was OK, a perfectly decent family inverted coaster, appropriately named as such. The Zamperla Twisting coaster, called Crazy Elves was a bit bland, it didn't spin sadly. Last coaster there is Coastal Ant, a Chinese Knock off kiddie Coaster.

After some re-rides, lots of walking around admiring the views, and many times walking past Wooden Coaster and seeing 90 mins+ wait time, it was finally time to bite the bullet and wait for it. Wait time was down to 60 minutes at this point. Interestingly, the queue line has benches you can sit down on as you shuffle along the queue. Surprisingly for the slow operations, the queue moved fairly quickly, and we waited about 40 mins overall. The ride itself. Ye, one go is enough. It's pretty rough and overall just a bit bland. Wooden Coaster 1, sorry Wooden Coaster Fireball needs a wrecking ball to it.

We left around 19:00 to take the long journey back to the opposite side of Shanghai. Had a pretty good day overall and it certainly exceeded by expectations. Was expecting this park to be one of the most ghetto parks but it was really really nice. Some decent theming, nice surroundings, place was spotlessly clean. Guests were pretty much very well behaved. Staff were really nice. Whilst operations were not the best, it was fine for the level of guests on the park. There was a pretty decent ride line up too. There is also a nice friendly (if you have treats to give) feral feline population that makes an appearance late afternoon.

Later on this eve I will get round to Disney Shanghai...

 

[Vik]

And on to the next park, and our final park in China before heading over to Osaka in Japan. It was of course non other than Shanghai Disneyland, visiting for 2 days on 23 & 24 July. Our accommodation for the 2 nights was to be the Toy Story Hotel.

First things first, need to get there. Luckily the hotel we were staying at ran a shuttle bus to the park departing every 30 minutes, so we hopped on around 8AM. Park hours were 08:30 - 20:30 both days. First thing to do on arrival was to drop off our luggage, which would then be transferred to out hotel later on, so no need to collect luggage at end of day.

After being dropped off, it was one hell of a trek to security and to finally drop off our bags. Obviously set up for large guest flow, the queueing system in place, which thankfully wasn't queueing involved a lot of walking in a long cattle pen. Probably took a good 15 minutes to reach security area where there queue (or swarm of people) was. This was the usual chaotic, efficient service we had become used to in China by now. Luckily we only had to do this on one day, as second day we could access via Downtown Disney which was much quieter.

After dropping off our luggage, headed to the ticket gates, and after Passports scanned we were finally in the park. From arriving to actually getting in was probably the best part of an hour.



Shanghai Disney has come in for some criticism in the past, especially regarding guest behaviour (defecating in the queue lines anyone?), litter and various other issues. It was worth noting that in queue lines they have cast members and various points, so if any guest needs the toilet they can leave at that point and then return to the same spot. Anyone with them must wait at that point. Safe to say did not see any unusual bodily fluids or solids in the queue lines . Generally I thought guest behaviour was fine. There was some queue jumping, but no worse than in Japan as it transpired. Though did find that if you left the slightest gap between you and the people in front, those behind would just push past and occupy said spot. Also they became increasingly restless when near the front with a near desperation to get past and save themselves an extra 20 second wait.

The park was spotless too, no litter. Any litter that was dropped was picked up almost instantly.

Obviously in for a fairly busy day, the only option was really to suck it up and queue for things. Luckily queues moved pretty quickly and operations were on top form.

Our first attraction we rode was Zootopia Hot Pursuit. This was showing a 45 minute wait, which it was indeed 45 mins. Queueing outside wasn't overly pleasant as quite hot and humid, but once inside the building it was fine, and plenty of theming to admire. Overall a pretty decent addition, but not worth the waiting times it seem to generate at points, being 90-120 mins on average. The Zootopia area was absolutely rammed with guests which made getting any decent photos difficult.



Of course, any trip to Disney would not be complete with a jolly on Pirates of the Caribbean. Luckily only a 10 minute wait. This is by far the best one I have done to date. Highly immersive, with a good use of screens as well as good theming elements. Also as well the boats rotate in different directions, so not just in a guided trough like the others.

Sadly though the whole immersion thing seems lost on others riding it. Had quite a few rides on this as generally the wait times were short (<15 mins), and every time, as soon as people were seated, phones would come out and start watching videos. Luckily the noise from them was drowned out the the audio of the ride. Just sad to see a great attraction not being enjoyed to its full potential.




Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had what was probably the worst queue line on park. It snaked around a lot, lots of cattle pens, and was difficult to figure out where the end was. That took 80 minutes to find in a rather slow moving queue . Really wasn't worth the wait. Quite short, never really gets going. Decent enough family ride I guess, but they really could do with something along the lines of Big Thunder Mountain or Expedition Everest as well.

Tron had a 60 minute advertised wait. A much anticipated coaster. Certainly lived up to the hype. The launch is does pack quite a punch and it does seem to maintain its speed throughout the course, even with some harsh trimming at points. My only negative would be it felt a bit short.

The area around Tron is very well done, I quite like the interaction of the train flying around the Dome after the launch providing a nice spectacle for passing guests.




Had a walk around Downtown Disney. Not a massive place, but there was somewhere for beer and food and some nice aircon.

Didn't bother with Soarin on first day, never went below 90 minute queue all day. There are better rides to waste my life queueing that length of time for

The park is lit up beautifully at night. The food was good, and beer too. Prices were very very reasonable also. Overall a pretty good day. Looks like they have got their house in order in terms of presentation, guest behaviour etc. Operations were great, the staff were really friendly too, everything was clean. My only negative is that it is (still) missing a few top tier attractions. As mentioned previously, some like Big Thunder, Expedition Everest, also a Haunted Mansion ride, maybe even a Tower of Terror. What is there is good and of a high standard, just feels a bit lacking.




We left around 20:00 to head over to hotel, which was a short walk away, but not very well signposted. Google Maps was about as much use as a chocolate fireguard too. Got here eventually though. Hotel was decent, but sadly lacked a proper bar, which is never good.

The next day was also a Disney Day. Another fairly busy day, but at least entry was a lot smoother with being able to use the Downtown entrance. Also we got 30 minutes early access, so with being next to Tron it would be rude not to miss the opportunity to ride before the queues built up.

One downside of the second day was, that as we had done most attractions on the first day, then we really didn't want to queue a long time for everything again on second day. There were really only 2 of the major attractions we hadn't done, which were Roaring Rapids and Soarin over the Horizon as they had had stupidly long queues on day one. There was no way I was queueing for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train again if it was anything more than 20 mins .

Decided we might as well wait for Rapids on what was advertised as 75 mins but turned out to be about 35. Decent Rapids, got slightly moist but nothing too nasty. Later on in the day Soarin queue had gone down to 50 mins so decided to wait as it was the last big ticket attraction to do. Actually ended up waiting just 20 mins. A few more rides of Pirates were had, plus a number of smaller attractions.

Overall a decent second day. Loved the place overall. Maybe 1 day would be enough if it wasn't mad busy. Was nice to have the second day though so didn't feel compelled to get everything in on first day and allowed plenty of chill time.

One more night in the hotel was had. The following day we were heading off to Osaka. Dave had noticed a few days earlier that it was possible to select seats on the flight and there was no additional cost. So exit row seats were secured.

Pre-booked a taxi with reception for following morning, as, even though the Airport was a 15 minute drive away, it was over 2 hours away on public transport.

So I guess next up is the journey over to Osaka and onwards to Universal Studios Japan for circa 1.5 days.