Shanghai and Hong Kong Disneyland March 17 – Day 7 Complete in Hong Kong Proper; 12/04

[PrincessInOz]

It’s Not Easy being GMO-Free – Experiment 626 (Stitch Meet and Greet)



Genetic modification or genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. An organism that is generated through genetic engineering is considered to be genetically modified (GM) and the resulting entity is a genetically modified organism (GMO).


Whether we like it or not, GMOs are making their way into our lives. My views on GMO range from pro and anti, depending on the application. In some instances – where they improve medical science and is used to find cures for diseases, I can see the need for it. In the cases where they are included in our food, I am completely against the application. It’s a complex conundrum and one that I’ve accepted is going to be part of our lives for a while to come. But I will admit that I completely avoid any food that has GMO in it.


Going GMO-free proved to be impossible today.


Dr Jumba’s illegal genetic Experiment 626 was designed to be bulletproof, shockproof, fireproof and can think faster than a supercomputer. Experiment 626 is reputed to destroy everything he touches. No wonder my DM was shocked to run into him!





Thankfully, the destroyer-of-all-things power seems to have been neutralised and my DM survived for another picture.





This is one instance where I’m glad the handler takes better pictures than the official PP tog.





To be fair, I know the wet weather made focussing my camera tricky. I can only imagine how hard it would have been on the equipment being outside in the rain all day.


Yet again, we were the only ones seeking out the Meet and Greet. Stitch was just happy to spend extra time posing for me as well.





For today, I guess I’m on the pro-GMO side.



(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

Rainy Day Strategy #6 – Stay Indoors as much as Possible (Star Wars Launch Bay)




The Disney Empire has definitely been on a massive take-over strategy. After the Marvel Universe, the Empire is slowly but surely taking over the Star Wars Galaxy as well. This time the year was 2012 and it was another $4 billion deal for this Galaxy and more. This takeover was less of a stretch than Marvel. Afterall, there has been a Star Wars (Star Tours) attraction at Disney locations since 1987.

Excited, am I.
Experience the new Star Wars land I must.



I’m going to be waiting a few years before being able to hit any Star Wars land in the US parks. For now, the Star Wars Launch Bay will just have to do.





Rainy Day Strategy #6. You may have noticed a trend in my touring plans today. I was definitely seeking out any attraction that allowed me to stay indoors as much as possible. Ordinarily, I do avoid walk-though exhibits during my trips to Disney because I definitely do seek out thrills. But on a rainy day where I’m looking to stay indoors as much as possible, the Star Wars Launch Bay definitely fit the bill nicely.



I am aware that there are similar Launch Bays opened up at Walt Disney World and in Disneyland. Both attractions opened in 2015, after my last visit to any of the American parks. I can only imagine that they provide a similar experience based on the online descriptions and in the various pictures I’ve seen on the Dis.



There was the area where movie props were on display.





I think I was all displayed out by this stage and there is a lack of pictures in my collection.





Come to think of it….there was a lack of people in here too.





Like the other Launch Bays, we got to Meet and Greet!

Yeah. You guessed it. The Dark Side of the Force was just hanging around waiting for people to menace.





No one messes with my DM!





The interaction was totally in Mandarin; so I have no clue what was being said. But I gather there was some sparring involved.





Vader was more than happy to oblige my character collection fetish today.





There was no disturbance in his force when I asked. I managed to escape unscathed!





Kylo Ren was also in a world by himself.





He also had words to say to me….in Mandarin…..but without a universal translator, it was all….Mandarin to me. Still, pointing a camera at him doesn’t need any other words.





There was a section in the Launch Bay to hang out with this droid.





Don’t get too excited. It was purely a photo opp.





There was no interaction in any language to speak of.





The Star Wars geek in me got hyper-space excited about the Millennium Falcon.





Afterall, this is as close as I’m ever going to get to piloting the real thing.





A sign of how wet it was outside. We elected to push our way through the crowds to go see the clip show.





Staying indoors for as long as possible was the mantra of the day, so we figured we could spend 10 minutes sitting through it.






The clips were all in English, with Chinese subtitles.





And they covered everything from A New Hope through to The Force Awaken.





On a rainy day with low crowds, this was a perfect attraction to see at leisure. If it’s busy and you haven’t met the Dark Side of the Force, it may be worth doing the Meet and Greets and then moving on.





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

Off Peak Grid Time (TRON Lightcycle Power Run)




Before I left Tomorrowland, there was one thing left that I needed to do.





You could say I was hanging out for a re-do.





There is an outdoor section to this attraction; but don’t be fooled in thinking you’ll get rained on. It’s completely covered in the Grid.





I will agree with Fairy Floss that rainy weather keeps the crowds away so that all the headline rides are walk-on. That’s a bonus.





But I stand by my view that I would gladly trade some of the rain for a few more bodies. Even though we were doing our best to keep indoors, it really wasn’t pleasant walking in the rain and getting wet and cold.





I think you can see examples of the cycles just outside the ride. I hope you can make out how the riders are positioning themselves on the ride in this picture.






I took my time walking through the queue area and used my smart phone to grab some shots.





Some of you might think that there is a rather ‘new’ Test Track feel about it all. You’re not wrong. The revamped Test Track was redesigned with Tron:Legacy in mind.





We are definitely stepping into the real Grid here.





I did stop a few times to take shots. If there was anyone behind me, they could have easily walked around me. Anyone? Anyone?





I can, however, confirm that there were a handful of people in front of me.





My DM decided that she needed to hit the Tron gift shop instead. So I had left my camera bag with her. Sadly for me, I forgot to take my camera strap out of the bag and so the CM didn’t let me keep my glasses on this time. It was all a blur for me! Oh well.





In any case, I could hardly see anything in the dark anyway.






Like Test Track, there is an area as you leave the ride for you to imagine the future.





As I didn’t spend any time in here at all, I can’t report on it. Something for the next trip.






Yes. This is an AWESOME ride. I could definitely ride it over and over and over again.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Fabulous pics of the characters! Mickey is adorable in his Shanghai suit!

Looking at the Tron cycles makes me wonder what the new ride at Animal Kingdom will be like...

 

[RachelTori]

Loving the photos, PIO! And I have to add that your mother is absolutely adorable! <3

I hope you (and your mom!) had a lovely Mother's Day!

 

[zanzibar138]

Seems like you had a much more pleasant rainy day morning than me lol! I have to admit though that with all that Marvel and Star Wars stuff, I would have gotten very bored very quickly if I'd tagged along. Annoyed that I never got around to meeting Shanghai Mickey though!

 

[franandaj]

Last week, I had quoted two of your updates on my phone, and then when I went to reply, poof! It was all gone! I was hoping that I would have time over the weekend, but no such luck. So here I am Monday morning, yet again attempting to reply on my phone. Let's see if I complete the reply while it's still Monday here!

I think I will give the new version another spin if I'm ever at a Disney location with it showing (and the queues aren't horrendously long).

Come to my park and I'll ensure that the queue is not too long, and you can sit in the top middle row.

There was a World of Disney in NYC at one stage.

OMG! Look how little your son is!

You really didn’t expect to wait in Starbucks when there was all this merchandise to look at right next door????? Afterall, it was Shop O’Clock whilst I was waiting!!!

Of course. You should have just set up the meeting point in WoD!

Where did all my money go? It’s like Hocus Pocus, I’m brokus!

On reflection, I wish I had tested him out and taken my tripod to the park that night.

You need one of those mini gorilla pod thingies.

We had to spend some time trying to capture that reflection!

Your reflection shots are so cool. I'll try to remember all these cool techniques you're employing on this TR! I really like the Christmas ornament one!

One of my photography goals this year is to learn how to drive Photoshop. I’m using those Raindrops-Kept-Falling-on-my-Lens shots to experiment.

I think I said this when you posted this pic on FB, but that's an interesting use of Photoshop. I usually just use it to remove unwanted people from my pictures!

Wendy and her DD were happy to go with the flow.

Nice long exposure shot.

I ended up with wet jocks as well.

That happens to me every time that I ride PotC at DL!

Another 30 paces away from the 1st trash can, I found the view I was after.

Nice, like that shot!

All in all, this is a night I would say that those Firework Gods and I were at deuce-all; and Mother Nature won hands down.

For such a difficult challenge, I'd say you did a great job!

 

[HalloweenNut]

Yup. Not only did technology fail me right at the key moment, but from this point on, the reimagined ride took over and words failed me too. Yes, I could have fumbled with my stuff and changed the memory card. But I was completely blown away by what Disney had done to this ride. The best words I could I could come up with was…..

Omg, OMg, OMG!

OOH!

AAH!

WOW!

WOW!

AMAZING!


In many regards, I am pretty happy to have enjoyed this first experience without having to look down the barrel of my camera. And whilst I may not have many computer memory of the first time I rode on The Battle of the Sunken Treasure, the feeling will be seared into my necktop memory banks for a long, long, long time.


Awesome job, Disney!

Just got back from our China trip (still feeling the jet lag!) but had an amazing time and so glad we were able to go to Shanghai Disneyland, if only for one day.

We didn't get there right at opening like I would have liked and so there was a fair sized lineup for security and tickets (we went on a Friday) but after taking in the view of the castle headed right to TRON for a fast pass. Did Buzz Lightyear while we waited for our time. I had to sit out as I had wreaked my knees climbing the Great Wall and all the walking but everyone loved it - even my wife who is not a coaster fan at all.

After a quick peek at the Star Wars Landing Bay and the end of the Baymax show we went right for Pirates which had a 40min wait time. It went fast enough and we successfully formed an impenetrable barricade to prevent people from butting in line (not that they didn't try!). I totally agree with you about the new Pirates and was totally blown away with the scale of the sets and effects and the seamless blending of the two. So incredible. My new all-time favourite ride - even MORE than Haunted Mansion so that's saying a lot! If I had my way I would have lined right back up to ride it again and again! Everyone in our group loved it.

So we had a quick visit and didn't get to ride a whole lot but had a great day and the kids were thrilled to go - totally unexpected for them. If I was to go again I'd plan on 3 days I think, just given the crowds and the size of the park which discourages criss-crossing for the few fast passes available. Thanks for the trip report - it helped a lot when we were there.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Looking at the Tron cycles makes me wonder what the new ride at Animal Kingdom will be like...

The new Avatar ride looks awesome.

Loving the photos, PIO! And I have to add that your mother is absolutely adorable! <3

I hope you (and your mom!) had a lovely Mother's Day!

Thank you.

Mother's Day was great. We had both sets of mothers over for afternoon tea. I hope you had a great day too.

Seems like you had a much more pleasant rainy day morning than me lol! I have to admit though that with all that Marvel and Star Wars stuff, I would have gotten very bored very quickly if I'd tagged along. Annoyed that I never got around to meeting Shanghai Mickey though!

I know I'm a Marvel and Star Wars geek so I had no issue spending time in the pavilions. But if it weren't for the rain, I wouldn't have spent that amount of time there.
At least you'll have something to go back to Shanghai for.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Last week, I had quoted two of your updates on my phone, and then when I went to reply, poof! It was all gone!

I have that problem on my laptop!!!

Oh well. At least you found time. Thank you!

Come to my park and I'll ensure that the queue is not too long, and you can sit in the top middle row.

I need to save pennies again. I definitely want to come to your park.....during Christmas season. I really need pretty Christmas decoration shots in my collection.

OMG! Look how little your son is!

He was 5 on that trip. Hard to believe how time flies.

Of course. You should have just set up the meeting point in WoD!

I know. I really don't know what I was thinking when we said Starbucks!!

You need one of those mini gorilla pod thingies.

I don't know if they make ones that support the weight of a dSLR.

Your reflection shots are so cool. I'll try to remember all these cool techniques you're employing on this TR! I really like the Christmas ornament one!

I look forward to seeing your shots on one of your TRs.

I think I said this when you posted this pic on FB, but that's an interesting use of Photoshop. I usually just use it to remove unwanted people from my pictures!

I really need to learn how to use PS more. I don't even know how to remove unwanted people!

That happens to me every time that I ride PotC at DL!

For some reason, PotC at DL always seems to have more wet seats than WDW.

For such a difficult challenge, I'd say you did a great job!

Thanks!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Just got back from our China trip (still feeling the jet lag!) but had an amazing time and so glad we were able to go to Shanghai Disneyland, if only for one day.

Welcome back! Glad that you made it to SDL even for a day.
Hope the jet lag clears soon.

We didn't get there right at opening like I would have liked and so there was a fair sized lineup for security and tickets (we went on a Friday) but after taking in the view of the castle headed right to TRON for a fast pass. Did Buzz Lightyear while we waited for our time. I had to sit out as I had wreaked my knees climbing the Great Wall and all the walking but everyone loved it - even my wife who is not a coaster fan at all.

Oh...you didn't go on Tron? That's a shame.
How are the knees? Hope they are feeling better now.

After a quick peek at the Star Wars Landing Bay and the end of the Baymax show

I didn't catch the Baymax show at all. Too wet!

we went right for Pirates which had a 40min wait time. It went fast enough and we successfully formed an impenetrable barricade to prevent people from butting in line (not that they didn't try!). I totally agree with you about the new Pirates and was totally blown away with the scale of the sets and effects and the seamless blending of the two. So incredible. My new all-time favourite ride - even MORE than Haunted Mansion so that's saying a lot! If I had my way I would have lined right back up to ride it again and again! Everyone in our group loved it.

Such an awesome ride, right?

I do have pictures of it to share in an update. I'll eventually get up to that point in the day.

So we had a quick visit and didn't get to ride a whole lot but had a great day and the kids were thrilled to go - totally unexpected for them. If I was to go again I'd plan on 3 days I think, just given the crowds and the size of the park which discourages criss-crossing for the few fast passes available. Thanks for the trip report - it helped a lot when we were there.

Glad the report helped!

So.....when are you heading back????

 

[Fairy Floss]

I don't know if they make ones that support the weight of a dSLR.

I have a DSLR one - it's good for my 100d
I'll bring it to the next meeting and you can try it out

 

[franandaj]

Strategy #1. Head on back into bed to grab more zzzz.

I can agree with this one! Sometimes not even on an rainy day.

Good planning had 6 of us book in for a character breakfast at Lumiere’s Kitchen this morning. Wendy and her DD opted out of this DisMeet. Providence had our booking coincide with a wet morning.

That worked out very well for you!

I guess that’s why there are only 3 TS dining places at SDL and much more options for QS and snacks.

So I guess the 180 day dining booking dilemma is not an issue here...

I know there had been a lot of rain but I have to admit that I was surprised to find that there were drips INSIDE this area of the resort.

Well I hope they got that fixed!

We had booked our breakfast session for 7.30 – 7.45 am. At this hour, and on a Monday morning, this place was empty!

I'm not surprised, but then again at WDW it would have been packed. Probably even at DL as well.

my Photopass Plus was all good to go. My mother and I had a great time collecting photos after this point using that souvenir PP+ card.

Sounds lie a good choice!

So…for anyone wanting to purchase PhotoPass +. Just remember that you need to use the 1 card for 3 consecutive days. Or 3 cards in 1 day. It’s the little details that get me!!!!!

This is good to know. Just use the 1 card and nothing else when you're there for 3 days.

For those interested. I’ve come back with just a little over 1000 pictures against my PP+ account

Good job!

369 Yuan equates to about $75. For what I came home with, this was money well spent.

Sounds reasonable.

Yup. Before we could even hit the food buffet, we had the full cornucopia of visitors! We were the first table the characters came to visit and the characters all came to visit complete with their handlers as well as PhotoPass photographers.

I love when it works out that way! Get the business taken care of first so that you can just enjoy your meal!

we made sure we got a group shot with each as well. We ended up with a heap of pictures, way to many to post them all.

I love all those group shots!

Strategy #2. Linger over a leisurely breakfast.

I can't argue with this one!

@franandaj and I have had various discussions over the years on various threads and TRs about how to cook the perfect scram.

No browned bits of egg on my plate, I don't do that.

For anyone that disagrees that this is the perfect way to scramble eggs and wants to DisMeet with franandaj and me over a homecooked meal, feel free to pick any other meal time other than breakfast. We both cook our eggs like this.

I was completely distracted by the waffle station! Sooooooo cute!

I love those waffles, a nice section there to capture the melted butter!

There was the standard selection in the Western hot buffet section.

Good. I was wondering where the bacon was.

For food alone, no. But factor in the floor show and it’s a probably yes. Compared to US pricing….it IS expensive.

Sounds reasonable, but I think it's something you gotta do, and I really liked the borders that Disney added, makes the pictures look great!

 

[franandaj]

Rainy Day Strategy #3 – Walk around the Park in One Direction

This is a good strategy regardless of the weather....

It’s no wonder that my stepper app told me that I had walked over 29,000 steps yesterday.

OMG! I would have been stuck in bed for the next three days if I walked that much!

Rainy Day Strategy #3 is one that you probably should adopt for any park; rain, hail, snow or shine.

Oh. OK. I think I said that too.

My plan of attack for today would have me taking a path around the park like this

Looks reasonable.

Rainy Day Strategy #4 – Spend Time doing Meet and Greets

That works, as long as they're inside.

The wait time was 5 minutes.

Wow!

everyone else walked PAST Mickey in his official Shanghai Disneyland jacket. I guess the Chinese haven’t yet worked out who he is!

Evidently, what did they think they were waiting for? His jacket is so cute!

As I was a comic fan-girl from waaaay back, I was totally celebrating that entry of the Marvel Universe into the Disney Empire.

I wasn't a fan of comic books so this is becoming an education process for me. Fran and I are going to eventually have to have a binge weekend where we catch up on the Marvel Universe. As of now we're about 10% in.

Yes, I know the Tower of Terror in DCA is undergoing a Guardians of the Galaxy transformation right now. But that doesn't quite stack up to an entire land.

Just wait. Buh-bye Hollywodland. Hello Marvel Universe.

Right next to Spidey was another All-American hero. Again, he was just pacing around….waiting, waiting, waiting.

Him I know....at least in the 1940s, still have to see him in modern day...

Rainy Day Strategy #5 – Repeat Rides as much as Possible

I can see that working out.

Thankfully, the gun is based on the DLR version so you get to remove it from the holster for better aim.

That's good to know! I don't want to ride in WDW anymore.

Continuing to play catch up! Be back for more gotta start my day!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Great rainy day strategy and great pics of the characters.

DH, the biggest Star Wars fan I know, walked past as I was reading your post and caught the pic of Kylo Ren (which is awesome by the way). While he enjoys Disney, he doesn't have the urge to visit often like us Disney fans do. However, any mention of a Star Wars ride or exhibit and his eyes glow up. So, for what little it's worth, my DH gives your rainy day strategy of hanging out with Star Wars characters a big nod of approval.

 

[franandaj]

But I will admit that I completely avoid any food that has GMO in it.

You're lucky to be able to do that. They have been in use so long over here, that some things are hardly available without GMOs. I had a very good lesson in them from a fellow DISer who is a farmer in the Midwest.

Dr Jumba’s illegal genetic Experiment 626 was designed to be bulletproof, shockproof, fireproof and can think faster than a supercomputer. Experiment 626 is reputed to destroy everything he touches. No wonder my DM was shocked to run into him!

Well I'm glad he didn't destroy your Mom!

This is one instance where I’m glad the handler takes better pictures than the official PP tog.

That really was a blurry picture, I'm surprised they gave it to you.

I’m going to be waiting a few years before being able to hit any Star Wars land in the US parks. For now, the Star Wars Launch Bay will just have to do.

So is everyone else. But Launch Bay is still a kind of cool place to check out.

Rainy Day Strategy #6. You may have noticed a trend in my touring plans today. I was definitely seeking out any attraction that allowed me to stay indoors as much as possible.

We do that in Florida sometimes too when it's too bloody hot!

No one messes with my DM!

she is so cute!

There was no interaction in any language to speak of.

That's OK, still a cool photo op!

The clips were all in English, with Chinese subtitles.

Makes sense, they show the film in DL and DHS, so it's much easier to just add the Chinese subtitles.

There is an outdoor section to this attraction; but don’t be fooled in thinking you’ll get rained on. It’s completely covered in the Grid.

Nice.

I think you can see examples of the cycles just outside the ride. I hope you can make out how the riders are positioning themselves on the ride in this picture.

Looks uncomfortable, but I assume it's a fairly short ride.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Very interesting details about the Disney PhotoPass at Shanghai. I rarely get pictures with the CM's at DL but it will be something worth trying if I go to Shanghai one day. Very nice character pictures along with everyone in those different photos.

Even though it was raining, you were able to do quite a lot of character meet and greet along with the indoor rides.

 

[zanzibar138]

It’s no wonder that my stepper app told me that I had walked over 29,000 steps yesterday.

My fitbit has not been cooperating lately, but I will take your 29,000 steps and raise you a 5k run first thing and a 20 minute walk between the hotel and the park

 

[Aussie Wendy]

My fitbit has not been cooperating lately, but I will take your 29,000 steps and raise you a 5k run first thing and a 20 minute walk between the hotel and the park

Your siggie says it all Upcoming Trip "2023 Extreme RunDisney". You crazy person you. You probably maxed a bit over 40,000 steps that first day- whew! but don't you wish you could train in a DL all the time!! though runs and walks through the Aussie bush are pretty good too.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I have a DSLR one - it's good for my 100d
I'll bring it to the next meeting and you can try it out

Happy to try it out; but it has to be a very sturdy one with fat legs to support my dSLR and lens. It's usually the lens that's the issue.