As all adoptive parents know, you must spend two weeks in China when you travel to get your child. When I travel to China, the majority of my time will be spent in the Guangdong Province. My daughter currently lives here and the American consulate is located here. Your sight seeing plans depend a lot on where your flights arrive and depart from. Many adoptive parents arrive and/or depart from Beijing. You can visit the Bird’s Nest (site of the 2010 Olympics) and the Great Wall of China.
I plan to depart from Hong Kong. Why? 1) Because Hong Kong is near the Guangdong Province. 2) Because I am a Disney fanatic and Hong Kong is the location for the newest Disneyland.
There is something magical about Disney, maybe it is where I can be a kid again or I am reliving childhood memories. I’m not sure. I just know that I cannot wait to go here.
Hong Kong Disneyland is the second Disney park in Asia (Japan is first) and the first in China. Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005. It is the smallest Disneyland. It has 4 lands and 2 hotels. Of course, I plan on staying in one of the hotels. I did this in Florida on my honeymoon and I will do this in China with my daughter (and husband, too!).
It blends aspects of Chinese culture with the classic Disney experience. The builders incorporated feng shui into the park’s design to prevent the escape of chi (good energy) into the sea. I know absolutely nothing about feng shui but I guess this is a good thing. Many of the Disney characters dress in traditional Chinese attire. Local food is featured at many of the concession stands and restaurants. Chinese holidays are also celebrated at Hong Kong Disneyland. Chinese New Year was a huge celebration this year. The year of the rabbit was kicked off in Disney style.
It will definitely be an interesting experience. Supposedly, English is spoken by all of the Disney cast members. This will definitely make the trip easier. It will also be interesting to see how the Chinese culture is incorporated into what I believe is an American family tradition. I will let you know when I travel here in late 2011!
