disney

Valentine’s Day Lookbook: Casual Galentine’s Day Outfits with Graphic Tees

Disney Style, Style

Happy Galentine’s Day & (early) Valentine’s Day!💖 Instead of dressing to the nines this year, I decided to put together a couple outfits built around fun graphic tees. I love outfits built around easy shirts because…

1. Most people already have an all-time favorite sitting in their closet, so it’s easy to recreate these looks!

2. You can either dress it up for a more polished look or go make plans for an all-day at-home movie marathon. No judgements here.😉

3. Graphic tee outfits are super easy to throw together. And with Valentine’s Day sneaking up on me this year, I gladly welcomed any uncomplicated, yet fun outfits.

Vintage Minnie shirt: Etsy, Blazer: Frame via Nordstrom Rack, Jeans: Levi’s, Shoes: Leith via Nordstrom Mask: Second Wind, Sunglasses: Karen Walker, Earrings: Bauble Bar, Bag: Loungefly

Play heart to get on Valentine’s Day!❤️ This vintage Minnie tee is comfy and so perfect for a polished, but casual Valentine’s Day look. To play off the hearts on the shirt and pull the whole look together, I wore a heart patterned velvet blazer. The velvet and embroidered hearts add texture and whimsy to an otherwise straightforward “t-shirt and jeans” outfit.

To complete this look, I found the perfect heart accessories. And to no one’s surprise they’re all Disney accessories.😂 To find the right mix that worked together, I kept color palette and scale in mind. I knew red, white, black, and light beige accessories would coordinate well with my vintage Minnie shirt and choosing only one larger scale statement accessory with other smaller accessories helps keep everything from looking too overwhelming. Because you are the star of the show, not your clothes — even if they are droolworthy.😜

I mean…it’s a Bernaise.💁🏻‍♀️
Shirt (gifted): Cakeworthy, Shorts (similar): Amazon, Scrunchie (similar): Amazon, Necklace: Stella and Haas

In honor or Galentine’s Day, I had to wear this amazing Bridesmaids shirt from Cakeworthy! Because ladies, I just don’t think we can do any better. It’s a Fritz Beenaise afterall!😆

I usually buy graphic tees that are slightly loose on me so I can get that perfect fitted slouch when I tuck them into pants and skirts (exhibit A shown above👆🏼). But for this shirt, I decided to go up a few sizes so I can comfortably lounge on the couch all day bingeing Bridesmaids and other gal pal movies! I paired it with fitted pink shorts (which is actually a bodysuit onsie!) for a playful loungewear feel. And for a little glam, I topped it off with a matching sparkly scrunchie.💖

I hope you like these easy and more casual Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day looks! I used to get caught up thinking all my lookbooks had to showcase extravagant ensembles and be a huge production. And honestly, it requires so much more energy I would probably stress about it more than I should’ve.😅 But I’ve finally come to realize that even my more casual looks are still worthy of documenting. Just because it’s not fancy, doesn’t mean it’s not worthy! Reminding myself of that is one small way I’m showing myself some self-love and grace.🥰

Are you celebrating Galentine’s Day or Valentine’s Day this year? Or maybe you’re going to shower yourself with some self-love. Either way, I hope you’re weekend is filled with snacks and rest.😆

ABW

Lunar New Year Lookbook

Disney Style, Style

Happy Lunar New Year!🧧🎉 Lunar New Year is a holiday my family has always looked forward to and celebrated. As kids, and even as young adults, we would head down to Chinatown and play all the carnival games lined up along Portsmouth Square. Coin tosses, balloon darts, water guns, but the golden goose—or in this case horse—was the roll-a-ball horse racing.

My mom loved collecting the huge golden horse trophies, so naturally we’d wait for the all the seats to clear out and my siblings and I would compete against each other so winning that horse trophy was a guarantee. I might have been a little embarrassed that we were so shameless about winning those horses, but looking back, it’s a Lunar New Year memory I’m really fond of.🥰

Dress: BlackMilk, Minnie bag: Shanghai Disneyland, Shoes: Aldo, Sunglasses: Fendi, Mulan necklace: Awe Inspired, Mask: iluvit

This year is obviously very different from previous years, but that won’t stop me from putting together a festive outfit. Even if it’s just to walk the dog or lounge at home. Like the past couple of years, I loved making them into Disney Style outfits, but what I didn’t expect was my new love for BlackMilk to take center stage!😱

A few months ago, BlackMilk released a holiday collection full of sparkle and merry motifs. But when I caught a glimpse of this red star dress, I immediate knew I needed it for Lunar New Year. Red and gold are always appropriate for Lunar New Year, but stars were such a perfect bonus!⭐️

I then knew I had to pair the dress with an accessory from Shanghai Disneyland. One of my favorites is this Minnie crossbody. If you look closely, you’ll notice her usual vintage hat is designed to look more like a Chinese courtier’s or official’s hat. And the addition of the gold coin motif on the brim is just too perfect. Pairing this Minnie bag with this dress was just a match made in heaven.

Shirt: Macy’s, Shorts: BlackMilk, Mulan necklace: Awe Inspired

But let’s be honest, most of us aren’t going anywhere fancy to celebrate Lunar New Year—myself included—so I also put together a fun loungewear outfit. I started off with this oversized t-shirt that I bought on sale last year. I love that Minnie is shown as a lion dancer because I LOVE LION DANCERS.🦁 They’re just huge, colorful, playful dogs and the music is always gets me so pumped!😂 It was just too good to pass up.

I was originally going to wear plain black bike shorts, but I remembered I had this Disney pair from BlackMilk and to my surprise, the color palette matched the colors of the t-shirt! I don’t wear these bike shorts too often, but I truly appreciate the side pocket to hold your phone (or maybe some extra snacks). They’re also made of performance fabrics so you can actually workout in them. Who doesn’t love a good double-duty apparel item.

I want to conclude this lookbook with a reminder that Lunar New Year is celebrated by many different communities. I think a lot of times, Lunar New Year is interchanged with Chinese New Year and although Chinese and Chinese Americans are probably the largest group to celebrate the holiday, they’re not the only ones that do.

So if you have a minute, definitely check out this page from the Asian Art Museum to learn more about how Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world! For me, I’ll be eating some Chinese take-out since a lavish banquet dinner with my extended family is out of the question this year. But however you decide to celebrate, I hope this Lunar New Year is a memorable one!

ABW

#MinnieStyle Lookbook for National Polka Dot Day

Disney Style, Style

Happy #NationalPolkaDotDay!🔴⚪️⚫️ Polka dots are pretty much synonymous with Minnie Mouse, so it’s no surprise that many Disney fans celebrate Minnie and her iconic style today. In past posts, I’ve talked about how I used to shy away from #MinnieStyle for the fear of coming off as too girly, which often reads as childish as an Asian American woman. But now that I’m older, I’ve become more comfortable with wearing girlier, feminine outfits that still feel like me.

And even though today is supposed to be all about dots, I’ve decided use today as a great opportunity to highlight #MinnieStyle altogether. So here are a few fun ways to #RockTheDots and honor Minnie’s timeless style!

Blazer skirt set & bodysuit: Eggie, Minnie bag: Uniqlo, Boots: Lucky Brand, Sunglasses: Fendi, Tights: Sheertex Mask: iluvit

When Eggie, a clothing brand by Asian American YouTuber Jenn Im, dropped their Disney collection, I fell in love with this blazer and skirt set. From afar it looks like an irregular pinstripe, but it’s actually Minnie’s signature!🤩 I adore how the subtle print makes a usually stuff blazer more playful. And since we adore a themed outfit, I paired the set with the Uniqlo x Ambush Minnie Mouse bag. It’s reminiscent of the Christopher Raeburn Mickey and Minnie bags, but it was much more affordable. To stay warm, I layered up with Eggie’s bodysuit from the same Disney collection, a pair of tights, and some chunky boots. And I couldn’t forget my favorite upcycled Gucci mask!

Dress: Uniqlo, Earrings: Shop Disney Baublebar Collection, Scrunchie: Free People, Lipstick: Pat McGrath

Another piece I immediately bought from the Uniqlo x Ambush Disney collection was this embroidered Minnie T-shirt dress. I practically live in this dress and should’ve bought two because it’s already getting pilly.😅 It’s basically a cute and comfy cotton mumu, so it’s obviously been my go-to quarantine uniform. To add a few dots into the mix, I wore Baublebar’s Minnie dangle earrings and a velvet dot scrunchie. And a #MinnieStyle outfit almost always calls for a bright red lip.💄 I’m loving how luxe this Pat McGrath lipstick feels!

Dress: Reformation, Minnie bag: Aldo, Bag strap: Parc Pack, Sunglasses: Gucci, Mask: iluvit

For the last outfit in this lookbook, we’re going full throttle with dots!🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ Thank goodness red dot dresses were trending in the last couple of years because now it’s fairly easy to find a #MinnieStyle dress that fits my style. This Reformation dress feels so Parisian and will really stand the test of time. But to level up on the dots, I decided to wear this fun (and obnoxious) Minnie bag with a Parc Pack red dot bag strap. When wearing dot on dot, I like to mix the size and proportions of the dot patterns so overall, it’s not too overwhelming.

What’s your favorite way to #RockTheDots or don #MinnieStyle? I’m glad over the years, I’ve come to embrace Minnie’s look. It’s a great reminder that I shouldn’t shy away from styles just because they don’t seem to fit me at face value. If anything, I can use my creativity to be inspired by those styles and put together outfits that still feel like me. So here’s to Minnie me!❤️😆

#CityDisneyStyle: 5 Easy DisneyBounds!

Disney Style, Style

I remember when I first stumbled upon the DisneyBound tumblr almost seven years ago.  I was immediately obsessed and scrolled through page after page of these creative and colorful outfits.  My first DisneyBound was a dapper Elsa for Dapper Day and I racked my brain for weeks leading up to my trip trying to put together the perfect “clever” outfit.😆  Looking back, it wasn’t even anything crazy!  I wore a light blue dress that had clear beads on the neckline, clear jelly pointed flats, a silver belt, and white gloves and clutch.  But putting together a DisneyBound doesn’t have to be a chore!

With the March Disneybound Challenge well underway, and with everyone practicing social distancing, I thought it would be great to do a round up of incredibly easy DisneyBounds!  And participating in the March DisneyBound challenge is a great way to keep the magic alive while you’re at home and the parks are closed.  So here are the outfit formulas for 5 super easy DisneyBound outfits!

1. Ballgown Belle from Beauty and the Beast

Outfit Formula: yellow dress + rose accessories

Belle’s yellow ballgown outfit is one of the easiest DisneyBounds out there.  Find any yellow dress, add a rose accessory, and you’re ready to dance with your Beast!🌹  To top it off, style your hair into a half-up topknot!  For shoes, there are a few options.  I opted to wear yellow shoes, but white would also be a fun option to mimic the petticoat under her dress.  A nude sandal would work just as well!

 

2. Benjamin Clawhauser from Zootopia

Outfit Formula: denim on denim + cheetah accessories

“Oh em goodness!” I love this DisneyBound because it’s basically an easy, polished weekend outfit.  A denim jumpsuit would also be great for this DisneyBound, but I decided to go with a Canadian tuxedo because it’s what I already had in my closet.👍  Add in a bunch of cheetah print accessories and your DisneyBound is complete!  And I’m sure Clawhauser would appreciate any donut accessories, like a bag charm or earrings.🍩

 

3. Gord from Ralph Breaks the Internet

Outfit Formula: brown sweater + black or brown pants + loafers or oxfords

Who knew that a bug-eyed assistant would wear one of the most timeless outfit combos; pants and a cozy sweater.  I decided to pair my brown mock neck sweater with black denim, but dark brown trousers would work just as well.  Add some polished shoes like loafers or oxfords and you have your Gord DisneyBound!  But to mimic his peculiar buggy face, I added white oval sunglasses and a pink hair accessory.

 

4. Audrey Ramirez from Atlantis

Outfit Formula: denim overalls + fiddler hat + black shoes

Probably the toughest female engineer is Disney animation is Audrey Ramirez.  Audrey can fix some of the most complicated machines, but putting together this DisneyBound is simpler than ever.  Start off with a medium blue denim overalls and throw a white shirt underneath.  Then wear a black or blue fiddler hat with black shoes or boots and you’re ready to explore The Lost Empire!🌊

 

Lizzie McGuire Movie Disneybound Trevi Fountain Italy

lizzie mcguire movie hilary duff trevi fountain5. Lizzie at Trevi Fountain from The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Outfit Formula: blue pinstripe shirt + chunky pendant necklace

If you have plans to visit Rome, definitely channel Lizzie McGuire and wear a pinstripe top to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain!💧  Lizzie’s style in The Lizzie McGuire Movie is definitely reminiscent of the early aughts.  But the blue and white pinstripe shirt she wears to the Trevi Fountain is a timeless pattern that you can easily find in stores, especially during spring!  Add a chunky pendant necklace and patiently wait for Paolo to whisk you away on an Italian adventure.🛵

I hope you found these easy DisneyBounds helpful!  DisneyBounding is what propelled me into this vast Disney communitiy, so I’m glad I was finally able to write a post about it.  It’s the perfect way to combine my love of Disney with fashion!  If you’d like to see more of my DisneyBounds, follow me on Pinterest or Instagram!

💖Galentine’s Day Gift Guide for Disney Lovers

Musings, Spotlight

Chocolates and roses are nice, but your gal pals are extraordinary and deserve something just as special!  For me, I actually met many of my close friends through our love for Disney.  So I was excited to think about what kind of small Disney gifts I could give to friends this Valentine’s Day! If you have Disney friends in your life, here are some great Galentine’s Day gifts they’ll love!

1. Disney Headbands

We’ve seen these cute headbands make their way to the US parks after their popularity spiked at Tokyo Disney Resort.  I’ve definitely started quite the collection.😆  But I especially love the ones from BooHoo because you can also find fun Disney PJs for you and your bestie!

2. Park Photo Session

Since I met many of my close friends through social media, booking a mini photoshoot with a friend is such a fun way to bond and get some memorable photos!  I highly recommend Edwin and Kevin, who both have an amazing eye for getting that unforgettable shot!📸

 

3. Disney DIY Earrings

I’m not super crafty, but if you’re wanting something truly unique for your one of a kind friend, try DIY’ing the most extra Disney earrings!  Erika’s DIYs are so clever and her tutorials are super easy to follow!

4. DisneyBound Book

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I met many of my close friends because of our love for Disney.  But more specifically, I met many through DisneyBounding! And honestly, we’ve become so close because DisneyBounding is such a great way to bond and get to know new people! If your friend is unfamiliar with DisneyBound, the official DisneyBound book is the perfect introduction!

5. Basin Soaps and Bath Bombs

If you want to pamper your bestie, consider getting them some soaps or bath bombs! And for the Disney lover, the only thing that makes luxurious bath bombs even better, is a bit of Disney magic. I especially love visiting the Basin store at Disney Springs because they have SO many cute Disney designs!

6. Disney Luggage Tags

It’s no surprise that I love a fun Disney trip. And I can never say no to a Disney trip with friends! So show your Galentine how excited you are for your friends getaway with a Disney luggage tag! I love these Mickey and Minnie ones from American Tourister!

 

 

7. Wishable

I’m not usually a plushie person, but I couldn’t resist the spam musubi and shave ice Wishables from Aulani! Because Wishable are blind bags, it would be so fun to have a Charlie and Grandpa moment, à la the Chocolate Factory, with your bestie and open them up together! Sorry, no lifetime supply of chocolate, but you get a lifetime supply friendship!😆

Getting a little something for your friends is always a kind gesture, but it can never replace the emotional support and quality time that you and your friend give to each other. So this Galentine’s Day, don’t forget to tell your friend how much you appreciate them and make some fun memories together!💖

ABW

#CityDisneyStyle: 3 Tips to Finding the Perfect Dressy Disney Bag

Disney Style, Style

With the holidays upon us, so to are the numerous dressy parties and gatherings.  And adding a touch of Disney flair to your dressier outfits is a piece of cake with a Disney bag!👜  It’s just another way to bring Disney magic out of the parks and I love how it adds that unexpected touch of magic.✨

Here are some tips on choosing the right bag to compliment your dressy, festive outfit!

Tip 1: Find a bag that can be carried as a tophandle or clutch!  These kinds of bags tend to be dressier than a backpack, fannypack, or crossbody since they don’t obstruct your beautiful outfit that you worked so hard to put together!  Conversly, if you feel like your outfit looks too fancy and needs a little edge, try adding a more casual bag!

Tip 2: Try to veer away from bags that use more casual materials, such as canvas, and go for something that looks a little luxe, like faux leather or faux fur!  Hard case bags, like this Pixar tophandle ball, also tend to look dressier because it has structure.  And nice, quality hardware also help elevate the overall look of the bag.

Tip 3: A more “basic” Disney bag can easily pair with fun prints!  Because let’s face it, you probably have some fun prints in your closet and it can be hard to find that bag pairing.  I always have difficulty mixing prints and patterns, so my default is to carry a solid bag!  Preferably in black.🖤😆

Now that you have some tips on what Disney bags can complete your dressy outfits, go out and be your fanciest, festive Disney Style self!

 

 

13 Halloween Shows & Movies that Pass the Bechdel Test

Musings, Spotlight

And the countdown begins! We’re only 13 days away from Halloween! And we all have our favorite Halloween movies on repeat, but how many of those movies can actually pass the Bechdel Test?!🤔

This Halloween season, I’ve been proactive about watching movies and shows that pass the Bechdel Test. And honestly, some of these barely pass. I used the most basic measurements which are 1. Incorporating at least two female characters, 2. Two female characters must talk to one another, 3. They must talk about something other than a male. Some uses of the Bechdel Test require the female characters to have names, but I chose not to include that as a requirement for this list.

So in no particular order, let the binging begin!

1. Maleficent: For all the misunderstood, fairy witch queens out there, Maleficent is an obvious movie choice for Halloween.  And even more exciting, the sequel is out now!🖤🧚🏼‍♀️💜👑

2. Us: One of the best horror movies from this year!✂️

3. Get Out: Everyone knows you won’t get out of your seat while watching this first Jordan Peele thriller.☕️🥄

4. Stranger Things (2 & 3): Season 1, I dump your ass!  To be inspired by determined female characters, travel to the upside down in seasons 2 & 3!🍦

5. Kiki’s Delivery Service: Studio Ghibli is known for producing movies with strong female leads.  Kiki’s Delivery Service is no exception.🐱🥖

6. Halloweentown: Because Halloween is cool and being normal is vastly overrated.Image result for halloween is cool halloweentown gif

7. Practical Magic: It’s hard to not love witchy sisters that always have each others’ backs.  And midnight margaritas.🍹

8. American Horror Story: While Ryan Murphy has given us numerous intriguing female characters, I’m especially bewitched by the witches in Coven & Apocalypse.🔮

9. Hocus Pocus: This classic Disney Halloween movie puts a spell on everyone.👁🕯

10. Addams Family: Because Christina Ricci as Wednesday is just to die for. *duh duh dun dun, 👌🏼👌🏼*

11. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: I admit, I didn’t watch the series until this year.  But it’s so wickedly addicting.😈🐗

12. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: This is one of the only HP movies that passes the Bechdel Test.  And it only passes by a werewolf’s hair!  But the shift to a darker mood in the series is…well, A MOOD.🐺

13. Ghostbusters (2016): The power of Patty compels you!…To love this witty re-make with smart female leads!👻

And that’s 13!🙌🏼 How many of these shows and movies have you seen?! To help you keep track, use the template list below to check off what you’ve binged so far this season and then share it in your stories on instagram so I can see it too!👀  If you have other movies and/or shows that you love to watch for Halloween and pass the Bechdel Test, let me know and I’ll add them to the Honorable Mention list below!🏅Halloween Watch List (1).jpg

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Freaky Friday (2003): I actually really love the songs from this movie!🤘🏼

The Labyrinth: This also barely passes the Bechdel Test, but who can deny the babe with the power?💁🏻‍♀️🔮

Twitches: Another Halloween DCOM, but vastly underrated.  This made for tv movie also deserves bonus points since it’s lead characters are WOC!✊🏾 The only reason this isn’t on the official list is because I haven’t seen it in ages.😅

The Craft: Because we’re all weirdos.😎

 

 

 

 

 

Home Tour: Boo to You!👻

Disney Style, Home

DSC08971.jpgIf you were watching my Instagram stories earlier this year, you’ll know that I was renovating a new place with my boyfriend, and a couple months ago, we finally moved in!😱🏠 It only took us over a year thanks to a contractor that worked at a snail’s pace.🐌🙄 We’re still in the process of getting everything in its place and really making it a full fledged “home,” but Halloween was the perfect opportunity for me to have a little fun with home decor!

DSC08884.JPGLiving Room

This whole home decor frenzy really started after I spotted the cutest ghost pillow and throw from Home Goods! Since my boyfriend and I tend to like more monochromatic palettes, the name of the game for our couch is texture. So when we spotted a 3D grey tweed ghost pillow, we knew it HAD to come home with us! And just as if a spirit was conjured, we immediately stumbled upon a cozy ghost blanket. At that point, we were devoted to a ghost themed couch, so the Mickey Boo to You ghost pillow was a necessary spoopy purchase.👻DSC08889.JPG

DSC08922.JPGSince we still have no artwork for our living room walls, I focused on getting trinkets and decor for the coffee table to help bring some life and color into the room.  But because I went a little crazy buying anything that was cute, it’s a little bit of an odd mix.😅

One of my favorite purchases is the Jack Skellington candle holder from the Disney Store.  I love that it was actually pretty affordable ($15!), and that any kind of small candle can fit in it.  And for Christmas, it would look so festive with some poinsettias or cranberry stems coming out from the top!DSC08903.JPGThe other great and inexpensive item I picked up is a glass pumpkin jar from Target!  It’s perfect to show off my souvenir treats from Wizarding World at Universal Studios.  But once the treats are gone, it would look so magical with tiny LED lights!

One of the biggest pieces on the coffee table is a large Mickey etched glass vase from Ethan Allen.  It’s not necessarily Halloween themed, but it gave me the perfect opportunity to add some color to our mostly neutral living room.  I picked up bright marigolds from the farmer’s market that are a great contrast against all the grays and blues that dominate the living room.DSC08917.jpg

Tea Corner

Another area I loved decorating for Halloween was my tea corner!  I’m constantly drinking tea and hot water, so you can imagine my excitement when I realized I could buy lots of Halloween mugs and decor for this area!😆  One of the simplest ways to revamp this area is with a spooky sign.  I especially loved the simple typography of this Hocus Pocus sign and the obvious nod to a Disney Halloween classic.DSC08858.JPG

The other functional way to give this area Halloween flair, is with cups!  Though some are outright Halloween mugs, like a ouija board and ghost Mickey, others just have that spooky vibe.  I also like the mix of bigger, chunkier mugs with more delicate teacups.  The varying sizes make the whole mug tree look more interesting!

Bathroom

Another part of the house that was easy to update for Halloween is the guest bathroom.  During my recent trip to Orlando, I HAD to stop by Basin and pick up some seasonal soaps!  And what I especially love about visiting Basin is that you can easily find seasonal Disney soaps!

DSC09019.JPG

I usually pick out the soaps based on the scents.  Since I’m not a huge pumpkin fan (I know, SHOCKING for someone who loves Halloween so much), I picked out soaps that had more wood and citrus based scents. And to my luck, the Sorcerer Mickey soap matches nicely to my white star and moon pumpkin and the orange bats match my Little Green Alien Halloween mochi cup from Tokyo Disneyland!🎃

Another simple Halloween update are these Sally jars. They’re more festive than my usual wood or fabric containers and perfect to display my makeup and brushes on the counter. I also love that there are three separate jars so I can easily separate my mascaras, lip products, and brushes!DSC08975.JPG

Nightstand

The last part of the house I added some Halloween flair to was my nightstand! Since the light switches are far from the bed and I’m not a huge fan of lamps, this Zero nightlight is perfect for my needs — my need for cuteness that is!😆  And honestly, it’s the combination of two things I love, ghosts and dogs.😂  It also has a timer option so it can automatically turn off after 15 minutes!  And if you need another reason to love this little trinket, Zero’s ears can also double as a ring holder.💍😏DSC09052.JPG

Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays, so I can’t wait to improve my Halloween home decor skills for next year!  There are still some areas I’d like to spruce up some more, but for only being in a our new place for 2 months, I think it’s a great start! But I definitely need to create a seasonal inspo board over on Pinterest to really be in full swing next time!🙌🏼  Maybe I should start my holidays inspo board tomorrow.😆

ABW

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Travel Guide

Travel

Hong Kong DisneylandFrom Tokyo to Hong Kong!  Next in my international Disney park travel guides is Hong Kong Disneyland!  Some of these photos are from a few years ago, so please pardon the lower quality photos (they’re iphone 5 photos).😅  BUT the advice and tips are still solid.👌🏼  So here’s what you need to know about the quaint park nestled in the mountains!

Transportation

HKD is located on Lantau Island, so depending on where you stay, the transportation time may vary.  I’ve stayed in both the Mong Kok area and in Discovery Bay on Lantau Island.  If you’re not staying on Lantau Island and not too strapped for money, I would suggest just getting a taxi to the park.  Taxis are pretty affordable for the most part (from Mong Kok, I believe it was less than $30 to taxi to the park).  But if you do take the metro, Disneyland has its own stop near the gate entrance making it easy for guests to find their way.  From Mong Kok, the metro ride was around 45 minutes to an hour outside of rush hour.

If you stay on Lantau Island, most, if not all, hotels should have complimentary shuttles that can take guests to the parks.  Just be mindful of the departure times!

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Hidden Mickey ShoefieWhere to Stay

Where you stay should be determined by how you are structuring your visit.  I would say if you are only doing HKD, then a hotel on Lantau Island might be best. Hotels on the island are surrounded by lush greenery and if you’re visiting during the hot season, it’s almost like a mini tropical vacation!  However, that kind of natural beauty isn’t necessarily cheap. 💸

But if you’re planning on exploring and visiting HK on your trip, then I would suggest finding a hotel in Hong Kong proper or on the north side of Hong Kong Island.  And for an easier commute to the park, try finding a hotel that is close to a main metro hub!

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Crystal Lotus Disney Dim Sum Olaf Baymax Toy Story Little Green Men AlienFood

Probably the most infamous food at HKD isn’t actually in the park.  Located at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is Crystal Lounge, where Disney Dim Sum is served!  The hotel is walkable from the park entrance, so if you’re doing multiple days at the park, you could easily have dim sum in the morning at the hotel and then walk over to Disneyland for a fun day at the park. The menu changes slightly every season and I believe you’ll need a reservation at least a few days in advance to tell the restaurant what dishes you’re wanting to order.  So be sure to call if possible!

 

Hong Kong Disneyland Mickey Boba Disney Souvenir cup
Hong Kong Disneyland Mickey boba

Can you spot the Mickey head boba?!🐭

Inside the park, probably by far the best food find is…MICKEY SHAPED BOBA.  Not Mickey shaped jellies…BOBA.  This flavored soda boba drink is sold at various places around the park and is served in a souvenir sippy cup! (Yes, they call it a sippy cup!😆)  The boba itself isn’t especially flavorful, but the novelty of it is worth it!

Also stop by Clopin’s Festival of Foods!  Cleverly named after “Festival of Fools” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this cafeteria style “restaurant” in Fantasyland is where you can find more Asian influenced dishes that are great for lunch or dinner!

Hong Kong Disneyland Baymax Disney MugMerchandise

Merchandise in HKD is pretty similar to the parks in the states.  I excitedly bought this Baymax mug a few years back without knowing it was available stateside.🤦🏻‍♀️  The other souvenir I was really excited about finding at HKD is a Mickey face watch that was sold out when I visited Disneyland Paris that same year.  But if you are compelled to bring back a souvenir, I would suggest picking up an umbrella! HKD sells tons of umbrellas because of the unpredictable tropical rains. I especially love the compact umbrellas because they’re easy to pack for rainy travel destinations!

Hong Kong Disneyland It's A Small World Disney ParkPeople

Guests and cast members are for the most part, friendly.  However, efficiency is their M.O., so cast members can be a little short with guests.  But I think that’s the nature of Hong Kong communication and culture in general — not necessarily rude, just efficient and to the point.  But similar to my advice about communication in my TDR travel guide and Shanghai solo travel tips, just be sure to carry a park map in both English and Chinese.  Even though most cast members in HKD understand a fair amount of English, it’s always smart to have a map in a cast member’s primary language to help make communication easier!

Hong Kong Disneyland Mystic Manor Disney Dark RideUnique Rides/Attractions

Hong Kong Disneyland feels smaller than Disneyland, but there are some unique park rides and attractions that you definitely need to do when you’re there!

Ride Mystic Manor!  Albert, the monkey is all you need in life.  Also the building is GORGEOUS and reminds me of SF’s Victorian houses.  It’s a tracklass dark ride and is HKD’s “Haunted Mansion” if you will.  Guests embark on a tour of the house and watch Albert get into all sorts of fun trouble.

Hong Kong Disneyland Iron Man Experience Disney MarvelThe Iron Man Experience is probably the newest attraction at HKD and it’s definitely a great addition to the park!💥  It’s the same ride format as Star Tours, but instead of touring the Galaxy and saving the rebel spy, you soar around Hong Kong with Iron Man and help him save the world!

 

Hong Kong Disneyland Cinderella Fantasy Garden Shoefie
Hong Kong Disneyland Fantasy Garden

Fantasy Garden is unique to HKD and has LOADS of photo spots, which I guess shouldn’t be too surprising as it’s sponsored by Kodak.📸  But here is where you’ll find lots of fun whimsical places to get “not so basic” park photos!

HKD also has Toy Story Land!  But now that we have Toy Story Land in Orlando, it isn’t as much of a novelty.  But it’s still worth walking through if you don’t find yourself in Orlando often!  I especially loved seeing Toy Story Land during Halloween!  Many of Sid’s toys make an appearance to make the area feel spoopy!  And if you love Toy Story merch, make sure to shop at Andy’s Toy Box!

Hong Kong Disneyland Disney Mickey MinnieOverall Thoughts & Suggestions

HKD is probably the smallest of all the Disney parks.  Therefore, I wouldn’t advise making a trip out to this park unless you intend to also visit and explore Hong Kong or fly to the other Asia Disney parks afterwards. But HKD definitely has it’s gems that are worthy experiencing!

You could do most of the highlights in a single day, but if you want to thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the park, I would suggest visiting for at least a day and a half.  For me, one day is usually enough!  And pro tip, try to visit the park during a “holiday” season!  I’ve visited during the Lunar New Year and Halloween seasons, and both times the park had extra decor up to celebrate. I guarantee it makes the park visit that much more magical and special, so definitely try to go during a fun time of year!

I hope this short guide helps you plan your first (or next) visit to Hong Kong Disneyland! Tag me @abitwong so I can live vicariously through you!😆

ABW

#CityDisneyStyle: Rock The Dots!

Disney Style, Style

dsc08653Happy National Polka Dot Day!  And say hello to the first #citydisneystyle post!🙌🏼  If you follow me on instagram, then you already know that this series is an idea I’ve been toying around with for the past month.  After getting all your great feedback, I’m finally pulling the trigger!

I hope that each month I can tell you more about how to put together a Disney Style outfit that suits your city life.  Instead of following one format, I’ve decided to focus on one topic each month. I’m planning to write up step by step guides, how to style one item multiple ways, and hopefully showing you how to easily transition at-home Disney loungewear clothes into a pulled-together errand outfit!🏃🏻‍♀️

This month, I decided to provide three tips on how to wear one of the most timeless prints around — Minnie polka dots!🔴⚪️⚫️🔴⚪️⚫️

dsc08665Tip 1: Choose interesting basics to pair with your dots.

I love a good pattern mix, but for easy city dressing, I usually pair a pattern or print back to interesting basics.  What do I mean by interesting basics?🤔 It sounds like such a contradiction, Alisa. Well, I’m talking about basic pieces with an unexpected point of interest.  Basics with an intriguing detail that makes them NOT so basic.

Notice in this outfit, that the points of interest in my black coat are the longer streamlined silhouette, slim collars, and distinct pocket details.  For my bag, the mixed metal buckle feels unexpected. And blue tinted aviators actually pick up on the blue in Donald’s hat. These kind of small details help to elevate your basics from literal “basic clothes” to stylish staples that stand the test of time.

dsc08659Tip 2: Mix different styles into your outfit.

Mixing different styles is something I often think about when putting together a #citydisneystyle outfit.  As much as I prefer to have a predictable life and schedule🙄, I try to go for an unexpected mix in my outfits.  And when it comes to styling Disney pieces, mixing fun and bright with more refined items easily transforms Disney clothes into city clothes.

Since I based this outfit on my flouncy Cath Kidston dot skirt, I decided to pair it with more structured items to get that nice mix of feminine and sleek.  Again, my black jacket instantly adds polish with its sharp silhouette and my earrings are minimalistic and streamlined. Both give a nice contrast to a flowy skirt and that contrast is what taps into that “je ne sais quoi” cool city girl mood.

dsc08697.jpgTip 3: Tuck it in!

It’s such a simple styling “hack,” but it has so much pay off.  For skirts or pants that sit at your waist, try to tuck in your top.  Not only does it help keep the shape of your outfit, but doing a French or half tuck will also help you channel that cool Parisian city vibe.  I mean, it’s called a French tuck for a reason!👩🏻‍🎨  Tucking your shirt in ever so slightly will instantly read as effortless and more polished.

Minnie dots are such a playful and timeless print to wear and I hope these three tips will help you wear them with confidence around the city!  Minnie may be girlie and sweet, but she’s also strong and independent. So to style an outfit that speaks to different sides of Minnie’s character was fun and meaningful for me.  And to share this outfit and these tips on National Polka Dot Day is just the icing on the cake!🎂

How do you like to wear your Minnie dots?  Let me know here or over on instagram!