Travel Hong Kong to Manila

Transfers to the airport, I scheduled the same taxi to pick us up. As discussed in the email, they were able to arrive on time. But the taxi was waiting at a different exit point of the hotel. Good thing the hotel recognize us and informed us of our taxi. Seeing the situation of my mom, 

Did not have any problems going back. At the airport, scooter needs to be checked in, so the wheelchair provided was used while waiting for the flight back to Manila. Got back safe in Manila, and looking forward to the next destination. 

Hong Kong - Marco Polo Shopping Arcade / Nathan Road

For our last day, we visit the shopping arcade that connects Marco Polo Hong Kong, Gateway and Prince. From Marco Polo Hong Kong, getting off at the 3rd floor has direct access to the shopping area. But to access Ocean Centre is only through stairs. So for mobility scooter or wheelchair access, we need to get off at the 2nd floor at Lane Crawford. This has exit to the Ocean Centre mall. There are still steps, but they also have a lift similar to the Marco Polo Hotel lift. So my mom was able to visit the Ocean Centre mall.

From the Ocean Centre mall, there is an elevator but it does not have direct access from the second floor. We need to use the stair lift again to reach the actual elevator. So we visit the 1st floor. This is the kids section. Then we visit the 3rd floor. At the LCX, they are featuring Korea. So they had some displays of art in that area.

At that time, there was also a Bazaar. The area was full of discounted items. It was sports wear and shoes that was featured at that time. My mom was able to buy a cap. I wanted the crocs sandals. It was only around $170 hkd. Too bad they don't have my size anymore.

We tried to eat at Jade Garden. Food tastes good, we had the duck and the pork slices with honey and beans. We arrived at almost 4pm. Good thing they were able to accommodate us. After eating, we went on to explore other parts of the mall.

If I remember correctly, it was on the 4th floor that they have access to an area where you can view the harbour. It was in the late afternoon at that time, but since weather is still not so good. It was quite cloudy.

It was really a big area. So we were not able to visit every floor of the whole shopping arcade. But we passed by city super. It is the only supermarket that we were able to see at that time. My aunty said that there used to be a place where you can eat. But at that time, construction or renovation was being done on that area.

Still full from our late lunch, we decided to visit Nathan Road and check out the shops in that area. The shops were quite small, and not really fit for mobility scooter. All of the shops that we visited has a step. so my mom only looks from the outside. Area inside was also small so the mobility scooter might also have a hard time to move around. There were different shops along one street. Shoes, food, we were also able to buy some crispy pork floss from Bee Cheng Hiang. After doing some more shopping, we finally get tired of walking and decided to go back to our hotel.

But since we haven't had our dinner yet, we had some take out of pigeon and egg tart. And we also bought some noodles for our midnight snack.

They were very different from the normal restaurants. But the food was really good. Will visit there again if I have the chance to go back to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong - Disneyland

This day we plan to go to Hong Kong Disneyland. But before that we had our breakfast at Cafe Marco in Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel. I would say breakfast buffet is better in Marco Polo Gateway at Three on Canton. Food tastes better (in my opinion). After breakfast we had a short rest and we start our journey to Hong Kong Disneyland.

To go to disneyland, we decided to just take the taxi since it takes time to ride the train when using the mobility scooter. We were able to get a taxi just outside the hotel. The mobility scooter can be collapsed and placed at the back compartment of the taxi. Travel time is roughly about 30 minutes and it costs us $204 hkd. In disneyland they have an area for taxi drop off and pick up points. It is a bit far from the entrance but manageable. 

It was our first time in Hong Kong Disneyland. Lots of people during that time. Weather is still not good. But it is just cloudy not raining. Our goal is to try to ride all possible rides that can accommodate my mom.

For our first ride, we went to Tomorrowland. Our first ride is the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster. We thought that they would have priority or special pass for handicaps or pwd. But sadly, they do not have that kind of service. They still let my mom line up in the normal line. Not unlike when we visited Tokyo disney sea approached us and provided a special pass for my mom. It is like a fast pass and she can use it for the rides that can accommodate her. 

Anyway, we still continue on to line up. 

At last! It is our turn to ride. It is so nice that disneyland provides special seat for the handicap. So my mom was able to have the same experience using her mobility scooter. 

Getting in and out of the ride is easy for her. They have special ramps provided for the ride and a special car for the ride which is specifically for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

After the ride, we went to find a place where we can stay and watch the parade. My mom was able to find a nice spot and we were able to watch the parade.

After the parade, we went on to try some more rides. Our next destination is Adventureland. We were excited to try the Jungle River Cruise. When we arrive to line up, a disney cast who watches over the line ask if we have a special pass, so they can give us priority and we do not need to line up. They told us that we can go to the City Hall just near the Disneyland entrance. So we decided to just get the special pass, and maybe we can use it for the other rides that we plan to take. But upon asking for it in the City Hall, the guest relations said my mom was not qualified for it. That we need to present some hospital papers etc. Which is weird because in Tokyo Disney Sea, there were no questions, no hesitations, they even approached us, we did not even ask for it. I was thinking that wasn't it obvious that my mom cannot really walk that is why she is using her mobility scooter. Why would we put ourselves in so much trouble in bringing such an equipment if she can actually walk by herself. This annoyed us very much, but we just let it go. Since we cannot really do anything about it. 

Too cool off a bit, we just watched the water show parade since it is about to start anyway.

After the water show parade, we really want to try the Jungle River Cruise. So we went back and just fall in line since we cannot do anything about it. When we arrive, the disney cast remembered us and asked again for the special pass, so we just told her what happend. Her look was like she was wondering how come we did not get the special pass. But since we cannot do anything about it, she just assisted us for the ride. My mom needs to change to a wheelchair, since it will pass by area that is wet, the mobility scooter might get wet. Then they also had a special boat that can accommodate a wheelchair. This ride was also fun. We did not really get wet. 

The facilities and walkways inside were very handicap friendly. There were ramps all over and they also have handicap toilets.

For our next ride, we tried the disney train. there are 2 stops in Fantasyland and in Main Street. They also provide a special space for the mobility scooter. There were not much people in line, so we did not line up that long. And also special assistance was provided for us to ride.

After the train ride, we went to Toy Story Land, then to Mystic Point. There were no rides in Toy Story that can accommodate my mom, so we went on to Mystic Point. 

Passing by Mystic Point, we saw Mystery Manor and decided to try it also. The disney cast was nice enough to provide us a priority pass. At that time the waiting time is 30 minutes. But after my mom transferred to a wheelchair (the mobility scooter cannot be used with the ride), she lead us to another entrance and this leads to the fast pass lane. So we did not wait that long to be able to ride. And they also prepared a special ride for my mom. 

In all the rides, this is my favorite. The effects were very nice and realistic. If I would ride something again, it would be Mystery Manor.

Since it is already getting late, we had our final ride for the day. The Adventures Winnie the Pooh ride.

Before heading home, we had our dinner near the buzz lightyear ride. Then as we are about to exit, the fireworks started. Good thing it was not raining at that time. So we were able to enjoy the show.

Everyone is now tired and wanting to go back to the hotel and rest. 

Going back the hotel, we also took a taxi, the red taxi. It was easy because they are already lined up at the taxi bay area. The driver was also very accommodating to my mom's situation. The ride took only about 20 minutes. Taxi fare was only $166 hkd. Not really sure why going there is much expensive. 

Anyway, we are so tired after a long day, but it was definitely fun.