How I envy those of you going to China with Disney! I just got back from China and Hong Kong (4/9 through 4/23/2009) on a Return Trip to China provided by our adoption agency. Twelve families from the Boston area returned to China with our daughters, aged between 8 and 12, for a heritage tour. The highlights of a 2 week trip were the Hutong walking tour in Beijing - pedicab rides, lunch with a local family, visit to an elementary classroom. Just a terrific day for the kids.
Then we went to Xi'an to visit the terra cotta warriors. The warriors were great and so was the Tang Dynasty Dinner show.
Next, my 9 1/2 year old daughter and I visited her orphanage and smaller city (a town of 68,000 people). Then to Guangzhou to stay at the White Swan Hotel again, a great visit to the safari zoo in the Panyu district of Guangzhou and an afternoon fast ferry into the Hong Kong Harbor. And, yes, then 4 nights at Hong Kong
Disneyland. Fabulous.
Having been in China in July on my first trip, I can tell you that it will be HOT, HOT, HOT! The south of China will redefine HOT for you, no matter where you live in the States. For this two week trip in April, I took 9 tee tops and 6 capris. I took a pair of sneakers and Keen sandals. I took a carry-on bag and I checked one bag for the two of us. If you are in Guangzhou, do laundry in any one of the shops located on Shamian Island outside the White Swan hotel for a fraction of the cost of a western hotel's laundry services. But if that isn't possible, just do laundry at the hotel.
Food Rule #1. Do not eat anything that is not pealed or cooked. Seriously. Do not drink any water that is not boiled. To brush your teeth, take water from the tap, boiled it in the kettle in your hotel room, pour the boiled water to cool in the glasses in the bathroom and brush your teeth with that.
Be sure to visit a travel clinic before you to and get a prescription for Cipro or a Z-pack to take with you as well. And take immodium with you just in case. Carry a bottle of water with you at all times in the summer. At meals, you will be offered Coke, Sprite, beer and bottled water most likely.
Have a great trip and let me know if you want more information about Hong Kong Disneyland.
Cheers,
JeanBean