Day 14
Ocean Park and the new floorless rollercoaster is on our wishlist, and today is the day!
We used the hotel shuttle bus to Shatin Station to save ourselves a few dollars. Dad is waiting to share breakfast, but we can't face congee so predictably go to our usual haunt. It's the #170 bus to Ocean Park but we have to walk a little way as it only takes you directly to the entrance on Sat/Sun/PH.
Ocean Park is celebrating 35 years! Lots of money has been spent rejuvenating and it is in competition with Disney and is making a handsome profit now; there is far too much to see and do! First stop is the new Grand Aquarium. Very impressive. Next must do; Panda Village with Le Le and Ying Ying in their mountain climate enclosure. We can get up close and personal, as Le Le(straight eye patches) sleeps and Ying Ying (kidney shape eye patches) munches on bamboo. Through the Goldfish Treasures and Old Hong Kong and it's a giant queue for the cable car. But it has to be done to see the best views towards Repulse Bay and over the sea. Giant Q because people are not filling 6 seats per car, as the PA system kept instructing us to do, and are travelling in pairs!
We must see the Ocean Theatre Show as this the only thing dad wishes to do, and by the way, HK senior citizens get free entry to Ocean Park. It's a chance to sit down in the shade, catch the sea breeze and admire the view, including some of the rides. The dolphins are incredible and truly incredible is how they train them to swim in synchro and with such precision and speed.
Kai is steaming for a thrill ride so we head to Dragon Roller Coaster and wait for 45mins to scream ourselves senseless for all of 2mins as we are hurtled upside down over the south china sea.
We need to cool down so head into the Sturgeon Aquarium. They were an honoured gift from China ( these are replacements as the original 5 died. I think they sent keepers with the next batch). Then to the Sea Jellies (jellyfish). They are truly fascinating and I could watch them for hours but poor dad is waiting. Their movements are mesmerising and they just live in water and darkness with neon lights shone on them.
Dad is sitting in the shade by a gift shop, next to someone in a furry dolphin suit. He doesn't want to join us for a trip into the rain forest where there is a walk through aviary, monkeys in trees and giant copybarus (rats) in the water. Our main destination is The Hairaiser; the floorless roller coaster. It looks immense and Su-Yin was already feeling unwell. Another Q with trendy Thais infront and pushy mainlanders behind.
We sit in a row, and the floor drops away. Su-Yin is anxious as there are gaps between the bars. Kai and I have eaten too many custard tarts and can't budge. Heck, we are launched into immediate hell. After the first swirl and loop, I have to confess my eyes are shut, but there is non stop screaming. Kai is laughing and yelling. This can't end soon enough.
We all laugh when it stops. We have survived and stumble off to head down and find our picture; Kai is laughing, I look as if I am screaming for my life and Su-Yin is somewhere inbetween.
Never again, I'd sooner do The Abyss (drop ride).
We take the new train ride through the mountain for a quick return, rather than the cable car. Enough adrenaline rushes for one day and it's a scramble for the #629 bus to Admirality and #681 to Ma On Shan. A large supper of Maccy D's whilst planning our remaining itinerary, before heading to bed.