Captain America is taking a break from avenging this summer to hang with our cadets!Ocean Park’s Summer Splash
Guinness record-holding sand sculptor Ray Villafane and Hong Kong toy brand LT Duck have created a variety of summer-themed attractions. There is plenty to feast your eyes on here, from the city’s largest-ever sand sculpture, to the thousands of rubber ducks decorating the park.
Ray Villafane’s Sand Sculptures
The Summer Splash’s Wet and Wild Sand Party boasts impressively realistic sand sculptures of the park’s signature rides, animals and mascots (that means pandas!). These mesmerising pieces are some of the largest in the city, with one a staggering six metres high. You can also marvel at Villafane and his team’s incredible eye for detail at the Sand Art Mastery Live Event. For those who want to get their creative juices flowing – or who just want to get their hands dirty – join the professionally-led, free-of-charge DIY Sandbox workshops.
Water Attractions
If sand sculptures aren’t your thing, jump into the water. Try the Mega Gush, where huge buckets of water are poured over you, or the Super Spray Tunnel, where you’ll be drenched by dozens of sprays as you rush through the tunnel. We especially loved the fantasy-themed structures resembling summer fruit cocktails and gumdrops – all of which have water gushing out of them. Finally, plunge into the Wild Foam Zone – a gigantic foam pit. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
Inflatable X-Challenge
Calling on all bouncy castle fanatics! Race your friends through the Inflatable X-Challenge, but watch out: the castle is lined with obstacles that’ll slow you down. Dodge, duck and dive your way to the finish line!
LT Duck
After all the action-packed fun, dry off and head over to Whiskers Harbour to see more than 6,000 yellow LT rubber ducks (yes, really). It’s a nice touch and a great spot for photos.
All in all, it was a pretty “cool” event (pun intended). The water attractions were less thrilling than expected, but it’s summer – who doesn’t like a splash?
Disneyland’s Marvel Super Hero Summer
Here at Young Post, we’re still talking about Disney’s Marvel extravaganza! Marvel fans – this one’s for you. From now until September, everyone can fulfil their childhood dream of joining S.H.I.E.L.D. – the fictional counterterrorist agency – and meeting superheroes! Turn to page eight for more on a unique Hong Kong-based Iron Man comic created especially for this Disney experience.
Iron Man Experience
The legendary MARK III suit is waiting for you at the Stark Expo Hall. We waited for Iron Man to stomp out of Stark Tower, and shortly after, were given a pair of StarkVision glasses and told to proceed to the Iron Wing. Little did we know, it was a simulator ready to take flight around Hong Kong, with Iron Man right by our side. It proved to be scarily realistic; the floor shook and our chairs vibrated. Complete with sound effects, digital animations and sharp twists, turns and drops, this was hands-down the best part of the day!
Mission: Dimensions of Danger
Upon entering the premises, we were ushered into a futuristic-looking warehouse. All guests were led and briefed by a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. The lighting was impeccable; blinding tunnels and futuristic beams made us forget it was a simulation. Lost in this whole new world, we were summoned by Doctor Strange to recover the Portal Nexus. We then met Thor and Star-Lord and fought the evil forces before us. The mission was fun, albeit slightly anti-climatic, but it was refreshing to encounter so many characters from recent movie blockbusters.
Heroic Encounters with Spider-Man
One friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man gives a lightning-fast performance (almost as fast as The Flash) and shows off awesome acrobatics. Spidey even taught us how to create his ‘thwip’ gesture – just in case any of us encounters the Green Goblin!
Heroic Encounters with Captain America
Oh say can you see ... Captain America? We had the rare opportunity to meet and chat to Captain America. The Marvel heartthrob discussed his amazing stunts, obligations to save the world, and unmistakeable shield.
Edited by Andrew McNicol