Nuffnang

Sunday, April 28, 2013

~ Gallop Stable galloping its way to Punggol ~

"Hee Haw!" If you have been to Punggol End recently, you would notice some latest additions in the vicinity. Gallop Stable has galloped its way to Punggol and attracted a few potential cow-boys and cow-girls to-be. 


The surrounding has been designed to mimic a real stable ranch. There is also a new cafe bar, "Bacon & Booze" where you can enjoy all-day breakfast and happy hour as the night falls.


We entered the "Ranch" to check out their riding rates.
$5 - Short ride (one round around the pony ring)
$10 -  Longer ride (to-fro between the cowboy mart and Gallop wagons)


Shorter rides around the grounds (opposite Bacon & Booze).

We bought the $10 pony ride tickets for the kids. It wasn't cheap for the short distance ride but dear Daddy always like to give the children an opportunity to try and experience. We walked to the Cowboy Mart located at the back of the Gallop Stable, awaiting for the further directions.


Along the way, you will see the stables where the ponies/horses were housed.  


Safety first - Putting on their helmets. Pink for Girls and Green for Boys. 

 Denver & Gladys took turns to ride on the pony. 
 Gladys looking absolutely natural on the pony. :) 

They set off from the mart and rode pass the Gallop wagons before returning. Gladys' leg were bitten by the mozzie and a kind uncle from the mini-mart quickly offered some cream for her to apply and eased her itch. ^_^ 

To date, we have not heard news on the official opening of its third branch at Punggol, but don't be surprise if you see the ponies during your next visit.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

~ Yummy Japanese Cuisine @ The Gallerie (Marina Square) ~

We have been faithful patrons of the Japanese Cuisine stall at the food court in Marina Square for many years. Even before the renovation works began a couple of years ago and after its reopening in 2011, its heartening to see the same stall that we were so familiar retaining its same standard of service and quality of food.

Japanese Cuisine - The Gallerie in Marina Square (Level 4)

What attracted us to keep coming back is its Teppanyaki Saba (Mackerel) fish set - SGD$6. A sprinkle of lemon juice onto the whole saba fish adds on to the flavour as we savour the fresh, juicy meat and its sweetness. The assorted seafood veggie soup and rice make it a complete set. A simple yet deserving meal that satisfy our taste bud and tummy.


It is an enjoyment to dine at The Gallerie with the beautiful, panoramic view of the Singapore skyline beholding Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and its waterfront before us. Another great dining option when we are in the city.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

~ Hong Kong 2012 - Day 5 (Part 3) Disneyland ~

Apart from visiting the various lands in Disneyland, you should not miss the Flights of Fantasy Parade which begins in Fantasyland. Our favourite Disney Characters are showcased on their magical floats accompanied by the beautifully dressed dancers. Crowds gathered along the streets and you probably need to be a little early to get a good spot.




Even though it was rather hot standing under the scorching sun, the parade was uplifting and entertaining.

Balloons on Sale - Always attracts the little ones attention

Toy Story Land - Our final playzone for the day. We felt like we are inside Andy's bedroom together with all his toys the moment we stepped into the wonderland. Sheriff Woody, Jessie, Rex, Slinky Dog and more are there to have fun with us.



Toy Soldier Parachute Drop - Looks really cool! But our fear factor for heights and mild heart kept us away from this stimulated parachute drop. 

Slinky Dog Spin - Slinky took us on a merry-go-round ride to catch its own tail. It was so fun that we went  on and go for a few more spins before we stopped for the day.


 Beep Beep! Say Hi to RC! Andy's remote controlled buggy!

Most of the rides were a bit daunting for us but to make up for it, there are many fun and cute backdrops in Toy Story Land where we can take group family photos together.

As the night falls, we gathered at Fantasyland once more for the final finale - Behold the Spectacular Fireworks above Sleeping Beauty Castle that brightens the sky and our hearts! I always wanted to catch this many years ago and its like a dream comes true!

(Sleeping Beauty Castle - Before the Fireworks) ~ Enchanting. Wouldn't it be great to live like a Princess for a day in the castle?

I LOVE the colours and how Sleeping Beauty Castle comes to Live! 

One of my favourite shot - A very Gothic look where the firing streams of smoky rays looks as if they are consuming the castle. 
Vibrant Blue Rays
 Warmer look and feel.
 Sparkle Sparkle
 Rainbow Castle

It was SPECTACULAR and MESMERIZING! Definitely worthwhile to stay on for the closing and it would be a shame to miss the fireworks. With that, we ended our 1 Day Disneyland Adventure. The children had loads of fun and I'm sure we go back home with lots of lovely memories too.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

~ Hong Kong 2012 - Day 5 (Part 2) Disneyland ~


Continuation from our previous post, we ventured into Adventureland. It seems like we are travelling back in time from a futuristic world into the primitive age.


Tarzan's Treehouse stands right before us as we took a raft across to the island. 



Tourists on the River cruise waved at us and said Hello.

Its cool to see what kind of treehouse our popular storybook hero is living in. We climbed up the stairs leading to the Tarzan's home.


View from the top

Tarzan's home

We took the raft back and bought some yummy squid along the way.

Festival of the Lion King, the 30 minute show is a wonderful combination of musical and dance performance inspired by the Disney's animated classic - The Lion King. Audience will be seated in the round theater under four different sections. During the performance, a giant version of the animal will make its entrance onto the stage. Namely, Simba, Giraffe, Elephant and Simba's friends, Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog..


Performers are dressed in animal costumes and swinging gracefully on trapezes. The fire dancers spin their fire torches and dance with the beat of the music.


"Can you feel the love tonight"

Jungle River Cruise -  A little boat ride before we we move on to Fantasyland.


Fantasyland always bring a smile on every child's face when we see the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. If you are lucky, you may meet your favourite Disney princess at the castle.


Dumbo the Flying Elephant - We took flight again on one of the flying Dumbos. The kids love to maneuver the controls going up and down as we spin round and round.  



I still recalled how Denver and Gladys took off their 3D glasses frantically when they were at the Mickey's PhilharMagic a few years ago. This time they were really excited to be back again and ready for the 3D show.


The Golden Mickeys is a glamorous extravaganza where we get to see many Disney classic characters at the same time. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Mulan, Beauty & the Beast, Pixar's Toy Story and Lilo & Stitch staged a series of musical performance during the 30 minutes show.




Mad Hatter Tea Cups - The spinning cups surely made me dizzy but it has no effect on Denver & Gladys as they keep spinning the wheel to make it turn faster and faster!


The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - a lovable ride for the younger ones. Gladys and I rode through the Hundred-Acre Wood in Pooh's hunny pot, meeting Tigger, Piglet and his friends along the way.


Part 3 - Toystoryland and more awaits us.

Friday, April 19, 2013

~ Hong Kong 2012 - Day 5 (Part 1) Disneyland ~

5 September 2012 - Disneyland

Disneyland - Children's fantasyland and probably one of the favourite themepark in every child's heart. We planned to embark on a full day adventure fun with our kiddos and catch the fireworks in the night! But first, our bodies need to be energized to take us through the entire day.


味皇餐廳小廚 is one of our favourite restaurant to have our breakfast in Hong Kong. Price is reasonable and there is a good variety of breakfast items on the menu. Denver & Gladys LOVE browsing through the pictures on the menu and wrecking their brains, thinking very hard what they should choose.


Our orders didn't take too long to arrive and it definitely look appetizing and filling! Hubby and I had noodles while the children prefer toast bread with egg.


After coming to Hong Kong for a couple of days, Denver and Gladys developed a liking for Horlicks. They looked forward to having this little cup of sweet, milky drink every other day and even asked for more when we are back home.

The total bill for our breakfast was HKD$96 (~SGD 16). 

8:10am - We took the MTR straight to Lantau Island once more. At Sunny Bay, we hopped onto another train to Disneyland. Along the ride, Denver & Gladys admired the beautiful interior of the cabin design in Disney theme. Velvet blue seatings, Mickey Mouse shape windows and rings, various mini Disney characters displays and more.



9:00am - We are finally here at Disneyland!
 


We queued and bought the tickets. This is what awaits us beyond the gates. 

Even though the queue was pretty long, we simply cannot miss taking a family photo with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. You will not miss them at the pavilion in Main Street, USA


The band marched on the Main Street to welcome their guests. 


The weather was gloomy and it started to rain soon after. Tomorrowland was our next destination to hide from the downpour and we were trilled to see Buzz Lightyear!



Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster is definitely our life saver and favourite game in Disneyland. There was no queue and we had a great time sitting in the star cruisers blasting the enemy targets with our laser cannons. Our aim is to destroy the Evil Emperor Zurg and hit the highest score on the board. We re-played this game many many times until we were so familiar with our targets. 


Stitch Encounter

Adult and children will adore Stitch so much more after entering the Space Traffic Control. He is so mischievous and fun to be with! Through a live and interactive encounter, Stitch build rapport with the audience and brought us loads of entertainment and laughter. 

Autopia

The rain has stopped and its sunny once again! Vroom Vroom.... Time to start our engine and get ready for a race. It was a massive queue and the heat is up. We managed to get onto our automobile and drive through the streets. (Minimum height for the driver is 137cm and minimum height for the passenger is 81cm to enjoy this ride.)


Orbitron


From our automobiles, we hopped onto space crafts and emerged in another rocket ride through the sky. From the top, everything in Tomorrowland is so futuristic. 


Tomorrowland is definitely our FAVOURITE land in Disneyland Hong Kong!

Part 2 - Adventureland & Fantasyland.

Places of Interest 
Hong Kong Disneyland (香港迪士尼乐园)
Address: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Outlying Islands 
How to Get there: MTR, Disneyland Resort Station.
www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Food 
味皇餐廳小廚
Address: G/F, 495A-497 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei 
How to Get there: MTR, Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C