3D2N Hongkong+Disneyland Trip

by Marge
(Philippines)

Hi, we're trying to plan a trip for the family to HK for 3D2N mid-February 2012. How is the weather around this time? Trip details would be: 4 people, time of arrival is around 8-830am and flight out is around 730pm. I will list down stuff I read so please correct me if what I gathered are wrong :) We just decided yesterday so everything is unorganized. Thanks in advance for the patience :)

For starters, we are not sure if hotels are the way to go. I see some people recommend hostels but generally, we need the place to be:
1. super clean and safe
2. free wi-fi
3. near the MTR's, yummy but affordable eating places and malls
4. more or less a HKD1000 per night

After browsing, some choices seem to be Eaton Smart, YMCA Salisbury, Silka Far East, and Regal Overview Hotel. But another thing we check are bathrooms. Since we are 4 adults, privacy (WALLS and not glass ALONE) is quite necessary. Hopefully, we can get a place that would help us save more in the end. Not sure which one is most convenient and fits all above. Can anyone advise which hotel to take or suggest a more practical one?

Next is getting to whichever hotel/hostel. I believe its the Airport Express then take the free shuttle bus or cab or MTR? As for the MTR, we're really trying to limit our expenses so is it better to get the 3days pass with airport express or get the group of 4 airport express and buy octopus outside(where?)?

So assuming 30-45mins travel time to get to the hotel/hostel, would we be able to leave our stuff and start our adventure? For the 1st day, which attractions can we fit into one whole day and be able to get back to the hotel around 8pm for dinner? I read that some places we shouldn't miss are: Peak, Giant Buddha, Madamme Tussauds, Ocean Park, Symphony of Lights, DHL Balloon, Avenue of stars and some shopping of course. So basically, we are all confused for days 1 and 3 since day 2 is left for Disneyland. I was told to stay until fireworks time so do we stay there the whole morning as well or we can squeeze something in the morning?

Flight back - how many hours before the flight do we have to be in the airport? Free shuttle or cab?

I really apologize for asking a lot of questions and advice. We just want to maximize our stay and enjoy because this is our first trip by ourselves. Please help, thank you very much.