Hong Kong and HK DL advice

[Aussie Wendy]

So just maybe a week trip to Hong Kong is in the pipeline for October. I have to book soon if so as seats for our preferred times and dates are selling out. Not done any research yet and will stalk the HK Boards obviously but quickly how long do I need to allow for DL itself? and for Hong Kong in general, remembering we are not shoppers but have never been to HK before? Zanzibar and PIO as two I know who share similar tastes, looking at you ........ We will have around a week but may be able to push it to 7 or 8 days there excluding flight times.

What are everyone's must do's? Very, very early thoughts based on things I remembering reading from others TR are The Peak and the walk around the summit, Ocean Park for the pandas espy, Lantau for the large Buddha (I think its there?), do we do a day trip to Macau? the evening light show if it is on on the Harbour, and DL of course. What district do we aim to stay in? hotel recoms? what districts for a general wander should we include? How many days in the rough time frame do I need? (More is always better I know but realistically to gain an appreciation of the essence of HK).

Thanks guys!

 

[Lionsy]

Hi there

I don't think you need more than 2 days at the most to do HKDL. Bear in mind that it is not as convenient as LA. If you are not staying in the "resort", you'll need to take the MTR (subway) which can take anything from 5-45 minutes (depending on where you are staying). Even if you are staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels, it is not really walkable and you will have to catch a shuttle.
HKDL is much smaller than the parks in the US (and there is only one park), but there are a few unique rides, although there is definitely more of an Asian element (eg. language of some of the shows, etc). There is opportunity to have a character breakfast at the Disneyland Hotel too. And they have churros

The rest of HK is also fun. A week will get you through most of the must sees, including:

• The Big Buddha
• The Harbour
• The Peak
• Markets, malls (I know you're not really shoppers, and things aren't that cheap there anymore)
• Ferry, boat to one of the outlying islands
• Yum cha
• Ocean Park

Causeway Bay is a good place to look for a hotel because it's close to everything, but the rooms are small and prices reasonably expensive. It is also a very safe part of HK too. Public transport is excellent, and you won't need a car.
Have fun.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ooh! A HK trip. How exciting, Wendy!

Head to the second post. The headings for each of the days can provide you with a rough guide of things to do. I have to admit that the HK trip was s-l-o-w compared to our normal commando speed because I got sick.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ho...he-yees-have-it-tr-finish-1101-07-09.2823458/


Otherwise, I found this website pretty reasonable for what to do around HK. They even give itineraries for things to do depending on the number of days you're there.
http://guide.discoverhongkong.com/au



7 or 8 days is a great amount of time for HK. If you are planning on going to Macau and haven't booked your flights yet, you may want to consider flying in or flying out of Macau and staying at least one night there.
Most people like to stay at Tsim Sha Tsui the first time they head into HK. That, Central, Causeway Bay or even Jordan would be pretty good.

I know you like looking for apartment hotels. Try the Chi Residences as an alternative to AirBnB or even the hotels.

I'll keep an eye out on the HK boards, in case you post anything there!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Thanks so far. Will keep considering. Not sure about Macau - must do more research! Think days will depend on cheap air fare days and I will fit in around that. Who do you fly in and out of Macau with? Website on HK looks good thanks PIO. Of course I just read now about Halloween at HK DL but the weekends are block out dates for MAP pass which was looking lucrative for one of us so I had been thinking a weekday visit. Have to crunch days, dates, numbers and find out more......Oh I do love having something to plan!!!! (uh oh did I say a trip 'might' be on - if I start researching something it seems to move from red to green.....)

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Oh and if we go DD has indicated she'd like to throw her lot in with us and come so long as she doesn't have to miss too many tutor days so can still tutor next semester - she'll pay most of her way. I haven't forgotten the tulip festival PIO.. DH has said he's pretty keen to come down for that too (I can never manage to ditch the family, can I?).

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks so far. Will keep considering. Not sure about Macau - must do more research! Think days will depend on cheap air fare days and I will fit in around that. Who do you fly in and out of Macau with? Website on HK looks good thanks PIO. Of course I just read now about Halloween at HK DL but the weekends are block out dates for MAP pass which was looking lucrative for one of us so I had been thinking a weekday visit. Have to crunch days, dates, numbers and find out more......Oh I do love having something to plan!!!! (uh oh did I say a trip 'might' be on - if I start researching something it seems to move from red to green.....)

I didn't fly into Macau; so I'm not sure which carrier would do that. If you're not sure about Macau, then grab the cheap air fares in and out of HK. You can always catch a ferry from HK to Macau when you're there. It'll give you a bit more flexibility to work it out.

We got the MAP. It was really worth it for us. My parents came with us and they got a pass each so that we could book 2 rooms at the HKDL hotel. It paid for itself just on the two rooms. Is Halloween a hard ticket party or is that included in your MAP entry?

I'm envious. I have nothing to plan for right now and I'm chomping at the bit to have something in the works.

Oh and if we go DD has indicated she'd like to throw her lot in with us and come so long as she doesn't have to miss too many tutor days so can still tutor next semester - she'll pay most of her way. I haven't forgotten the tulip festival PIO.. DH has said he's pretty keen to come down for that too (I can never manage to ditch the family, can I?).

Fantastic! I thought HK was a good value for money trip once we got the accommodation and airfares out of the way. Lots of places for reasonable food and the Octopus Card was brilliant.

I'm glad you're coming down for tulip festival. I was going to ask about whether you were still thinking of coming down or not. Goodie! It's looking like its on between Sep 6 and Oct 10. Let us know when you're coming down and we can plan around your dates.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

So if DD comes she can get a discounted MAP - and we can book a hotel room (3 in a room fit) using her discount code? That'd be good. I'd go up to Gold if we got birthday discounts but I think it'll have to be an Oct trip - none of our birthday months. So do we buy her the MAP then I worry about ringing up and booking a hotel to get the discount?

I really shouldn't be having a week in HK-we were looking at a road trip down to the Blue Mountains since its been a while and seeing friends and family in Sydney and the Central Coast on the way back-same time of year, though again that would be a squeeze if we do only end up with one full week available espy since DH wants to have a day at Dubbo Zoo again next time we drive that way. DH would probably prefer that trip though. This is me having a "I am bored and want to have fun" moment and "I promise it won't cost too much" - if the air fares don't pan out and my quick costings this weekend work out too high it will all be off again - and the road trip back on. Your trip to the Jenolan Caves recently reminded us both its been ages since we have been there. And of course the parents are still getting dodgier by the month which is also why snatching a short trip is the idea. 2016 last quarter of the year Scandinavia is in my sights though (another reason why I should NOT be looking at HK). I blame all Qld's wet weather meaning I am spending far too long on the computer this weekend checking out all my travel emails dreaming......

 

[PrincessInOz]

So if DD comes she can get a discounted MAP - and we can book a hotel room (3 in a room fit) using her discount code? That'd be good. I'd go up to Gold if we got birthday discounts but I think it'll have to be an Oct trip - none of our birthday months. So do we buy her the MAP then I worry about ringing up and booking a hotel to get the discount?

I really shouldn't be having a week in HK-we were looking at a road trip down to the Blue Mountains since its been a while and seeing friends and family in Sydney and the Central Coast on the way back-same time of year, though again that would be a squeeze if we do only end up with one full week available espy since DH wants to have a day at Dubbo Zoo again next time we drive that way. DH would probably prefer that trip though. This is me having a "I am bored and want to have fun" moment and "I promise it won't cost too much" - if the air fares don't pan out and my quick costings this weekend work out too high it will all be off again - and the road trip back on. Your trip to the Jenolan Caves recently reminded us both its been ages since we have been there. And of course the parents are still getting dodgier by the month which is also why snatching a short trip is the idea. 2016 last quarter of the year Scandinavia is in my sights though (another reason why I should NOT be looking at HK). I blame all Qld's wet weather meaning I am spending far too long on the computer this weekend checking out all my travel emails dreaming......

I would recommend ringing the HK Disneyland line. I got the two MAPs and booked the rooms at the same time. The cast member even looked at all options for me (there was a rare special running at that time) and she figured out that the the senior (gold) MAPs were the best option for me. My mother celebrated a birthday in the month we were travelling. The MAPs were waiting for us at check-in.

So...it's HK or Sydney/Central Coast? Wow......tell your DH that it's a super.hard.pick.



Europe in 2016? I've kinda got that glimmer in my eye as well.

 

[bswift]

I did 2 half days at HKDL this time last year and that was enough for me. I stayed at the Prudential which is right above Jordan station. It didn't take too long to get to HKDL and the public transport system was very easy to navigate. Personally I didn't really find the shopping in HK to be that great, but maybe that's because I'm not a haggling-for-cheap-knock-offs-at-a-market or a spend-$3000-on-a-designer-handbag kinda gal. I think my favourite shop was the Disney store at the airport!

 

[Meemoo]

Hey there. How exciting, I'd love another trip to HK! My DH was born in HK so we have been there quite a few times. We liked staying in Kowloon the most. It depends on what you want out of your trip and what sort of hotel standards you have. We stayed in the Sheraton HK Hotel & Towers, the view of Victoria Harbour was worth every cent. I literally could not sleep at night because I would get up and watch everything going on in the harbour. The lights and the buildings made the place feel so surreal, such a spectacular city! If you are traveling as 2 adults & 1 child, this is great because it is so hard to find a hotel in HK that will take 4 people in a room! I can recommend 2 places: Salisbury Hotel Hong Kong, for the view of the harbour without the price tag of Sheraton and great family rooms as well as The Langham Hotel in Kowloon for its location in walking distance to Harbour City (big shopping complex) and Victoria Harbour.

I really enjoy HK Disneyland. We have stayed at both of the Disney hotels. The walk from Disneyland Hotel is very walkable and a pleasant walk at that, nice gardens and Disney music playing the whole way. I walked it with my youngest being 3 at the time and he was fine! We chose to walk even though the free shuttle is very efficient. Love the buffets at both hotels too be sure to give them a go and check out the Mickey Maze at HK Disneyland Hotel.

 

[zanzibar138]

Ooh that's exciting! I love HKDL so much I'm kind of a weirdo in how much I love HKDL! So I'm not sure how much my opinion will really be worth lol!

The first time we went we had 4 nights there. We went into the parks every day of our trip, but didn't spend all day there. It wasn't enough time for me, but DH wouldn't have been able to take much more. Having said that, DH spent a LOT of time in the lobby of the HKDL Hotel, just reading and listening to the pianist or band. They also have princess meet and greets there throughout the day, and it's a great place to people watch with a refreshing beverage. Definitely go for the HKDL Hotel if you can

Both hotels are definitely walking distance, although the Hollywood Hotel was probably closer to 20 minutes. We found the shuttle crowded and, by the time you waited, got to the shuttle stop, then walked the rest of the way to the park, it really didn't save any time. The walk from HKDL Hotel is lovely along a nice little pathway with topiaries and Disney music piped in - the perfect way to start the day if you ask me!

Food onsite is VERY expensive, and there really is no other option. It's not close to anything else. We felt terribly ripped off at the Chef Mickey buffet at the Hollywood Hotel, but enjoyed our meals at Walt's Café in HKDL Hotel. At the Hollywood Hotel there's a little cafeteria type thing that we thought was quite good for a simple breakfast. We did the character breakfast at the HKDL Hotel and found it to be lacking compared to the US character meals. It was crowded and so long between characters! The food was good though.

Realistically I'd say 2 days is probably ample time for most people to experience all HKDL has to offer. It is a small park and there is only the one (and no shopping district either). However, I think it is one of the most beautiful and best themed parks (DLP is the other one), and is full of great little details. The CMs are also great - always happy and enthusiastic. Make sure you check out Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point, which are still HKDL exclusives at this stage. We also enjoyed The Golden Mickeys show, although you might have seen a version of it if you've been on DCL (can't remember if you have or not). Plus, their parade is still the best I've seen. And I like their fireworks show too. It's not as spectacular as the US ones, but it has lots of great low level symmetrical effects - I'm a sucker for symmetry lol!

Can't really contribute on HK proper - we've really only done Disneyland

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Thanks all. Airfares booked and paid for. Lucky I got on one night before work went ballistic as turned out to be the last day of the very short special. We are flying with Singapore airlines so have booked 2 nights in Singapore as a stopover and getting the Singapore Hols stop over freebies deal again so DD gets to enjoy the fun. The second night is much dearer in comparison though but since the only flight for a one night stay we qualified for in the price deal would have got us into Hong Kong around midnight we would have stayed at a HK airport hotel probably anyway (and prob its no worse than HK hotels anyway - I haven't checked yet). The dilemma in Singapore will be what will we redo and what new and how many things can we fit in to maximise the vouchers - remember they include the HoHo, entry to Universal, entry to Sentosa and 2 attractions, a bumboat ride (missed that last time-want to do that), Gardens by the Bay 2 domes (want to go back and do that again and see more), the Zoo, and a ton of other smaller things including several special events as there is the 50th anniversary special cultural and dining activities. Lots to think about! When work calms down (worked all day today) will ring up HK and buy tix for us, MAP for DD, book Hollywood Hotel I think as the cheaper of the two (since as always I am meant to be on a tight budget - cough)- might as well stay on site for some Disney magic and close for airport departure after but thanks for the suggestion bswift-if I can't get a booking its a fall-back. Will be at DL for 2 nights so we have 2 days, arrival there day including eve for Halloween hopefully and one other full day. Then before that 4 nights in HK. So far a few accommodation places I have had my eye on say they have no availability for my dates. Most of the Chi Residences are booked out already PIO but I like the sound of them; you are right they would suit us. Will keep trying. Meemoo now off to look at all your recoms too. Zanzibar thanks. Since tbh DL Paris for its layout, theming, and gardens is my top park in that regard, I expect I will also like HKDL. Haven't seen Golden Mickeys - on the list! and can't wait to see Mystic Manor. With a backwards bit I think on the Mine train I will be riding that single rider as DH won't join me though DD might with a Kwell. Now to sort out days in HK. Off to re-read PIO TR as a start and see itinerary's in the website she mentions.

 

[PrincessInOz]

YAY! Congrats on booking a vacay. Looks like you're going to have heaps of fun planning.

Good luck with work.

 

[zanzibar138]

Congrats on the booking! How exciting!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Part of me (the Libran part) would really like to stay at the HK DL Hotel - we will never afford the similar equivalent in the US but even presuming we get a 20% MAP discount am struggling to justify spending approx Aus$440/nt (non discount price is around $540) versus $310 for standard rooms (non discount price around $370-380 - on current exchange rates), given its really somewhere we will just sleep and what we could spend that $130/night savings on. Being walkers the slightly longer walk from Hollywood Hotel isn't going to phase us. DH will always pick the cheapest and can't see the sense of spending more $, DD doesn't care, my Virgoan side (I am a horoscope cusp) is at war with my Libran side! What would you do? The cost differential is emphasised by the fact we are likely staying the preceding 4 nights in a self contained apartment for around the same price as 2 nights at DLH. First world decisions!

My other dilemma, I really, really want to see the Big Buddha on Lantau. Makes most sense to do either Sun morning after leaving bags at DL and backtracking or Tuesday departure day morning (with flight out that evening). But Sunday everyone says is a big no, no for the Buddha due to crowds, and leaving it til the last day is dicey if flights are changed to earlier, or the weather is really bad...would you take the opportunity to visit a day or two earlier if the weather is good anyway and sacrifice something else? Then departure day we will probably just relax around the DL hotels, DD of course can go back in to DL if she wants with her MAP - ironically she has the least interest in DL though!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Part of me (the Libran part) would really like to stay at the HK DL Hotel - we will never afford the similar equivalent in the US but even presuming we get a 20% MAP discount am struggling to justify spending approx Aus$440/nt (non discount price is around $540) versus $310 for standard rooms (non discount price around $370-380 - on current exchange rates), given its really somewhere we will just sleep and what we could spend that $130/night savings on. Being walkers the slightly longer walk from Hollywood Hotel isn't going to phase us. DH will always pick the cheapest and can't see the sense of spending more $, DD doesn't care, my Virgoan side (I am a horoscope cusp) is at war with my Libran side! What would you do? The cost differential is emphasised by the fact we are likely staying the preceding 4 nights in a self contained apartment for around the same price as 2 nights at DLH. First world decisions!

My other dilemma, I really, really want to see the Big Buddha on Lantau. Makes most sense to do either Sun morning after leaving bags at DL and backtracking or Tuesday departure day morning (with flight out that evening). But Sunday everyone says is a big no, no for the Buddha due to crowds, and leaving it til the last day is dicey if flights are changed to earlier, or the weather is really bad...would you take the opportunity to visit a day or two earlier if the weather is good anyway and sacrifice something else? Then departure day we will probably just relax around the DL hotels, DD of course can go back in to DL if she wants with her MAP - ironically she has the least interest in DL though!

It's only money. Besides, the similar US hotels are $$$ more. FWIW.....we had a similar discussion with my parents. My dad didn't want to spend the money but in the end, mum and I decided that we would never spend that kind of money to stay in the US hotels so we might as well enjoy the more affordable HK hotel. Of course....our equation was a lot different as the Aussie dollar was higher than what it is today. We were working on a 8:1 exchange rate and the per night rate was closer to $300. I hope you work it out between Libra, Virgo and DH.

We really enjoyed our day at the Big Buddha. What would you be sacrificing?

 

[Meemoo]

I have stayed at both of the HKDL hotels and they are both very nice. When I go back I would stay at the HK Disneyland Hotel over Hollywood Hotel. (but planning to wait for the new hotel in 2017!!) Hollywood is very nice, the grounds are awesome, and fun Disney deco with characters roaming especially of an evening. The rooms are more basic, but still fun. The one thing I did not like was the terrible smell coming from the heater at night, chemical like, we went during their winter so if you go when you don't need that it wont be a problem. Reasons to stay at the main hotel, HKDL Hotel: Luxurious, beautiful, magical - I just love it! But I must admit, I stayed here first and visited Hollywood Hotel for dinner and started wondering if I should have stayed at Hollywood, the fun Mickey factor was reaching out to me! But room wise HKDL Hotel (no smelly heater!!!) bigger rooms!

 

[zanzibar138]

That was my exact reasoning for staying at the HKDL on our honeymoon (that we could never afford to stay in the same level of Disney accommodation anywhere else in the world). However, our 4 nights were less than $1000 in total, so it really was a bargain. For $440 a night, you COULD stay at the DLH. So I guess for me that reasoning no longer applies, and you should just base your decision on what level of accommodation you want/can afford on this particular trip.

We absolutely adored the HKDL Hotel, loved everything about it (and unlike Meemoo, we didn't notice any smells once we were moved from our initial room in the smoking section). It was so special and magical. However, a lot of our favourite moments there were just hanging out in the lobby, and eating at Walt's, which you can do even if you're not staying there. There was nothing wrong with the Hollywood Hotel, and it was still special and filled with Disney magic, it just wasn't as grand and romantic. And I know that you'll definitely have no problem with the walk from there (and if you do, you can take the reasonably un-chaotic shuttle).

I would go with the Hollywood Hotel, but on that final day where you won't be visiting the park, I would go and hang out at the HKDL Hotel for a bit. Have a drink in the lobby, enjoy the pianist and/or band. Take a walk around the grounds if it's a nice day. You'll be able to enjoy most of what it has to offer without the hefty price tag.

On a personal note, I'm pretty sad that the prices have gone up so much. We were thinking of splurging on a night at the HKDL Hotel on our way through to the US, but at those prices, even the Hollywood Hotel is looking too expensive!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

My Virgo side is winning as you said Zanzibar, with the plan to spend the departure day enjoying all that the HKDLH has to offer, given its not like we could get late checkout anyway to spend longer in a more luxurious room, and hedging our bet and visiting the Big Buddha a different day since its a "must do". I may spend $Aus 10 or 20 more and go for a deluxe room which guarantees a higher floor at the Hollywood Hotel though. I checked to see if we were there a dearer time but June prices were a little dearer. They are having random 15% off deals at the moment - which is similar to getting a silver MAP discount but yes, as you said not great though the exchange rate is pretty crap at the moment. Interesting DLH in Anaheim we might be able to get at the same price subject to exchange rates-what I really want to do is afford the Mira Costa in Tokyo DL -maybe one night as a retirement treat in a few years!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Zanzibar I have just read your Honeymoon TR-when in the return trip did you have your laptop stolen/lost? That would have been really upsetting at the time. Also so sorry that you got sick. The African trip looked amazing and the hotel by the beach in Vietnam. DD's Halong Bay sounded a better experience than yours though it looked like a similar boat bu the bay was much quieter in her pics cw yours.