Plan for 2 days inc Octopus card - help clarifying please

Question

I've been searching and reading this forum, but wondered if I could get some clarification on things please to check I have this correct:

Arrive at airport and best option is bus (i found details of which one to take) to accom (YMCA Salisbury). Buy Octopus card at airport (or bus station?) to use (x 3 cards for 3 of us). Loan card looks to be best option.

Then we have a full day to explore. Likely to use star ferry, or walk places. Maybe go on Peak tram, so will figure that out. Use Octopus card on star ferry?

But the next day we want to check in our bags at Kowloon station and head to Disneyland for the day (we have a full day before flying out just after midnight). My understanding is we need an Octopus card to get to bag check in at Kowloon and then we will take the train to Disneyland (I've found route details).

After we get to Disneyland, is there a place to get refund on the Octopus card so we can use the cash that day please - at the station there? If we wait and do refund at the airport we will have HK dollars we won't use. (We will taxi or uber from Disneyland to airport at the end of the day which this forum seems to think is the best option).

Please advise if I have missed anything obvious here. Many thanks. (Oh and our full day in Hong Kong will be New Years eve Dec 31st (and then Disneyland will be January 1st) - any advice around anything we should be aware of - busy, not busy, things closing early etc would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer

Your understanding of using the Octopus card and general logistics for a 2-day Hong Kong trip is largely correct, but I’ll provide a detailed clarification and some additional tips.

Arrival and transport to accommodation:

Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), you can take the Airport Bus or the Airport Express + MTR combination to reach YMCA Salisbury. The bus is straightforward and convenient, especially with luggage.
Octopus cards can indeed be purchased at the airport, usually at the MTR Customer Service Center or retail kiosks. You can get multiple cards (x3) for your group. A refundable “Deposit Octopus Card” is ideal if you want to return the balance later. Each card typically requires a HK$50 deposit plus any initial value loaded.

Using Octopus card on Day 1:

The Octopus card works on almost all public transport in Hong Kong, including buses, MTR, Star Ferry, and trams. You can use it for the Star Ferry and Peak Tram (note: Peak Tram charges are slightly higher if you pay with Octopus, but it is accepted).
It also works in many convenience stores, restaurants, and attractions for small purchases, which can be handy.

Day 2 logistics (bags & Disneyland):

Checking bags at Kowloon Station is correct. You can use the Airport Express service for early baggage check-in, which allows you to explore Disneyland or other parts of the city luggage-free.
Octopus cards are not required to check bags, but they are useful for MTR or other public transport to get from your hotel to Kowloon Station and then to Disneyland.
To get to Disneyland, use the MTR Disneyland Resort Line. Your Octopus card will cover this fare.

Refunding Octopus cards:

You can refund Octopus cards at MTR Customer Service Centers, including stations like Hong Kong Station or Kowloon Station. They will refund the remaining balance minus a small handling fee if applicable, and you also get your deposit back.
It is usually more convenient to refund at a major station rather than Disneyland. If you refund at the airport, you may indeed end up with HK dollars you won’t use, so doing it earlier is practical.
Keep in mind that smaller “souvenir” or limited-issue Octopus cards might not be refundable, so standard cards are best for this purpose.

Other advice for your visit during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day:

New Year’s Eve (Dec 31st) is extremely busy in central areas, especially for fireworks and celebrations around Victoria Harbour. Plan ahead if you want to watch the fireworks.
Some attractions, restaurants, and shops may close early on New Year’s Eve or operate on limited hours, so check in advance.
Public transport may be busier than usual, especially near major celebration points, so allow extra travel time.
New Year’s Day (Jan 1st) may also see some crowds at Disneyland, though it’s a full-day operating park. Buying tickets in advance and arriving early helps.
Taxi or ride-hailing from Disneyland to the airport is the most convenient at the end of the day, especially with luggage and after a full day in the park.

Summary tips:

Buy Octopus cards at airport on arrival.
Use Octopus for all public transport including Star Ferry and MTR.
Check bags at Kowloon Station if you want to spend the day luggage-free.
Refund cards at MTR Customer Service Center after use to reclaim deposit and balance.
Be aware of crowds and early closing times for attractions during New Year’s Eve/Day.

With this plan, your itinerary is smooth, manageable, and you won’t need to carry cash for most transport. Everything else seems correctly thought through.

Plan for 2 days inc Octopus card - help clarifying please

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