Aulani or Tokyo Disney?

[wendydarling78]

We are joining a two week package tour next summer that starts in New Zealand, hops to Australia, and ends in Hawaii. We are trying to decide if we should add days on the front to see Japan (historical/cultural sites plus 2 days at Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea) OR if we should add days on the end of the tour and stay at Aulani.

Of course, doing both would be great, but my hubby's vacation time is limited, and I'm afraid that splitting it wouldn't do justice to either place and we'd just feel rushed.

Ultimately I know it's personal preference, but anyone who's done one or both want to weigh in?

Perks for Tokyo:
We've never been to Japan. Tokyo Disney Sea looks AMAZING and is a favorite Disney park for many people. We would be there for Tanabata Days- a Japanese festival that includes special costumes, decor, and parades. We would get to see Mt. Fuji and other beautiful temples and sites. Only "downside"- we are nervous about not speaking the language.

Perks for Aulani:
My hubby and I have been to Hawaii before (me- 4 times, him- 2 times, kids- 1 time), but we've never done Aulani. It would be a nice relaxing end to our trip. We could see Moana! The kids are newly obsessed with earning National Park Junior Ranger badges and want to "redo" the Hawaii parks so they can get them!

 

[nkereina]

Is this a once in a lifetime trip for you or do you travel frequently? Would this likely be your only opportunity to see Japan? Since you've already done Hawaii, I don't think Aulani alone would be worth sacrificing the things you could see and do in Japan. And you'd also have the perk of visiting Japan with less travel involved, since you'll be staying on that side of the world essentially, and that makes it even more appealing. The only thing that might sway my opinion is the cost factor. If it's significantly less money to do the Hawaii leg, then that might change my opinion.

 

[trs518]

Questions I would ask...

1. Do you think you would ever be able to do another trip to see Japan?
2. How active will the rest of the vacation be? A relaxing end might be needed, while adding a theme park to front would be to much.

From what you said, I would probably lean Japan. Your family has never been there. Aulani, while great, for me wouldn't warrant a special trip to Hawaii to see it.

 

[FireflyTrance]

I’ve been to both places. I think it depends a lot on how old your children are. If you have younger children, I think Aulani is a better choice. Aulani has an onsite kids club and it’s easy to get around. My 4 year old loves in there! I personally would rather go to Japan, but I don’t think it would be fun with a young kid. I climbed part of the way up Mt Fuji and it’s very tiring. I don’t think young kids would enjoy it. Older kids/teenagers probably would.