Disney Around the World - Trip Report!!!! -UPDATED

[Royal Consort]

I’ve taken a bit of time since returning from our Disney Around The World trip to process what we experienced and give it time to sink in. From the get go I knew the holiday was going to be one that was very ambitious within a four week period. However, it just seemed there was so much I wanted to do in such a short amount of time and the solution was simply to do everything and make it all fit into a month. I wasn't originally going to post trip reports but there seemed a bit of interest in my thread before I ventured off on this trip so here it is!

Last year the original concept was to visit Hong Kong to see Disneyland, Tokyo to visit both Disneyland but more DisneySea, then to fly to the US in which we would have visited New York and done some sightseeing on the East coast at a leisurely pace. According to our agent you couldn’t cross the Pacific twice unless on a corporate fare which would have totalled some stupid amount. An around the world ticket, taking in Europe, would be the only way to do the US and Asia at the same time. OK, that’s fine. This meant a few extra days in London and a return trip to my beloved Disneyland Paris. The only thing was that we had to book our own connection between Hong Kong and Tokyo. Had I known how expensive this leg was and how few airlines actually flew it, it would have been better to have simply booked that corporate fare!

The adventure begins with a fatigued version of myself heading towards the sweltering heat of Hong Kong, making our way directly to the Tokyo Disney Resort, flying to London for several days before catching the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris for 5 more days. Then to New York City for six days followed by four days in Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort.

Because this forum is related to Disney Parks, I’m going to provide my trip report of each property ignoring that of New York and London in the hope it will be of some assistance. I have divided my TR into sections with each park posted within its appropriate board. Opinions given within these reports are purely subjective. Links are as follows:


Episode 1: Hong Kong Disneyland
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469028#post52469028
Episode 2: Tokyo Disney Resort
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469087#post52469087
Episode 3: Disneyland Resort Paris
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469155#post52469155
Episode 4: Disneyland Resort
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52514347#post52514347

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm so glad you decided to share your experiences

I haven't been to TDR yet, but I agree with everything you've said about HKDL and DLP. Although DLP was the most beautiful park (especially with a light dusting of snow), it just didn't feel Disney to me, and it was because of the other guests. As part of an all adult party, I felt slightly uncomfortable, like I shouldn't have been there. I didn't really see any other adults acting whimsically, lining up for characters, or wearing silly hats. It seemed like they were just putting up with it to take their kids. I nearly fell over when I saw a family of 4 walking between two attractions, all holding hands, with Mum and Dad both puffing away on cigarettes

I felt so much more comfortable at HKDL, where it seemed most people enjoying the park were actually young adults, or multi-generational parties. I also agree that it is a very beautiful park and hotel, with great theming, and the best parade on offer.

Of the resorts I've been fortunate enough to visit, DLR is my favourite, with HKDL a close second, and DLP in third. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on DLR

 

[AussieNSW]

We have just got back from Disneyland HongKong and Disneyland Paris. Our family of 4 with two teens included have know been to all parks apart from Tokyo. Our least favourite park was HongKong in fact it was the bottom of our list by a long way. We disliked the food that may have been the fact that we prefer western style food. The small amount of western food avaliable was poorly done in fact my daughter fed most of hers to the birds. The park itself was clean and pretty but small and the staff lacked personality. The castle was small and I felt lacked the feeling you get from the other parks. We did enjoy the Mystic manor and was my favourite ride, we also enjoyed the addition of the Disney characters in its a small world but apart from that we were disappointed with the rides. My children said space mountain was the worst one in all the parks they had visited. They said that the one in Paris was the best in all of the parks and went on it numerous times. The merchandise avaliable was also boring and lacked variety compared to other parks. As you can tell I was disappointed maybe if I had nothing to compare it to I would have felt differently.

 

[Royal Consort]

Hey everyone!

The fourth part - Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is now up! Follow the link in the first post or here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52514347#post52514347

 

[PrincessInOz]

Your TRs are great. I haven't commented on them but have been enjoying reading them. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Staceycs]

Thank you for taking time and effort to write these wonderful trip reports...they are easily the best I've read. I can't wait to see DisneySea now and let's say that my curiosity about how I'll react to Tokyo Disneyland itself, has certainly peaked. I'm stunned at the photo you took from Cinderella Castle, looking back to the World Bazar. I initially thought it was an area outside the park, looking in, because it was so vast. I love the tip about the lottery for getting seats to the projection show- thanks. I think what I'm not looking forward to is that many rides I can take my son on in DLR and WDW are a no-no for TDR, such as Dumbo. It looks like rider-swap will be our saviour on this trip. Thanks again- it was a pleasure to read.

 

[Royal Consort]

I can't wait to see DisneySea now and let's say that my curiosity about how I'll react to Tokyo Disneyland itself, has certainly peaked. I'm stunned at the photo you took from Cinderella Castle, looking back to the World Bazar. I initially thought it was an area outside the park, looking in, because it was so vast. I love the tip about the lottery for getting seats to the projection show- thanks.

Thank you for your kind words. DisneySea is a wonderful experience. For those of us who enjoy atmosphere in a Disney park this one cannot be challenged. It's sensory overload. In the best way.

Unfortunately I'm not a fan of the Tokyo Disneyland Park but I am in the minority here. I felt the vast spaces prevented it from really feeling like a magic kingdom. I shall be interested in your thoughts when you return!?