I wish ABD would go to ...

[sayhello]

Do Maui and Japan! Perfect solution.

I don't want to out my source but I will be shocked if it's not released this year.

Well, I didn't think of that!

Actually, while that's definitely an option, I normally do a solid 2 weeks in Maui at a friend's timeshare I rent from her. It's a really *relaxing* vacation. I *ADORE* my ABD's but they are rarely relaxing. I unfortunately don't have time to do both!

And actually, if I'm going to Japan, I'm probably going to want to spend any extra time there. I doubt I'll go there twice, but Maui I do make it to every once in a decade...

I'm so glad that ABD will *finally* be doing Japan. It's the big one left on my list, aside from Australia.

Sayhello

 

[calypso726]

I think it would be fun if all of us that want to do Japan picked the same date. I think a Disboard ABD forum group trip would be awesome!

 

[sayhello]

I think it would be fun if all of us that want to do Japan picked the same date. I think a Disboard ABD forum group trip would be awesome!

That really would be!

Sayhello

 

[OhanaCuz]

Tokyo was amazing and I only saw a tiny sliver of it. An ABD there would be awesome.

 

[tgeorge]

I think it would be fun if all of us that want to do Japan picked the same date. I think a Disboard ABD forum group trip would be awesome!

That would be fun! Especially since a lot of us have talked about Japan for so long!

 

[BluesTraveler]

I know I am in the great minority on these boards but I hope the Japan trip is not park-heavy. We admire Disney greatly as a company (and we're shareholders!) but we are not Disney park people. We took the kids to Magic Kingdom a few times as kids, and that's about enough for us. We have determined that we will not do China through ABD because it's too much time in the parks. We don't mind the jokes about Tinkerbell getting our luggage, but if these trips ended up with too much of a Mouse focus, it wouldn't appeal to us. (*Did someone say that was a recent complaint about the Australia trip? I thought I saw that and meant to ask about it, but forgot about it until now.)

We really, really want to do Japan, but depending on itinerary we may do it through National Geographic's family trip. But, because I like the ABD product it's worth waiting to me to see what they come out with.

 

[Calfan]

I know I am in the great minority on these boards but I hope the Japan trip is not park-heavy. We admire Disney greatly as a company (and we're shareholders!) but we are not Disney park people. We took the kids to Magic Kingdom a few times as kids, and that's about enough for us. We have determined that we will not do China through ABD because it's too much time in the parks. We don't mind the jokes about Tinkerbell getting our luggage, but if these trips ended up with too much of a Mouse focus, it wouldn't appeal to us. (*Did someone say that was a recent complaint about the Australia trip? I thought I saw that and meant to ask about it, but forgot about it until now.)

We really, really want to do Japan, but depending on itinerary we may do it through National Geographic's family trip. But, because I like the ABD product it's worth waiting to me to see what they come out with.

You've got a sympathizer here My family actually loves the Disney parks, and we do DL a lot. But when I'm traveling to a new place, I struggle to find a balance between park time and seeing everything I want to see in that place. So we opted to do China with Thomson Family Adventures and added on time in Shanghai to visit Shanghai DL on our own (and did a VIP tour one day to make sure we could get on all the big rides without insane wait times). While ABD Japan definitely has some lure for us, I'm worried about the ratio of park time to seeing the rest of Japan, and I'm also really worried that the trip sizes might be quite large given all of the pent-up interest in a Japan ABD. That would just be a deal killer for me. I see you mentioned Nat Geo's family Japan trip. I've looked at that one for 2020 when my DD turns 18. Right now, we have a ressie with Thomson Family Adventures for Japan in 2020. I wasn't sure if you'd considered them....

 

[BluesTraveler]

You've got a sympathizer here My family actually loves the Disney parks, and we do DL a lot. But when I'm traveling to a new place, I struggle to find a balance between park time and seeing everything I want to see in that place. So we opted to do China with Thomson Family Adventures and added on time in Shanghai to visit Shanghai DL on our own (and did a VIP tour one day to make sure we could get on all the big rides without insane wait times). While ABD Japan definitely has some lure for us, I'm worried about the ratio of park time to seeing the rest of Japan, and I'm also really worried that the trip sizes might be quite large given all of the pent-up interest in a Japan ABD. That would just be a deal killer for me. I see you mentioned Nat Geo's family Japan trip. I've looked at that one for 2020 when my DD turns 18. Right now, we have a ressie with Thomson Family Adventures for Japan in 2020. I wasn't sure if you'd considered them....

Actually I'm not sure I knew they did one! I will look at it. This year is Italy (on our own) and Iceland (ABD) but we have nothing nailed down yet for 2019. Thanks.

 

[Donalyn]

If the Japan ABD ended at the parks, then those that wanted extra days could add them at that time easily. That may be a good solution.

My understanding is that the China ABD hardly has any park time (less than a full day in each park). In fact, a friend of mine did a trip this fall where their group customized the trip to get more time in the parks, giving up some of the other cool things on the list. Again, it would have made more sense to me to just add a day or so on each end for more park time, if that is your thing.

 

[BluesTraveler]

"My understanding is that the China ABD hardly has any park time (less than a full day in each park)."

Ha, yes, to us that is 2 days too many but definitely illustrative of different travel preferences!

 

[Cousin Orville]

If the Japan ABD ended at the parks, then those that wanted extra days could add them at that time easily. That may be a good solution.

My understanding is that the China ABD hardly has any park time (less than a full day in each park). In fact, a friend of mine did a trip this fall where their group customized the trip to get more time in the parks, giving up some of the other cool things on the list. Again, it would have made more sense to me to just add a day or so on each end for more park time, if that is your thing.

That was possibly the ABD I went on. It was a custom ABD made for Disney Parks enthusiasts that only ran twice.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dis-exclusive-china-2017.3644785/

I've done the normal China ABD as well. There's not a lot of park time in it. 1/2 day in HK. And now I think a day in Shanghai. In any case if you're a parks enthusiast, you'd add more time.

I'm a big fan of both Disney Parks and traveling. I would love to see a couple of park days at the end of a Japan ABD with some exclusive perks without sacrificing the trip as a hole. But I'm not holding my breath. I think it will be exclusively Japan focused much like the London/Paris ABD and France ABD neither of which spend any time in Disneyland Paris.

I'm really hoping this comes true. Japan is highest on my to do list. I used to live in Japan for 3 years, and other than a brief visit last Fall I haven't been back. Tokyo is a tough city to plan and travel around with young children. A Japan ABD would be a godsend.

 

[Donalyn]

It is a small world! (Pun intended....)

I'd love to see Japan (and more than just the parks). And ABD would be a great way to make that trip (which is really daunting to me in ways that traveling to Europe or South America is not). But I'd really like to have time to explore Tokyo Sea and a half day would not cut it .

 

[calypso726]

If the Japan ABD ended at the parks, then those that wanted extra days could add them at that time easily. That may be a good solution.

My understanding is that the China ABD hardly has any park time (less than a full day in each park). In fact, a friend of mine did a trip this fall where their group customized the trip to get more time in the parks, giving up some of the other cool things on the list. Again, it would have made more sense to me to just add a day or so on each end for more park time, if that is your thing.

That's what I had heard too. We are doing the China ABD this May and added a pre day in Hong Kong Disneyland. We added post day for Shanghai Disneyland and from there were heading to Tokyo for a few days to do both parks. What appealed to me most about the itinerary was being able to see a new country and also visit the Disney parks on the front and back ends of the trip.

I would hope a Japan itinerary is similar. Even if it doesn't include the parks, I would hope that one end of the trip is close enough to the parks to be able to conveniently add time to the trip on your own to visit the parks if you wish. The London/Paris ABD worked out that way. The Paris park isn't part of the ABD but we were near enough to be able to conveniently add a couple of days at Disneyland Paris after the ABD.

 

[AquaDame]

Well, I didn't think of that!

Actually, while that's definitely an option, I normally do a solid 2 weeks in Maui at a friend's timeshare I rent from her. It's a really *relaxing* vacation. I *ADORE* my ABD's but they are rarely relaxing. I unfortunately don't have time to do both!

And actually, if I'm going to Japan, I'm probably going to want to spend any extra time there. I doubt I'll go there twice, but Maui I do make it to every once in a decade...

I'm so glad that ABD will *finally* be doing Japan. It's the big one left on my list, aside from Australia.

Sayhello

Maui IS a 10 day island after all... Maui has my heart, line and sinker. We even got married at Mama's Beach House. Japan is fantastic, delicious, friendly, and very safe. I would be surprised if you only go once... but its easier from the west coast. I've been twice and already planning a third go.

I know I am in the great minority on these boards but I hope the Japan trip is not park-heavy. We admire Disney greatly as a company (and we're shareholders!) but we are not Disney park people. We took the kids to Magic Kingdom a few times as kids, and that's about enough for us. We have determined that we will not do China through ABD because it's too much time in the parks. We don't mind the jokes about Tinkerbell getting our luggage, but if these trips ended up with too much of a Mouse focus, it wouldn't appeal to us. (*Did someone say that was a recent complaint about the Australia trip? I thought I saw that and meant to ask about it, but forgot about it until now.)

We really, really want to do Japan, but depending on itinerary we may do it through National Geographic's family trip. But, because I like the ABD product it's worth waiting to me to see what they come out with.

If China is too much I have a feeling a Japan one would be too... China isn't much time at all - we'd have to add on time. It IS a small park though, IMO, more like Hong Kong/Disneyland than Shanghai or the grand daddy of WDW so maybe I am very very wrong.

That was possibly the ABD I went on. It was a custom ABD made for Disney Parks enthusiasts that only ran twice.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dis-exclusive-china-2017.3644785/

I've done the normal China ABD as well. There's not a lot of park time in it. 1/2 day in HK. And now I think a day in Shanghai. In any case if you're a parks enthusiast, you'd add more time.

I'm a big fan of both Disney Parks and traveling. I would love to see a couple of park days at the end of a Japan ABD with some exclusive perks without sacrificing the trip as a hole. But I'm not holding my breath. I think it will be exclusively Japan focused much like the London/Paris ABD and France ABD neither of which spend any time in Disneyland Paris.

I'm really hoping this comes true. Japan is highest on my to do list. I used to live in Japan for 3 years, and other than a brief visit last Fall I haven't been back. Tokyo is a tough city to plan and travel around with young children. A Japan ABD would be a godsend.

Do you think so...? I find Tokyo easy with my limited Japanese... we have no young children though. That I can absolutely see... when the right train comes (if you even see it while corralling kids) you must get on it quickly and the stations can be mazes. I doubled back a lot since I have NO sense of cardinal directions.... ^^;


If they do go to Japan I might want in on a DIS trip if they do one even though we're also trying to go to Africa.... I'd probably be solo though since 2019 is the year I have a sabbatical and my husband won't have the time. Thats some food for thought for me...

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I think it would be fun if all of us that want to do Japan picked the same date. I think a Disboard ABD forum group trip would be awesome!

Totally agree!!

 

[Cousin Orville]

@AquaDame
Any very big city that doesn’t have centralized attractions and not particularly walkable is tougher with 3 young children. London isn’t bad even though it’s spread out as the taxis accomidate 5. But Tokyo you’re more dependent on subways/trains. It’s just stressful to be on your A game with when you’re always navigating trains with a 13,8, and 5yo.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Maui IS a 10 day island after all... Maui has my heart, line and sinker. We even got married at Mama's Beach House. Japan is fantastic, delicious, friendly, and very safe. I would be surprised if you only go once... but its easier from the west coast. I've been twice and already planning a third go.

We love Mama's!!!!! How fun that you were married there. We go pretty often. My mom has a place in Wailea. Maui has my heart, too. We just got back from a week there at Christmas and it was awesome--as usual

Back to ABD Japan ... We did the China ABD last year and were on the first scheduled trip to Shanghai. As SayHello can attest, it was a truly awesome experience. We had dinner at Club 33 with ABD and watched the fireworks from the balcony. It was literally a once in a lifetime type of thing that I was so glad we had. I wish we'd had a full day in the parks and a few more fast passes Count me among the crowd that wants some park time on the itinerary. It would actually be a deal breaker for me if they don't. The whole reason I've been waiting to do Japan with ABD is for special perks, etc. in the parks. If the itinerary doesn't include park time, I'd probably use another company to avoid the too-many-traveler issue that Calfan mentioned.

 

[AquaDame]

@AquaDame
Any very big city that doesn’t have centralized attractions and not particularly walkable is tougher with 3 young children. London isn’t bad even though it’s spread out as the taxis accomidate 5. But Tokyo you’re more dependent on subways/trains. It’s just stressful to be on your A game with when you’re always navigating trains with a 13,8, and 5yo.

Oh man, three kids means you're outnumbered to boot.. that does sound difficult. I'd definitely stick to tours too!

We love Mama's!!!!! How fun that you were married there. We go pretty often. My mom has a place in Wailea. Maui has my heart, too. We just got back from a week there at Christmas and it was awesome--as usual

Back to ABD Japan ... We did the China ABD last year and were on the first scheduled trip to Shanghai. As SayHello can attest, it was a truly awesome experience. We had dinner at Club 33 with ABD and watched the fireworks from the balcony. It was literally a once in a lifetime type of thing that I was so glad we had. I wish we'd had a full day in the parks and a few more fast passes Count me among the crowd that wants some park time on the itinerary. It would actually be a deal breaker for me if they don't. The whole reason I've been waiting to do Japan with ABD is for special perks, etc. in the parks. If the itinerary doesn't include park time, I'd probably use another company to avoid the too-many-traveler issue that Calfan mentioned.

That sounds awesome! Is Club 33 a frequent thing for that one? TDLR is easy to get around in English but I agree that the perks are/would be what make it worth it for a lot of people. I'd probably go either way... if they hit spots I haven't done yet.

 

[sayhello]

That sounds awesome! Is Club 33 a frequent thing for that one? TDLR is easy to get around in English but I agree that the perks are/would be what make it worth it for a lot of people. I'd probably go either way... if they hit spots I haven't done yet.

As far as I know, Club 33 was the standard location for the Farewell dinner on the new China itinerary all this year. Whether they continue that probably depends on how popular Club 33 gets at SHDL. It wasn't horribly busy when we were there, so I have a feeling it still needs to catch on there.

It truly was a most special and spectacular way to end our adventure!

I hope the Japan trip at least has *some* park time. I'd be very disappointed if it didn't...

And Mama's Fish House rules!!!

Sayhello

 

[AquamarineSteph]

I was told two years ago by an ABD guide that Japan was next up on the books. I haven't seen it yet, but that would be a cool ABD trip...