Japan-Booking May 9th

[tgeorge]

Just saw this Dis Facebook feed that Japan will open for bookings May 9th. It gives a little more information about the itinerary, but I didn’t see any mention of the parks. It isn’t a complete itinerary, so I’m still holding out hope.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories...-details-booking-date-for-new-japan-vacation/

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Thanks so much for posting. I am extremely disappointed by the rather glaring omission of the Disney Theme Parks from the description. Here is the actual link from the parks blog, which gives a little more detail: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...mmersion/?CMP=SOC-DPFY18Q2wo0426180502180004C As one of the people around here who have been clamoring for an ABD to Japan for years, I'm *really* bummed. The main reason I wanted ABD to do a trip to Japan was for the presumed better theme park access. I will hold off on any judgments until I see the actual itinerary and whether there is a theme park add on (shudder at the cost), but unless they have top notch hotels, I'm thinking I won't be jumping on this. I never thought I would say that.

 

[tgeorge]

Thanks so much for posting. I am extremely disappointed by the rather glaring omission of the Disney Theme Parks from the description. Here is the actual link from the parks blog, which gives a little more detail: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...mmersion/?CMP=SOC-DPFY18Q2wo0426180502180004C As one of the people around here who have been clamoring for an ABD to Japan for years, I'm *really* bummed. The main reason I wanted ABD to do a trip to Japan was for the presumed better theme park access. I will hold off on any judgments until I see the actual itinerary and whether there is a theme park add on (shudder at the cost), but unless they have top notch hotels, I'm thinking I won't be jumping on this. I never thought I would say that.

Thanks for posting the actual blog link. I assumed, hopefully incorrectly, that the parks would have been mentioned. With their omission in this article, it really makes me think they will not be included in the trip, but will be offered as a post ABD add on, but, like you, I’ll wait and see. We won’t be doing 2019,but are looking at 2020, so I have a little time to decide. I’m eager to see the final itinerary

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Me, too. The description didn't really wow me. Right now this is the itinerary to beat for me, assuming no theme parks in the ABD itinerary: http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/private-expedition-japan/detail

 

[aggiedog]

Surely there is more to the trip than Tokyo and Kyoto, at 11 days.

 

[tgeorge]

Me, too. The description didn't really wow me. Right now this is the itinerary to beat for me, assuming no theme parks in the ABD itinerary: http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/private-expedition-japan/detail

That’s the itinerary I’ve looked into and really found appealing l, as well. I’m just really wanting them to add the parks and then ABD would be hard to beat (for me). As Aggiedog pointed out, with 11 days there is certainly more. I guess we’ll find out soon.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

That’s the itinerary I’ve looked into and really found appealing l, as well. I’m just really wanting them to add the parks and then ABD would be hard to beat (for me). As Aggiedog pointed out, with 11 days there is certainly more. I guess we’ll find out soon.

The number of days definitely keeps hope alive. I agree about the addition of parks making ABD hard to beat.

 

[lpm23]

Just a thought but from the blog post it sounds like they are going to keep revealing a bit about the trip over the next few blog posts. So I wouldn't be surprised if they will share the Parks info later as part of the regular itinerary. it also mentioned the post being about some of the "cultural activities" so not sure the parks would be included in that

 

[BluesTraveler]

With 11 days/10 nights, I think there's a good chance there's park time in there. We discussed last night whether to book for 2019 as soon as this comes out but decided this is one we'd like to wait and see how folks like it and if the groups are too large. I am very much looking forward to our Iceland trip, and I'm sure it will be great, but I have to admit we all have some apprehension over the size of our group (36) and the fact that there are only 7 kids total in the group, 2 of which are mine. If I had to do it over again, I would have booked Iceland through a company that differentiates family trip vs general trip (Nat Geo or Backroads) and has smaller groups. BUT, we're committed now and I do have a lot of faith in Disney to make it wonderful. All of that to say, though, that we decided to wait and see how the Disney Japan trip plays out.

 

[calypso726]

I am looking forward to seeing the full itinerary, dates and do hope there is park time. I am very relieved to see booking begins May 9th. We have the China ABD next month and I was worried about calling to book while we were in China.

 

[Happy99]

I am looking forward to seeing the full itinerary, dates and do hope there is park time. I am very relieved to see booking begins May 9th. We have the China ABD next month and I was worried about calling to book while we were in China.

One of the reasons we book with a travel agent. They can take care of it if we are not available and the one we use gives a discount on the tours. Have fun in China, that is one of the spots on my bucket list.

 

[calypso726]

One of the reasons we book with a travel agent. They can take care of it if we are not available and the one we use gives a discount on the tours. Have fun in China, that is one of the spots on my bucket list.

My travel agent will be traveling with us on the China ABD We are very good friends and often vacation together. Thank you! I am sure we will.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

@calypso726 I can't wait to read your ABD China trip report! You are going to LOVE this trip.

I have estimated that ABD cost per person for Japan will be in the neighborhood of $10,000.00. Which isn't bad for the length of the trip. I am excited to hear if it will cover Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland -- which would make this trip a must do for us. Otherwise we are also seriously considering the A&K https://www.abercrombiekent.com/tou...018/family-adventure-vacation-japan#itinerary trip as I quite like the itinerary and the group size of max. 24 (I don't want to be with a larger group as I prefer private travel but compromise since my kids like group travel).

 

[WeLoveABD]

@calypso726 I can't wait to read your ABD China trip report! You are going to LOVE this trip.

I have estimated that ABD cost per person for Japan will be in the neighborhood of $10,000.00. Which isn't bad for the length of the trip. I am excited to hear if it will cover Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland -- which would make this trip a must do for us. Otherwise we are also seriously considering the A&K https://www.abercrombiekent.com/tou...018/family-adventure-vacation-japan#itinerary trip as I quite like the itinerary and the group size of max. 24 (I don't want to be with a larger group as I prefer private travel but compromise since my kids like group travel).

What if the trip offered the Park as an add-on at the end? It would be of interest to me if that meant Disney world oversee the transportation, obtaining tickets and arranging the hotel.

 

[calypso726]

I hope it does include parks either as part of the itinerary or as an add on if need be. I know we’d stay and do the parks again after the trip. I would very much prefer Disney handle hotels and tickets. Booking MiraCosta at Tokyo Disney Sea for a Harbor View room next month after our China ABD was beyond stressful. I’d rather not have to do that again if I can avoid it.

 

[AquaDame]

Booking MiraCosta at Tokyo Disney Sea for a Harbor View room next month after our China ABD was beyond stressful. I’d rather not have to do that again if I can avoid it.

You may not want to... we stayed in one of those rooms for a couple of nights and then switched to a theme park view at DLH and we much preferred DLH.

 

[calypso726]

I guess it’s lucky we couldn’t get all 4 nights at MiraCosta. So we have 2 nights there and 2 nights at DLH with a theme park view. Glad to know it will be worth it! Thanks

 

[Cousin Orville]

I guess it’s lucky we couldn’t get all 4 nights at MiraCosta. So we have 2 nights there and 2 nights at DLH with a theme park view. Glad to know it will be worth it! Thanks

I’ll be interested in your thoughts. I think I just missed you at WDW. I was out here for a few days. Heading back now.

 

[calypso726]

I’ll be interested in your thoughts. I think I just missed you at WDW. I was out here for a few days. Heading back now.

Yes, you did. I was there for Dapper Days over the weekend. It would have been nice to run into you and your lovely wife again I'm sure we'll run into one another again down the line. I will be trying to post a day by day trip report and will include a post stay trip report in the Tokyo parks.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Yes, you did. I will be trying to post a day by day trip report and will include a post stay trip report in the Tokyo parks.

I can't wait to read your TR -- especially the part that includes the Tokyo parks. And or course your airline experience on the way over!

I hope you have a fantastic time!