Japan? Ever?

[StitchSpawn]

Anyone know if Disney might plan on adding a Japan trip to Adventures? I love the idea of Adventures by Disney, but I could care less about China. I really want to go to Japan. Any hope this will be added in a year or two?

 

[sayhello]

There's always a chance. But no-one besides ABD knows for sure!

Sayhello

 

[whayes]

Japan is my dream ABD trip!! ABD cast members who follow DISboards, please note this thread. Thanks!!

 

[disneyholic family]

you could visit japan on your own - you don't have to wait for ABD...
japan is very easy to visit on your own..
the japanese are very helpful....

of course, it probably isn't the best time to go, but it's a wonderful place to visit....and unlike almost everywhere else in the world, very safe in terms of crime ....very safe...

even with all the new ABD itineraries, still the one that interests me the most is the backstage magic one at disneyland....that's the one i want to go on one day....

 

[StitchSpawn]

I like the idea of going with Disney though. If I go to Japan, it will be by myself most likely, and I like the idea of traveling in a tour group of sorts with Disney and I really want to go to Disneyland Tokyo Sea. I know it's small, but I'd like to go there. I wouldn't mind doing a dual China/Japan trip, but I would want Japan to be on the list....

And you know the ultimate ABD trip...a trip around the world to visit ALL the Disneylands.... I know it would be very expensive, even if Disney got good deals, but I would SO be there. It's on my bucket list to visit all the Disneylands, and the trip could start at Disneyland in California and end at WDW in Florida. That would be SO COOL!

 

[sayhello]

I like the idea of going with Disney though. If I go to Japan, it will be by myself most likely, and I like the idea of traveling in a tour group of sorts with Disney and I really want to go to Disneyland Tokyo Sea. I know it's small, but I'd like to go there. I wouldn't mind doing a dual China/Japan trip, but I would want Japan to be on the list....

And you know the ultimate ABD trip...a trip around the world to visit ALL the Disneylands.... I know it would be very expensive, even if Disney got good deals, but I would SO be there. It's on my bucket list to visit all the Disneylands, and the trip could start at Disneyland in California and end at WDW in Florida. That would be SO COOL!

I agree! The Disneyland around the world tour sounds fabulous! I doubt I could get enough time off of work, but maybe when I'm retired. (If I live that long!)

Sayhello

 

[disneyholic family]

I like the idea of going with Disney though. If I go to Japan, it will be by myself most likely, and I like the idea of traveling in a tour group of sorts with Disney and I really want to go to Disneyland Tokyo Sea. I know it's small, but I'd like to go there. I wouldn't mind doing a dual China/Japan trip, but I would want Japan to be on the list....

And you know the ultimate ABD trip...a trip around the world to visit ALL the Disneylands.... I know it would be very expensive, even if Disney got good deals, but I would SO be there. It's on my bucket list to visit all the Disneylands, and the trip could start at Disneyland in California and end at WDW in Florida. That would be SO COOL!

Tokyo DisneySea is most definitely worth a visit!! There's no disney park like it anywhere in the world!!
Even Tokyo Disneyland is interesting - even though it's basically the magic kingdom, it's so interesting to see the Japanese there....so very interesting...

DD went on a disney round the world trip - she's been at every disney park - i told her she'll have to do it again once the new park in china is finished..

as for japan itself - there is soooooooooooo much to do and see there...
you could spend weeks and still have so much more to do and see...

china's interesting, but i have a bias - i've always loved japan far more than china....don't know why....i just have....i grew up spending a great deal of time all over the far east and while i liked almost every country i had to spend time in (other than korea - can't say why, but i hated it there), japan always always always held the place in my heart.....and was the one country i always wanted to live in.....

anyway, i can understand wanting to go on an organized tour rather than solo....i would also rather go on a tour than travel on my own

actually, a really interesting place to visit is Vietnam....it's a stunningly beautiful country, but it's a very difficult place to visit on your own - an organized tour there would be very helpful.......i wonder if ABD is considering it.....it has lots of fun things to do, and also lots of history....
a great book to read before traveling to vietnam: Up Country....it will get you in the mood...

 

[Bobo912]

On ABD's 2011 post trip survey they ask a question about which destination you would like to visit in the future and Cambodia/Vietnam is one of the choices. I would love to take that trip. Lindblad is offering a Cambodia/Vietnam trip for 2012 and it looks awesome, but it's only offered in February and March and doesn't fit in with our school schedule. I hope ABD offers something similar in the future.

 

[disneyholic family]

On ABD's 2011 post trip survey they ask a question about which destination you would like to visit in the future and Cambodia/Vietnam is one of the choices. I would love to take that trip. Lindblad is offering a Cambodia/Vietnam trip for 2012 and it looks awesome, but it's only offered in February and March and doesn't fit in with our school schedule. I hope ABD offers something similar in the future.

i just looked at lindblad's tour - didn't like the sound of it at all - way too much time in cambodia and not enough time in vietnam - and you barely see anything in vietnam...that's the opposite of what i would want in a tour of that area...
if i were disney, i'd do mostly vietnam - with a quick stop in cambodia to visit Angkor Wat if they must, but not much more than that.....
not sure if i'd prefer vietnam north to south or south to north (that is, where to start saigon or hanoi), but there is so much to see and do in vietnam...as hard as it is to imagine, the natural beauty of the country is breathtaking...

 

[whayes]

you could visit japan on your own - you don't have to wait for ABD...
japan is very easy to visit on your own..
the japanese are very helpful.....

I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit Japan (including TDL and TDS). The unfortunate part was that it was only for a week. My exchange sister was my guide, so I had more of an insider experience. But there is nothing like an ABD experience. They take you inside and make everything magical. They give you the first class experience but also help you to get down and dirty. I will take every opportunity I can to visit Japan and I hope ABD will be one of them. I love Japan and its people!

 

[disneyholic family]

I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit Japan (including TDL and TDS). The unfortunate part was that it was only for a week. My exchange sister was my guide, so I had more of an insider experience. But there is nothing like an ABD experience. They take you inside and make everything magical. They give you the first class experience but also help you to get down and dirty. I will take every opportunity I can to visit Japan and I hope ABD will be one of them. I love Japan and its people!

oh i'm sure that an ABD trip to japan would be lots of fun....especially the TDR portion of the trip!

 

[smep013]

When we were on the China trip last summer, we asked about Japan and our guide told us that it was too expensive (at the time) for Disney to work out a price point that would be attractive to travelers and still live up to ABD standards. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[vakamalua]

A few years ago, we did a two-week Tauck 'Essence of Japan' tour. We flew into Tokyo a few days early and used DVC points to stay at the Hotel Miracosta at Tokyo Disney. It was of of the most beautiful hotels I've ever seen, Disney or otherwise. The Magic Kingdom there is wonderful--it was worth the trip to hear the Country Bears singing in Japanese. And Disney Sea is a must see!

It was easy to add the days at TD on our own; just got a cab from the airport and then the hotel arranged for a cab to take us to the hotel where we met the Tauck tour. Not too many staff spoke English, but the Japanese are extremely helpful and were delighted to see an American family.

The Tauck tour was extremely well done. Not sure if the itinerary has changed but we had a few days in Tokyo, an overnight by bullet train to the Mount Fuji area, then up into the Japanese alps where stayed in Takayama, from there we spent a night in a fabulous ryokan (Japanese style hotel) and then ended up with a few days in Kyoto. We had no hesitation to go off on our own during our free time.

I would go back in a heartbeat! Don't wait for ABD to offer it...

 

[DigitalBelle]

If for whatever reason you did have to pick one park, go with Disney Sea. Another post mentioned that Tokyo Disney is basically the magic kingdom...although in a very condensed layout with rides like Star Tours (why? I don't know!). I think an immediate left turn from main street takes you to pirates. I did enjoy the Roger Rabbit ride a lot, though. Similar to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (rest in peace!) with more spinning. They sell the coolest/cutest merchandise because it's catered to Japanese taste, like the food.
The more I think about it, go to both! You've already gone that far, right?

BUT if you go to Japan, you'll get more of the cultural experience off the beaten path. When you're in Tokyo, it's just going to be another Big City. Lots of these in the world. Things are crowded, expensive, etc. At least in Kyoto (technically also a city..) there are beautiful, ancient castles along the outskirts.

 

[danv3]

Japan is the one ABD I always look for this time every year. With the possibility to tie in to Tokyo Disneyland, it seems like a no brainer to me that they'd offer it. Hopefully someday...

 

[tsgirl]

I vote for an ABD Japan trip as well. It would shoot to the top of my list, but I would hope a Tokyo Disney visit would be included!

 

[LisaTex]

I agree Japan would be a great trip - the cost must be the issue. I am a loyal DL and MK lover but Disney Sea was amazing!. I hate to say it but as "perfect" as DL and MK seem they seem to take it up a notch at Disney Sea. We didn't get to visit outside of Tokyo as we were only there a few days as we were on our way to our China ABD - our favorite trip ever

 

[marcher!]

I've been to Japan twice personally and you definitly do not need a tour group. I personally am against tour groups unless it's disney. I trust the disney company.

I've done tours in different countries where they take you only the tourist destinations and nothing else. Japan is real easy to travel and there's not too much of a language barrier. It is expensive though. Round trip flight cost me...2,000.

 

[kate_wdw]

I agree with PPs that Japan is very easy to travel on your own, given how many people speak English and how friendly and helpful the Japanese are to visitors.

 

[Mrsjvb]

I've been to Japan twice personally and you definitly do not need a tour group. I personally am against tour groups unless it's disney. I trust the disney company.

I've done tours in different countries where they take you only the tourist destinations and nothing else. Japan is real easy to travel and there's not too much of a language barrier. It is expensive though. Round trip flight cost me...2,000.

you got off cheap. I have a flight scheduled for Okinawa the last day of November: over $6K. ( of course that is first class, so yeah...but even Coach was over $3K)

do not discount Tokyo as just another Big city. Ueno Park alone is worth the price of admission. Museum of Western Art and it's many Rodins..*le sigh of ecstasy* and there are many shrines and temples within the city limits. and don't forget the palace! beautiful gardens.

much of the country is bi lingual signage as well, and the train system is ridiculously punctual. Hakone is a great destination( be sure and get an egg at the sulfur springs!) and while yes it is expensive there are ways to eat cheap..and well. street vendors abound, and the basements of major department stores are a treasure trove of wonders.

I miss living there....