OMG OMG I'm Getting My Dream Trip!

[minnie mum]

Just got off the phone with DH and if I can't share this with someone soon I'm gonna bust! I have wanted to visit Japan since I was a wee little gir. I am now a not-so-wee Grandma. We are finally going on our once in a lifetime trip in September. Two week escorted tour of Japan and then 2 days to explore TDL and Tokyo Sea. I know that we need more time than that to do justice to the Disney parks, but it isn't in the cards. And I have no doubt that this will be our only trip there.

We probably won't be staying on property, but our tour operator said he was going to recommend a couple of partner hotels nearby.

I know I will be reading all the info possible on this forum for the forseeable future, and will be asking all kinds of questions soon. But for now I just wanted to share my wonderful new. I haven't been this excited about something in years. So YAY!!

ETA: My first question, since I haven't had a lot of time to study the official web site: Are the Tokyo parks as wheelchair accessible as those in the US?

 

[pacdomer]

Congrats on the upcoming trip to TDR Minnie Mum! You will have a wonderful time there (and in Japan). I just got back from the resort yesterday (I miss it already) and can say with most certainty that they are wheelchair accessible. Like in the US, they also rent wheelchairs for those who may need one. I hope you have fun planning your trip!

 

[minnie mum]

Thanks so much for the quick reply. That's a load off my mind since it would otherwise have meant skipping the parks and that would have made me VERY sad. Now on with the planning- gosh only 7 months to go

 

[robinb]

You will LOVE Japan and TDL. Make sure to get over to Disney Seas. I think it is my DH's favorite park (and we have been to all of them). I have stayed at both the Hilton and the Sheraton which share a monorail station. I would have to give the Sheraton a little bit of an edge. I would say that both hotels are fairly affordable (whatever that means in Japan ) in September as the kids are back in school by then. Be ready for some serious sticker shock. Japan is the most expensive place I have ever visited. It makes NYC, London & Paris all look cheap.

I assume you are going to Hiroshima. It is an extremely moving place. Here is a photo from our last visit:

 

[minnie mum]

Thank you robinb. We will for sure be spending a day at Disney Sea! I can't wait to see this place- am actually more excited about it than TDL!.

Yes, it will be a wonderful way to end an amazing trip. And we will be spending time in Hiroshima (in fact we will overnight there).

I think we've braced ourselves for the sticker shock. (If you think London's expensive, try holidaying in Denmark and Sweden!) Our TA hasn't gotten back to us with the names of the Tokyo hotels that have been recommended to him, but I'll be checking them out carefully and comparing them to the non-Disney hotels nearest the parks.

Is late Sept/early Oct. a good time for enjoying the fall colours in the countryside south of Tokyo, or is it still too early?

 

[DahliaRW]

We'll be there in September too!

 

[tokyodisneydad]

Sept./Oct. will definitely be too early to enjoy Fall colors...atleast for the most part. Make sure to go to guest services and get the handicap assistance card if you will be using a wheelchair. It works like a fastpass except is a little better. Also while you are there ask for the attraction backstory pages. It's free, makes a nice souvenior and tells the back stories of the attractions.

 

[minnie mum]

Wonderful tips tokyodisneydad!! Thank you so much. The handicapped assistance card sounds a lot like the card required by wheelchair users at DLP, too. Good to know. And I had never heard of the background story pages. These will be a wonderful souvenir.

 

[minnie mum]

Time for a new question. Since I last posted, we have gotten a reservation at the Sheraton Grand Tokyo Bay with what I hope is a good discount. Am I correct that there is a limousine bus from Haneda Airport to Disneyland? We'll be flying in from Osaka. And what would be the easiest way to get from TDL to Narita on our departure day? Train or limousine bus?

OK, 2 questions. I saw on another thread about a visitor having difficulty figuring out the fastpass procedure. Is it different from the US? Are the machines designed the same way (put in your ticket and it spits out the fastpass)? Thanks for any info.

 

[BelleBway]

Time for a new question. Since I last posted, we have gotten a reservation at the Sheraton Grand Tokyo Bay with what I hope is a good discount. Am I correct that there is a limousine bus from Haneda Airport to Disneyland? We'll be flying in from Osaka. And what would be the easiest way to get from TDL to Narita on our departure day? Train or limousine bus?

There is a limousine bus, but it only runs a few times a day- the schedules are linked to the access section of the official site which is at: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/access/index.html You'll find a lot of info on the various transportation options there.

I haven't taken the limo bus, though I will try to on my upcoming trip this spring if the timing works out. I've taken the Narita Express train and transferred to the subway. I am sure the bus is way easier- I found my way both times but had some silly minor troubles even though I was familiar with Tokyo already. (one thing was that I didn't realize that you didn't need a new train ticket when transferring to the subway- the one from the Narita express is good)

ETA: Just saw that you are coming from Haneda; I've always flown into Narita but there are similar transit options and Haneda is closer to Tokyo.

Another option I've read (if you miss the last bus directly to TDR) is to take a limo bus to a nearby hotel and take a taxi from there. One thing you do NOT want to do is to take a taxi from Narita.... well, unless you're a zillionaire.

I stayed at that Sheraton last time, and it was great.

OK, 2 questions. I saw on another thread about a visitor having difficulty figuring out the fastpass procedure. Is it different from the US? Are the machines designed the same way (put in your ticket and it spits out the fastpass)? Thanks for any info.

I don't recall it being any different.

 

[tokyodisneydad]

Not sure why the other person had trouble with the FastPass system, but it is easy and as far as I know the same as the states. Also a CM will be standing at te machine to help you. when we went wit my mother in law and used the Fastpass system and the Handicap assistance card we rode everything in the park atleast once and many of the main attractions more than once.

*The las pic is from the handicap viewing area for the show.

 

[minnie mum]

Fabulous photos! Thanks so much for posting them. I'm really looking forward to seeing the show!

I am just so excited about this whole trip. I'm about 1/3 of the way thru lurkyloo's TR and already have a couple of pages of notes taken. You are all so much help. It's really reassuring. While I have no hesitation about going on independent trips anywhere in Europe, for some reason the idea of visiting Japan (while always my dream) has me feeling quite nervous. But doing lots of research ahead of time is always the best cure for that, and the Disers are always so generous with their knowledge.

 

[minnie mum]

Todays question of the day: Does TDS TOT have a chicken exit just prior to entering the ride elevator, as in the US? For the life of me I can't force myself onto the actual ride (awful fear of falling), but I know, after seeing photos of the preshow, that I will be desperate to see that part for myself....

 

[tokyodisneydad]

Yes there is a chicken exit, although if you are in a weelchair I am not sure where it is. There is an exit door on the right before loading. Just ask the staff....I'm sure they won't force you onto the ride.

 

[minnie mum]

After long hours perusing the official TDR site and Joe and lurkyloo's fabulous TRs, it's time for my newest question. I know that the options are practically limitless for dining but I'm thinking that after 2 weeks in Japan our finances will dictate a fairly frugal approach while at Disney.

1. Breakfast: we'll be at the Sheraton. Not big breakfast eaters, so coffee, juice and a roll, maybe a piece of fruit. Is there a grab and go at the hotel? Or should we stock up on some groceries at Ikspiari on arrival and just eat in our room?

2. Lunch and dinner will definitely be inside the parks, and we'll probably limit ourselves to CS (maybe one TS). Love all kinds of food, so won't rule out anything on that score. Any recommendations on places that won't break the bank?

 

[BelleBway]

I can't recall what the Sheraton had as far as breakfast; I'm not a big breakfast person either- I think I usually grabbed something at the parks... or skipped breakfast and had an early lunch. Despite not being into a huge breakfast, I usually end up grabbing a Mickey waffle at the Great American Waffle place at TDL's World Bazaar once a trip- they are too darn cute for me to resist!

I usually don't plan much ahead for meals in general in Tokyo and just end up looking around, seeing what I'm in the mood for, and playing it by ear. But a couple places I recall liking are:

Restaurant Hokusai- TDL Table service Japanese restaurant on the 2nd floor of World Bazaar which is a really nice, peaceful haven when the parks are crowded. I've never gone wrong there. I don't recall it being too expensive- but then again, the exchange rates were more favorable during my previous trips; I was reading an old travel blog of mine and I almost cried when I saw what the exchange rate was (128 yen per dollar in 2002! Now it's less than 80...)

Cafe Portofino- TDS Mediterranean Harbour cafeteria service. I liked their Blood Orange juice, and their food was also quite good.

 

[tokyodisneydad]

After long hours perusing the official TDR site and Joe and lurkyloo's fabulous TRs, it's time for my newest question. I know that the options are practically limitless for dining but I'm thinking that after 2 weeks in Japan our finances will dictate a fairly frugal approach while at Disney.

1. Breakfast: we'll be at the Sheraton. Not big breakfast eaters, so coffee, juice and a roll, maybe a piece of fruit. Is there a grab and go at the hotel? Or should we stock up on some groceries at Ikspiari on arrival and just eat in our room?

2. Lunch and dinner will definitely be inside the parks, and we'll probably limit ourselves to CS (maybe one TS). Love all kinds of food, so won't rule out anything on that score. Any recommendations on places that won't break the bank?

Can't tell you much about the Sheraton, but I have never seen a grocery type store in Ikspiari. Closest thing would be a convenience store near Guest Services andthe Maihama station. There also a few restaurants near the station that are cheaper than in the park. I do like the variety of Japanese breads though that may be good as a breakfast choice. Also in Ikspiari there is a Rainforest Cafe.

2. In the parks I usually do one of two things depending on the amount of time I have. I enjoy a few of the nicer restaurants if I have time...Magellons in Tokyo Disney SEA and if I can get a reservation Club 33 in TDL.
OR I cart hop in TDS...lot's of unique and good food at the carts. Gyoza dogs,Steam buns, Yucatan sausage.

Places I
recommend

TDL
China Voyager in Adventureland
Grandma Saras in Critter Country
American Waffle Company -across from POTCaribbean
Restaurant Hokusai

TDS
Zambini Brothers...has a balcony that you can watch the Harbor shows from
Cape Cod Cookoff if you are a Duffy fan...expect a LOOONG Line
Sebastians Calypso kitchen...good theming and hidden mickeys
New york Deli--reasonable sandwiches

Magellons for a sit down...pricey, but worth it--ask to be seated in the Secret Wine cellar room

Also if you like popcorn try ALL the flavors get the Souvenior bucket and refill it for the same price as a small

 

[BelleBway]

Can't tell you much about the Sheraton, but I have never seen a grocery type store in Ikspiari. Closest thing would be a convenience store near Guest Services andthe Maihama station.

Really? There was definitely a supermarket type place in the basement level of Ikspiari when I was there in 2005.

 

[minnie mum]

I can't recall what the Sheraton had as far as breakfast; I'm not a big breakfast person either- I think I usually grabbed something at the parks... or skipped breakfast and had an early lunch. Despite not being into a huge breakfast, I usually end up grabbing a Mickey waffle at the Great American Waffle place at TDL's World Bazaar once a trip- they are too darn cute for me to resist!

Mmmm Mickey Waffles. Let's see: waffles are a kind of bread, right? And strawberries are fruit. And whipped cream is dairy. Add 2 or 3 cups of coffee and you've got my idea of a well rounded breakfast!! And I think I saw that there was a bakery at TDS, so DH will be happy (I swear the man will make a U turn on a freeway for a bakery

TDL
China Voyager in Adventureland
Grandma Saras in Critter Country
American Waffle Company -across from POTCaribbean
Restaurant Hokusai

TDS
Zambini Brothers...has a balcony that you can watch the Harbor shows from
Cape Cod Cookoff if you are a Duffy fan...expect a LOOONG Line
Sebastians Calypso kitchen...good theming and hidden mickeys
New york Deli--reasonable sandwiches

Magellons for a sit down...pricey, but worth it--ask to be seated in the Secret Wine cellar room

Also if you like popcorn try ALL the flavors get the Souvenior bucket and refill it for the same price as a small

I saw some photos of Grandma Sara's that looked really intriguing. Think it is worth a try, for sure. China Voyager might be another good option for us.

Zambini Bro's: late lunch to watch Mythica- check!!
Cape Cod: Duffy-uh, No!
New York Deli: Reuben sandwich - I'm SO there!

Popcorn: I am really looking forward to trying out some of those flavours!

Thanks guys for all the great tips. Have you had dinner at the Queen of Hearts? Looks like it might be a fun and affordable meal?

 

[robinb]

Really? There was definitely a supermarket type place in the basement level of Ikspiari when I was there in 2005.

I thought I remembered one too! I also recall a "fast food" type place next to it which had noodles and curry.