PTR - Disney History in the Making!

[WanderlustNZ]

I know it's not the norm for us Disney planners, but at this point I'm just getting a broad overview of what's around, I'll get into details a bit later. Unfortunately budget is going to be what this trip is all about, whether I do it as part of a group tour, independent tour, or go it alone. I don't mind travelling by train (but I won't do it overnight if I'm on my own), or staying in basic accommodation, as long as I have my own room and bathroom and it has heating If it's part of a hostel, so be it. My main concern is really getting between stations/airports and hotels, as well as obviously getting out and about to the various sights I want to see. So maybe it would work just as well if I go it alone, but pre-book transfers and tours. I'm pretty independent and don't mind being on my own, but if I join day tours, at least I won't be on my own the whole time. You do make a good point about being able to blend in to the background a little I'll do a lot more research and cost comparison before deciding on any one option. DH may decide to come with me, but I think it's best if I don't count on it. We honestly don't mind travelling without each other sometimes. I'd rather save our joint travel for places we both really want to go to.

All good points. At the end of the day, only you know what is right for you.

It's great that you and DH are comfortable travelling separate from each other. DH doesn't enjoy travel like I do, so sometimes has issues with the money we spend each year on trips. So I have in the past suggested taking DS away on my own to save us a bit on money. But he doesn't like that idea either as he's worried he'll miss out on precious family memories. Basically we all go, or none of us go.
Not that I should complain I suppose. I went to Barcelona without him, loved it, and now I want to go back just so he can see it too. I guess, in a backwards kind of way, travelling together helps me tick off my bucket list faster

 

[zanzibar138]

All good points. At the end of the day, only you know what is right for you.

It's great that you and DH are comfortable travelling separate from each other. DH doesn't enjoy travel like I do, so sometimes has issues with the money we spend each year on trips. So I have in the past suggested taking DS away on my own to save us a bit on money. But he doesn't like that idea either as he's worried he'll miss out on precious family memories. Basically we all go, or none of us go.
Not that I should complain I suppose. I went to Barcelona without him, loved it, and now I want to go back just so he can see it too. I guess, in a backwards kind of way, travelling together helps me tick off my bucket list faster

I'm very lucky that DH is just as interested in travel as I am and doesn't mind making it a priority financially. We just have different places that we want to see (which is only natural and means we both get to see things that we might not on our own). We don't have any kids though, so it's a bit different. I imagine I would feel like I was missing out if DH took our child for a holiday without me!

 

[shushh]

I'm reading this with great interest because we are seriously considering being in Shang Hai in December 2015 for the same reason...not sure if we'll be there on opening day itself but we do want to be there. I too am keeping an eye out of how progress is going. If it opens after late Jan, we won't be able to go as the kids will need to be in school.

The others have given quite a good run down on the basics of Chinese tourism and pitfalls. If by some chance, you'll be going alone, and we also go, and you feel comfortable travelling with a horde...feel free to join us. I'm Chinese (well partly) and I speak mandarin (poorly but enough to get by!). And you won't be the only ones that people stare at because hubby is caucasian! Although these days in the big cities, it doesn't really happen any more.

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm reading this with great interest because we are seriously considering being in Shang Hai in December 2015 for the same reason...not sure if we'll be there on opening day itself but we do want to be there. I too am keeping an eye out of how progress is going. If it opens after late Jan, we won't be able to go as the kids will need to be in school.

The others have given quite a good run down on the basics of Chinese tourism and pitfalls. If by some chance, you'll be going along, and we also go, and you feel comfortable travelling with a horde...feel free to join us. I'm Chinese (well partly) and I speak mandarin (poorly but enough to get by!). And you won't be the only ones that people stare at because hubby is caucasian! Although these days in the big cities, it doesn't really happen any more.

Wow thanks so much for the offer I would absolutely consider that! I'll continue my research for now, but definitely keep me in the loop

 

[shushh]

Wow thanks so much for the offer I would absolutely consider that! I'll continue my research for now, but definitely keep me in the loop

Its my pleasure! Don't worry I won't hold you to anything. We'll keep each other in the loop and see how things go. There are a lot of maybes at the moment!

Which sites do you use/monitor for updates with regard to progress? The only one that I visit is the official website but I'm guessing that will be behind. I'm wondering if there will be specials offered to Chinese nationals? If you do find out that there is, please let me know. I have an uncle who lives in Shang Hai. Although he will be happy to help, he is elderly and will need to be given very specific instructions.

 

[zanzibar138]

Its my pleasure! Don't worry I won't hold you to anything. We'll keep each other in the loop and see how things go. There are a lot of maybes at the moment!

Which sites do you use/monitor for updates with regard to progress? The only one that I visit is the official website but I'm guessing that will be behind. I'm wondering if there will be specials offered to Chinese nationals? If you do find out that there is, please let me know. I have an uncle who lives in Shang Hai. Although he will be happy to help, he is elderly and will need to be given very specific instructions.

I keep an eye on Screamscape. They post updates from other sites like the Theme Park Guy etc as well. The official site is absolutely useless. I'm also signed up to their FB page, and I think they've posted about 3 status updates in about 2 years. Definitely go Screamscape

I'm guessing there will be offers for Chinese nationals too. There is a relationship with one of the airlines (China Southern maybe, can't remember now!), and there will be free park tickets offered with flights at some point.

 

[shushh]

I keep an eye on Screamscape. They post updates from other sites like the Theme Park Guy etc as well. The official site is absolutely useless. I'm also signed up to their FB page, and I think they've posted about 3 status updates in about 2 years. Definitely go Screamscape

I'm guessing there will be offers for Chinese nationals too. There is a relationship with one of the airlines (China Southern maybe, can't remember now!), and there will be free park tickets offered with flights at some point.

Thank you! I had been trawling myself to get info. This is MUCH MUCH better!

I can't believe that they're not serving Coke...as a die hard coca cola fan. I'm devastated!

OK now to find someone who can read chinese to keep an eye on that China Eastern site. The "English" version, at a quick glance, did not look the same as the "chinese" version.

 

[zanzibar138]

Thank you! I had been trawling myself to get info. This is MUCH MUCH better!

I can't believe that they're not serving Coke...as a die hard coca cola fan. I'm devastated!

OK now to find someone who can read chinese to keep an eye on that China Eastern site. The "English" version, at a quick glance, did not look the same as the "chinese" version.

Yeah the Coke thing was a surprise for me too!

Keep me in the loop if you find anything else out that's in Chinese

For a long time it didn't seem like much was happening, but now it's starting to get exciting with things popping up everywhere!

 

[zanzibar138]

Another update on Screamscape, giving us our first look at the two hotels

The 5 star Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is, of course, elaborate and fancy looking, but in Art Nouveau style rather than the Victorian style of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Grand Floridian. The hotel is located on the shore of the lake, with a perfect view of the castle and fireworks. The rooms look plush with wooden castle bedheads.

The budget Toy Story Hotel looks like a lot of fun! As I mentioned previously, the outside is going to look like the sky and clouds from Andy's bedspread. The rooms also feature that same motif on one wall.

I might have to do a split stay

 

[Kristin5]

I had no idea that Disney is opening in China! Have I been living under a rock or hasn't it been very well publicised? How cool, to be there on opening day!

 

[shushh]

Both look good. Although I must admit I'm leaning towards the "5 star" option! Let's see how much it costs...

 

[zanzibar138]

I had no idea that Disney is opening in China! Have I been living under a rock or hasn't it been very well publicised? How cool, to be there on opening day!

It hasn't been well publicised at all I've really had to dig around the internet to find any information so far.

 

[zanzibar138]

Both look good. Although I must admit I'm leaning towards the "5 star" option! Let's see how much it costs...

Yes, cost will definitely be a deciding factor. And of course, the pictures of the completed hotels too with landscaping, amenities etc

 

[relbigguy]

Hi All, just wondered if anyone can help, does anyone know how to get tickets etc yet for the grand opening? Thanks Rachael

 

[ssour]

I wonder if getting a room onsite here will be as hard as getting a room onsite in Tokyo Disney? I know that popular times there like the holidays sell out the day the rooms are released. I don't think they're planning on marketing Shanghai much here as they are anticipating it will be mostly visited by domestic crowds (like Tokyo).

 

[maryr1oz]

Yay - glad to be back and onboard for your planning for Shanghai!

I feel the same way about crowds and personal space that you do too

 

[zanzibar138]

Hi All, just wondered if anyone can help, does anyone know how to get tickets etc yet for the grand opening? Thanks Rachael

When you find out, let me know I imagine they won't be selling any tickets until they at least have a definite opening date.

I wonder if getting a room onsite here will be as hard as getting a room onsite in Tokyo Disney? I know that popular times there like the holidays sell out the day the rooms are released. I don't think they're planning on marketing Shanghai much here as they are anticipating it will be mostly visited by domestic crowds (like Tokyo).

I will be jumping on rooms as soon they are released There is no way I'm going to be missing out on this one!

Yay - glad to be back and onboard for your planning for Shanghai!

I feel the same way about crowds and personal space that you do too

Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing about your trip

 

[PrincessInOz]

Yay - glad to be back and onboard for your planning for Shanghai!

I feel the same way about crowds and personal space that you do too

Welcome back!

 

[Sugarglider]

I know I am going to Japan in 2016 - so whilst I am very interested in Shanghai opening i think I would have to win the lottery to jam in two trips in one year - sigh.
I went to China twenty COUGH COUGH thr COUGH ee years ago (I am so old).
And like you I would go visit other sites too.
Blimey - when I went I think we had to go in a group with a guide. We were pretty worried about the food back then - the sanitation left something to be desired but no one had problems. Whilst the place was very agricultural I suspect all that land is now swamped with buildings and it is that change that interests me the most. the other thing is that the pollution is dreadful. I instantly had respiratory problems - horrible.
It will take a while for disney to announce dates and sales but an opening would be very fun (in a masochistic, crowded kind of way). So I'll keep track of you and see what you can find out!

 

[zanzibar138]

I know I am going to Japan in 2016 - so whilst I am very interested in Shanghai opening i think I would have to win the lottery to jam in two trips in one year - sigh.
I went to China twenty COUGH COUGH thr COUGH ee years ago (I am so old).
And like you I would go visit other sites too.
Blimey - when I went I think we had to go in a group with a guide. We were pretty worried about the food back then - the sanitation left something to be desired but no one had problems. Whilst the place was very agricultural I suspect all that land is now swamped with buildings and it is that change that interests me the most. the other thing is that the pollution is dreadful. I instantly had respiratory problems - horrible.
It will take a while for disney to announce dates and sales but an opening would be very fun (in a masochistic, crowded kind of way). So I'll keep track of you and see what you can find out!

Welcome aboard! I knew pollution is a big problem over there, but I didn't make the connection to respiratory problems, so thanks for the heads up.

I hope they don't leave it too late to announce an official opening date. Surely they can at least narrow it down a little bit by now!