ChrisFL
Disney/Universal Fan and MALE
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2000
- Messages
- 9,194
Per someone's excellent recommendation I decided to start a TDR FAQ since many people have questions about the resort and Tokyo in general.
I have been to Tokyo and the parks twice, in 2009 and 2012.
Here we go:
* How many theme parks are there?
Tokyo Disney Resort is home to two theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea.
* Are the parks as nice as WDW or DL?
In my opinion and the opinion of many others who visited, they're actually much nicer in many ways. The quality of the attractions is actually much higher with more intricate details or ride systems that are more advanced than anything we have in the U.S.. The cleanliness and friendliness of the staff is also very very high (but the same can be said for most of Tokyo itself!)
* Do they offer park discounts often?
This I am not too familiar with. One thing you have to keep in mind is that TDR is NOT owned or operated by Disney. It is owned by the Oriental Land Company. They license everything from Disney but run things their way (ironically a BETTER way these days than Disney itself).
* Are they "full day" parks?
VERY much so. Disneyland has a LOT of attractions and DisneySea is so gosh darn beautiful you could spend a whole day just walking around.
* Are park-hoppers available?
Not the same way as in the U.S.. You can purchase 1-day, 2-day, 3-day and 4-day park tickets but not "park hop" on the first or second day. For example if you buy a 3 day pass, you have to tell them which park you're visiting on which day for the first two days, then the third day, you can park-hop. 4-day tickets will be the same, with park-hopping on the third and fourth day.
* How many days do I need to see both parks?
I recommened 3 to 4 days to see everything. These parks get VERY busy at most times of the year.
* Do they have fastpass?
YES, and let me tell you, the guests KNOW EXACTLY how to use them, so you'll often see lines stretching for fastpasses nearly as long as the line to get in the attraction itself!
* Can I use a credit card in most places
I don't believe the food carts allow credit cards, probably only the restaurants. Ironically Japan is VERY cash based. Also, while we're on the subject, if you are off property and you want to use an ATM, look for 7-11 locations or post offices. Those are the only places you may find ATM's which take "western" cards typically.
* Do they use any wristband system like the new one at WDW?
No, they just have the fastpass system which works the same way as in WDW/DL.
* Is there pin-trading?
No. They had it temporarily but it wasn't popular.
* Are there any on-site Hotels?
YES, not only on-site, but VERY close to the parks. The MiraCosta Hotel is located INSIDE Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is directly outside of the Disneyland Park. There's also the Disney Ambassador Hotel which is not too far away.
There's also 6 "Partner" hotels right near the parks:
http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/about/rh/official.html
* Is there a monorail to get around?
Yes, to get between parks and some of the hotels there is a monorail, however due to city transit requirements it is not free. You can buy a pass for the monorail access, or use the same prepaid card for other trains in the Tokyo rail system (Pasmo or Suica).
Also, despite the fact that both parks are right next to each other, their entrances are FAR apart, so you will need a monorail to get between them.
* Will I have problems if I don't speak any Japanese?
Rarely will you have any issues within TDR. Most CM's speak at least some english or will happily find someone who will help you out. This is also what you'll probably find in Tokyo itself, people are very helpful to foreigners and quite pleasant in general. Having said that, realize that literally 95% of the guests at TDR are Japanese. Since TDR is not owned by Disney, but by Oriental Land Company, they don't get to advertise outside of their own borders, which is why you don't hear about TDR much internationally.
Of course, learning the basic greetings of Konnichiwa (Hello) and Arigatou Gozaimasi (Thank you very much) helps out. Japanese people are EXTREMELY POLITE in practically all situations, so doing this will really help you "fit in".
Also, most of the signs in TDR are in english. As for the attractions, admittedly most are in Japanese, but the storylines are often pretty basic. If you attend shows, you can get a translation device that follows along with the story (although I am not a "show" person, so I haven't personally tried one)
* What about food choices??
Food prices are probably a little bit higher but the food quality is also very very good. There is also quite a variety of choices, italian, american, chinese, sushi around the parks.
* Can I grab snacks to eat and walk around with?
You can buy snacks like the famous popcorn in many different flavors around the parks, but for some reason Japanese people DO NOT walk around while eating food. I doubt they'd "frown on you" for doing so, but it just isn't something that they do.
* What kind of park attire can I wear?
Although on my last trip I was wondering why I never see Japanese men wearing shorts, it isn't a problem, just not regularly seen (I did see a few finally, lol).
Most decent respectable clothes will be fine, just might not want to be in a bathing suit or something. Japanese people have a tendency to "dress up" a bit when going to the parks. Also, if you want to wear your nicest Disney princess outfit or special ears or hats, you'll fit RIGHT in. Putting on costumes in Tokyo overall is practically normal I think.
I have been to Tokyo and the parks twice, in 2009 and 2012.
Here we go:
* How many theme parks are there?
Tokyo Disney Resort is home to two theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea.
* Are the parks as nice as WDW or DL?
In my opinion and the opinion of many others who visited, they're actually much nicer in many ways. The quality of the attractions is actually much higher with more intricate details or ride systems that are more advanced than anything we have in the U.S.. The cleanliness and friendliness of the staff is also very very high (but the same can be said for most of Tokyo itself!)
* Do they offer park discounts often?
This I am not too familiar with. One thing you have to keep in mind is that TDR is NOT owned or operated by Disney. It is owned by the Oriental Land Company. They license everything from Disney but run things their way (ironically a BETTER way these days than Disney itself).
* Are they "full day" parks?
VERY much so. Disneyland has a LOT of attractions and DisneySea is so gosh darn beautiful you could spend a whole day just walking around.
* Are park-hoppers available?
Not the same way as in the U.S.. You can purchase 1-day, 2-day, 3-day and 4-day park tickets but not "park hop" on the first or second day. For example if you buy a 3 day pass, you have to tell them which park you're visiting on which day for the first two days, then the third day, you can park-hop. 4-day tickets will be the same, with park-hopping on the third and fourth day.
* How many days do I need to see both parks?
I recommened 3 to 4 days to see everything. These parks get VERY busy at most times of the year.
* Do they have fastpass?
YES, and let me tell you, the guests KNOW EXACTLY how to use them, so you'll often see lines stretching for fastpasses nearly as long as the line to get in the attraction itself!
* Can I use a credit card in most places
I don't believe the food carts allow credit cards, probably only the restaurants. Ironically Japan is VERY cash based. Also, while we're on the subject, if you are off property and you want to use an ATM, look for 7-11 locations or post offices. Those are the only places you may find ATM's which take "western" cards typically.
* Do they use any wristband system like the new one at WDW?
No, they just have the fastpass system which works the same way as in WDW/DL.
* Is there pin-trading?
No. They had it temporarily but it wasn't popular.
* Are there any on-site Hotels?
YES, not only on-site, but VERY close to the parks. The MiraCosta Hotel is located INSIDE Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is directly outside of the Disneyland Park. There's also the Disney Ambassador Hotel which is not too far away.
There's also 6 "Partner" hotels right near the parks:
http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/about/rh/official.html
* Is there a monorail to get around?
Yes, to get between parks and some of the hotels there is a monorail, however due to city transit requirements it is not free. You can buy a pass for the monorail access, or use the same prepaid card for other trains in the Tokyo rail system (Pasmo or Suica).
Also, despite the fact that both parks are right next to each other, their entrances are FAR apart, so you will need a monorail to get between them.
* Will I have problems if I don't speak any Japanese?
Rarely will you have any issues within TDR. Most CM's speak at least some english or will happily find someone who will help you out. This is also what you'll probably find in Tokyo itself, people are very helpful to foreigners and quite pleasant in general. Having said that, realize that literally 95% of the guests at TDR are Japanese. Since TDR is not owned by Disney, but by Oriental Land Company, they don't get to advertise outside of their own borders, which is why you don't hear about TDR much internationally.
Of course, learning the basic greetings of Konnichiwa (Hello) and Arigatou Gozaimasi (Thank you very much) helps out. Japanese people are EXTREMELY POLITE in practically all situations, so doing this will really help you "fit in".
Also, most of the signs in TDR are in english. As for the attractions, admittedly most are in Japanese, but the storylines are often pretty basic. If you attend shows, you can get a translation device that follows along with the story (although I am not a "show" person, so I haven't personally tried one)
* What about food choices??
Food prices are probably a little bit higher but the food quality is also very very good. There is also quite a variety of choices, italian, american, chinese, sushi around the parks.
* Can I grab snacks to eat and walk around with?
You can buy snacks like the famous popcorn in many different flavors around the parks, but for some reason Japanese people DO NOT walk around while eating food. I doubt they'd "frown on you" for doing so, but it just isn't something that they do.
* What kind of park attire can I wear?
Although on my last trip I was wondering why I never see Japanese men wearing shorts, it isn't a problem, just not regularly seen (I did see a few finally, lol).
Most decent respectable clothes will be fine, just might not want to be in a bathing suit or something. Japanese people have a tendency to "dress up" a bit when going to the parks. Also, if you want to wear your nicest Disney princess outfit or special ears or hats, you'll fit RIGHT in. Putting on costumes in Tokyo overall is practically normal I think.
I have a few specific questions if you please...
