Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea Planning - Help!!

[lat]

I plan to take my 2 girls (by then, they will just turn 9 and 6) to Japan for up to a week for last week of June in 2007.

Since it will just be me and the 2 kids. I would like to find out and start planning ASAP

We will be arriving in Japan probably on a Saturday. I checked Hotel Mira Costa's website for rates, and would prefer checking in there on a Monday. So that leaves me with Saturday and Sunday open.

I am a platinum member with Starwood, I can use my Starwood points to stay at any Westin or Sheraton hotels and be upgraded to even suites if they are available and get either club level room or free breakfasts.

We don't speak Japanese and will have jet lag since coming from the East Coast in the US.

Should we go to Tokyo - if so, what are the places that are good for kids to visit? Which Westin has a better location?

Is it worth it to spend the money to stay at Mira Costa vs. using Starwood points to get a club level room at the nearby Sheraton?

How many days do we need to visit both Disneyland and DisneySea, not commando style?

When we stay at WDW, we spend time at the pools at the resort, rent bikes, rent boats, do minature golf, go fishing. What are the things that are fun in and outside the parks?

Any other places woth visiting in Japan?

This will be my first time ever travelling with my 2 kids (hubby cannot come).

I really appreciate any suggestions you can provide. TIA!!!

 

[juju]

I can't answer all of your questions, not having any children. However, I have been to Tokyo Disney about 4 times and it is my favorite Disney park in the world after WDW. You will have no problem with the language there, everyone is so polite and helpful. The kids are adorable. I think you can do each park in one day, but you might consider 3 if you have time. Word to the wise, Pooh is very, very popular and people were running to get a fast pass when the park opened. The attraction is different than the others and Tokyo is the far superior one. Obviously, there are a lot of different attractions at Disney Sea, there really isn't another Disney park quite like it in the world. The Mira Costa is built such that it has an entrance to Disney Sea. Tokyo itself is a relatively short train ride away (15-20 mins?). The transportation in Tokyo and to the park is so efficient. With your two kids I would steer away from the trains at rush hour, my husband and I have been separated a few times after one of us was pushed out of the train with the crowd. I have not stayed at the Westin or Sheraton in Tokyo, just a Hyatt and Hilton, so cannot comment on the hotels. My friends who have been to Japan with their kids have had an awesome time, so I know there is a ton of stuff to do with the youngsters. Japan is a great country. I know that you would have a wonderful time, there is so much to see and do.

 

[lat]

Thanks so much for the reply. I am very excited about this trip planning because it will also be my kids' first time out of the US!!!

It is much harder to plan this trip because I went through Mousesavers and all the recommended sites and cannot figure out the sizes of the parks in relation to Disney or how long it will take to go through the attractions.

At least now I know I can do each park in one day if I need to.

Did you find problem in getting to ATMs, or exchanging traveler checks?

Thanks again?

 

[ChickieToo]

I went to Tokyo Disney just once, when I was on buisness in Tokyo about 13 years ago. The other poster is correct about the train service. The train to Disney is easy and efficient, but they are a real trip during rush hour. I'm about 5'3" and one morning the train was so packed, that I was literally lifted off my feet by the pressure from the other passengers and I just moved and swayed with the mass of people. I even let go of my briefcase and it just stayed in position. Kind of freaky actually, and I think it would be scary for kids.

Anyway, my real contribution here is just to let you know that June is the rainy season, and they aren't kidding. I was there for the whole month and it rained every day and was mostly grey and overcast. Also verrrrry humid. If you can plan your trip for a more temperate time of year I would suggest it.

 

[Michelle2]

I just got back from Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea about 2 months ago, and stayed at the Hotel Mira Costa for a few nights, and went to the parks for 3 days.
Pm me if you would like. I know that there is not much information about it! I have a family blog that has all sorts of pictures, and a small travel log of our trip there.
I was hoping they would get a small board going for Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea on the DIS for those that are planning, because there is not much CURRENT information on the web.

First of all, I LOVED the Mira Costa. What a beautiful, elaborate resort! To me, it was worth staying on property because the Mira Costa gets a little perk that I didn't know of before I left.

I have to get ready for some errands, but will come back and edit this post. I can post some pictures too if anyone would like to see.

 

[Baloo2003]

....First of all, I LOVED the Mira Costa. What a beautiful, elaborate resort! To me, it was worth staying on property because the Mira Costa gets a little perk that I didn't know of before I left.

Well you can't leave us hanging.....what was the little perk?

I have a long term goal of visiting the Tokyo parks.....just haven't saved enough and planned enough yet.

 

[juju]

ATMs and travelers checks wouldn't be a problem, but the other poster was right about the weather warning at that time of year. If you can swing your trip to spring or fall, it would be more enjoyable Another thing that we have done several times is to book a trip to Hong Kong. On our flight from Seattle, United has a layover at Narita Airport in Tokyo. We've laid over for several days in Tokyo before going on to HK and we make two trips out of it. Now that Hong Kong Disneyland has opened, you could visit both resorts!