WWYD - Disappointing trip: Go again now or wait?

[Karin1984]

Hi all,

This isn't actually about WDW, but I think I'll get a better response here. 3 weeks ago I've returned from a Disney Asia trip, going to all three Disney parks in Asia and some sightseeing in the cities. I'm now working on my trip report, and to be honest when I look back: I have some mixed feelings about this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Of course, no trip is perfect, but there were several issues making me think 'I need to go back, I need a second chance'. There were some personal/group dynamics issues. Weather in Shanghai & Hong Kong was almost too hot to handle. In Disneyland Shanghai we faced huge crowds (2 -3 hours lines at headliners). And overall, I just felt rushed doing these 3 cities & 3 parks in 2,5 weeks.

I am thinking of doing a solo trip next year in May during my birthday. I initially planned to only do Tokyo/Japan, but with my airline staff tickets and frequent flyer Miles, I could fit in Shanghai as well. Shanghai would be a short stop due to the transit-visa restrictions, 5-6 days in Shanghai and about 10-11 days in Tokyo/Japan. Including the Disney parks for a few days. Other option would be to spend 2-2,5 weeks in Japan.

Financially I can do this, but is it a good idea to go back so soon? The world is big, plenty of other places to discover. I would love to go to New Zealand or other places in that area. Also no guarantees this trip would be better, but going solo would solve the group issues, the weather and the crowds should be better. Then again, when I look at the expansion plans of Disneyland Tokyo, they should be ready in 2020. Should I wait?

Who knows this feeling after a disappointing trip and how did you handle this?

TIA!
Karin

 

[Upatnoon]

From your comments, your gut seems to be telling you to wait and to experience some new things.

One of the keys to having an enjoyable vacation is timing -- for example, going when the weather is favorable and the crowds aren't oppressive. Having the right companions or none at all. You are also right in that the world does have lots of places to discover and interesting cultures to learn from and interact with.

While visiting Disney is fun, I personally wouldn't make it a priority if I was visiting a place like China. In fact, I would probably be more interested to visit a Chinese theme park to see what their culture's take on the experience is. However, that's not to say I wouldn't be curious at how Disney does their non-U.S. theme parks.

In the end, it comes down to picking your priorities and making a decision as to what is most important to you.

 

[mamamelody2]

I would say do something else.
New Zealand looks amazing!

 

[wanderlust7]

I've had a trip be not as good as it could have been due to group dynamics. It does make me want to go back and have a do over. But the competing desire to experience something new is stronger.

My advice would be to do some preliminary research on New Zealand, or wherever else is at the top of you wish list. Looks at lots of pictures, read trip reports if you can find them, map out a rough itinerary. Then imagine your Japan/China trip with better weather and less crowds. See how it feels comparing the two, which you'd be more excited about.

Whatever you decide, have fun planning and have an awesome trip.

 

[Karin1984]

Thanks all!

From your comments, your gut seems to be telling you to wait and to experience some new things.

One of the keys to having an enjoyable vacation is timing -- for example, going when the weather is favorable and the crowds aren't oppressive. Having the right companions or none at all. You are also right in that the world does have lots of places to discover and interesting cultures to learn from and interact with.

While visiting Disney is fun, I personally wouldn't make it a priority if I was visiting a place like China. In fact, I would probably be more interested to visit a Chinese theme park to see what their culture's take on the experience is. However, that's not to say I wouldn't be curious at how Disney does their non-U.S. theme parks.

In the end, it comes down to picking your priorities and making a decision as to what is most important to you.

Well, the purpose of the trip 3 weeks ago had Disney as its main priority. I wanted to be see all the Disney parks in the world. But as it the Asian parks are on the other side of the world, I decided to combine it all in one trip. Also because I do not have an endless supply of vacation days ;-)

But now that my mission is accomplished I need something new on my bucket list.

I would say do something else.
New Zealand looks amazing!

I know, it looks incredibly beautiful, only problem is that it is two days travel away from my home, and that my airline staff tickets don't get that far. I can get to Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, but then I would still need a ticket to NZ. An increase in air fare, means a decrease in how many days I could travel.

I've had a trip be not as good as it could have been due to group dynamics. It does make me want to go back and have a do over. But the competing desire to experience something new is stronger.

My advice would be to do some preliminary research on New Zealand, or wherever else is at the top of you wish list. Looks at lots of pictures, read trip reports if you can find them, map out a rough itinerary. Then imagine your Japan/China trip with better weather and less crowds. See how it feels comparing the two, which you'd be more excited about.

Whatever you decide, have fun planning and have an awesome trip.

I have a plan for NZ, which could involve a transfer of 19 hours in Shanghai, arriving at 6 in the morning, and leaving at 1 of the following night. Should be sufficient to see Disneyland Shanghai, however... then I would be rushing again.

 

[Agent 86]

I would probably wait, simply to have a small "break". Of course, by waiting, you're increasing the chance of crowds when new attractions / areas open at Tokyo and Shanghai (IF you end up going in the first few months after opening).

I guess it really depends upon how important it is for you for Disney to be a part of your holiday. There are some decent deals available for flights to Europe, so you could throw caution to the wind and head to Paris Disneyland?

 

[Karin1984]

I would probably wait, simply to have a small "break". Of course, by waiting, you're increasing the chance of crowds when new attractions / areas open at Tokyo and Shanghai (IF you end up going in the first few months after opening).

I guess it really depends upon how important it is for you for Disney to be a part of your holiday. There are some decent deals available for flights to Europe, so you could throw caution to the wind and head to Paris Disneyland?

I don't need a flight to Europe because I am already in Europe I am from the Netherlands and am an AP holder in Disneyland Paris. I have now visited all 6 Disney parks and now need to find something new to do.

I am now investigating New Zealand and with a first budget I could do max. 2 weeks which seems too short. But maybe I can make it work. Or skip a year to save money.

 

[Flossbolna]

Interesting question! And difficult to give a good answer to. We had a similar thing happen with our Fantasy cruise in 2014. While the company was lovely (he was my boyfriend then and still is), we had some family issues going on at the point and that made us totally stressed out before the cruise and really affected the enjoyment of the trip. So, we tried to do a repeat in 2016. And somehow we realised that it is difficult to repeat something with the expectation of it being better than before. The family issues were gone, but somehow it did not turn into that magical trip that I had hoped for when planning it. There were new issues to deal with and I think the expectations were just too high.

Your situation is a bit different as you would be changing up some of the circumstances. But I wonder whether this will be enough. Thinking about the expectations I had about my Asia trip this summer, I think your expectations might have been very high as well. And then the trip did not live up to them. But this is always a danger when planning a trip. The more you expect, the easier you get disappointed. And I think returning to Asia in 2018 with the intent of getting that magical trip that you missed out on just might set you up for a new disappointment.

Ultimately, I think your idea of only doing Japan - maybe with a short visit in Shanghai, makes sense. However, that's what we did and I can tell you that I felt like I missed out even with our itinerary. There were moments when I felt that Shanghai did take away too much from our time in Japan.

I think going somewhere else where you really want to go in 2018 and return to Japan in 2019 might be the better option. Also, I can tell you that even those disappointing trips tend to become better the more the memory of the bad parts fades and the good moments take precedence.

 

[Flossbolna]

I don't need a flight to Europe because I am already in Europe I am from the Netherlands and am an AP holder in Disneyland Paris. I have now visited all 6 Disney parks and now need to find something new to do.

I am now investigating New Zealand and with a first budget I could do max. 2 weeks which seems too short. But maybe I can make it work. Or skip a year to save money.

But thinking along the lines of the previous poster: Maybe do a trip to California and spend time at Disneyland, see the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, visit the National Parks etc. could be a nice way of getting a Disney fix and see something different. (BTW I have a trip report from our trip where we did just that...)

 

[Absimilliard]

I also work for an airline and I get the feeling you have after your recent trip. The same thing happened to me with Europe and I took a longer break between trips there to avoid destination fatigue.

You could go back to Japan and visit other areas in the country before returning to Tokyo Disney in 2020. Osaka is a nice area and you could visit Universal Studios Japan there. Nara and Kyoto are also nearby, so this could be a fun trip.

 

[MouseFan88]

As a fellow Disney fan, and someone who went to New Zealand somewhat recently (2015), I would definitely encourage you to take a small break and try New Zealand instead. Due to vacation time available (and budget), my husband and I were also only able to spend 2 weeks there. We spent about 6 days on the North Island, and the rest on the South. You certainly won't be able to experience *everything*, but it's so, so worth it. I've traveled a lot, and I'm convinced that the scenery (and people) in New Zealand just can't be beat. I'd go there often, if it weren't for the huge amount of travel it takes to get there!

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about New Zealand as well, or to make suggestions.

 

[Karin1984]

Oh guys, all your advice isn't making things easier ;-) Everytime I think I made up my mind, I read this thread and consider other options.

Interesting question! And difficult to give a good answer to. We had a similar thing happen with our Fantasy cruise in 2014. While the company was lovely (he was my boyfriend then and still is), we had some family issues going on at the point and that made us totally stressed out before the cruise and really affected the enjoyment of the trip. So, we tried to do a repeat in 2016. And somehow we realised that it is difficult to repeat something with the expectation of it being better than before. The family issues were gone, but somehow it did not turn into that magical trip that I had hoped for when planning it. There were new issues to deal with and I think the expectations were just too high.

Your situation is a bit different as you would be changing up some of the circumstances. But I wonder whether this will be enough. Thinking about the expectations I had about my Asia trip this summer, I think your expectations might have been very high as well. And then the trip did not live up to them. But this is always a danger when planning a trip. The more you expect, the easier you get disappointed. And I think returning to Asia in 2018 with the intent of getting that magical trip that you missed out on just might set you up for a new disappointment.

Ultimately, I think your idea of only doing Japan - maybe with a short visit in Shanghai, makes sense. However, that's what we did and I can tell you that I felt like I missed out even with our itinerary. There were moments when I felt that Shanghai did take away too much from our time in Japan.

It's such a tough decision and absolutely a first world problem. I know how lucky I am to be able to say 'let's try again', but you are right, will it be enough?
I think the option Shanghai & Japan is definitely off the table, it will take away time from Japan and I don't want to rush around.

I also work for an airline and I get the feeling you have after your recent trip. The same thing happened to me with Europe and I took a longer break between trips there to avoid destination fatigue.

You could go back to Japan and visit other areas in the country before returning to Tokyo Disney in 2020. Osaka is a nice area and you could visit Universal Studios Japan there. Nara and Kyoto are also nearby, so this could be a fun trip.

That's the problem with working for an airline the world gets smaller and most places are within reach. It's never good to have too many options.

As a fellow Disney fan, and someone who went to New Zealand somewhat recently (2015), I would definitely encourage you to take a small break and try New Zealand instead. Due to vacation time available (and budget), my husband and I were also only able to spend 2 weeks there. We spent about 6 days on the North Island, and the rest on the South. You certainly won't be able to experience *everything*, but it's so, so worth it. I've traveled a lot, and I'm convinced that the scenery (and people) in New Zealand just can't be beat. I'd go there often, if it weren't for the huge amount of travel it takes to get there!

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about New Zealand as well, or to make suggestions.

6 days only on the North Island? You thought the South more interesting than the North?
I have found a company that organizes several excursions I'd be interested in, visit the Maori and Matamata for Hobbiton


So, what is on the list now:

JAPAN
Pros: I will be able to try to get a second chance, and I really want to see more of Japan. Cheapest option = longest vacation. Includes Disney
Cons: I've just been there, the world is bigger than this and no guarantee this vacation will be better than the last.
I have a decent plan now for Japan, starting in Osaka, visit Nara, then go to Kyoto, maybe stop in Nagoya, and then to Tokyo for a few days, a day trip to Mnt Fuji and of course Disney.

NEW ZEALAND:
Pros: It's New Zealand!!! This destination is on the top of my bucket list. Also completely new, absolutely gorgeous. Hobbiton. English speaking, easier to make contact.
Cons: Expensive = short vacation, long travel time

I have also investigated Hawaii, with a combination of staff tickets and frequent flyer points, travel is relatively cheap. Few days on the big Island and a few days in Maui. And then stay a few days at Anaheim.

HAWAII
Pros: something completely new, and Hawaii is on my bucket list. Includes a Disney park I haven't visted for 4 years.
Cons: Shorter vacation than Japan, I'm not a beach person or into water sports. To investigate: is not having a driver's license an issue?

Last option, there is a travel company who does group trips and they have a one week trip to Jordan I am interested in.

JORDAN
Pros: Different, part of the world very different from my own. Rich on culture. Organized. Short, but relatively cheap, which would make a 2nd vacation next year possible. (or put the money aside and be sensible)
Cons: Not sure about the value, is the money worth what I'm getting? Group trip with strangers, not sure how well I will handle a group.

I was so sure about a Japan only trip... now I don't know anymore!
Any other suggestions?

 

[wanderlust7]

To investigate: is not having a driver's license an issue?

I think it would be for Maui and the Big Island. You would be stuck having to do tours, which can get expensive. If you're okay with that though, there is lots to do that's not the beach or ocean. Maui - Haleakala, Road to Hana, Iao Valley. Big Island - Volcanoes National Park (obviously), Mauna Kea, the ancient Hawaiian sites. The easiest island to visit without a car would be Oahu if you stay in Waikiki. The bus system is decent and there are lots of tours to choose from (with Groupon discounts, etc).

My vote is for New Zealand though because it's on my bucket list!

 

[MouseFan88]

6 days only on the North Island? You thought the South more interesting than the North?
I have found a company that organizes several excursions I'd be interested in, visit the Maori and Matamata for Hobbiton

Yes, we did. We're less into urban environments and prefer more time exploring scenery, hiking, etc. We only spent about 4 hours in Auckland, to put that in perspective. We're huge Lord the Rings addicts, so our time on the North Island was: 1 day of acclimating/hiking, 1 day at Matamata and hiking a nearby waterfall, 1 day in glowworm caves, 1 day at Tongariro, and 2 days in Wellington (1 was a full-day LOTR-sites tour). Our time in the South Island was more relaxed, and the scenery there can't be rivaled anywhere else. We drove all down the west coast starting from the ferry at Picton, and drove south and then wrapped around east through Queenstown and eventually to Christchurch. We spent our last night at the site where Edoras was built/filmed, and it's in the middle of nowhere. It was a spectacular way to end the trip.

 

[shelemm]

Quite frankly, the 3 cities 3 parks, especially during hot weather, sounds like a nightmare to me. Then again, as much as I am a Disney fan, I adore other things too. when I am in Florida, I go to other places aside from theme parks, including state parks, springs, museums, historic locations.... as much diversity as I can think of.

I find that often people have the mistaken notion that "I'll never get back" so they try to make it all about the 'highlights' and there's too much rushing around.

In terms of future travel, wherever you go, try not think of it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. Sometimes people do wind up going back, or conversely, their tastes and interests change and they wind up moving on from those experiences.

 

[katt789]

I would personally say wait a little bit, especially with all the incredible things that all the Asian parks are working on right now! New castle, parade, and new shows in HK, Toy Story land in Shanghai, Big Hero 6 attraction, BatB land, Arendelle, new parade, Soarin and more coming to Tokyo...there's lots that you'll probably want to go back and do in a few years anyways. Take advantage to explore some other areas, do New Zealand if you're interested in that, and then in 2021 or later you could redo all the Asia parks to see their expansions. Or hit it during 2020 to see the Olympics in Tokyo too (though crowds will be bad)

I have a similar experience with group dynamics, as it was originally just supposed to be me & my bff who i LOVE to travel with. BUT, the added person added a bad taste in my mouth, especially for China, if it hadn't been for friends working in SHDR, I would've had a HORRIBLE time. I don't plan on returning to China anytime soon, but since I've got the 10 yr Visa, I may as well if I'm in Asia again lol.

That being said, we were there last fall, and I have plans to go back to Tokyo Feb 2019. It's still a far way off, but I LOVED Japan & Tokyo so much and miss it so much that we wanted to go back this fall too!!