A BUNCH of Random Questions!

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Sat, 07/12/2014 - 22:40

JMUDukz

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Joined: 03/28/2012

Posts: 822

A BUNCH of Random Questions!

Hi y'all!!

Been a while since I've been on. I have a couple of random questions and I know all the great people here will have the answers!! Been doing a lot of traveling for work (a LOT - my family actually threw me a Disney Princess themed "Fairytale Farewell" party before I left on my last trip!). I've managed to space my work travels out so that I can run both Wine and Dine Half in Nov and Glass Slipper in February (meet ups anyone??)!! I really wanted to do Dopey this year, but couldn't work the schedule, so that got pushed to 2016! But it will happen! For the November trip, we are staying at the Yacht Club. SOOOOOOOO excited to be able to walk to Epcot AND to be able to use Stormalong Bay!!! My sister's work friend is also a Disney travel planner and she was able to get us a good deal on the Yacht Club. I have to admit, I'm having a hard time using a travel agent, I'm so used to doing all the reservations myself. But she's awesome and deals with all my pain in the you-know-where control freak-ness. We will be going from Wed-Tues, b/c we got a GREAT deal on airfare from Dulles on Frontier (seriously, $15 each way + bags!!).

Anyway....on to my questions!!

1. I want to make sure I get the hotel of my choice for Glass Slipper in Feb. Is it too early to make reservations? I can't do it online (and haven't tried to call yet). When to AP holder discounts usually come out? Anyone know what hotels usually get the AP discount?? I know last year I changed from AoA to Pop b/c of the discount. I'd like to book as early as possible and then go back later and readjust my reservation with the AP discount.

2. Any advice on traveling to Tokyo Disneyland?? I'd most likely be going solo. I've read a few trip reports online, and am seriously thinking that I may want to go to Tokyo DL next June. I'm looking for any hints on travel from the airport to the parks, reviews on hotels (I will probably splurge and stay at a DL hotel, even though I know I could stay at a "good neighbor" hotel for less). Is June a good time to go? I looked at a crowd calendar but it was in Japanese, so that wasn't real helpful. One of the more concerning things I read online is that Disney does not permit tattoos in the park. I've read this is b/c of the association with tattoos and gangs in Japan, and if you are a foreigner, they will often look the other way b/c they know you are not part of a gang. Anyone have any experience with this?? I don't have massive tattoos, just an anklet band, but still I don't want to get to Tokyo and get kicked out b/c of my ink!! Since Tokyo DL isn't owned by Disney, am I going to get there and be disappointed by it's lack of "Disney-ness"? Any and all advice is welcome!!

If Tokyo doesn't work out, DLP is my back up....I'm less excited about DLP as I've been there before, BUT it was freezing cold and we stayed offsite, so I'm willing to give it another chance.

Thanks for your advice!! I will be stalking the site, if I don't respond, it's b/c I'm traveling and may or may not be able to write!!

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Sat, 07/12/2014 - 23:07

Spook

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Joined: 04/27/2012

Posts: 2786

First of all back!
I'm pretty sure you can make reservations for February. I've got mine but it's DVC so it might be different but I would think if you called you'd be able to make one.
I know nothing about Toyko DL but I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip!
I am also doing Glass Slipper so I'd be up for a pre race meetup!

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 23:41

alicemouse

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Joined: 10/22/2013

Posts: 2832

Yay!! JMUDukz is back!!

February dates are not open yet. It's driving me crazy. We're doing DL in March and I can't look at rates yet! ACK! But WDW booking is also not available yet

Unfortunately, I have no experience with the international Disney parks, so I'm not much help there. Not sure if you read allears.net, but some of the folks from that site just did a Tokyo trip and they have lots of videos and reviews and things posted. That might be a good place to start!

Sadly, no meet-ups for us After ToT 10-miler, we're done until DL in March.

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Sun, 07/13/2014 - 01:11

JoAnn C

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Hello, my friend. DisneyDee has been to DL in Tokyo so I am sure she can give you some tips.

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Sun, 07/13/2014 - 01:15

SpamGoddess

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Posts: 292

I recommend checking out this site for help with Tokyo Disney!! http://www.disneytouristblog.com/tokyo-disney-trip-planning-guide/

And I wouldn't be concerned about the lack of "Disney" at TDR. It seems to be the favorite resort of everyone that's been there!! I really hope to get over there in the next 5 years or so. Everything about it looks AMAZING (especially DisneySea).

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Mon, 07/14/2014 - 18:56

Allie

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Posts: 5477

I'm so jealous you're going to Tokyo Disney! It is supposedly THE best themed Disney park out there so I don't think you need to worry about the lack of Disney-ness. I'm so excited to hear about your plans once they get rolling!

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Tue, 07/15/2014 - 20:15

JMUDukz

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Joined: 03/28/2012

Posts: 822

Woohoo! Thanks for the warm welcome back!! So I booked my room at POFQ for Princess. I've gotten spoiled with the AP discounts and other race discounts, paying full price gave me quite a bit of sticker shock. But POFQ is just my backup. I'm on the wait list to rent points at BCV through David's DVCbyrequest. Anyone have any other websites they use for DVC rentals?? David's was really easy, but they don't have any members with BCV points right now. Trying to decide if I should see if they can get me into another resort or if I should just hang out and wait for the AP discounts and then try to upgrade. Decisions, decisions. Very excited to have another Disney trip to plan!

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Tue, 07/15/2014 - 20:38

MandaLynn

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Joined: 09/22/2013

Posts: 213

I am also very jealous of your trip to Tokyo Disney!! From everything I've read and seen, it looks amazing (though unfortunately I have ZERO knowledge to share!).

As far as DVC points, my sister and I worked with Lindsay at the DVC Rental Store and found it very easy, professional, and well-priced. We stayed in a deluxe studio at the Boardwalk Villas last May and LOVED it! Will definitely be booking our next 'sister trip' through them Feel free to message me know if you would like further info.

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Wed, 07/16/2014 - 15:04

EmFord

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Joined: 02/12/2014

Posts: 414

I agree with MandaLynn. I am in the process of working with Lauren at the DVCRental store for my upcoming stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have found them really helpful and easy to work with. I like it a little better than David's because you don't have to put down a deposit to check availability and you can pay in multiple installments as long as you are all paid 45 days before your trip. Lauren was really quick to get back to me about my initial inquiry and after changing dates multiple times she still found me a great place to stay.

It wouldn't hurt to put in a request and see if they have anything available, since there isn't a deposit required.

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Mon, 07/21/2014 - 09:49

DisneyDee27

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Joined: 04/02/2012

Posts: 1600

JMUDukz wrote:

2. Any advice on traveling to Tokyo Disneyland?? I'd most likely be going solo. I've read a few trip reports online, and am seriously thinking that I may want to go to Tokyo DL next June. I'm looking for any hints on travel from the airport to the parks, reviews on hotels (I will probably splurge and stay at a DL hotel, even though I know I could stay at a "good neighbor" hotel for less). Is June a good time to go? I looked at a crowd calendar but it was in Japanese, so that wasn't real helpful. One of the more concerning things I read online is that Disney does not permit tattoos in the park. I've read this is b/c of the association with tattoos and gangs in Japan, and if you are a foreigner, they will often look the other way b/c they know you are not part of a gang. Anyone have any experience with this?? I don't have massive tattoos, just an anklet band, but still I don't want to get to Tokyo and get kicked out b/c of my ink!! Since Tokyo DL isn't owned by Disney, am I going to get there and be disappointed by it's lack of "Disney-ness"? Any and all advice is welcome!!

If Tokyo doesn't work out, DLP is my back up....I'm less excited about DLP as I've been there before, BUT it was freezing cold and we stayed offsite, so I'm willing to give it another chance.

Thanks for your advice!! I will be stalking the site, if I don't respond, it's b/c I'm traveling and may or may not be able to write!!

Thanks JoAnn C I'm happy to help anyone with questions regarding the international parks.

Hi there JMUDuckz I have been to the Tokyo parks three times since 2006. I have been slacking here at WDWFG...I pretty much stalk, the FB page though. If you need more timely info from me or PM me, I'll get an email and try and get back to you quickly.

I have tattoos and had no issues at the parks. You may not be able to do the public hot springs in certain places but the theme parks are fine. I have not stayed at the TDL resort hotels (one day I hope too) it's very easy getting to TDL/TDS by train. There are numerous metro maps and JR maps that show you how to get there. Also once you get to the park train stop (Iskipari sp?) you'll need to purchase a one way ticket on the monorail to the actual resorts/parks. I think it was like .50-.75 US. For your first visit I recommend riding the monorail completely around, then get off at which ever park you'd like to start. They don't really have a pRk hopper perse but they do on certain days have twilight hours in which you can buy a discounted ticket after 4 pm if you plan to hop. We didn't do that on our first trip we had too much to explore in each park.

Upon entering the CMs will more than likely hand you an English guide map as you enter the turnstiles. Tokyo Disney Sea is my favorite park however please do NOT miss the Winnie the Pooh ride at TDL- trust me on this... also the parades are awesome. The Disney parks in Tokyo are super disneyfied. If you think our American parks are clean OMG be prepared to be impressed. When the Japanese go to Disney they are there to enjoy the magic. Everyone is enjoying themselves, they place plastic blankets down on the ground for parade or fireworks viewing and no one others their stuff. People sit down for the electric parade even in the back (what would be standing room areas in the us). Oh and don't miss the water show or fantasmic in TDS. I'm happy to answer any of your questions so feel free ask here or hit me up

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A BUNCH of Random Questions!