Tokyo Disneyland
Topic: Tokyo Trip Planning - Need Help

#	Author	Message
21	Mr X Sat 7/11/2009 3:14a	January 4th (or 6th if the 4th is a Saturday) until mid-March is significantly slower. Unfortunately it's also significantly colder, with reduced park hours in some cases. However, if you're so inclined, it can be very enjoyable for the hardy and adventurous traveller who wants to enjoy far quieter parks (at DisneySea EVERYTHING is a walk-on, and TDL has significantly fewer waits as well) and doesn't mind freezing. Plus, if you're lucky, you can watch the snowfall over the castle from WorldBazaar. One of the coolest Disney experiences I've ever had.
22	SuperDry Sat 7/11/2009 11:45a	I spent a week at TDR in mid-January once, and it is indeed much like Mr X describes it: no crowds, and most things are a walk-on. It was indeed *very* cold outside, but I planned for it and brought proper clothing including cap, scarf, and gloves, and was just fine. Even when I camped out along the parade route for Dreamlights one night, I basically laid flat on the concrete for an hour when it was freezing outside - with proper clothing, it's just not an issue. But, the cold might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you're seeing other things in Japan. As far as park hours being reduced, that really wasn't an issue. You get so much more done because of the lack of crowds that it more than makes up for the shorter hours. And, they still more or less put on a full roster of entertainment including shows and parades.
23	wingednike Sun 7/12/2009 12:49a	Japan cold is nothing like California cold. I went in late March and I brought a ton of sweaters. It was so cold I felt as if I were wearing just a tank top. Bring a snow jacket (or see if you can buy a cheap one at Uniqlo) and wear layers. One morning it was so cold I saw snow falling but a few hours laters it was too hot to keep the jacket and shirts on.
24	SuperDry Sun 7/12/2009 2:36a	<<< Japan cold is nothing like California cold. I went in late March and I brought a ton of sweaters. It was so cold I felt as if I were wearing just a tank top. Bring a snow jacket (or see if you can buy a cheap one at Uniqlo) and wear layers. >>> I hear you. I used to think that things like gloves, a cap, and even a scarf were more or less window dressing during cold weather, and that the important things were a good sweater and jacket. But those extra accessories made all the difference between me being miserable at TDR in January and me actually being comfortable.
25	Mr X Sun 7/12/2009 3:10a	Yup...other smart options would include long undies and heavy socks. Does make a difference in your comfort level on those frosty days (Boston native here), and it's well worth the trouble and expense as opposed to suffering all day long. Personally, gloves are ESSENTIAL on those freezing days (a good scarf works wonders too). The very difference between relative comfort and unhappy misery. ALSO, since we're on the subject, in Japan they have these things called "hokkairo" (short for "hot warm thing) you can buy in convenience stores. Essentially you open up this little pack and it warms up. You can hold them in your hands, throw them in your pockets, or with some versions stick them to your undershirt (not directly on the skin!), and they stay warm for hours. Something worth researching and asking about if you are in Japan in the wintertime (Mrs. X gives them out as gifts to my family in Boston and they LOVE them).
26	barboy Sun 7/12/2009 12:55p	////But thank you for what appears to be the #1 tip: arrive one hour early.//// Your welcome, but I'm saying ***AT LEAST*** 1 hr. before game time. If I (1) were a huge Disney park fan (2) had such very little time at TDR (3) had not been to the resort before (4) won't be getting to TDR very often in the future then really I'd be in line 1.5 hrs bfore "open gate" during a busy time--- certainly not 45 minutes as every bit closer to the front of the line counts; 1 hr. before and you should be OK(but even at 1 hr you will see many queuing already). But I personally under those 4 circumstances above would be there even earlier. The point here of course is to stay ahead of the wild packs which arrive by the trainloads. I would stick and move, hitting the park hard for the first 2 1/2 to 3 hrs to see attractions before the 2hr waits kick in come 12 or 1 pm. When the park swells with guests that's when it's time to relax and stroll taking in the cool sights, shop, eat and finally get to pee :) I only have one real gripe with TDR(OK 2....the costs to stay at Mira Costa and DL Hotel) and that is crowds and the crowds form early and often. This isn't a Walt Disney World relaxed environment where throngs of guests have 6 and 7 days on property to sleep in a bit at Caribbean Beach, tap a character breakfast or take in swim at a resort pool and then head to the parks by 11:30 or 12. TDR is a different animal and thus must be tamed in a different way.
27	Mr X Sun 7/12/2009 1:38p	Actually I wouldn't say more than an hour unless it is expected to be an exceptionally busy day. One hour should be fine. Seems to me that the crowds seem to really pack in around 40 minutes to showtime so it's good to be ahead of them. Just so you know WHY this is so important, if you arrive NEAR opening time so you're in the back of the line..it will take you 20-25 minutes just to get IN (this happened to me a few months back when I had plans to meet my group in the park, I was almost late in meeting them because of this!).
28	Mr X Sun 7/12/2009 1:39p	"20-25 minutes just to get IN" After they open the gates, I mean. So you're already at a huge disadvantage as far as hitting the good stuff early.
29	Santa Monica Tue 9/29/2009 1:46p	Hey guys. Remember me? The trip that was happening and then wasn't happening is now happening again and is coming up in ONE WEEK! We are staying at the Okura Tokyo Bay. Visiting Disneyland on oct 8, disneysea oct 9, and then park hopping on the third day. Also on the third day we are seeing the cirque show Zed. My plan on the first day is to line up at least one hour before opening and then mad dash it to poohs hunny hunt for a fast pass. Then rush back to monsters Inc and standby that ride. Does this make sense? Or has monsters become more popular than pooh? Thanks for all your help. This vacation came real fast and I'm uber excited!!!
30	Santa Monica Tue 9/29/2009 1:48p	Also any tips on how to go about conquering Disneysea would be great. A gameplan with what to hit first, which rides to fast pass, and so forth.

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