Tokyo Disneyland
Topic: Kevin Yee Announces His TDR Touring Book

#	Author	Message
71	The Goddess Mara Sat 4/12/2008 10:52a	I'm in the process of reading and editing Kevin's book now. He's done an impressive job--far better than I thought possible for someone with only one trip under his belt. There are a few things I didn't know, which was the pleasant surprise I was hoping for. Unless you've been to the Tokyo Disney Resort half a dozen times and have it memorized, this will be a very handy book for everyone else.
72	Mr X Sat 4/12/2008 8:18p	***But from what I know of Kevin's vacationing style, his self-admitted desire to approach a new situation with as little information and bias as possible, I'm not sure I would be trusting his guidance if I were to want to visit TDL in the near future.*** I feel sort of mixed on this one. On the one hand I really LIKE the idea of approaching something new with little information. It can lead to discovering interesting stuff you might not have, and can help with the sense of pleasant surprise or wonder at seeing something you weren't expecting. On the other hand, it can lead to confusion, of course, and even sometimes danger (If someone just "landed" in Los Angeles and headed wherever the wind takes you, that could really lead to disaster lol). The cruise thing though, I don't know about any OTHER part of it but it's always a good idea to know what sort of attire is expected no matter WHERE you're going (whether it be a cruise, or a resort, or a restaurant etc...) to avoid embarrassment. If the brochure wasn't clear, it would've been prudent to inquire ahead of time. All these places have phone numbers and operators who can easily answer any questions like that. But back to the "first timers" sort of guide. I think it's a GOOD thing if that's his approach (don't over prepare or do too much homework, you might stifle the enjoyment), as long as he is coupling this advice with words from repeat visitors in order to make sure there aren't any mistakes in the guide.
73	The Goddess Mara Sat 4/12/2008 9:36p	I think, Mr.X, that's why he sent it to me, among others. I suppose if my suggestions conflict with his observations, confirmation from other sources should help to make things clear. Some writers unfortunately just stay the course, no matter which kind of suggestions they receive. I've been writing, editing, and publishing for 30 years ... must've learned something along the way! :)
74	Mr X Sun 4/13/2008 4:14a	Okay, having just received a copy for review I have one thing to say... KEVIN YEE WAS WRONG! This book most certainly CAN be of value to repeat visitors. I do believe he talked himself out of a sale, Malin, and that's unfortunate. It's got some very strong points, and interesting tidbits, and all kinds of stuff that is useful for not only the first time visitor but also a repeat visitor looking for more. I'm not saying it's totally strong on all sides, there are a few questionable things in there at the moment (mostly regarding those little travel details which you can't really know unless you've been through it a million times like myself or SuperDry or whoever), but I do think he's being a little too self-depricating to claim this book would be useful to first timers and not much for repeaters. I think, too, speaking directly to Kevin, that you need to remember that not everyone who is a repeat visitor is a "hardcore fan" such as ourselves who write about this stuff online and know "every little detail". There are plenty of people who've been there, maybe several times or more, but as casual park goers might not even realize some of the cool stuff you mention even exist (I especially like how you give attention to the little park details such as the grotto, mermaid lagoon, and the fortress). So, anyway, I'm still looking through but I think this book has some very positive stuff going for it. It most certainly COULD be of use to a repeat visitor, so I disagree with Kevin on that point. As for being "useful" to a repeat visitor who is also a Disney fan who writes on LaughingPlace or elsewhere? Well, is there really anything you DON'T know about Tokyo Disneyland (or WDW, or Disneyland) that would be solved by reading a travel guide? I think not. We fans read those sorts of books for different reasons. To check out "his take" on things, or whatever. Anyway, just thought I'd chime in now that I've finally gotten a chance to see it (I wouldn't have written anything had this been more "behind the scenes", but since Kevin already wrote about sending me a copy I figured it was okay...I'll do my best to help anyway I can to make suggestions improve this book to the extent that Kevin wants or needs, though I think he's already got his bases covered pretty nicely...now that I've seen it I really am pretty excited to FINALLY see something like this in print, in English!).
75	davewasbaloo Sun 4/13/2008 6:32a	Ok with Dave's recommendation, this will probably be added to my collection (I will make it over eventually, just 4 airfares and all the costs from the UK on one salary makes it challenging). When is it due for publication Kevin?
76	The Goddess Mara Sun 4/13/2008 7:35a	Publication has to be fairly soon as Kevin gave me only two weeks to go over the whole thing. Depending upon the type of printing service used, it could be anywhere from a month to 2 months.
77	barboy Sun 4/13/2008 9:36a	"just 4 airfares and all the costs from the UK on one salary makes it challenging)." Touring Tokyo and TDR is still noticeably cheaper than touring Europe(especially London, Amsterdam, Paris, Iceland and Scandinavia). It's not close at all. Vacationing in Tokyo and TDR is about the same price tag as vacationing in San Fran. or New York. Those pounds and euros can get you a lot of goods and services in Tokyo if you stay away from Ginza's coffee and mixed drinks, taxis, and large steak dinners.
78	davewasbaloo Sun 4/13/2008 9:40a	Ay yes Barboy, but we live in Europe. It is about $140-$400 for us to travel around Europe. If booked far enough in advance, the US is $2400. Japan to get to is $5000, and then most hotel rooms seem to sleep 3, we are a family of 4.
79	barboy Sun 4/13/2008 10:32a	"and then most hotel rooms seem to sleep 3, we are a family of 4." Very good point about the rooms for 3--- in Japan(or at least in Tokyo) that is indeed the standard. Since I routinely travel with just Wife I tend to forget about things like that. And yes airfare gets pricy going into Narita, at least these past several months anyway. But dave $600 from London to SF sounds very attractive to me since last year I paid about $650 from Baltimore, Md to Paris which is maybe 6,000 total air miles less.
80	davewasbaloo Sun 4/13/2008 11:04a	I am sad we did not get to Tokyo before kids, it now means our Tokyo plans will be for when the kids are older. But I will make it to Tokyo and HKDL before I am 40! I have to.

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