Originally Posted By Malin I was just wondering how many guest who visit Tokyo Disney actually speak English,seeing that all the annoucements are made in English,and a lot of the shows are performed in English.Also all the signage is done in both langueges.Is it a high percentage and how often do any of you who visit Tokyo Disney on a regular basis see westerners walking the parks ?
Originally Posted By trekkeruss The percentage is in the single digits, AFAIK. I believe the reason why there is such a presence of English signage and usage in the parks is because Disney is American to the Japanese, and they want it to be as American as possible.
Originally Posted By Malin Thats a shame too,but if Tokyo was cheaper I think we would see a lot more westerners in tho the gates each day.But its nice to see the TDR so english friendly not only with its signage but also with its maps and menu's.For what apears to be such a small group of people.
Originally Posted By avromark The last time I went to Japan, I noticed some english signs at other businesses as well. It can also partly be that Japanese pride themselves in respect, and education. When I went to Science City, Tokyo and surrounding areas I noticed people just naturally queued up, and that people were generally respectful. It also seems that the family I stayed were happy I tried to learn their culture and do things there ways. Although they didn't always have slippers in my size. I always used chop sticks, never speared my food. Felt self conscience slurpiny my soup. So perhaps out of respect or honour they try to recreate Walt's Disneyland (I just love Tokyo Disneylands Tommorowland, although the World Baazar is not my favourite). It may also be that English is one of the primary langauges of business.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<if Tokyo was cheaper I think we would see a lot more westerners in tho the gates each day>> Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but I think it's mostly undeserved. It's no more expensive than many major cities, IMO. What keeps most people away is because airfares are generally much higher. I also think that Asia as a whole is more mysterious and even foreboding to many people... it's too foreign, as it were. Never mind how western Tokyo and Japan really are.
Originally Posted By avromark And they had the LED crosswalk signs forever, we got them 3 years ago... And they have more runs of very different vehicles, and they love coca-cola, and soup in a can, and oh so many other fun things. And they have the best Denny's in the world. So being a mutt makes it easier for me to understand asian culture huh? But in the last 3 years things may have changed. I don't get there as often as some here.
Originally Posted By Goofys Apprentice One thing about English is that it's sort of a de facto second language. It comes as close as anything worldwide to being a common denominator. I know you're saying "what about Spanish?" Well Spanish is of course widely spoken, but it is basically the dominant language wherever it dominates (I don't really know how to put this, obviously). English is a second language thruout Europe, etc. I recall one place in TDL where Chinese was used (in the verbal safety warnings outside Space Mountain) and of course there's one place in DisneySea where Spanish is used.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>>Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but I think it's mostly undeserved. It's no more expensive than many major cities,<<< Russ, I think many people get confused by the term "most expensive city". As far as LIVING in Tokyo, it is very expensive (I know, since I live here!). However, for the traveller, it's rather expensive BUT you can certainly "do Tokyo" on a budget very easily...you might have to find a very small, bargain hotel room and eat "local style" (which might actually ADD to the experience!), but you are correct, Tokyo is no more expensive than other big cities for the tourist. Living here though, UGH! It's hard to get by with rent as high as it is and the price of EVERYTHING being as high as possible! lol. >>>I also think that Asia as a whole is more mysterious and even foreboding to many people... it's too foreign, as it were.<<< SO true! Trying to get my family to visit is like pulling teeth! "We'd rather go to Europe", "we might not like the food!", "the flight is too long!", etc, etc! The bottom line is that Japan (and Asia in general) seems "weird", "foreign", or generally too much. It's a pity, since Japan, and all of Asia that I've been to, are quite beautiful AND very accomodating to travellers (perhaps even more than some parts of Europe?). >>>And they have the best Denny's in the world.<<< Sorry, Avro...I can not agree! No Grand Slam (no breakfast of any kind, really! Even BEFORE 11am!). I long for an AMERICAN Dennys, or ANY restaurant that can serve a decent breakfast in Japan!!!! >>>So being a mutt makes it easier for me to understand asian culture huh?<<< Are you part Asian? Just wondering, and sorry if that's a rude question. As far as "understanding" any culture, I think there is ONLY so far you can go if you are not of that background...I mean, I "think" I understand Japanese culture to a point, having lived here for 8 years or so. But really, I don't. I'm reminded of that almost daily. I think you can APPRECIATE other cultures, but the only one you can truly understand is your own.
Originally Posted By Faith I agree with a lot of what Russ is saying. I obviously don't know about the cost of living in Tokyo but the cost of going there as a tourist is comparable to going to NYC or London. (rent in NYC is insane but I don't know how that compares to Tokyo) Even the price for staying in a nice Tokyo hotel like a Sheraton seemed reasonable to me compared to similar hotels in other big cities. Most non-Asian people I know simply aren't interested in traveling to Asia. I think it's partly because they've been exposed more to European traditions as a part of American culture and education. Lots of people take classes that include European history/philosophy/literature but you'd really have to go out of your way to take a class on Asian traditions. As far as the English signage at TDL... I always thought it was because it would seem more exotic/ cool to the Japanese people who visit the park.
Originally Posted By Mr X Good points, Faith. Oh, and to get back to the main question (sorry for my earlier, off topic post!), I'd say the main language at TDR after Japanese is probably Chinese (either Mandarin or Cantonese, dunno which...whichever is the language they use in the outside speil of big attractions like Space Mountain, I suppose). After Japanese, the bulk of the visitors to TDR are Chinese and Korean. After that, other Asians. Finally, Europeans and Americans. And from what I've seen, most of the Americans visiting are either military personel or families of military who are visiting (I see a lot more Americans over the American holidays, I suppose many are visiting family abroad stationed at some base nearby).
Originally Posted By SuperDry And, at least from what I've seen, probably 90% of American visitors are visiting TDL, not TDS, and usually only during the day.
