Originally Posted By wingednike I'll be in Japan for about two weeks in March and plan to sneak off to Disneyland and DisneySea. Are Tuesdays less busy than Mondays at the Resort? How are Fridays at DisneySea? I know I won't be able to see everything so what are the definite must-see/must do's over there? Rides are not a priority for me (I mostly walk around DLR when I'm there) but I won't exclude them from my itinerary.
Originally Posted By Mr X Tuesdays are a good bet in both parks. Mondays are often busy at TDL, not so much for DisneySea. DisneySea on a Friday might be somewhat busy, but not too bad. Overall, sounds like a very good plan. Don't miss Pooh. Get your fastpass early.
Originally Posted By wingednike Thanks! I have Pooh as one of the first things on my list. The "mystery castle" is another thing I'm looking at. Would you recommend reserving tickets ahead of time through the Tokyo Disney Resort website?
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Rides are not a priority for me (I mostly walk around DLR when I'm there) but I won't exclude them from my itinerary. >>> <<< Don't miss Pooh. Get your fastpass early. >>> For sure - don't miss Pooh! As far as shows, don't miss Dreamlights at TDL or Mythica at TDS.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< The "mystery castle" is another thing I'm looking at. >>> The Castle Mystery Tour has been closed for several years. Sorry you missed it!
Originally Posted By Mr X If you like nostalgia (nothing special, but cute and old and part of WDW history as well), another "don't miss" would be the Mickey Mouse Review which is apparently on the chopping block. Too bad about mystery tour, I really liked that one too! Bummer. Others know more than I about ticket buying ahead of time (I never go on busy days), if you have specific dates I'm sure someone could let you know if that might be a wise idea.
Originally Posted By MsYumiBr My personal recommendation as a don't miss is Disney Sea. It's kind of cold right now so bring your coat, and because of rain, shows might get cancelled, but if you like to look at stuff, Ariel's Grotto structure is beautiful, the gondolas with the singers made me cry and the erupting volcano is a wonder to see. This is coming from a former California Disneyland local now in Japan. Watching the crowds at one of the midday shows on the water is an experience in itself. I cried through that too. The Japanese are true Disney fans.
Originally Posted By Mr X Yup, if you must choose do NOT miss DisneySea. Sad to say (because Pooh is really incredible and TDL has other great stuff too), but most of TDL is available elsewhere around the world and is therefore skipable if necessary. DisneySea, on the other hand, is completely unique and the most elaborate theme park on the planet cost wise.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara Since you have only two days, make sure you get to the parks at least 30 minutes before the gates open. You'll be able to see all the attractions in DisneySea in one day (minus a show or two). Spend your other day in Tokyo Disneyland. You MUST ride Pooh's Hunny Hunt, they have the best Splash Mountain, the only Mickey Mouse Revue (which will close in May), and it really isn't the same as the other Magic Kingdoms around the world. I find it unique and special. You should search for other threads where we've written out some good trip plans and how to take the best advantage of your time and use FastPass properly.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***they have the best Splash Mountain*** Not sure what the rehab schedule is like, but Splash Mountain was closed when I was there last week and looked to be down for a while (no water, big walls, etc...).
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi Splash Mountain re-opened yesterday (Mar 4th). <a href="http://www.jtcent.com/extras/calendar_tdl.html" target="_blank">http://www.jtcent.com/extras/c...tdl.html</a>
Originally Posted By wingednike Thanks, everyone! Please keep the suggestions coming. DisneySea is definitely on my to do list. It's actually the park I first chose to go to. I'm just trying to sneak TDR on the list, too =D I'll add Splash Mountain but isn't it cold in March? Or is the sun out just long enough to dry off? Are there any food treats I definitely need to try or knick knacks I should look for? Do you have a "Build-a-Potato Head" toy kiosk where I can find accessories exclusive to TDR?
Originally Posted By wingednike Double bummer about the mystery tour. Oh well, I guess that's what Youtube videos are for.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***I'll add Splash Mountain but isn't it cold in March? Or is the sun out just long enough to dry off?*** Not sure how many weeks til you get here, but March is very much hit or miss. You could get lucky and have nice warm days (particularly at the end of the month)..but you can't count on it so prepare for all kinds of weather. Food treats..DisneySea has a TON of them (in fact, you could snack your way around the park and never need to sit down for a meal and never eat the same thing twice!). Personal favorites include the pita pockets located near the exit of Sindbad, the sausage rolls across from the Indy Jones entrance, and the "gyoza dogs" which are a must try if you happen to be lucky enough to encounter a short line (that's located inside the cauldera of the volcano, look for the line lol). Here's a tip. head for one of the condiment bars inside of any food court and grab a mustard pack. The sausage roll place offers no condiments (nor drinks), and it's WAY better with a little mustard. (if you forget, it's still pretty awesome plain) Anyway, there are tons more interesting food options at DisneySea..it's the best food in any Disney park in the world imho. TDL has some nice highlights as well, but more along the restaurant variety (the chicken leg snacks outside the Tiki Room are good, but messy..and Adventureland has some other interesting options including Chinese cuisine)..don't miss Queen of Hearts restaurant, even if you don't eat there it's worth going in for a coffee or desert just to look around..the food is great but very small portions. Finally, POPCORN. There are tons of different flavors all around both parks, but my favorite is the cappuchino popcorn found on the bridge up to the volcano at DisneySea. Get some! (the latest flavor I saw at TDL last week was a bit off though..I didn't try it but it just makes ya go "huh?"..soy sauce and butter flavor!)
Originally Posted By Mr X p.s. two more things..1) when you get your gyoza dog (make sure and order it that way, the English says "Gyoza Sausage Bun", but if you say that they won't know what you're talking about lol), you have a choice between mustard or soy sauce. It's behind the counter so you have to ask. Get one or the other, it's much better with a condiment (kind of dry otherwise). and 2) there are some other kinds of gyoza you can try if you walk to the downstairs level of the caudera (near the submarine, very obscure location so you'll have to look around). Have fun!
Originally Posted By Mr X Yup. The "gyoza dog" at DisneySea, though, is somewhat more like a "nikuman" chinese dumpling on the outside, with gyoza filling on the inside. <a href="http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Japanese_Gyoza" target="_blank">http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/...se_Gyoza</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikuman" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikuman</a> <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/12/the-gyoza-hot-dog-disneysea-japan.html" target="_blank">http://www.seriouseats.com/200...pan.html</a>
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara I like my Gyoza Dogs plain. For excellent, real gyoza, go to the Nautilus Galley in the Caldera. It's on the lower level. Great dumplings. Re Splash Mountain: you won't get wet in the cold weather. I went last February--it was about 32 degrees--and they must turn down the level of water because they couldn't possibly let you get soaked at that temperature. Anyway, no one in my log got more than a little mist on them. Don't forget the various kinds of churros: honey-lemon in Tomorrowland, maple over by splash mountain. There's also a black pepper (or sesame--I can't recall what it is, but it's blackish/greenish) which is vile, so watch out for that one.