Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Family business has dictated my spending six weeks in Asia right after the start of the year and I definitely intend to see the three remaining Disney parks I haven't visited and maybe a possible future Disney site or two as well. Most of my time will be spent in HK and Shanghai, so I will see a whole lot more of China than I will Japan. My HK accomodations will be arranged, although I'll likely spend a couple of nights at HKDL to get a feel for the place. So now some general questions and PLEASE feel free to offer spirited advice. First, what's the weather like in HK in winter (January/February). I know Tokyo can be quite cold, but what about HK? How easy is it to get to HKDL from the center of the city? Is there some holidays/busy period during my time there to avoid the new park? What sites, areas, restaurants etc are can't miss? Any advice on best method of getting from HK to Shanghai, keeping in mind I may have to go back and forth a few times? As for Tokyo, I will have very limited time to 'see the sights' but want to do my best. I'm planning three full days for the Disney parks. What else is can't miss and close by? How easy is it to get around with ZERO knowledge of Japanese? Any hotel recomendations, either near TDL and further away? Also, I hate sushi, so I don't care where the best is When I'm at TDL and TDS, what are things I can skip and what are must-sees? Any advice appreciated ...
Originally Posted By trekkeruss The last time I was in China was 20 years ago, so I think my knowledge is a bit out of date. LOL. As for Tokyo, getting around is REALLY easy. TDR is only about a 20 minute train ride away from Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace and the Ginza. From there, you can take the JR Yamanote Line to all the other major areas of Tokyo. Personally, I love to look at all the tech toys in the shops around Akihabara "Electric Town." Food-wise, I you MUST have a big bowl of ramen. I'll leave the TDR attractions to TDLFAN and others.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>what's the weather like in HK in winter (January/February).<< Comfortable days and cool nights, similar to So FL. >>I know Tokyo can be quite cold, but what about HK?<< Much warmer. >>How easy is it to get to HKDL from the center of the city?,, Very easy. One straight shot from Kowloon and HK Island on the orange line of the MTR, and one very quick connection to the HKDL Line, and you are there fast. Travel time from Central to HKDL is about 35 mins. >>Is there some holidays/busy period during my time there to avoid the new park?<< Last weekend of January and some weekend in feb. Chinese New Year. If you must attend on those day, PRE-purchase your tickets and bring a child to toss over the front fence. >>What sites, areas, restaurants etc are can't miss?<< In HK City? The Peak. Take the Peak Tram on way and use the bus the other way, and try to get a seat on the upper deck of the bus and enjoy the tight curves by the edge of the cliffs. I only know the touristy stuff.. such as Repulse Bay Beach (gorgeous area), Ocean Park (for rides and a fabulous gondola ride over the side of the mountain), Stanley Market is a fav place to shop, but I didn't care much for it as I much prefer the Causeway Bay shopping malls that put our malls to shame. Also, do the night markets in Kowloon. Also, do the most touristy thing there, which is to take a walk in the Walk of Stars alongside the rive and catch the light show over the buildings in HK Island. At night, this is the World's most spectacular cityscape. One stop away from HKDL on the train and close to the HK Airport is the Cable car up to the Monastery where they have the giant budda by the edge of the mountain. As for restaurants...Hmmm.. I have never trusted most places in China and am rather cheap. McDonald's is usually my choice as I am not one for extravagant culinary menus.. However, there are some trendy places to go visit alongside the World Longest escalator in the mid-levels of HK Island. Many places are operated by westerners now living there. Get a guide to that and try at will...as I think most places are OK for what I have heard. There are other things to do in HK..like a side trip to Macau..and enjoy the new Vegas-like megacasino resorts and such. Don't forget to catch the Star Ferry from HK Island to Kowloon and back, it's a must for visitors since they have been in operation since like the 1890s... >>Any advice on best method of getting from HK to Shanghai, keeping in mind I may have to go back and forth a few times?<< Cathay Pacific. Unless you dare try trains or drive in Mainland China, but I have never done that and never will. Not my cup of tea. >>As for Tokyo, very limited time to 'see the sights' but want to do my best. I'm planning three full days for the Disney parks. What else is can't miss and close by?<< In downtown Tokyo?.. Hmm... Well, the Imperial Palace and Ginza area are nearby. Akihabara for the electronics and collector stores, Shibuya and Shinjuku for the shopping, Roppongi Hills for the nightlife and nearby Tokyo Tower (observation platform), Ueno has a park and zoo. Not technically close to Tokyo but something that can be done in a single day if you want to take a tour..go to Mt. Fuji and Lake Hakone, and travel via bullet train back to Tokyo. In Hakone, you can ride the cable car that goes up the side of the mountain for a truly spectacular view of Fuji. However, this tour must be done on a partly cloudy or clear day to get the most of it.. otherwise, you view of Fuji will be impaired. If you can afford a few days away from Tokyo.. take the bullet train and go to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka and check out the sights there and visit Universal Japan so you can compare to the Orlando facility and see how much nicer it is over USF. >>how easy is it to get around with ZERO knowledge of Japanese?<< VERY easy. Most signs are bilingual and there will be someone bound to help if you get stuck. Seems to me at least one japanese out of 10 will offer to assist if they see you standing there dumbfounded and confused. >>Any hotel recomendations, either near TDL and further away?<< Miracosta, so I can come over and crash for a night. But really, most hotels are pretty decent and service is for the most part exceptional. However.. a word of caution. Not too many japanese hotels, especially business-type ones, mon and pop's inns, japanese style, and japanese chains do not offer NON smoking rooms... so you may have to put up with smoke smell, and in small rooms (like is the norm in Japan) that can be trying. >>Also, I hate sushi, so I don't care where the best is << Skip Restaurant Sakura at TDS, Restaurant Hokusai at TDL, and most sushi bars in town. There are several places where yoou can have some time of japanese food that is simple irresistible.. such as gyozas, ramen, and some chicken and seafood stuff (that is well cooked). Avoid Fugu fish platters AT ALL COST!! >>When I'm at TDL and TDS, what are things I can skip and what are must-sees?<< NONSENSE!! You MUST DO IT ALL! All the rides, all the parades, all the shows, check out the theming all over, outdoor and indoors (especially at TDS' shops and restaurants) Some things are basically similar to WDW's MK but since OLC's maintenance is nearly flawless, you should go in, just to amuse you and cmpare with WDW. Best example of that: IASW, which is exactly the same at the MK's yet looks much nicer and better maintained. But if you MUST skip something (even though I won't be happy with you one bit..) then skip the obvious stuff: Dumbo, Teacups, Grand Prix, and possibly Star Tours (but you gotta at least walk the queue in there which is HUGE). At TDS, you may skip some of the kiddy rides in Mermaid Lagoon and Aquatopia. Everything else IS A MUST!. Any other questions???
Originally Posted By leemac >>What sites, areas, restaurants etc are can't miss?<< Having lived for a period as a "local" last year I would definitely recommend the Midlevels (around the escalators). However Lan Kwai Fong is the best place for bars and restaurants. A heck of a lot to choose from in variety and style. Probably closest equates to SoHo. Hotels I would definitely recommend the Conrad at Admiralty (stunning views and exceptional service) and the new Landmark (a Mandarin-Oriental brand). The new Four Seasons is pretty special too. Plus they are cheaper than the equivalent hotels in the US especially in the off-season. Flying to Shanghai I would recommend Dragonair (a Cathay affiliate). I use that route all the time and they have a very convenient schedule. They do fly noisy Airbus planes but they have a very good new First Class on their A330s and the Business Class is also pretty good. Hong Kong is the best city in the world IMHO. I miss it terribly when I'm not there (especially when in LA!) and usually can't wait for the next business trip there. You will enjoy it.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>>Avoid Fugu fish platters AT ALL COST!!<<< Why do you say that, TDLFAN? Have you tried it? Personally, I don't do fish, but if I did and could afford it (we're talking hundreds of dollars a plate here!) I think I'd want to try it since those that have tell me it's the most incredible food they've ever eaten. As for "avoids"...avoid the extremely local "bus" services that run throughout Hong Kong at breakneck speeds. Yes they are cheap (that's why WD loves em lol), but imo too dangerous and confusing. Taxis are very cheap in Hong Kong (not so in Tokyo), so I recommend that route.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Wow! Thanks for all the tips, guys. I actually just printed out all the posts and stuck them in my file. See how much I respect the opinions here TDLFAN, I doubt I'm going to do Mira Costa just because I'm not into paying extreme amounts of money for lodging when I won't be spending much time in it. I was thinking of staying at the Sheraton ... any thoughts? I also plan on trying to make it on as much as I can when at TDL, but will gladly skip stuff like Dumbo, Tea Cups and Raceway. I'm anxious to see (believe it or not) the Mickey Mouse Revue as I haven't seen it since childhood! Also, the old-MK looking Tomorrowland. And even their Main Street Under Glass ... and, yes, I don't intend to skip anything at TDS unless I have no choice. Any special entertainment that time of year? Does Mythica run all the time? I also definitely want to do Mt. Fuji, but Osaka (and Uni Japan) isn't going to be doable. I'm going to be based in HK and therefore have a whole lot more free time to explore there -- and Shanghai too. Not sure where I'll be staying in HK yet, but since I'm not paying, I'm not complaining as I know it will be very nice. I will do 2-3 nights at HKDL just to say I've done it. Anyway thanks again ... and please keep the advice coming. I've got a few months to plan.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I was thinking of staying at the Sheraton ... any thoughts?>> It is a big hotel for sure. Personally I prefer the Hilton (albeit it is starting to show its age) but then we typically don't have much choice about it. The Sheraton seems to run at slightly higher rack rates than the Hilton at the moment. You might want to consider the Ambassador which is a fun hotel too (or stay at HKDL's Hollywood Hotel which is excellent value). If you have either SPG/HHonors I would suggest letting that dictate where you stay. Mythica runs daily. I don't think the nighttime version will be up and running during your proposed visit. Also not sure what you mean by "doing Fuji" as there isn't anything to do in the winter there. It is a summer activity for sure. Osaka is a hole so I would definitely give that a miss. Reminds me of Jacksonville.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< If you have either SPG/HHonors I would suggest letting that dictate where you stay. >>> Ah, a fellow freeloading kindred spirit! I'm glad you understand such issues, leemac.
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ )) I'm Diamond on HHonors and Platinum on SPG (remarkably all at the W brand) so you can tell I spend a lot of time in hotels on business. Only benefit is not having to pay when I go on vacation! I've also got more frequent flyer miles that I can shake a stick at. Think I'm running at over a million on both United and BA. Plus it is something for nothing so to speak.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Spirit, I have stayed at the Sheraton twice and has had great service there. Can't beat walking 4 mins to the TDR Line station and presto, arrive at TDS in 6 mins. Also, will have to agree with Leemac.. Fuji is not a good idea in the winter. Snowy top and bitter cold. Skip for now.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Plus it is something for nothing so to speak. >>> Imagine that - a business rewarding its best customers? Some would have us believe that the best customers should be punished rather than rewarded.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Get over it SD. Businesses are supposed to make money off their business, not give it away for free. If I don't even get to fly for free on my own working airline, why should you?
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< If I don't even get to fly for free on my own working airline, why should you? >>> So, you pay for your commute? (an educated guess is built into this question, but I doubt that I'm wrong)
Originally Posted By leemac <<Some would have us believe that the best customers should be punished rather than rewarded.>> The US airline model is so out of whack with reality it is funny. On BA I could never achieve Silver/Gold status whilst flying coach all the time (they use a tier point system instead of paid miles flown) whilst on United I only need to rack up 50k miles in any class to get to Star Alliance Gold.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Get over it SD. Businesses are supposed to make money off their business, not give it away for free. >>> Of course businesses are supposed to make money. I don't think anyone is disputing that. I know that in my business, we often have to take into account the "total book of business" that a customer brings us. Sometimes we do individual transactions that don't make us money, or even on occasion lose money, but we do so for important customers that overall contribute positively to our bottom line. Of course I would prefer that each and every thing I do contributes individually to profitability, but I recognize that this is not always the case. Just this evening, I was taking a catnap after a full days's work and was awakened by a phone call from an important customer. I was tired and cranky, but immediately snapped to attention when this customer of mine needed something. The fact that I was asleep at the time or that the matter at hand was relatively minor wasn't the issue: it was important to the customer, so it was important to me. If I judged every single request from important customers based on their individual profitability and acted accordingly, I would in short order find myself with no customers.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< The US airline model is so out of whack with reality it is funny. >>> Or isn't funny, depending on your POV. Just in the last two years, the fare structure has gotten much more in line with reason domestically within the US, but internationally, it's still very much disjoint for premium cabin travel.
Originally Posted By Faith Getting back to the original questions... I love the Sheraton, and the Hilton was also great. If you stay around Tokyo, it is easy to get around without knowing Japanese. It can be harder in less touristy areas of Japan. I'd really recommend spending a few days in Kyoto if there is any way you can arrange it. Tokyo is a lot of fun, but Kyoto had more interesting sites (imo) including tons of gorgeous temples.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>So, you pay for your commute? (an educated guess is built into this question, but I doubt that I'm wrong)<< Actually I *DO* have to pay for my commute, and my round trip commute right now costs me almost what I am being paid for 2 hrs of work, and I have to stand by and prey a seat will be open for me to get on a flight, simply because revenue and freeloader FFs do get on first before me. The only time I do not have to pay is when I am able to book me an open (not used) extra flight attendant jumpseat, but the competition for that is so fierce that 90% of the time due to so many commuters in the FL area, I am NOT able to use that option. And even having booked a jumpseat does not mean you will get on as a full crew may be assigned to work or position... so there goes your free commute option. >>The US airline model is so out of whack with reality it is funny.<< I could not agree more. Let's start by regulating the airline business again...shall we? That way, customer are require to pay their due for travel, republican loving CEOs can collect their bonuses (which they have to do now by stealing away from the front line employees' paychecks), and hopefully, those of us actually providing you the service and the last defense of security on an aircraft, can make wages that are actually over $40,000 per year. But as long as the republicans continue to run this country and taking away the labor's rights to strike in favor of greedy corporate types... that won't happen.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>I'd really recommend spending a few days in Kyoto if there is any way you can arrange it. Tokyo is a lot of fun, but Kyoto had more interesting sites (imo) including tons of gorgeous temples.<< True that. The Golden Pagoda is stunning.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<It is a big hotel for sure. Personally I prefer the Hilton (albeit it is starting to show its age) but then we typically don't have much choice about it. The Sheraton seems to run at slightly higher rack rates than the Hilton at the moment. You might want to consider the Ambassador which is a fun hotel too (or stay at HKDL's Hollywood Hotel which is excellent value).>> I think I am going to do Hollywood Hotel when at HKDL. <<If you have either SPG/HHonors I would suggest letting that dictate where you stay.>> I do have both. Gold with SPG, only silver with HHonors. I also find Hiltons to be much more inconsistent with their properties, some are just incredible while others are dumps. With Starwood I always get a room that is quality. <<Mythica runs daily. I don't think the nighttime version will be up and running during your proposed visit.>> Day or night ... doesn't matter. I just don't want to miss it ... or anything else Steve Davison creates for the parks! <<Also not sure what you mean by "doing Fuji" as there isn't anything to do in the winter there. It is a summer activity for sure.>> That's too bad. I thought there would be something ... <<Osaka is a hole so I would definitely give that a miss. Reminds me of Jacksonville.>> I wasn't going anyway, but that seals it ;-) ... although I've been told there are some nice beach communities to the north of Jax before you hit Georgia, but I would have no idea as that's not a path the Spirit travels through! Thanks for the advice!
