Originally Posted By SuperDry I would imagine that a classroom visit in Hong Kong would be both far easier to arrange and more interesting for your kids, since all the local kids will speak English. In addition to communication, having your kids meet a classroom of Chinese kids in China that all speak English might actually teach them more than Japanese kids in Japan that only speak Japanese.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo These are great suggestions for consideration, thanks. Like I say, we do not know when we are going yet, but this is becoming more and more real. Recent events have me thinking I need to do more on my bucket list before it is too late. At the same time, I need to be prudent.
Originally Posted By Mr X Hope you're okay (or get better soon)! Honestly if I were you I'd skip Osaka altogether and devote at least a short time to Hong Kong (SD's suggestion makes that idea even better I'd say), stick mainly to Tokyo and schedule one1 night or 2 night stay out of the city (if you're picking just one place, obviously Kyoto is the way to go plus you can get a good value out of a foreigners JR pass to boot and perhaps stop in one more place on the way back like Hakkone for the day).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I hope so too X - though it is not just my health. It is the difficult challenge that they are exploring whether my 18 year old bro has cancer of the spine, as well as mom getting worse, and the prospect of my 13 year old bro being in a wheelchair before adulthood. Also the fear that it is genetic and could impact my kids. The idea that I might be diabetic and we can't get my blood pressure down pales in significance. But it all makes me think, better now than never to do stuff. On the flip side, finances are scary now. My parents are on the brink and my latest contract ends today with most of my leads having their funding pulled. Frustrating and scary. I find planning this trip is a great distraction (since Disney in the US/Paris makes me more angry and sad than a pleasant distraction). And every spare penny is going into a contingency fund, but once I score my next contract, it can be transfered to the vacation account. But ya, it seems the more I look at it - 5 days for TDL/TDS, 5 days Tokyo, 3 days Kyoto and 3 days HK seems the likely scenario.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo The dental (this week) and ear surgery (6 weeks ago) add to it all. But at least I don't have to worry if insurance will cover or question how to pay for it!
Originally Posted By Mr X Wow. I'm so sorry to hear all of that! I hope things somehow turn out less serious than it sounds right now! ***But ya, it seems the more I look at it - 5 days for TDL/TDS, 5 days Tokyo, 3 days Kyoto and 3 days HK seems the likely scenario.*** Honestly I'd drop a day in Tokyo and add it to HK if I were you. I'd even recommend a second drop of a TDR day, but you've already explained your reasoning on that issue.
Originally Posted By Malin For me Universal Studios in Japan looks like a must visit, but it all depends on your preference. If your visiting Kyoto anyway, while not stay the entra night and visit the park from Kyoto. Personally a chance to see the Magical Starlight Parade is an opportunity not to be missed. But as your visiting Tokyo Disneyland and will likely be seeing Dreamlights, Universal Studios may not have the same appeal. I think going by the personal events in your life at the moment, it allows you to realise life can be taken for granted and its best to act on it, so if you want to see USJ, as you feel you and the family will enjoy it, I say go for it. Having only visited the park in Orlando the once you may find the experience refreshing.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo So, I was wondering, what would crowds and weather be like around say the 9th to the 25th April? Or August?
Originally Posted By Malin April is a bit of a off season now days. Just avoid begining of the month since School's may not of gone back yet. Tokyo Disneyland on the 15th would be a day to watch out for regarding crowds as its the park's Anniversary. And quite a bit of merchandise is released on this date. If your planning to visit next year DisneySea will possibly be very crowded from the 23rd and after as its the start of the 10th Anniversary. In my experience with the Resort picking the right days are often more important than the time of year. For instance something simple like a new costume release for Duffy is going to spike numbers for TDS. And will make the park very uncomfortable for those who are not looking for crowds. August is advised to avoid since its hot and very crowded. April is a better time to visit than August and room rates will be cheaper. Check the links below for the hotel high seasons and rates. Miracosta <a href="http://www.disneyhotels.jp/english/reserve/dhm_price_e.html" target="_blank">http://www.disneyhotels.jp/eng...e_e.html</a> Ambasador <a href="http://www.disneyhotels.jp/english/reserve/dah_price_e.html" target="_blank">http://www.disneyhotels.jp/eng...e_e.html</a> Disneyland <a href="http://www.disneyhotels.jp/english/reserve/tdh_price_e.html" target="_blank">http://www.disneyhotels.jp/eng...e_e.html</a>
