Originally Posted By Malin So with 30 days left until I fly out to Tokyo, Japan, I have set up a thread to not only count down the final days but also discuss the details of the trip and see your thoughts and what changes you think I should make, and to asswer any last minute questions I may have. Below to start things going, I have listed a full schedule of what is so far planned, and I'm interested to know what you think and possible changes you would make. Day 1: TDL Day 2: TDS Day 3: Mt Fuju Day 4: Tokyo Tour(morning) Zed (Afternoon) Day 5 TDS (optional) Day 6 TDL (optional) The reason behind not doing a straight four days at the Resort is that I wish to avoid Weekends, and I'm willing to accept having to purchase two seperate 2 day passes, which will cost more, but if it results in smaller crowds, I'm willing to pay the difference. Something else I was considering was to take a train over to Osaka for the day and check out Universal Studios, but I'm not sure if its worth the hassle involved, as anyone else done the journey before? Is it a must to book a priority seating at both the Blue Bayou and Mellagan's before visiting, or can I just turn up at the Restaurants on the day of visit first thing. I am sure I will have possible new questions to add but for now hopely this will get the discussion going!
Originally Posted By Megara Your trip sounds fine. We did something similar on our first trip in 2005. If you click on my name, send me an email, and I can email you a trip report I did, if you are interested. We did the bullet train to Kyoto and it's a 2 hours plus, trip. We spent 2 nights there. Osaka is even further. I wouldn't recommend doing a 4 hour journey on the train in one day for a few hours at a theme park. Plus u have to get there and back. Sounds too hard. We didn't book at Blue Bayou, we just showed up. Being the week after Golden Week, crowds will be lighter.
Originally Posted By Mr X I believe it's slightly over 2 hours and 30 minutes for the Nozomi (fastest express), and then of course there are slower but cheaper options available.
Originally Posted By DuffyDad Malin, I think skipping weekends is generally wise if you can. That said, I went to DisneySea last Sunday. It was sunny and beautiful and practically empty...I can't understand why, but I'm pretty sure that was a fluke. I'd skip Osaka if it's just for USJ. Osaka is a great town, but for the time it would take from the limited time you'll be here, I doubt you'd enjoy it as much as more time actually in TDR. Plus, traveling is expensive in Japan, so you'll have more cash to spend on food and swag. Are you planning to climb Fuji, by the way, or just going to see it? I'm jealous you're gonna see Zed. I still haven't.
Originally Posted By Malin *** We did something similar on our first trip in 2005. If you click on my name, send me an email, and I can email you a trip report I did, if you are interested. *** Cool I've sent you an e-mail *** We did the bullet train to Kyoto and it's a 2 hours plus, trip. We spent 2 nights there. Osaka is even further. I wouldn't recommend doing a 4 hour journey on the train in one day for a few hours at a theme park. Plus u have to get there and back. Sounds too hard. *** I will probarely most likely give it a miss than, I hope to visit Universal Studios in Singapore next year anyway, so I'm not to desperate to visit the park. *** We didn't book at Blue Bayou, we just showed up. Being the week after Golden Week, crowds will be lighter. *** Hmm I will probarely call up and do the priority seating, as it will ease my mind and I really want to be in and out of the Restaurant quickly as I plan to get a seat for the 3.oo pm Jubilation Parade by 2.00 pm. By the way has anyone got a favourite spot to view and enjoy the parade? *** Malin, I think skipping weekends is generally wise if you can. That said, I went to DisneySea last Sunday. It was sunny and beautiful and practically empty...I can't understand why, but I'm pretty sure that was a fluke. *** I think its probarely down to the fact that people are waiting for the Spring Carnival to start on the 22nd. But in regards to TDR attendance it appears to be very unpredictable at times. *** Are you planning to climb Fuji, by the way, or just going to see it? *** Only see it, I have booked one of those sightseeing tours that take you to Fuji and Hakone and brings you back by train. *** I'm jealous you're gonna see Zed. I still haven't. *** I'm really looking forward to this one, more than anything else really, I'm a big Cirque du Soleil fan, and Zed looks very promising.
Originally Posted By Malin Is anyone able to give me directions from Shinjuku Station to the Disney Store?
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi Malin, at Shinjuku Station, you can used the South Exit, New South Exit or Southern Terrace Exit. The Disney Store is located on the 9th floor of the "Takashimaya Times Square Building." Here is the Google Street View of the building from Shinjuku Station: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/csfaxk" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/csfaxk</a>
Originally Posted By Malin Thanks MagicalNezumi I know exactly where the building is now, and its not far from where I'll be staying this time at the Sunroute Plaza. Is it possible to get to the Takashimaya Times Square Building via any underground tunnels connected to Shinjuku Station, or do you need to leave the station and cross the street? I was planning to spend some time here shopping at the HMV Store anyway, does the building have anything else of interest?
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi Yes, you'll need to walk on street level to get to the building in the most direct way. That building has a cool DIY shop called "Tokyu Hands" and an IMAX theatre. There used to be a Sega Joypolis but it closed down after a few years. -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By Mr X You gotta check out Tokyu Hands, that place has EVERYTHING (seriously). Me and SuperDry were just in the Shibuya one yesterday, in fact. Bit of advice, go up to the top floor and then work your way down (it's something like 7 or 8 floors). That way you don't miss anything.
Originally Posted By leemac <<Is anyone able to give me directions from Shinjuku Station to the Disney Store? >> Malin - I'd avoid this one if I was you - it was refurb'ed last year to its detriment. It was never a great TDS anyhow but it is very small now. It is now all for little kids. I'd opt for the Shibuya one any time - the quirkest TDS on earth. Or the Ikspiari one that has everything too.
Originally Posted By leemac <<By the way has anyone got a favourite spot to view and enjoy the parade?>> Now that the show mode has been removed and it is back to the parade that was intended by its creators it won't make any difference where you watch the parade. I like the area just over the bridge in front of the Tomorrowland Terrace as it is typically in the shade this time of year. But of course you can't beat the hub or Partners if you want a loftier view. If it is your first viewing I'd recommend street level - it is very impressive up close.
Originally Posted By leemac Malin - I'd also add that personally I prefer the HMV and Tower at Shibuya - far better selections IMHO than Times Square.
Originally Posted By Malin Its funny you mention Shibuya lee, as after reading both MagicalNezumi and Mr X recomend the Tokyu Hands store I did a little searching on Google and it appears the flagship store is in Shibuya, as are quite a few other Western Restaurant chains. I'm I correct in thinking that to get to Shibuya from Shinjuku Station I need to take the Yamanote line? Once I reach Shibuya, is there an exit I should take in order to locate the Disney Store, HMV and the other stores? *** But of course you can't beat the hub or Partners if you want a loftier view. If it is your first viewing I'd recommend street level - it is very impressive up close. *** I agree the Partners Statue is a great position, but does the area still get clogged up with the fanatics, or has the ban on tripods put a stop to this? I will probarely try and catch the parade a couple of times so I will take your advice on Tomorrowland.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I agree the Partners Statue is a great position, but does the area still get clogged up with the fanatics, or has the ban on tripods put a stop to this?>> The show mode only disappeared from Wednesday onwards but it seems to have unlogged the plaza and Partners area. It depends if you want a space on the benches.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I'm I correct in thinking that to get to Shibuya from Shinjuku Station I need to take the Yamanote line?>> Yup - dead easy. <<Once I reach Shibuya, is there an exit I should take in order to locate the Disney Store, HMV and the other stores? >> I'm sure MN can help you with that! I'm on auto-pilot when I go there so I don't know which exit it is. <<Tokyu Hands store>> I'm not sure what X and MN see in the store - it is fun but it is really an arts and crafts sort of place. I also really like Loft which has a more home store bend to it.
Originally Posted By MagicalNezumi Malin, check this blog post for directions to the Shibuya Disney Store: <a href="http://jtcent.com/nempa/2007/09/where-is-disney-store-in-shibuya.html" target="_blank">http://jtcent.com/nempa/2007/0...uya.html</a> Leemac, cool that you mentioned Loft. It's my second favorite behind Tokyu Hands. Loft has a lot of floors devoted to it with things we can find at other places (books, stationery, CD's). Tokyu Hands offers more variety of a wider assortment of things under one roof IMHO. -- MagicalNezumi
Originally Posted By Mr X Plus Tokyu hands has really cool stuff. I'm surprised you consider it "just" a crafts store Lee. On our last visit we saw, among a zillion other cool things...perpetual motion machines, high end kitchenware including the coolest knives I've ever seen (I almost bought one, but PRICY!), a Barack Obama mask (with the inscription "Yes we can" on the cover ), the most comfortable bed I've ever sat on, and some kind of slime used to clean your computer keyboard.
Originally Posted By Malin *** Malin, check this blog post for directions to the Shibuya Disney Store: <a href="http://jtcent.com/nempa/2007/0...uya.html" target="_blank">http://jtcent.com/nempa/2007/0...uya.html</a> *** Great info MN, I'm going to print a copy of that to bring along. So using the Hachiko exit will also take us to stores like Tokyu hands, Tower Records and Lee's choice Loft I take it. *** a Barack Obama mask (with the inscription "Yes we can" on the cover ), *** You've sold me on the idea now. I can see I'm going to spend an absolute fortune on this trip.
