Originally Posted By Malin Great information Resort Cruiser thanks for your continued updates. We did like you say expect the parks may have to change hours when it reopens. I hope the differences will not be too noticeable. But the Resort will have to contribute its fair share to saving power for now. Its also so refreshing to be reading a more upbeat report of events happening in Japan than what we've had up to now on here. Since it appears Mr X has been going though a hard time of it lately. This anyway goes along with what I have heard from others are saying in Japan, who seem to have a more positive outlook at the moment. Happy to see the threat of rolling blackouts hasn't caused you to much hassle. And that you don't see the energy issue becoming a major problem over the summer months. Your optimism has be thinking that my trip to Tokyo later this year should continue to go ahead, so thanks.
Originally Posted By Malin I'll write it out again but thats very strange. Resort Cruiser thanks for your continued updates. We did kind of expect that hours may be needed to be cut in order to save on electricity so thanks for reconfirming it. Hope it will not effect park opperations too much but its only a tempory measure so its not to bad. Also thanks for providing a more positive outlook which goes along with what I have heard from others in Japan. It makes a refreshing change to what we have heard on here from some Members who seem to be going though a much tougher time of it lately. Glad the Rolling blackouts are not causing to much of a problem and that you don't see this being too much of a problem over the Summer months. Thanks for your positive outlook on the Rolling Blackouts. Its giving me some optimism that my trip to Tokyo later this year will still be able to go ahead.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Hope it will not effect park opperations too much but its only a tempory measure so its not to bad*** <a href="http://www.thedailyrash.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/baghdad-bob1.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.thedailyrash.com/wp...bob1.jpg</a> In today's developments, another evacuation of the nuke plant, continuously elevated radiation levels in Chiba since yesterday, and the water in Tokyo is now too dangerous for infants to consume. Hey Malin, can you mail me some of your optimism...I need some! (don't get me wrong, I'm eternally optimistic about Japan and the spirit of the Japanese people, more now than ever...but I'm having a hard time being optimistic about the short term situation here at the moment)
Originally Posted By Mr X Sorry for the sarcasm Malin, and I DO appreciate the fact that you are worried about your trip to Japan later in the year (which, in all likelyhood, will be just fine), but I do find it a little selfish that you are apparently wishfully thinking about how fine and dandy things are here while the situation here remains dire and very much in flux (note the headline news from just a COUPLE of hours ago when they evacuated yet again, this is far from over and when it is, I'll buy you a beer at the Hub upon your arrival!).
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Parents in Tokyo are now being advised to give bottled water to their infants as the drinking water (while safe for older children and adults) is showing signs of increased radiation. (To be fair, it is still some of the safest drinking water in the world but this is just a further testament that the situation is still cause for concern.)
Originally Posted By Mr X "while safe for older children and adults" Wahoo, your comment is completely correct, however I would note that NO level of radiation is "safe" for anyone really...it accumulates and increases the risk of cancer and that has been statistically proven. The level of "safe" iodine for babies is 100 whatevers, and they found over 200 whatevers...the level considered "safe" for adults is 300 whatevers. I'm extremely concerned about a water panic at some point here...stay tuned.
Originally Posted By mawnck Yes, but those are micro-whatevers. ;-) Tell Mrs. X that the weather in America is lovely this time of year, and our unsafe drinking water is the same yummy stuff it's always been.
Originally Posted By Malin *** Sorry for the sarcasm Malin, and I DO appreciate the fact that you are worried about your trip to Japan later in the year (which, in all likelyhood, will be just fine), but I do find it a little selfish that you are apparently wishfully thinking about how fine and dandy things are here while the situation here remains dire and very much in flux (note the headline news from just a COUPLE of hours ago when they evacuated yet again, this is far from over and when it is, I'll buy you a beer at the Hub upon your arrival!). *** You don't need to apologise to me X, I know your worried about the Nuclear problems and other issues that have come from the fall out of last weeks disaster. Its understandable and I hope your not finding my comments to insensitive. I love Japan and its people and for me it helps to keep positive thoughts for all the people that have been affected by the disaster. The Media outside of Japan has been absmal. Often criticising the way Japan has handled the crisis. I know things are bad but I also know when you look at the full facts a lot of it is scaremongering. I really hope that soon the news gets better and your able to relax a bit more. And while my trip is of a personal concern, like it is for some many others. Our main concern right now is for the people of Japan. I will not turn my back on Japan and I will visit soon when its ready to welcome the tourism back. That beer sound good by the way.
Originally Posted By SuperDry ^^^ Be sure to insist on the 1L graduated cylinder of beer - don't get shortchanged with just a mug.
Originally Posted By Mr X I think SuperDry arranged it with the mods so I can't get out of my beer offer (and NO, Malin ain't getting one of them tall boys, unless we share ).
Originally Posted By Resort Cruiser Thanks for the kind words. I'll try to pass along anything new that comes our way. (Nothing new has, which leads me to HIGHLY doubt the rumor of an April 1st reopening of the parks.) About the "dangers" of being here, we're staying up to date with the latest information and we're not worried at all. Really, we took more time off our lives at our latest all you can eat pizza buffet than anything these very low levels of radiation can do. It has been interesting, though. We've been lucky enough to have no problems with power or water, but our house is currently surrounded in scaffolding that's covered in yellow tarps due to our traditional ceramic tile roof, a significant portion of which slid off and shattered on the ground around the house. (It fell entirely onto our property, so no potential passers-by were in danger.) Again, just interesting. It's absolutely nothing compared to what my wife's family and so many others are dealing with up north.
Originally Posted By DlandDug Thanks for the update. We will continue to hold good thoughts for you and all the people of Japan.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Also, the TDR Sheraton has on its website the following: "Due to the Disney Park closure until March 31, 2011, the hotel will not be accepting any individual transient reservations until March 31, 2011." I don't take this to mean that the parks will actually re-open Mar 31, but that the Sheraton has received official but non-published word that they will be closed *for sure* at least through Mar 31. At least that's my assumption. >>> Update: The Sheraton has removed the above notice and is now open for business, accepting reservations for check-in as early as today.
Originally Posted By Mr X Wow. I should think that's a sign that things are finally getting back to normal in old Urayasu! I did stop by Shin-Urayasu one last time the other day for an appointment, and though there is still some heavy damage there, life in the shops and around the area seems to be getting back to normal as it seems most people's water has been restored. Contaminated, but restored.
Originally Posted By Malin *** About the "dangers" of being here, we're staying up to date with the latest information and we're not worried at all. Really, we took more time off our lives at our latest all you can eat pizza buffet than anything these very low levels of radiation can do. *** Its great to see your keeping calm about the situation. When I suggested earlier in the week that not everyone in Japan was too worried about the fall out of the Fukushima Plant, I was accused by some of not knowing what I was talking about. Your observation is similar to other reports I have heard, so thanks for sharing. I think your upbeat attitude to the risk involved is encouraging. Hang in there Resort Cruiser. *** Update: The Sheraton has removed the above notice and is now open for business, accepting reservations for check-in as early as today. *** Also that JoeInJpn person on MiceChat says that OLC has announced that Ikspiari will re-open on March 28th with limited business hours.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***When I suggested earlier in the week that not everyone in Japan was too worried about the fall out of the Fukushima Plant, I was accused by some of not knowing what I was talking about*** You don't know what you're talking about, in my experience. Every single person I've talked to is assuming the worst. EVERYONE. Perhaps others feel more optimistic (frankly, I do too, in comparison to what I've heard from others!), but there is a sense of doom going around and until the thing is DONE and FIXED I think that sense will remain. Today, no water, bottled drinks, or breads available in my local store. That's a ramp up that can't really be ignored - and sure, some of it is panic. But some is also practicality (the water supply in Chiba remains radioactive and dangerous, that's todays report and I can confirm it firsthand).
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Its great to see your keeping calm about the situation*** Everyone in Japan is trying to keep calm about the situation, that's a given. About my above post, I don't mean to come across negatively but, I feel that rational observations about the situation are important and it is still, very much, in flux. If they can open up the resort under these conditions, great! But with the radioactive water supply and the situation in Urayasu, I wonder how they can manage it (will they shut off the water fountains, for example?). I think they're pushing to reopen too quickly, but that's just my opinion.
Originally Posted By Mr X Also, with the State Department still recommending "no non-essential travel", and many other countries still stating such, trying to recall their foreign workers could come back to bite them in the ass if this situation worsens. I really think they should put finances aside and wait a little while longer, but I'm not surprised. As for the re-openings, I don't think Ikspiari should've ever been closed in the first place (it has a supermarket, and other shops that could've served the local residents). Hotel-wise, I suppose they're working on Disney's schedule. I hope it all works out well! And I remain cautiously optimistic in the near term, EXTREMELY optimistic for Japan going forward!
