Visiting Tokyo Disney Resort - The WDW News Today Podcast: Episode 25

[@90dayfiance69]

Dude I went to disneysea for the first time 2 days ago and it absolutely blew me away. I felt like I was in Final Fantasy. I just couldn’t believe it. Not only hands down the greatest theme park ever made but some of the best candy for the eyes I’ve ever had.

[@cindycharming7993]

Can’t wait to see Tom vlogs of Tokyo Disney!!

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

12:00 I really like "filler" moments when you guys just shoot the breeze, because those kinds of conversations can lead to interesting places.

[@DiaryofaRollerCoasterGirl]

I honestly found getting around Japan easier than some counties in Europe. The main reason being, as you say, the people there are just so accommodating and happy to help. There's always pictures to point at when ordering food, and worst case you just use Google translate. I used the translate camera lots, as I went to many places in the wilderness, but after 3 weeks covering the whole country, I only actually used translate to show someone what I wanted to say the once. I was a little nervous before going, but all that soon disappeared and now its like my favourite place ever. I'm heading back this year just for for Tokyo, and back again in 2025 for another massive trip. If you're feeling apprehensive, don't. Just do it, you won't regret it. I just regret not visiting sooner 😢

[@CLIFFLIX]

Right on time! I'm literally planning a Tokyo Disney trip for October right now as I type this! PERFECT timing!

[@debbrown5648]

I know that was long. But I could listen to Tom talk about disney over Deas for 3 more hours. Thank you Tom!

[@NZDLo]

My husband and I went to Japan late last year, and ended our trip at Disney. Because of this, we didn’t find the food at Tokyo Disney “weird” (Tom…not a great word to use!). While Disney parks began in the US, most of the visitors of Tokyo Disney will be from Japan and surrounding countries. This is why the food is tailored to their tastes. We found the quality fine, actually, and even had a good meal at Vulcania. In many countries around the world, it is quite common to find meat/curry in bread, and the ones in Japan are next level. Their milk bread alone is amazing! Red bean anything is a great snack/treat. Best part of the food there, is that each dish is displayed in a cabinet before you walk in. This will help you decide if the meal looks appealing. Also, as seasons are a big deal in Japan culturally, the food changes per season at most restaurants, including those in Disney. If there are set meals, the gift will also change per the season. While my husband is skilled at chopsticks, I am not, so I carried my own silverware in a travel case. Highly recommend to those who are not confident with chopsticks. For those who mostly drink water, there are water fountains *everywhere* - even in ride queues! And nearly any coffee can you see in a vending machine will taste better than Starbucks. Tipping! Look, it isn’t offensive. But it does confuse the hell out of those waiting on you. They don’t have a mechanism to account for the additional money in the register. Like nearly everywhere in the world outside of the US, service is included in the price you pay, and employers are responsible for fairly paying their staff. Finally, children in Japan learn to clean at school from a very early age. They are taught to take care of their environment - there are even parts of Japan where it is expected that neighbors will clean the stoop next door. So, the program in Disney isn’t weird - just an extension of Japanese culture.

[@WDWNT]

Sorry, but the dozens of local parkgoers I’ve spoken to have agreed a lot of the food is bad and/or weird. My opinions are often educated, I don’t just try to make things up to be an authority on something.

[@zacharyeversole]

If your train is even a few minutes late in Japan, they will give you a card explaining your tardiness to your employer. What a society.

[@PoweredLaces]

Im from NYC and in high school we could give the teacher the 4 digit number of the train car.

[@kylemclain1167]

You put the call out at about the 60 minute mark asking for people to help, and I'd be glad to! I'm a 20 year Tokyo resident, fluent in the language, and a huge parks fan! I'd be honored to help out in any way that I can!

[@kallieblumberg9977]

I see over 1 hour and get so giddy!! The longer the better 😃

[@AmericanAnthropologist]

I'm an American anthropologist who moved to Japan to study Japanese Culture - especially manners and etiquette, and I just discovered your channel today and can I say I could not LOVE this video more. Phenomenal- from both of your attitudes and discussion to Mr. Tom's analytical eye for detail (I honestly am really impressed). Beautiful! I, obviously, have your same view obviously when I travel oversea, I try to smash as many stereotypes about American as much as I can as I might be one of the first Americans they have ever met. one note? : The universal language around the world is English (lucky for us as you said.) Almost everyone in the word learns English as their foreigner language in school. When I was in Spain, I remember seeing a German talking to a Russian both in broken English language because it was the only language that they shared. We are lucky ;) around 300 years ago the Universal Language was French. p.s. I don't think I have ever been more disappointed 🤣 than when I ordered the hot buttered rum at Sea (in December 2018) and I got a shot of hot rum with sad little stick of butter just bobbing in the rum (I thought it was going to come with sugar and spices😂)

[@kimberlyharding1467]

Thank you for this amazing podcast. So much great information! Definitely helpful for planning.

[@neko-chan6145]

liked the filler and hearing what the company is up to. i would enjoy seeing boxed in again with the stuff Tom finds in japan. have a great trip and good luck with getting everything ready. i would like to see this topic again after Tom’s stay in Japan.

[@qwert8134]

Really good informative video about Japan. I am actually really excited to see Tom vlog in Japan and teach us how the resort works.

[@77Scarlet]

I would to see Nana in Tokyo with Tom ✨

[@alfie_8914]

I have literally just landed in Tokyo 🤣🤣 I can’t wait to visit DisneySea in a few days

[@josueelombre931]

I thought I would die from laughing so much at the part where you guys start to lose it at grandma possums 🤣🤣

[@goosepup]

Thank you for being so thorough! I now wish I could go to Japan. I really love the fact that you’re going to do a vegetarian/vegan guide. Fantastic idea!

[@patriciajackson1457]

We took the Newark trip last October. It is approximately 12 hrs. We stayed at the Shinjuku Prince hotel, they provided slippers. They requested that you leave your shoes in the entrance. When we stayed at an Air BnB in Kyoto, they had slippers at the door and separate bathroom slippers, to only be worn in the toilet area.

[@marcussaintly-ox8ue]

My favorite episode yet! Hoping to do a long trip to Japan next year, half skiing and half Disney!

[@andrewbarnett152]

I love that in the introductory discussion of the Oscar-winning movies, Tom suddenly drops Haunted Mansion into the conversation. I thought for a split-second 'Wait, they nominated THAT movie for an Academy Award?!'. It fried my brain for a second to think of Jared Leto's turn as the Hatbox Ghost maybe rubbing shoulders with the likes of Robert Downey Jr and Robert De Niro as Best Supporting Actor.

[@hiimdaisy7077]

56:00 I’m a Japanese and I think taking shoes off in the entrance stands for the boundaries from outside of the world to inner space. It’s like a tiny ritual. When I take off shoes and enter the home, I feel like more safe, comfortable, and clean. (I know this makes no sense but I kind of feel like that) My high school teacher once told me this may be related to Shinto concepts, which prioritize boundaries and cleanness.

[@nathanlawlor8092]

JFK to HND direct was almost always my preferred flight choice to Japan. NRT takes forever to get into the center of Tokyo.

[@dwhugenberg]

Thank you for the Tokyo Disney info!

[@Aki_the_Dreamer]

I'm a Japanese and I pick french fries and chicken nuggets with fingers😂 I'm sure that's normal. Also, we don't use chopsticks very often unless it's typical Japanese food!

[@kentokyo]

Yeah, I dont know where he gets this idea too. It is extremely common for Japanese people to eat chicken nuggets and french fries with their fingers at and outside of Tokyo Disney Resort.

[@DocDoccus]

I had a more enjoyable time during this 1:55:32 watching two fellas talk about Tokyo Disney than I had watching 12 minutes of "Strange World".

[@CapeSIX]

When Tom goes to Japan his collection of cups, plates, napkins, etc is gonna be a whole suitcase

[@bdchiaccio]

Nick wants dibs on all of his pens

[@SBOutrich]

This is great my wife and I want to go but are afraid due to the language barriers. This is very useful information thank you!

[@nyckmo9047]

Man, Tom, you're BRUTAL with the food review. I'm Japanese-American and while I don't doubt you've seen a park guest use chopsticks to eat chicken nuggets and fries, most everyone eats them using their fingers. I'd eat at Tokyo Disney Resort as the day is long, any day, over the food at the U.S. parks. But I will say that you are right about some of the food offerings at the parks. The burgers there are not good, and neither is the "Italian" food at Zambini Bros, but by no means are they inedible as you describe. Also, the Chinese food at Vulcania in Disney Sea is not "deplorable." My family lives in Japan and thought the mabo tofu and the noodles there were really delicious. There's a reason why there are long lines at Vulcania. It's good! It also caters to a lot of Asian visitors from China, Korea, and the Philippines who really do prefer and enjoy eating at Vulcania. Also, Grandma Sara's Kitchen in Tokyo Disneyland is not "gross." The omelet rice, a popular Japanese comfort food, is quite tasty. I think we can agree on the fantastic curry at Hungry Bear, for sure. I know I should take your opinions with a grain of salt since I'm biased as a Japanese person with different tastes in food than the average American. But the hyperbolic descriptions slamming the food was a bit of a reach, I thought, even as you claimed you had a friend who was a local and expressed not being a fan of the Disney food there. If you're a reader who hasn't gone to Tokyo Disney and plan to, keep an open mind and know the cultural differences in cuisine are part of the experience, and the food at the parks is absolutely not terrible. And the cheap food prices compared to the U.S. parks make any of the foods that aren't a home run there more forgivable. This is not meant to be a slam on the channel. I genuinely enjoyed this podcast discussion about Tokyo Disney. For the record, I'm a fan of WDW News, and I'm about as passionate as Tom is about Disney. I'm thrilled he'll be living in Tokyo throughout the opening of Fantasy Springs to share his experiences with us. I acknowledge I can't criticize a guy who warns us that he gives "brutally honest" reviews, which I do appreciate. But when he came after the food at Tokyo Disney Resort like that, I just had to have a "hold my beer" moment because it's really not THAT bad! I

[@Joel1031]

We are planning out our December trip so this is great timing!

[@jasonchampagne6825]

Speaking of Territory Lounge, I really miss the Oregon Chardonnay Fondue - it was so awesome I memed it for Susan, Erica and the cast a couple of years ago! Love that place!

[@Cherryblossom85953]

Can you guys do one of these shows on Disneyland Paris?

[@WDWNT]

We will

[@joelacourse305]

I feel like as a viewer, I would gain a better understanding of Tokyo Disney from the reaction of someone familiar with the US parks going for their first time *cough* like Eric

[@WDWNT]

My first time wasn’t that long ago

[@dwayitis]

The cappuccino flavored popcorn sold at Tokyo DisneySea from opening day back in 2001 was fabulous. And a very favorite option along guests. WDW will never achieve that glory.

[@michellee1190]

I can not wait to see the Citizens of Hollywood thing streamed from Stage 89. We used to read books about that at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire to learn about interacting with guests. I wish I could be there in person but I will, amusingly, be in California visiting said faire.

[@elansmith9291]

Tom is the king 👑

[@michellee1190]

Tom: ".... We don't drink during work..." Me: (Cracking open a hard cider from the breakroom at 10:30 AM) "Bummer."

[@bigjohny8446]

Hard cider? Isn't all cider alcoholic

[@michellee1190]

I don’t know where you are located, but so far the other two people who have asked me that have been from the UK. In the US, or at least some parts of it, and very probably because of prohibition, “apple cider” or just cider, is a name applied to some preparations of apple juice. A notable example is Martinelli’s sparkling cider, which comes in a wine bottle. It is often used as a beverage for the kids table at family gathering so they can feel fancy. As a result, the word hard is applied to cider when there is alcohol included in it.

[@imthewalrus2379]

Question for Tom regarding dining: I see their shopping area, Ikspiari, has a few well-known American dining locations such as Rainforest Cafe, TGI Fridays, Red Lobster and, of course, McDonalds. How do they compare to their American counterparts? Are they good options for meals? And, compared to getting from the parks and resorts at WDW to Disney Springs, how easy (or not) is it to get to Ikspiari from the Tokyo Disney Resorts and parks? Thanks very much to you and Eric for these episodes. I'm planning on getting to the parks in Tokyo and Paris in the next few years. So, this information is very helpful. I hope you do a similar episode or two on Paris in the future!

[@WDWNT]

If you’re really picky they’ll be good options but the menus can be very different and dietary needs will still be a challenge at many.

[@PoweredLaces]

I want to go to the Ramen Museum!

[@traciecombs7030]

Looking forward to hearing more about vegetarian options in the parks (that aren't desserts or popcorn) we want to plan a trip there....but the food situation is a bit scary.

[@JLKelly2]

20 mins in and no Cerveza Cristal jokes so far

[@BraddSky]

I went to Tokyo Disneyland Resort in September of 2014 and it was every bit as amazing as Tom suggests it is. Yes, Space Mountain is lame and will be replaced with a (probable) better version and I had some complaints about the merchandise and lack of clothes that said Tokyo Disneyland. I also saw the final Mythica and rode Jungle Cruise on the first day of the new version (unless they’ve updated it again). Hopefully I’ll be back within a year.

[@witchygrrl]

I think I'm finally ready to face my fear of solo international travel (LOL I don't count Mexico/the Caribbean) and am absolutely marking Tokyo/Disney as my first trip hopefully for the Halloween/fall season, so I'm saving this video. Thank you as always for the tips!!!

[@texirie]

Polar routes are HKG and NRT. Quickest routing. Perfectly safe you are over 30000 FT. EWR JFK have JL UA NH etc flying non stop. You can fly into two NRT-Nartita and HND-Haneda. If you are staying in Tokyo proper it’s 200 for cab. HND is cheaper and easier airport. There are more flights being added from USA to HND. Yes I work for the airlines.

[@kallieblumberg9977]

I'm obsessed with Dune and pt 2

[@SasJ64]

You missed Camp Woodchuck Kitchen in the back of Tokyo Disneyland - waffle sandwiches, totally amazing theming (Huey, Dewey and Louie at summer camp) - a must visit. FWIW we love Grandma Sara’s omelet rice, but again, the Splash Mtn theming there is a must-see

[@WDWNT]

I do like Camp Woodchuck, probably why Eric should let me prep topics lol

[@LARKXHIN]

I like how it takes 30 minutes to get to the subject 😂

[@AmericanAnthropologist]

Oh! For Vegan and Vegetarian Menus at Tokyo Disney - CHRIS from TDR Explorer already did a wonderful and thorough menu/guide and where to get it for both Sea and Land separately

[@MaftyNavueErin105]

Id pay to see Tom visit the Gundam Base.

[@ZebraLens]

32:30 do we know if OLC possibly cut operating costs in other areas to move those extra funds over for operating Fantasy Springs area? I know each TDR park runs separately as its own business (I assume TDR works similar to WDW and DL), but I was just wondering what OLC could be doing. It doesn't seem like them to want to cut costs now. I wonder if they have new leadership? Didn't the original OLC president (the older guy we would see in every TDR park anniversary photo) leave or pass away?

[@WDWNT]

That’s not what’s happening

[@DiaryofaRollerCoasterGirl]

LOL, I ate at both Volcania and Grandma Sara's and found them both to be nice 😆

[@WDWNT]

What did you eat 😶

[@davyannajones]

Is there anyway we can get Disney to allow Tom to be the official voice of the Hatbox Ghost 😂

[@Floridapanthers2020]

Me and my family are currently planning a trip to Tokyo next summer and I am real excited. Also I have to show ID for stage 89 streaming ticket?

[@LizaFellow]

Ok I’m curious, how many people would trade Rise of the Resistance for a pod racer ride that combines the systems of Smugglers Run and Flight of Passage? I got this idea while listening to one of the episodes, love the podcast!

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

My brother was a mailman in dtown Boston. XMAS was huge. Mostly bottles of booze.

[@jordangarrett7343]

A another great episode. I been to disneyland Paris but not Tokyo yet so definitely enjoy your tips especially as a picky eater so will definitely need to remember where to get chicken nuggets and Fries haha. Unfortunately can't be there for the weekend part of stage 89 but I will be there for the park anniversary, news tonight and have a Friday ticket. So definitely looking forward seeing how the updated studio space looks like.

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

Have you ever stayed at the DL Sheraton?

[@ZebraLens]

I always told myself of I won a big lottery (hundreds of millions) then I would financially sponsor a Tokyo Disney Resort level attraction at MK. In order for it to make sense financially, I would have the operating cost paid for by income from diversified investments. (Oh yeah I thought about this 😂) Honestly, I would want a *_SpectroMagic 2.0_* 😁

[@EEvtg]

ahh I wish they hand't removed Officer Zzzyxxxx! The exit of Star Tours also used to have a kiosk featuring the final video from HORIZONS! idk why they felt the need to remove this stuff with "adventures continue" smh...I also don't know why they replaced Rex tho

[@MikeGraney]

Do I have to come help build this studio too?

[@WDWNT]

Talk to me closer to the opening. Like a day or two before.

[@daisylauren3742]

Spicy sauce is harissa. If you want chicken nuggets go to the Hawaiian place by the Disney Store in Ikspiari. American portions for sure. There is also a pancake spot on the top floor if you want an America breakfast.

[@davyannajones]

White meat chicken thighs in an Asian country is crazy. That’s cat meat my boy.

[@daisylauren3742]

The Mickey long bread is just soft, plain bread. Not worth standing in a line to get. The chocolate tipo torta tastes like lava cake!

[@HarmonyinColor]

OLC has continuously downgraded the quality of foods at park restaurants and even switched to paper plates which now look like “convenient store foods.” Although foods used to be more unique and had a better presentation, OLC rather prefers to maintain the price and lower the quality. While official hotels have better restaurants, it’s hard to get a reservation. I agree with the bakery stores as they are sponsored by Meiji, a huge food company. Hmmm, China Voyager or Vulcania are pretty good and popular, but maybe too Japanese twist? If you want to give it another shot during your upcoming trip Tom, try chicken white ramen with shrimp (白鶏麺) at China Voyager. Great podcast as always!!

[@CursedKeyblade1]

China voyager is the most overlooked quick service food place. No vloggers or people ever tall about it despite it being absolutely delicious and a good value imo

[@emmanuelventura4252]

Do you need a special code to get the streaming ticket for 10$? Im on the site right now and its 19.98$ and its only march 13th. anyone got any info on this?

[@WDWNT]

The early bird is there

[@CursedKeyblade1]

I'm gonna be honest, I don't personally like DisneySea nearly as much as TDL. TDL just feels so much more fun to me. TDS has spectacular themeing, by far the best in the world but I think it falls flat attraction wise. I don't even think the food is that great too. Fantasy Springs can certainly change that though.

[@HarmonyinColor]

I feel TDS is adding so many IP attractions and shading over the original theming. Retheming Storm Rider and Little Mermaid show are still a huge loss to me. Originals were far better...

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

Ask the locals what they think of the new Disney Shogun series

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

It's not the language or culture its the overwhelming intensity of the crowds that messes up people who have never lived in nor visited large cities in general. check your phone service. if you have cell service you can just google map everything.

[@PoweredLaces]

In NYC people kill themselves in the subway all the time. New train drivers call it their christening the first time it happens to them. And people jump off the GWB all the time so not that different. We just don’t talk about it.

[@WDWNT]

It’s way more common in Japan, look it up

[@melvinlee9263]

I think this is too much info to cram in a single podcast...maybe you should do separeate topics (Tokyo Disney:Parks; Tokyo Disney: Hotels:, Tokyo Disney: Rides, etc.). And also for the the other International Parks Tom has visited. Just a suggestion...

[@WDWNT]

Our next podcast is part 2 of this...

[@mrs.donglover2586]

Most of the world knows English which is why they use it as the common language outside of the USA. It has nothing to with people from the united states .

[@WDWNT]

Didn’t say it did

[@mrs.donglover2586]

@@WDWNT Tom was the doofy to imply it was because US citizens don’t usually learn a second language.

[@People_of_the_Mouse]

I would never visit the china parks. You have zero rights once you cross that border.