Video - Splash Mtn finale Jan 22 (all animatronics broken)

[CountryBearFan]

^ Exactly. This is why I was hoping there would be a shake-up post-Iger, because for things to change at WDW, the Company would need a CEO who:

1. Cares about & "gets" the theme parks division to the point where something like the current Splash Mtn fiasco would infuriate him (if he were ever to learn about it). A CEO who would dispatch a new P&R czar to Florida to knock heads and clean house.

2. Has a mandate vis-a-vis the shareholders (represented by the Board): the power to install execs & incentive programs that say it's okay to make the cost 85 from 80 because it will strengthen long-term quality and customer loyalty. Someone who has the ego to want to surpass all previous levels of quality & execution in creative, operations, etc.

Disney stock doesn't have to hover in the $20-$40 range as it has for 15 years. If they put out an ultra-hiqh quality, innovative product that everyone had to have, the stock could skyrocket like Apple's (or Pixar's).

Unfortunately, if Staggs or Rasulo succeed Iger (very likely), not much will change.

Please drop the negativity, Mr. Savage, and realize that despite what you may think, the company IS in a better place than it was during the latter half of Eisner's reign of terror. Iger and Staggs are doing a great job overall and they're doing the best they can during these tough economic times, plus the fact that they're still cleaning up all the costly messes that Eisner the Miser left behind.

 

[wm49rs]

Please drop the negativity, Mr. Savage, and realize that despite what you may think, the company IS in a better place than it was during the latter half of Eisner's reign of terror. Iger and Staggs are doing a great job overall and they're doing the best they can during these tough economic times, plus the fact that they're still cleaning up all the costly messes that Eisner the Miser left behind.

And what mess would that be? Dead animatronics?

And if Disney can afford a billion for their Next Gen project, they should be able to afford the parts and personnel to address these issues.

 

[disney fan 13]

And what mess would that be? Dead animatronics?

And if Disney can afford a billion for their Next Gen project, they should be able to afford the parts and personnel to address these issues.

I wanna see how he reacts to this...

 

[WDW1974]

In my research, I didn't even look at Disney owned hotels. No way I'm paying Disney prices when there are nice places across the street. But I can see where someone who is used to WDW would be reluctant to look off property. You get conditioned to think on-property is the way to go.

No doubt DL offers an opportunity for cheaper hotel rooms. If it were just me and my wife, it would probably come out to a wash with the more expensive air fare. Or at least be close enough. But you throw 2 kids in the mix and air fare prices currently being on the high side, and suddenly DL is significantly more expensive than WDW for us.

That obviously won't be the case for everyone. But that's really my entire point. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to the WDW vs. DL debate.

No, there isn't. And that was my point. But if you need any advice on how to make a DL trip more affordable, please ask. Usually, I don't do the trip planning advice deal except in private, but I'd like to help anyone get to DL for a first time.

Also, realize that you can travel to FIVE airports in SoCal -- LAX, Long Beach, OC-John Wayne, Ontario and Burbank, so there are options. But generally, LAX is usually the cheapest and has ALWAYS been so when renting a car.

In some cases, it will be too pricey for some or just not work logistically ... but many folks tend to give up too quickly.

Even more so with foreign resorts.

I heard horror tales about going to TDR before my first trip. How if I got a decent hotel for 'under $400 a night' I should be happy ... I wound up with a Good Neighbor 3-star hotel with transport for $62 a night. I heard horror stories about how pricey the city can be (it is!!!) but there were plenty of inexpensive options for GREAT food and touring options outside.

BTW, there are $699 flights from LAX to Tokyo (or were last week when I was on the left coast and checked!)

I guess what I am saying is you can't believe everything you hear (or read online).

~I need a vacation!~

 

[RSoxNo1]

They were doing exactly that when I went earlier this month--line on the right was for groups of 2 (FP or Standby) and line on the left was everyone else (FP and Standby post-merge).

I've seen them do this as well, but not consistently.

Also WDW1974 re: Tokyo, When you say "Good Neighbor Hotels" are you talking about these hotels?
http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/about/rh/official.html

Or are you talking about other Good Neighbor Hotels? I've been looking at a Tokyo trip in 2013 or 2014 and view it as a once in a lifetime trip so I had less of an issue with the $400 a night hotel rooms, but if there are reasonable hotels at a fraction of the cost, I'm all ears.

 

[HMF]

Dude, you're crazy.

I joined this website in 2006 and started by discussing my love for Walt Disney World, where I should eat for my coming trip, and Disney scrap-booking as part of an elaborate "alibi" for my future later unfavorable comparisons of Walt Disney World to Disneyland (nevermind that I didn't take my first Disneyland trip until 2010; it was all part of my elaborate ruse from the very beginning!).

Yes, It is all a conspiracy theory. We all secretly hate WDW because we spend a good chunk of our time visiting a WDW-themed board to discuss how much we hate it. Really, let's use logic here, If we did hate WDW why would we care if most of the animatronics on Splash Mountain are broken?
If calling WDW Management out for failing to live up to the standards set by it's founder and continue to be practiced by it's Siblings around the world is hating than I really don't know why I am here. Why would we spend this much of our time discussing a place we don't care about. Seriously, this "If you criticize TDO's policies means you hate WDW" logic is absurd, It's like saying you hate America if you are unhappy about how many Politicians are under the influence of Wall Street.:shrug:

 

[WDW1974]

Good quote.

While I can get caught up in complaining sometimes, I also remember well the state of the parks of 6-8 years ago. Things had really gone into the crapper compared to today. I do believe some positive progress has been made.

I would agree with that to some degree. But for every positive on the micro level (Mansion and HoP refurbs at MK, new dining options at EPCOT, Star Tours 2.0 at Studios), I see major problems on the macro level (MK maintenance overall, dining plan destroying dining, Fantasmic falling apart/park closing in summer at 7 p.m. etc).

In other words, there certainly are bright spots or nice things, but they are few and far between and not on a scale to cover the fact the overall product is trending downward and there's no direction from either TDO/WDW Co or Burbank as to what WDW's next decade should look like beyond real estate development, which 99% of ALL guests don't give a pipe of Pixie Dust about!

We all need to be mindful that while our unified voices may make a positive difference, we (Disney online fan community) can also appear to be nothing more then unending complainers at times. It dilutes our case when everything gets panned with huge outcry. Nothing can ever be good enough.

I don't (naturally) see it that way at all. I think the fan community has been largely a group of apathetic defenders of mediocrity until VERY recently. I first joined this site in 2008 and while my 'tude hasn't changed, the pulse of the community very much has.

And let's be blunt, 2008 is now four years ago and how much has WDW changed at all? (let alone for the better?)

You notice how none of the Social Media (Hi Jenn ... nice hair ... Hi Tom ... you need to get some hair ... Hi Charlie ... lapband?) contingent, let alone the speech writers, ever toss out that PR line from Walt about DL (which they moved to FLA in 1971) will ever be complete so long as there is imagination left in the world? Did all the imagination just dry up like an Al... (nope, not gonna use a tasteless joke someone near and dear just emailed me!:ROFLOL

A perfect example is Star Tours... brilliant overhaul of an aging attraction. The fan community's reaction was positive, but faded quickly as some said "well it should have been done a long time ago." Attendance didn't raise. Lines didn't increase. That effort should have been evangelized by the online rabid fans...

I'm not sure I'd use the word brilliant, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Star Wars redo (and I am not a film geek -- the original three films featured one great film, one very good one and an average one, the second trio had one film that was near unwatchable, one that was simply lousy and one that was fair to simply OK). It was absolutely a very pleasant surprise from WDI and after riding a few dozen times between Anaheim and O-Town, I'm not close to bored with it ... I think I've only experienced the same ride profile completely once or twice. That speaks to its repeatability.

BUT ... you are right, it should have been done a VERY long time ago. I first heard talks of it (from inside Glendale) back in 1998. The fact that fans were sold on the technology of using sims in the parks (and management before them) was because they could -- and WOuLD -- be updated frequently and cheaply. Well, we were all sold a load of goods on that one, weren't we?

And I can tell you it is much more popular in Anaheim. Not exactly sure why. Certainly having fewer sims makes a difference, but it has been a hugely popular addition while in O-Town it is noticeably less so. I have no idea how correct I am, but my feeling is people have a very much 'too little, too late' 'tude at WDW amongst regulars and visitors either don't know it's a new ride, don't care or don't believe it's enough of a priority to drive attendance vs. going to IOA or SW or even spending more time at MK or EPCOT.

But Disney got this one very much right. And so much more so than that simple little Mermaid attraction that really isn't all that.

~Rob?!?! I mean, REALLY?!?!?~

 

[Buried20KLeague]

I've seen them do this as well, but not consistently.

Also WDW1974 re: Tokyo, When you say "Good Neighbor Hotels" are you talking about these hotels?
http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/about/rh/official.html

Or are you talking about other Good Neighbor Hotels? I've been looking at a Tokyo trip in 2013 or 2014 and view it as a once in a lifetime trip so I had less of an issue with the $400 a night hotel rooms, but if there are reasonable hotels at a fraction of the cost, I'm all ears.

I'm not the all-knowing Spirit (I'm pretty sure I could drink him under the table too!), but I might offer assistance on this topic.

I was there for 10 days. Spent half the time at the Mira Costa with a park lagoon view, and the second half of the trip we stayed at the Sheraton also with a park view.

The Mira Costa is amazing by every definition. It ain't cheap, especially with the best view. Heck, it cost me $40 just for my two oldest kids to go swimming (pool privledges aren't included with your room)!

But our Sheraton room had a great view from the back of Disney Sea, looking toward the front of the park, with a great view of the volcano and it's hourly eruptions. The Sheraton was also directly across from a monorail stop, which means you don't have to take an additional shuttle to reach the hotel after the monorail. The shuttles are WAY awesome inside (google it!) but still... It was nice to not have to take one virtually ever.

For my money, when we go back, it'll be the Sheraton with park view, all the way. The only downside is there is only one English tv channel, where at the Disney hotels there are more as they cater to westerners. But if you can get past that, then you're set.

I HIGHLY suggest Kevin Yees book Tokyo Disney Made Easy. He was kind enough to send me an early print before it was officially released, and that book became my bible. WONDERFUL resource for a non Japanese speaker to visit not only Disney, but also a bit about Tokyo as well. From step by step instructions on where to go at the airport through how to get places, to things you'd expect like park tips.

 

[WDW1974]

I think the primary complaint is that lines for Toy Story didn't get any shorter.

That isn't mine, although I find the lines for TSMM to be ridiculous and show just how badly planned an addition it was. A video game you can play at home that is a very slow loader and is made up pretty much entirely of screens. I can justify it in DCA because the building is gorgeous ... and it fits the PP area so well (although they lose points with me for removing the Single Rider line there). But when you have an empty park in FLA and FPs are still gone at 11 a.m. ... and there's close to a two-hour wait when nothing else is more than 15 minutes, something in theme park menu planning as well as basic ops went awry.

Star Tours 2 may be a great update (I don't know as I have yet to experience it). But it was over due. And the park is still in need of more family-friendly attractions that will take the pressure off Midway Mania.

So, yeah, they updated an attraction that was hopefully out of date. And only because they could split costs with DL. Sounds like the bare minimum to me. I'm not giving them a ton of credit for that.

I'll actually give them some credit here because it REALLY was done so well, but it isn't the same as adding capacity something that every WDW park needs.

~Star Wars 2.0: Coming to TDR in 2012!~

 

[Pioneer Hall]

This stereotype that gets brought up often on this site is maddening. It makes no sense what so ever. It's even more frustrating when the people that run the site are the ones making the statements.

If someone talks about how much they love how things are done at DL and TDL, they're obviously a Disney Parks fan, and have spent in some cases tens of thousands of dollars to satisfy that craving. Why would anyone blanketly put down WDW and not the other resorts if there weren't reason and logic behind why they feel the way they do? What would be the point? If things were run as tightly at WDW as the other resorts, why in the world would any of us bash TDO or how WDW is run? Why wouldn't they praise WDW just as they praise DL or TDL?

The negative comparison of WDW to DL and TDL happens because it's warranted. The list of issues at WDW is LOOOOOONG. There are issues at the other resorts as well, and most everyone would agree with that. But it's not like at WDW.

You both sound as if you believe there is a double-standard when it comes to judging WDW. I think the complete opposite... That all resorts are judged with the same measuring stick by most... And WDW comes in way behind.

I don't know why anyone would hint that there be some huge conspiracy to bash WDW and that they don't deserve it. If this were a Universal site and there was some anti WDW sentiment, that would be one thing. But this is a WDW based site, and most of the "doom and gloomers" have hundreds and sometimes thousands of posts over years of membership. Certainly those people aren't on a YEARS long mission to attack WDW for no reason. Is it not possible they just want one of the passions in their life to strive to be better than it is, and more like its counterparts?

You will notice in your hostility that I never once said that current methods of upkeep are indeed good. You can also look back on this thread and see how I witnessed the topic at hand and was none too pleased. However, I personally do think that in a number of regards WDW is looked at differently than the other resorts. I also believe that this stems from a bit of "social proof" where people who are bit more verbose start speaking these things up and others without actual proof or regard blindly follow. There is obviously no question that maintenance and upkeep have slipped at WDW compared to other Disney resorts. However, in regards to the Tokyo video, I stand by what I said. If you were to show me a video of an over the top WDW CM loving their job, they would be looked at as fake and full of corporate canned happiness. It wouldn't be the authentic love of the job that one clearly has at TDL and is no where to be found in the swamps of Orlando. I've never said that people who look at WDW's faults are on a quest to bash, and I've never said they were less of a Disney fan. I do believe that at some points people will look at the properties with different glasses on and judge them differently. Call me out all you want, but from my 10+ years here and watching fights back and forth on the matter (even when Disneyland was considered the run down one) I believe that people do judge somewhat differently.

 

[WDW1974]

I know you're not going to leave me hanging like that.

My Disney Restroom Blog needs an update and that sounds like a real piece of "insider" information!

Be careful what you wish for ... as the Genie found out last night on ABC's Once Upon a Time (something every Disney fanboi should be watching and I'm not saying that just because I 'may' know someone who writes for the show!:wave

No easy way to put this ... but at the restroom nearest the front desk when you step out toward the DVC/hotel addition wing someone had decided to defacate in the only urinal (it's a one stall/one urinal deal). Disney, instead of closing the facilities and cleaning it immediately, had some CM place a clear plastic bag over the urinal (have no idea how long it had been like that), which wound up half off anyway, and left the mess (literally) there.

The Spirit has a weak tummy with some things and almost :hurl::hurl::hurl: when he went in.

I don't even want to begin to figure out why/how the situation came to be at a 4-star resort, but to say Disney's staff reacted the wrong way by ignoring it and not closing the facility (there are plenty of others a short walk away) would be putting it mildly.

~Pooh on YOU, Tony Bruno!~

 

[Buried20KLeague]

You will notice in your hostility that I never once said that current methods of upkeep are indeed good. You can also look back on this thread and see how I witnessed the topic at hand and was none too pleased. However, I personally do think that in a number of regards WDW is looked at differently than the other resorts. I also believe that this stems from a bit of "social proof" where people who are bit more verbose start speaking these things up and others without actual proof or regard blindly follow. There is obviously no question that maintenance and upkeep have slipped at WDW compared to other Disney resorts. However, in regards to the Tokyo video, I stand by what I said. If you were to show me a video of an over the top WDW CM loving their job, they would be looked at as fake and full of corporate canned happiness. It wouldn't be the authentic love of the job that one clearly has at TDL and is no where to be found in the swamps of Orlando. I've never said that people who look at WDW's faults are on a quest to bash, and I've never said they were less of a Disney fan. I do believe that at some points people will look at the properties with different glasses on and judge them differently. Call me out all you want, but from my 10+ years here and watching fights back and forth on the matter (even when Disneyland was considered the run down one) I believe that people do judge somewhat differently.

I don't really think I was hostile... ?? :shrug: My comment on the stereotype was really more aimed at what Steve said. I multi-quoted you for context to Steve's post, and because I was commenting on your statement about everything about TDL gets praised.

He clearly said people bash WDW and drool over DL and TDL. That is the line of thinking I find frustrating.

The video gets chalked up to being a completely different culture. I would find comparing that to WDW as apples and oranges.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I don't really think I was hostile... ?? :shrug: My comment on the stereotype was really more aimed at what Steve said. I multi-quoted you for context to Steve's post, and because I was commenting on your statement about everything about TDL gets praised.

He clearly said people bash WDW and drool over DL and TDL. That is the line of thinking I find frustrating.

The video gets chalked up to being a completely different culture. I would find comparing that to WDW as apples and oranges.

Then I apologize about the hostile comment if that was not the way you were presenting your message. It was just the way it read for me, and sometimes interpretation is a bit hard to get as you know.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Then I apologize about the hostile comment if that was not the way you were presenting your message. It was just the way it read for me, and sometimes interpretation is a bit hard to get as you know.

No worries. :wave:

Still have a bone to pick with your boss though. :lookaroun

 

[WDW1974]

This stereotype that gets brought up often on this site is maddening. It makes no sense what so ever. It's even more frustrating when the people that run the site are the ones making the statements.

If someone talks about how much they love how things are done at DL and TDL, they're obviously a Disney Parks fan, and have spent in some cases tens of thousands of dollars to satisfy that craving. Why would anyone blanketly put down WDW and not the other resorts if there weren't reason and logic behind why they feel the way they do? What would be the point? If things were run as tightly at WDW as the other resorts, why in the world would any of us bash TDO or how WDW is run? Why wouldn't they praise WDW just as they praise DL or TDL?

The negative comparison of WDW to DL and TDL happens because it's warranted. The list of issues at WDW is LOOOOOONG. There are issues at the other resorts as well, and most everyone would agree with that. But it's not like at WDW.

You both sound as if you believe there is a double-standard when it comes to judging WDW. I think the complete opposite... That all resorts are judged with the same measuring stick by most... And WDW comes in way behind. I don't know why anyone would hint that there be some huge conspiracy to bash WDW and that they don't deserve it. If this were a Universal site and there was some anti WDW sentiment, that would be one thing. But this is a WDW based site, and most of the "doom and gloomers" have hundreds and sometimes thousands of posts over years of membership. Certainly those people aren't on a YEARS long mission to attack WDW for no reason. Is it not possible they just want one of the passions in their life to strive to be better than it is, and more like its counterparts?

I bolded the part of your post that I really wish to comment on right now as I am fading fast (looooong day!)

I do agree with the rest, though. Wholeheartedly.:wave:

But when I am at a Disney resort, I judge them ALL by the exact same standards. And while I am lucky enough to be fanboi royalty :king: and have visited all the resorts worldwide, those Disney standards were conditioned and drilled into my young Spirited brain right in the Central Florida swamps. From 1974-1990, my ONLY Disney experiences were at WDW. So everything was going to be compared to how great WDW was and how terrific it was managed/run.

I've grown a lot since then and so has WDW, but I somehow think I turned out better with age.

My prism for show quality and guest service/recovery and entertainment and merchandise and CMs etc were all formed based on WDW quality, so I am only judging the place against itself and its sister resorts. And now I do look at all the details (good and bad) at each and every one of the 11 Disney parks around the globe and all of their resorts and cruise ships I have been to/on. I want to make sure I'm not 'picking on WDW' or simply giving glowing reviews to the other resorts because I am bored with the WDW product. I looked to make sure show effects were working in TDR ... and that light bulbs weren't out in HKDL ... and that parades didn't have missing floats/performers in Anaheim just to name a few things.

So, I judge fairly and equally. I don't give extra points to the other parks simply because I've spent less time in them, just as I don't grade WDW on some bizarre fanboi curve.

I approach each product just like I would when consulting on any major project. I am extremely fair and even give props to things I may not like (like the nice new MK digs for the Mice on Main Street).

Parks and resorts and components of each sink or swim on their own merits.

I may be a critic, but I am not critical just for the helluva it!

~Spread the MAGIC!~

 

[WDW1974]

I've seen them do this as well, but not consistently.

Also WDW1974 re: Tokyo, When you say "Good Neighbor Hotels" are you talking about these hotels?
http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/about/rh/official.html

Or are you talking about other Good Neighbor Hotels? I've been looking at a Tokyo trip in 2013 or 2014 and view it as a once in a lifetime trip so I had less of an issue with the $400 a night hotel rooms, but if there are reasonable hotels at a fraction of the cost, I'm all ears.

I am talking about these hotels:
http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/about/oh/goodn.html

The official hotels are the ones right on Tokyo Bay with monorail station. They would be akin to the DD Hotel Plaza Hotels (only much, much closer).

Good Neighbor Hotels are much like they are in O-Town and Anaheim. They are close by and you can buy tix at them and they provide transport (on the type of coaches like DME and DCL, NOT like the typical WDW bus you get when paying $500 a night at the Poly!)

It shouldn't be once in a lifetime at your young age! And it can be much more affordable than folks (even experts on Disney boards who actually go and didn't give me very accurate info when I asked because they had more limited knowledge than I thought!) think ... I was thrilled beyond belief when I found the Hilton Tokyo Bay for $185 a night when I was planning the trip (from China, where I was living/working) just a month out. But before I could jump on it, my dates changed by 2-3 days and the rates went up (not a huge amount ... like maybe $40-50 a night). But my traveling companion wound up finding the deal on the Good Neighbor Hotel on Hotels.com. The rate was about $85 a night (phenomenal on its own right, but we then got a rebate since we had an 11 night stay, which brought the rate down to $62) ... and they spoke perfect English there (unlike most CMs at TDR) and it was a GREAT area to stay in with so many places to dine, shop and see within a mile walk and subway line right outside the place.

~Curry Popcorn~

 

[WDW1974]

Yes, It is all a conspiracy theory. We all secretly hate WDW because we spend a good chunk of our time visiting a WDW-themed board to discuss how much we hate it. Really, let's use logic here, If we did hate WDW why would we care if most of the animatronics on Splash Mountain are broken?
If calling WDW Management out for failing to live up to the standards set by it's founder and continue to be practiced by it's Siblings around the world is hating than I really don't know why I am here. Why would we spend this much of our time discussing a place we don't care about. Seriously, this "If you criticize TDO's policies means you hate WDW" logic is absurd, It's like saying you hate America if you are unhappy about how many Politicians are under the influence of Wall Street.:shrug:

Just wanna say that I love this post ... just love it.

~And HATE Wall Street, which is destroying America -- and WDW too!~

 

[WDW1974]

I'm not the all-knowing Spirit (I'm pretty sure I could drink him under the table too!), but I might offer assistance on this topic.

I wouldn't be soooo sure you could drink me under the table ... I had many business meetings with Chinese officials. I am not sure my throat and liver will ever recover. ... But I am open to a fanboi drink off contest (just not in the typical WDW way:drevil:)

I was there for 10 days. Spent half the time at the Mira Costa with a park lagoon view, and the second half of the trip we stayed at the Sheraton also with a park view.

OK. After hearing that (but pretending to not remember for dramatic posting purposes here) I am suggesting you pay for the entire drink off and will state to the MAGICal denizens that you are indeed so wealthy that when you began to sweat, I saw gold leaf flaking off your face.

The Mira Costa is amazing by every definition. It ain't cheap, especially with the best view. Heck, it cost me $40 just for my two oldest kids to go swimming (pool privledges aren't included with your room)!

To be fair, this is the ONLY Disney hotel I have never stayed at that I would love to do so, but financially it will be a tough call. It was definitely smart to not stay there on my first visit because the parks are so amazing that I would have been very conflicted about leaving them ... while also paying a fortune for an amazing resort. It's sort of like when I stay at DAK Lodge and can spend (and have 2-3 days) just staying there without visiting a park. The difference is I am always at WDW and its parks are not the draw to me they once were whereas TDR is still new to me and its parks are works of theme park perfection!

Oh, and you should have told them to swim in the bath tub instead (now his lovely girls will join the throng of Spirited haters!) and used the $40 for more drinks in the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge!:drevil:

But our Sheraton room had a great view from the back of Disney Sea, looking toward the front of the park, with a great view of the volcano and it's hourly eruptions. The Sheraton was also directly across from a monorail stop, which means you don't have to take an additional shuttle to reach the hotel after the monorail. The shuttles are WAY awesome inside (google it!) but still... It was nice to not have to take one virtually ever.

For my money, when we go back, it'll be the Sheraton with park view, all the way. The only downside is there is only one English tv channel, where at the Disney hotels there are more as they cater to westerners. But if you can get past that, then you're set.

I wanted to check out the Sheraton. It wasn't available for 3-4 nights of our stay and I didn't want to switch hotels, so even though I'm SPG Gold it wasn't a possibility. I have heard the Hilton is the best (and most western) of the Official Hotels.

I HIGHLY suggest Kevin Yees book Tokyo Disney Made Easy. He was kind enough to send me an early print before it was officially released, and that book became my bible. WONDERFUL resource for a non Japanese speaker to visit not only Disney, but also a bit about Tokyo as well. From step by step instructions on where to go at the airport through how to get places, to things you'd expect like park tips.

I agree on the book ... just don't say ... send an email to Kevin from China asking for last-minute Tokyo Hotel Advice. :zipit::wave: Trust me on this!

~Geoff is my idol~

 

[TP2000]

Also, realize that you can travel to FIVE airports in SoCal -- LAX, Long Beach, OC-John Wayne, Ontario and Burbank, so there are options. But generally, LAX is usually the cheapest and has ALWAYS been so when renting a car.

Over on the Disneyland section of this forum I have become the official "Avoid LAX Like The Plague" goodwill ambassador. With the lone exception of the Theme Building in the middle and the fabulous Encounter Restaurant & Lounge up in its view-saucer, a visit to LAX ranks just above the 72 Hour Stomach Flu and just below attending a Junior High Chorale Concert on the scale of things to avoid.

LAX Theme Building - That airport's only redeeming quality

I am constantly telling East Coasters looking into Disneyland visits (and those numbers seem to have grown now that the calendar has clicked over to 2012) that John Wayne Airport is the easist, best, closest, most attractive airport to use for a Disneyland visit. It's just a shame that better John Wayne experience costs a bit more.

My rankings for a Disneyland airport in SoCal are as follows:

1. John Wayne Orange County Airport (The Real OC Housewife of airports; tanned, nipped, tucked, coiffed, bleached, and easy. )

2. Long Beach Airport (JetBlue's West Coast Hub airport, with nonstop service to JFK, Chicago or Boston and a fabulous 1950's vibe)

3. Ontario Intl. Airport (Down in the dumps with the economy lately, but close to OC and still better than LAX)

4. Bob Hope Burbank Airport (Not much farther than LAX, but so much faster)

5. LAX (Gawd, how embarassing that this is the first thing visitors from overseas see of our country!)

Expedia is your friend. Play around with which airport you will be arriving at. Greater Los Angeles has five major airports to choose from, and you may not need/want a rental car if you choose John Wayne.

All that said, I can completely understand how some folks living in the South or lower Ohio River valley could still make it cheaper to visit WDW than Disneyland by driving 4 to 12 hours over flying. Driving the family to Disney World in the Wagon Queen Family Truckster is still very cheap, and can also provide fantastic family memories to last a lifetime. I wouldn't begrudge a person from choosing that family road trip WDW experience for one second! :wave:

 

[WDW1974]

Over on the Disneyland section of this forum I have become the official "Avoid LAX Like The Plague" goodwill ambassador. With the lone exception of the Theme Building in the middle and the fabulous Encounter Restaurant & Lounge up in its view-saucer, a visit to LAX ranks just above the 72 Hour Stomach Flu and just below attending a Junior High Chorale Concert on the scale of things to avoid.

LAX Theme Building - That airport's only redeeming quality

LAX is definitely third world (although it ain't alone in the USA of 2012), although I did see some actual improvements recently in Terminals 5-6 ... new modern restrooms, nice flooring and it looks like loads of work is being done. I know friends who are basically afraid of the place, but I have had far worse experiences at airports like JFK, Laguadia, O'Hare etc.

Beyond being groped by the TSA at LAX (which has also happened here at MIA and FLL) and is a national Spirited disgrace, I find LAX bashing to really be overkill. I've never had a truly bad experience there and, for years, it was my local airport.

As to Encounter, while I love the place and was looking longingly at it just days ago and thinking its been years since I've been back, I don't want to say anything more positive as it will just feed the Eddie Sotto Ego Meter!:wave:

I am constantly telling East Coasters looking into Disneyland visits (and those numbers are growing immensely now that the calendar has clicked over to 2012) that John Wayne Airport is the easist, best, closest, most attractive airport to use for a Disneyland visit.

Yes, it is.

BUT ... BUT ... I have never found a rental car ever less pricey there and sometimes it is TWICE the price of LAX. Also, because of the noise restrictions, the place closes down early (like 10 or 11 p.m.) so if your flight gets delayed, you're going to be landing somewhere else anyway (usually LAX).

I don't personally like it because of all the rich Newport/Laguna crowd that winds up getting all the First Class upgrades that I can usually snag heading into/out of LAX either!

My rankings for a Disneyland airport in SoCal are as follows:

1. John Wayne Orange County Airport (The Real OC Housewife of airports; tanned, nipped, tucked, coiffed, bleached, and easy. )

2. Long Beach Airport (JetBlue's West Coast Hub airport, with nonstop service to JFK, Chicago or Boston and a fabulous 1950's vibe)

3. Ontario Intl. Airport (Down in the dumps with the economy lately, but close to OC and still better than LAX)

4. Burbank (Not much farther than LAX, but so much faster)

5. LAX (Gawd, how embarassing that this is the first thing visitors from overseas see of our country!)

Expedia is your friend. Play around with which airport you will be arriving at. Greater Los Angeles has five major airports to choose from, and you may not need/want a rental car if you choose John Wayne.

All that said, I can completely understand how some folks living in the South or lower Ohio River valley could still make it cheaper to visit WDW than Disneyland by driving 4 to 12 hours over flying. Driving the family to Disney World in the Wagon Queen Family Truckster is still very cheap, and can also provide fantastic family memories to last a lifetime. I wouldn't begrudge a person from choosing that family road trip WDW experience for one second! :wave:

Never have flown into Long Beach (only SoCal airport I can say that about), but Burbank is the absolute worst when you aren't headed for a meeting with the Weatherman or one of his minions of evil and destruction of Old Man Disney's legacy:drevil: ... I can't imagine using it for a DL trip really. I think I'd fly into San Diego first (also another option if you don't mind a bit of a drive).

As to driving to WDW, with Wall Street demanding Americans pay $4 a gallon for gas, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that someone driving from Ohio is going to save much or anything over flying to O-Town or LA!

~Sure, it's all supply and demand ... yeah, tell yourself that!~