Upcoming trip... A few Questions

[missy28]

Hi All...

I'm hoping someone can help me out. I live in Saipan, and first went to TDR in November last year. I'm heading back next weekend (Aug 23-26) and had a couple questions.

I'm staying at the Kasai Pearl Hotel... anyone have any ideas the best way to get there from Narita? It's right off the Tozai line. And has anyone stayed here before? I got a great deal, so figured why not.

I plan on going to TDL on Friday, in the hopes that it won't be quite so crowded as it would be on Saturday. In Nov, I waited for an hour and a half right at entry to get a FP for Pooh! Any suggestions as to a touring plan? I didn't get to ride most things last time since it was so crowded.

Same question for TDS, as far as touring plans go...

Just for the info, I'll be going solo, and I'm a huge Disney nut, and have been to WDW too many times to count... so I'm not a newbie! I promise to give a full trip report and post photos! I'm very excited, and it is a MUCH needed getaway!

Thanks!

[TDLFAN]

I love! Saipan and Guam.

I have never satyed nor am familiar with the hotel you are staying at but JoeinJpn may be able to help you...

As for TDR....expect crowds! You are coming in the middle of summer vacation. BE PREPARED for the crunch. Arrive early at at the gate and wait. No later than 7am. Play Fastpass as much as possible and be prepared for the heat. Dress comfortably... it's been very very HOT in the Tokyo area.
I am on a timer here and can't answer you in details so I apologize for that.

[Malin]

I've actually been looking at staying at the hotel myself if I were to visit again.The rates are very good for Japan.The hotel is said to be ideal if you wish to visit Disney as the hotel offer complimentry shuttle service twice a day to the Resort and its only one stop on the subway.Sorry I can't help anymore but please let us know how you get on with this hotel as it does seem to be a great option for travelers looking to stay close to Disney but on a tight budget.

[JoeInJpn]

Hi Missy,

Here are some directions that might help you to get to the hotel.

Recommended Route #1:
1. Take Keisei Line from Narita Airport to Keisei Funabashi Station.
2. At Keisei Funabashi, walk to JR Funabashi Station and ride JR Sobu Line (towards Nishi-Funabashi). Ride that train until JR Nishi-Funabashi Station.
3. At Nishi-Funabashi, change to Metro Tozai Line (towards Nakano/Mitaka). Ride that until Kasai Station.
(Train changes: 2; Cost: 1000-2000yen each; Time: about 1:20-1:50)

Recommended Route #2:
1. Take Keisei Line from Narita Airport to Ueno Station.
2. At Ueno, change to Metro Ginza Line (towards Ginza). Ride that train until Nihombashi Station.
3. At Nihombashi, change to Metro Tozai Line (towards Nishi-Funabashi). Ride that until Kasai Station.
(Train changes: 2; Cost: 1250-2250yen each; Time: about 1:30-2:00)

JoeInJpn
http://www.jtcent.com

[missy28]

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions...

TDLFAN-- i'm glad you love Saipan and Guam! I do too... been here almost a year now and don't want to leave.

I figured crowds would be crazy as usual. But the heat, I can handle... since it's always hot in Saipan, and I'm originally from Atlanta!

I thought about using the hotel shuttle, but apparently it only drops off at 8:30am and 9:30am, and that really bites into my schedule, so i imagine I'll have to find some other way to get there.

JoeInJpn, thanks for the helpful directions! I was also pondering taking the Keisei bus from Narita- there is one that stops right at the Kasai station. Would this be easier or not worth it? Also, if I were to use an alternate to the provided hotel bus, any suggestions on how to get to the park in the am? I am thinking I'll just do that on Friday, since I'm hitting TDL... I wonder how much a taxi would be...

[missy28]

By the way, Joe, your site is where I did all my initial research for my last trip! Thanks for such a great site!

[JoeInJpn]

Thanks for the kind words and checking the site, Missy.

If you're not in a hurry and there is a direct bus to Kasai from Narita, take it!

I stayed at a hotel in Nishi-Kasai and took the taxi to Kasai Kinkai Koen Station, and rode the train for one station to Maihama. The taxi ride took 10min and cost 1000yen. A great deal in my book. Go for it if you want to get there early.

PS: I've been to Guam twice and Saipan once, had a great time each trip!

[missy28]

The taxi to the station sounds like the way to go for both days! That IS a deal!

Next time you make it to Saipan, let me know... I'll buy you a drink.

[missy28]

Ok, so Thursday is rapidly approaching, and I'm so excited I can't stand it. I desperately need a break from life!

I was thinking about how to appraoch TDL on Friday. I plan on getting there an hour or so before opening. Last time it was so crowded that I missed Splash and Haunted Mansion AND Big Thunder.

So, my question is, does anyone have a suggested touring plan so I WON'T miss all that stuff?

In November, I waited about an hour and a half for a Pooh FP, but by the time I got to everything else, all the FPs were gone. So, any and all advice is welcome! Thanks!

[JoeInJpn]

Missy, which attractions are "must do" for you? And which are OK to miss that day?

Also, do you want to see any shows/special events?

Let us know and we can help you out with a pretty good plan.

By the way, I'll be at TDL on Friday too.

JoeInJpn
http://www.jtcent.com

[missy28]

Let's see... I'd like to see as much of what I didn't get to see in Nov., Splash, BTM, HM especially. Of course, I want to repeat Pooh, and hit the Mickey Mouse Revue and see Toontown since I skipped it last time. I'm not a big parade person, and I don't really care about fireworks, so I can use that time to ride. My biggest concern is getting my FPs in the right order.

If you want to get together on Friday let me know!

[Malin]

missy28 hope you have a great time,please let us know how the hotel was!

By the way Joe talking of days you'll be at the park on,what dates are you going to be available for if any during my trip next month?

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by missy28

TDLFAN-- i'm glad you love Saipan and Guam! I do too... been here almost a year now and don't want to leave.

HAFA ADAI!!!

BTW.. went to TDR tonight. TDL was busy but TDS was manageable.

[JoeInJpn]

Thanks for listing your priorities Missy28. Here is a suggested plan that does not require rushing through the Park, although it wouldn't hurt! (I hate running.) * = FP attractions.

The "Back Route" attractions:
Splash*, BTM*, Haunted, Pooh*

The "Front Route" attractions:
Space*, Pirates, JC, Buzz*

Taking the "back route" first:

- Get the Pooh FP first (with 9:20am return time).
- Then walk back to BTM and ride it (20min. standby).
- Next, go to Splash and ride it (20min. standby).
- Then go to Haunted and ride it (15min. standby).

- If it's earlier than the Pooh return time, ride any other Fantasyland attractions (Snow White, Peter Pan, Small World, but not MMR yet.)
- If it's within the return, decide on your second FP for either Space/Buzz (1st ride), or BTM/Splash/Pooh (2nd ride).

- Then go to Pooh and ride it (with FP). It should now be about 10:30am.

From this point, you can tackle the "front route" attractions. JC will be the least crowded of the bunch. Pirates and Buzz will be more crowded. And you might already have a FP (with 12:00pm return time) for Space.

Let me know what you think. Sure, it would be fun to hang out. Let's set up a time and place to meet.

JoeInJpn
http://www.jtcent.com

[missy28]

Thanks, Joe! Sounds like a GREAT plan... I plan on being there all day Friday, so we could lunch if you'd like or meet in the afternoon... whatever works with your schedule.

I think the plan sounds like it will work like a charm... and hopefully I'll be able to get there about 7:15 or so so I'll be in the front on the entrance line!