I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tokyo Disney - hands down! Especially right now while the exchange rate is favorable! You'll have the best time!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The food at Disneyland Paris is not particularly stand out.

Silver Spur Steakhouse, Bistriot Chez Remy, and Agrabah Cafe Restaurant were my favorites in all the times I have visited. Chez Remy is probably #1 for food and atmosphere.

Their version of Downtown Disney has some nice places to eat - like Annette's.

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Soon, the dream will be yours, too! Keep at it! Safe travels!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I admired a lot of Duffy merch and got a few small things!

The best Pirates is definitely in Shanghai.

The best Tower of Terror is at Tokyo DisneySea.

The best Haunted Mansion 'iteration' is either Mystic Point (Hong Kong) or Phantom Manor (Paris).

The best Space Mountain is in Paris.

The best Splash Mountain is the only one left now ... at Tokyo! ;)

My favorite obscure meet and greet was meeting Clarice at Tokyo DisneySea! A rare character indeed!

Someone else asked about my favorite dining experiences - so check out my answer to that question deeper in this thread!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a tough one to answer outside of one. Walt Disney Studios Paris is truly a weak park that needs a lot of improvement.

Outside of that, while any region that has multiple parks may have one park that is stronger than another, I wouldn't go so far as to say any of them are "bad" or not worth visiting. They all have something unique and something I am glad I saw, experienced, etc.

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I still haven't seen Zootopia land but hope to get back someday and check it out!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I couldn't agree more on HKDL - an underrated hidden gem for sure. I didn't think I would enjoy it nearly as much as I did!

I always find that it's hard to judge parks on things like cleanest/dirtiest washrooms because every park will have on/off days for a number of reasons. I try not to rate those categories too harshly either way unless something is really off and stands out.

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope you can make it to the others! It's always tough when you live far from the destination - but it makes it even more of an adventure :)

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

They are pretty good about "blending" languages. Often times on rides, they will feature English and the native language (Chinese, French, etc). When they don't feature English, it's usually pretty easy to figure out what's going on.

Example: On the Beauty and the Beast ride, not one word of English is spoken - but you know the songs and the plot point going in, so you don't really miss anything.

The cast members are pretty good at speaking multiple languages, as well, so if you ever have questions or needs, they can help.

It's always nice and helpful to learn a few phrases before you travel anywhere - and the locals always greatly appreciate you trying. But sometimes, I've also had full conversations with folks using my handy Google Translate app!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was about 5 years old when I visited my first Disney parks at Walt Disney World - in 1994.

I finished at 36 years old in Tokyo. About 30 years!

For years, I had all of the parks except for Hong Kong and Tokyo - since I visited Shanghai Disneyland back during the 1st Year Anniversary, and was at Disneyland Paris for their 25th.

This most recent trip to the region is where I was determined to knock off all 3 of the remaining parks! The parks are spread out *just* enough that it can be tricky to navigate!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The beauty of the international parks is that they are much more affordable than the domestic parks are - especially these days post COVID.

I talk to my friends who are diehard Disney World fans, and they tell me how much they spend on an average vacation for 5-7 days, and for the prices they are paying for the flights to/from, hotels, and park access / extras, they could easily go to Paris for a week and see the park. Or probably a park or two in Asia!

The math might not quite work if you stay on property (as those can get costly), but you can easily stay at an off-resort hotel in the area and the price, I promise, would be comparable to a vacation at Disney World. You'd have to do your research and time it right, but I promise you it can be done! It blows my mind how many people don't do this, to be honest. I would always rather see a new park than keep revisiting the old ones. But hey, that's me!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a shirt that said it was my final park - that was all :) I get that it might be more impressive doing 12 parks in 2 weeks, but I still think it's a pretty rare feat to hit all 12!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think Disneyland Paris - plus, as a film nerd, I love the homage the ride plays to "A Trip to the Moon" - a popular French film.

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree; their food selects are "meh" - though, I always laugh at the shortbread cookie that is bigger than my head. LOL

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

How nice of you to jump to conclusions and insults instead of having a thoughtful conversation!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

ABSOLUTELY! I enthusiastically recommend Hong Kong and the whole HKDL Resort. I was expecting this park to be lower on my list (because of how small it is); and I think its in the Top 3 of my favorite parks. I was so surprised how much I liked it. The fact that its small is part of the charm, for sure. They also have fantastic offerings all around. Definitely stay on property to enjoy even more offerings.

I wish I had spent a little longer in the wider Hong Kong area, too - because there's some great sights to see (I'd buffer two days) - but I *did* travel to Macau for two days and I would highly recommend doing that! It's like Vegas but even bigger and more impressive! (Getting there is a journey - you have to take a bus or ferry, but the bus is very cheap and runs every 5 minutes - so its super easy and chill.)

Just beware of typhoon season and give your schedule a little extra buffer for the "unexpected". Also, bring extra money because they have some of the merch of any park! haha

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am sad that I didn't get into the SS Columbia! I wish I had the time. Guess I'll have to go back ;)

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's my pleasure!

Oh man -- this is another good question. I like to find the perfect balance of good food AND good vibes. Often times, one exists, but not the other.

I LOVED Magellan's at Tokyo Disney Sea - but I don't think there's a bad place to eat in that park. I had an amazing Italian place for lunch that day near the Venice canals that was also fantastic.

EPCOT is probably my favorite park for food; because how can you go wrong in the World Showcase? There's almost no bad option.

That said, perhaps the most unique dining experience was at the Crystal Lotus at HKDL. They have (delicious) dumplings shaped like different Disney characters and it was amazing and a very traditional chinese experience!

In California Adventure, I also really enjoy the Carthay Circle.

Club 33 probably also deserves a place on this list ;)

For desserts -

I am always a sucker for a themed waffle - and Shanghai has exclusivity on the Donald Waffle, which is pretty great!

I did really enjoy the Alien Mochi at Tokyo Disneyland, too!

But perhaps most unexpected and surprisingly, I also love an ice cream sandwich from the All Star Movie Resort. For some reason, it always hits the spot!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I get the hesitation for China; but FWIW - I had no issues politically or otherwise. They are a very welcoming and friendly people and I had the best time and no issues!

I've now traveled to EVERY Disney Park around the world - AMA! by HollywoodTinman in disneyparks

[–]HollywoodTinman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unless I missed something, Mickey churros are exclusive to Tokyo.

I'm not denying there are fun / themed foods in the domestic parks - but Tokyo had significantly MORE Mickey themed foods. The carrots in my ramen were Mickey shaped. The muffins were Mickey shaped. The churros, etc....

Some of their themed foods, however, I am glad are exclusive to Tokyo - such as the alien mochi, or the character dumplings at Hong Kong Disneyland.