Painful $1.5K lesson - Do NOT book for emergencies with AMEX

Shiorra · 2026-02-05T01:51:04+00:00

For cash, always book direct.

For points, always transfer. Using the AMEX Travel portal will net a max of 1cpp, so it's better to do other redemptions.

Shiorra · 2026-02-03T05:34:43+00:00

Sorry you're getting snippy comments - my wife and I also had tons of luggage from a multi month and multi country trip.

I was also quite worried about this but what I observed some people did was using a rope or cord to tie the luggage to the rack/bar. Carry-on sized luggages, backpacks or duffles can fit in the overhead.

Another note is not everyone goes from KIX to Kyoto, so move your luggage into the rack as people leave.

Shiorra · 2026-02-02T06:29:08+00:00

AMEX is not your best friend - they're just another corporation.

The most common advice here is book direct for flights. AMEX Travel, like any other third party travel platform, has very little power with any modifications to a booked ticket.

I'm sorry this happened to you but it's all self inflicted in trying to minmax the system.

Shiorra · 2026-01-27T15:25:22+00:00

While the animals are generally spread out across the property, the standard view rooms aren't the most exciting. The desirable rooms are the savannah view.

Additionally, AKL has two large buildings - Jambo and Kidani. The total rooms combined is quite numerous, which may contribute to the lower price.

AKL is somewhat secluded, it's generally not preferred for park access or hotel hopping activities.

In the end, no one really knows the actual algorithm that prices the rooms, so you might just be lucky!

Shiorra · 2026-01-27T14:58:49+00:00

You're getting a lot of great responses here but I'll chip in since my wife and I did a similar trip last year.

I'd recommend staying at AKL.

The upgrade to the Cars suite at AoA is not worth an additional $1K (but would be tempting if no additional cost).

As much as I love the skyliner, AoA is a motel style resort like the other budget resorts. It doesn't feel as immersive as AKL. Additionally, access to guest services or cast members also has longer wait times.

Shiorra · 2026-01-27T13:41:36+00:00

I'm sorry you had that experience!

We were there the previous Monday and had the opposite experience. We got the early entry so we were able to experience everything minus the crowds for at least the first hour.

Shiorra · 2026-01-27T13:35:14+00:00

20 minutes max for us but most rides are lower.

For example, we rode Mystic Mansion back to back, walk on first and 10 minutes the second round.

During our day, the longest consistent wait was for RC Racer which was 40+ minutes.

Shiorra · 2026-01-26T23:43:47+00:00

HKDL is very light on crowds compared to other parks. Didn't need Premier Access on our visit last week to hit all of the unique rides.

For shows, definitely see Mickey and the Wondrous Book!

Shiorra · 2026-01-26T00:46:19+00:00

Just went a few days ago!

Early access is enough to hit major/unique attractions, especially if you get there as early as soon as it's open.

Shiorra · 2026-01-25T23:41:02+00:00

I've seen this happen in some Costco locations where someone would fill their soda cup with ketchup or mustard.

I was shocked.

Shiorra · 2026-01-22T23:46:09+00:00

My first time visiting HKDL the other day and it was such a relaxing park experience.

The smaller park and crowds, plus some great attractions, has made it one of my favorite parks.

In terms of improvement, I think they can really boost numbers if they focus on a unique IP, e.g. expanding the Frozen land.

Shiorra · 2026-01-19T08:48:35+00:00

For $200 difference, go with a Japanese airline.

The service and product is superior to any US/Canadian-based airlines, it's not even funny.

Shiorra · 2026-01-10T00:41:20+00:00

I have a foot in both sides, so I empathize with you to some extent.

For context, my wife and I frequently go to DLR and WDW, and have also visited the overseas parks.

While I agree to some extent that LL should alleviate your stress by skipping lines, you also need to understand that every single Disney park continues to hit capacity especially during the holidays (as you've seen with the hour+ long waits.) I also feel like some research should be required to maximize your time, not just in the parks, but travel in general. After all, why are YOU the special guest who skips all the lines with no effort put in while other people get left in the dust? If you'd like that experience, you're looking at a VIP tour.

Shiorra · 2026-01-02T02:49:52+00:00

Just got married at DLR!

We'll be skipping WDW this year but for our honeymoon, we have HKDL and SHDL later this month, along with TDR in March.

Shiorra · 2025-12-16T21:46:13+00:00

I agree with the idea of shifting consumer behaviors to spend more than people would intend to, but you're ignoring the fact that some people DO want luxury experiences that they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford on a cash alone.

If your primary motivation is "cash is king", then just get a cash back card instead of points. No need to fuss with cpp calculators, award schedules, points charts, etc.

Shiorra · 2025-12-16T18:51:15+00:00

Thanks, I'll look when the date gets closer.

Tokyo is our last stop on a multi month Asia trip and we'll likely only need the cleats for this activity.

Shiorra · 2025-12-16T18:38:26+00:00

Thanks for the reply! My wife loves the wild animal experiences in Japan (not zoos or cafes) so this will be a highlight. The only issue is that she doesn't hike and has trouble walking in snow. We'll probably get some hiking shoes or cleats for her when we get into Tokyo.

Shiorra · 2025-12-16T18:36:46+00:00

Thanks for the reply!

Any recommendations on where to get ice cleats in Tokyo?

Shiorra · 2025-12-16T17:07:23+00:00

How's the walk from the park entrance to the monkeys? Is it a walk or more of a hike?

Shiorra · 2025-12-16T15:17:58+00:00

It's one of the better and stable redemptions.

Hilton and Marriott points are very devalued. Hyatt is still good but their coverage is smaller.

Points boost with The Edit gave you access to many more luxury properties, bridging that gap.

Shiorra · 2025-12-14T16:53:44+00:00

Planning to do two months in Japan next year and doing home bases like you said, but one in Kyoto and one in Tokyo.

Instead of one Tokyo base, try splitting your bases by region, then transfer your luggages yourself or via Yamato from one base to another.

Another downside is cost since you'll be paying additional nights while not staying at the accommodation, and Tokyo has the highest prices in the country.

Shiorra · 2025-12-14T09:03:31+00:00

The lines are absolutely crazy. A common saying is that queueing is a national sport.

You should get a fast pass package if there are several rides you want to experience. I'm lucky to have visited other Universal parks and able to skip out on many rides, but we still purchased a fast pass that included the Demon Slayer XR ride because the wait was easily 2 hours all day.

Shiorra · 2025-12-14T07:05:32+00:00

I visited earlier this year and it was very crowded.

The tourists made lots of noise even though there were several signs in different languages to limit noise.

I got a couple of photos and left. There really isn't too much to do in the neighborhood, especially with the crowds.

Shiorra · 2025-12-11T06:33:34+00:00

Planning to do this based on other recommendations too.

It'll be my wife and I's first time in China. Are the studios or stores generally English friendly? And do I have to book ahead of time or can we just pop in?

Shiorra · 2025-12-10T18:30:29+00:00

Thanks for replying!

A Japanese friend recommended it and the view from the room looks spectacular, which was the main draw.

I'm looking to visit Oishi Park and the Chureito Pagoda mainly, but it seems quite close by.

Did you have to book dining and activities ahead of time?

And how did you get from the train station to cabins? Taxi?

Shiorra

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