Nick6300
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 3, 2017
I'm not a traveler, I'm directionally challenged... I've been known to pass my own driveway on numerous occasions, and traveling alone. What makes matters worse is that I'm a mono-lingual, Asian American, which I'm afraid may mean that the locals in China will likely assume that I speak Mandarin. I typically plan for several months for WDW, even though I could be near trip #100 there, and this is very last min decision to add SDL, an extended layover, if you will, from Seoul S. Korea to Pudong before coming back to Chicago.
What I've done so far:
1) I called Verizon and set up unlimited data for next month + travel notice ($10/day)... while there is wifi most places, I'm scared of the incoming texting fees, roaming, data use, and I'll prob. also have to call my wife occasionally back in the U.S. This will be about an extra $150 to not worry about using my phone.
2) Wife said I don't need a visa in either China (4/18-4/19 connection/ 21 hr layover , then 4/26-4/29 from S. Korea) or S. Korea (4/19-4/26).
3) Will put travel notices on a visa, master, and amex w/ no foreign trans. fees tonight.
4) Looks like $10 shipping and 2-7 days wait on if I take out some Yuan and whatever the S. Korean currency is. If I plan on using cards as much as possible, any tips on how much cash I'll need?, I'm assuming even the taxis take credit cards.
5) we recently booked Novotel, mainly for the close proximity and multiple times for free bus shuttle, and shuttle to airport (but not from). It was I think $70s per on hotels.com, we also earned a free night.
6) flight is via China Eastern Airlines the crazy long connection was essentially to save $ on a last min. trip I didn't intend to make. we'll look into their check in seating and bag policies later.
7. I downloaded the SDL app.
Still to do:
1) We still need to book the initial 21 hr layover hotel near Pudong. Has anyone been to the garden or few of the nearby tourist activities?
2) I'll get a translator app or 2. Thinking about getting 2 pocket translator books too to be able to quickly attempt to ask a basic questions via an index but maybe not necessary with an app.
3) Book park tickets. I probably won't do the premier pass, although I'm a bit scared of the 4/26 Toy Story Land opening and I think there's also a national holiday (Labor Day I think it was), in terms of crowds. However, I'll be there 2 or 3 days, I'm versed in WDW at least, and I'm a speed walker. I'm leaning towards booking a Thurs Fri 2 day and another 1 day for Sat instead of touring the city... I'm assuming everyone buys direct from Disney online instead of a Parksavers or some sort of authorized seller.
4) figure out a touring plan. When to get to the gate, when are the fireworks, etc.
5) figure out what I want to see in Seoul.
Observations:
I've only read a trip report and few comments here and glanced at the SDL website. But it sounds like
1) Prioritize Soaring FP. And I would guess go on Pirates, Tron, and the other few rides before going to the shows. I'd welcome any sort of touring tips. I'll likely try everything but the spinning rides and maybe the Marvel meet and greet. I don't know anything about the Toy Story opening.
2) I've heard there's a lot of running to attractions. That's ok, I can outrun most people . just kidding. And if there's a lot of personal space invasion, like I've seen reported, I plan on just wrapping my arms around them and giving them a hug. That might teach them, or get me slapped / arrested.
I'm mainly concerned with the language barrier and how to get around (i.e. airport to hotel).
3) Seoul seems to be about the same climate as Illinois, it'll be roughly 50s F for late April. for a high and cold for a low. Shanghai avg. is supposed to be about 70F for a high and 50F for a low. I'm thinking shorts for the SDL days and warm clothes for Seoul. Hoping for no backpack, but maybe take a poncho.
4) I think I saw it's about $20-25 taxi from the Pudong to Novotel and it's just easier than figuring out the subway. I'm surprised there isn't Uber where you can translate within the app.
Hoping the next time I have to go to Seoul, my wife can come. And maybe we'll go to Tokyo Disney. Our 10 yr is supposed to be a Europe trip so definitely thinking Paris. I'm not sure where Hong Kong ever fits in our schedule.
Any general tips or specific touring advice or otherwise is welcome. Thanks!
What I've done so far:
1) I called Verizon and set up unlimited data for next month + travel notice ($10/day)... while there is wifi most places, I'm scared of the incoming texting fees, roaming, data use, and I'll prob. also have to call my wife occasionally back in the U.S. This will be about an extra $150 to not worry about using my phone.
2) Wife said I don't need a visa in either China (4/18-4/19 connection/ 21 hr layover , then 4/26-4/29 from S. Korea) or S. Korea (4/19-4/26).
3) Will put travel notices on a visa, master, and amex w/ no foreign trans. fees tonight.
4) Looks like $10 shipping and 2-7 days wait on if I take out some Yuan and whatever the S. Korean currency is. If I plan on using cards as much as possible, any tips on how much cash I'll need?, I'm assuming even the taxis take credit cards.
5) we recently booked Novotel, mainly for the close proximity and multiple times for free bus shuttle, and shuttle to airport (but not from). It was I think $70s per on hotels.com, we also earned a free night.
6) flight is via China Eastern Airlines the crazy long connection was essentially to save $ on a last min. trip I didn't intend to make. we'll look into their check in seating and bag policies later.
7. I downloaded the SDL app.
Still to do:
1) We still need to book the initial 21 hr layover hotel near Pudong. Has anyone been to the garden or few of the nearby tourist activities?
2) I'll get a translator app or 2. Thinking about getting 2 pocket translator books too to be able to quickly attempt to ask a basic questions via an index but maybe not necessary with an app.
3) Book park tickets. I probably won't do the premier pass, although I'm a bit scared of the 4/26 Toy Story Land opening and I think there's also a national holiday (Labor Day I think it was), in terms of crowds. However, I'll be there 2 or 3 days, I'm versed in WDW at least, and I'm a speed walker. I'm leaning towards booking a Thurs Fri 2 day and another 1 day for Sat instead of touring the city... I'm assuming everyone buys direct from Disney online instead of a Parksavers or some sort of authorized seller.
4) figure out a touring plan. When to get to the gate, when are the fireworks, etc.
5) figure out what I want to see in Seoul.
Observations:
I've only read a trip report and few comments here and glanced at the SDL website. But it sounds like
1) Prioritize Soaring FP. And I would guess go on Pirates, Tron, and the other few rides before going to the shows. I'd welcome any sort of touring tips. I'll likely try everything but the spinning rides and maybe the Marvel meet and greet. I don't know anything about the Toy Story opening.
2) I've heard there's a lot of running to attractions. That's ok, I can outrun most people . just kidding. And if there's a lot of personal space invasion, like I've seen reported, I plan on just wrapping my arms around them and giving them a hug. That might teach them, or get me slapped / arrested.
I'm mainly concerned with the language barrier and how to get around (i.e. airport to hotel).
3) Seoul seems to be about the same climate as Illinois, it'll be roughly 50s F for late April. for a high and cold for a low. Shanghai avg. is supposed to be about 70F for a high and 50F for a low. I'm thinking shorts for the SDL days and warm clothes for Seoul. Hoping for no backpack, but maybe take a poncho.
4) I think I saw it's about $20-25 taxi from the Pudong to Novotel and it's just easier than figuring out the subway. I'm surprised there isn't Uber where you can translate within the app.
Hoping the next time I have to go to Seoul, my wife can come. And maybe we'll go to Tokyo Disney. Our 10 yr is supposed to be a Europe trip so definitely thinking Paris. I'm not sure where Hong Kong ever fits in our schedule.
Any general tips or specific touring advice or otherwise is welcome. Thanks!