TDR Now Travel Podcast

We discuss the experience at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025! Including panels, celebrities, food, and merchandise!

Everything is happening at Universal Studios Japan for Spring 2025, including Wicked, Jurassic World, Cool Japan, and Easter! Our new guidebooks on Universal Studios Japan are out now!

We chat about the changes at Tokyo DisneySea and Fantasy Springs after experiencing standby for attractions for the first time!

Hey Explorers! We have some HUGE changes to Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea that'll change how you experience the Park. The news dropped on (March 25), so you're getting it FRESH off the presses (I always wanted to say that)!

Why does Tokyo Disneyland have a store dedicated to snacks in nice packaging? We discuss the cultural reason for these omiyage souvenirs and share our favourites.

Hey Explorers! We discuss various misconceptions social media exaggerates about Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Our new 2025/2026 guidebook for Tokyo Disney Resort is now available! It is available directly on our website at a special price until March 15, 2025.

Need romantic ideas for your time at Tokyo Disney? We share our favourite romantic spots and things to do when visiting Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland.

The latest news at Tokyo Disney Resort for winter 2025, from ride closures to changes at Fantasy Springs to 50% off merchandise and Lorcana! https://tdrexplorer.com/discounted-merchandise-at-select-tokyo-disney-resort-stores/ https://tdrexplorer.com/tokyo-disney-resort-ride-closures/ https://tdrexplorer.com/fantasy-springs-wonderful-dreams-shinkansen/ https://tdrexplorer.com/discounted-merchandise-at-select-tokyo-disney-resort-stores/

Donkey Kong Country is open at Universal Studios Japan, and we discuss what it’s like and what to expect for your day at the Park!

With a new limited-time overlay, Marvel has taken over It’s A Small World at Tokyo Disneyland with "It's A Small World with Groot." We give our thoughts about this mini-event at the Park, which includes food and merchandise, too!

Hey Explorers! We're back with a new episode. Thank you for being so patient as Chris recovered from being sick. The end of 2024 was a bit rough for him. Entrance into Fantasy Springs has changed, so we have all the updates for you and what that could mean for your trip to Tokyo DisneySea. We will also update you on Tokyo Disney Resort, which has happened in the last few weeks!

We help you decide when to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan in 2025!

Chris shares his experience at Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland using a wheelchair.

We discuss where to find a Christmas cake in Japan and why they’re so popular here! Also, how to get one while on your trip to Japan.

We discuss what snacks you must eat on your next visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea!

This episode covers Asia's latest theme park news, including updates from Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Beijing, and Universal Studios Singapore. We also discuss the newest offerings at Sanrio Puroland!

We discuss Halloween Horror Nights 12 at Universal Studios Singapore and “Scares @ Universal” at Universal Studios Beijing and why you should make a point of experiencing these events next Halloween!

We tell you what food you should try this year at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea for Halloween 2024! There are great hidden gems and not-so-great gems too.

We dive into all the different Halloween buffets and foods you can enjoy outside Tokyo Disney at the surrounding non-Disney hotels. Including the Hilton Tokyo Bay, Sheraton Tokyo Bay, Hotel Okura Tokyo Bay, Grand Nikko Tokyo Bay Maihama, Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel, Brighton Hotel Tokyo Bay, and Hoshino Resort 1955 Tokyo Bay!

We're diving into Halloween Horror Nights and “Hahaha! Halloween Party” at Universal Studios Japan! From spooky shows to delicious food, we've got you covered. We'll break down the must-see attractions and share tips for navigating the festivities.

This is another classic episode for you while we’re on summer break. In 2018, I did a two-week trip to all the Disney Parks in Asia. You can still use this strategy to help plan your ultimate Disney travels. If you want us to do an updated version of this episode, please tell us in the comments! In episode 134, we discuss my two-week trip to all the Disney Parks in Asia in our first group tour. Find out how the trip happened, our itinerary, and what mistakes we made along the way.

We’re on summer break for a few weeks and rebroadcasting classic episodes! Learn some basic Japanese words that you’ll find useful at Tokyo Disney and when travelling to Japan. On episode 32 (April 4, 2016) of the TDRNow Podcast, we continue Tokyo Disney Resort 101 with our 50 easy Japanese words to learn!

I share my experience on the VIP Tour at Universal Studios Japan and explain how it all works and what’s included with the ¥30,000 price tag.

Are you visiting Tokyo Disney Resort for the first time? Here are some essential tips for your first visit! From what to expect to how the app works, we've got you covered.

Are you confused about what payment methods are used in Japan? How much cash should you bring? Is Japan really that reliant on cash? We discuss everything and the best ways to pay for things when you’re here.

Ghibli Park opened its latest two areas: Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village. With these new areas, Ghibli Park feels it’s worth making the trip to Nagoya! We discuss why we think so.

This is a rebroadcast of episode 139, originally released in July 2018. In episode 139 of the TDR Now Podcast, we discuss dealing with Japan's hot and humid summer while you're at Tokyo Disneyland. You don't want heat stroke, dehydration, or sunburn to ruin your vacation.

Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay is the newest affordable hotel near Tokyo Disney Resort, but is it worth staying at? Trish recently stayed there and is here to share her experience. We'll help you decide if this hotel is an excellent alternative to a Disney Hotel!

Summer is back at Universal Studios Japan for 2024, and there’s lots to enjoy. From the water-version of the No Limit Parade with new Pokemon and Mario characters! New food options include a whole plant-based menu in Jurassic Park.

After eight years, Urayasu (the location of Tokyo Disney Resort) revived its Sanja Festival. I spoke with Patricia about her fantastic festival experience.

Fantasy Springs is now open at Tokyo DisneySea! Chris attended the grand opening and shared his experience, including using the Vacation Package to enter Fantasy Springs. Also, we discuss how getting a Standby Pass and Disney Premier Access is, so far, for Fantasy Springs.

Chris shares his experience in Bangkok, Thailand, for IAAPA Expo Asia 2024! From the exhibits to what Thai food made him sweat and cry. 

The Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel is the most affordable Tokyo Disney Resort Hotel, and we’ll discuss it to help you decide if it’s right for you! From where it's located, how much it costs, and what perks you'll receive, along with our tips and advice for your stay.

We dive deep into Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, where Chris attended a special preview before the official opening on June 6, 2024.

The calm before the Fantasy Springs storm at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea! Four events are happening at the Parks right now, and we talk about all of them! Donald's Quacky Duck City, Tokyo DisneySea Food and Wine Festival, Dreaming of Fantasy Springs, and Duffy and Friends Come Find Spring!

Chris recently went on a cruise aboard the Disney Dream! In this episode, we’ll discuss everything he liked and didn’t like and share his overall experience.

Vacation packages are one of the most frequently asked questions about Tokyo Disney Resort. We’ll discuss them and help you decide if they’re worth getting for your trip, but they’re not for everyone.

A rebroadcast of our episode 226 from 2021! We'll be back next week with new episodes. Join us as we look back at the Spring Carnival event at Tokyo DisneySea from 2007 to 2010, including the gorgeous daytime show “Fairies Primavera.” We’ll talk about the displays, decorations, and what we loved about this event that’s now part of the history of Tokyo DisneySea!

Hey Explorers! We'll be back next week with new episodes. In the meantime, here's a rebroadcast of a popular episode. You don't have to pay full price for Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea merchandise. We share places to find second-hand merchandise in the Tokyo area so you can save yourself some money! This episode was initially released in September 2021.

Hey Explorers! We're taking a little break from new episodes but rebroadcasting a few for you. We discuss everything you need to know about Ghibli Park near Nagoya, Japan! Plan your trip and know what to expect when you visit. This was initially released in December 2022 in episode 270.

Hey Explorers! We're taking a little break from new episodes but rebroadcasting a few for you. We discuss things you cannot do at Tokyo Disneyland, initially in episode 232 from August 2021.

Cool Japan is back at Universal Studios Japan with My Hero Academia, Detective Conan, Monster Hunter, and Demon Slayer! We talk about our experience and give tips for your visit.

We discuss our favourite lounges, restaurants, and relaxing places at the different hotels in and around Tokyo Disney Resort! Get our 2024 digital guidebook for Tokyo Disney Resort and make your travel planning easier!

Everything you need to know about planning for Universal Studios Japan in 2024! From Super Nintendo World to food to expert tips. If you’re visiting this year, then you’ll want to listen to this on repeat. You can get our 2024 Universal Studios Japan Digital Guidebook right from our website, too!

Everything you need to know about planning for Tokyo Disney Resort in 2024! From Fantasy Springs to food to expert tips. If you’re visiting this year, then you’ll want to listen to this on repeat. Our digital travel guide to Tokyo Disney Resort for 2024 will be available very soon.

We break down the details about the new Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel because it’s confusing and has two vastly different price points.

Minnie Mouse has her seasonal event at Tokyo Disneyland this winter called Minnie’s Funderland. We discuss food, merchandise, decorations, and entertainment.

Did you know there’s a Broadway version of Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo Disney Resort? Trish gives her thoughts after watching the show for the first time!

Dive into Chris' winter visit to Universal Studios Beijing with us! From travel tips to tasty treats, food, merchandise, attractions, and the ultimate question: Is it worth visiting?

Zootopia is finally open at Shanghai Disneyland! We discuss everything about this new land, including tips for your visit to maximize your time there. From the food to character greetings to merchandise and, of course, the ride, we’ll cover it all!