3 Tips for Planning an International Disney Vacation
Have you conquered both of the American parks and need a new Disney thrill? Are you already traveling abroad and your agenda has a few spare days? Can you not wait for the Tron roller-coaster to come to the Magic Kingdom? Regardless of your reasons, visiting an international Disney Park is exciting. Taking an international Disney vacation is an adventure many Americans can’t say they’ve done. Each Disney park has their own individual feel and unique attractions. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind when planning a Disney excursion abroad:
1. Don’t be afraid of the language barrier
This is one of the biggest concerns when planning an international Disney trip, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve gone to Disneyland Paris without knowing 99.99% of the French language. I didn’t have any major language barrier difficulties. Disney is an American company, regardless of what country their theme parks are in. They know that English-speaking guests are one of their primary audiences. Have you ever walked into Disneyland or Disney World and seen maps in other languages? International Disney parks offer the same services. Most signs and menus are available in both the national language and English.
There will also be English-speaking cast members available should you encounter any issue. This doesn’t mean you should expect every cast member to speak English. Some international Disney parks will have more English-speaking cast members than others. This is dependent upon how many English-speaking guests go to that park. The more English spoken in the park, the more English-speaking cast members there will be.
What happens if you encounter a cast member who doesn’t speak your language? It’s best to know some basic phrases in the national language. This is helpful in case you’re looking for a restroom or you want to seem polite. If you don’t know how to translate what you need, say the language you speak. The cast member will do their best to get you a cast member who speaks the language you desire.
Most of the attractions won’t be available in English or are only in partial English. Remember, you’re in a foreign Disney. Half the fun is not knowing what Chinese-speaking Peter Pan is saying.
2. Research cultural differences
Researching cultural differences will stop you from breaking local customs. Nobody wants to be rude, especially if you’re trying to fit in with the crowd and have a good time. In Japan, it’s rude to walk and eat. As Americans, buying a churro and eating it while waiting on line isn’t a big deal. If you do the same in Japan, you will get dirty looks. It’s always best to try to adhere to local customs as much as possible. After all, you are paying to experience Disney from another culture’s perspective.
Researching local customs stop you from seeing other guests as rude. When Shanghai Disneyland opened, there were stories of children urinating off the castle. As Americans, it’s very easy to find that behavior inappropriate. However, many of the Chinese guests have never been to a theme park. Many of them live in places where public restrooms aren’t always available. To them, allowing their child to relieve themselves outside is normal. Disney doesn’t encourage this sort of behavior and does their best to stop it. But it’s always best to try and understand other guests as much as possible. Feeling angry or disgusted by the actions of others will only ruin your experience.
3. Don’t only plan to go to Disney
The international Disney parks are a few miles outside some of the greatest cities in the world. You’re depriving yourself of a wonderful cultural experience if you ignore the city. Be adventurous. Going into those cities can also help you better understand the local Disney park. At first, you might think it’s weird when the waiter brings a card swipe to your table when it’s time to pay. But when you eat out in Paris, you’ll realize that this is a common practice to prevent credit card theft.
It’s important to note, that the city will almost always be less safe than Disney. Disney has plenty of security and cast members to assist your every need. That customer service doesn’t always exist in the city. Most Disney’s guests are also tourists and are trying to have a good time with their loved ones. Whereas the city will have more locals, some of whom have illegal agendas. Research common crimes and tourist schemes committed in the city you’re visiting. Crime happens everywhere, so you shouldn’t be afraid of it. Prepare for it and take the necessary precautions. It’s no different than visiting a large city in the U.S.
Thinking about taking your family on an international Disney vacation? Get in touch with a specialized Disney travel agency for a FREE quote and the lowest prices!
Special thanks to Brittni Sutter for writing this article! As a lover of all things Disney, I’ve made it my life’s mission to learn about the history and artistry the House of Mouse. I’ve vacationed to half of the resorts and plan to complete the Disney Parks mecca in the coming years. I fill my life with as much magic as Disney can muster and I love encouraging others to do the same.