TDR Now

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TDR Now is an English-language podcast dedicated to discussing everything about the Disney Parks in Asia. Including Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland. We help you plan your trip to Asia.

TDR Explorer

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    • Apr 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 677 EPISODES

    4.7 from 75 ratings Listeners of TDR Now that love the show mention: tdr, anyone planning a trip, hong kong, visited, theme parks, disney parks, japanese, english, website, food, can't wait, resource, information, listening to this podcast, enjoyable, family, hard, experience, wonderful, keep up the great.


    Ivy Insights

    The TDR Now podcast is an amazing resource for anyone planning a trip to the Tokyo Disney Resort. Hosted by Chris and Trish, this podcast offers insightful commentary, helpful tips, and entertaining discussions about all things related to Tokyo Disneyland and Sea. As someone who has been dreaming about visiting these parks since childhood, I found this podcast to be incredibly inspiring and informative.

    One of the best aspects of The TDR Now podcast is the authenticity of Chris and Trish's commentary. They keep it real by discussing both the ups and downs of Disney's performance at Tokyo Disneyland and Sea. Their local knowledge ensures that their advice is current and up-to-date, which gives listeners more confidence in planning their trips. Additionally, their genuine enthusiasm for the parks shines through in every episode, creating a fun and enjoyable listening experience.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its usefulness for trip planning. Chris and Trish cover everything you need to know when visiting the Tokyo Disney Resort, from insider tips to reviews of new attractions or events. The episodes also provide valuable insights into the parks' evolution over time, allowing listeners to track changes and improvements. In addition to Tokyo Disneyland and Sea, the hosts also provide substantial coverage of other Disney Parks in Hong Kong and Shanghai, which fills a void in English-language information about these locations.

    While there are many positives about The TDR Now podcast, one potential downside is that it focuses exclusively on Disney parks in Japan. This may limit its appeal to those who are not specifically interested in Tokyo Disneyland or Sea. However, for fans like myself who have a strong desire to visit these parks, this narrow focus is actually a strength as it provides in-depth coverage of all aspects related to TDR.

    In conclusion, The TDR Now podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to the Tokyo Disney Resort or simply wanting to learn more about these world-renowned theme parks. Chris and Trish's knowledge, enthusiasm, and authenticity make this podcast a joy to listen to. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make their dreams of visiting Tokyo Disneyland and Sea come true.



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    Latest episodes from TDR Now

    Wicked, Baby Dinosaurs, Minions, & Raptors, Oh My, at Universal Studios Japan | 338

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 58:57 Transcription Available


    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!

    How Fantasy Springs Works in 2025 at Tokyo DisneySea | 337

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 44:37 Transcription Available


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

    HUGE Fantasy Springs Change from April 1 at Tokyo DisneySea | 336

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 48:16 Transcription Available


    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)!

    Omiyage (Gift Giving) Culture at Tokyo Disneyland | 335

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 53:38 Transcription Available


    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.

    Misconceptions About Tokyo Disneyland (that social media exaggerates)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 61:55 Transcription Available


    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.

    Romantic Things to Do at Tokyo Disney Resort | 333

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 61:26 Transcription Available


    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.

    Tokyo Disney Resort News Updates Winter 2025 | 332

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 56:07 Transcription Available


    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 at Universal Studios Japan is FANTASTIC! | 331

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 36:06 Transcription Available


    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!

    Marvel takes over It's A Small World at Tokyo Disneyland | 330

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 58:36 Transcription Available


    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!

    Fantasy Springs & Tokyo Disney Resort 2025 Updates | 329

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 54:16 Transcription Available


    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!

    When to Visit Tokyo Disney & Universal Japan in 2025 | 328

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 79:30 Transcription Available


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

    Chris Uses a Wheelchair at Tokyo & Hong Kong Disneyland | 327

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 55:54 Transcription Available


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

    Getting a Christmas Cake in Japan on Your Trip | 326

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 49:53 Transcription Available


    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.

    Must-Eat Snacks at Tokyo Disney Resort | 325

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 68:38 Transcription Available


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

    Theme Parks News in Asia Roundup! | 324

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 67:48 Transcription Available


    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!

    Universal Studios Singapore & Beijing Are A Must-Visit for Halloween | 323

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 68:00 Transcription Available


    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!

    What Tokyo Disney Halloween Food to Eat in 2024 | 322

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 74:20 Transcription Available


    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.

    Halloween Buffets at Non-Disney Hotels in Tokyo | 321

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 55:11 Transcription Available


    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!

    Horror Nights & Pokemon at Universal Studios Japan 2024 | 320

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 76:11 Transcription Available


    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.

    Visiting All Disney Parks in Asia in 2 Weeks | Rebroadcast 134

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 77:23 Transcription Available


    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.

    50 Easy Japanese Words to Learn | Rebroadcast 32

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 75:54 Transcription Available


    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!

    First-Timers Tips for Tokyo Disney Resort | 318

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 83:26 Transcription Available


    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.

    How to Pay for Things in Japan | 317

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 63:06 Transcription Available


    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 is NOW Worth Visiting in Japan | 316

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 66:25 Transcription Available


    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.

    Dealing with Summer Heat in Japan & Tokyo Disneyland | Rebroadcast 139

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 55:44 Transcription Available


    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.

    Spy x Family at Universal Studios Japan - Episode 281

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2023 27:38


    A Spy x Family event is happening now at Universal Studios Japan as part of Cool Japan 2023! We talk about the food, merchandise, and what to expect if you decide to visit!

    Haunted Mansion "Anime" at Tokyo Disneyland - Episode 280

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 33:36


    We discuss the Haunted Mansion AR overlay at Tokyo Disneyland that features artwork done in the anime style! Trish shares her experience of using the AR around the Park!

    The new parade at Universal Studios Japan is FUN! - Episode 279

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 37:22


    Universal Studios Japan finally started its new parade called "No Limit! Parade," and we got to experience it! Featuring Pokemon, Mario Kart, Hello Kitty, Peanuts, and other characters makes for such a fun and unique parade experience here in Japan. We talk about what to expect, how to get the best spot and gush about how much fun you'll have watching this parade.

    Super Nintendo World Differences Japan vs. USA - Episode 278

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 33:27


    We discuss the differences between Super Nintendo World in Japan and the US! From the layout of the land to food to merchandise. We talk about it all! You can watch the YouTube video we talk about here.

    30-Mins in Theme Park Heaven - Episode 277

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 30:40


    Hey Explorers! We spend 30-mins gushing over what we're currently loving at the theme parks here in Japan, including Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios Japan. Come and gush with us!

    Answering Your MOST Asked Tokyo Disney Questions - Episode 276

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 36:22


    Hey Explorers! Many of you are planning trips very soon to Tokyo Disney. So we got your most asked questions and answered them all!

    Is the Beauty and the Beast Hotel Room Worth the Money? - Episode 275

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 31:32


    I recently stayed inside the gorgeous Beauty and the Beast Hotel Room in the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel. I share my experience in this week's episode and tell you if it's worth the money.

    What it's like visiting Tokyo Disney in 2023 - Episode 274

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 38:32


    Japan is reopened for tourism, and things have changed at Tokyo Disney Resort. We discuss what it's like visiting Tokyo Disneyland and DinseySea in 2023, so you know what to expect!

    Celebrating New Year 2023 at Universal Studios Japan - Episode 273

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 32:22


    I brave the frigid temperatures and heavy crowds to ring in the new year at Universal Studios Japan! I'll tell you what it's like to attend their Countdown Party!

    When to visit Japan in 2023 - Episode 272

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 40:31


    Japan is fully reopened for 2023, and you may be planning your trip this coming year. We discuss the best and worst times to visit Japan and the theme parks, including Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan!

    Visiting Legoland Japan in Nagoya - Episode 271

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2022 35:47


    I share my experience of my first visit to Legoland Japan, located in Nagoya! This a great theme park to add to your list of things to do in Japan! We discuss rides, shows, and most importantly, all the lego-shaped food.

    Is the new Ghibli Park Worth Visiting in Japan? - Episode 270

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 30:08


    The brand new Ghibli Park is now open near Nagoya, Japan, in Aichi Prefecture! We got to visit and share our thoughts and experience about this new theme park in Japan.

    Super Nintendo World is Decorated for the Holidays - Episode 269

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 34:15


    The holidays are here! Super Nintendo World is decorated for the first time in winter. Along with the return of the giant Christmas Tree at Universal Studios Japan for their annual Christmas event. We talk all about it in this episode.

    Tokyo DisneySea's New Nighttime Show is Fantastic - Episode 268

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 31:16


    The new nighttime show "Believe! Sea of Dreams" at Tokyo DisneySea is fantastic! We will discuss the new show and what to expect when you decide to visit.

    Tokyo Disneyland Tickets Are a Mess - Episode 267

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2022 32:50


    Park tickets for Tokyo Disneyland have always been a pain to buy, but in the last few years, they're even more so. We discuss why this is and what you can do to secure tickets. You can also read our updated guide and watch our YouTube video.

    Our Favourite Halloween-themed Food in Japan - Episode 266

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 32:38


    Halloween in Japan has become a seasonal event throughout the country. You'll find different Halloween-themed foods everywhere. We discuss what some of our favourites are!

    Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan 2022 - Episode 265

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 45:15


    Halloween Horror Nights are back at Universal Studios Japan, and we share our experience from attending this year! We'll tell you our favourite scare houses and discuss the different food!

    What It's Like Attending a Concert in Japan - Episode 264

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 30:36


    Hey Explorers! I recently went to the Lady Gaga concert here in Tokyo, and I shared my experience, and we discussed what it's like attending concerts in Japan!

    Japan is FINALLY Reopening - Episode 263

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 29:41


    After almost two and a half years, Japan is reopening its borders for visa-free travel again on October 11, 2022! We discuss what you need to know to enter Japan and how we think things will go.

    Visiting the OFFICIAL Sailor Moon Musem in Tokyo - Episode 262

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 29:35


    Sailor Moon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and we got special access to the official museum in Tokyo! We share what to expect with this exhibit that's on until the end of the year. Once you're done listening to the podcast, you can watch our video on YouTube!

    Japan Theme Park News - Episode 261

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 32:04


    We discuss the latest theme park news in Japan. Including "Believe! Sea of Dreams" at Tokyo DisneySea, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan, and tickets for the Ghibli Park!

    Reverse Culture Shock of Disney World & Disneyland

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2022 39:55


    I'm back after a break visiting Disneyland and Walt Disney World in the US. We discuss the reverse culture shock that came with visiting these Resorts after being in Japan for so long!

    A Visit to Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo (Hello Kitty Theme Park) - Episode 259

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 30:20


    After about six years, Chris returns to the Hello Kitty theme park, Sanrio Puroland! We share our experience and what to expect at one of the cutest theme parks in Japan. Including what's inside of Gudetama's butthole. You can check out our full video on YouTube.

    We tried the Disney Premier Access at Tokyo Disneyland - Episode 258

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2022 28:05


    Tokyo Disney Resort has introduced the Disney Premier Access. The DPA is a paid FastPass for select attractions. We tried the Disney Premier Access and give our thoughts if this is worth it or not!

    Second Stay at the Toy Story Hotel - Episode 257

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2022 52:08


    We discussed the Toy Story Hotel a few episodes prior, from Chris' point of view. Trish has stayed at the hotel, too, so she weighs in with her thoughts!

    hotels toy story hotel
    Second Stay at the Toy Story Hotel – Episode 257

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2022 52:08


    We discussed the Toy Story Hotel a few episodes prior, from Chris' point of view. Trish has stayed at the hotel, too, so she weighs in with her thoughts!

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