Summer family trips / Disney's 30th Anniversary & Ishigaki Island heating up this summer

Reported by You T-Ru / Special Feature



Tokyo Disneyland 30th Anniversary Celebration

▲ Tokyo Disneyland will kick off with a brand-new daytime parade “Happiness is Here,” featuring a cute Mickey Mouse aboard a giant ship standing 12 meters tall. (Photo / Reported by You T-Ru)

Tokyo Disneyland, beloved by both adults and children, officially enters its 30th year this year. Throughout the year-long celebration, the entire Tokyo Disney Resort will be adorned with colorful balloon decorations, creating an even more joyful atmosphere. Tokyo Disneyland will lead the festivities with the new daytime parade “Happiness is Here,” where a cute Mickey Mouse will appear on a towering 12-meter ship, making its debut in a 500-meter-long parade to mark the start of the grand celebration. The new attraction “Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain – Adventure Continues” will also feature up to 50 different adventure scenarios, aiming to deliver a fresh and exciting experience for visitors.

Those who have visited Tokyo Disneyland more than 10 times“Disney expert” Lai Jingzhumentions that aside from the highly anticipated new Star Wars ride, attractions such as Toy Story Mania!, Tower of Terror, and Indiana Jones Adventure in DisneySea, as well as Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek in Disneyland, all leave visitors with unforgettable memories.

Additionally, both parks and the three Disney hotels will host seasonal special events such as Halloween and Christmas months throughout the year, along with exclusive merchandise and special meals, ensuring that visitors can immerse themselves in the festive spirit of the 30th anniversary no matter when they visit.

Ishigaki Island

▲ Travel time from Taiwan to Ishigaki Island will soon be under one hour. (Photo / Provided by operator)

Since the opening of Ishigaki Island’s new airport in March this year, airlines have been optimistic about the tourism potential of this new Okinawan destination. TransAsia Airways launched its first flight on May 23, and China Airlines is set to open a direct route to Ishigaki in July. Travel time from Taiwan to Ishigaki will soon be less than one hour. With short flight durations and the peace of mind offered by its pleasant weather and environment, Ishigaki is perfect for a family summer getaway.

Okinawa itself boasts unique local culture and natural landscapes, and each of its surrounding islands has its own distinct charm. Okinawa’s Kohamajima is a resort island with a laid-back South Seas vibe, and its resorts are tailored to emphasize this. The island’s unpolluted natural scenery is another major draw for international travelers, including its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and star-filled night skies—natural wonders hard for busy city dwellers to imagine.

Yu Keizhen, the general agent for Hoshino Resorts promoting the direct Taiwan-Ishigaki flights, mentioned that to celebrate the launch, local hotels on Ishigaki will offer special discounted rates for Taiwanese visitors. Interested travelers may want to check it out.

Club Med Guilin Resort, China
Set to open on August 1, 2013, in Guilin, China, this will be Asia’s first nature-inspired mountain and water resort and Club Med’s second property in China. It aims to deliver a refined all-inclusive holiday experience with a luxury concept distinct from the conventional market.


▲ The Guilin Resort, set to open on August 1. (Photo / Provided by operator)

The Guilin Resort offers a wide range of leisure activities, including three swimming pools, a library, indoor and outdoor trapeze lessons, tai chi and yoga classes, golf, fitness programs, various ball sports, and art workshops. Guests can try rock climbing under the guidance of professional instructors, enjoy a round at the 9-hole golf driving range, or experience the thrill of trapeze flying. For those seeking quieter activities, there are also tai chi and yoga meditation classes. Guests can take in the resort’s stunning mountain and water views while lounging at the large indoor and outdoor pools. For those desiring tranquility, the adults-only “Quiet Pool” provides a serene retreat.

Wu Niyu, PR representative for Club Med, describes the resort’s specially designed “Kids Club,” which offers holiday activities and facilities exclusively for children. Drawing inspiration from the picturesque landscape of Guilin’s Li River, the club space immerses guests in a majestic natural ambiance. There are also specially designed shallow wading pools, mini tennis courts, and mini badminton courts suitable for young children, making it a great destination for family trips.