Hey, Explorers! I initially began this blog in 2009 as a place to share my Disney trips. Then in 2013, I shifted focus from a general Disney Blog to Tokyo Disney Resort. In 2014 we began the TDR Now Podcast and changed the name of the site to “TDR Explorer”.

Today marks more changes in our effort to give more and better quality content. A brand new logo and expanded coverage of attractions, accommodations, and things to do in Asia! I’m excited to share the details of the evolution of our site with you.

New Logo

The first change is our brand new logo. We’ve moved away from the Mickey ears and now have a logo that better represents “exploration”. You’ll see this logo rolled out across the website, social media, the TDR Now Podcast, and YouTube channel.

Here’s a quick look at the evolution of the logo since 2009.

Started off as “Fat Hobbit”

Switched over to “TDR Explorer” and the altered logo in 2014

Expanded Coverage

We receive a large number of questions per day (thank you and I do my best to answer everyone) and I noticed a common theme. Explorers love our Disney content but want more on what to do outside the Disney Parks in Asia. Which is understandable, since a few Explorers are traveling long ways to get to Asia. It’s natural to want other non-Disney experiences while aboard and I encourage it. For some, it can be a once in a lifetime trip.

This was a decision that I thought about for a long time. You would have noticed a bit of non-Disney content showing up on the website the past few months. This was all our way of testing the waters to see how Explorers would react, which was overwhelmingly positive.

In addition to our regular Disney focused content, we’ll also create content focused on other experiences in Japan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Ranging from where to eat, what to do, and unique experiences to take in.

Just to reassure everyone, we’ll continue to create all the fantastic Disney content you now enjoy. That includes the latest in merchandise, food, guides, and news from Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland.

The first piece in our expanded coverage is our Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Japan.

Niche Japan

I am also proud to announce that TDR Explorer is part of the Niche Japan network. Which is a media company based in Tokyo, Japan. This allows us to bring even more content to you! You may have noticed my coverage at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 showing off the latest in Disney TOMICA.

Ways to Support Us

We can’t thank you enough for your continued support, without you we couldn’t do this. If you’d like to show your support us there a few ways to do so.

Patreon is the best way to show your support. You get to choose the amount you’d like to pledge per month and in return, you’ll receive rewards based on the amount you pledge! The most popular option is $5 USD where you’ll gain access to the monthly live stream and Q&A session.

Buying your park tickets (and other activities) through Klook, which is a trusted affiliate. Klook offers discount tickets for a variety of activities from the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. Use offer code KLKTDREX to save $4USD on your first order! Read our full disclosure.

World Nomads is my travel insurance of choice. If you’re in need of travel insurance (you should never travel without some form of it), then I recommend them.

Buying your everyday items through Amazon is another way to show your support. This is at no extra cost to you and it helps keep the site running.

Book your non-Disney accommodations (I always advocate booking Disney Hotels through the official websites) through Booking.com.

Booking.com

If you’re visiting Japan then consider the JR Rail Pass (see if it’s worth it for your trip) and my recommended Unlimited SIM Card from Mobal (you can’t go wrong with unlimited data on your phone).

Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who supports what we do. We couldn’t do this without you. Also, a big thank you to everyone on the TDR Explorer team. Your continuous hard work is what makes this such a wonderful resource for Explorers around the globe. Thank you.

Are you ready to explore?