Hi,

Been trying to sort out a trip with my 7 year old daughter for her half-term break at the end of May, her original preference was to go somewhere warm where the ocean would also be warm as she loves the beach and swimming but dislikes cold water

For warmer destinations so far I had looked at Sri Lanka and Thailand as they came within budget
My daughter then decided to mention she'd like to go to Disneyland and one she hasn't been to which rather limited the choice (would like a change from the US so only Tokyo left), however she still likes the idea of going somewhere warm, as we have 9 days holiday, if we were to spend a few days in Tokyo would it be completely mad to then fly elsewhere and have some beach time as well?

Choose one place - otherwise you'll spend all of the vacation traveling.

So where are you flying FROM? That would make recommendations easier.

Oops forgot that small important detail, we'd be flying from London, UK

It is not mad, it just will not be very relaxing. If you want to go to a warm Disneyland, why don't you go to Hong Kong though? It will be warm in May, there are beaches and it has a Disneyland. It will not be much more expensive than Tokyo and if you put in the extra flight to Sri Lanka etc. it might even work out cheaper.

Tokyo would be out of the way for your beach trip. But, did one of those "within budget" fares UK to Thailand/SL go via Tokyo? If so, then you could make a case for stopping in Tokyo (if that didn't increase the fare much).

But, Heathrow to Bangkok is 5958 miles. Heathrow to Tokyo is 5974 miles. Same distance. But Tokyo-Bangkok is 2889 miles and scheduled at 7 hours. So, it is going to cost you that 7 hours, or 14 hours if you go via Tokyo both ways, just to get to Tokyo. Once you got to Tokyo, tho, getting to Disney would be easy.

May is a good time to go to Japan. Besides Tokyo Disney there is also Disney Sea, and Japan has much more to offer (except beaches, Okinawa would be in rainy season) to easily fill a 9-day itinerary.

I suggest that your choice is: go to the beach or go to Japan. Not both.

I also looked at the possibility of going to both Tokyo and Hong Kong as that is only a 4 hour trip, I was looking at going somewhere different as Tokyo has the only Disneyland apart from Anaheim that my daughter hasn't been to but if not can always go for the beach only and save Disneyland for another time

There's an overnight flight from Tokyo to Bali. If you don't mind forgoing a good night's sleep you'd save up a day. You could return the same way or through Hong Kong or Singapore.

Bali is a fine suggestion. Beaches, and exposure to the unique Hindu Balinese culture.

Just want to add that Hong Kong has some nice beaches as well. May be not as nice as Bali or Thailand, but still worth to check out when you are there. Some of them offer a nice retreat during the week and some are even known by surfers. Here is a little overview of beaches in Hong Kong: http://www.nextstophongkong.com/top-beaches/

Bali is a good idea, and AirAsia flies that route so it should be within the budget given it saves a hotel night. Have to change planes in Kuala Lumpur, though.

Thanks for all the suggestions, after a chat with the travel agent have booked Tokyo and Hong Kong and will leave the nicer beaches for another trip Just got to look for hotels now, flights were the more pressing item on the agenda!