The CM's at TDR are great. They really do make an effort to help you out. Malin is right about their "hidden" English talent. They do seem to have a very good understanding, just a little shy about showing it! Plus as well English pronunciation is a bit odd to them, so sometimes if you write something down in English they will get it, they just would pronounce it differently.
A couple of the rides we went on, we were given a piece of paper that had the plot line on it. Now I believe they have a special name, and you can get them at the guest relations desk also. We went to the Mickey Mouse Revue (now gone
) and the CM was "Are you sure, some of it's in Japanese?"
Ordering food was no problem. If in doubt point. The quick serve places all have pictures, so it's pretty easy. I ate at the Blue Bayou, and they had the menu's in English also.
I think it's nice to learn a few hello, please and thank you's. I have a fantastic app on my iPhone which has a bunch of "travellers words" with pronunciation and Japanese writing, so if I'm not feeling confident I can use that! I found Japanese cultural etiquette very interesting, for example you never blow your nose, seriously, dab at it, but don't blow!! However I think you will be excused!!
You'll have a great time.