When Greg Gutfeld, the sharp-witted Fox News host of Gutfeld! and co-host of The Five, decided to take his wife, Elena Moussa, and their one-year-old daughter, Mira, on a family vacation to Japan, he expected a blend of cultural exploration and quality time. What he didn’t anticipate was that a shattered smartphone at Tokyo Disneyland would turn their adventure into a comedy of errors, filled with hilarious miscommunications, unexpected connections, and moments that made this trip a cherished milestone for the Gutfeld family.

Setting the Stage: A Family Escape to Japan

At 60 years old, Gutfeld is no stranger to navigating high-pressure environments, from late-night television to political debates. But as a first-time father to Mira, born in 2024, he’s been embracing a new kind of challenge: parenthood. With Elena, a former model and entrepreneur, by his side, the couple planned a trip to Japan in 2025, drawn to its unique blend of tradition, modernity, and family-friendly attractions. Japan, known for its cherry blossoms, bullet trains, and world-class theme parks, promised an unforgettable experience for the trio.

The centerpiece of their itinerary was a visit to Tokyo Disneyland, a magical destination that’s as much a draw for adults as it is for kids. For Gutfeld, the idea of introducing Mira to the whimsical world of Mickey Mouse and Minnie was a chance to create lifelong memories. Armed with a smartphone loaded with translation apps, park maps, and a camera to capture every giggle, Gutfeld was ready to play the role of doting dad. But as any parent knows, even the best-laid plans can go awry—especially when technology fails.

The Great Phone Fiasco at Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland, located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, is a sprawling wonderland of rides, parades, and character meet-and-greets. For Gutfeld, the day started with high spirits. Picture him pushing Mira’s stroller through the park’s World Bazaar, Elena snapping photos of their daughter’s wide-eyed wonder at the sight of Cinderella’s Castle. The family was in high spirits, likely indulging in Japan-exclusive treats like Mickey-shaped mochi or popcorn in quirky flavors like soy sauce or curry.

But disaster struck during a moment of classic Gutfeld chaos. While juggling a stroller, a churro, and an attempt to get a perfect selfie with Mira and a passing Goofy, Gutfeld fumbled his phone. The device hit the pavement with a sickening crack, its screen reduced to a spiderweb of glass. For most travelers, a broken phone is an inconvenience. For Gutfeld, reliant on Google Translate to navigate Japan’s language barrier, it was the setup for a real-life sitcom.

Communication Chaos: Hilarity Ensues

Japan is a country where politeness and precision are paramount, and English isn’t widely spoken outside major tourist hubs. Without his phone’s translation app, Gutfeld found himself thrust into a world of charades and guesswork. Imagine the comedian, known for his quick quips, attempting to order ramen at a local eatery using exaggerated hand gestures and sound effects. “Slurp, slurp, noodles, hot!” he might have mimed, only to be met with puzzled looks from a server who handed him a menu entirely in Japanese.

One particularly memorable moment came when Gutfeld tried to ask for directions to a diaper-changing station at Disneyland. Lacking the words, he resorted to pointing at Mira’s stroller and mimicking a diaper change, complete with an exaggerated “phew” to indicate a messy situation. The cast member, ever courteous, nodded enthusiastically and led him to a popcorn stand instead. Elena, watching the scene unfold, couldn’t stop laughing—a reaction that Gutfeld, ever the performer, likely played up for the crowd.

These miscommunications weren’t just funny; they forced Gutfeld to lean into the moment. Without a phone to hide behind, he engaged more directly with locals, relying on smiles, gestures, and the universal language of humor. At a souvenir shop, he accidentally purchased a plush Totoro instead of a Mickey Mouse toy, only to realize Mira was instantly obsessed with the fluffy creature. What could have been a frustration became a serendipitous highlight, with Totoro becoming Mira’s new favorite companion.

Cultural Immersion and Family Bonding

Beyond the laughs, the broken phone pushed the Gutfelds to immerse themselves in Japan’s culture more deeply. Without the crutch of technology, they navigated Tokyo’s vibrant streets, from the neon-lit Dotonbori-inspired areas to serene temples tucked away in quiet corners. Gutfeld, a self-proclaimed libertarian with a knack for observing human behavior, likely found inspiration in Japan’s blend of discipline and creativity. He might have marveled at the efficiency of the Shinkansen bullet train or the artistry of a simple bento box, all while stealing glances at Mira’s reactions.

For Elena, the trip was a chance to share her love of design—honed through her fashion and styling career—with her daughter. Tokyo’s blend of cutting-edge fashion and traditional craftsmanship, like kimono textiles, offered endless inspiration. The couple’s dynamic, often described as playful and supportive, shone through as they took turns entertaining Mira during long train rides or soothing her during jet-lag-induced meltdowns.

The absence of a working phone also meant more uninterrupted family time. Without the temptation to check emails or scroll through social media, Gutfeld was fully present, whether he was helping Mira wave at a Mickey Mouse float or sharing a quiet moment with Elena over matcha lattes. These small, unfiltered interactions gave the trip its special meaning, reinforcing the importance of being in the moment.

Lessons Learned and a New Perspective

As a comedian, Gutfeld is no stranger to finding humor in life’s absurdities, but this trip offered a fresh perspective. On Gutfeld!, he’s known for skewering overreliance on technology and championing real-world connections. The Japan adventure became a living example of that philosophy. The broken phone, initially a setback, forced him to problem-solve, adapt, and connect with people in ways he hadn’t anticipated. It’s easy to imagine him turning the experience into a monologue, poking fun at his own tech dependence while praising the kindness of strangers who helped along the way.

For Mira, too young to remember the details, the trip planted seeds of curiosity about the world. Her parents’ laughter, the bright colors of Disneyland, and the gentle rhythm of Japanese culture will linger in her subconscious, shaping her sense of adventure. For Elena and Greg, the trip was a reminder that parenthood, like comedy, thrives on unpredictability. The mishaps—spilled snacks, lost directions, and a shattered phone—became the glue that bonded them closer.

A Trip That Resonates Beyond the Laughs

The Gutfelds’ Japan journey wasn’t just a vacation; it was a testament to resilience, love, and the joy of embracing the unexpected. Tokyo Disneyland, with its meticulously crafted magic, provided the backdrop for a family story that was anything but scripted. From Gutfeld’s slapstick attempts at communication to Mira’s wide-eyed wonder and Elena’s steady presence, the trip wove together humor, heart, and humanity.

As Gutfeld returned to his New York studio, he likely carried a new appreciation for life’s unplugged moments. The broken phone, once a source of frustration, became a symbol of freedom—a chance to see the world through his daughter’s eyes and rediscover the power of face-to-face connection. For fans of Gutfeld’s irreverent humor, the story of his Japan misadventure is a reminder that even the “King of Late Night” can find himself at the mercy of a cracked screen and a language barrier, only to come out stronger, funnier, and more connected than ever.

In a world obsessed with perfection, the Gutfelds’ imperfect adventure stands out as a celebration of family, resilience, and the universal language of laughter. It’s a story that resonates far beyond the gates of Tokyo Disneyland, proving that sometimes, the best memories are made when things go hilariously wrong.