TDR Observations the Second Time Around

[TomGirl307]

Just got back on Saturday from a TDR honeymoon... how did we bypass the awesomeness that is Sinbad our first trip in November 2007?? This visit, my husband and I probably rode Sinbad more than any other ride in either park. The song is still stuck in my head.

Mythica still floors me everytime. My favorite viewing spot for it is front row in the goofy section, though I've never tried the Chip & Dale or Pluto sections.

Liked Braviseamo much better this trip--actually watched it twice!

Over the Waves is still hilarious to me.

Seeing Mickey perform in Big Band Beat still shocks me every time.

Didn't care for Mystic Rhythms, though I can certainly appreciate its appeal to others.

Can't get enough of the smoke ring effect on Indy.

Finally caved to the Duffy machine--came home w/one buckled in the empty airlike seat between us on the return flight.

I saw a cast member start scooping up spilled popcorn off the floor w/his hands. Within seconds, he was joined by 2 more cast members, all scooping up popcorn off the floor w/their hands.

Curry Popcorn rocks.

Mickey Mouse Revue will indeed be missed, as TDLFan posted.

BTMR is awesome!!

PHH still amazes me

Still not a fan of Minnie Oh Minnie.

Went on Star Tours at the urging of someone (TDLFan) after we missed it our first trip. It was awesome! The queue WAS amazing and it was fun to hear the familiar dialogue (parts of it, anyhow) w/a Japanese accent. Little bit of home... but not really.

The TDL stampede from the turnstiles to RAGS was insane. We participated, of course. My husband was running and a man started running next to him and gesturing for him to turn back. My husband turned around and saw this woman w/her kid in one arm and my husband's umbrella in the other hand, rushing to return it to him. SO NICE!

Got a Fastpass for RAGS then went to the Standby line, and by the time we exited the ride, the Fastpass line stretched halfway around the hub.

Dreamlights is still 100% fun, even when it is freezing and so cold you can't feel your fingers.

My husband and I have this habit of fully enjoying a day at TDL, then thinking we'll visit again during that trip to revisit whatever we want to repeat. Mostly, we end up spending the remainder of our time at TDS. Out of our 4 days at the parks, we spent 1.5 days at TDL, and 2.5 days at TDS.

Leaving the Miracosta, one of the cast members ran out after us and we thought we forgot something. Turns out, she just wanted to bow and say thank you and goodbye.

TDR shopping is like treasure hunting. I love how you can go into every single store in the entire resort, but find the perfect souvenir for ____ in just one of them.

TDR has awesome hats. I love the Mickey ear barretes, the Roz-dressed-as-Pooh hat, the "Mickey Mouse is trying to swallow my head" hat... hilarious.

[MatterhornJ]

Could somebody find me a picture to those hats? :P

[Aunt Bee]

Congratulations on your marriage!

Your post was so fun to read! I got a big smile as I read it. Your enthusiasm for the TDR is infectious!

I will doubt that my girls (or I) will try the curry popcorn...but maybe we can talk my husband into it.

The one show two of my daughters want to see is the "Minnie oh Minnie" show. I think--since reading your post--I'll skip it and get to something else that I'd rather see.

We leave in 4 short days--and I get more excited each day the trip gets closer.
Thanks for your trip report.
Peggy

[TomGirl307]

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

The one show two of my daughters want to see is the "Minnie oh Minnie" show. I think--since reading your post--I'll skip it and get to something else that I'd rather see.

Thanks! Since both your girls want to see it, I'd advise watching it. Maybe you can compromise and just show up 15 minutes prior (wasn't a problem for us) instead of queueing really early.

There are people on this board who love Minnie Oh Minnie. Perhaps your girls will, too? Better to find out for yourself, I think.

[LLCMC]

Sounds like so much fun! I am very envious! Overall, how affordable is a trip to TDR from SoCal? I know it's pretty expensive, but is there any chance one can do it reasonably?

[Grizzly]

^ Sure it is. I have done four trips (currently planning trip #5), and even though you can say it's pricey you can also say it's resonable because of the quality you are receiving. And I have stayed at the Disney hotels each time, so there are even cheaper options than my trips.

[LeeLeeLuvsDisney]

Originally Posted by LLCMC

Sounds like so much fun! I am very envious! Overall, how affordable is a trip to TDR from SoCal? I know it's pretty expensive, but is there any chance one can do it reasonably?

I think you can do it very reasonably, especially this year as flight prices are down. I'm seeing flights in the $700-900 range.

The 3 Disney hotels are pretty expensive. We stayed at the Sheraton (on the monorail line) for $170 a night, but it's not always that inexpensive. You can also stay in nearby Urayasu...or further out in Tokyo...and take public transportation to the parks. Before we visited TDR, we had a hotel in the Nihonbashi area of Tokyo for $135 a night (twin room...less expensive for a single or double) that included a breakfast buffet. It was about 35 minutes from TDR by commuter train. There are other inexpensive options (see TDLFAN's post about Hotel Universe).

A 4-Day Magic Passport for the parks is only about $150.

You can eat well for a reasonable price if you want...there are lots of options inside and outside the parks. I believe the food in the parks is a little more expensive than the U.S. Disney parks, but the quality is better, so it's worth it. When we were off TDR property (Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.), we ate food from 7-11 or small local restaurants, and it was cheap and good.

If you ride the monorail, you have to buy a ticket (or day long pass)...it's not too expensive.

Transportation to and from the airport is about $30 each way.

I hope this helps! TDR is fantastic - if you can afford it (and it's more affordable than most people think), do it!!!!

[bigglesworth003]

Originally Posted by TomGirl307

Just got back on Saturday from a TDR honeymoon... how did we bypass the awesomeness that is Sinbad our first trip in November 2007?? This visit, my husband and I probably rode Sinbad more than any other ride in either park. The song is still stuck in my head.

...

...
I saw a cast member start scooping up spilled popcorn off the floor w/his hands. Within seconds, he was joined by 2 more cast members, all scooping up popcorn off the floor w/their hands.

Curry Popcorn rocks.

Congratulations on the Wedding! I can't think of a better honeymoon

I Love Sinbads, i can't get that song out of my head either! after 7 Months, but will be back on it in 4 days!!

We had the same experience with a cast member my friend didn't lock her popcorn buckets lid properly and spilled it every where near guest relations in the entrance a Manager type walking past stopped instantly and with the two sheets of paper started to scoop it up and put it in a bin!! We were sitting there trying to help, which she really didn't want so we just apologized constantly! I'm am still floored by the customer service TDR provides! I have never experienced such high quality service as i did at TDR.

And Curry Popcorn... I'm Salivating at the thought ITS THE BEST!!!!!!

[Fukai]

I'd say that if you honeymooned at the Tokyo Disney Resort then you are the perfect couple and will have a long and happy marriage.

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by MatterhornJ

Could somebody find me a picture to those hats? :P

Some hat pictures have been included in recent Weekend Update pictorials... especially Roz' which is a hoot. I may have to get one of those for gay days at WDW.