Part 1-Aunt Bee at Disney Sea

[Aunt Bee]

Sorry MiceChatters for the delay on the trip report. Since coming home from Japan, we have had a family tragedy/crisis.

This is long--so bear with me. AND--I am not good at posting directly to this site, so here is a link to my Shutterfly site--everyone should have permission to see our photos (we have hundreds more to post from the parks, as well as videos-but this is enough to get you started. These don't include our Tokyo city pictures)

http://peggyandruss.shutterfly.com/





For my 50th birthday celebration, we decided to travel to Tokyo Disney Resort. Originally, it was just a trip for my husband and me, but soon, our 3 girls joined in on the planning (ages 25, 23 and 18). We live in Northern California, near Stanford University, so we travel to California’s Disneyland often. In fact, we are all Annual Passholders. We also have been to Walt Disney World twice, sailed on the Disney Cruise, and have visited Disneyland Paris. So, I was very excited to add Tokyo Disney Resort to my list of Disney resorts visited. I especially wanted to visit Disney Sea. Our family of five flew out of SFO on May 25th for Narita Int’l, Japan.

We toured around Tokyo for several days before heading out to Tokyo Disney Resort on Friday, May 29th.
My husband, myself and our 23 year old (who has Down syndrome) left Tokyo’s Shinjuku station, which was very close to our hotel (Hotel Century Southern Tower) and transferred at the Tokyo Station for the Keiyo line for the Maihama Station, which—is the Tokyo Disney Resort Stop.

The three of us arrived around 11:00 am—and we went directly to the Tokyo Disney Resort Welcome Center to hand over our luggage, and to check into the Sheraton Grande Hotel at Tokyo Bay.
Here, we were given our room assignments and bought our 4 day passes to both Tokyo Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland.
Because our room would not be ready for a few hours, and our two other girls wouldn’t be out from Tokyo until the afternoon, we decided to get some lunch and look around the Ikspiari shopping mall as well as the TDR’s Bon Voyage store.

At 2 pm, we headed to the hotel via the TDR’s monorail—which was very exciting for me, as it set the tone for the next few days to come. From the Mickey Mouse shaped windows, to the Mickey handles, the clean cruiser is a real treat for Mickey fans!
Once at the hotel we were guided to our room, and were pleasantly surprised to see we had been upgraded to Concierge Level at the hotel! Now, I had joined the Starwood Preferred Guest club just to get a better rate when I booked the hotel. But to be upgraded to this level was a nice surprise. The Club lounge in the early mornings for coffee and a quiet internet room was nice, but the early evenings to have H'ors deurves, cocktails (no—I don’t drink…but if I did….yowza!), and sodas was a nice welcoming when we were exhausted from days at the parks.

Once the girls arrived we decided we couldn’t wait until the next day to go into Disney Sea—the MAIN reason I travelled all that way! In the hotel lobby, it was simple enough to by evening passes into the park (Starlight passes). My daughter with special needs decided to stay back in the room to relax, and so four of us headed into the park. We entered Disney Sea at 6:02 pm---and from that moment my jaw stayed dropped until we left the park at 10:00 pm.

Disney Sea is a feast for any true Disney Fan. No detail is missed. You are truly emerged into worlds and ports that tickle the imagination.
From walking past the world globe/fountain and under the Disney’s Hotel Mira Costa through the shopping way, you emerge into sites that feast the eyes.
Mt. Prometheus largely looms as huge flames abruptly burst forth with loud booms. The Mediterranean harbor with no detailed missed, reminded me of our trip to Italy and the Italian coast not even two years passed.
With the four of us dumbstruck at the beautiful scene…we decided to just chart our path quickly and head to as many large attractions as we could, as the crowds that evening seemed non existent. Hence, we headed over to Mysterious Island to ride “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “20,000 Leagues under the Sea”.

When walking into the volcanic crater of the Mysterious Island, we couldn’t stop taking pictures (I took almost 1,000 pictures on this birthday trip). We knew we had to stop clicking away with our cameras if we intended to move on, but at the same time we were awestruck. Travelling without my daughter who has special needs, meant we could travel quite a bit quicker—and that meant we could cover more ground.
I was excited to ride the two main attractions in this area, as I had read so much about them. Our impressions:
Journey to the Center of the Earth: 10 minute wait. Okay—this attraction was odd (to us). We all thought the ride vehicle was very cool (we loved the umbrella holders in the side of the cars!). We enjoyed how once past the scary earth beast the ride turned dark, and moved quickly as a mild roller coaster. We only wished that portion of the ride would have lasted longer.
Theming: A+ Attraction itself: B-
20, 000 Leagues Under the Sea: Walked right on. I know people think this ride is kind of hokey. I actually really enjoyed it. I thought it was fun and interesting. I liked how the attraction forced you to feel you were underwater, when only the windows actually filled with water/bubbles.
Theming: A+ Attraction itself: B

After this, we headed over to Mermaid Lagoon. Again, so impressive! My oldest daughter would have loved this as a little girl. We didn’t ride any attractions (we are a little too old for these)—but did enjoy the whole area. The “Sleeping Whale’ store is adorable. We knew that our daughter with special needs would enjoy this area.
Theming: A+

Arabian Coast: Another feast for the eyes. I know this is Disney’s idea of an Arabian village, but it was just beautiful to behold. The smell of the curry flavored popcorn adds to the reality of it all. After several pictures of the beautiful Jasmine/Genie fountain, we wandered through the streets until we found the ‘Sinbad’s Seven Voyages’. Walked right on.
I truly expected this ride to be silly—and annoying.
I was pleasantly surprised. We all thoroughly enjoyed this ride, even though we could not understand a word being sung—it was very entertaining.. We loved the tune/song throughout the attraction.
Theming: A+ Attraction: A

We wandered over to “Lost River Delta”—where my husband and I waited as the girls rode ‘Raging Spirits’, a roller coaster with a loop. They had no wait for this attraction.
I loved the theming, but after riding the “Indiana Jones’ roller coaster in Disneyland Paris, I was afraid my head would jerk so badly, that I would regret it the rest of the evening.
The girls assured me the ride was extremely mild, in fact, almost boring. I mentioned I would ride it the next day.
(Later on riding this ride, I have to say, it was very mild as far as roller coasters go).
Theming: A+ Attraction: D
The theming here is amazing though. Truly a beautiful thing to view in the evening.

“Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull”—being from California we have ridden the original Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland countless times since it opened. But, I was excited to ride this, as our local attraction has a Southeast Asian theme, whereas this one has a Mayan or South American theme.
We had no wait for this ride, and walked directly onto the ride.
The theming through the queue was spectacular. We enjoyed seeing the life “archeological dig” with the South American theme.
We loved the smoke ring—and enjoyed the subtle difference to ‘our’ Indiana Jones attraction.
Theming: A+ Attraction: B+

As we emerged from the Indiana Jones attraction, the fireworks began. We stopped to enjoy the show while on one of the bridges over the “Lost River”.

Heading over to the “American Waterfront” we kept commenting to each other how Disney (well OLC) has outdone itself with this park. We all agreed, that this park is far superior to all the other Disney parks we have attended.

American Harbor: We headed down the main street past “McDuck’s Dept Store”—and enjoyed viewing the store windows, and the Electric Railcar. I loved the Waterworks building which held restrooms. Talk about the ultimate in theming in this area!
We headed directly to the “Hightower Hotel”—better known as “The Tower of Terror”. 10 minute wait.
The screams and flashes of lightening across the front of this impressive building sent shivers down my spine. It was an amazing site to view the first time. The building itself is superb and a massive delight to behold.
My youngest daughter is not fond of drop attractions, yet we convinced her to go into the attraction. We had a mere 10 minute wait—so we didn’t get to fully absorb the remarkable theming in the lobby of the building that evening (but would the next day).
While waiting for the elevator, we were in the queue with the military armor and masks.
The whole multi tiered storyline regarding Harrison Hightower and the idol Shiriki Utundu, as well as walking through Hightower’s impressive storage area really sets up the believability of this attraction. We were all awestruck at the disappearance of Shiriki Utundu while in the library!
At the ride’s end you come upon, the ‘Rajah’s Bathhouse’, a Tower of Terror themed merchandise shop. The detail in theming continued, and did not disappoint. I took numerous photos in this shop—as the paintings further impressed Mr. Hightower’s eccentric ways.
Theming: A+ Attraction: A+

By this time, it was almost 10 pm—and we needed to head out to the hotel. We knew it would be an early day, as we wanted to be back at park’s opening.

Saturday, May 30
I won’t go into much detail as I did the previous day, as we repeated many of the attractions.
Because we attended Disney Sea with a person who has special needs on this day, we moved through the park more slowly, but had the aide of a Guest Assistance Pass (GAC).

Let me explain, that unless you witness, or are part of the massive push/crowd that awaits the opening of these Tokyo Disney Resort parks, it’s difficult to really believe. I had read previously about this, but truly was surprised it was as bad as it was on that morning. Especially at Disney Sea (I knew it would be like this at Tokyo Disneyland).
While the Japanese are extremely polite and friendly in many ways, they can also become pushy, and disregarding of others when it comes to getting where they need/want to go.
Personal space goes out the window (and we Americans love our personal space).
The whole experience was very unpleasant. We all agreed, we would not do put ourselves through this again—even at Disneyland come Monday morning when we headed over that way.

What was also shocking to us, as Disney park enthusiasts, was the massive crush of Japanese who descend on the costumed Disney Characters at the main plaza area of the parks. Later in the day, while in the parks, the guests do line up neatly—but here at the park’s opening, it was a massive crush of people. It was disturbing to see. I felt sorry for the costumed cast members as the crush of people pushed towards them and at them. It just seemed a very dangerous situation for everyone there.

This is when we headed over to the ‘Guest Relations’ area of the park to inquire of a Guest Assistance Card (GAC). Having a GAC at our California Disneyland is truly a blessing when you attend the park with someone with special needs. I am aware that many people have abused these assistance passes in the past, so Disney has had to modify the uses of such passes—which is unfortunate. With our family, it is apparent that we do indeed have someone in need of the pass, and Tokyo Disney Resort did not disappoint.
Their GAC policy is similar to getting a fast pass for attractions—with some modifications.
How we used the GAC: We located a cast member at the entrance to an attraction, he/she then checks the length of time the standby line is to ride the attraction. He/she will then write on the GAC a return time for us to come back to the attraction (sometimes is was the same time as the standby queue, some times it was the Fast Pass return time. It varied upon attraction).
Upon returning to the attraction at the time indicated, we then are escorted through a separate entrance into the attraction, and are then able to load into the attraction vehicle with no wait time at all (we did not go through the Fast Pass line). Unfortunately, you will miss the heavily themed queues of the attractions—but your standing/wait time is nil (and I mean non-existent!)
This pass allowed us to see every attraction in the park, without any line waiting at all. The caveat, is that you can only have one wait time outstanding on the card, similar to having only one Fast Pass at a time. Even with these restrictions, we were able to go from ride to ride on this particular day with minimal times in between attractions. And, it was wonderful not to have to run back and forth getting Fast Passes for as many attractions as you needed for the day (especially when we were at Disneyland!).

On this second day, we rode all the previous attractions of the day before, with the addition of going to the Cape Cod area of the American Harbor (and ate lunch at Cape Cod Cook off), and to Port Discovery to ride the Aquatopia—no wait and Storm Rider-10 minute wait with GAC. We ate Strawberry popcorn—and it reminded all of us of the pink popcorn you can get at home. The sea salted popcorn was okay. But, I’m sorry, our popcorn at Disneyland (CA) is still the best.

Our impressions of Storm Rider were: Unusual ride—but none of us were impressed. It just was an odd ride to us. Theming: B+ Attraction: C
Aquatopia: I know many people are not fond of this ride, but we thought it was a lot fun.
Theming: A- Attraction: B+

On this second day, were able to do a lot more exploring as well as snacking and shopping. That evening, after a rest, we headed back into the park. We had dinner at the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge in the USS Columbia. This is a beautiful lounge & restaurant with great pictures and information about this iconic president. Here, if you are inclined, is a full cocktail service bar (a beautiful bar at that).

On the third day at Disney Sea, Sunday, May 31, it was just my husband, I, as well as our daughter with special needs, as the two other girls returned to Tokyo to go back to Harajuku.
This day we dedicated to seeing the shows, parades and shopping.
We went to American Harbor to wait for the “Big Band Beat” show. After much expectations because of the rave reviews I have read on Mice Chat and other various Disney sites, when the show began, I thought to myself “oh no, this is going to be a 2nd rate cruise ship show”. L
Much to my amazement, this show far exceeded any cruise ship show. It was fun and upbeat show with live big band music, great classic songs and lively dances. It was a well done production—which surprisingly is done 100% in English. The most impressive entertainer in the show was Mickey Mouse, as he not only could play the drums (yes, he really did play them!) , he could tap dance along with his fellow show mates!. I told my husband the most talented person in the show was the guy in the Mickey costume. He agreed.
The reviews I had read were correct, and I highly recommend this show to anyone going to Disney Sea. “Big Band Beat”: A+

We then headed for Fortress Explorations—to view the hidden treasures of this area. The Spanish Galleon that waits below this area is being refurbished, so it was closed to guests. Between the labyrinths of walkways we found intriguing rooms with old world flair. One room depicts how the early explorers crossed the oceans guided by the stars, while another impressive room includes a large model representation of the planets of the solar system. A guest can turn these planets with cranks at arm level. Another enjoyable room is where a 100 yen coin allows a guest to navigate model galleons in water where you must avoid sea hazards such as serpents, whirlpools and storms. Rating of Fortress Explorations: A+

We arrived just in time to view “The Little Mermaid” live show in Mermaid Lagoon. This theatre is in the round, so no seat is actually a ‘bad’ seat—but we found that the seats we had acquired were actually advantageous as it allowed us to view Ariel from the front as well as the massive Ursula. This show is a cross between the Broadway production of “The Lion King” and a Cirque du Soliel. It did not disappoint, even though the whole show was in Japanese. It was truly a delight.
“The Little Mermaid” Show: A+
Afterwards we ate lunch at Sebastian’s Calypso Kitchen.

We viewed the water show, “Legend of Mythica”—and enjoyed the costumes and show (even if we couldn’t understand it all). We’d rate that show a B.

Before a return to our hotel for a break, we took the time to explore the MiraCosta hotel. What a beautiful hotel. I’d love to be able stay here. In the gift shop, my husband bought me a Disney Kitamura handbag (famous Japanese handbag designer) for my birthday.
After our rest at our hotel, we headed back in the evening to view
“Bravisimo”—the evening water show. This show, again in Japanese, depicted a love story between water and fire. The fire in the water was impressive—but overall, it isn’t any ‘Fantasmic’ (the California version), not by a long shot. By the end, it was so smoky, I could barely breath (we watched from the Ponte Vecchio bridge). I was kind of disappointed in the whole show as it was built up to be a spectacular spectacle on water. Our rating: B-

Our impressions of the whole park are this….it’s the best Disney “non-Disneyland” park in the world. It is better than any park at WDW, certainly far superior to Disney’s California Adventure, as well as the Walt Disney Studios park at Disneyland Paris Resort.
This park is beautiful, with amazing and impressive details in every corner.

Next review: Tokyo Disneyland!

Ps—the ratings are mine and my family members. You may not agree—but this was a collection of how my family felt about attractions and shows. Every guest sees things in different ways—and this is just our opinion.


~~Pegy~~

[Aunt Bee]

I thought I should come back to add--that you short start at about picture 175 to see our days at the parks...(sorry about the pictures before hand. I just haven't had the time to clean them up)

[TDLFAN]

Thanks for taking the time to post your trip review. I think your opinions are pretty much similar to what the american disney fans already say. I think many of those opinions are also guided by the "american" point of view.. such the case when you mention.. "how we americans love our space".. etc. Well this is Japan, this is how people behave here and it is acceptable to them. We don't have to like it but we most definitely have to accept it. However, I can see why some opinions may be less favorable by this expectation. Another case in point.. the language barrier. I think many americans would more fully enjoy the rides at TDR, and especially TDS' unique ones, if they indeed had an idea of the storylines before they go on them, which could be a reason why StormRider (which I find quite fun to do) or even JTTCOTE didn't appeal to you. Yet one more example... You would have enjoyed BraviSEAmo better if you had known ahead of it that this show is NOT a Fantasmic. Many foreign visitors keep expecting this show to be a Fantasmic clone.. and then come out disappointed. BraviSEAmo is a basic water, pyro show that even in it's simplicity, it's still much more impressive from a technical point of view than say.. Epcot's Illimunations ever will be. But since americans love their red white and blue fireworks.. I can see why EPCOT's show is still much prefered. Fireworks are fun, but to me, BraviSEAmo has more character and drama in it... accompanied with the most beautiful show score ever composed for a disney park show. But that's just me.

I am willing to bet that for your next trip report.. you will probably give low marks to World Bazaar due to it's odd canopy .. because it's not "main Street" (which it isn't), or Monsters not being all that you expected to be..or how the park is odd and charmless because of the expansive walkways..., or how you miss the train station in the front of the park..etc. <--Those are comments made by most regular disney fans when they visit TDL.

[tasman]

Thanks for the TR and sorry for your family matters. Will look forward to the rest!

[jedimaster7313]

Hope everything is ok with your family- So glad you had a great time while in Japan & thanks for sharing your views and photos as well- Yes, very different from Disneyland.

[Aunt Bee]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Thanks for taking the time to post your trip review. I think your opinions are pretty much similar to what the american disney fans already say. I think many of those opinions are also guided by the "american" point of view.. such the case when you mention.. "how we americans love our space".. etc. Well this is Japan, this is how people behave here and it is acceptable to them. We don't have to like it but we most definitely have to accept it. However, I can see why some opinions may be less favorable by this expectation. Another case in point.. the language barrier. I think many americans would more fully enjoy the rides at TDR, and especially TDS' unique ones, if they indeed had an idea of the storylines before they go on them, which could be a reason why StormRider (which I find quite fun to do) or even JTTCOTE didn't appeal to you. Yet one more example... You would have enjoyed BraviSEAmo better if you had known ahead of it that this show is NOT a Fantasmic. Many foreign visitors keep expecting this show to be a Fantasmic clone.. and then come out disappointed. BraviSEAmo is a basic water, pyro show that even in it's simplicity, it's still much more impressive from a technical point of view than say.. Epcot's Illimunations ever will be. But since americans love their red white and blue fireworks.. I can see why EPCOT's show is still much prefered. Fireworks are fun, but to me, BraviSEAmo has more character and drama in it... accompanied with the most beautiful show score ever composed for a disney park show. But that's just me.

I am willing to bet that for your next trip report.. you will probably give low marks to World Bazaar due to it's odd canopy .. because it's not "main Street" (which it isn't), or Monsters not being all that you expected to be..or how the park is odd and charmless because of the expansive walkways..., or how you miss the train station in the front of the park..etc. <--Those are comments made by most regular disney fans when they visit TDL.

Well--I guess I am your typical American Tourist then.

There is nothing wrong with that...it is what it is.

We loved Disney Sea--don't get me wrong. I really LOVED this park. I found it very hard to leave.
I don't really think not understanding the language was such a big barrier. I had read plenty about all the attractions, even before we left. I knew what each attraction's storyline was--(heck, you can read most of those right here on MiceChat!)

World Bazaar didn't bother me --it did my girls--but not me. After being in Disneyland Paris, I am used to seeing other versions of the Magic Kingdom...and believe me, Tokyo Disneyland is much more preferable than WDW's Magic Kingdom.
I find 'quirks' at every park. Tokyo Disney Resort was so immaculate, you could practically eat off the ground. Disneyland Paris was so dirty and trash filled (and omg--the gum everywhere!)--I couldn't believe how unkept it was (but, I found Disneyland Paris, so far--to be the more beautiful, detailed Magic Kingdom of the 4 I have been to. Nothing--so far--beats that dragon in the castle dungeon!).

Your post makes me seem overly critical of Tokyo Disney Sea. I don't think I was. I was actually dumbfounded at how wonderful it was, if anything.

And, Braviseamo--maybe I just don't 'get it'. I mean it was pretty--but goodness, the smoke was just the worst. Before I leave for any destination--I spend months and months researching, reading, planning. I knew what Braviseamo was....and I knew it wasn't a Fantasmic. I didn't expect Fantasmic--(and I mean the California version).

And, I knew things would be very different at Tokyo Disney Resort from the US parks. That is one of the main reasons I want to travel to these parks. I love seeing the different parks, how they are run--what makes them unique.
Even at Disneyland Paris--while I didn't like some things, it is what it is, and done in such a way to attract and please the Europeans who are their main visitors...just as Tokyo Disneyland is run to the standards and preferences to the Japanese. (and heck in Europe--they don't even know what it means to queue up for anything! Even driving...hahaha...for an example, just go to Palermo, Sicily!--or Naples!)

I didn't just fall off a turnip truck yesterday. In these 50 years...I've done quite a bit of travelling around parts of the world.. I know that places, parks, people--are not the same as in the US.
And if I am the typical American tourist with a typical American opinion, as you say--well--like I said at the beginning of the post. I am what I am. I can't change that.

Perhaps when I go to Tokyo Disney Resort again...and I truly hope to travel there again...(but my husband says the next trip to Australia so he can dive the Great Barrier Reef) I will see the park through eyes that are less awestruck --as they were on this trip.

[Another Voice]

Miss B. –

Thank you for your trip report. I’m glad you and your family had a great time and I hoped it lived up to your expectations. I am also very pleased you liked the Sheraton since we on the board seemed to steer you there. I was able to visit the resort just as you were leaving and stayed at the Sheraton as well.

One thing I noticed on this trip is that I was never offered a translation device, even in the shows that I normally get one (like ‘The Little Mermaid’ show). I hope Tokyo Disney hasn’t ended this program.

There’s nothing wrong with seeing things through “American point of view”. It’s your vacation, not a State Department cultural exchange program. Knowing one’s likes and dislikes and how they are affected in other places is very different from demanding that other countries change to satisfy our whims. Accepting or tolerating something does not mean you have to like it; and no one should feel forced into “liking” something just because it’s there.

And there is certainly no reason for your opinions to be “corrected” by the self-appointed arbiters of taste.

I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts about Tokyo Disneyland.

[TDLFAN]

Aunt Bee, I am not trying to diminish your point of view or even pass judgement. I was merely stating that your opinions on TDS and probably about TDR altogether are very much in sync with those of the americans who go there, so I was not surprised by them, but I did disagree with some things and offered my point of view, and that is who I am and what I am like . Like you said..
"it is what it is" (even if I don't care much for that phraze because it's something that makes people be "comformists" which is something I will never be as it is "potentially limiting" to think this way, but that is only my point of view).

As for traveling around the World.. well heck, I have been in the traveling industry for 25 yrs and have gone around the world several times which have allowed me to soak up other cultures' needs and their "it is what it is" ways of being. With that said, my comments are also inspired by the mere fact that many americans come to TDR with the same expectations they go to DL/DLP/WDW with, and they they are sorely disappointed with some aspects of their experiences there. Obviously that did not seem to be the case (too much) with you since you took the time to educate yourself about the fastidious ways dujour at TDR. Furthermore.. if I appeared to be critical of you personally is because you mentioned how "americans like their space" among other few comments that bring the point I am trying to make across. This may have been your vacation and you are entitled to enjoy it anyways you see fit, but as someone who claims to travel a lot and often, you would know that even when you are on vacation, you DO need to put your american style expectation aside and "do as romans do" and go with the flow.. even if it means dealing with crunch time at the gate at 9am or other situations that may arise at TDR due to popular and culturally driven behavior, which by your comments, seemed to be something you are not willing to do "ever again". THAT is why I offered the opinion I did about your trip report.
TDR "is what it is" so you either enjoy it for the way it is operated or else. Maybe you should try HKDL next time since it will be closer to the Great Barrier Reef, and they could use the business too.

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Sorry MiceChatters for the delay on the trip report. Since coming home from Japan, we have had a family tragedy/crisis.

Blessings to you and yours.

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

20, 000 Leagues Under the Sea: Walked right on. I know people think this ride is kind of hokey. I actually really enjoyed it. I thought it was fun and interesting. I liked how the attraction forced you to feel you were underwater, when only the windows actually filled with water/bubbles.
Theming: A+ Attraction itself: B

I love it, too! I'd give the attraction itself an A!^^

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Arabian Coast: ...I know this is Disney’s idea of an Arabian village...

Right?

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

‘Sinbad’s Seven Voyages’. Walked right on.

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

I truly expected this ride to be silly—and annoying.
I was pleasantly surprised. We all thoroughly enjoyed this ride, even though we could not understand a word being sung—it was very entertaining.. We loved the tune/song throughout the attraction.
Theming: A+ Attraction: A

I'm glad you enjoyed this one. I it, too!

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

We wandered over to “Lost River Delta”—where my husband and I waited as the girls rode ‘Raging Spirits’...

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

the ride was extremely mild, in fact, almost boring.
Theming: A+ Attraction: D
The theming here is amazing though. Truly a beautiful thing to view in the evening.

My thoughts exactly.

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Heading over to the “American Waterfront” we kept commenting to each other how Disney (well OLC) has outdone itself with this park. We all agreed, that this park is far superior to all the other Disney parks we have attended.

I don't know how anyone could miss this part of your report, especially since you repeated it several times. I've never been to the other parks, but I feel kinda "proud" that so many people enjoy TDR so much.^^ Especially TDS, cos it's my favorite!

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

The whole multi tiered storyline regarding Harrison Hightower and the idol Shiriki Utundu, as well as walking through Hightower’s impressive storage area really sets up the believability of this attraction...

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Theming: A+ Attraction: A+

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Anyone who doesn't fully explore the incredible website dedicated to this attraction before going to TDS is really missing out!^^

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Let me explain, that unless you witness, or are part of the massive push/crowd that awaits the opening of these Tokyo Disney Resort parks, it’s difficult to really believe. I had read previously about this, but truly was surprised it was as bad as it was on that morning. Especially at Disney Sea (I knew it would be like this at Tokyo Disneyland).

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

While the Japanese are extremely polite and friendly in many ways, they can also become pushy, and disregarding of others when it comes to getting where they need/want to go.
Personal space goes out the window (and we Americans love our personal space).
The whole experience was very unpleasant. We all agreed, we would not do put ourselves through this again—even at Disneyland come Monday morning when we headed over that way.

This shocked me the first time I saw it, too. Precisely because I've lived here for eight years and the only time I've seen Japanese people behave in this way is when Disney gates open and during peak hours on Tokyo trains.

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Our impressions of Storm Rider were: Unusual ride—but none of us were impressed. It just was an odd ride to us. Theming: B+ Attraction: C

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Aquatopia: I know many people are not fond of this ride, but we thought it was a lot fun.
Theming: A- Attraction: B+

Couldn't disagree with you more!^^ I everything about Storm Rider and just cannot seem to accept that what I originally thought Aquatopia was (controllable bumper cars on water^^) is just not what it is. Good for you that you enjoyed it, though!

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

“Big Band Beat” ...

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

The most impressive entertainer in the show was Mickey Mouse, as he not only could play the drums (yes, he really did play them!) , he could tap dance along with his fellow show mates!. I told my husband the most talented person in the show was the guy in the Mickey costume. He agreed.
The reviews I had read were correct, and I highly recommend this show to anyone going to Disney Sea. “Big Band Beat”: A+

It is marvelous. And Mickey is amazing! How anyone can dance like that in those shoes, I'll never understand! I always wonder if it's different CMs in different numbers (seems exhausting^^), and I strongly suspect it's a different CM for the drum part. But of course I actually have no idea.

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

“Bravisimo”—the evening water show. This show, again in Japanese, depicted a love story between water and fire. The fire in the water was impressive—but overall, it isn’t any ‘Fantasmic’ (the California version), not by a long shot. By the end, it was so smoky, I could barely breath (we watched from the Ponte Vecchio bridge). I was kind of disappointed in the whole show as it was built up to be a spectacular spectacle on water. Our rating: B-

I love BraviSEAmo! so I'm happy I can't compare it to Fantasmic and risk being disappointed. I think Bellisea (water barge?) is not nearly as fully realized as Prometeo (fire dragon), but it reminds me of The Firebird Suite that was my favorite part of Fantasia 2000, so I can't help loving it. I wish there were glass ornaments or figurines.

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Our impressions of the whole park are this….it’s the best Disney “non-Disneyland” park in the world. It is better than any park at WDW, certainly far superior to Disney’s California Adventure, as well as the Walt Disney Studios park at Disneyland Paris Resort.
This park is beautiful, with amazing and impressive details in every corner.

Sounds like an incredible way to celebrate 50 years on Earth. I'm happy to hear that you guys had such a great time.^^

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

Ps—the ratings are mine and my family members. You may not agree—but this was a collection of how my family felt about attractions and shows. Every guest sees things in different ways—and this is just our opinion.

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

~~Pegy~~

PS: I your Ps!!!

[Marky4839]

Wow very cool Im glad you enjoyed the park. Cool pics too!

[Aunt Bee]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

This may have been your vacation and you are entitled to enjoy it anyways you see fit, but as someone who claims to travel a lot and often, you would know that even when you are on vacation, you DO need to put your american style expectation aside and "do as romans do" and go with the flow.. even if it means dealing with crunch time at the gate at 9am or other situations that may arise at TDR due to popular and culturally driven behavior, which by your comments, seemed to be something you are not willing to do "ever again". THAT is why I offered the opinion I did about your trip report.
TDR "is what it is" so you either enjoy it for the way it is operated or else. Maybe you should try HKDL next time since it will be closer to the Great Barrier Reef, and they could use the business too.

We normally 'do as the romans do' when travelling. We love doing our travels that way--and usually laugh along the way (we find the sometimes our worst mistakes, travel fumbles, off the beaten path--or even trying to 'fit ins'--make for the best memories --and laughs so many years later!)--it was just difficult to do that with the morning mad crush--when you have someone with special needs with you.
I assume that the many Japanese families that bring their little ones along are used to this crush.
I just know my daughter isn't--and we didn't want to start the day with a meltdown before we even got into the park. We figured it was just best to avoid it & to start the day out with smiles--vs starting out with a lot of frustration. As I said, having a GAC really helped our days in the park--so that we actually could avoid that morning frenzy--and still have time to ride everything we wanted--without lines or running.

I should have clarified why I commented this way--but didn't really think those details were so important.

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Anyone who doesn't fully explore the incredible website dedicated to this attraction before going to TDS is really missing out!^^.

I have to tell you DuffyDad--that we actually DID go on this site--and actually spent an afternoon on it! Hence, my daughter with Downs and I knew the storyline very well.
But, while standing in the elevator waiting area the 2nd time to ride the attraction--a Cast Member heard me explaining the storyline to my other girls--he came over with a lovely printed handout detailing the whole Harrison Hightower/Tower of Terror storyline in English (great souvenir!). I thought it was great that my other two girls could 'catch up' with what the whole hotel was about.

[bigglesworth003]

Great Report Aunt Bee!

Glad you had such a great time and everything worked well! Checked out some of your pictures and there great! looks like you all were having a blast! Can't wait to read the rest

[Turboman]

Fantastic trip report and thanks so much for posting. We're going to TDR in a few months for the first time so I appreciate all of your insights.

I hope by having a Part 1 this implies that there will be a part 2 (,3,etc). If so, I'm really looking forward to them.

[SuperDry]

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

“Bravisimo”—the evening water show. This show, again in Japanese, depicted a love story between water and fire. The fire in the water was impressive—but overall, it isn’t any ‘Fantasmic’ (the California version), not by a long shot. By the end, it was so smoky, I could barely breath (we watched from the Ponte Vecchio bridge). I was kind of disappointed in the whole show as it was built up to be a spectacular spectacle on water. Our rating: B-

As TDLFAN pointed out, one of the best parts of Braviseamo is the score. And unfortunately, the Ponte Vecchio bridge is one of the worst places to see a TDS harbor show as far as sound goes. The speaker placement just doesn't work for people standing in the portholes looking at the show. It's kind of ironic because if you scope out the harbor beforehand, it would seem that those places on the bridge would be among the best places to view a harbor show, but the sound is terrible. Without good sound, B! is going to seem a lot less emotional and moving.

[TimmyTimmyTimmy]

Originally Posted by SuperDry

As TDLFAN pointed out, one of the best parts of Braviseamo is the score. And unfortunately, the Ponte Vecchio bridge is one of the worst places to see a TDS harbor show as far as sound goes. The speaker placement just doesn't work for people standing in the portholes looking at the show. It's kind of ironic because if you scope out the harbor beforehand, it would seem that those places on the bridge would be among the best places to view a harbor show, but the sound is terrible. Without good sound, B! is going to seem a lot less emotional and moving.

Where should I stand the next time I see a TDS harbour show?