Part 2-Aunt Bee at Tokyo Disneyland

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

TDL Fan--it's been quite a few years since I have been to WDW--and seen their IASW attraction--so I don't remember it too clearly.

No problem. But as a way to clarify this with other readers.. only three IASW boarding platforms are located "Inside" the building: TDL, WDW, and HKDL. The one at DLP is outside the main building, similar to DL's, but they built a ceiling over it to cover from the elements.

I should have added another item in my trip report--that I just completely blanked on until now. While reading all the posts about the various Peter Pan attractions---I remembered this tidbit:

I really LOVED that all the exit signs in the attractions/shows at Tokyo Disney Resort parks--are not lit---until the 'case of an emergency'--then they light up!
Various dark attractions at Disneyland (CA)--have had their effects/theming overshadowed (and sometimes ruined) by brightly lit 'EXIT' signs. Peter Pan being one the main attractions that comes to mind (as is the Haunted Mansion).
For me, one of the most items distracting from the 'show' (other than camera flashes) are these brightly lit EXIT signs.

At Tokyo Disney Resort--I loved that in all the shows, and attractions either an announcement was made, or there was signage, that the EXIT signs would only come on in an emergency.
During the 'Big Band Beat' show at DisneySEA, I took the time to look around to see if any of the EXIT signs were lit--and it was as dark as night in that theatre.
No lit EXIT signs='a good show'

---but--that will never change here in the US. Our safety laws ensure that all buildings must have them visable at all times. I just wished they weren't so darned bright on the attractions....

You would be surprised to know that until recently, that was also the case at TDR. Exit Signs were always lit. That used to irk me at the haunted mansion, and even inside Space Mountain, where a sign particularly lit up the entire drop portion of the ride.. Having the exit signs off was a change implemented like about 4 years ago or so.. if I recall well. Maybe the reason for it was them upgrading the emergency systems to allow for the signs to only light up when in an emergency.. but can't answer that for sure.

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

No problem. But as a way to clarify this with other readers.. only three IASW boarding platforms are located "Inside" the building: TDL, WDW, and HKDL. The one at DLP is outside the main building, similar to DL's, but they built a ceiling over it to cover from the elements.


You would be surprised to know that until recently, that was also the case at TDR. Exit Signs were always lit. That used to irk me at the haunted mansion, and even inside Space Mountain, where a sign particularly lit up the entire drop portion of the ride.. Having the exit signs off was a change implemented like about 4 years ago or so.. if I recall well. Maybe the reason for it was them upgrading the emergency systems to allow for the signs to only light up when in an emergency.. but can't answer that for sure.

And I really wish that were able to happen in California too, where the exit signs still distract from the ride experience.

[tokyodisneydad]

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit here and I really enjoyed looking at your trip photos. I actually think you have one of my odest daughter in the background as she was there one of the days you were. It's not clear but I swear it's her.

[Fukai]

Good trip report, but Toontown in Tokyo Disneyland is a unique place and far superior to the version in California.

Also, you keep saying how busy the park was, but the wait times you've mentioned (without using your pass) don't reflect that. There can easily be a 90 minute wait for the Haunted Mansion on a busy day. On very busy days, right up until they cut off the line, Pooh's Hunny Hunt, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain can all simultaneously have wait times of 90 minutes to nearly three hours.

[DisneySea_Fan]

Great trip report and I agree with you about the exit signs!

[Aunt Bee]

Originally Posted by Fukai

Good trip report, but Toontown in Tokyo Disneyland is a unique place and far superior to the version in California.

Also, you keep saying how busy the park was, but the wait times you've mentioned (without using your pass) don't reflect that. There can easily be a 90 minute wait for the Haunted Mansion on a busy day. On very busy days, right up until they cut off the line, Pooh's Hunny Hunt, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain can all simultaneously have wait times of 90 minutes to nearly three hours.

Next time I'll go into Toon Town. In California--I try to avoid that area as much as possible.

And--the only day the park was extremly crowded was on the Monday we were there. By Tuesday the crowds were not bad at all. A little waiting in a few lines, but nothing extreme. If it was confusing--sorry.
All in all--for us travelling with someone with special needs, we did see quite a bit. Having the GAC was a GREAT help!

Originally Posted by tokyodisneydad

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit here and I really enjoyed looking at your trip photos. I actually think you have one of my odest daughter in the background as she was there one of the days you were. It's not clear but I swear it's her.

Wow. What picture? I'll have to look and see! What part of Disneyland was it in?
It truly is a small world, eh?

[TDLFAN]

Just out of curiosity Aunt Bee.. why do you avoid Toontown at DL?

[lighttragic]

Hey Aunt bee , havent had a chance to post in a while great trip report glad you liked most of the things at the resort.. I always like hearing different peoples accounts of trips the plusses and minuses. Great job! Happy Birthday btw in case no one mentioned it. Also How did your daughters like Harajuku? that place is very colorful!

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Just out of curiosity Aunt Bee.. why do you avoid Toontown at DL?

I'm going to guess and say because it's not the same as it was when it first opened. Disneyland's Toontown has had a few downgrades over the years to make it less kinetic and fun. Chip & Dale's Treehouse was closed, at least the ball pit. All that's there is the slide. Goofy's Bounce House was turned into a playground without the inflated inside part. Donald's Boat has areas you can no longer go into. The Jolley Trolley no longer works (and now, sadly, neither does TDL's). So, basically, unless you're going to ride Roger Rabbit, or visit Mickey, there is no real reason to go back there anymore unless you have toddlers who need to burn off some steam, and even then it can be boring.

[Aunt Bee]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Just out of curiosity Aunt Bee.. why do you avoid Toontown at DL?

Well, Gurgi--you are pretty darned close.

ToonTown at Disneyland (CA) to me--feels like a giant fading & shadeless trap of slapped together stuff to satisfy parents who have cranky toddlers in tow.
When Toon Town opened, my little ones would beg to go into the mass crowds of screaming and crying kids--just to jump around in acorns.
At the time, I personally felt that I didn't spend all our family vacation time and money for my girls to jump around in little acorn balls, when they could do that at our local McDonald's (Disneyland was a 7 hour drive for us--remember we live near Stanford Univ--Nor Cal area).

I also hate that you only have one way in--one way out. You are literally trapped down there--and the shade is almost non-existent.
(Now, I know that Critter Country has only one way in and one way out--but that area seems very welcoming to me for some reason. Maybe it's the shade. Maybe I still long for the wonderful days of 'Bear Country', with the Mile Long Bar?! ).

Now, with the girls being adults--(and they can do their own 'thing' at the parks--but somehow, we still hang around together)--I still just find the place full of screaming kids, no shade, and faded buildings. If Roger Rabbit is down--I just don't go into the area--at all. (gosh, I sound like a grouchy old woman. Does that happen to you once you turn 50??!! ) It all just seems like 'filler space'-- & personally I think TDA could do much more creative and exciting things in that area.

The Gag Factory used to have some unique items for sale, but after the Paul Pressler years of putting the same tourist souvenir crap in each and every store in the park, you don't find anything there that you can't find somewhere else in the park.

So--now you know.

lighttragic--thanks for the happy birthday--and yeah...my girls enjoyed Harajuku. It was their 2nd time out that way (I had gone with them myself one day earlier in the week)--but they wanted to go in on a Sunday when most of the Lolita girls were out. Sad part--it was raining like crazy in Tokyo proper--yet out at TDR--it was warm and hot. I was glad I stayed at the parks (like I really would have left after getting there...hahahaha...NOT!)

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by Aunt Bee

ToonTown at Disneyland (CA) to me--feels like a giant fading & shadeless trap of slapped together stuff to satisfy parents who have cranky toddlers in tow.
When Toon Town opened, my little ones would beg to go into the mass crowds of screaming and crying kids--just to jump around in acorns.
At the time, I personally felt that I didn't spend all our family vacation time and money for my girls to jump around in little acorn balls, when they could do that at our local McDonald's (Disneyland was a 7 hour drive for us--remember we live near Stanford Univ--Nor Cal area).

I also hate that you only have one way in--one way out. You are literally trapped down there--and the shade is almost non-existent.
(Now, I know that Critter Country has only one way in and one way out--but that area seems very welcoming to me for some reason. Maybe it's the shade. Maybe I still long for the wonderful days of 'Bear Country', with the Mile Long Bar?! ).

I can pretty much relate to this point of view, especially since Toontown is very much geared to the toddler set. Honestly, TDL's Toontown is no different in purpose from that of DL's. I usually do not go in there at TDL much.... but TDL's Toontown is much more expansive and less claustrophobic than DL's. They also have a counter service restaurant and a few cosmetic differences that are unique to it and improve the area more than DL's. Not to mention, the entire design is a left-handed format to that of DL's. However, one suggestion.. if you ever go to TDL during halloween or Xmas.. do make a point of visiting Toontown because their decor for those holidays are quite unique and festive. One sore point with me is the recent retirement of the Toontown Trolley. Big mistake on OLC's part. WED comes up with all of these ideas to make the area more fun, yet, no one seems to care after a while to have these little pleasures open to the guests or not. Sad.

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

However, one suggestion.. if you ever go to TDL during halloween or Xmas.. do make a point of visiting Toontown because their decor for those holidays are quite unique and festive. One sore point with me is the recent retirement of the Toontown Trolley. Big mistake on OLC's part. WED comes up with all of these ideas to make the area more fun, yet, no one seems to care after a while to have these little pleasures open to the guests or not. Sad.

I agree. I usually skip Toontown. Heck, I usually go to DisneySea... But...during Christmas, I thought Toontown was very charming. I never bothered to ride the Trolley, either. And now that I can't, I'm really bummed about it.

[TDLFAN]

Riding the trolley was like getting a soft massage in your... butt. I loved that gentle motion back and forth.

Ok people. No jokes about this.

[Aunt Bee]

Well--next time we travel to TDR--I will make it a point to check out Toon Town.
Halloween is my favorite holiday--so I'd love to see the parks then (but would hate to deal with the massive crowds!).

[gurgi]

I agree with everything said about Toontown here. I was there when it opened, and I have to say, I thought it was extremely cute back then and very well themed and immersive. The problem though, is that it's stale at this point. Nothing new has been added there, and, like I said earlier, things have been removed or neutered. Disneyland also does not keep it freshly painted as often as they should, so it can look faded at times. For a land as bright and colorful as Toontown, meant to represent walking through a cartoon, the upkeep is a huge problem, it breaks the illusion.

The land needs at least another big family attraction. I kind of wish Disneyland would add Mickey's PhilharMagic back there. It would be an appropriate theme for the land, and a good transition into Fantasyland. Something needs to go in there though, it's not been updated since it's opening in 1993...