Part 2-Aunt Bee at Tokyo Disneyland

[Aunt Bee]

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland

June 1 & 2, 2009

I have decided to change my format of my trip report. No one wants to hear two long days at Tokyo Disneyland in detail—so I am combining the two days as much as possible—with some general observations and reviews for those rides that are unique to Tokyo Disneyland. I am sorry this has taken so long to get posted. The family crisis goes on (very ill family member in ICU)—so thank you for your patience.

Monday—June 1-- We arrived at Tokyo Disneyland around 9:20 am. The crush and frenzy was still in full swing. We decided to ‘go for it’—and just pushed our way through. Re-grouping after the turnstiles, we again noticed the mad crush of people at the characters. It’s disturbing to see—but since it is the norm there—it’s tolerated. The park was extremely crowded all day—until late in the evening when my husband I went back and could stroll around with ease.
Tuesday, June 2nd, the park was much less crowded—and we walked into the park with ease at 9:15 am, and had a much more enjoyable day with fewer crowds.


World Bazaar-(kind of like Main St. USA)

• Monday (6/1/09) was difficult to move down into the World Bazaar. The place was packed-- Fighting our way down the World Bazaar was difficult. It’s a great set up for Japan though—as it rains often there. World Bazaar is basically like our ‘Main St’ section of Disneyland…only at Tokyo Disneyland, the ‘street’ is wider and covered like a glass pavilion. There are no curbs—and no parades that come down this pedestrian only promenade. With the early morning large crowds under the covering—the loud din of voices and yelling is unbelievable. It made finding our way to go more confusing because of the noise. Later in the day and evenings it’s far less crowded, and the bazaar is pleasant for a stroll through the shops.
• The stores are mainly souvenir and omiyage (gifts to take home) shops. They do have some full service restaurants there—but we did not eat in any of those. We loved the balloons and balloon vendor on the main thoroughfare. Their old fashioned costumes, and the colorful balloons were a great addition to this wide ‘street’. The rolling Piano man—was out on the bazaar on both afternoons, and the Japanese gather around him in large crowds to hear him play. We didn’t stop to listen—as we were either coming or going someplace.
• Spying Cinderella’s Castle through the World Bazaar covering—was a real treat. You see it—but it still seems so far away—until you actually can emerge from the covering. The loud din disappears—and there it stands—beautiful—calling you to come and enjoy.

Tomorrowland

• The first day we visited Tokyo Disneyland was a Monday (6/1/09)—and the park was extremely crowded. With our handy GAC (Guest Assistance Pass) in hand already (you can use the same GAC at both parks)—we went off to look for the newest attraction at Disneyland—the Monsters, Inc. ‘Ride and Go Seek’. It’s not hard to miss—as the majority of the crowd seems to push their way to this location. Hence, we just followed along. We located the appropriate cast member, who radioed to another cast member about the GAC. Here we were escorted through a side door—(we went past both the main queue and fast pass lines, but we could still see the queue area in the main building—and wow, that was really well done. It truly looks as if you are in the Monsters, Inc building—ready to go to work with Mike and Sully! ), where we were brought to the front of the line area, and were boarded in 2 minutes!
• The attraction was cute, and enjoyable.—but you really don’t need the flashlights for the attraction. And, after unloading from the ride, my husband said, “If I had waited in that line for over an hour, I would have been pissed!”—we all concurred…Disney’s CA Adventure Monsters Inc attraction is a better ride. Theming: A+ Attraction: B-
• Star Tours— where there was a 5 minute wait.The Star Tours attraction itself is the same as ours here in California—it’s just done in all Japanese. The queue had some interesting items that were fun, such as two robotic vultures above, watching you as you enter the boarding area. The exit was a long trek, where you end up in front of a Audio Animatronics ‘Alien’—who seems to be commandeering –the Star Tours? We weren’t quite sure what/who he was—but I thought it was cute, and took pictures, whereas my girls said, “That’s weird”. *sigh*
• Space Mountain—was closed for refurbishment
• Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters—5 minute wait. Same basically the exact ride as in Disneyland—California, but still my daughter with Down syndrome’s favorite attraction.
• We did not do anything else in Tomorrowland—other than eat an early lunch at the Tomorrowland Terrace. I am not a fan of the big loop Autopia (they have the same layout in WDW)—the one at Disneyland—is more creative—and interesting. The rockets frighten me, and I’m not one to have to play arcade games. MicroAdventure—well, again, to us it is a repeat attraction. We felt our time would be better spent on the items we really wanted to see. Overall—I found Tomorrowland a little outdated. My girls always enjoy it though, as they didn’t obviously grow up in the 60’s or 70’s—so they think it’s retro cool.

ToonTown

• I don’t like ToonTown—so I avoided the area. Had the Roger Rabbit attraction been open (it was closed for refurbishment)—I would have gone down that way. My daughters went into Toon Town—and mentioned it looked the same as the one in California. I smiled—said, okay—I can pass.

Fantasyland

• Cinderella’s Castle and area—So pretty! Although this is a replica of the castle in Florida, I found this one to have more grounds detailing. I loved the ‘sea monster’ on the side of the castle in the gardens—and enjoyed viewing the details of the area, such as the Cinderella garden gate. If they have that at WDW, I don’t remember seeing them. The only thing that distracted from this beautiful castle was the large stage set up in front with the big sign that said “Club Monsters” coming soon.
• Pooh’s Hunny Hunt—with GAC—5 minute wait (my husband and I rode without the GAC—late on Monday evening, waited 15 minutes —even with the sign stating it would be 50 minutes). This attraction did not disappoint us at all! The ride was fun, smelled like honey throughout, and it amazed us. These innovative ‘honey pots’ moved freely without a track and without bumping into each other. The beautiful walk through the gardens, playroom, and the larger than life book pages really built up the excitement to finally ride on highly touted attraction. I only wish the attraction could be longer, as it was so much fun to ride Theming: A+ Attraction: A+
• It’s a Small World-no wait—we walked right onto the attraction. The loading area is like Disneyland Paris and WDW (indoors). Their façade is painted pastel colors—which was pretty, because it was actually very clean and well kept. The attraction was fun—and I enjoyed hearing the song (I know, everyone hates that song, but its fun when you are on the attraction)—sung in Japanese. My husband was seated next to two women, who loudly spoke through the whole attraction. That annoyed him, but I calmly reminded him that he hates the song anyway—so having them chitty chat through the attraction—benefitted him. I was surprised though, that there was no reference to the USA (at Disneyland Paris, there is a whole room dedicated to the states) other than a cowboy and Indian right as you leave.
• The Haunted Mansion-10 minute wait with fast passes. I love seeing classic attractions in other languages –so this did not disappoint. This attraction façade as well as the ride itself was similar to WDW’s version. There were a few other added features that were fun to see—like the portrait, and the pages in the book turning—but it’s basically the same.
• Peter Pan’s Flight-with GAC—no wait (my husband and I rode without the GAC waited 20 minutes late in the evening). Now—one would assume—that if you are using the similar technology as the Haunted Mansion Doom Buggies to load people into ride vehicles, the line would move faster, than if the ride had to start and stop like in CA Disneyland. Well, not at Tokyo Disneyland. It took longer to get onto the Peter Pan attraction than it did for Pooh. I still can’t figure out why that loaded so slowly. I can only assume it’s because they keep slowing the moving ramp down to a snail pace for almost everyone to load. I really enjoy all the Peter Pan attractions at each park I have visited (as does everyone I meet). There is something about ‘flying’ above London and Never Never Land that is so much fun. This attraction is somewhat different than California’s-and my girls mentioned they liked Tokyo’s better than the California Disneyland’s.
• Snow White’s Adventures-In California—this attraction is called ‘Snow White’s Scary Adventures’—and I wonder why they changed it here…because I felt as if this attraction was far scarier. I loved it. I loved the longer forest scene, and the scary other details. The only difference is here the Dwarf scene is at the end of the attraction vs. at the beginning.
• We did not ride on Alice’s Tea Cups, Dumbo or on the Carousel, and Pinocchio was being refurbished.
• Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall-Themed Restaurant. We ate here on our second day in Disneyland—and had so much fun! What a great themed restaurant. With lamp posts that look like towering flowers, benches that are large daisies—and heart shaped food—you are in Wonderland with Alice! The food was very good here as well--;-). I had the beef, while my children had chicken—and a heart shaped hamburger patty. We arrived at the restaurant near the opening time, so crowds were not a problem. By the time we left, the place was quite busy. Theming: A+ Food: A-

Westernland

• The Country Bear Jamboree’—waited 7 minutes for the next showing. We all miss this attraction at Disneyland. We loved it in Japanese—with some songs being in English. The best part—the bears looked clean and well maintained, unlike the California version towards the end of the attraction’s days.
• I did some shopping in Westernland (love those Mickey Mouse cowboy boots. Too bad they were 40000+ yen!).
• Westernland Shooting Gallery-My husband and girls enjoyed doing this while I did that shopping. They had a great time—and you actually will get a prize if you get a high enough score! Alas, they came away with some pretty low scores.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Very elaborate with great theming from the outside –but the ride seems just the same as the version we ride all the time in California.
• We did not go onto the Canoes (I refuse to go on that attraction anywhere. I had a bad experience one time—cured me from ever going again. We did not go on the Mark Twain—or over to Tom Sawyer Island (but I am glad they kept it as it was originally intended).

Adventureland

• Pirates of the Caribbean—no wait with GAC (10 minute wait on another occasion without the GAC). Same basic ride as California’s Disneyland—only one drop though. Again this attraction was mix of Japanese and English.
• I found it interesting that while Tokyo Disneyland doesn’t have a New Orleans Square—the whole area around the Pirates attraction was done as if it was a “New Orleans Square”. The area is very pretty with very ornate ironwork and lovely details everywhere.
• Blue Bayou-We dined on the 1st early evening at this iconic restaurant. As we walked back by the New Orleans area, we noticed no lines at all at The Blue Bayou restaurant! No crowds, no lines=why not go in? We were seated immediately, one table over from the water. It was a nice relief to sit down in the cool, calm restaurant—as it was warm, humid—and extremely crowded in the park. We all enjoyed a nice late lunch, with excellent service (my new favorite drink: Hi C Grapefruit! I haven’t found it here in the stores yet—but I am trying!). To find no crowds clamoring to get into the restaurant at the California Blue Bayou—is a rarity, so to see no crowds here—was a treat.
• The Enchanted Tiki Room” which has been updated to be Stitch Presents “Aloha E Komo Mai!”—10 minute wait. The Japanese love “Stitch-e”—and Hawaii, so this is perfect for this park. The show was cute—much better than the version with Iago at WDW. Theming: A+ Attraction: B-
• The building that houses this attraction is beautiful, as is the whole area of Adventureland.
• We did not go onto The Jungle Cruise or The Swiss Family Robinson Tree house (although I am thrilled that they kept this iconic attraction true to the original concept).
• I loved the Adventureland at Tokyo Disneyland. I thought the whole area was amazing. The New Orleans Square area was just so detailed and well thought out. It was beautiful. The tropical areas of the land were lush with trees and foliage and had waterfalls and waterways that added to the overall theme. It was a delight.

Critter Country

· Splash Mountain-No wait with GAC. We actually bypassed all lines, and were taken through a back hidden doorway that almost seemed as if it could have been a Cast member staging area. We were immediately loaded onto the attraction once we came out of this side door. Unlike the California version where you seat people directly behind one another in one long row, these seats sit two by two (like WDW’s version). I find it is just a more comfortable ride this way. This Splash Mountain attraction is much longer than the one we are used to in California—and is more lush with trees and greenery. The drop didn’t seem as steep as the California version as well---but the splash at the bottom isn’t as bad either. There are some different small drops inside—and we loved being surprised at each corner, with some new scenes. Bottom line---we loved it! All of us agreed, of all 3 Splash Mountains we have been on, this one is the BEST.
· This Critter Country had some fun diversions for the younger set—and we enjoyed the creative detailing the ‘country’ has such as a cute play and climb ‘car’ as well as the well--held up by squirrels. The themed restaurant, “Grandma Sara’s” –was so darned cute. It’s like a hidey-hole mole restaurant tucked right inside the mountain! Had we not already eaten at The Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall—we would have chosen this cute place.

Tokyo Disneyland’s Electrical Parade

• We loved it. I filmed the whole parade—and it was beautiful!. The parade was longer than the versions at Disney’s California Adventure---and it had great new floats, and whimsical features that we just loved. For my girls to actually stop—and watch a show/parade is amazing—yet all 5 of us stood there transfixed. It was great!
• Fireworks—Again, like in Disney Sea—they just aren’t the best fireworks show we’ve seen—but somehow, watching a fireworks show in Disneyland is always magical. I miss the music accompaniment that you get at the US parks though.

Our thoughts:
· We were astounded at how many cast members there actually working in the parks! Everywhere within the park there are an abundance of cast members. At almost every register, at every attraction entrance, at every attraction unloading area…at every turn in the park—a cast member! The Guest Service is actually amazing at this park. If you need help—or have a question, there was always a cast member to ask.
Personal attention and politeness is very important to the Japanese—and this is true at these amazing parks. We discussed how this guest service can be good and bad for guests. It’s great for individual guest service—but it’s terrible at getting guests on and off attractions in a quick manner (or standing in line for popcorn), especially when the parks are very busy. The cast members take so much care and time with one guest—that things quickly back up. We think this may be one reason why the park has so much charm---and so many long lines. But, it’s the Japanese way—and it seems to be working for them—because just look at the crowds in the park!

· We loved the monorail system. Even though it costs to ride, it is very efficient, always on time—and saves your feet/legs that much more walking! We loved that it was a working travel system vs. just an attraction.

Cleanest parks we have ever seen. Really. If we think our parks are clean here in the US—you need to go to Japan. Their restrooms are so clean—that you almost think you are in a 5 star hotel (I won’t mention about how dirty Disneyland Paris was the time we visited). I saw one cast member actually get down on the ground and pick up 5 pieces of sticky rice that a little girl dropped-which he couldn’t get swept up!
Okay—I know this was long. I’ll just close and tell you we had a glorious time—and I would love to go back! My girls have mentioned they would pass on going back to Japan—but I'd go back to Tokyo Disney Resort in a heartbeat. It won’t be for a while though, as my husband is eyeing The Great Barrier Reef for diving on our next adventure (I don’t dive---but heck, it’s Australia!)

Thanks everyone--for all your great help tips and advice before we took this amazing holiday. We learned so much about the Tokyo Disney Resort from you MiceChatters before we left--that we were ready to jump right in once we got to the resort! Your knowledge and help is invaluable to anyone travelling to these great parks!

Peggy (and family!)

[Another Voice]

Thank you for the great trip report. I'm glad you and your family had a good time. From all of your reports, I don’t think you really missed any of the key sights. So on your next trip you can relax and just soak it all in.

The hardest part about a trip to the Tokyo Disney Resort is coming home. You immediately want to head back over the Pacific. But that's nothing compared to your first trip back to a U.S. Disney park. It's impossible not to make the comparisons and they are not pretty these days. It’s funny, I’d much rather spend lots of money and days traveling to get to TDR than drive twenty minutes up the freeway to Disneyland. Here’s hoping more and more fans discover the best Disney parks.


P.S. I echo your comment about how trashed Disneyland Paris is. I got the feeling there should be a big "Going Out Of Business! Everything 20% Off!!" banner across the castle.

[Grimezy]

5 Mins for Buzz? And with no Fastpass or GAC?

I guess they're more interested in Monster's these days. Last time I had to wait forever to get onto Buzz.

[DuffyDad]

Thanks for another great report! You reminded me that I have to hurry and ride Haunted Mansion; I've only ever seen the Holiday Nightmare version. I still haven't been to Blue Bayou or Queen of Hearts, either. And I wanna ride the Snow White attraction, too. Everyone says it's scary, but I didn't believe it until now - I scary!^^

[jedimaster7313]

Great report- About Peter Pan, no matter which park you go to, the wait for that is always the longest & it's one of my favorites as well- I have to again on my next trip since I bypassed it the past few years in Tokyo since the lines were always too long to see the differences between the rides- I don't recall much difference, but will check it out again on my next trip.

Too bad you passed on Tom Saywer island, it is very different from Disneyland or Disneyworlds & you get to take a free map of the island.

The only thing I've missed in Japan is Splash Mtn- I keep hearing great things about it & will do it this year since everyone keeps saying you hardly get too wet- which I love since I hate attractions geared to getting you soaked- I'll most likely never go during Tokyo's summer months due to the heat and the cooling water service, or shows where they blast you with water during it.

So glad you enjoyed yourselves and hopefully things will go better with your problems back home

[Grimezy]

Originally Posted by jedimaster7313

Great report- About Peter Pan, no matter which park you go to, the wait for that is always the longest & it's one of my favorites as well- I have to again on my next trip since I bypassed it the past few years in Tokyo since the lines were always too long to see the differences between the rides- I don't recall much difference, but will check it out again on my next trip.

Too bad you passed on Tom Saywer island, it is very different from Disneyland or Disneyworlds & you get to take a free map of the island.

The only thing I've missed in Japan is Splash Mtn- I keep hearing great things about it & will do it this year since everyone keeps saying you hardly get too wet- which I love since I hate attractions geared to getting you soaked- I'll most likely never go during Tokyo's summer months due to the heat and the cooling water service, or shows where they blast you with water during it.

So glad you enjoyed yourselves and hopefully things will go better with your problems back home

The Peter Pan in Tokyo is alot more detailed then that in Cali.

*Much more detailed London
*Rather then being a small model of Neverland, it has a fly through a much more detailed and filled one. Even includes a small Hook and Smee firing a canon at you from below.
*Small AA located throughout the model of Neverland, including Hook and Smee (as above), Lost Boys, Mermaids and Indian tribe.
*First scene of Hook's ship, shows Wendy on the plank and the boys looking on.
*Hook and Peter are fighting on the ships mast rather then at the front of the ship.

California

YouTube - Peter Pan's Flight - Disneyland

Tokyo

YouTube - Peter Pan's Flight (Tokyo Disneyland)

It's easy to tell the difference between the two.

[TDLFAN]

One correction Aunt Bee... the IASW version at DLParis is not indoor. It's located outdoors but does have a ceiling over it, with open air sides. Not really..."indoors".
Other than that, lovely trip report. I am glad you mentioned the staffing levels at TDR's parks. That is the reason why they are so efficiently operated, unlike our USA parks.

GRIMESY, can you post a video to DLP's Peter Pan, since IMHO, I think the paris version is the most detailed and best of the all.

[TimmyTimmyTimmy]

When mentioning Peter Pan in other parks...
In DLP the ride was so dark it felt like we where being dragged around in total darkness, and it was rough!
I did not film this but this is how it looks,sounds and feels. A bad experience that me and my co travelers all did not like.

YouTube - Peter Pan's Flight - complete ride -...

[Grimezy]

And it also looks to be the same as Cali's one.

[TDLFAN]

Honestly, they all look the same but the paris one has better special effects. I do not recall DL's version turning the pirate ship into pixie dust in the final scene when Peter takes the wheel of the gallion.

[gurgi]

Thanks for the videos of the different Peter Pan attractions. It's interesting to see just how different, yet the same they are. I can see quite a few of the same scenarios and figures. Still, I do like the closer flyover of Neverland at TDL and WDW. However, it's one of those instances where I still like the DL version too.

[TDLFAN]

The sad part is that WDW's version is the crappiest and yet has some of the best lighting in it.. which allows you to see how badly dated and dusty it really is.

[gurgi]

WDW is weird...they started with the plywood flat style that Disneyland had before its Fantasyland bibbidi-bobbidi-makeover in 1983. Then, after that, WDW got a little bit of that action for each of its darkrides. The thing is, they only went halfway with it. They didn't get a total gutting and remodel like DL got, but somewhere in between. I think WDW needs to get extreme makeover theme park edition pronto! I've heard rumors of a major upgrade to Fantasyland, but I'll believe it when I see it...

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by gurgi

WDW is weird...they started with the plywood flat style that Disneyland had before its Fantasyland bibbidi-bobbidi-makeover in 1983. Then, after that, WDW got a little bit of that action for each of its darkrides. The thing is, they only went halfway with it. They didn't get a total gutting and remodel like DL got, but somewhere in between. I think WDW needs to get extreme makeover theme park edition pronto! I've heard rumors of a major upgrade to Fantasyland, but I'll believe it when I see it...

They always do things half way at WDW's MK. Take a look at their Tomorrowland. Everyone complains about TDL's TL being dated, but at least it is cohesive. The MK's TL is a mixed bag of industrial and dated looks.. and now with that horrible Stitch stage plopped in the middle.. TL looks tacky. But I agree, the MK's FL is in major need of a makeover, in the same way they closed DL's FL back in the early 80s, and rebuilt it. Same should be done at the MK... at least in stages.

[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.

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....