Tokyo Disney Resort Houkoku
"White Day 2005" at Tokyo DisneySea
March 14th, 2005
(Posted 03/14/05)
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It was a chilly morning but fortunately, I had been able to get a seat and take my 60-minute
nap on my way to the Resort today. Upon arriving at Maihama Station, I woke up to what I
expected...a train with commuters packed like sardines. What I didn't really expect were the
crowds at Tokyo DisneySea today. But quickly I realized what day it was.
It was "White Day 2005" of course! "What is White Day?" you say? Well, it is the anti-Valentine's
Day, and as far as I know, it is solely a Japanese celebration. One month after boys receive
chocolate gifts on February 14th, they are expected to reciprocate the deed to the girls in their
hearts. So what better way for Disney and OLC to capitalize than with a PIN DAY!
These free giveaway days really draw out the crowds to the Parks. However, today was also the
unofficial beginning of Spring Break, which lasts until the first week of April. So there were
plenty of young folks along with the cute couples at the TDS. I went alone as I only expected to
stay for a few hours before going to work.
I took the Disney Resort Line from Resort Gateway Station.
The monorail was not that crowded but as we passed Tokyo Disneyland's main entrance, the queues
to get into the Park had already reached Tokyo Disneyland Station. Continuing over the newly
repaved TDL parking lot over to TDS, we pass by the Lost River Delta backstage area.
This stretch is infamous for allowing wide views of the Indiana Jones show building and the ongoing
construction of Raging Spirits.
Raging Spirits Show Building
As the monorail makes the turn between the back side of TDS and Tokyo Bay. We get a view of the landscaping
work being done. Still not sure what is happening here. Seems like they are just moving dirt around and clearing
trees and other shrubery.
Landscaping Work Behind TDS
As we go towards American Waterfront, we get a closer look at the Tower of Terror progress.
I got word that it is still being called the "5th Anniversary" attraction but it may open sooner than that.
Perhaps even in Spring 2006, way earlier than TDS's 5th birthday on September 4th
next year. It seems like the highest points in the hotel building have been erected. It should be the same height as
Mt. Prometheus and Cinderella Castle.
We finally arrive at Tokyo DisneySea Station about three minutes before the gates open at 8:00am. I decide
to wait it out from high above Tokyo DisneySea Plaza and let the crowds make their morning dash
over to the FastPass machines or start the queue for Rhythms of the World (ROTW) starting at 10:30am. I already have my plan
so I am not in a hurry. As I enter Park, I am greeting by the Cast Members and given my free pin! It is white and light
blue with Ariel and Prince Eric looking so cute.
Down to the first order of business, taking pictures of Raging Spirits. I pass by the ROTW displays
and head on over to the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line from Mediterranean Harbor.
I take the Steamer halfway around the park to Lost River Delta (yes, I am lazy). On the way, I took a picture of
Cape Cod Cook-Off getting a new paint job. I also got a nice shot of
the Temple of the Crystal Skull and a familiar airplane in the foreground. Since I hadn't had breakfast yet, I
managed to get a Yucatan Sausage Roll from Expedition Eats.
Cape Cod Cook-off
Entering Lost River Delta
After taking a short break, I got some shots of Raging Spirits. Nothing really new to see from the onstage areas since
tarps and scaffolding are blocking the sightlines. The queue area is being worked on and also some more landscaping is
being done in the area between Indiana Jones and Sindbad's Seven Voyages (with its new Fastpass machines being tested
for the expected upsurge in guests to this area of the Park after Raging opens).
Raging Spirits
Raging Spirits Side View
Next, I made my way over to Mermaid Lagoon to check Ariel's Greeting Grotto.
You can see a little of the shell roofing. They still need to work on the port theming in this area. Technically,
it is in Arabian Coast. The Grotto is due to open on April 17th.
Ariel's Greeting Grotto
Ariel's Greeting Grotto
Next, I crossed over the bridge from Arabian Coast back to Mermaid Lagoon and noticed two English-speakers holding
construction hats with cute Raging Spirits character designs. These were most likely Disney folks and they were discussing the new
rollercoaster. I walked through Lost River Delta and into Port Discovery to take the DisneySea Electric Railway
to American Waterfront. It was around 9:00am now and I wanted to get some TOT shots before lining up for ROTW. While
on the Railway, I noticed a non-Japanese attraction Cast Member operating the oncoming train. Cute!
As I get off the train by Waterfront Park, I take a few photos of the structure being built next to TOT. This building, apparently,
will house General First Aid and some public restrooms. So now it's off to the ROTW queue. From the looks of it, the line
was not so bad. Just as I was settling in and sit in line, some old acquaintances greeted me from an area
further up the line. Guest control CM's started letting in the first few guests into the bleacher seating area of
Waterfront Park. I figured I can get a decent view since I wasn't planning to film it or take pictures today. As
it was my turn to choose a location, I was deciding on a place in Africa. ROTW's seating arrangement is separated into
quarter sections, each representing a continent. At that same time I saw those acquaintances and called me over to sit with
them. They had a killer spot in Central America, fourth row edge next to the stage ramp.
General First Aid at Tower of Terror
General First Aid at Tower of Terror
It was a sunny day and I was glad we were facing away from the sun. We enjoyed the Jammitors pre-show entertainment
but I prefer the other leader over the one we had today. Then at 10:30, the show began. We see Mickey Mouse playing
a clarinet to start followed by drummers and brass players along with Minnie Mouse representing New York. After a song and dance
number featuring 4 rifle twirlers and countless dancers, we get even more performers when the groups from each of the
four countinents get on stage! Each group has 4 percussionists, 8 female dancers, 4 male dancers and a Disney character.
Since I was in Central America, we had a good view of Pluto.
There was a united dance number featuring a medley of music from each section. Then each continent did their own thing in order. First Europe (Donald's group),
then Asia (Chip 'N Dale), Central America and Africa (Goofy). In my humble opinion, this show has the best music of any TDS show since its opening.
Next was the big audience participation part when the MC leads with "Everybody clap your hands! Are you ready? Here we go!". The whole crowd erupts into dance
along with the characters and performers. Everyone dances together raising their hands, moving their elbows, turning their hips. Then each section has its turn
followed by the climax. "You did a good job! Thank you!" yells the MC. The last number ends with Mickey hovering above the crowd, tons of confetti raining all over the
park and the crowd joining in! What a great show. I'm tired.
After seeing Mickey off, I also say goodbye to my friends. It was now 11:00am and I boarded the Columbia to take a few pictures
of TOT before the Sail Away show began and they closed to deck. After getting a few shots, I went to
Barnacle Bill's snack cart and got a Sausage Pie. Yummy.
Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror
I decided that it was time to start heading for work. I saw the new Disney Bear stuffed dolls being sold at Newsie's Novelties.
There was also a backstory explaining his introduction into the Resort. On my way out, I took some more ROTW decoration pics along McDuck's Department Store
and in one window display I read a newspaper article about the opening of the store. The story also included a short history of Scrooge McDuck. I saw
the Jump Rope Kids doing a show at the storefront.
Disney Bear Backstory at Newsie's Novelties
Jump Rope Kids
I made a quick stop at Emporio to buy a White Day souvenir for some of the ladies at work. A nice little Mickey-shaped bowl
with assorted chocolates inside. I'll give it to them tomorrow, this non-romantic gesture is referred to as "giri-choco." To everyone out there, have a
happy White Day, even though you are not in Japan! Thank you for reading!
Next Visit: March 15th-18th, 2005 (Tuesday-Friday) - "Spring Break Memorial Medal" Days 1-4 at Tokyo Disneyland
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