Tokyo Disney Resort Houkoku
March 15th-18th, 2005 (Tuesday-Friday)
"Spring Break Memorial Medal" Days 1-4
at Tokyo Disneyland
(Posted 04/10/05)
|
The following is a recap of a series of visits I did to Tokyo Disneyland in mid-March. Before we
continue, I wanted to insert a picture of the pin given to guests entering Tokyo DisneySea on Monday, March 14th for White Day.
White Day pin from TDS.
This week as a promotion, TDL was giving a way a series of medals to all guests coming in during the the first week
of Spring Break. This is the time in between school years in Japan. Students graduate in early March and begin the
next school year in early April. In my opinion, Oriental Land Company and Disney didn't really have to do this giveaway since the crowds
were going to come anyway. I guess they were trying to pad attendance numbers before the March 31st fiscal year cutoff?
Who knows?
Entering the Park, I had just a few hours before I had to head for work. So I decided to try my luck at
the random lottery for the Cinderellabration show. I know my chances were slim since I had
"only" won 5 times out of about 20 this year. Even if I did win, I had no plan to watch the night show since
I'd be in the office. I tried each of the four days I visited this week and guess what? I actually won a seat
on the first row just to the right of center! Here is my ticket for proof, along with the view I would have had!
The winning ticket!
The view I could have had if there was no rain AND I didn't have a job.
As I walked around the Plaza, I noticed that work was completed on the new Adventureland sign
and bridge. It seems that the bridge is now level and without an inclining arch, similar to Asian-style bridges.
I figure this is to make it more accessible to disabled guests. The new items that adorn the bridge are rich in color
and very detailed.
The new entrance to Adventureland.
Items above the new sign.
Taking the long way around Adventureland. I catch the begining of the stage show Minnie Oh! Minnie.
There were some cast and program changes done at the end of March. More information on that in another report. That
show along with the restaurant area of the park were packed all week. Even Stitch and characters from
The Jungle Book were getting mobbed by the crowds for a picture opportunity. There are also long queues
for the latest popular snack... CURRY-FLAVORED POPCORN! This themed land has TWO carts selling this stuff.
The latin sounds of Minnie Oh! Minnie fill the air.
Characters from "The Jungle Book" greet Guests.
The ladies can't get enough of Stitch!
The scent (odor?) of curry popcorn also fills the air....uhmmmm.
The next few photographs show the crowds at the Park this week. There are a number of bottlenecks around the Park
and the infamous ones are in front of Pooh's Hunny Hunt especially after when a parade is nearby.
You'll see the contrast in queues between popular rides such as Haunted Mansion and
Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters and less popular attractions like MicroAdventure!
MicroAdventure! is TDL's Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. TRIVIA TIME: Why does it have a different
name at this Park? The 1989 Walt Disney Pictures film "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!" was named "MicroKids!" in Japan.
The crowds line up at Haunted Mansion.
The infamous Fantasyland bottleneck in front of Pooh's Hunny Hunt.
2-3 hour standby queues this week at Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters.
The lines for "MicroAdventure!" had a 20-30 minute wait.
Time to start heading out of the Park. At the newly-renovated Tokyo Disneyland Bus Terminal,
I spot a Tokyo Disney Resort Partner Hotel Shuttle Bus which serves the Palm & Fountain Terrace Hotel
about 20 minutes away. They're not themed-designed like the the Tokyo Disney Resort Cruiser busses with the Mickey theme
though. As I continue out towards Maihama Station, I pass by Bon Voyage, one of the largest
grossing merchandise shops in any Disney resort worldwide. It just celebrated its 4th birthday on March 1st.
TDR Partner Hotel Shuttle making a stop at TDL.
Looks like a plain ole city bus doesn't it?
The Resort's largest merchandise shop, Bon Voyage.
Inside on a busy holiday week.
Well that's it for now. Be on the lookout for our next 5-minute visits to Tokyo DisneySea! Yes, FIVE MINUTES! Hahahaha!
Next Visit: March 22nd-25th, 2005 (Tuesday-Friday) - "Spring Break Memorial Medal" Days 5-8 at Tokyo DisneySea
|
