Tokyo Disney Resort Houkoku
Special Guest Trip Report
Malin's Visit to Tokyo Disney Resort
September 19th-23rd, 2006 - Part 3
(Posted 11/13/06)
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Day Three Thursday 21 Sept 2006 - Part 3
Tokyo Disney Sea.
So here we go, the second day on my 4 day park ticket was listed as Tokyo Disney Sea. I was very excited to be visiting Disney Sea for the whole day and with out being too exhausted from the time difference between the UK and Japan like I was on Tuesday. Arrived at Disney Sea around 8:50 and while like Tokyo Disneyland yesturday the line was long it was also much smaller. At 8:55 a huge ovation could be heard from the Japanese guest as Mickey and the gang made there way out to greet guest. All the main 8 characters in this park are wearing special custumes for the 5th Anniversary. The custumes are also worn by Mickey & co in the show Over the Waves, and plenty of merchadise featuring the characters is on sell at the park, my favourite being the plush Mickey wearing a captains suit that is currently sat on my desk, soo cute.
Upon entry I took out my video camera to get a decent video of the Aquasphere. This is a huge globe like fountain thats found as you walk through the gates kind of like the Mickey floral thats found at the Magic Kingdom parks. You next walk under the hotel Miracosta and into the Mediterranian Harbour. The view is fantastic as you over look the harbour out towards the Volcano which is the parks centre piece.
You could easily get lost in one of the small alley ways inside Mediterranian Harbour however I wanted to get to Mysterious Island and ride Journey to the Centre of the Earth while the line was short. The entrance to this attraction is like a hole in the wall, you follow the cave like structure until you get to these elevators which are well theme like everything is at this park. The elevators all move and shake to give you a impression that your actually going down into the centre of the earth. How far exactly you do go is anyones guess, but you do move, but got a feeling its actually up not down. The lifts are hot and it was good to get out of them, from this point its a short wait. The ride vehicle's are for someone of my height rather tight to fit into, but luckily I was given two seats to myself so I could spread out a bit more. Theming for this attraction was amazing stuff with all the giant creatures you see, other cool efects include a thunder bolt which scared me half to death and the giant Lava monster who results in your vehicle starting a high speed get away with a climantic drop from the side of the Volcano. While the quality of this attraction is good the thrill factor was a bit dissapointing. I got a better rush after riding Rock N Roller Coaster or Californian Screaming. But still one fine E Ticket that I ended up picking up a Fast Pass for straight afterwards.
While I was in Mysterious Island I throught I may as well get into the line to ride 20, 000 leagues under the sea. I don't know what it is about this attraction I love so much but its great. The water efects are most impressive as are all the scenes. Maybe this attraction just reminds me too much of the subs which I use to love. What ever it is it gets top marks from me.
I took a short walk down to Port Discovery to check out the area, and rise Aquatopia. It was already very warm and I felt like cooling off so I chose the wet course. Sadly my jeans were the only things that ended up getting wet. So I ended up with wet jeans for the next 30 mins.
Next came the dark horse of the park for me Storm Rider. No idea why but I had a blast on this simulator. It far exceeded expectations for me, story was easy to follow, and the efects were all great. It was a cross between a simulator and the Armegeddon attraction at the Studios in Paris.
Next was time to use my FastPass for JTTCOTE which was yet again fun except for cracking my head against the vehicle as I was getting out, ouch.
I left Mysterious Island and had a walk around the Lost River Delta. I purchased a drink which name escapes me now but it was so refreshing and nice that I wished we sold it in the UK. I know Coca Cola produced it but it was water with a citrus taste to it. And I became addicted to the stuff. Having two bottles of the stuff around with me at all times.
I passed by attractions Indy and Raging Spirits which sadly was closed for refurbishment, and made my way to Mermain Lagoon. Took a look around this beautiful land and made my way into the waiting area for the Little Mermaid show. This show really has the wow factor to it and is well worth seeing. Also good for the kids as the action takes place above your seats so everyone can see it.
Time was getting on and it was time for lunch and to pick up a FP for TOT if still available. So I walked over to the American WaterFront, picked up a FP for 20:55-21:55 later that night and had a delicious sandwich from the New York Deli. Acording to my English info guide the next showing of the Big Band Beat was about to start so I made my way to the Broadway Music Theatre.
However I describe this show will not do it justice absolutely fantastic stuff. The performers were all great and treated this like it was there first. The grand finale when everyone comes out left me speechless. Just one tiny question who let Hello Kitty into the show.
As I was wondering around Mermain Lagoon I spotted a shop selling Cd's of music from the Tokyo Disney Resort, so decided to go back and buy them all. Spent I'd say easily a couple of $200 on them but well worth it. Listening to the Mermaid Lagoon BGM CD right now. The Cast Members took a great deal of time packaging my stuff up with bubble wrap to make sure everything would be in good condition for my trip back to UK.
Left Mermaid Lagoon to head over to the Arabian Coast to give Sinbad another go. Still sticking by my original opinion Im afraid. Gave the Magic Lamp Theatre show a go but was un impressed by what I seen.
The Legend of Mythica show was about to begin soon so I made my way over to the Harbour to catch a decent spot. I was standing just over the entrance to where all the floats came out and was interested to see once all the characters were all lowered back inside the floats at the end of the show a few of the performers would open a secret door and each character would then step out to a nice ovation.
After a while you start to realise this park is a lot harder to walk around then say Tokyo Disneyland is and I was starting to feel it. But no time to waste, next was time to try some sea salt ice cream which wasn't bad but couldn't taste any sea salt.
Had another couple of rides on Storm Rider and passed by Goofy and Chip & Dale all dress up in scientist custumes, including crazy colourful wig.
Gave Indy a go which was slightly better to the Anaheim version and checked out the Mystic Rythims show which I liked a lot followed by yet more walking around the park getting the overall astmophere of the park. Dinner was a Salmon & potato Pizza from the Zambini brothers resturant and picked out my spot for BraviSEAmo.
I loved BraviSEAmo a lot everything about this show is great and it even makes you forget the fact your tired have blisters and want to go to bed. Had another chance to enjoy the fireworks before finally being able to use my Fast Pass at TOT. This version of the TOT is the best for storyline and detail, however the actual ride is about the same as DCA's except maybe being more tame.
It was time to get going I was tired and knew I had another busy day a head of me tomorrow. However my overall impression of TDS after spending the whole day here is that while its a great park, but I still had a lot more fun over at Tokyo Disneyland. TDS in my opinion is lacking something from making it a great park but I can't figure out what it is.
Join me next time as I return to Tokyo Disneyland and make a short visit to Tokyo Disney Seas to get my pic taken in front of the Aquasphere.
All Text and Photos By: Malin. [Report re-printed with permission.]
Guest Email: malin1804(at)go(dot)com
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