Trip Report Meri Kurimasu from Tokyo Disney Resorts!

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Aloha and Happy New Year to fellow forum members! I've been a way for a while, but you may remember me from my following trip reports (or if not, take a look if you feel inclined and have a few minutes to waste):

https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/hauoli-makahiki-hou-from-disney-aulani-resort.923346/

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/mele-kalikimaka-wdw-adventure-2015-completed.909533/#post-7076356

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/mahalo-disneyland-for-60-magical-years.918436/

As some of you might know, I'm a Hawaii local so getting out to the Disney parks is a rare treat for me. By the good Lord's blessings, I've been able to visit various parks three years running (looks like 2018 will break that streak). 2017 took me to the land of the Rising Sun and what is probably the best Disney park in the world...Tokyo Disneysea!

I'm about 75% done processing my images, so it maybe a few more weeks before I can delve into a comprehensive trip report. But in the meantime, I wanted to share a picture of Tokyo Disneyland's Cinderella Castle. Yes, I know it's been taken and posted a billion times, but it's so iconic that I can't help but use it as my opening act.

See you folks soon!
 

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Juneau Biscuits

Juneau Biscuits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
D Hindley said:
Eagerly following along! After finally visiting DisneySea last September, I agree that it's impossible to take a bad picture there. Even more so, I'm looking forward to seeing some beautiful Kyoto pics (greatest city on earth!), and learning about how ridiculously overcrowded Universal Studios Japan was for you.
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Agreed...Disneysea is such a photogenic park! I don't have a ton of pics from Kyoto, but I think you might like what I shot there. Universal Studios Japan made the Tokyo Disney parks seem like a breeze in terms of crowds...LOL!
 
Juneau Biscuits

Juneau Biscuits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thank you everyone for your patience and kind words! I took quite a bit of photos (as usual), so culling through the images took up a good chunk of time. I always seem to post edit the top 100 images or so at a good clip, but tend to slow down after the initial excitement has worn off. A pinched nerve severely hampered my ability to sit at a laptop working in Photoshop so there's that too. I've come to the point where I have enough pictures to support my report, but still need to go back and process that image or two that is missing to complete the picture. Okay enough of my excuses!

A little background first...this was my 3rd time visiting the Tokyo parks. My first trip was in 2001, the year Disneysea opened. While the parks look pretty much the same, there has been some major and subtle additions/subtractions over the years which I'll cover as we move along. Suffice to say, one of the biggest changes has been the generalization and overall sameness to much of the merchandise. During my first two trips, I was constantly amazed at the variety and creative designs of park products. I remember picking up an Uncle Scrooge type PEZ dispenser which contained candy resembling silver dollar pieces. Or a Magical Aladdin Genie Bank that gave the illusion of money disappearing as you dropped it into a slot. The package designs for food products were unbelievable! Specially commissioned artwork that saw a life span of 2-3 months before being rotated out for new designs were common and expected. Alas, all good things come to an end and the imaginative spark of creativity that was a hallmark of Tokyo merchandise has succumb to a plethora of Duffy toys and a more generic vanilla approach found at the USA parks.

Sad to say too that like the American parks, Tokyo is closing down or moving away from original unique attractions (ex: StormRider, surely one of the coolest attractions in Disneysea, replaced by Nemo & Friends SeaRider) to make room for rides that tie into Pixar/Marvel movies.

But all is not doom and gloom (far from it)! Disneysea still remains the pinnacle of Disney imagineering at its finest. The parks still maintain high levels of customer service, quality food, and cleanliness. So sit back, relax, and come along with me as I relive my journey to Japan!

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 03-Lobby Tryptych 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I arrived a little after 10:00 pm at Haneda Airport, so transportation already became a slight issue due to the late hour. Disney bus services end at 8:00 pm so I was forced to take a private van to the Disney Celebration Hotel. It cost me $110.00 for a one way trip...pricey, but worth it since I didn't want to hassle with the trains after an 8 1/2 hour flight. My driver was waiting for me at the baggage carousel and kindly helped take my bags to a Mercedes Benz van. As I was the only passenger, we quickly departed the airport and made our way to the hotel. Even with little to no traffic, the ride took approximately 50 minutes.

Big caveat here if you're thinking of staying at Disney Celebration. While an official Disney hotel, it is NOT located on or near park premises! Had I know this before booking (and done a little more research), I would not have stayed here. My initial logic for booking was my interest in checking out Tokyo Disney's newest resort and also saving a little money (since it's their only designated "value" resort). Turns out the savings wasn't substantial (maybe $40.00 less than the Disney Ambassador, once a value hotel, but since upgraded to "deluxe" status upon the debut of Celebration). I would much rather pay a little less to stay at one of the "good neighbor" hotels like the Hilton or Sheraton and be much closer to the parks. I will concede that transportation service from Celebration to the parks are excellent, and they have buses leaving every 10 minutes. However, it's almost a half hour ride and should definitely be considered if booking here.

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 16 - Front Desk by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 05 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Celebration is comprised of two separate buildings with specific theming...Wishes and Discovery. I chose Discovery as it has more of a western frontier aspect. From the outside, the hotel is rather unimpressive with a "cookie cutter" look to it. You do know it's a Disney hotel the moment you enter the lobby, but like Paradise Pier, it comes across as major plussing rather than a hotel organically designed from the ground up (ala Hotel Miracosta).

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Being such a late arrival, I walked up to the front desk with no one in front or behind me. Besides the frontiersman Mickey statue, and a large couch designed as a canoe, not much else gave me a feel of "discovery" (so to speak). There were display cases with maquette of various Disney attractions and the obligatory Christmas tree or two.

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 11 - Journey to the Center of the Earth Ride Vehicle Maquette by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 13 - Jungle Cruise Ride Vehicle Maquette 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 14 - Jungle Cruise Lobby Diorama by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Christmas decorations at both the hotels and parks are very conservative and subtle (especially when compared with the USA parks). I wonder if part of it is the Japanese not really understanding the true meaning behind Christmas. Not that decorated trees and lights symbolize the birth of Christ, but it's an understanding that really makes this holiday more important than the others (to me at least).

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 15 - Lobby Christmas Trees by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

After checking in and taking a few photos, I headed up to my room. I was impressed with the colorful artwork covering the interior elevator doors...each elevator showcasing a different area of the parks.

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 02-Interior Elevator Door Art by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

The room itself was clean and comfortable. The large wall diorama adds a lot to give the room a "Disney" feel, although like the overall hotel, it still feels tacked on.

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 06 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 10 - Wall Diorama Detail by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

The amenities were of the usual high standards I associate with the Tokyo resorts. In fact, unlike the move towards generalized merchandise, the hotel toiletries are still hotel specific. And this is the only hotel that had Mickey Mouse house slippers available (a generous amount of four pairs in cello wrap were mine for the taking, but I showed some restraint and packed just two!).

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 09 - Bathroom Amenities by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 09 - Mickey House Slippers by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I headed to bed a little after one, but found myself tossing and turning...first night before entering the park jitters. I got up early and decided to have breakfast since I knew it was going to be a two hour wait for park entry. In Japan, everything is vending machines! In order to participate in the morning buffet, you need to buy a ticket from a machine right outside the restaurant's entrance (the cost comes to roughly $13.00 an adult) You hand it to the cashier and you're off to find a table (since tipping is not allowed in Japan, there are no cash transactions inside the restaurant). Since it was early, the place was nearly empty so I had my choice of seating. Once at the buffet station, I marveled at the selection and quality of food. Japan's dining sensibilities are a little different from America, so seeing pasta as a main entree surprised me not the least. Croissants, and pastries in general, are a lot lighter and not as sweet or sugary.

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 08 - Salt Butter Rolls & Cream Danish by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 07 - Croissant Heaven @ Morning Breakfast Buffet by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel 17 - Breakfast Time! by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I enjoyed the fare so much that I made a repeat appearance the following morning! Heartily satisfied, I left the dining
area to catch the bus for my first day at Disneysea!
 
MinnieM123

MinnieM123

Premium Member
OMG!!! Such AMAZING pictures! Believe me, it was worth the wait for you to get the time to continue on with your TR. (P.S.: Slippers!! Oh my . . . :inlove: :inlove: ) :happy:

Can't wait to see more from your trip. Hotel is gorgeous. Enjoying your commentary about the various nuances of the Japanese culture, etc. Fascinating to read.
 
Juneau Biscuits

Juneau Biscuits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
MinnieM123 said:
OMG!!! Such AMAZING pictures! Believe me, it was worth the wait for you to get the time to continue on with your TR. (P.S.: Slippers!! Oh my . . . :inlove::inlove: ) :happy:

Can't wait to see more from your trip. Hotel is gorgeous. Enjoying your commentary about the various nuances of the Japanese culture, etc. Fascinating to read.
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Mahalo MinnieM123! Glad you're enjoying the report so far. I don't like to toot my own horn, but the photos from this first post are probably the most pedestrian/average of the lot. Partly due to the subject matter and my trying to get into a photographic groove at the start of the trip...LOL!
 
blreinsel

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
So excited that you're back to share another report full of stunning pictures! :joyfull: It's been awhile since you've been around these parts, so I feel like I need to fill you in on something you may have missed....

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When exactly will you be back to WDW so I can cash in on that engagement shoot? :p

Totally kidding! But happy to have you back and looking forward to the rest of your report. :)
 
Juneau Biscuits

Juneau Biscuits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
blgauger said:
So excited that you're back to share another report full of stunning pictures! :joyfull: It's been awhile since you've been around these parts, so I feel like I need to fill you in on something you may have missed....

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When exactly will you be back to WDW so I can cash in on that engagement shoot? :p

Totally kidding! But happy to have you back and looking forward to the rest of your report. :)
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Congratulations!!! I am so happy for the both of you. I didn't forget my offer to photograph your engagement. What it will come down to is timing. I was looking at visiting next year during Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival, but our upcoming trip to Italy this year may make it financially difficult. I'm now projecting 2020 but I have a hunch you may not wait that long to get married. But...private message me your timeline and let's see what I can do...
 
Juneau Biscuits

Juneau Biscuits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Tokyo Disneysea 2017 29 - Cast Member Barnes @ Happy 15 Entry by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

After a hearty breakfast and a 10 minute wait outside the hotel, I boarded the bus to Disneysea! As mentioned earlier, it's about a 25 minute ride to the park, even with minimal traffic. Like its American counterparts, guests at a Tokyo Disney resort are allowed early entry to the park. But (and it's a big but), Japan's early entry is only 15 minutes prior to regular admission! They call it "Happy 15 Entry". Now if you're anything like me, you're knee jerk reaction was "Only 15 measly minutes???"! I'm paying premium resort prices and would want at least the standard hour we get back at home. But here's the thing - the Japanese are zealous in their love of all things Disney. Whatever you think is extreme in terms of fan dedication, times it by three for Japan. When I arrived two hours prior to park opening, the regular entrance lines stretched to Nova Scotia and back! And even the early entry crowd was already a mile long. After being hit with this sober realization, a 15 minute head start didn't seem so inconsequential anymore.

IMG_2089 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Though the Japanese will go through great lengths to assure a good spot or position in line, the crowds are always well behaved, orderly, and conscientious. When early admittance began, the line moved quickly because things here move with precision and speed. In the USA, you always have that one or two persons/family with missing/invalid passes or a ton of questions that holds up everything. In Japan, something like that is almost nonexistent. And since the majority of park goers are locals, the cultural difference makes even security checks amazingly quick. You don't lose much of those valuable minutes from the time the first guest enters the park. Running too is not allowed, but I'll be darn if even senior citizens are walking at a pace that left me eating dust!

Disneysea is laid out with seven themed areas or "port of calls". You start at Mediterranean Harbor which then branches out to the other six: Arabian Coast, Port Discovery, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Lost River Delta, and American Waterfront. The first thing to catch your eye upon entering is the fountain globe...a spherical marvel to behold. I wouldn't argue that Mount Prometheus in Mysterious Island is the centerpiece of the park (much like the various castles). But, I would not chide anyone for seeing this as the icon of Disneysea either. I've attached several images of the globe taken either at sunset, the blue hour, or night. I have a few day shots, but it's really after sunset that the globe truly astounds!

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 03 - It All Began with a Mouse by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 13 - World Globe Waterfall @ Dusk by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 63 - World Globe Waterfall @ Dusk 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 12 - World Globe Waterfall @ Night by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Mediterranean Harbor is modeled after a traditional Italian city with its Venetian gondolas and canals. It's also home to the Hotel Miracosta...a full service resort that resides within the park. It's Disney theming at its finest, a careful construct of illusion mixed with real tactile experiences. The hotel not only serves to house guests, but it plays a strong role in transporting one to a romanticized European city.

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 78 - Hotel Miracosta Facade by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Hotel Miracosta is my favorite Tokyo resort (and 2nd overall to the Wilderness Lodge), but I will cover that more extensively in another installment. My words could never do justice to the amazing detail and craftsmanship of this area, so hopefully my pictures will help impart some of the area's beauty...

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 35 - Gondolas On the Palazzo Canals 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 34 - Gondolas On the Palazzo Canals 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 60 - Sunny Mediterranean Days by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 25 - Cast Member Kawasaki Greets Visitors on Mediterranean Harbor by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 34 - Christmas Decorates the Venice Canal by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 78 - Balloon Decisions by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 32 - Mediterranean Harbor Wall Detail by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 26 - Mediterranean Harbor Side View by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 53 - Docking of the Renaissance by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
 
Juneau Biscuits

Juneau Biscuits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Tokyo Disneysea 2017 08 - A Perfect Christmas 02 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

To be honest, I tend to view live shows/parades at Disney as a necessary evil...LOL! Meaning that I will grudgingly do it, but rarely feel its worth the time and energy of waiting in big crowds and long lines. I've been even more reluctant when it comes to the Japanese productions as Mickey and Duffy are often the star attractions. It's true I'm not a fan of the mouse and even less so of the bear. My affinity for Disney stems basically from the animated classics and the parks itself. But I knew going in I needed to sample the shows just to give my reports some balance and variety.

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 07 - A Perfect Christmas 01 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

"A Perfect Christmas" was the first show I attended at TDS. I had noticed guests staking out spots in front of the river as soon as the park opened. I made a mental note and made plans to watch the show on the following morning. Knowing the Japanese culture, I knew I needed to move at top speed in order to secure a good spot for photographing the show. I did a little reconnaissance earlier and found that the prime spots near the gates were reserved for families who booked vacation packages through Tokyo Disney. It's a specially priced package that includes park tickets and stays at the Disney resorts. It's something I had initially wanted to book, but it's only available to parties of two or more so I was out of luck (my wife opted for Alaska with her best friend so I travelled solo).

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 23 - A Perfect Christmas 04 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 85 - A Perfect Christmas 12 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 84 - A Perfect Christmas 11 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

If you're planning to stay at a Disney resort with family, I would definitely look into this option. After package seating, the next 5 feet or so are reserved for guests who prefer sitting. The Japanese are very conscientious when it comes to ensuring proper views for everyone (video cameras cannot be held above head level and children sitting on parent's shoulders are a no-no), so they allocate seats accordingly. Past that, there is an open walkway followed by an area for standing guests. For photography purposes, I chose the front row of this area for a clear and unobstructed view.

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 83 - A Perfect Christmas 10 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 82 - A Perfect Christmas 08 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

I ended up standing next to a gentleman from England who got there before me (he too was planning to photograph the show). He was the first person I heard speaking fluent English in a couple of days so of course I stuck up a conversation. He met his Japan wife in college and ended up moving to Tokyo to raise a family. They were planning to leave for Europe after their park visit, so it was an exciting time for all of them.

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 81 - A Perfect Christmas 07 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr

After a wait of little over two hours, the show finally began and I must say it was almost worth the wait. Of course Mickey & Minnie were the stars, but what really made it for me was the appearance of Scrooge McDuck! He's an under rated character that I've never seen at the USA parks so this was a treat. The show itself was well choreographed with an extensive use of props and stage scenery. Santa Claus puts in his obligatory appearance at the finale in a huge sleigh. What the storyline or dramatic push was remains a mystery since it was entirely in Japanese, but the visuals are enough that the language barrier never puts a damper on the show. The backdrop of Mount Prometheus gives "Perfect Christmas" a very surreal and cool look, something no other Disney park can offer.

Tokyo Disneysea 2017 23 - A Perfect Christmas 05 by JUNEAU BISCUITS, on Flickr
 
WDWDarling

WDWDarling

Well-Known Member
So, so excited that you have another report going!!! I’ve been off the forums for a while (Disney depression at its finest ;)) but I’m so glad I came back in time to follow along! As many others have mentioned, absolutely stunning pictures as always. :)
 

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