The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[wdwmagic]

This is blowing up on Twitter right now. Apparently the the standby line was cut-off by 5 pm. Surprised there's not a 50-page thread already, to be honest. This board is weird some times.

It needs someone to start a thread. Why don't you do it?

 

[WDW1974]

This news was announced Monday. As to what it means ... not much beyond Disney showing that China is very important for its future plans:

http://www.deadline.com/2014/07/disney-asia-paul-candland-president-stanley-cheung-china/

P.S. I am semi-acquainted with two of the folks referenced, but am withholding further comment until I hear more details.

 

[WDW1974]

True story.

Window into my world.

Rabid Disney fanboi sends me a note. Point of the note: to tell me how UNI doesn't want to sell any of the tons of Marvel merchandise it moves annually at the resort ''because it has to give the money to Disney.''

Yeah, no further comment is needed.

 

[WDW1974]

Speaking of Marvel/Disney rumblings, Marvel attractions for DSP are apparently off the table again.

The reasoning, such as it is? That Euro Disney SCA wants a third gate devoted to the IP, something that has been pushed for by Gas and the DLP management team since Disney purchased Marvel.

 

[Fantasmicguy]

Speaking of Marvel/Disney rumblings, Marvel attractions for DSP are apparently off the table again.

The reasoning, such as it is? That Euro Disney SCA wants a third gate devoted to the IP, something that has been pushed for by Gas and the DLP management team since Disney purchased Marvel.

What does DSP stand for?

 

[Hakunamatata]

What does DSP stand for?

Disney Studios Paris?

 

[Mike S]

Speaking of Marvel/Disney rumblings, Marvel attractions for DSP are apparently off the table again.

The reasoning, such as it is? That Euro Disney SCA wants a third gate devoted to the IP, something that has been pushed for by Gas and the DLP management team since Disney purchased Marvel.

That's definitely something. There's definitely enough room to work with for an entire park dedicated to Marvel. Can Disney adapt the plans Marvel had for a park in Dubailand since that's been canceled (I think)?

Spoiler

concept art in spoiler tag

 

[WDW1974]

So, Wonderground Gallery art is going to go from being 'exclusive' to the Anaheim Gallery to appearing at WDW's Co-Op testing locale.

First rule of Disney retail is that nothing is exclusive or limited and even if something is supposed to only be for D23 members or APers or DVCers or one location or park or resort exclusive, it will wind up anywhere that Disney can sell it. Anyone want one of those EPCOT30 lanyards?

BTW, some of that art is truly kewl and things I would purchase if I didn't have far too much of that type of stuff, some is simply bizarre. But the fact that Anaheim's Property Control/Company D was loaded with the stuff in May tells me they are making far too much ... so, no, the above news doesn't surprise me at all.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

Speaking of Marvel/Disney rumblings, Marvel attractions for DSP are apparently off the table again.

The reasoning, such as it is? That Euro Disney SCA wants a third gate devoted to the IP, something that has been pushed for by Gas and the DLP management team since Disney purchased Marvel.

I see there are people that need to be replaced by Management over there since Disneyland Paris is having money problems, but yet want a 3rd park

What is going to added to DSP than since that park needs more than the ratatouille attraction that opened earlier this month.

 

[71jason]

It needs someone to start a thread. Why don't you do it?

I know the barest minimum of details about what's going on with it. And I also hate to see my babies grow up into the inevitable WDW v. Universal debate you just know this will turn into (seriously, if I do it, over/under 5 posts before Gringotts is brought up?).

 

[WDW1974]

To get to Disney from my hotel was 25 minutes with two transfers. Cost 6$ each way in subway and JR train tickets.

My first day was Tokyo Disneyland, since the great free english crowd calendar correctly predicted it would be slower at that park that day. I misread the website, so I arrived at 7:30am for a 9am park opening. I was the only one there and got in line for tickets. At 8 am, bought a two days magic passport (1 day each park for first two days, park hopper on 3rd and 4th day if you buy that much) for 110$ and was the 5th in line at a turnstile. Shortly before park opening, the characters come out on the park side of the gate and start doing mini shows and just goofing around. So much fun!

Other than for DCA's Grand Opening, I couldn't tell you the last time I was at a park well before opening. But my first day at TDL, the park opened at 8:30 and we were in line on a chilly, gray morning (turned into a sunny beautiful 65 degree day!) at 7:45. ... Loved the vibe of excitement of the people waiting and then seeing the characters on the other side of the gates come out and wave to the 'fans' ...

I had a four-day ticket, but never park-hopped. There is simply no need to at TDR and it isn't nearly as convenient as Anaheim or Paris.

At 9 am, I ran to Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek and got a 10:30 am fast pass. So, I stayed on that side and rode Space Mountain (first ride was smooth, second ride was brutal. The ride itself got the best loading station, but it was interesting to ride old school with no music playing during the ride) and Star Tours 2 (Awesome waiting line and great Hitchhiking Droids gag!). I got a buzz lightyear fast pass at 10:30 am and rode it later... What a dissapointment! It is a poorer version than DL, DLP and HKDL. Too short.

That's surprising. I felt Space Mountain was pretty smooth when I was there. I enjoyed it despite the no music. But it is in no way one of the top attractions at the resort. ... Never did Buzz. It had lines of up to 110 minutes and I wasn't wasting a FP on it. But I thought it was almost exactly the same as DL, DLP and HKDL.

Crowds were actually reasonable that day and Monsters Inc. did not run out of Fast Pass until mid afternoon. The line for it also died down to 15-20 minutes in the evening, so I rode it 3 times that day. I LOVED the attraction. The interaction complimented the ride and the animatronics are amazing. Boo is so life like!

Yes, it is a great attraction, although you can see where things were 'borrowed' from UNI's MiB. In my experience, the three most popular attractions (based on waits) were Pooh's Hunny Hunt, Monsters and Buzz.

Did Splash Mountain as a single rider twice later. Wow, what a tight fit! From what I could gather, they changed the lap bars from what it had originally, which are the ones that WDW retrofitted to their Splash Mountain, to Everest style individual lap bars. Problem is, I am 6'3 and got long legs and getting the bar to go over my knees was a challenge, but it was not uncomfortable. The best news through is that the ride has a 36 inches height restriction cause of the lap bars.

Interesting. I don't recall what the bars were like when I was there. But I am well under 6-3, so there was no issue. ... Best things about it beyond the extra AAs and little things (seems like every TDR attraction has added props or effects that you don't get anywhere else ... even in the old dark rides) is the single rider line AND the fact you barely get misted on this. They don't enjoy getting soaked like taking a shower while going on a theme park ride in Japan. I agree with them.

Did Big Thunder Mountain twice and the first time, gave a Fast Pass crash course to a nice family from Canada who were at the park. I ran into them later and they thanked me, as they cut their waits a lot with it. They through at first there was a fee for it. Big Thunder Mountain also got modified since my last visit in 2009. They added those feet guards that were retrofitted to all the others (after that incident at DL where a kid lost his foot because he tried getting out of the train before it was parked) and also added soft seat dividers to the seat. That effectively mean you can't ride 3 to a row anymore. Ride itself is still my favorite version, thank to its themed first and last tunnel and great drop at the end.

I believe all that stuff happened when the attraction was slightly damaged in the GReat Quake of 2011 because in late 2010, that stuff hadn't been added. I loved it. But DLP is still by far by favorite version, especially when they actually have most things working.

Pooh's Hunny Hunt and Jungle Cruise were closed for rehab.

Food wise, I had a great Calzone at the restaurant at the exit of Star Tours, which is the Pangalactic Pizza Port. Stuffed full of seafood and quite delicious! On the recommendation of a friend, I tried a slice of pizza from the Captain Hook Galley in Fantasyland. Not a large slice, but for the price and quality, I was satisfied. My last meal that day was at the Eastside Cafe in World Bazaar. This is a sitdown italian restaurant and I had their special "Easter Set Menu" where for 25$ US, I had a 3 course meal with non alcoholic beverages. I was a walk in and got seated right away. The food was pretty good with scallop-prosciutto appetizer, bacon-palm hearts spaghettini and a white chocolate mousse with Amaretto sauce as the dessert. It was the best meal I have had at a Disney park since I went to the Napa Rose in California in 2013.

That's VERY high praise. ... And I regret not trying the pizza at Captain Hook's as it looked great and I've heard from friends that it is indeed quite tasty!

The Disneyland Hotel is interesting. Pretty, but that thing is huge! It feels a lot bigger when you're inside then when you're looking at it from the monorail station.

It's no MIra Costa. But it's quite nice. And I loved eating here so much we did it twice.

Best daytime parade I have ever seen? Their temporary for 3 months Easter parade! "Hoppity Spring Parade" was full of energy, the floats were amazing, characters had custom costumes and the music was amazing.

Best parade ever? Still is the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights. Nothing come close!

Yep. Much like the OLC bringing Halloween to Japan (really!) It seems as if they are doing the same with Easter. Imagine, a three-month spring season with special parades, entertainment, food and merchandise?

Why do that in WDW when you can put up the same decorations year after year, decade after decade and then upcharge people for parties to enjoy the 'special entertainment'?

And on Dreamlights: damn straight!!!

Next day was Tokyo Disney Sea. Crowds were a little heavier, but I managed to have a great day.

I arrived at 7:30am for a 8:30am park opening. I was a bit further inline, but I powerwalked and got a 10:45 am fast pass for Toy Story Mania! Line was INSANE for fast passes and in the morning, the street leading from Mediterranean Harbor to the ride was actually divided in 3. Left line for those leaving the ride, middle line for Fast Pass ticketing and right side for Stand-By. Ride is still very popular. For the ride itself, I through the ride portion was a little more themed than the US versions. The waiting line made more sense, as you transitioned through a large bedroom door and the ride "was under the bed".

Don't know that I will ever ride it there. I wouldn't want to waste ANY time for it. (BTW, there's a strong push to do a rush job and get it open in Paris during the 25th anniversary while adding it to HKDL as well!)

When I heard about five hour waits for it, all I could think of was how great that people are wasting time.

Tower of Terror is better than even the WDW version for me. The haunting music and the creepy Shiriki Utundu won it for me.

I am torn. I love that version. I am still wowed and have no idea how the idol simply vanishes in the pre-show. But WDW's is pretty damn spectacular (would be better if it didn't have soundtrack issues as it did a few weeks ago) too. They are the best. ... But even Anaheim and Paris's versions are pretty great too.

The only ride merchandise I found at the resort were some t shirts and blue helmets at the exit shop of Monsters Inc. and some items at the exit of TOT. I bought great t shirts from TOT and even bought a small Shiriki Utundu bobble head.

Was great just walking up to characters and getting pictures. Loved the Steam Punk outfits for Goofy and Chip n Dale over at Port Discovery.

I'll continue later...

Yep. Merchandise was a very weak point for me. ... I am not @WDWFigment ... Gelatoni and Chandu plush aren't in my buying wheelhouse.

Great report. Thanks!!!

 

[WDW1974]

I enjoy Disneyland, but enjoy WDW much more. Always did.

That added so much.

 

[WDW1974]

good point.. also I heard somewhere in this forum that Disney was already designing an upgraded magicband.
Perhaps @WDW1974 can shed some light on this?

They are.

They are also looking at special designs (maybe LIfestyler Morgan gave them her idea!) like the ones they offered for SWW's and now Frozen Summer as templates to sell these (think pins and vinyls) to folks who grow tired of simply having one of seven plain colors.

 

[Nland316]

@WDW1974 just wondering, will Disneyland get a new daytime parade as well as the nighttime parade? I've heard a few rumors about it...

 

[WDW1974]

I saw that. About time ESPN starts behaving. Seriously… If Disney human resources ever looked it what goes on there, so many people would be fired.

Three letters: W-D-I.

 

[WDW1974]

I think there is an understandable lack of information. It's not like anyone is promoting it.

Fans of any major film series are going to be critical of any element that alters their vision of what makes the best possible movie, hence all the debating. Since political turmoil and human rights violations don't change the outcome of movie, that's not going to be on anyone's radar.

I'm not willing to judge anyone else just yet, until I learn a little more. In the meantime, can I guarantee that all my food is cruelty free? Or every article of clothing was made by a worker who made a fair wage? Every gallon of gas I pump can from a country free from these human rights violations?

It's a lot to take in. Now I can't even read Harry Potter without worrying about who built Rowling's typewriter.

C'mon, that's not fair and you know it. That 'tude simply says the world is a very messed up place, so no one should ever focus on any one part of it.

That's not an argument. I have gay fanboi pals (shocking right?!) and I can guarantee you they'll go and see the new Star Wars film no matter what. Folks are very good at compartmentalizing and generalizing when it gets them what they want at a given time.

And I am not saying people should boycott the film. But fans should let Disney know they don't agree with filming in the UAE, so they don't get to use Disney as a tacit sign of approval for their regimes.

 

[WDW1974]

@WDW1974 just wondering, will Disneyland get a new daytime parade as well as the nighttime parade? I've heard a few rumors about it...

They were supposed to be getting one, but I haven't heard about it in quite a while.

 

[DisneyDad1977]

I am sitting in an airport trying to figure out why there are so many posts going up at 4am. Then, like an idiot, I remember I am 7 hours ahead of most of you right now.

 

[WDWFigment]

I did a TR, but it is in french on another forum! I did not think there would be that much interest for a TR since I have a particular writing style and got odd tastes. I'll do observations...

Basically, this whole Japan trip was a spur of the moment booked two weeks before thing. My objectives were very simple:

1- Do a video game crawl through Akihabara and visit Artnia, the Square Soft store/Cafe next to their HQ in Shinjuku.

2- Go to Tokyo Disney, to clean my palate and get a real Disney experience, as my visit in november 2013 to EPCOT brought me back dark memories of the worst days of Six Flags in early 2000.

3- Go ride the Veil of Dark at Sega Joypolis.

I completed all those objectives in 4 days. I did two days at Tokyo Disney with a day at each park and spent my 3rd day visiting a friend, going to Akihabara and spending an evening at the Joypolis. I stayed at the very nice Comfort Hotel Kiyosumi-Shinagawa. Very good single rate (65$ US a night) that included a breakfast and convenient location. Great made from scratch Ramen noodles from the stand of a nice lady between the hotel and subway entrance. It is also right on top of a Family Mart, one of those awesome japanese convenience store.

To get to Disney from my hotel was 25 minutes with two transfers. Cost 6$ each way in subway and JR train tickets.

My first day was Tokyo Disneyland, since the great free english crowd calendar correctly predicted it would be slower at that park that day. I misread the website, so I arrived at 7:30am for a 9am park opening. I was the only one there and got in line for tickets. At 8 am, bought a two days magic passport (1 day each park for first two days, park hopper on 3rd and 4th day if you buy that much) for 110$ and was the 5th in line at a turnstile. Shortly before park opening, the characters come out on the park side of the gate and start doing mini shows and just goofing around. So much fun!

At 9 am, I ran to Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek and got a 10:30 am fast pass. So, I stayed on that side and rode Space Mountain (first ride was smooth, second ride was brutal. The ride itself got the best loading station, but it was interesting to ride old school with no music playing during the ride) and Star Tours 2 (Awesome waiting line and great Hitchhiking Droids gag!). I got a buzz lightyear fast pass at 10:30 am and rode it later... What a dissapointment! It is a poorer version than DL, DLP and HKDL. Too short.

Crowds were actually reasonable that day and Monsters Inc. did not run out of Fast Pass until mid afternoon. The line for it also died down to 15-20 minutes in the evening, so I rode it 3 times that day. I LOVED the attraction. The interaction complimented the ride and the animatronics are amazing. Boo is so life like!

Did Splash Mountain as a single rider twice later. Wow, what a tight fit! From what I could gather, they changed the lap bars from what it had originally, which are the ones that WDW retrofitted to their Splash Mountain, to Everest style individual lap bars. Problem is, I am 6'3 and got long legs and getting the bar to go over my knees was a challenge, but it was not uncomfortable. The best news through is that the ride has a 36 inches height restriction cause of the lap bars.

Did Big Thunder Mountain twice and the first time, gave a Fast Pass crash course to a nice family from Canada who were at the park. I ran into them later and they thanked me, as they cut their waits a lot with it. They through at first there was a fee for it. Big Thunder Mountain also got modified since my last visit in 2009. They added those feet guards that were retrofitted to all the others (after that incident at DL where a kid lost his foot because he tried getting out of the train before it was parked) and also added soft seat dividers to the seat. That effectively mean you can't ride 3 to a row anymore. Ride itself is still my favorite version, thank to its themed first and last tunnel and great drop at the end.

Pooh's Hunny Hunt and Jungle Cruise were closed for rehab.

Food wise, I had a great Calzone at the restaurant at the exit of Star Tours, which is the Pangalactic Pizza Port. Stuffed full of seafood and quite delicious! On the recommendation of a friend, I tried a slice of pizza from the Captain Hook Galley in Fantasyland. Not a large slice, but for the price and quality, I was satisfied. My last meal that day was at the Eastside Cafe in World Bazaar. This is a sitdown italian restaurant and I had their special "Easter Set Menu" where for 25$ US, I had a 3 course meal with non alcoholic beverages. I was a walk in and got seated right away. The food was pretty good with scallop-prosciutto appetizer, bacon-palm hearts spaghettini and a white chocolate mousse with Amaretto sauce as the dessert. It was the best meal I have had at a Disney park since I went to the Napa Rose in California in 2013.

The Disneyland Hotel is interesting. Pretty, but that thing is huge! It feels a lot bigger when you're inside then when you're looking at it from the monorail station.

Best daytime parade I have ever seen? Their temporary for 3 months Easter parade! "Hoppity Spring Parade" was full of energy, the floats were amazing, characters had custom costumes and the music was amazing.

Best parade ever? Still is the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights. Nothing come close!

Next day was Tokyo Disney Sea. Crowds were a little heavier, but I managed to have a great day.

I arrived at 7:30am for a 8:30am park opening. I was a bit further inline, but I powerwalked and got a 10:45 am fast pass for Toy Story Mania! Line was INSANE for fast passes and in the morning, the street leading from Mediterranean Harbor to the ride was actually divided in 3. Left line for those leaving the ride, middle line for Fast Pass ticketing and right side for Stand-By. Ride is still very popular. For the ride itself, I through the ride portion was a little more themed than the US versions. The waiting line made more sense, as you transitioned through a large bedroom door and the ride "was under the bed".

Tower of Terror is better than even the WDW version for me. The haunting music and the creepy Shiriki Utundu won it for me.

The only ride merchandise I found at the resort were some t shirts and blue helmets at the exit shop of Monsters Inc. and some items at the exit of TOT. I bought great t shirts from TOT and even bought a small Shiriki Utundu bobble head.

Was great just walking up to characters and getting pictures. Loved the Steam Punk outfits for Goofy and Chip n Dale over at Port Discovery.

I'll continue later...

Not much to cover here that isn't a bunch of "I agrees..." but I'll try to hit on some things...

Sounds like a great price for a good hotel. On our last trip we stayed off-site and it's something I'll never do again unless the off-site hotel has convenient access to the JR. Ours required taking a city bus, which was very unpleasant. Not nearly as efficient as the rail (although still far better than the US) and very time-consuming. I still think the Sheraton and Hilton are going to be the best options for most people there, if the prices are right. WDW Deluxe quality for a fraction of the price, and a view of either Mt. Prometheus and Cinderella Castle or the ocean. Can't go wrong there.

Unless you're a vegetarian or like burgers, we've found the food at TDR to pretty much be awesome across the board. Pan Galactic Pizza Port had some AWESOME pizza our first visit, so we were actually disappointed by the calzone. We meant to go to Hook's later for pizza, but ended up going to Hungry Bear Restaurant for curry instead...also awesome.

Eating, be it snacks or full meals, is such an incredible part of the experience at TDR. It doesn't hurt that the food is head and shoulders above most of what is served at WDW (and I generally like a good amount of WDW food).

Merchandise is the one really, really weak spot at TDR, but I think that's probably a cultural thing--kawaii Disney-branded stuff that appeals to the Japanese isn't what appeals to the types of American fans who go to TDR. I'd love to see every shop filled with Mystic Manor-caliber merchandise, but it's probably for the good of my wallet that that's not the case. Instead I just stock up on CDs and Blu-ray. Perhaps to @WDW1974's dismay, but I do not own a Gelatoni, Duffy, or Chandu plush.

Look forward to reading more about your visit to TDR. I cannot wait to go back!

 

[WDWFigment]

I don't know where I saw this before, but I swear somewhere in this thread someone was asking for Yosemite tips. Anyway, I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation to stay in one of the lodges inside Yosemite National Park. The gateway towns in Mariposa are all like an hour away from the main loop of the park, which is fairly common in US NPs, but still a pain with which I wouldn't want to deal. Lodging can be expensive--especially The Ahwahnee--but it's well worth it. The art and detail in that lodge is striking. If that's too pricey, camping is really cheap, and there's something to be said for looking through the top of your tent on a clear night and actually seeing stars.

Tunnel View (see below) is the most iconic view in the park, and is gorgeous to watch at sunrise, but it can be really crowded, even in the middle of the night. I recommend hiking up to Artist Point (http://www.yosemitehikes.com/yosemite-valley/artist-point/artist-point.htm), which actually offers a superior view, but is never crowded because Americans are too lazy to hike.

Milky Way Over Tunnel View at Yosemite National Park by Tom.Bricker, on Flickr