Originally Posted By TDLFAN Hello All.. Well... TDL is another year old, and so are most of us.. drats. But at least we can celebrate this truly great park until the real celebration gets underway in 2008. It was a lovely morning...and the fanatic fans were there in droves. Park opened promptly at 8am, since the lines were close to the monorail station already at that time. Today, not only was I there to say "Omedeto TDL", but also to enjoy an encore presentation of last year's well recieved event "Find Stitch: Hana Ho!!", now being reprised at TDL through mid June. I was not disappointed (well.. I was.. a little... and I will tell you why later) I was quite impressed with the decor this year. Most props were newly built for this year's event, and in 3D, with some flats around the Hub. From the moment you arrive into the park, you are bombarded with event decor...all the way down to the end of World Bazaar. There, "Partners" have been re-dressed to be a part of the fun. Much care has gone into the gardens, with special flowers from Hawaii and real pineapple plants. The most controversial of things was getting a hula skirt on Walt and Mickey's Partner Statue. I did see this at first on photos taken from another site... and I honestly didn't like it. I thought it was tacky at best. However... after being in the park and getting the whole picture, and feel for the event.. "Hula Partners" just seem appropriate and fun! I think Walt would have had a big laugh out of this one (then order "Partners" taken down at all Disney parks and Studio). Anyways.. Just like last year, the "Huli Huli Ohana Bash" did not disappoint. It's one of the best and most fun parade shows ever done at TDL. If only Mr. Stud had made an appearance here... it would have the best ever for me The procession is colorful, there are plenty of performers and dozens of Disney characters, all decked out in their finest Hawaiian garbs.. dancing along to the catchy rhythms of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride". The parade features two different show modes. I believe the same ones play at Fantasy/Westerland and ToonTown/Tomorrowland, while the guests in the Hub get treated to the big Kahuna version of the show mode. Some of these floats have the capability of spining 360 degress which allow for the procession to move into the hub counter-clockwise, then turn clockwise for the rousing audience participation portion and other dance numbers. Since the idea is that Stitch is splashing the park in colors.. on cue, most float have colorful balloons, streamers and such gizmos that pop out to add to the "color splashing" feel of the show. One of the floats ever features exploding balloons! (that would be cost prohibitive at WDW). Anyways.. the show is festive and fun.. and even the most brute of brutes will get swept away and do the huli huli, along with the lovely female dancers and handsome guy dancers featured on this show. Good job to casting on the latter...and I am not even into rice. The show is fun and colorful and I just love Clarisse in that skin-tight hawaiian dress.. TDLFAN's rate 4 1/2 out of 5*****. DO NOT MISS IT! Now... the event is called "Find Stitch" and that is exactly what guests have to do to join in the fun.. Go around the park and see how many Stitchs you can find.. My photo album shows a few of them, including some of the maihem created by the little guy. Also, this being TDL's 24th anniversary, I bring you some photos from the Emporium, where many guests were gleefully purchasing a lot of the 24th anniversary merchandise on sale, along with much of what is available for sale from the "Find Stitch" event. Not to get outdone.. the food division got into the act with special merchandise only found in the restaurants..and you'll see some of that in this photo album. I left TDL early on the 15th of April, but came back to the park on the 17th... It was a nice morning until 4pm when the skies opened and the rain came. Needless to say, TDL was quite dead due to the weather, and most attractions were walkons. The Huli Huli Ohana bash was replaced by it's 2-float Rainy Day version and you will see photos of that here as well.. While the rainy weather was disappointing... I was more dismayed and disappointed by NOT one, but TWO things.... but you will have to check out the photos and read captions to find out what disturbed me to the core. However, as always... 24 years after it's opening, TDL continues to be an amazing DL park, unique in many ways, yet familiar enough for those of us who love Disney. In short, an extraordinary Disney experience to enjoy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR DEAR TDL Park!!! Cheers! Photos here... <a href="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4334673&a=32513702&f=" target="_blank">http://albums.photo.epson.com/ j/AlbumIndex?u=4334673&a=32513702&f=</a>
Originally Posted By Mr X Okay, now I've searched through nearly all the photos and captions (and my computer is SLOW today so it's a pain!)...but I couldn't find your complains. Care to elaborate (or at least tell us what the picture numbers are or something!?)?
Originally Posted By Mr X By the way, thanks for the pics. When is this event over? It looks like fun, so I'd like to check it out before it's too late!
Originally Posted By Megara Thank you again TDLFAN for the great trip report and photos. It's so great to hear what is going on at Tokyo Disney Resort. I cannot wait another 5 months until I get to visit there again myself. Thanks for the photos of the merchandise - very nice !! he he
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 Thanks so much for posting those pictures! You know, I have to say again just how much I love the new paint job on the Castle. It's so much warmer, and the gold touches are really classy. This is a great way to make it look different from the Magic Kingdom's, and I have to say, much better. Yay TDL!!
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 Oh, and this picture... <a href="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=4334673&a=32513702&p=75493088" target="_blank">http://albums.photo.epson.com/ j/ViewPhoto?u=4334673&a=32513702&p=75493088</a> What the heck? Is there a backpack under that pile-o-plush, LOL? I love to collect them too, but this is pretty hardcore! If that thing was seen in the US, those plush would be ripped off so fast...
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< I love to collect them too, but this is pretty hardcore! >>> Well of course the plush people are going to bring the characters with them to the park - how else would they get to see the parades?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I don't quite get your comment on that Superdry. But Gurgi... many hardcore fans do this at TDR. It's a very unique kind of behavior from the japanese guests. Americans would not understand or pass judgement because americans have no clue as to how to have fun in a "fan" enviroment. This type of plush collection establishes you in a certain seniority level among other hardcore fans at the park. By looking t the characters, they can tell how far back you go.. If I brought my collection of mini-plushes... I would need 6 backpacks and people would be dropping to their knees and bowing to me as I walk thru the park! BTW, I just added the 24th anniversary Mickey mini-plush to that collection!
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< I don't quite get your comment on that Superdry. >>> Let me rephrase - how else would the PLUSHES get to see the parades if their owners didn't bring them to the park? <<< people would be dropping to their knees and bowing to me as I walk thru the park! >>> They don't do that already? Seriously, how many CMs do you suppose recognize you as a frequent visitor? Do you think they'd be surprised if they knew where you lived?
Originally Posted By Mr X >>This type of plush collection establishes you in a certain seniority level among other hardcore fans at the park. By looking t the characters, they can tell how far back you go.<< I rather think it indicates a seniority level of insanity, myself. Sorry, but I think those people just look like idiots. It's one thing to collect them (people collect all kinds of stuff), but to drag dozens of dingy plush dolls around an amusement park is really pathetic. And the poor performers in the parades are forced to endure these people as they "wave" their mickey mouse dolls hand at the performers, clap the dolls hands to the music, and make the dolls do the little choreographed dances. It's creepy at best! I liked your comment on it, TDLFAN. Character hags. lmao! How appropriate. >>Seriously, how many CMs do you suppose recognize you as a frequent visitor<< TDLFAN is very well recognized among the entertainment cast. >>Do you think they'd be surprised if they knew where you lived<< Some cast members have commented to me that TDLFAN is the most dedicated TDR fan of them all! (in a good way, of course) The Tomorrowland Brass band tells me they look forward to his visits almost as much as a certain "magical mouse", even though they note that TDLFAN always sits in the back somewhere and NEVER claps along!
Originally Posted By Roger55 <<It's one thing to collect them (people collect all kinds of stuff), but to drag dozens of dingy plush dolls around an amusement park is really pathetic.>> My Japanese friend and I were just commenting on this very subject last week while at TDL... These people freak me out! There is this one Stitch mania that brings his huge Stitch plush (dressed in a grass skirt and lei) every day (at least every day I was there) and he props him up on his HUGE video equipment box in the prime viewing area for the parade. This is from several hours before the parade of course. What really freaked me out is that as "they" waited for the parade, he held an umbrella for himself AND Stitch to keep the sun off of "them"!!! I asked my friend if what I was seeing was real, and she agreed that the man without a doubt was holding the umbrella in a manner to shade both of them!!! If that wasn't scarry enough, he periodically leaned over and appeared to be talking to Stitch!!!!!! When the parade started, he pulled out this HUGE HDTV camcorder to video the parade. After the parade finished, he dashed over to the opposite side of the central hub to save his spot for the next parade which was in 5 hours. As much as I love TDR, some of the Guests really scare me.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 "But Gurgi... many hardcore fans do this at TDR. It's a very unique kind of behavior from the japanese guests. Americans would not understand or pass judgement because americans have no clue as to how to have fun in a "fan" enviroment. This type of plush collection establishes you in a certain seniority level among other hardcore fans at the park. By looking t the characters, they can tell how far back you go.. If I brought my collection of mini-plushes... I would need 6 backpacks and people would be dropping to their knees and bowing to me as I walk thru the park! BTW, I just added the 24th anniversary Mickey mini-plush to that collection! " Actually, I do understand this, and can relate. If I had the means, and lived near TDR, I might just get "crazy" like that too. Although, I do like a functional backpack...those plush add weight, and are cumbersome. The thing is, that in the US, most people would not understand, and instead of noticing how far you go back by the plush you have, you might get labled as being a little "off" mentally. Also, if that bag was lying on the floor at WDW somebody would be rude and steal those plush off the bags too.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 "Actually, I do understand this, and can relate. If I had the means, and lived near TDR, I might just get "crazy" like that too. Although, I do like a functional backpack...those plush add weight, and are cumbersome. " OK, after reading Mr. X and Roger's posts, I don't think I would ever get THAT crazy! The furthest I would go would be pinning those little plush on a backpack. NOT talking to them, NOT waving their hands at the parade, or clapping...that's a little...no, that's WAY over the line for me...I am not that hardcore, sorry. I just think the plush are cute...
Originally Posted By TDLFAN As I mentioned: >>Americans would not understand or pass judgement because americans have no clue as to how to have fun in a "fan" enviroment.<< As Mr.X mentioned: >>I rather think it indicates a seniority level of insanity, myself. << I rest my case. Now, that is not to mention that some of these guests are weird... and you may have to understand... those are the ones who have no lives and spend their time at the parks 24/7. Some may argue about that in regards to me but at least me dedication to the parks is because 1) I enjoy the quality and 2) I enjoy sharing my experiences with you all, even when (and especially when) you all don't want to hear it. >>I liked your comment on it, TDLFAN. Character hags. lmao! How appropriate. << Likewise, there are CM hags among the fanbase... the ones who have websites dedicated to ONE specific CM they like on any given show or parade? >>As much as I love TDR, some of the Guests really scare me.<< That is exactly what I think when I see western guests at TDR, since they do not dress as nicely or behave as politely as those japanese guests, sane or insane.
Originally Posted By Megara <<< people would be dropping to their knees and bowing to me as I walk thru the park! >>> along with the comment of "get the Emperor here to apologise to me"... made me laugh and laugh.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 [In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I don't have much use for Stitch. He spent 7/8's of his movie being unspeakably mean, then the writers gave him a too-quick and not-convincing transformation, and suddenly we're supposed to think of him as a cute good guy?! I think not. "Ohana," my butt.] The photo of Stitch and Mickey getting equal billing at the entrance to the Park made me cringe. That's blasphemy. But -- click, click, click on Epson, click, click -- I have to admit that it is VERY impressive how all-out TDL went with this theme! Cute and imaginative Hawaiian overlays of all aspects of the Park. LOVE those lampposts! By the time I got to the photo of "Partners," I guess I was warmed up to the fun of the search. I'm still not crazy about Stitch, but the Park's adventure is well done! I LOVE that they did that to the statue! And, okay, okay, I actually laughed out loud to see: Stitch as Tiki; Stitch's face spray painted over Mickey's; and Stitch in the Grotto. But then the Parade. OMG! Worst collection of floats EVER! Every one of them looks as though it was designed by some West Hollywood "artiste" for a "Rupaul-takes-acid"-themed gay pride celebration. And because each of the floats consists of the same rainbow colors randomly strewn over its structure, all the floats look the same. No differentiation, no float that stands out. Just one long procession of bad Hasbro Paint Spinner art. I can appreciate that the floats gave excellent show mode and that they had gizmos and did things that we couldn't see in the photos. (The bubbles, for one, seemed cool.) But the overall appearance of the floats as a collection... blech. [And now someone comes and whispers some platitude to the Inspector and it magically makes him revert to being Mr. Not-So-Grumpy.] How cool that the Custodial Staff help teach the guests the dance! That makes the term "Cast Member" seem like a heartfelt concept, not some marketing gimmick. FWIW, I don't find the backpack/plush thing to be outrageously weird. Are you kidding?! I live in a Big 10 college town. Talk about obsessive fans. Pinning a bunch of toys to a backpack seems a lot healthier -- and MUCH less invasive -- than many of the things the "sports fans" do around here without being challenged. Oops. "Ohana." "Ohana." "Ohana." Looking at TDL's special-events merchandise makes me smile. (And then get all depressed about the other Parks' generic stuff.) That photo frame is the coolest! The popcorn buckets, too. ("We Love Popcorn!") I LOVE the 24th Anniversary Logo! MAN, I wish I had a postcard of that! Oh, wait. I DO! Ohana. And thank you once again, TDLFAN.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>What really freaked me out is that as "they" waited for the parade, he held an umbrella for himself AND Stitch to keep the sun off of "them"!!!<< **shudder*
Originally Posted By Mr X >>those are the ones who have no lives and spend their time at the parks 24/7<< THOSE are the people I'm referring to, TDLFAN. I have no problem with "ordinary" fans, heck I am one myself. I love going to Disney parks, and as often as possible too. But some of those people are really over the top, to the point where what they are goes beyond "fan" and into the realm of "total obsession". And no, I wouldn't equate you in that catagory at all. You have a life, after all (as do all the people I know who enjoy Disney), not to mention the fact that you are a varied traveller who has enjoyed MUCH of what the world has to offer...not "just" Disney to be sure! >>That is exactly what I think when I see western guests at TDR, since they do not dress as nicely or behave as politely as those japanese guests, sane or insane.<< Well, I'm going to take exception here because I strongly disagree. I have seen some of the worst behaviour from some of those obsessed fans, between running in an unsafe manner every morning (a man actually had a HEART ATTACK for pete's sake!), ignoring the instructions of cast members, pushing and shoving, and generally making the park a less pleasant place to be...I have never seen such poor behaviour from ANY Westerners in the park. In addition to THAT, I have personally witnessed lewd behavior from some Japanese men that would lead to being escorted from the park if it happened in America! I'm referring to "grabby hands" (ala Tokyo train situation) from these sick old men who enjoy inappropriately touching Cinderella, Snow White and the other girls who have absolutely no recourse in the matter (if they complain, management will tell them "it's part of the job). And, of course, those Japanese bratty kids who have no clue how to behave and are in fact encouraged to be very rude by their smiling, equally rude parents. Push the talking trash can only lasted a few short months at Tokyo Disneyland because he was CONSTANTLY abused by the kids who would push, punch and kick him daily...utterly ruining the show. In fact, as far as bad manners go, the only "foreigners" I've seen who have been even more rude are the Chinese guests, who are rude in a completely different fashion but at least equally inconsiderate with their grabbing of the characters and complete inability to say "please" or "thank you" in ANY language (including their own!). IN CONCLUSION, I need to point out that I do love Japanese people in general, and find them to be some of the kindest and most considerate people anywhere...USUALLY. But when put in certain situations (commuting and theme parks spring to mind), the worst can certainly be seen and it is most definitely no better than any Westerners I've ever encountered. Rant over.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>I live in a Big 10 college town. Talk about obsessive fans.<< But Marc, sports is cool. Didn't you know that?
