Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 I noticed on a youtube video of the Mystic Manor presentation, that TDS was referenced. The Imagineer explained what "SEA" stood for (Society of Explorers and Adventurers), and linked Harrison Hightower and Tower of Terror to this new Lord Henry Mistic through this group that both belonged to. Saying that they were friendly rivals. So, it seemed like there was no shying away from the link to Tokyo DisneySea. It was nice to see that they are spreading continuity through several attractions and resorts. Makes me want to have other members of S.E.A represented at the rest of the Disney parks!
Originally Posted By Bob Paris Last time I stick up for a damned Vulcan!!! Green blooded sons of...... ; )
Originally Posted By Malin *** I wanted to share my perspective of the event from the point of view of a TDR annual passport holder and someone that considers TDR to be my "home" resort, in that it's the one I've spent the most time at over the past few years, even though DL is the park from my childhood. *** I also attended the Expo and felt from my point of view being a Tokyo Disney Resort fan that the Resort did get pushed aside over Hong Kong Disneyland and the other domestic parks. But I don't think it was anything aimed directly at TDR as Disneyland Paris also recieved the silent treatment for the most part. The Imagineers on one hand at the WDI pavilion were a bit hit and miss. Some wouldn't comment on anything simple like why all three Hong Kong Disneyland lands were being built on one side of the park, leaving ample expansion space in the rest of the park. But some on the other hand were very informative and did speak up about expansion for Tokyo and Paris when approuched. Everyday at the Expo, special pins were released, and on the Friday all the Vacation units were represented with a set of pins that included a special Tokyo Disneyland pin. The only real snub I came across was during the weak Jay Rasulo corparate talk. Annoucements outside the arena were talking up how Jay was going to discuss the future of all Disney parks including Tokyo, which was mentioned by name. But during the presentation only three Park Resorts actually recieved a mention, leaving both Paris and Tokyo out in the cold, although both Resorts do have new attractions in the pipe line.
Originally Posted By Malin *** While I'm at the Expo and despite all of the great things going on in the convention center, I decided to make time to actually cross Katella Ave one evening and check out what's over there: Disneyland! *** I too made it to Disneyland a few times while at the Expo as it was the only time I was fortunate to catch a favourite of mine Aladin, plus Fantasmic and Magical. During the week all three were on hiatus but thats what I have come to expect from the Disneyland Resort as its a locals park and really has little time for tourist who are treated second. Evidence of this was every time I was asked during the trip if I had an Annual Pass when making a purchase. Despite the short comings in its Entertainment the Resort still offers a good Disney experience, maintenance was rather good, except on poor Buzz Lightyear, more to follow in upcoming trip report. The Cast Members were fantastic and very friendly, which made up for the very rude service I recieved on a previous trip to WDW. Operations during the big shows like Magical and Fantasmic were also impressive and ran smoothly. Tokyo Disney Resort for the few that visit often enough is an experience not to be beat, but its also in a position where it needs to provide more entertainment, because who really wants to visit a park where the average wait for the most popular attractions can reach 3 hours long.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>But some on the other hand were very informative and did speak up about expansion for Tokyo and Paris when approuched.<<< Hey James, what did they have to say about Paris? With the way things are currently going, we are thinking very seriously about saving up for a trip to finally see Mr X and TDL rather than go to the other resorts for a while. Seems like except maybe Rat, not much to look forward to at Paris. Florida will be a couple of years before worth looking, and might as well for the DCA refurb to be done before heading out to California for the baloos.
Originally Posted By Mr X If you come to Japan, we know all the best places to take you guys and the kids for maximum fun-having. (also you have to meet little X, she is just so cute and sweet and nice (and smart and pretty and okay enough with the dotting dad lol)! your kids will love her like a little sister. )
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I am sure bro, and I am serious. I read Kevin's book this week (disappointing), and flights are cheaper during vacation time to Tokyo than Orlando or LAX. I have asked Sarah if we can go, and she said as soon as we can afford it and I have a steady enough income over time. So we are moving closer to it provided real world does not get in the way. And I am serious, although I want to see temple, and ginza, and TDL, the X clan, all three, are high on the priority list. The challenge is finding the right time. Sadly the school vacations are short here, so it only really leaves Christmas, Easter and July/Aug (worried about weather and crowds). Or we do a 1 week of just Disney/X (but that would be a waste - we would prefer 16 days to 4 weeks).
Originally Posted By Mr X ***And I am serious, although I want to see temple, and ginza, and TDL, the X clan, all three, are high on the priority list.*** Glad to hear it! Good luck with fitting in all the real world stuff in there (I know the feeling). As the real world is happening here too (just ask SuperDry), we will do our best to spend as much time with you guys as we can if you do make it over (do your kids like sushi? if not, Little X will teach them lol). As for the length of time you're looking for, I think that a little over 2 weeks would be perfect if you stay in the Tokyo area (you've already insisted on 5-6 Disney days, right? so the 2 weeks is a must in that case!)...I don't think you need 3-4 weeks unless you plan to venture outside the region. See ya real soon!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo 3 - 4 weeks were so we could also take in Kyoto, Hiroshima, USJ Osaka, as well as well as yes, multiple days (at least 5) with Disney. I want to stay in Ryokan, ride the Shinkansen, visit temples, castles and museums. Enjoy a little of the Otaku and Hirojiko culture. Maybe take in a Kabuki play or sumo. As well as you and I have a date on the town? So much to see and do! Plus I want to learn a little japanese before we come over.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I like sushi, and the kids sometimes eat it (Mikey likes fish). Sarah is a little nervous because she is seriously allergic to shellfish and shellfish oil (we are talking hospital issues), so she is worried about accidently getting some in our food, so a little research and language development will be in order.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***3 - 4 weeks were so we could also take in Kyoto, Hiroshima, USJ Osaka, as well as well as yes, multiple days (at least 5) with Disney.*** That's quite a trip. Kyoto is doable, Osaka maybe, Hiroshima not so much (perhaps you could split your dream trip into TWO trips, so as not to overdo it!). ***I want to stay in Ryokan, ride the Shinkansen, visit temples, castles and museums. Enjoy a little of the Otaku and Hirojiko culture. Maybe take in a Kabuki play or sumo.*** Ryokan, Shinkansen, and Sumo are must do items if possible. Skip the Kabuki...trust me (really...skip it...and this from a guy who is a classically trained, EXTREMELY patient watcher of the arts...I can sit through a Mahler symphony happily with nary a twitch, but Kabuki got to me within half an hour). Otaku and Hirojiko, never heard of it. Perhaps you could suggest some stuff for ME to do.
Originally Posted By Mr X To Sarah...if you have allergies you are CORRECT to be worried about Japan. They often mistake "allergy" as a polite form of declining certain foods, so be explicit and FORCEFUL when ordering (I'd be happy to help with any language issues, but beyond that you must impress upon the staff that any shellfish is DANGEROUS, they will be attentive if you make it clear that it's not an issue of politeness at all but rather a heath issue...you should tell them at least twice to make it perfectly clear). To be absolutely safe, just go to all the places I recommend. I loathe fish, so you hav
Originally Posted By Mr X The word for "dangerous", by the way, is "ABUNAI!". And the proper way to express an allergy would be "She-food aleyloogy (allergy) honto sugoi, she-food zen-zen dame". (my) seafood allergy is TRULY bad, sea food is completely no good!
Originally Posted By leemac <<The Imagineers on one hand at the WDI pavilion were a bit hit and miss. Some wouldn't comment on anything simple like why all three Hong Kong Disneyland lands were being built on one side of the park, leaving ample expansion space in the rest of the park. But some on the other hand were very informative and did speak up about expansion for Tokyo and Paris when approuched.>> I feel the need to chime in on this particular comment. Many of the imagineers on hand were working in areas within the showcase that were outside their area of expertise. The Carsland exhibits were staffed by the land's senior team for most of the four days - Kathy Mangum, Tom Morris and Kevin Rafferty. However there aren't many folks in CA that are on the HKDL expansion project - they were briefed and able to answer the majority of questions. I wouldn't use the word "simple" to describe the master planning for the three mini-lands - those decisions are hugely complex (take it from me - this is my area of expertise) and it is difficult to explain. The park was hamstrung by the narrow-mindedness of the decision to place the berm and train tracks so close to the Phase I buildings. Many of those knuckle-headed decisions were taken by Paul Pressler and Timur Galen and couldn't be reversed once the masterplan had been agreed. I absolutely detest the location of the three mini-lands. It will be a nightmare for guestflow (always my main priority) with only two access points and the sitelines for Toy Storyland will be very difficult to resolve. I also question the decision to add a thrill ride to that children's area - that seems completely nonsensical to me. Kids will end up seeing RC on the track and will be hugely disappointed when they realize there is a height restriction (and I presume there is one although I don't know). That said two of the three lands will be wonderful experiences. The Grizzly area will have a tremendous kinetic energy to it with the attraction on multi-levels throughout the land. It will be an intense experience with 2 LIMs and the backwards section and it has a fun light-touch story. Mystic Point will also be richly themed.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks X. Otaku (maye I have the spelling wrong) being the manga/comic culture. And Hirajiko being the cosplay/lolita culture of Rappongi?
Originally Posted By barboy ///Of course, if their(OLC's) numbers suddenly plummeted due to Japanese folks suddenly staying away in droves (hard to imagine!), they'd probably have a different attitude towards international customers./// Just to play with that hypothetical a bit... I still doubt very much that OLC's attidude would change---- if by attitude you mean marketing schemes geared towards the untapped international guest. If numbers dropped of the table OLC would come up with some drastic plans aimed right there in their own backyard and if those drastic plans didn't pan out then they would simply foldup the tent. Not to beat on the horse carcass over and over but OLC knows damn well there is 0% chance of enticing Euros, South Americanos and USAer's by the plane loads to come play at TDR unless it offered some UNREAL incentives(so unreal as to bring them to the doorstep of bankruptcy)---I aint talk'n no Disney free dining plan either.
