Originally Posted By SMCD Hi, thought I should post a little trip report from my trip to Tokyo Disney Resort. A friend and I went to Tokyo for a couple of weeks in the end of February, and as I am a huge Disney park-fan, we spent 3 days in the resort. The first day we went to Tokyo Disneyland. I found the park to be a little to wide and open for my taste, but it still was a fine, clean park with a lot of attractions to offer. Roof over Main Street looked good. We started the day with the Peter Pan-ride and Haunted Mansion, and followed up with Buzz – fun as always. A very good band was playing music from the Lion King in Tomorrowland. Went to Toon Town, and tried the Roger Rabbit-ride for the first time. A fun ride, with a brilliant queue-line. Then we headed over to Splash Mountain, one of my all time favorite Disney-rides. It didn’t disappoint, and we decided to eat at the greatly themed restaurant next to it. Good food and surroundings for fans of Splash Mountain and Song of the South. Checked out Star Tours, before we headed to Big Thunder Mountain and a huge queue. We watched The Mickey Mouse Revue, but found that show a little weird. Pirates and Space Mountain were unfortunately closed for refurbishments, so we continued with Pinocchio's Daring Journey, a dark ride not living up to it’s potential. Crowds lining up for the Pooh-ride were huge, and we decided to skip it. A stupid move I understand, as it apparently is pretty special. Anyway, watched an original evening show with light effects and music in the park in front of the castle, before a very short fireworks show. The second day we went to DisneySea, and I’m still in awe. This has become my favorite theme park. I was shocked how beautiful the view was when we entered the park. Usually there are some parts of the parks I have visited that I don’t care too much for, but at this park I loved every themed area. At night the park was just surreal. Never seen anything like it. Unfortunately Indiana Jones and Sinbad were down for refurbishments, but there was still a lot to do. The park was crowded, but with fast pass it was not a problem. Journey to the center of the earth was terrific, and has now become one of my favorite Disney-rides. 20.000 leagues under the sea was fun, with a great underwater effect. Still in Mysterious Island we ate Gyros at the restaurant at water level, which were a memorable time with geysers going off just meters away, and the thundering sound of the mountain with occasional screams from riders of the Journey-ride. Arabian coast was beautiful, and took me back to the Aladdin-cartoons I used to watch as a kid. The level of detail this park offered struck us, and as an example we incidentally took a look inside a little oven in a back alley, and found an image of Jafar appearing. A little animation followed, before he disappeared again – just a little thing that participates to makes a good park great for me. We also watched the 3d-show at the Magic Lamp Theatre. Entertaining, but not very memorable. The roller coaster Raging spirits was fun at nighttime, but not very special. Reminded me of Indy at Disneyland Paris. Fortress explorations were a lot of fun, greatly designed building. Stormrider was okay, reminded me very much of an attraction I tried at Port Aventura in Spain. I found he Aquatopia-ride to be an entertaining little ride. I loved the American Waterfront, with a store dedicated to one of my favorite Disney characters, Scrooge McDuck, and the most beautiful Tower of Terror. The Tower was extremely popular, and when we got fast passes in the morning, we could first try it in the evening. It was a great ride, although I would like it to be a little more intense. Mermaid Lagoon. The place was just magic. We watched the fabulous show, climbed around the playground, got a good laugh about the magic mirror, and ate at Sebastian´s – just soaking in the atmosphere. The designers of this place really did an outstanding job. We also watched The Legend of Mythica. Entertaining show, with lots of energy. BraviSeaMo was a fitting end to a day at DisneySea. Not as good as Fantasmic, but the dragon was impressive, the eruption mighty, and the fountain woman a beauty (although struggling with her shape in the wind). The last day we went to both parks and experienced our favorites again. All in all fantastic days, and the resort are terrific. The service from the Cast Members were perfect, and visitors were polite and into Disney (never seen so many people wearing mouse ear hats). Now I’m looking forward to my trip to Hong Kong Disneyland in June.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Thank you for sharing your views and experiences at TDR. However.. >>Crowds lining up for the Pooh-ride were huge, and we decided to skip it. A stupid move I understand...<< Indeed. Pooh's Hunny Hunt is one of the most impressive E-ticket rides ever to be placed in a Disney park and unlucky for you, it can only be experienced at TDL. The huge lines should have given you a clue. So.. you must go back to TDL and ride this attraction alone. Hint: next time to go to TDL, if you can't get a FP for Pooh, then wait to ride it just before the Dreamlights Parade starts in that area... that's when the stand by lines for it decrease dramatically. But don't wait until the parade passes by or else, you'll be stuck behind a million FP holders coming to ride after seeing the electrical parade. As for your trip to Hong Kong... don't expect much from the DL park there..as it is very small and can be done in mere hours.
Originally Posted By SMCD >> Pooh's Hunny Hunt is one of the most impressive E-ticket rides ever to be placed in a Disney park and unlucky for you, it can only be experienced at TDL. The huge lines should have given you a clue. So.. you must go back to TDL and ride this attraction alone>> Well, I would love to go back, but it’s not too cheap to get there from Norway, so I guess it can take a while. But is the Pooh-ride in Hong Kong very different? >> As for your trip to Hong Kong... don't expect much from the DL park there..as it is very small and can be done in mere hours. >> Yes, I’m going to see the city first and foremost, but I have booked two nights at the end of the trip at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel to experience the park. I know it’s small, but it looks good as far as I can tell on pictures, and I’m going with a friend who has never been to a Disney park.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I feel bad for your friend who is going to see Disney's most undercooked DL park on Earth for his first time to a DL park. He/she won't be too impressed. However, I did stay at the Hollywood Hotel and it is a very nive art deco resort. I loved it and would stay there over the more puff-puff HKDL Hotel next door. >>Well, I would love to go back, but it’s not too cheap to get there from Norway, so I guess it can take a while. But is the Pooh-ride in Hong Kong very different?<< VERY different and much cheaper than TDL's version. In fact, the HKDL Pooh version is exactly the same one found at WDW's MK, so if you have been to WDW, then you have already been on HKDL's Pooh ride... and those are basically a lesser C-Ticket ride... The TDL version is spectacular, with ground breaking trackless technology and three slightly different versions of the ride... and there, you really *hop* with Tigger, as opposed to doing the rocking chair motion we get at HKDL/WDW.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney <<The second day we went to DisneySea, and I’m still in awe.>> Welcome to the club brother. You will recieve your jacket in the mail in a few days and the initiation will be a week later .
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Yeah, the Pooh ride is PHENONMENAL!!! (I spell that right?) It's too bad you miseed it as TDLFAN said, its NOTHING like the HK version. But don't distress, you got to visit a new resort, new theme park and a multitude of new attractions and shows. Missing Pooh is just a reason to get you back in a few years .
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan >>The second day we went to DisneySea, and I’m still in awe.<< Reason why I say Tokyo DisneySea is the most amazing, beautiful, and elaborate Disney park on Earth!
Originally Posted By Mr X Sounds like you had a great trip, thanks for the write up! Too bad you missed Pooh, it's the highlight of the whole park imo and definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. The other versions (including HK) are completely different and just average at best. When in Hong Kong Disneyland, don't miss Jungle Cruise. That's probably the best ride in the park and also very different from the other versions around the world. I hear the shows are good too (inside joke ).
Originally Posted By SMCD >>I feel bad for your friend who is going to see Disney's most undercooked DL park on Earth for his first time to a DL park. He/she won't be too impressed. However, I did stay at the Hollywood Hotel and it is a very nive art deco resort. I loved it and would stay there over the more puff-puff HKDL Hotel next door. << Okay, I’m glad the hotel is nice. It will be my first time staying at a Disney hotel, so I’m sure I will have a good time there. But the park can’t be that bad, can it? At least the surroundings of the park looks exotic and beautiful, and the fireworks is second to none, right? >>VERY different and much cheaper than TDL's version. In fact, the HKDL Pooh version is exactly the same one found at WDW's MK, so if you have been to WDW, then you have already been on HKDL's Pooh ride... and those are basically a lesser C-Ticket ride.. << I have been to WDW, but I never tried the Pooh ride there, so I’m sure the HKDL version, although inferior to Tokyo’s, will be entertaining. Anyway, it will be on the top of my list next time I find myself in Tokyo. >>When in Hong Kong Disneyland, don't miss Jungle Cruise. That's probably the best ride in the park and also very different from the other versions around the world. I hear the shows are good too (inside joke ). << Thanks for the tip. Will definitely check out the Jungle Cruise. Looks to me like the whole Adventureland, or Piratesland as it’s now called, is very special in this park. And I’m looking forward to that jacket, WorldDisney. ;-)
Originally Posted By barboy """"Tokyo DisneySea is the most amazing, beautiful, and elaborate Disney park on Earth!"""" Better to take out the 2nd "Disney" from your statement.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>I hear the shows are good too (inside joke ).<< The joke was on you Mr X for missing them, and even worst, not experiencing HKDL park at night.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney <<Okay, I’m glad the hotel is nice. It will be my first time staying at a Disney hotel, so I’m sure I will have a good time there. But the park can’t be that bad, can it? At least the surroundings of the park looks exotic and beautiful, and the fireworks is second to none, right?>> Well to be fair, the resort is REALLY nice. There is NOTHING to do there lol, but it's pretty at least . TDR you are NEVER bored!! As for the park...where to begin. It's OKAY, that's the best I can say without my poster colleagues giving the death rays. But, it's a day park at MOST!!! Spend your time in Hong Kong and enjoy HKDL for what it is, but in all honesty you will love the city more than the park and that's not a bad thing to say because the city is GREAT!!! The park is fun, but after spending time in TDR, it's hard to be as upbeat about that park. I WISHED you went to HKDL first and then TDR!! But dude, if you go, PLEASE give us a trip report on that too. We're all supernerds here and been to all these parks many times . I'm really curious to know how someone will view that park for the first time after visiting TDR for the first time.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<and the fireworks is second to none, right?>> They have a modest fireworks spectacular; something like Disneyland's old Believe...There's Magic in the Stars but with better projections. Remember...Dreams Come True is a much better fireworks show than Disney in the Stars at Hong Kong Disneyland. IllumiNations is also better and Wishes (Magic Kingdom version) as well. <<Better to take out the 2nd "Disney" from your statement.>> Sorry. I've gotten into the habit of using the term Disney parks whenever I refer to theme parks in general. I don't like to put other theme parks into the comparison because none of them, in my opinion, compare to the high quality of the Disney parks. But yes, Tokyo DisneySea is the most amazing, beautiful, and elaborate theme park on Earth.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>They have a modest fireworks spectacular<< Most people, never seem to talk about HKDL's light and music castle show every 15 mins or so... It's one of the few things that bring me a little joy at HKDL.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<Most people, never seem to talk about HKDL's light and music castle show every 15 mins or so... It's one of the few things that bring me a little joy at HKDL.>> I also like the light and music show at the whale fountain in the esplanade. It looks very relaxing! I wonder how often they perform this show since it really is quite enjoyable to watch.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN ^^every ten minutes. Difference is... the fountain perform all day long, but the castle show starts after sundown.
Originally Posted By SMCD >>As for the park...where to begin. It's OKAY, that's the best I can say without my poster colleagues giving the death rays. But, it's a day park at MOST!!! Spend your time in Hong Kong and enjoy HKDL for what it is, but in all honesty you will love the city more than the park and that's not a bad thing to say because the city is GREAT! << The city really looks awesome. Do you have any tips for things we can’t miss see/doing in the city? >>But dude, if you go, PLEASE give us a trip report on that too. We're all supernerds here and been to all these parks many times . I'm really curious to know how someone will view that park for the first time after visiting TDR for the first time. << Will do >>They have a modest fireworks spectacular; something like Disneyland's old Believe...There's Magic in the Stars but with better projections. Remember...Dreams Come True is a much better fireworks show than Disney in the Stars at Hong Kong Disneyland. IllumiNations is also better and Wishes (Magic Kingdom version) as well. << Thanks for the info. I guess I need to lower my expectations for this park even more.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>>The joke was on you Mr X for missing them, and even worst, not experiencing HKDL park at night<<< I was there at night. It was very pretty. We saw all the lands, they looked nice...the only thing I skipped was the fireworks (don't forget, it was Christmastime, so it got dark early. And as for SHOWS, Mr. TDLFAN-knows-all, I think you are well aware that I've been on the STAGE for some of the best Disney shows ever, and I've seen plenty enough Disney shows to last me a lifetime.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>The city really looks awesome. Do you have any tips for things we can’t miss see/doing in the city?<< Victoria Peak is awsome, you can take a mountain tram up there. Many recommend going twice, once in the day and once at night. I suppose you could go in late afternoon and kill 2 birds with one stone. The escalators are really cool, check those out (WorldDisney was MY Hong Kong guide so I'm sure he'll have more to say...including how to find the most dangerous 3 Hong Kong cents fare bus in town lol). And if you like gambling, you can take the ferry over to Macau in just around an hour (the superjet ferry, anyway...there are slower, cheaper options). I'd say that if you don't want to see casinos though, don't bother. >>I guess I need to lower my expectations for this park even more.<< The park doesn't "suck", so don't get the wrong idea! The only thing to keep in mind is that there isn't a lot to do. So, keep that in mind and you'll have a great time. You can take it slowly, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the resort as a whole (since you're staying at the hotel), and repeat whatever you liked several times.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN SMCD, the fireworks are ok. The only difference is the lack of high altitude pyro due to smog restrictions and neighboring areas where rich neighbors rule (Discovery Bay). However, to get the full blast of the show.. get closer to the castle and you can see the projections that go along with the pyro. It's a neat show. I also would recommend you see the HKDL pyro and skip TDL's puny high altitude pyro show. Now THAT is a weak show at TDL. >>And as for SHOWS, Mr. TDLFAN-knows-all, I think you are well aware that I've been on the STAGE for some of the best Disney shows ever, and I've seen plenty enough Disney shows to last me a lifetime.<< You were on Disney shows??? Hmmm... I only had eyes for Gorgeous and Stud. Nothing/no one else mattered.
