Originally Posted By TDLFAN Davewasbaloo, Will check those videos out when I have the time later today.. but in the meantime, enjoy Universal Japan's take on the MSEP.. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watchv=IoYSxbQ5zRI&feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watchv=...=related</a>
Originally Posted By TDLFAN <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoYSxbQ5zRI&feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...=related</a>
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Davewasbaloo.. I saw the videos you posted. Yes, seems like some of those shows have great production values. But maybe it's me.. I'm not able to make comparisons with the Disney shows and especially Tokyo's, simple because some of the content I saw on your videos seem to be things we have seen before, like magic tricks and rodeo style horse processions...and the jousting shows seem a bit too "Medieval Times" without the food. I am not saying they are better or worst than the Tokyo Disney parades and shows.. but it's hard to compare because they are not similar fare, reason why I posted the Universal Japan's electrical parade clip, because it's comparable to what we see in the DL parks. However, one clip you posted in particular did catch my attention.. I think it was called "6 Crows".. The mechanical birds I saw there compared to the fantasy props seen in the mythical barges at TDS' Legend of Mythica. I guess the only way you can get an idea of the Tokyo Disney shows and parades' efforts is by watching their online video library here.. easy to navigate and offers a glimpse of the many live shows and parades.. <a href="http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tdr/movie_en/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.tokyodisneyresort.c...dex.html</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I have watched many. My hatred of the characters caused by oversaturation makes it difficult though. The shows that do interest me are Big Band Beat, Mystic Rhythms, and the lagoon shows of TDS. The hub shows and parades look good, but I am not sure I would wait for ages to see them, with the exception of Dreamlights, that looks awesome. I was wondering whether to go to USJ, it looks like fun, but several of my other friends who have been have told me not to bother. But if this night time parade is still running, it looks like it is worth checking out.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Davewasbaloo.. you do not have to wait for ages to see the parades at TDL.. usually you can have nice views if you arrive about 15 minutes before parade time in most areas along the parade route. Those who wait for more than an hour are those who want to be up front. While most TDR shows do feature the characters.. they are not character "intensive". There are dozens (sometimes hundreds) of other performers adding to the lavishness of it all. Production values and costuming are the highest of any Disney park. I strongly encourage you to enjoy the live shows and parades, or lagoon shows at both TDL and TDS. As for USJ.. it is Universal done right, just like TDR is Disney done right. It is a great park to visit. Very nicecy themed in most areas. It is the improved version of the Orlando USF park, plus it has some unique features to it's own. It is also a very enjoyable park for kids..since the Sesame Street, Charlie Brown and Hello Kitty characters are predominantly featured. I think your kids would enjoy it the most.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh dear, Hello Kitty, my daughter would be begging to go. I am still grumpy that Wicked ousted the cool cowboy area ;-) I am sure we will enjoy it when we get over. How "safe" and "normal" would you say things are now?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Everything is safe and normal as it's always been. Please do not allow unfounded fears to drive your decision to visit the Tokyo area in the future. I am in Tokyo right and have nothing to worry about. May even go to TDR for quick visit today. Lovely weather here today. As for "Wicked" at Universal Studios Japan.. Maybe you did not know but the Land of Oz, and their show version of "Wicked" closed early this year as Universal is agressively competing with Disney to make their park more family friendly and catering to younger kids. So rejoice.. NO MORE OZ at USJ. The newly re-built land will be called "Wonderland" and it will be a more broad showcase for their popular characters there.. Read this: <a href="http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20110725/4522/universal-studios-japan-open-universal-wonderland-childrens-area-2012" target="_blank">http://www.themeparktourist.co...rea-2012</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo That sounds awful. I think my clan would have preferred the original wild west area. I am most worried about the radiation as it is higher than chernobyl was.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< I am most worried about the radiation as it is higher than chernobyl was. >>> Not in Tokyo or the surrounding regions. If you arrive at Narita airport, visit TDR, Tokyo, and points south/west (such as Kyoto and USJ in Osaka) you won't be in or transit through any of the areas with the radiation problems.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Are the food and water ok, in the UK there are travel advisories. We were close to going this year.
Originally Posted By SuperDry Water is fine. The tap water in Tokyo bumped just above the safe limit for something like 3 days in March, and that limit was the upper limit for what was safe for continuous consumption over a lifetime. I don't know about the UK, but the US lifted its travel advisory for the greater Tokyo region in mid-April. There seems to be occasional reports of food that's just over the limit reaching the consumer, but these are few and far between and lots of testing is being done, and in cases where high readings are found, they are, like the water, near the limit of what's safe or unsafe for a lifetime of consumption. So, IMHO there's really nothing to worry about as a tourist or even a resident at this point unless you're up north in the vicinity of the reactor. Things are going to be a mess up there for a long, long time. I was there in June/July and the only thing to worry about as a tourist was the power situation, which for the most part just meant reduced daytime lighting and higher thermostat settings. But mandatory power rationing ends in a couple of weeks as temperatures fall seasonally, so even that won't be an issue for long, but I suppose they could come back next summer.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Davewasbaloo.. I think you are worrying way too much about nothing. I have been coming to Tokyo 2-3 times every month since the quake and tsunami and I do not feel uncomfortable about eating the food or drinking the water. The radiation levels around Tokyo are no higher than any other city in the world. So please.. don't allow your overly cautious fears deter you from coming to Tokyo for a visit. There are several people from these boards that will be visiting in the next month or so and they are not worried about anything, AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo If it were just me, I would not be worried. It is the kids really, especially since there is a very high prevalence of cancer and leukemia on my wife's side of the family and some on mine. I know having worked on chernobyl outreach projects to give their kids respite, it does make me ask the questions. I am very happy with the answers, thanks guys. Hmmm, now the question is when is the best time to go?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN And.. no need to worry about the kids. As you can see, Malin and Superfry gets to go all the time and their mommies don't mind. However, I have told you to leave the kids behind and just bring the wife.. then again, why deny the kids the chance to see a real Universal park in addition to the best Disney resort on Earth?
Originally Posted By dagobert Is the Universal Resort in Japan owned by Universal Studios or is it operated under a licencing agreement like TDR?
Originally Posted By leemac <<Is the Universal Resort in Japan owned by Universal Studios or is it operated under a licencing agreement like TDR?>> It is effectively a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs (they own the majority of the share capital) as they snapped up the stock when the group was floundering back in '05 or so.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>It is effectively a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs (they own the majority of the share capital) as they snapped up the stock when the group was floundering back in '05 or so.<<< Thanks for the answer. So is USJ somehow affiliated to Universal Studios. Isn't the Orlando resort owned by Blackstone? Does the movie studio wholly own any of the resorts? I know that US Hollywood is owned by them since it is a real working studio.
Originally Posted By leemac <<So is USJ somehow affiliated to Universal Studios. Isn't the Orlando resort owned by Blackstone?>> NBC-U has always had a policy of licensing theme parks wherever possible (using the exact same model as Disney did with OLC). They were never prepared to invest in the capital construction costs. Blackstone Group used to own 50% of the resort (typical PE play - theme parks are hugely cash generative once built) but sold out to NBC-U pending the closure of the Comcast deal. USF has a lot of outstanding debt that has been used to fund development and Comcast have also reorganised their debt structure. USJ was a basketcase when it opened - massive cost overruns and attendance numbers collapsed after the initial rush which led to GS stepping in.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>Hmmm, now the question is when is the best time to go?<< I was there a few years ago in early/mid-June, and it was great. Warm temperatures, but not hot yet, and the parks were deserted. I assume schools weren't out yet (when I visited ~15 year ago we saw all the kids in uniform on summer break in July, which didn't happen this time), which really helped with the crowds. I think I was also there on a weekday, but I'm not sure. I don't know if it was a fluke, or if it's always like that, but if you can manage to time it like that, you'll have a great trip!
