Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>pitapan16, don't let TDLFAN's report in any way influence you. He is looking at this from the viewpoint of someone who's been to the park a zillion times and has the entire place memorized. YOU, on the other hand, will be blown away by both parks--simply the best you've ever seen.<< Very TRUE! TDL and TDS continue to be the verybest of the Disney parks out there, and the reason why I am commenting here is simply because this particualr day at the park seemed quite out of the ordinary in terms of the usual and constant near-perfection I experience at TDR. Even if TDL slipped a bit below their normal quality, it would still be a much much much better park than what the MK is today. That is a fact!
Originally Posted By TDRboy38 Truth be told, when something gets too good it gets hard to keep it that way. In the early years, even up to my first year in Japan(1995) the park would be closed two days a week for a good chunk of time in the winter season. They would spend those daytime hours all around the park giving everything a makeover. Now, that makeover time is resticted to overnight time only. With guest demand wanting a 7day option to plan their vacations, the closed days faded off in 97 if I remember correct. Anyway, just consider this please.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I would concider that, however.. TDR has always excelled in keeping their parks top notch even with a 7-day 9-10pm scheduled. Now concider this.. Most parks at WDW operate 9am-5/7/8/9pm and still look way below standards met by TDR. Concider further that the regular operating hours at TDR are similar to what those at WDW during busy periods. In other words... I don't think that a busier schedule affects the quality of the park. What's happening is that OLC, like WDC, is beginning to get cheap and apparently not working as hard as they have been for the past 20-some yrs. THAT is what I am affraid of..
Originally Posted By pheneix >>>I believe the real decent began a couple of years ago when OLC lowered it's starting wage by around a dollar an hour...<<< This stands out to me. They LOWERED the starting wage? And HOW this is supposed to make that theme park a more desirable employer? I would dearly love to know the justification they used to make that change.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj << This stands out to me. They LOWERED the starting wage? And HOW this is supposed to make that theme park a more desirable employer? I would dearly love to know the justification they used to make that change. >> Considering that Japan has been in an economic depression for the past 15 years or so and they have had rampant deflation, it doesn't seem all that out of whack that wages would be lowered. If the overall economy is deflating, so would starting wages. Only in the past year or so has Japan shown any signs of coming out of their economic slump.
Originally Posted By pheneix Its true that Japan's economy is pretty much a gloriied train wreck, but TDR has pretty much existed in its own little bubble throughout the downturn. They found ways to grow their business, and they grew it significantly. To lower starting wages like that can only do damage to the reputation of a resort with the prestige of Tokyo Disney (although it appears that as far as the cast experience goes it is just like any other theme park). If there are guest service issues starting to appear at TDR, then you can probably draw the line at where it started right there. No employer is going to be able to be as selective in their hiring process if they don't offer a competitive wage, especially if they offered a higher wage in the past.
Originally Posted By paulyahoo I'm in Japan right now and after spending three full days in TDR I noticed enough maintenance problems. Way too many places both in TDL and TDS are cracked, rusted, peeled or broken. Also many CMs are not much enthusiastic as was the case during my first visit to Tokyo almost two years ago. On the other hand, USJ is good as new and very nice. By the way, is TDS TOT really tamed down if compare it with the DCA one? I was quite surprised after ride on Raging Spirits, because this DLP coaster was slowed down to the point of being boring and unexciting, so I wonder what they did with the TOT.
Originally Posted By Roger55 I totally believe TDS'ToT is toned down in comparison to DCA's. Last November, I rode both ToTs within days of each other. Smoothness is completely program dependant because the ride systems are identical. I have also noticed Indy, BTM and SM at TDR seem toned down in comparison to DL. JMO.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan I'm glad Raging Spirits was toned down. It was so rough that it hurt my head every time I rode it. Reason why I absolutely hate going on Indy over at Disneyland Paris. Raging Spirits is hopefully, much more smoother now.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan In regards to the maintenance issues, I sure hope they get their act together. Keep in mind that some parts of the parks are meant to look rusted or cracked, but I guess that's probably not the case here.
Originally Posted By paulyahoo << some parts of the parks are meant to look rusted or cracked, but I guess that's probably not the case here. >> Yes, I can differ real problems from themed areas. I meant for example faded and cracked pavements which used to be freshly painted, also metal structures in and around Aquatopia need serious refurbishment.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan Here's hoping that they fix all the problems soon and go back to their original level of upkeep and maintenance. Maybe it's only a phase?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Still.. even at this point in time... TDR is still a much better maintanined park than those at WDW or DLP. But they can do better.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan Maybe these problems need to be brought to the attention of upper management (maybe by many guest complaints) so they can do something about it. Perhaps they think that these little things aren't such a big deal.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney ^^^Yeah, I guess during the Pressler days, that's how it started as well. Chip paint here, a broken light bulb there, in the scheme of things no big deal and probably 95% of the guests never notice it.....but as we ALL know after awhile, you get too comfortable letting the 'little things' slide too often, they start turning into the bigger things and guests starts noticing REAL fast. NOT saying this is happening with TDR at all and haven't been there since April, but I think that's what is worrying some.
Originally Posted By paulyahoo << Still.. even at this point in time... TDR is still a much better maintanined park than those at WDW or DLP. >> The question is whether it is worth to travel all the way to TDR. During our visit we almost skipped TDL because of the crowds and its aging theming (with 1 day at TDL and 3 more at TDS.) I'm not sure right now what will be more interesting for me personally after all the changes in Paris: DLP+WDSP+AP perks or TDL+TDS.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>The question is whether it is worth to travel all the way to TDR. During our visit we almost skipped TDL because of the crowds and its aging theming<< Huge mistake to skip. I still beleive this is *THE* park to visit. You go to TDS for the theming and some decent one-of-a-kind rides and show. Then you go to TDL for the entertainment and the classic rides. Theming elements at TDL only apply to areas of Tomorrowland and older areas of Fantasyland. Everything else in the park looks well maintained and basically new when compared to the MK and DLP, which itself is covered in mildew in most visible areas, which is something non-existant at TDL.
Originally Posted By Kayoss <<By the way, is TDS TOT really tamed down if compare it with the DCA one? I was quite surprised after ride on Raging Spirits, because this DLP coaster was slowed down to the point of being boring and unexciting, so I wonder what they did with the TOT.>>> It's not 'tamed'. It's exactly the same ride system as DCA's (although with a slightly different drop sequence). The reason it FEELS so different is the simple fact that you are required to wear a lap bar across your shoulder which connects to the seatbelt (much like a car would have).... a requirement that SIGNIFICANTLY reduces the 'lift out of your seat' stomach feeling, as you remain firmly in your seat via the shoulder strap the whole time. By FAR the weakest thrill factor of the 3 TOT's, but probably much more appropriate for the demographic (who, judging by the reactions of people over a week, seemed all smiles/freakouts & very satisfied). Also, it makes the ride MUCH more family friendly. You could probably take a small child on it, and they wouldn't know you were 'dropping' since the motion is so smooth, and it's so dark. Yeah, there's the window part... okay But basically.... my point is, it's much more encompassing now for all ages. It's story, exterior design, and preshow is BY FAR my favorite of the three, and of the three (DESPITE the lack of the thrill factor) it's overall the most 'satisfying' of the Tower rides. It just has so much more repeatability to me just in the detail of the building, and the single best special effect (in the preshow) I have seen in ANY Disney attraction. I'd say: Disney's Tower of Terror Attractions RATINGS THRILL FACTOR 1) DCA / WDW (tie) DCA's has the smoothest and overall best drop, but WDW has the random drop sequence, so they come out even 3) Tokyo (it's honestly all about 'looking' scary then that pit-of-your-stomach thrill) EXTERIOR 1) Tokyo (duh) 2) WDW (beautifal) 3) DCA (appropriate, but lacking in gardens) LOBBIES 1) Tokyo (unique, and the most detailed) 2) WDW (I like the gothic roof more) 3) DCA (really beautifal too... great work here) PRESHOW 1) Tokyo's preshow shows off the best special effect in Disney park history (in my opinion) with the STUNNING disappearing statue. Everything.... from the crank of the phonograph, to the sound work and non-condecending story is much better then the tounge-in-cheek Twilight Zone theme. Kudos to WDI for making this attraction so different. 3) DCA/WDW - pretty much the same library experence BOILER ROOM/STORAGE AREAS 1) WDW - I prefer the original boiler room here... it's dark... creepy.. and very appropriate 2) Tokyo - Stunning detail and very different theme being the egyptian storage room. Something different at all 6 loading doors make this stunning space have extreamly high re-rideability. AWESOME! 3) DCA - Although grand and detailed and filled with cool effects, sculpture and sound work... the lighting sceme is much too 'cartoony' (it's almost identical to the lighting in the cue for Roger Rabbit) and I feel should be changed to a much darker/flickery/creepy scheme. Otherwise, the room is beautifal. THE RIDE ITSELF: 1) WDW - Still the best. The 5th Dimension Room is an original... and in my opinion turns WDW's version into a true 'dark ride' (even if a very short one) 2) Tokyo - I prefer the altered DCA scenes and their improved effects to DCA's 3) DCA - Improved effects from WDW, but missing the 5th dimension, and not quite as slick as Tokyo's OVERALL: 1) Tokyo 2) WDW 3) DCA WDW's actual ride will always be the best, and DCA's is probably the most 'thrilling', but for overall experience, Tokyo's did it the most for me. It's WDI at their finest....a giddy, shameless feast of effects and showmanship. A triple E ticket all the way.
Originally Posted By leemac <<It's not 'tamed'. It's exactly the same ride system as DCA's (although with a slightly different drop sequence). >> Kayoss that isn't true at all. The "ride systems" (ie. the elevator conveyance and control itself) are Japanese-built. It is exceptionally difficult to import elevators into Japan and so WDI/OLC opted for a Osaka-based manufacturer to build the system for TDS. And it does have a "tamer" ride profile at the request of OLC.
