Originally Posted By Mr X ***The Spirit hates to answer a question this way, but it is the honest answer: I don't know*** I'll venture a guess, with a caveat. My guess is they simply felt anything more elaborate was unnecessary because the standards for facilities around Japan and even in modern parts of Tokyo is far below that of most of North America to begin with. Particularly in smaller establishments, but also often in mall complexes and the like, restrooms tend to be tiny and cheap looking, and some places (like train stations) don't even provide toilet paper. Many places have no means for drying your hands, and you are often faced with the dilemma of having to use one of those bizarre squatty toilets...the experience is often more akin to using an outhouse or port-o-potty in America. So, to sum up, I would guess the excuse is that they don't need to provide anything more, because it's simply not expected. On the other hand, my caveat would be that I've also seen some really awesome, upscale facilities at high end places...elaborate fixtures, expensive toiletries provides, and of course those ultra-modern robo-toilets that were invented in Japan and basically do everything up to and including warming your seat, warming the bowl water in case you get splashed (yuck), and even washing your ass for you...quite the opposite from the primitive squatty things you so often see in more generic or small places (and, by the way, backstage at TDR as well!). So, there you have it. They certainly COULD'VE gone upscale if they wanted to, but it seems the clientele doesn't really expect or demand it (and compared to any other amusement park or other similar place, TDR's are quite acceptable as they are clean and well maintained).
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<... not to mention pirates chasing women.>> I loved that. That's what Pirates did. This PC crap is absurd (worse in the real world where we molest children and elderly at airports, but don't profile potential terrorists). Having Pirates chasing turkey legs or having the wenches chase them is just dumb. <<There's a very clear view of the Official Hotels while you're on Raging Spirits in TDS, and it seems totally unnecessary, as all they needed to do was extent the already-extensive walls they put up around most of the attraction.>> Yep. I realize I haven't talked much (on this board) about the amazing, mind-blowing experience that is TDS ... but I did do Raging Spirits 3-4 times (always single rider or walk on) and the highlight definitely was being able to see out of the park and resort (much like the Indy coaster in Paris). <<Did the Spirit notice how cleverly the monorail was hidden from view from TDS, even when you're looking out into Tokyo Bay?>> He sure did. He never saw the monorail from TDS at all.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***He sure did. He never saw the monorail from TDS at all*** You never walked around the S.S. Columbia, then?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Interesting thoughts on toilets, X. I guess I'm not the only LP Spirit that is full of sh... nevermind. ;-) But I do think your 'splanation makes sense in large measure. Although I'd say the same things largely apply in China and HKDL has huge facilities with great soap, paper towels and airblade dryers. So, maybe I don't agree as much as I thought ... dunno ... think I need a restroom run! ;-)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ***He sure did. He never saw the monorail from TDS at all*** <<You never walked around the S.S. Columbia, then?>> Only at night ... we dined in the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge (our best park dining and drinking experience) ... and didn't see the monorail when out walking on it at all. Saw the boats on Tokyo Bay ... and the bridge with the missing chunk in it and even one of those giant Ferris wheels (they sure are popular there) ... but no monorail.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***HKDL has huge facilities with great soap, paper towels and airblade dryers*** Glad to know they spent money on SOMETHING, at least! Too bad they didn't cut back on the airblades and build us a few more RIDES instead. ;p
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Saw the boats on Tokyo Bay ... and the bridge with the missing chunk in it and even one of those giant Ferris wheels (they sure are popular there) ... but no monorail*** It's pretty well tucked away, even from up there (and I can see why you didn't notice it at night)...you pretty much have to look straight down, but it's not completely out of sight. I must say I was VERY impressed the first couple of times I was at DisneySea, as I was actively looking for the thing and never noticed it either! (you CAN see the very top of the cars from street level, just a bit, if you happen to be looking out towards the bay from the bridge or Cape Cod when it passes by, but even so it's very well done the way they hid it!)
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< quite the opposite from the primitive squatty things you so often see in more generic or small places (and, by the way, backstage at TDR as well!). >>> Since CM's are prohibited from using on-stage restrooms, are you telling me that all TDR CM's must squat one out (if the need should arise at work) backstage and don't have the option of a western toilet?
Originally Posted By Mr X No, as in many malls and other places, only some of the toilets are squatters. And there are some decent bathrooms back there as well, even some private ones, and X knew exactly where to find them at all times!
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Thanks again, although I'd love to know where/when I was certified as a 'doom and gloomer' ... I really think I am very fair about most things.<<< You hang out with me. I rub off, I guess.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>> Nah. Studios never had a masterplan and it shows. Those types of parks also take advantage of the conceit that you are going 'behind the scenes' and that way you can have amazingly detailed areas like Sunset Blvd. and then plain soundstage-like buildings ... TDL has some transition issues, but nothing like what you see at Studio parks.<<< Oh, God. DHS is worse? Something tells me that Tokyo DL won't bother me at all, then. (yeah, right. LOL )
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I loved that. That's what Pirates did. This PC crap is absurd (worse in the real world where we molest children and elderly at airports, but don't profile potential terrorists).<<< But you said you had Homeland Security on your Cell..... ...Wait, I'm making things worse for myself, right?
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>>Thanks again, although I'd love to know where/when I was certified as a 'doom and gloomer' ... I really think I am very fair about most things.<<< Never said it was a fair or reasonable certification. Just one you seem to have been given. Well, and you do hang out with EE..... >>>Only 70 Christi?!??! What's up with that? Are you taking bathroom breaks? Sleeping? Making snow moose? (Sorry, don't know what you do for fun in ND!)<<< You have to know that there is a HUGE difference between scanning the threads while my family descends into chaos around me, and actually being allowed to focus on what I am reading and formulate a coherent response. Banter I can whip off with my brain on auto pilot! But the effort you put into these topics deserves more than skimming and a few quips. I'll post photos of the ND snow moose later....
Originally Posted By Christi22222 BTW, do I get some sort of award or medal for getting Spirit to say, "I don't know?!"
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>Wow. That was so well said. I almost felt the bile down here in paradise<< lol! Not sure if inspiring bile is a compliment. Guess I got my point across, though!
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< No, as in many malls and other places, only some of the toilets are squatters. >>> Thank God. I thought for a moment that I was going to have to remove "TDR CM" from my bucket list.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<You hang out with me. >> The Spirit is with everyone who believes in the MAGIC of Disney ... all those with a dream in their hearts ... <<I rub off, I guess.>> You should see a dermatologist about that, it's a bit gross ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Oh, God. DHS is worse?>> TPFKaTD-MGMS shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as TDL. <<Something tells me that Tokyo DL won't bother me at all, then. (yeah, right. LOL ) >> Well, when you get there we can discuss it. ~Fanboi Royalty~
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>Thanks again, although I'd love to know where/when I was certified as a 'doom and gloomer' ... I really think I am very fair about most things.<<< <<Never said it was a fair or reasonable certification. Just one you seem to have been given. Well, and you do hang out with EE..... >> Labels can be terrible burdens to carry. Good thing I have strong shoulders (but no baby-making hips). As to hanging out with Young Explorer, I do that to help the poor boy's self esteem and try and get him to kick his pixie dust fix ... he has it bad, pintrading, plush buying, Wishes crying baaaaad ... very sad. >>>Only 70 Christi?!??! What's up with that? Are you taking bathroom breaks? Sleeping? Making snow moose? (Sorry, don't know what you do for fun in ND!)<<< <<You have to know that there is a HUGE difference between scanning the threads while my family descends into chaos around me, and actually being allowed to focus on what I am reading and formulate a coherent response. Banter I can whip off with my brain on auto pilot! But the effort you put into these topics deserves more than skimming and a few quips.>> I appreciate that. I haven't added much of substance the past few days because of my own homefront issues. Although I'm starting to (gulp ... gasp ... choke) look into dates for headed upstate (although I'm also looking at a quick cruise to veg out and relax on too). <<I'll post photos of the ND snow moose later.... >> Don't tease me!
