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erwin
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Editor Pick

Tanabata Matsuri at Tokyo Disneyland

Tanabata Matsuri at Tokyo Disneyland

During the first week of July, the Japanese celebrate Tanabata Matsuri, or Star Festival. From what my friends tell me, Star Festival most closely resembles Valentine’s Day. We had the good fortune of spending Star Festival at the Tokyo Disney Resort.

The festival gets its mythology from two star-crossed lovers, Altair and Vega. Other descriptions reveal that Tanabata Matsuri is based on a Chinese story where two stars, which lie on opposite ends of our galaxy, meet only once a year. But my favorite festival story features a girl named Orihime, who did nothing but weave cloth for the gods. Her father, worried that she had no other interests, introduced her to Kengyu, a cowherder who lived on the other side of the river (or galaxy). Instantly, the two fell in love and spent all of their waking hours together. But as a result, the cows fell ill and the gods no longer had clothes to wear. So the two lovers were separated, and were only allowed to cross the river once a year.

The Japanese began a tradition of making a wish for clear skies on Tanabata Matsuri so that the two lovers could meet. By writing the wish on a piece of paper and hanging it on a tree, the wish could come true. Eventually, the festival tradition evolved and people would write their own wishes on a piece of paper and hang it up. In addition, young women will dress up in their finest kimonos to celebrate what is considered a very romantic day.

Tokyo Disneyland celebrates this festival in a unique way by having Cast Members, dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos, direct guests to a kiosk with colorful, star-shaped paper. We all wrote wishes on our pieces of paper and hung them on a board in the middle of World Bazaar, along with thousands of other guests’ wishes. All day, we spotted women in kimonos and wearing geta, wooden sandals. Considering how I never traipse across a theme park without my trusty tennis shoes, I marveled at how these ladies effortlessly walked around in teetering sandals.

Try to visit on a day where you can witness Japanese culture in person. Our trip to Tokyo Disneyland is all the more memorable because of this unique and interesting experience.

From journal Tokyo Disneyland - The Japanese House of Mouse

Editor Pick

Western River Railroad - Tokyo Disneyland

Western River Railroad - Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland differs from the other Disney Magic Kingdom-style theme parks in one major way. It does not operate a railroad that encircles the park. Unlike Disneyland or Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland restricts its railroad to traverse most of Westernland, the Japanese version of Frontierland, segments of Adventureland and Critter Country.

Apparently, any railroad in Japan which sports more than one station must adhere to code requirements. As a solution, the Western River Railroad stops only once, to load and unload guests. For guests expecting a respite from walking while riding to their next destination, the Western River Railroad will not provide transportation to other areas. However, the ride around Westernland does allow one to sit back and take in the scenes from America’s woodlands.

We found the split-level boarding station at the back of Westernland and embarked on our journey. Like its American cousins, Western River Railroad passed an Indian village, complete with teepees. Prairie dogs and a very realistic looking animatronic dog greeted us as we rolled by. We watched canoes full of guests paddle laboriously across the river, and witnessed runaway trains careen through Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The train afforded us a close up view of Splash Mountain as we glided past its final drop, complete with rushing water and guest screams.

Not to disappoint dinosaur fans, the Western River Railroad also treats its passengers to a glimpse of the Primeval World. The 12 minute round trip ended back at the Westernland train station.

For guests short on time, I would not recommend spending time on this attraction unless you wanted to experience attractions not found in other Disney theme parks. As rides go, this one will not raise the hair on your neck and will appeal mostly to young children or tired adults. Our reaction? After we disembarked, we looked at each other, shrugged, and headed toward the Enchanted Tiki Room.

From journal Tokyo Disneyland - The Japanese House of Mouse

Editor Pick

Mickey Mouse Revue - Tokyo Disneyland

For Disney history buffs, like myself, the Mickey Mouse Revue thoroughly entertained me, if not purely for the nostalgia. Children will appreciate this cute show. However, thrill-seeking teenagers will not react well to the 9.5 minute show which does not feature any special effects, dips, drops or high speed chases.

Nonetheless, we made an effort to see this show more than once because of its uniqueness. Today, in the 21st century, this attraction only exists in Tokyo Disneyland. Back in the 1970s, one could find this adorable show in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Sadly, the powers that be closed the attraction in 1980. However, in true Disney recycling fashion, the show reappeared in 1983 in Tokyo.

We filed into a pre-show area which featured paintings of Mickey Mouse in costumes from his various film appearances including Steamboat Willie. From this area, we moved into a screening room where we watched an 8-minute presentation of animation history.

Finally, we moved into the large theatre with rows of seat. As we marched in, we gazed at the stage, which featured a red curtain emblazoned with dramatic masks of a happy Mickey and a sad Mickey, representing comedy and tragedy. Two smaller stages to the right and left of the large central stage also featured red curtains.

As the show started, the curtain rose and we watched Mickey Mouse start to conduct an orchestra of Disney characters. Dumbo, Pluto, Rabbit, Baloo, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and others all assembled onstage to present renditions of favorite Disney songs.

Later, Fifer, Fiddler, and Practical Pigs, also known as the Three Little Pigs, performed “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf”. Following, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs sang their pieces. Alice, surrounded by flowers from the enchanted garden performed, as well as the Three Caballeros. Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother presented their song, ending with an animated featurette of Cinderella and Prince Charming dancing.

The various characters, some common and some obscure, really appealed to me. Where else could I see Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Country Mouse, City Mouse, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear, Jaq, Gus and several other characters all assembled in one place? Children around us sang and clapped along with the music. The show’s finale culminated in all 81 animatronic figures playing onstage.

I hope that this attraction can entertain generations to come but if the recent closing of Cinderella’s Mystery Castle is any indication of Tokyo Disneyland’s direction regarding older shows, I’m afraid Mickey Mouse Revue’s days are numbered. Nevertheless, make an effort to stop by. No, you won’t see state of the art technology, nor will you hear digital quality sound. But you will experience one of Walt Disney’s first concepts, and a rarity indeed.

From journal Tokyo Disneyland - The Japanese House of Mouse

Editor Pick

Tokyo Disneyland

  • June 26, 2006
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Hotcurrie from Perth, Australia
Tokyo Disneyland

I've been to Disneyland Anaheim and whilst each of the themed lands in Tokyo Disney are the same as Anaheim, the overall park was cleaner and better maintained, the staff were helpful (even with the language barrier), the food was of a higher quality, and the queue system is much better. Admittedly, I was in Anaheim in 1999 and they may now have this, but the Fast Pass system in Tokyo Disney (and DisneySea) is excellent. It allows you—for no extra cost—to book your time to go on the rides. Some of the rides, such as Space Mountain and The Pirates of the Caribbean didn't even have a line.

World Bazaar
This is the first land you come to as it is immediately inside the main gates. There are no rides in World Bazaar, just shops and restaurants. However you do get a great view castle.

Adventureland

  • The Pirates of the Caribbean is a water ride, where you won't get wet, but where you will see the some real pirates who sing "Dead Men Tell No Tales" in Japanese...clever pirates.

  • Jungle Cruise; venture deep into the mysterious, danger filled jungles.

  • Western River Railroad; climb aboard a real steam train for a trip around the wilderness.

  • Swiss Family Treehouse; an actual tree house based on the Swiss Family movie.


    • Westernland
    The old American frontier. There are several interesting things to do here;
  • The Mark Twain Riverboat; enjoy a leisurely trip around Westernland aboard this old style paddle river boat.

  • Big Thunder Mountain; venture onto this roller coaster themed as a mine train, for an action packed ride.

  • Westernland Shootin' Gallery; buy 10 shots for 200yen and see what sort of sharp shooter you are.

  • Tom Sawyer Island Raft; in the centre of the lagoon is Tom Sawyer Island. The only way to get to the island is via a log raft.


    • Critter Country
  • Splash Mountain; the water ride where you do get wet.

  • Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes; paddle around the lagoon dodging riverboats and other river traffic. Don't expect a leisurely cruise down the river, you actually have to paddle the canoes.


    • Fantasyland
  • Castle Carousel; ride 1 of 90 hand painted horses.

  • It's A Small World - listening to the song "It's a Small World" being sung in Japanese is an experience in itself!


    • Toontown
    Home to Mickey and all the gang, this is one zany town where anything can happen.
  • Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin; Steer and spin a cartoon cab for a wild chase through the back alleys of Toontown.

  • Minnie's House - Mickey's House and Meet Mickey; Explore Mickey's home and Movie Barn, then visit with Mickey in person on the set of one of his films.


    • Getting There: from Tokyo station take the Keiyo Line (Red) to Miahama station. From here you can walk to Disneyland or take the Disney Train, from the nearby station, to DisneySea.

    How Much: Adults Day Passport ¥5,500 , 2 Day Passport ¥9,800.

    For more, visit my website: www.shanecurrie.id.au

    From journal Sightseeing Japan

    Tokyo Disneyland

    • March 6, 2005
    • Rated 5 of 5 by ~backpacker~ from Melbourne, Australia
    Disneyland is great! When you enter, you can see all the Disney characters walking around! Then you see the castle in the background; it's amazing! There are so many rides and attractions here; it's awesome. One day was so not enough time!

    The only bad thing is waiting for rides, but there's this cool thing you can use with your ticket called a FAST PASS. It'll explain it all in your brochures.

    Later on at night, there's the light parade, and it's really amazing how its done. Be careful so you don't get lost, since it's so big!! (I did!)

    ~Great Memories~

    From journal Trip to Japan!

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