tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25297469169453912292024-03-13T10:33:48.044-07:00The Daydream is the RealityTHE DAYDREAM IS THE REALITY Follows married couple Arthur and Eric on their various adventures!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-24567875991939869392017-03-21T19:22:00.004-07:002017-03-25T12:44:47.747-07:00Lavish French Rococo and a Beast Rather than dwelling on how long it has been since my last post, I am going to jump right back in. Eric lived in China for 4.5 months as he opened Shanghai Disneyland. I went out there to see him twice. The second visit was for the Grand Opening. We then traveled to both Beijing and Hong Kong. Both experiences were more than amazing!<br />
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What inspired me to return to a key board while not at work? ...Disney's latest, Beauty and the Beast.<br />
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This new "spin" on Disney's own classic takes the core of the enchanted tale and fills in gaps we didn't know were missing. Nay sayers might argue that no one was asking for these very minor plot holes to be explained, so why mess with it? I was in that same boat until last month, I watched the preview at Disney California Adventure. Seeing the "Belle" number hooked me in and I found myself counting the days down to March 17th.<br />
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Along with our two friends Jimmy and Erin, we jumped on the craze and bought tickets two weeks early! Flash forward to when the four of us started our evening at a small location in Garden Grove, California called "Sabrosa", a Mexican restaurant. Upon being seated at 8:10 PM, after quite a lengthy wait, we learned that this place was featured on the FoodNetwork. We felt because of that fact we were in for an impressive meal. The server was already "wowing" us with her outgoing and welcoming personality. Surely we'd be dining in a short time and out the door for our 9:45 PM movie. We had reserved theater seating in recliners, so we didn't need to queue up for the show.<br />
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It seemed we were a bit ahead of ourselves as we assumed the night would go smoothly. Don't get me wrong. The night was still a success, but the cooking time of the food was obnoxiously long. It was close to 9 PM when we were finally brought our food. We had to shovel it down so quickly. I ordered Sopes (So-Pez), an elaborate type of tostada with a thicker and softer "shell" filled with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and jalapeños. My dish, as with the others, came with the standard rice and beans. Eric ordered chicken enchiladas which he said were quite tasty. Maybe we will try it again when it isn't a Saturday Date Night.<br />
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The four of us made it to our theater seats just in time with our very full stomachs. Excitement filled the theater as the 25 minutes worth of trailers played. Too many trailers!<br />
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I was very intrigued by the style chosen and attention to detail during the Prologue. The aesthetic for the Prince, his castle, and fellow party attendees were over the top, as I would have imagined for that time period (assuming Rococo). The Narrator mentioning the Prince had taxed his subjects for his lavish lifestyle was VERY of the times. That behavior cost Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's heads to literally roll in the city of Paris! Rather than a rolling head, someone had a different plan for him, a lesson.<br />
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From there, we find ourselves being led down a familiar path, but with more vibrancy than before. The original animated feature is nothing short of amazing. But, this retelling has an enhanced story. Not only is Belle an outsider, she is downright bullied by the town. The song "Belle" isn't the bouncy opener as it is in the animated film. Shouting out with an angry face of malice, "SHE'S NOTHING LIKE THE REST OF US!" comes across in a different way here. I was surprised to even see her tormented in the street, in a later scene. She in turn has a few thoughts on her village, referring to the inhabitants as being "LITTLE...people" and small minded. Belle isn't merely bored here, nothing about the place or people stimulates her at all.<br />
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To further show the more mature additions, there is the new song called "Days in the Sun". This addition really gives you a better sense of the peril that the household servants and the Beast are experiencing. For those fellow Broadway fans, I do realize that the stage musical has a similar song, "Human Again". This film chose to convey that plight in a different way. This live action film creates a tone showing that whatever the outcome, it will be infinite. Furthermore; the scene where Maurice and Felipe are trying to outrun wolves. I found myself thinking, "Is Felipe going to get a chunk bitten out of him!?" The scene is filmed with a much higher sense of danger. We know the outcome, but it had me on edge.<br />
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At first I was pretty indifferent regarding the Beast and his look. Knowing about all the motion capture and stilt walking really ruined that portion of the film for me. I noticed I was thinking about the special effects a little too much. But then, Belle is at Beast's aid, he starts to show some likeability when he makes fun of Romeo and Juliet. Suddenly, I was invested in him! Maybe that is the point of that scene and I fell for it. Dan Stevens becomes almost adorable as the Beast and at least for me, I started to see him as a real person. I totally fell for it! But, I must add that his CGI wasn't always the best. The hair on his face felt more believable for close-ups. When his body filled the shot, it just seemed odd.<br />
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The "Beauty and the Beast" dance scene was a highlight for me. Even today, as I saw it a second time, I was getting emotional! (OMG, that is embarrassing to admit) In the first few camera shots, Emma Watson has to gracefully but quickly promenade around the Beast while holding her skirt fully extended, away from her right side. As she swoops around him the camera moves tightly in yet shifts in the opposite circular direction of their spin. That was pure choreographic magic. There is also a dance lift amongst twinkling points of light that really cements their trust. One might complain the scene lacks the more dramatic sweeps and descends of the camera, found in the animated film. However; when the camera does finally swoop upward, we visually learn where Mrs. Pott's accompaniment comes from. We see instruments sculpted in high relief, come to life.<br />
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When Belle leaves to Maurice, as we knew she would, the emotion of doom starts to well up inside. Though a slow build up, you're invested in the various characters' happiness. Remember, we've been introduced to the servants' hopes, and loves for the last 60 minutes. As an audience, we start to forget how the story is going to end and the suspense takes over.<br />
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Leaving the theater I was asked what I thought. Our little group was quick to voice their likes or hates for the film. I was pretty quiet. There is a lot to take in. I feel one might ask himself a few immediate questions.... "Which version is better?", "Do I divorce myself from the 1991 film?", or even "Why did they ruin what they have?" My take is that you have to think of them independently. Comparing them is too tiring to the extent that we start to lose the point of either film. The main objective is to be entertained. We really need to be uplifted now, even if just for 2 hours, so that we may destress. This movie does exactly that for me and I hope it does for you.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-31893114622034827982015-10-21T19:29:00.001-07:002015-10-24T09:32:32.300-07:00Cirque Reinvents Steampunk<div>
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As a child I recall friends always telling me to make a wish when the clock hit certain times of the day. If the clock showed your birthday, (i.e. 2:25) for February 25th, you'd wish for more toys of course! Or, noticing the clock was sequential at 1:23 might mean you would have good luck that day.</div>
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What about "11:11"? It is a more popular symbol in the subject of New Age or Numerology. It is at 11:11 when the story of Cirque du Soleil's newest show Kurios begins. 11:11, allegedly a time of perfect synchronicity or heightened awareness can open the mind to what is possible. In Cirque's show it is a signal for a parallel universe to open up and maybe travel through that portal.<br>
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Lucky for us, the show is only playing about two miles away from us in Costa Mesa, California. So when we scored our very last minute tickets, it wasn't a hassle at all to get to the tent site. When walking toward the Big Top I get the same feeling as when walking toward a Disney Park castle. It really is an icon to all that see it. The tent reaches toward the night sky while proudly flying the various country flags that represent their performers. I suddenly felt like a kid!<br>
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The first time I saw a Cirque show in 1996 I was so impressed with how well they keep the grounds at the Big Top. Take the personal facilities. The restrooms aren't dark, dreary out houses that smell like last year's trash. And, the background music is always a nice touch to create an exciting atmosphere. They have a lovely merchandise and concession tent that housed some great product, themed specifically to the show. No glow sticks or sparkling swords would be found for sale here.<br>
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Once inside the main tent, the show's overall tone is set quickly. The stage, full of set pieces that have a Steampunk or Jules Verne theme (there is a bust of him on the stage). Right at the center of the stage is a clock, set on the 11th hour. And, there are three odd looking robots wandering about on the stage. As this is taking place, beneath the large brass gears that connect the stage's machinery to the top of the tent, the large clock changes the time from 11:04 to 11:05.<br>
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We found that our 40% off seats did not exactly mirror the map that was shown to us online. We were sat a little more to the side than expected and only one seat was to Eric's left. Still, the stage is a lot closer than one would think. Most of the row ahead of us was empty and even the seats to our right were too. At some point we would move more toward the center, at least after intermission. As the anticipation builds, more spectators enter, and the clock slowly ticks closer to 11:11.</div>
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As we waited for the show we noticed the central character, a scientist, begin to move about the stage and make adjustments to his machinery. Eric made an interesting point about the scientist and his robots. One robot was bronze in color, not human in any way, and looked aged. A second had a tad more color, and a little more personality to his mannerisms. A third robot had the characteristics of the second, but also had legs. Eric thinks, and I agree, that the first robot i described was the first he invented. The scientist appeared to have more camaraderie with his first invention, possibly for sentimental reasons. <br>
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When the clock did strike 11:11 we could hear a whistle and bells to our immediate left. A miniature train held up by performers made it's tracks directly behind us and continued through the main aisle as it shone it's strong headlight into the tent's darkness. Following the train were the band members playing their drums, violin, and cello. The lead singer was also with them and she joyfully vocalized with the melody. But, where was the train headed? And, who else was riding aboard this train? <br>
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Still in his lab, hanging with his inventions, the protagonist of this story might want to be aboard that train. He didn't have a train, but instead created a machine that could transport him to another realm. The scientist flips his switch and as electrical currents flash throughout the tent, a portal appears up near the tent's roof. Coming down through the portal we see odd looking characters descending into the stage, this "cabinet of curiosities".<br>
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In case you haven't seen a show by this company, this is the sort of world Cirque aims to create. Here, maybe they are asking the audience, "Where do you want to go and what do you wish see?" And.....maybe I am completely wrong! This scientist found his solution and they invite us to find ours. The show then becomes a little more abstract as they transition from circus act to clowning, then back to acrobatics. <br>
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One of the performances that stood out was an elaborate act of chair balancing. This act began with a dinner party onstage covered in a fancy spread. The characters are communicating in jibberish or "cirquish". They all stand from their seats during what appears to be an intense conversation. One of the men jumped onto the lavish table. After motioning to his pal to hand him a chair, he begins balancing on it and others at various heights. As he holds impressive poses atop the chairs, we begin to see the exact same scene start to play out above, protruding out of the portal. The difference with this second scene (everyone is wearing the exact same outfit as those below) is that it is upside down, appearing to be a mirror. <br>
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The artist up above were attach to well hidden wires that allowed them to stand upside down. Even their clothing had been manufactured so that gravity had no affect on loose articles. It was a very interesting sight to watch as both balancing men mirrored one another. The image was equivalent to tall trees alongside a huge lake while the water reflected back a perfect image.</div>
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The show's music seems to be a hybrid of Jazz, Rock, and Classical. This show steered clear of the tribal sounding music from recent shows like "Totem" or "Ovo". The choice to stick with this jazzy sound is a breath of fresh air. The company has an excellent range of soundtracks, but when Kurios came along it was clear that a musical change was needed. I like the director's choice to stage the show in such a way that various musicians get to join acrobats on the stage. I don't think I have seen a cello played while being hauled around the Big Top stage and through the audience. The singer, named Eirini Torrneskim, is from Crete. She has a powerful voice that takes the melody to a heightened level. Another positive observance about the music is that I noticed people bobbing their heads and foot tapping to beat. The only other time I saw something like this for a Cirque show was during show "Love" in Las Vegas. At "Love", there was even a drunk women dancing in the aisle, but I digress.</div>
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I can't only praise the show. I'm sure those interested want to know what the flaws are. What would I say is flawed about this Steampunk themed show? A theme that felt out of place were the random aquatic characters. Most of the characters had this Victorian/Metallic look about them. Then, you'd have fish show up now and again. The odd costume choice didn't overshadow their incredible talent. And, in sure the creators had their reasons. <br>
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Let's talk about the clown in Kurios. This character was quite fun during the show. I usually mentally check out when it comes to clowns. They've never amused me all that much. This clown in Kurios had some fun with his take on the flea circus illusion. That act was brilliant and unique. He later came out and acted as a cat while an audience member awkwardly sat on a sofa next to him. I can't say that I had seen a Cirque clown do that before, but it went on far too long.<br>
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Let us rewind back to the show's start, the eccentric characters arrive, but then the scientist disappears. It seemed a little odd that we were following his journey, but it wasn't made clear again until intermission. We see the scientist ascend through the portal and we follow him into the clouds. But, I feel like after that happened he got lost amongst the zany characters we discover. Then, at some point, for some reason, he floats back down through the portal at the show's end. Was he sent back? Did he run out of time? This exit from the magical portal must've been for some reason, but we weren't shown. </div>
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Again with the first few show moments, the intro transitions to a juggling act. That stage was crowded with performers. They had purposely staged about eight characters that blocked the juggler as he performed. Eric and I struggled to get a view of the juggler during these moments. Their choreography was a little cute, but we missed out on some cool tricks. (I assume they were cool by the positive audience reaction opposite our side of the stage)<br>
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The finale act, although impressive, felt like it was building up to a huge finish that never happened. It was a Banquine act, where performers toss one another through the air so they may land on their partner's shoulders. Talk about strength and trust! It must take a lot of work, tears, years, even blood to get to their level, but it didn't build up to anything. Eric made a good point. A finale act calls for a high energy piece of music as achieved in the Cirque show "La Nouba". The song for this piece is great, as the whole album is, but it didn't convey that "POW! Let's hit them with all we have" energy. When the song did pick up to a driving electric jazz beat, the act stayed at the previous tempo.<br>
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Notice it's now 11:12. </div>
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Even though Eric and I noticed room for improvement, the show is very solid. Heck! We are seeing it again in a few weeks! I do not think they need to stop what they are doing and retool all of this. Even if I enjoy something I do like to see what it is that can be re-imagined. I won't blindly accept something as great and ignore minor flaws.<br>
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Their tent will call Costa Mesa home for the next few weeks, until November 29th. We obtained tickets through Travel Zoo. I have seen similar deals on the Goldstar app, a favorite of ours. I always tell people to never pay full price for a show or an event. There are some great deals out there if you look hard enough. Eric and I were on the far side of our section, but with that row empty we slid over to seats that were maybe $15-20 more. Because we did move, maybe we saved more than 40 percent? My point is that if you get out and see Kurios, there is no way you won't like it. Great! Now I sound like I turned into a show promoter. </div>
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Oh well. I just want everyone to see it for the experience. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-74358536985436762812015-10-13T13:19:00.000-07:002015-10-13T13:19:06.388-07:00Pumpkins for Halloween!<span id="goog_296151360"></span><span id="goog_296151361"></span><br />
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This past weekend Eric and I ventured out to the mysterious world Arcadia, CA!!! It's a maze of upscale homes and streets lined with massive trees. Adjacent to this neighborhood is the Santa Anita Racetrack, which was our destination for the evening. Our friend Erin had heard of a pumpkin themed event, Rise of the Jack-o- Lanterns, taking place near her home. She invited us along with her boyfriend Jimmy to see what it was all about.<br />
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As with most outings I write about, we didn't pay full price for entry. There are actually a few different ways to find cheap tickets. I definitely know that Goldstar was advertising the event with reduced pricing. For our passes we visited www.therise.org/secretcode and that took us to the site to choose a time. They sell tickets in 15 minutes increments to avoid too much congestion. Now it was time to plan the evening.<br />
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Eric and I absolutely love the Arcadia eatery called Moffet's. They have excellent pot pies. So we chose the 8:15 PM pass and planned to have dinner prior. Fast forward to the day we went, a Sunday, Moffet's was closed. It's a small business, family run, so I guess they were allowed a day off. There were no pot pies to be eaten (sad face). We ended up at BJ's, the antithesis of a small business, but the pizza is definitely satisfying.<br />
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The parking to the pumpkin event was included. Rise of the Jack-o-Lanterns was to take place in the same parking lot. It is important that I mention that the parking lot and entry area was lit by temporary light towers that are loudly run by generators. The "venue" was fenced in by an average sized fence (rent -a -fence) and had a green tarp covering the chain links. As we approached the location it was difficult to see what was going on within. Through the tarps we could make out a lot of orange lights, we assumed they were the lit pumpkins.<br />
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The entry way had a few photo opportunities and was lined with booths selling what one might call "CRAP". In these booths I saw the usual plastic light up swords, light up jewelry, and there was even a light up stick. Eric joked that it resembled a crowd control stick from a Disney park. Although it was all junk, seeing all this made me wish our nephews lived closer so that we could bring then along. I bet they would've wanted the light up pirate sword.</div>
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Their attempt at creating a mood.<br />
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The four of us headed further into this lobby area to the queues that were divided by times. It was still around 7:45 PM, but people had already began to line up in the "bull pin" for our entry time. The 7:45 queue was very long at this point. They were obviously all ready to enter. At this point, all of us were a tad unimpressed with their set up. We began to brainstorm how else this could be done. Erin made an excellent point by saying she'd gladly buy a bottle of water in this heat while we wait. Also, we began to joke around about what market hadn't been tapped for this sort of thing. Think about it for a moment. People are paying to go see pumpkin displays. What else would people pay to see and for which holidays?</div>
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(Light Pollution!!!)<br />
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When it was time to pass into the pumpkin gallery, our tickets were scanned on our iPhones (convenient). Their staff reminded us there were no lines and to keep moving forward. Once we entered the enclosed area, a path that formed a very wide "U", we noticed an issue of light pollution from the surrounding lights.<br />
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The lighting would be our biggest complaint. The entire experience was affected by the flood lights set in the parking and entry areas. The light pollution really ruined a few of the scenes they had created. Too bad there wasn't a way for them to get taller fences or even have this in a tent. The event occurs rain or shine, so a tent definitely would have helped. I hope that maybe in the future they will consider that option. We were hoping for a questionnaire, but we never saw one.</div>
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The larger displays were further away from the wide path while the singular pumpkins were right against the ropes.<br />
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Any OITNB fans?<br />
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Eric brought up a good point that a lot of these images are owned properties and how did they work around legal action. Of course that is something the coordinators need to worry about, not so much the attendees, but it was just something to think about. To name a few, we saw properties such as Orange is the New Black, Disney, and Sesame Street.<br />
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The dinosaurs and Chinese dragon were pretty successful. We liked those because rather than scraping the exterior of the pumpkin, these pumpkins had been fully carved through. There are obviously many ways to bring about a cool design on a pumpkin. Eric and I feel using the more traditional hollowing/carving technique to create a striking scene or image is much more impressive. The difficult part is to get the thin parts of the carved pumpkin to NOT break! Even after saying that, this event definitely has some true talent behind it. Eric and read that the carvers are constantly carving new ones to replace the ones used. It is a lengthy event, all of October.<br />
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Would we recommend Rise of the Jack-o-Lanterns to anyone reading this? It is very cute and kids would definitely love it. I would say one should enter while keeping in mind that these are merely pumpkins, not at Disneyland or Universal Studios where large sets are created. Here they have the designs speaking for themselves with a few areas containing background music. It was festive to see large families out for an innocent Halloween event. I'll add what I feel is an obvious point. This is not a scary or horror filled event, so kids very young can go. We all agreed that it was a nice "been there, done that" outing. If you can get cheap tickets, like we did, you should check it out. It takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on how slowly you walk.</div>
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Halloween is creeping up toward us! Do you have your costumes ready?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-50454562144817198452015-08-29T11:37:00.003-07:002015-10-13T10:54:51.945-07:00Harajuku Girls and Crossing A Massive Street!<span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><br>
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<span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMMk-xzOc0HptVuK3ESviy_m53AN6QIENIhts9cL9sC6vG9DxsmzAjyW13kzsyKka8zONL_N8qsVpzZ6tglaFQ_dXHvqQ5Wu2gHm_y-SafGZY5xWhy_RctTr7VezA8v11_wwiL9Z0Iu8/s640/blogger-image-1659442770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMMk-xzOc0HptVuK3ESviy_m53AN6QIENIhts9cL9sC6vG9DxsmzAjyW13kzsyKka8zONL_N8qsVpzZ6tglaFQ_dXHvqQ5Wu2gHm_y-SafGZY5xWhy_RctTr7VezA8v11_wwiL9Z0Iu8/s640/blogger-image-1659442770.jpg"></a></div><br></div>In a silly way, one of the thoughts that come to mind when
thinking of Harajuku is Gwen Stefani and her old obsession with that style of
fashion. How American is that thought, huh? We looked forward to wildly dressed
Women and Men dressed in what I think looks like “Japanese Punk”. Though some
of that was found in Harajuku, I was disappointed in the low intensity of the
stereotypes. All the travel shows and blogs enticed us with images of what one
might call “shock value”. What Eric and I found in Harajuku was something a
little more structured and serene.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaA0PycQQ5SsZL0Mztiw2TVSrQ5tM3TvNX_h891-lB6vVw5k0K0LehDI6uJ8i0WOGbSSlfBcHT5T3KRcX0oNVzZVNvJN3qho_b-vVXObKmxDji1UJV742WJB39OnkBw5htOelcF0s4Dw/s640/blogger-image-777794768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaA0PycQQ5SsZL0Mztiw2TVSrQ5tM3TvNX_h891-lB6vVw5k0K0LehDI6uJ8i0WOGbSSlfBcHT5T3KRcX0oNVzZVNvJN3qho_b-vVXObKmxDji1UJV742WJB39OnkBw5htOelcF0s4Dw/s640/blogger-image-777794768.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #313643; font-size: xx-small;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">For our stay in Shibuya, Eric and I had a local coffee shop
filled with pastries and food. It was very convenient as it was just around the
corner from the apartment and on the way to the trains. Another thing to
mention was that staying in this area we were generally pretty close to our
destinations. Harajuku was only one stop on the train. With it being so easy to
find, both Eric and I felt like locals. With breakfast at the local café, then
easily hopping onto the train why wouldn’t we?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkzLnTYJARHmi0uh73jCer_vxkehNFPXlgh5LKY3UZmcU6ny6gKWfEL7q6ACtrkRyHjtleYb6vXPODb_XwW4MghOvXNGH8k3XMhwWgPj34n5EelFX3U4Yqz8WIwQhJublIDd75NNLxFg/s640/blogger-image--1402171794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkzLnTYJARHmi0uh73jCer_vxkehNFPXlgh5LKY3UZmcU6ny6gKWfEL7q6ACtrkRyHjtleYb6vXPODb_XwW4MghOvXNGH8k3XMhwWgPj34n5EelFX3U4Yqz8WIwQhJublIDd75NNLxFg/s640/blogger-image--1402171794.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Our first order of business was to get to the Meiji Shrine,
located in a forest of trees, filled with scary spiders. If ever at this spot,
on the walkways to the shrine, make sure to look up when passing through arches
or between two light posts. You’ll will see some large webs. Once you get past
the “eerie chills” of seeing these massive spiders, all is well. Catching a
glimpse of the first Torri gate and shrine, the chill inducing spider images
melted away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvYyG5aEb7IuYGGSzKQN87pCHTaQ52cwKkzLZjTQ8KAGGsUnaClE8VPxI0aNe7RXNglIQ2_0Dk59E7XRzhkMsdXFkGArElWaHiOT_3jsiTMXRohYPkKW45Z9RxigJu2eNosY4sccgqpw/s640/blogger-image--578551936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvYyG5aEb7IuYGGSzKQN87pCHTaQ52cwKkzLZjTQ8KAGGsUnaClE8VPxI0aNe7RXNglIQ2_0Dk59E7XRzhkMsdXFkGArElWaHiOT_3jsiTMXRohYPkKW45Z9RxigJu2eNosY4sccgqpw/s640/blogger-image--578551936.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk-vA3SjIM_6-n-LSH0g0jzB7Hv8_ad1Lg6D5iU_7RCBAVxRECJEVY6fna-tEwhnnxqHGzONb1hpMeSYAQSRNOn-aTMUW-_gzRpwVSR7kckn1YgUZU1N0UQj-h4KfHGl-slKJ2eh2wbU/s640/blogger-image-860993037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk-vA3SjIM_6-n-LSH0g0jzB7Hv8_ad1Lg6D5iU_7RCBAVxRECJEVY6fna-tEwhnnxqHGzONb1hpMeSYAQSRNOn-aTMUW-_gzRpwVSR7kckn1YgUZU1N0UQj-h4KfHGl-slKJ2eh2wbU/s640/blogger-image-860993037.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Even though the shrine was reconstructed in the late 1950s,
it still felt as if it was from a distant time. This was our first experience
in Japan where Eric and I felt transported to a land infused with mysticism. The
Meiji Shrine, being a Shinto shrine, doesn’t belong to a specific religion.
Instead, the shrine is dedicated to matters of all inclusive spirituality. This
“blanket” includes wishes to fellow friends, hopes of getting that “A” on the
big test, or wishes of being healed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIL8MCPzRs4TfEM308HP34I7xKZcaeA98jBTkpTuLAgwVkazLJ_PWcYh0cXZWnQFuryZDNOJYeSrZZ6pbOQphknFrbRkgmuev_9RCJvF0LjpzhCWAqrEJLV7NNNWvr42fm967Uwzr7chg/s640/blogger-image--1191377086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIL8MCPzRs4TfEM308HP34I7xKZcaeA98jBTkpTuLAgwVkazLJ_PWcYh0cXZWnQFuryZDNOJYeSrZZ6pbOQphknFrbRkgmuev_9RCJvF0LjpzhCWAqrEJLV7NNNWvr42fm967Uwzr7chg/s640/blogger-image--1191377086.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">It was quiet like a library or church. We even entered as
one would a Catholic church. We washed both hands and then rinsed our mouths
from the fountain, or Temizuya, at the entrance. We didn’t get a photo of us
doing that because it seemed a little inappropriate. Once we had been cleansed
or at least momentarily purified, we entered the grounds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMF5v2VbqMpQJa8shzwPOyV1I7uU8rY3VR3cP4I4v45GzA1sUZlDMVLw5F1qEFq-SkTDdR_zqrsK0mMvKA-LzslIIzzjD3AW-7_DvsrCypDDNGcCL1i28ynB-6sVx6ZpLjCuYYgT3tyE/s640/blogger-image-1112279357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMF5v2VbqMpQJa8shzwPOyV1I7uU8rY3VR3cP4I4v45GzA1sUZlDMVLw5F1qEFq-SkTDdR_zqrsK0mMvKA-LzslIIzzjD3AW-7_DvsrCypDDNGcCL1i28ynB-6sVx6ZpLjCuYYgT3tyE/s640/blogger-image-1112279357.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We wandered the main structure that apparently was built
without nails. Within the courtyard of that structure a wedding ceremony was
starting to process through the crowd. There were many onlookers. The both of
us felt a tad odd taking photos of this ceremony, but when would we have
another chance to see this? Since the wedding party too had photographers, we
sort of blended right in with the few shots we took. And, we sort of followed
the poor excuse of “well everyone else is”. (Ten minutes prior we didn’t do
that at the cleansing station. What hypocrites we are, huh?)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iqjTN7Z0ACAcNYEIE-o1f6WSuznZHXwl3nqJroP1VeasbSP2x-NUj9HxPHK3b1PY7LU0iOLQ0C1juQvzaHQ_b989lBdsh53rci3XrrVPv7pyT-H6cJw47dELy8RIk-C9GwtYg2XvzcM/s640/blogger-image-408524425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iqjTN7Z0ACAcNYEIE-o1f6WSuznZHXwl3nqJroP1VeasbSP2x-NUj9HxPHK3b1PY7LU0iOLQ0C1juQvzaHQ_b989lBdsh53rci3XrrVPv7pyT-H6cJw47dELy8RIk-C9GwtYg2XvzcM/s640/blogger-image-408524425.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">They had some young ladies working at the gift counter that
reminded us of “Rei” from Sailor Moon. They wear a very similar outfit while at
the shrine, a white top with red flowing pants. I am sure there is a proper
name for the clothing, but I am not aware of the name. They had charms and
postcards for sale. Entry to the shrine was free, so these proceeds go toward
the upkeep. Eric had purchased a Healing charm for his Mom. She had just had knee
surgery and we also bought what is called an Ema for each of us. It is a wooden
tablet where we could write our wishes and leave them there at the shrine. I
was very excited to do this!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3xNb_S3zjT9n98UlqS88Ms10PM460b0vR0nwzt2WkzvppTVi1Ct-U57lSOe-3GH5A0yWWk_NHYYBGJaY0ALt_7BBrn5fLkImn45_cKFn9xWibwofBuMf9XDuvXXIV7Dorhc9fAlRNfQ/s640/blogger-image-357221568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3xNb_S3zjT9n98UlqS88Ms10PM460b0vR0nwzt2WkzvppTVi1Ct-U57lSOe-3GH5A0yWWk_NHYYBGJaY0ALt_7BBrn5fLkImn45_cKFn9xWibwofBuMf9XDuvXXIV7Dorhc9fAlRNfQ/s640/blogger-image-357221568.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">If people wanted to, visitors could also step up to the main
shrine to give an offering. We saw some folks stepping up to the shrine,
tossing in some coins, bowing twice, and then clapping twice. Eric went up and
joined in, but we weren’t allowed to photograph this practice. The idea is to
send positive thoughts and wishes to people everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEje8-PJT9jut9R_8GraHn7hmsduZB_jRfwEsDONe3cAlcy-OkDkQZ0ONAtur6OVjv-5xgKS7xcAYLfZz9UiM7FNndhmV_Nw4sbk__QMtHC3bSHjB9Lfd_iBxFD8-y58ieBOZRoVSR3sk/s640/blogger-image-724038089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEje8-PJT9jut9R_8GraHn7hmsduZB_jRfwEsDONe3cAlcy-OkDkQZ0ONAtur6OVjv-5xgKS7xcAYLfZz9UiM7FNndhmV_Nw4sbk__QMtHC3bSHjB9Lfd_iBxFD8-y58ieBOZRoVSR3sk/s640/blogger-image-724038089.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">After strolling through the gardens and checking out the Koi
pond, we decided to head back toward the streets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYsFB0wloX0IlWsB12bqEFKTTvB0xPciJoDLXi5-25X5VQFq10qZdWeDbrQqo4pExV0m9yp5My5WqK0RR7ezfw6JxfSc7XS498F5TYqBHp0BmFU7b_cHjsWiZ136XkhFtHvZO9kVyXKc/s640/blogger-image--621846874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYsFB0wloX0IlWsB12bqEFKTTvB0xPciJoDLXi5-25X5VQFq10qZdWeDbrQqo4pExV0m9yp5My5WqK0RR7ezfw6JxfSc7XS498F5TYqBHp0BmFU7b_cHjsWiZ136XkhFtHvZO9kVyXKc/s640/blogger-image--621846874.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Nearby we would find Takeshita-Dori where it is said the
hipsters of Tokyo hang out in their unique fashion. As suggested by many, we
went there on a Sunday when the locals come out to show off. One of our goals
was to have a crepe from Angel Heart Crepes. We had seen quite a few YouTube videos
of people stopping by for the treat. But, just before that we needed to grab
food. What stared at us in the face? McDonald’s of course!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDn1Wh9yc7rhFvIReX9kZkzg7uHjfg7lr8ZqSXEMxeJ5J1q-gdpFZM48ROJKFOFpZRBTKlfzwRmwv9tfA2R5Bg19SbZg_3zJpqZnMEs13X0ybWxA6Wkv1L_KkZ0642IliasnqVhcQ3WQ/s640/blogger-image--55320400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDn1Wh9yc7rhFvIReX9kZkzg7uHjfg7lr8ZqSXEMxeJ5J1q-gdpFZM48ROJKFOFpZRBTKlfzwRmwv9tfA2R5Bg19SbZg_3zJpqZnMEs13X0ybWxA6Wkv1L_KkZ0642IliasnqVhcQ3WQ/s640/blogger-image--55320400.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">There isn’t much of a difference between the McDonald’s of
America versus Japan. The coolest difference is that when you’re all through
they ask for you to separate your trash. There was a funnel on top of the receptacle
where we were to empty our ice prior to throwing our cup into bin marked for
paper. I wish we had this here at home. The Japanese are very big on recycling
and it would be great if one day we could adopt this as they have, with laws. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBzUv9na0aeLMc6WGo5gUsAy3Q3rS1tKlA318v4D-ZeiA2acSzxqDaOd7VuSGkV0ELqLHhPxZklqA90mgFoFNYxDCum0eBE4RGM4DEmPA_ksKdT19nmxUUFvbjs9NmhR9WVNuUjYd8TI/s640/blogger-image--1327901140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBzUv9na0aeLMc6WGo5gUsAy3Q3rS1tKlA318v4D-ZeiA2acSzxqDaOd7VuSGkV0ELqLHhPxZklqA90mgFoFNYxDCum0eBE4RGM4DEmPA_ksKdT19nmxUUFvbjs9NmhR9WVNuUjYd8TI/s640/blogger-image--1327901140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q7PxjJ-b9rKcy9J62UD6L4WuLYZK3UAwLKfq5Prhx8weO81evHZx7SAotfV7598qAdPLer117l8Q2xTefXl82OCWkQuM1Q6pLj5b2tmsUU89gq8baBGD6Aeu4hu7qpxsrY9j3qarIoo/s640/blogger-image--482125682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q7PxjJ-b9rKcy9J62UD6L4WuLYZK3UAwLKfq5Prhx8weO81evHZx7SAotfV7598qAdPLer117l8Q2xTefXl82OCWkQuM1Q6pLj5b2tmsUU89gq8baBGD6Aeu4hu7qpxsrY9j3qarIoo/s640/blogger-image--482125682.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We came across a five story store called Daiso. It is the
equivalent to the Dollar Tree where we even found great souvenirs for the kids.
There we found Japanese play money and even model trains for the different types
of subway lines. We knew the kids were too old to play with fake cash, but at
least they could see the difference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgghAoJuh746xM6qKLZCQLqzSasyHH-_6aQUQ6UeYKjQ15LVT9i1SpwrOe5-DAE_iaEdwsaaA8maxgEfLodVzAZnm4A854SEPJg13C4Oi5WmQwIwAPTkAsh0AWolwYzSz_od49is9FDI/s640/blogger-image--203552232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgghAoJuh746xM6qKLZCQLqzSasyHH-_6aQUQ6UeYKjQ15LVT9i1SpwrOe5-DAE_iaEdwsaaA8maxgEfLodVzAZnm4A854SEPJg13C4Oi5WmQwIwAPTkAsh0AWolwYzSz_od49is9FDI/s640/blogger-image--203552232.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaN5lbnYZpitrM2-0mBOzPiG3E13VON85lUrS4Lj68FA-aFCWO4oOs_6BgnhLdouhUbhToq8MH52sGQvPJliMfN351O6TQ9jR0D9t96SAth-gYrGqh94wf608StQ2JFKP1FsG6W0QPOc/s640/blogger-image-1116646699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaN5lbnYZpitrM2-0mBOzPiG3E13VON85lUrS4Lj68FA-aFCWO4oOs_6BgnhLdouhUbhToq8MH52sGQvPJliMfN351O6TQ9jR0D9t96SAth-gYrGqh94wf608StQ2JFKP1FsG6W0QPOc/s640/blogger-image-1116646699.jpg"></a></div> Interesting sign, don't you think?</div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">After some wandering, Eric found Angel Hearts Crepes. I had
found a different crepe stand first, but he reminded me of what the actual name
was. I think the first one I found was called Angel Crepes, a knock off! There
wasn’t an awful queue. It took maybe five minutes to get to the order window. I
ordered the Blueberry Cheesecake and Eric decided on the Custard Chocolate
Special. It was REALLY hard for me to choose. With the “fake food” on display,
they all looked so appealing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeluIIPVnWQGYNSVGGygBwe34Dnft0HrpOHLuOIbvArFdDDwS7IQKKUy5InJEqoNxhTqsuWNf-B7p5XcwWOcE22m_1Tk0BSk2jmzXBtR6PWcjKjApPvzrt6Dp9E2cSDF16MvhcRFE8lpc/s640/blogger-image--2005934672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeluIIPVnWQGYNSVGGygBwe34Dnft0HrpOHLuOIbvArFdDDwS7IQKKUy5InJEqoNxhTqsuWNf-B7p5XcwWOcE22m_1Tk0BSk2jmzXBtR6PWcjKjApPvzrt6Dp9E2cSDF16MvhcRFE8lpc/s640/blogger-image--2005934672.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5aTi-Kt0O8G9jr6qTd6vC45jQ8NJGJMlWd7x822gQmcpmt-aV9GBZxpdAnHZIc0Ro8uOgQXRY_InZHxFs0EBa722ymZXjf3NB-m13uMqo6iCB8zjIIv67uvgcL4ZPRAXu5aD-lDFJBk/s640/blogger-image-1519398154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5aTi-Kt0O8G9jr6qTd6vC45jQ8NJGJMlWd7x822gQmcpmt-aV9GBZxpdAnHZIc0Ro8uOgQXRY_InZHxFs0EBa722ymZXjf3NB-m13uMqo6iCB8zjIIv67uvgcL4ZPRAXu5aD-lDFJBk/s640/blogger-image-1519398154.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Although we did want to browse a lot more, Eric and I wanted
to get to the park and see the real fashion. There we would see the famous “Harajuku
Girls” dressed in all their flashy flair. So we decided to only enter the Top
Man store and then head over to the bridge near Yoyogi Park. It was a nice walk
and we did see a few street performers dressed as 1950s “Greasers”, but no
Harajuku Girls in sight. We pressed on, thinking that maybe we weren’t in the
correct spot. In the end we didn’t see any fashion shockers. We even asked ourselves
if Japanese fashion doesn’t have the extreme look it once had. If the year were
1995, I bet a few of those outfits would’ve stood out to us a lot more than
they did presently. Maybe we SHOULD thank Gwen Stefani for bringing recognition
to the Harajuku Girl? I know that sounds a little silly for me to say, but it
surely was a start.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOus386miAeO57s1BLWIscaSS-SxifbhJ3-5Zt1Zdj65FCwZDDo-6VAWdxB2KQxQSYLANurZvZpy4iyIZ9fGCiDC2GwtIIcFlJx4PUKL32N4jrOI3VqVT66NCM_d7M64aEAgOwQXjfu4/s640/blogger-image--875036680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOus386miAeO57s1BLWIscaSS-SxifbhJ3-5Zt1Zdj65FCwZDDo-6VAWdxB2KQxQSYLANurZvZpy4iyIZ9fGCiDC2GwtIIcFlJx4PUKL32N4jrOI3VqVT66NCM_d7M64aEAgOwQXjfu4/s640/blogger-image--875036680.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqQHWnIovyIwMXXPzhyhqX0XsZK7SYaUlpHxOF4ibNWGVxtWDIDcoKBB9HUGGdZEv9S1Tm5aZHboL7XIVFWvOfMzH8Jc1-RsoNrxkxBBsmUvujbogTNJO1R6YlKaXIbFYfGpoNDXjkDc/s640/blogger-image-977454007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqQHWnIovyIwMXXPzhyhqX0XsZK7SYaUlpHxOF4ibNWGVxtWDIDcoKBB9HUGGdZEv9S1Tm5aZHboL7XIVFWvOfMzH8Jc1-RsoNrxkxBBsmUvujbogTNJO1R6YlKaXIbFYfGpoNDXjkDc/s640/blogger-image-977454007.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Continuing down the street we came across a stadium that had
been used in the 1964 Olympics. In the parking lot of this stadium was a type
of flea market or even a Farmers Market. Eric wanted to check it out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpCA6pZ0bhKZjdKEDPho24zI2Gk7NbHFgSxzZ0Pk_GkY43plYD3hIpZZVBlQa13KXzv7AbiGYUCX25xvcLUdYLTxS0DJsYPUkuTzMWg-cx2CG3uHoieGAc2jlBUmh-behTxQR2lU5z6g/s640/blogger-image-961422283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpCA6pZ0bhKZjdKEDPho24zI2Gk7NbHFgSxzZ0Pk_GkY43plYD3hIpZZVBlQa13KXzv7AbiGYUCX25xvcLUdYLTxS0DJsYPUkuTzMWg-cx2CG3uHoieGAc2jlBUmh-behTxQR2lU5z6g/s640/blogger-image-961422283.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUZj3LtGvHabOyxTjXAbqjTWjQ4yD4VClrwWZVkWWYrY9DKJSOqaUairasQky3-_FqFr6p7qI0XAqlMOuCiV6YM5ZwvNTMlVy_vhKPJCPEZlMTIK7ghM-3EW10DADV9_ugWxFBPorIVs/s640/blogger-image--1223102884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUZj3LtGvHabOyxTjXAbqjTWjQ4yD4VClrwWZVkWWYrY9DKJSOqaUairasQky3-_FqFr6p7qI0XAqlMOuCiV6YM5ZwvNTMlVy_vhKPJCPEZlMTIK7ghM-3EW10DADV9_ugWxFBPorIVs/s640/blogger-image--1223102884.jpg"></a></div></div></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">It was getting to be mid-afternoon and we had to keep in
mind that we were meeting up with a friend of mine around 5 PM. After all the
walking, we wanted to take a short break and maybe even shut our eyes for 15
minutes. It didn’t take us long to walk back to the storybook looking train
station, so that we’d get back to Shibuya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMiSluzfOO7ODZyxTiVBW_hfpIXQ41g4KyeG4jEYux2xhHczobMaFSBtueEAOhSVE1xnU1AsFBmqBDsQrlXzA3XqbAcVlH8XKyk6MqgHTcbFAI4wtKk2SxqXrRKlVi1bn5M5D_orJpbk/s640/blogger-image-120194193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMiSluzfOO7ODZyxTiVBW_hfpIXQ41g4KyeG4jEYux2xhHczobMaFSBtueEAOhSVE1xnU1AsFBmqBDsQrlXzA3XqbAcVlH8XKyk6MqgHTcbFAI4wtKk2SxqXrRKlVi1bn5M5D_orJpbk/s640/blogger-image-120194193.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxkBH9zlZm_EHugMFM-V6c5i3qQTjFwR_xk6BiPgtDGqzvokxOeP2RJjYrSSe9xa5AxRMWsVaZElqWXf2Od8z34DA7QR3pIPVAgrxCM5nzKMh8rprDMf23A2WSkuKKvcZr8bLF2-jCis/s640/blogger-image-196115647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxkBH9zlZm_EHugMFM-V6c5i3qQTjFwR_xk6BiPgtDGqzvokxOeP2RJjYrSSe9xa5AxRMWsVaZElqWXf2Od8z34DA7QR3pIPVAgrxCM5nzKMh8rprDMf23A2WSkuKKvcZr8bLF2-jCis/s640/blogger-image-196115647.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Recharging in the room was an excellent idea. We still had
wine that our host had left for us, so we polished that off. We would soon be
meeting with my high school pal, Kwesi. I hadn’t seen him in so long. He lives
about 30-40 minutes from Tokyo while working as a teacher. During this trip, so
far we had met up with Sarah and Tom Bricker, and Chris from www.tdrExplorer.com
! When we planned our time in Japan we really didn’t expect to come across
friends like this!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdDGnygFYJPaOnrUaiuhgcUzlg8G9384kQlFeoz9PcEn0hX3SmWEDgKbrdWIdi8Fe8FhyphenhyphenZM0AUp-r5I7LRH-RnE6h596Bpgk_wuXBi2ZUwbgv6C1-FKl6S2NJvYeiEpcU7iK5quW7euU/s640/blogger-image-1257356168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdDGnygFYJPaOnrUaiuhgcUzlg8G9384kQlFeoz9PcEn0hX3SmWEDgKbrdWIdi8Fe8FhyphenhyphenZM0AUp-r5I7LRH-RnE6h596Bpgk_wuXBi2ZUwbgv6C1-FKl6S2NJvYeiEpcU7iK5quW7euU/s640/blogger-image-1257356168.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We were to meet Kwesi at the Hachiko statue near Shibuya
station. Hachiko has a great story. I encourage everyone reading this to google
his story. It was a lengthy train ride for my friend, but a short walk for us.
This was our first glimpse at the famous Shibuya Crossing. It is comprised of 5
crosswalks running in a few directions. What really happens is people just
cross the street in any way they feel! It sure is a sight to see and definitely
hypnotic too! And hey, we spotted Kwesi hanging out away from the crowd,
against a mural.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDPkpBfVWVZFlE5TNkl3IFH7K6q1Y-LZpRFs7QZAiRyob9pzBeUbAcS_kMVtW__OoNGUvCDCUAxjqFrncqUR91EkVUQMqMmKN-xTlrmuZkV3Yx4Yi5MpQLWClHbGLh6IMykgfFdsAayk/s640/blogger-image-1940213035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDPkpBfVWVZFlE5TNkl3IFH7K6q1Y-LZpRFs7QZAiRyob9pzBeUbAcS_kMVtW__OoNGUvCDCUAxjqFrncqUR91EkVUQMqMmKN-xTlrmuZkV3Yx4Yi5MpQLWClHbGLh6IMykgfFdsAayk/s640/blogger-image-1940213035.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Last time we had seen one another was in 1999 at the
Disneyland Cast cafeteria. Now, here we were in Tokyo, Japan! It’s really weird
how life works out sometimes. We had some catching up to do, but at the same
time, not really. As everyone knows, social media keeps people connected, so we
had a sense of the “latest news” about each other. He hadn’t met Eric before,
but for the most part he knew the whole story. We really dove into stories about
the present and what it was like on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Just like
with Chris we had a lot of questions about his experience in Japan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYJtuPuDOTgQzJz9C0cYaHvhcnV1os4UNWEx54u-bnSPPBWoerrhIMJPTcmkLDMH2jjllwXV0v39YGClIo87c7jcPSVIDQeLzKT60I3aOPDfiicTT0ZagvjzWHsA4KErIbwL2XB5kCnc/s640/blogger-image--774020571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYJtuPuDOTgQzJz9C0cYaHvhcnV1os4UNWEx54u-bnSPPBWoerrhIMJPTcmkLDMH2jjllwXV0v39YGClIo87c7jcPSVIDQeLzKT60I3aOPDfiicTT0ZagvjzWHsA4KErIbwL2XB5kCnc/s640/blogger-image--774020571.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I didn’t get great photos from our time together, but this
one shot sums up our time together at the bar. We climbed 2 flights to get to
the appropriate floor of the bar. Eric and I were still impressed that the
businesses are stacked on one another. Our drink of choice was the Long Island
Iced Tea, neither of us beer drinkers. We had a lot of laughs and shared a lot
of travel stories. But, it being a weekday and just after work, it was time for
Kwesi to hop on the trains and head back home. For both Eric and I, it was a
very memorable part of our trip!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhF9VCxEuuYbDS7u9IjbfMu6yldesovKwMOKQ-uaBlLzrwPFqVGY791jDi9je8t4LnpdzIqZD2kxzYay9wd7miSsQDOQl1nbWGknMpjgKvg3SwFGSqQdV48sqwGHDIg7UJPPx8-WXyqY/s640/blogger-image--78075621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhF9VCxEuuYbDS7u9IjbfMu6yldesovKwMOKQ-uaBlLzrwPFqVGY791jDi9je8t4LnpdzIqZD2kxzYay9wd7miSsQDOQl1nbWGknMpjgKvg3SwFGSqQdV48sqwGHDIg7UJPPx8-WXyqY/s640/blogger-image--78075621.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZiZ1BFuGFAfUzfaesY0tOrLADGzI64Za_ukMIs_Z-3az-iC2Tfa3f2CApuKNMddkiK2W8RM2t1VzfIGxImIidW1Nr8cnqTBduxzS3HzCg8vciXSWIwZ9MdUvzsmNIoZAVdK42V7hK5w/s640/blogger-image-2061110154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZiZ1BFuGFAfUzfaesY0tOrLADGzI64Za_ukMIs_Z-3az-iC2Tfa3f2CApuKNMddkiK2W8RM2t1VzfIGxImIidW1Nr8cnqTBduxzS3HzCg8vciXSWIwZ9MdUvzsmNIoZAVdK42V7hK5w/s640/blogger-image-2061110154.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Our night wasn’t quiet over as we were determined to locate
the Disney Store in Shibuya. As I said, we had a few drinks so this was going
to be interesting. I think we were lost for a bit and crossed the Shibuya
Crosswalk in a few different directions before we actually found the store.
Eric may have photo bombed a few pictures, in the middle of the road (crazy
American). It almost felt as though we were roaming around Vegas during peak
hours. People were everywhere and the lights on the signage were burning
brightly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv_JnpKHUSJrml-qKvxhYnd4bJXTtLO3lXxzl92gTyUpk26fpg_u9bcd9Ci20HDGKq40A3f0PvwRx8HOju4ulNNZ_2bIO9K0bbpJRoH-rv-mevCNbSbt1Ys3441-RSGWo95VQ5uPN354/s640/blogger-image--458376762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv_JnpKHUSJrml-qKvxhYnd4bJXTtLO3lXxzl92gTyUpk26fpg_u9bcd9Ci20HDGKq40A3f0PvwRx8HOju4ulNNZ_2bIO9K0bbpJRoH-rv-mevCNbSbt1Ys3441-RSGWo95VQ5uPN354/s640/blogger-image--458376762.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9fri-g6YUias0x9N6CAV4CNaKrOOl2lutPXNopXfyatJK0em6Q1tUo2iOKnDL1Frh5vB7RveOHI_3RTiBrn5VTAfV8Ln3A-K_2GSbBVpMNd-3KX-x3h1JUd3drZIHbMFRhEYZNjL_c8/s640/blogger-image-1543848847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9fri-g6YUias0x9N6CAV4CNaKrOOl2lutPXNopXfyatJK0em6Q1tUo2iOKnDL1Frh5vB7RveOHI_3RTiBrn5VTAfV8Ln3A-K_2GSbBVpMNd-3KX-x3h1JUd3drZIHbMFRhEYZNjL_c8/s640/blogger-image-1543848847.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We also found Shibuya’s Uniqlo location. There were a few
items we hadn’t seen here at home, so we each bought something. I was hoping
the store would be a little bigger. I think the Daiso we visited earlier had a
larger store. This wasn’t even multi leveled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgOAN9zikAmWLHrFP3JVsGy3KGK7ru1qiQLYCDcTLv9E7wgfXpIpLqDNuTR6Bq66eFP046mYkVAseBlTRgAxSyiWdkEGwJXmHF9Kti3Wg4Q4zhxFAa41So3B4qYeZQGe9gQn6Mvj4BVk/s640/blogger-image--2064553166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgOAN9zikAmWLHrFP3JVsGy3KGK7ru1qiQLYCDcTLv9E7wgfXpIpLqDNuTR6Bq66eFP046mYkVAseBlTRgAxSyiWdkEGwJXmHF9Kti3Wg4Q4zhxFAa41So3B4qYeZQGe9gQn6Mvj4BVk/s640/blogger-image--2064553166.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Still, the day had been a complete success for all involved.
It was great to know that all this was happening in Shibuya just around the
bend from our apartment. Eric and I were very excited that we were in the
middle of glitz and hustle of the city. Again, it’s a great feeling that you
walk into an apartment building and not a hotel. We were loving our Airbnb
experience!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZq92oeFdJ3cK-ZYIoTltJ4zDuqU5aD_cjOJCNVaU5qk2pygTrDumh7J76-ZHM9p_64yuP6XeKrPTLUDrvMb5p9TlEJBTfrHtuG7Jo5hr04mR07FtCvbebEwmBw6nr0IhyBS4cN2hxrw/s640/blogger-image-1743216105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZq92oeFdJ3cK-ZYIoTltJ4zDuqU5aD_cjOJCNVaU5qk2pygTrDumh7J76-ZHM9p_64yuP6XeKrPTLUDrvMb5p9TlEJBTfrHtuG7Jo5hr04mR07FtCvbebEwmBw6nr0IhyBS4cN2hxrw/s640/blogger-image-1743216105.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The next day would also be another big one. We would be
headed to Kyoto via the Shinkansen bullet train! It was going to be a 4:30 early
rise to make it out for the first train. Maybe we would see a Geisha or a
golden pavilion. We couldn’t wait to find out!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-35245238473112726442015-06-01T11:59:00.001-07:002015-06-01T19:11:51.639-07:00Dancing Robots Are Real in Tokyo<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK9lovjjyQWW1s4iiYJiXzSPTebFBfvq_i2dWLPbrS4I18JU4f4mgpks-WEWTnF9YicYnxkFoSi0l_1Xt8cZSmqrKeJBWsspdwEzVYybPabnu7z_5p9hTw-xB6jXgaWLR5ZS7ox4dy18/s640/blogger-image--123716996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK9lovjjyQWW1s4iiYJiXzSPTebFBfvq_i2dWLPbrS4I18JU4f4mgpks-WEWTnF9YicYnxkFoSi0l_1Xt8cZSmqrKeJBWsspdwEzVYybPabnu7z_5p9hTw-xB6jXgaWLR5ZS7ox4dy18/s640/blogger-image--123716996.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Of course something like Tokyo Disneyland Resort was a huge deal to visit. Once we accomplished that dream we couldn’t believe that more adventures awaited us outside of Disney. One in particular is the Robot Dinner Show in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Over the last two years this show has been gaining more popularity, thanks to Anthony Bourdain. To paraphrase his thoughts, he said, “I don’t know what I just saw, but I loved it!”</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckBuaf6MRCXbJ4z4SzFIOF9xh2H0kzM4UgSSO0vamLjyBPRo4rf1evzt57NNv0wM-TW527BtznN3fVV_UdusrHh7MNRG0onE4IeFTe-F3ZHoMCWdfjABosEHkkaWUbCB8Pj_gL9UWxCw/s640/blogger-image-1640052704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckBuaf6MRCXbJ4z4SzFIOF9xh2H0kzM4UgSSO0vamLjyBPRo4rf1evzt57NNv0wM-TW527BtznN3fVV_UdusrHh7MNRG0onE4IeFTe-F3ZHoMCWdfjABosEHkkaWUbCB8Pj_gL9UWxCw/s640/blogger-image-1640052704.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The entrance is extremely flashy and reminded me of a casino. The large woman, sat in a “robot” chair was definitely giving people that walked by a taste of what was inside. I have been to Vegas many times and the atmosphere is pretty equal to this. There are murals of women in suggestive poses all over the walls, lit by neon colored lighting. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TnvtvJQHFVHQUwe-uUgWSNGGOAXynOxdwbaNRNNSK2fXUPQgrPo_RYaixX4wW6KTxY4LM94e7MttHz2z7DrcGZ2UFBc2gOax0HnQ3xBCOtpHBtUtM7aYyY2Tue1nPYXEghGa_i591nA/s640/blogger-image--310673096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TnvtvJQHFVHQUwe-uUgWSNGGOAXynOxdwbaNRNNSK2fXUPQgrPo_RYaixX4wW6KTxY4LM94e7MttHz2z7DrcGZ2UFBc2gOax0HnQ3xBCOtpHBtUtM7aYyY2Tue1nPYXEghGa_i591nA/s640/blogger-image--310673096.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe4GC6tI1cQFuCeNVPi6HmTCaNQhjB21kVbw3godnQWN-EdWxk3D6Uun8L3SEoiqzXgQ6QFNpwHBRYuQqcnZ3_9jUm-volo3B1KTW85LA7zmsI3DYy5GaRrV1DpAV5DFO1Iq8oOk1-gc/s640/blogger-image-2089753964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe4GC6tI1cQFuCeNVPi6HmTCaNQhjB21kVbw3godnQWN-EdWxk3D6Uun8L3SEoiqzXgQ6QFNpwHBRYuQqcnZ3_9jUm-volo3B1KTW85LA7zmsI3DYy5GaRrV1DpAV5DFO1Iq8oOk1-gc/s640/blogger-image-2089753964.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>Arthur: WHEN YOU SAW THE MURALS OF BIKINI CLAD WOMEN, DID YOU FEEL OUT OF PLACE? OR, WERE YOU READY TO GO WITH THE FLOW?</div><div>Eric: I knew beforehand there would be sexuality involved, so I was ready to go with it. I was not intimidated at all.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p6Ee0cdT8A-0c4PsdM4I6yQBVzyUIZQz74TNV-Jl4jqOijOUdeR3VvKGQ4rIWo0rLVH0Bcf9rx6O1ZPsjyBgveG2KsQh5WO_ttf78uNLDsRX4s57KoWDT6MhYh0ljV1hYzn03UNDiCE/s640/blogger-image--110085212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p6Ee0cdT8A-0c4PsdM4I6yQBVzyUIZQz74TNV-Jl4jqOijOUdeR3VvKGQ4rIWo0rLVH0Bcf9rx6O1ZPsjyBgveG2KsQh5WO_ttf78uNLDsRX4s57KoWDT6MhYh0ljV1hYzn03UNDiCE/s640/blogger-image--110085212.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The décor was exciting and full of energy. The company definitely sets a great tone for the show you’re about to see. I would say, like Disney, the story begins right when you arrive. </div><div>After Will-Call we were ushered into an elevator, also lit wildly, and we went down to a sub-level lounge. The lounge had various seating arrangements where other patrons sipped fruitful drinks and chatted the night away. This scene was being serenaded by a band outfitted in full robot gear.</div><div>Eric and I seemed to miss the drinks and appetizers portion. The both of us had read tips that we needed to eat before the show, which we did. The folks at the opposite end of our table were petting a tiny dinosaur that roamed the table top.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd0ip56eZF9VzoFgWklnqSvk3bZebQzPHoXt9xaU5tvbyKNivBaq2y5Bx4_SjL6VMPrr8RDdZC45vk0fBRWBkPA8DKUxJu5b2M8HRoVcJEmvi3eusPnN73_7Rxd_ukwGHy7TOxslEHlQ/s640/blogger-image--68557639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd0ip56eZF9VzoFgWklnqSvk3bZebQzPHoXt9xaU5tvbyKNivBaq2y5Bx4_SjL6VMPrr8RDdZC45vk0fBRWBkPA8DKUxJu5b2M8HRoVcJEmvi3eusPnN73_7Rxd_ukwGHy7TOxslEHlQ/s640/blogger-image--68557639.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Arthur: DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO PET THE DINOSAUR ON THE TABLE?</div><div>Eric: Of course! If one has any chance to pet a dinosaur, one must take it!</div><div> I really wanted a photo of it, but felt weird about getting the others in the shot. It was obviously battery run, but I wasn’t sure how it moved about on its own accord. It was crawling around and seemed to be aware of the people around it.</div><div><br></div><div>Arthur: WERE YOU UPSET THAT YOU DIDN’T USE YOUR FOOD COUPON?</div><div>Eric: I’m more upset that we didn’t use our drink ticket. I heard negative reviews about the food quality, so I am glad we ate before the show. I was upset with the service in that we were never offered our food, even though it was included. In all reality we were there for the show. </div><div><br></div><div>Adding onto Eric’s opinion, it seemed that we had to take care of everything ourselves. The food was not to be found, from what I saw. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5ZNMxwC-Q1FZXL7Y24bazoWqSul6469x3SjMX92qzpADgnQB1G7gfGBAKunYQztyJCX0D7Bsg-lxhaoN5nsglcNny0Rqr2pXw2QuzqfvlITAzZgylFAoP_kahRNelFES_RIwuCz862Y/s640/blogger-image--1712617949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5ZNMxwC-Q1FZXL7Y24bazoWqSul6469x3SjMX92qzpADgnQB1G7gfGBAKunYQztyJCX0D7Bsg-lxhaoN5nsglcNny0Rqr2pXw2QuzqfvlITAzZgylFAoP_kahRNelFES_RIwuCz862Y/s640/blogger-image--1712617949.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As we all were escorted down the colorful stairwell, we noticed a slight paradox here. There were some areas that were extremely flashy and others were very “backstage”. At the bottom of the stairs, we were led through a zone that was clearly a staging area for the show. This was a tad disappointing. It was full of costumes hooked up to charging outlets and props thrown about the floor. It wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but it wasn’t something I expected. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBQK4N5MdANZRs2OQrFYSbwbkYDhcbTWlKTZ8gZIsCZ2stMj0IsMVP4m70fqOWsgWomCR69302FvxlERccbBys51_tZ41tgpUh9d3SiZS8gA7b8bzAfeR1Wr03kdhgpWFz1UBQPIeJRg/s640/blogger-image--509444841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBQK4N5MdANZRs2OQrFYSbwbkYDhcbTWlKTZ8gZIsCZ2stMj0IsMVP4m70fqOWsgWomCR69302FvxlERccbBys51_tZ41tgpUh9d3SiZS8gA7b8bzAfeR1Wr03kdhgpWFz1UBQPIeJRg/s640/blogger-image--509444841.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Having seen videos and promos for the show, I had an idea of what the theater configuration would be. The audience occupies the area on either side of the stage, facing across from one another. On risers, the seats area about four wide rows tall, each chair with its own table. They almost looked like elementary school desks. The room itself seemed a lot smaller than I expected. Before arriving, my impression was that performers would enter from one end of the room, move across the room while performing, and exit the other side, like a sort of indoor parade. Once the show began I would learn that I was very wrong.</div><div><br></div><div>A: DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE BACKSTAGE AREAS OF THE SHOW?</div><div>E: No. I wasn’t expecting a super high caliber production. The gaps between the sets bothered me. The set up for each “scene” killed the pace and the vibe of the show.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dXfPGtKENeMl1Fu3K6hDZyGyEFUGq94kQ2_w0cX7GEXLsEgO3HAczJRZdg7wPLUJ-9OcbnISR5laiwtHHYgpdO5OqmmIK1UaRHKAjPIzLQtiwhkAKEsUwazzIVfNMhyphenhyphenhC38-FSwNxCk/s640/blogger-image--929674714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dXfPGtKENeMl1Fu3K6hDZyGyEFUGq94kQ2_w0cX7GEXLsEgO3HAczJRZdg7wPLUJ-9OcbnISR5laiwtHHYgpdO5OqmmIK1UaRHKAjPIzLQtiwhkAKEsUwazzIVfNMhyphenhyphenhC38-FSwNxCk/s640/blogger-image--929674714.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One end of the performance stage was a curtain where the cast changed costumes and loaded onto various floats. From here is where most of the performers would emerge in their quirkily lit costumes. It was surprising to see that between “scenes” everything would stop. Some lights would turn on, and they’d strike the set or floats. We could even get up and cross the stage, passing floats, for drinks or a restroom break. During this time, all the behind the scenes was visible. Lights would then dim again, and the show would then morph back into its electrifying world.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33QoWkMsXwknrOZ4RaWLTPCvWDg99VIyPt2feKfm0sFePGvX4bkIkkNMVKM_6T5J63wtfxsgJ-kd6SSbpBENDhfCZILhWqYWwozHzt8saKuEtHiheUkF6SXpLfxk7GvaJUm7k7gA_B6s/s640/blogger-image-2141914642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33QoWkMsXwknrOZ4RaWLTPCvWDg99VIyPt2feKfm0sFePGvX4bkIkkNMVKM_6T5J63wtfxsgJ-kd6SSbpBENDhfCZILhWqYWwozHzt8saKuEtHiheUkF6SXpLfxk7GvaJUm7k7gA_B6s/s640/blogger-image-2141914642.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A: ONCE SEATED, WHAT WERE THE NEARBY GUESTS LIKE? </div><div>E: They were very rowdy, but that was a part of the fun! It would have been a bummer if we were surrounded by “sticks in the mud”.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOC6XitcWO2atMLeJGSxXae_Q2KxuizGesn1URagJ6zYADEoRC9z2l-Gc1OloG-CmBZRnKARGQniOWhtIncVlP-pgz0i3sXqNDpvqzZvw0-RJi072bgwcPbEfj1jUtmNRTlNI8iz9ENY/s640/blogger-image-2083398631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOC6XitcWO2atMLeJGSxXae_Q2KxuizGesn1URagJ6zYADEoRC9z2l-Gc1OloG-CmBZRnKARGQniOWhtIncVlP-pgz0i3sXqNDpvqzZvw0-RJi072bgwcPbEfj1jUtmNRTlNI8iz9ENY/s640/blogger-image-2083398631.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It should also be noted that there was a spectrum of patrons. There were three kids that sat across the way, approximately 10-12 years old. We also saw guests in the elderly demographic. There were even two Fraternity type guys that appeared bored out of their mind. They must have thought it was a strip show, which it wasn’t. About midway through the show we noticed those Frat guys were gone.</div><div><br></div><div>A: DO YOU RECALL THE BEST PART OF THE SHOW OR YOUR FAVORITE?</div><div>E: I enjoyed the Lady Gaga “Telephone" section the best. It was good in an artistic sense without relying on “camp”. That section had great dancers, lasers, many changing colors and live singing.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl_3B5DEzBRu11S4KmMvH2lT9LqnCClY3d8pyP1nL1wi2VVUrW5VsltupkEja9OMMcjPyIjKl7qfJHZIFShD3riBwcsncp_EMaXmR6zFVYAx3Omt2Cx7ecHxdnCwlVcgDb45f9gkZ9z4/s640/blogger-image-66840433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl_3B5DEzBRu11S4KmMvH2lT9LqnCClY3d8pyP1nL1wi2VVUrW5VsltupkEja9OMMcjPyIjKl7qfJHZIFShD3riBwcsncp_EMaXmR6zFVYAx3Omt2Cx7ecHxdnCwlVcgDb45f9gkZ9z4/s640/blogger-image-66840433.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There are also bizarre moments when girls, again dressed in neon lit bikinis, are fighting against snakes or giant rainbow moths! Sure, the whole thing sounds a little bit intense or silly, but it’s a lot of fun. Everyone involved knows that it is crazy and they’re ready to fully enforce that aspect!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19SIfQlhF8lGs-Ua5Yhxp5vX1fi3CUuIfI5zcr5WPqJiMJ7Jc3VgVpr0piYcrDUOxjMXKDfipG2VHIcIcad1pL9sXHxpftZDtUT7D7P9UMca3Fvkd4QAtq6ZmMBHAoXEZZ0hzXADLR4w/s640/blogger-image--16086092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19SIfQlhF8lGs-Ua5Yhxp5vX1fi3CUuIfI5zcr5WPqJiMJ7Jc3VgVpr0piYcrDUOxjMXKDfipG2VHIcIcad1pL9sXHxpftZDtUT7D7P9UMca3Fvkd4QAtq6ZmMBHAoXEZZ0hzXADLR4w/s640/blogger-image--16086092.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A: Why would you /or not recommend someone to go see the show?</div><div>E: I would definitely recommend the show! This was one of the best experiences we had in Japan. The show encapsulated everything one thinks “weird Japan” is. It is totally worth the money and effort for a wild night out.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOAJGsniFUxHQfpFrBFuVIvpfF8ia3H1enzvLzSwU7mGVAbpnxQMY6JeJ167vDegKb74vTdpa_Bh_DPjCpnIQgUfc8ErBcAh4nPEaWqIDy9h9RY9Mxd2Qd1g8ZuxGFzaG49iHg9tklK8/s640/blogger-image--1548306764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOAJGsniFUxHQfpFrBFuVIvpfF8ia3H1enzvLzSwU7mGVAbpnxQMY6JeJ167vDegKb74vTdpa_Bh_DPjCpnIQgUfc8ErBcAh4nPEaWqIDy9h9RY9Mxd2Qd1g8ZuxGFzaG49iHg9tklK8/s640/blogger-image--1548306764.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>You read it here folks! Both Eric and I feel if you are in Tokyo, the place to be is this “restaurant”. You might not get your food at all, but the captivating show might make you forget your hunger. We ordered our tickets through the JapanICan.com site. They give a slight discount, but pass along awful directions to find the place. In case WIFI can’t find you, like us, get excellent directions before you leave to the location! As DisneyTouristBlog.com said, eat before the show.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio45tZ5RjOTJZ26ZQw5TepK3hHQJjISuDT2NSUNBtTyb-JElQ0rCzHyLaP-hzB3u1lYb08Z9c-5Cw6vqic8GGOIoQMGoJdD4itqr6rp13HLoeqvx65bGCz08TiImwEzCcvo3dsKrsnZtk/s640/blogger-image--2113102333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio45tZ5RjOTJZ26ZQw5TepK3hHQJjISuDT2NSUNBtTyb-JElQ0rCzHyLaP-hzB3u1lYb08Z9c-5Cw6vqic8GGOIoQMGoJdD4itqr6rp13HLoeqvx65bGCz08TiImwEzCcvo3dsKrsnZtk/s640/blogger-image--2113102333.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I must end by mentioning our quick trip to MISTER DONUT! Before speaking with our pals Lance and Jeff of LanceandJeff.com we hadn't heard of it. We had to rub it in their faces that we went, so we sent a few photos to them! The donuts were the best I've ever had! I had the strawberry and Eric grabbed the chocolate. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RVLnZBq89E17vcpmZ0YIJg_PKnP6ki0ZZ0WC7ZyidG1ZPtwZ3H31unUYtKT_i8ewd1ku8kOTgFs-MKGuOLAb-mko6NfWsqFBSkP0x-L-1Yv_WQ_tpmhzkhhJ_EaOI6dbRXFH3rIU0EA/s640/blogger-image-1249662005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RVLnZBq89E17vcpmZ0YIJg_PKnP6ki0ZZ0WC7ZyidG1ZPtwZ3H31unUYtKT_i8ewd1ku8kOTgFs-MKGuOLAb-mko6NfWsqFBSkP0x-L-1Yv_WQ_tpmhzkhhJ_EaOI6dbRXFH3rIU0EA/s640/blogger-image-1249662005.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>We were amazed to see customers leave their bags and coats to save their tables. They'd leave blongings <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and head down the stairs to order. What a trusting society! Just like our friends did, we must recommend this spot to all that visit Tokyo. </span></div><div><br></div><div>And to end the post, I'm just gonna put this right here!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8EfMw7Ys7nQMM6ZwYe5rgDL-gHy3qtHtc9fdc8rSv4lTh_mJpETtUPZktuLj6T5YyFAHOAozmWvwDEOZAnClfTFQB0vJowMYJcgLAWC36EjAJ2ocCiK-8GT4jfKIm5APoYeKJfF2KQk/s640/blogger-image--257137655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8EfMw7Ys7nQMM6ZwYe5rgDL-gHy3qtHtc9fdc8rSv4lTh_mJpETtUPZktuLj6T5YyFAHOAozmWvwDEOZAnClfTFQB0vJowMYJcgLAWC36EjAJ2ocCiK-8GT4jfKIm5APoYeKJfF2KQk/s640/blogger-image--257137655.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-72076442578680921672015-05-28T05:23:00.001-07:002015-05-28T06:58:17.169-07:00Meet Us in Shinjuku!<div>
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</div><div><blockquote type="cite"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Eric and I felt such relief we had made it to our Shibuya apartment </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">without getting lost. We had plans for the coming evening that </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">included taking in the Robot Dinner Show and meeting up with friends. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The area of Shinjuku was where the five of us would meet. We weren’t </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">too worried about finding the place because we had our portable wifi </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and google maps. Our friend Chris lived in Shinjuku at that time, so </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">it was easy for him to meet with us. Chris wouldn’t be seeing the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">show, but we would meet for drinks and socializing, along with two </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">other friends Tom and Sarah of DisneyTouristBlog.com .</span></blockquote>
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</span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was still light outside, but we each had a glass of wine anyway! </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After that train ride, it was really nice to have time to unwind. We </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">didn’t get too comfortable because we were also very hungry! The last </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">“meal” we had eaten was toast at the previous apartment. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After getting refreshed with showers and a change of clothes, Eric and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I ventured out into Shibuya. This night was to be our first experience </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">interacting with locals that most likely weren’t speaking any English. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I may have been a tad nervous about that. But, I was also getting to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">that “hangry” mode, so I needed food now! </span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We strolled into a ramen </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">place and luckily were </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">greeted by a nice hostess. As she walked </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">us to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a counter, she pulled out what appeared to be small laundry baskets </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and handed them to us. She said something in Japanese while motioning </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to our bags. We set our stuff in them because you don’t set belongings </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">on the floor.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The two of us glanced over the menu, all in Japanese, but the photos </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">helped a lot. We chose what appeared to be ramen with ham. Pointing, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">bowing, and saying “arigatou gozaimasu” a few times went a long way. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The food arrived a few minutes later, along with water, and it was </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">steaming hot! We considered this to be our first authentic meal in </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Japan. The flavors were vibrant and it really filled up our empty </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">stomachs.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When we reached the nearby train station, we were feeling pretty </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">confident. We didn’t get lost switching apartments and our first meal </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">order went off without issue. Why would we feel any different? We were </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">on the train to Shinjuku. And, when were arrived we popped out of the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">station quickly. There are a few YouTube videos out there were people </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">get stuck in the station for hours, not able to find an exit.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was at this moment, steps form the station exit, our wifi couldn’t </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">seem to pin point our exact location. The phone also couldn’t find the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">restaurant. Google maps gave us three locations and they all looked </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">incorrect. “So let’s just walk this way”….whatever direction that was. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As expected, the crowd was moving quickly and it was full of </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">characters. We saw families, students, hipsters, the homeless, and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">street performers. There was also a sort of odor in the air that </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">reminded me of a car repair shop. As we took all this in, we were sure </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">we would come across a sign or even a hint of which direction this </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">famous Robot Restaurant was located. Time ticked forward and we </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">walked.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After back tracking from a wrong turn, that sent us perpendicular to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">our original route, and what seemed to be about two miles, we stopped. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We had left the train station about 30 minutes ago and we were sure we </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">would be late to meet Chris. Our meeting time with him was in ten </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">minutes and nothing around us felt like the racy Shinjuku we had heard </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">about. This was when a total stranger came up to us and helped our </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">confused looking faces. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I’m going to call him “The Good Samaritan” because if not for him Eric </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and I would still be looking for the location, seven months later. He </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">didn’t know the exact location either, but he found out we were headed </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">in the wrong direction. The gentlemen had us turn around and make a </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">left turn under the train station. We thanked him a few times and yes, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">bowed a few times too.</span></blockquote>
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</span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once we followed his direction we entered an area that most definitely </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">looked like the neighborhood we wanted. Suddenly there were lights </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">everywhere and announcements with music playing from billboards. This </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">was a little more like it. I immediately jumped on Twitter and updated </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Chris. After sending that message, I don’t even recall how we found </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the meeting spot. We made a few turns within this labyrinth of neon lights, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">street vendors, hagglers and loud music. Then suddenly there was the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Robot Show and there was Chris!</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had only met Chris one other time at Tokyo Disneyland, but it was </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">great to see a face that we knew! Eric and I arrived about 15 minutes </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">late and we just had to tell him about our little adventure. We found </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Chris to be hungry and he knew of a place nearby. Chris walked Eric </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and I a few blocks over to a different ramen place. Here they had </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">something unique to Japan that I really wanted to try.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At this restaurant patrons order outside the establishment from what </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">looks like a vending machine (pictured above). The machine has the entire menu </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(pictures for easy ordering) on the face and a button for each item </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">available. One inserts money and punches in what you’d like to have. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After you're done and paid, a ticket is dispensed for you to take </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">into the location. Eric and I weren’t really hungry so we ordered some </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">dumplings and a drink to split. Upon entering the eatery, baskets for </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">our belongings were handed out and we were shown our seats. We all </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">then handed our tickets to the lady at the counter.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not too long after we were enjoying our food, Sarah and Tom messaged </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">that they were very close. They had attempted getting into the Robot </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Show with us, but tickets were sold out. Sarah and Tom had to see the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">previous showing which had just let out. Eric had to go outside, find </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">them at the Robot Restaurant, and lead them to Chris and myself. I was </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">firing questions at Chris when we noticed it had been about five </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">minutes. Of course Eric had left his bag, which had his phone, at the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">table.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Chris and I turn around and see Eric, Sarah, and Tom laughing and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">talking. We felt a little relieved they were not lost. But, they </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">didn’t start making their way toward the door. In fact, Eric didn’t </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">even look at the door. There the three of them went, still laughing, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and passing us by. Chris and I looked at each other in disbelief as </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">they continued down the street. I went out and called them back to us.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We hadn’t seen Sarah and Tom since a few days ago at DisneySea. They </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">were still on a natural high from just having seen the Robot Show. It </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">was their second time and they loved it! Chris and I had finished up </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the food. Eric and I had another hour until our show time, so we </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">headed to a nearby bar, Kirin City. It was on the way to the bar that </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a few of us kept being asked if we wanted to pay for a Sexual Massage. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was a little disturbing to say the least! Even though we rejected </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">their advertisement, they kept following us for about 40 yards. It was </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">very awkward. “What do you like? We will find it for you!"</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Apparently Kirin Beer is a popular Japanese brand, but this place also </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">mixed drinks. Tonight it seemed the Moscow Mule was a popular choice </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">because when Chris ordered one, we all followed suit. We sat about and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">had some laughs for about 45 minutes. It was great to swap stories and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hear what Chris thought about living in Tokyo. Eric and I had asked </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">him many questions while the three of us were at Disneyland, but we </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">were happy to hear Sarah and Tom bring in new questions. I think Chris </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">may have been a little bombarded by the four of us picking his brain. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We were all so happy to be there and wanted to learn as much as </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">possible.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The inside of the place felt very American, like an Applebee’s or </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">T.G.I. Friday’s. What snapped us back to reality was when Tom and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sarah said they had to leave soon because they had an appointment at </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">an Owl Café. Like a Cat Café, folks can pay for a reserved amount of </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">time to interact with Owls while sipping on tea or coffee. At the same </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">time, Eric and I would be watching an "over the top" show of girls </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">dressed as illuminated dancing robots, and large snakes fighting </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">jungle-witch women hanging from the ceiling. Yup, we definitely were </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">not in America.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So it was here that we parted ways with Tom and Sarah. They seemed to have a sense of </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">where they were headed and were excited to go pet some owls. Chris walked Eric and I </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">back to the Robot Restaurant. Although he lived in the general area, he hadn't yet seen the </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">show. We thanked Chris for meeting with us and made plans to get together in a few days. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our night had been great so far and it was about to get more interesting. According </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to Tom and Sarah, life changing! In our next trip report we will see if that really was the case. </span></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-44515415316515277042015-04-17T14:36:00.001-07:002015-04-17T16:19:30.978-07:00Our Home in Japan<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was recently told a story about a family that travelled to South America and didn’t enjoy themselves. Apparently there was an issue because they felt their living quarters weren’t American enough. For myself, as I have gotten past my 20s, I think I enjoy seeing how the locals live life. When I was a teenager, and stayed with a host family in Mexico, I hated it. I felt so out of my element as I was split from other students from our group. But, everyone has a different taste as to what they want his surroundings to be. Don’t get too excited and book quickly to “get the planning over with”. Look into where you are staying by performing your due diligence.</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmk8lTmic1mzmQSsQYEcwyfCc20eLRvUElQGSPZ9xxyhKWIhCAJSB_J9kwhngmuckAnbfY3UJ3kVG7_TQLT_uPXcvp6uxtVNIznldSZ8KmnazntEoju8Sfd8koLsKKtmvPC3fXArEDkY/s640/blogger-image--1669290111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmk8lTmic1mzmQSsQYEcwyfCc20eLRvUElQGSPZ9xxyhKWIhCAJSB_J9kwhngmuckAnbfY3UJ3kVG7_TQLT_uPXcvp6uxtVNIznldSZ8KmnazntEoju8Sfd8koLsKKtmvPC3fXArEDkY/s640/blogger-image--1669290111.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Apartment 1 Neighborhood in the daylight</font></font><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once Eric found out about Aribnb, we were on our way to the sort of stay we wanted. Unlike the scenarios described earlier, Eric and I were set to experience life in Japan as a local (or close to it). Prior to finding out we could rent a person’s apartment, we were nervous about being stuck in a 10 foot by 10 foot hotel room, with a closet as a shower. We had heard a friend’s story about his two experiences with small rooms. We also read <a href="http://tripadvisor.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">TripAdvisor.com</a> reviews regarding hotels we had considered. Eric and I weren’t sure we wanted to take away a similar story. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Before we had arrived in Japan both our hosts were in communication with us. Even though our trip was in October we began our correspondence in June. Through their Airbnb profiles, we knew history, hobbies, and their personal goals for travel. In turn, our hosts knew about us and our plans for Japan. We didn’t keep in constant communication, but just enough for introductions and for planning.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Part of that planning involved our first host picking us up from the airport. (Huge convenience as we arrived at a time most buses into Tokyo had stopped running) By the time we arrived in Japan, during the tail end of a typhoon, it felt as though we had all met. Obviously that wasn’t the case. This was our first meeting, but our first host was very welcoming. Soon, I will get into the difference between our first host and second host.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we had hoped, the car ride to the apartment felt like a familiar face picking us up here at LAX. We were very tired and in no mood to deal with train lines and bus transfers. If you decide to go with Airbnb, and the host offers some sort of transportation arrangement, take it! This was even more convenient than Magical Express at Walt Disney World. We found him just passed Customs and we were ready to go.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Getting closer to the place, our host pointed out a few businesses we might want to visit during our stay. There was a pancake restaurant that he was fond of, but I’m not sure it was similar to IHOP. It was nearly <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">9 PM</a>, dark, and raining outside from the typhoon so it was hard to commit these business locations to memory. Arriving at the building, our host stopped his Prius right at the front door. He even helped us take in our luggage. He had the persona of a 5 star hotel valet as he held an umbrella over us! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq2DDylcXnzU3ExTQCrQXlfxI2xYvemcUR3Q9w4FGe6hfRlVAo_pPdrLS2PGRmYYM3ZUEZARURC_F964DJm0to1CxHwud__nocyVCJjDilgFMBbTzB2eafuN3rcfeQTGmyS7FTu0Y7FI/s640/blogger-image--2049109201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq2DDylcXnzU3ExTQCrQXlfxI2xYvemcUR3Q9w4FGe6hfRlVAo_pPdrLS2PGRmYYM3ZUEZARURC_F964DJm0to1CxHwud__nocyVCJjDilgFMBbTzB2eafuN3rcfeQTGmyS7FTu0Y7FI/s640/blogger-image--2049109201.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We stayed on a higher floor and had to carry up our bags while trying to remain quiet for his neighbors. This was a tad tough because although we stepped lightly, we made a stomping noise as we climbed the stairwell. We echoed all over that building. During our stay, I came to suspect that he owned the entire building and he was renting all the units to people like us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrabpcirmLzo3donC5tIo70a_guKIxKqaDqBZRsDRWXvr_X9G6J9PvyParaEQD4lvMHyUMxqo-3LlOiXAH6-aUuS-OwzY3OaYEgF3elDS5uWQ3WOzudAm_IvU7p6G0tlqnUbVpOh7uV0Q/s640/blogger-image-1341791639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrabpcirmLzo3donC5tIo70a_guKIxKqaDqBZRsDRWXvr_X9G6J9PvyParaEQD4lvMHyUMxqo-3LlOiXAH6-aUuS-OwzY3OaYEgF3elDS5uWQ3WOzudAm_IvU7p6G0tlqnUbVpOh7uV0Q/s640/blogger-image-1341791639.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjuZBJmRTGuXfmH_8GCZG89mZkWBnzEkmkTjc4mxO81tiuXN4TnSfIiEkaP2X_bkawyfrLqjAMYRLbt0aQfNY9hblM30WMqTXdiSmv5TwbRscNoBPw_7RKTN3yBpFhOa08LPJyZQGY8w/s640/blogger-image-1534851697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjuZBJmRTGuXfmH_8GCZG89mZkWBnzEkmkTjc4mxO81tiuXN4TnSfIiEkaP2X_bkawyfrLqjAMYRLbt0aQfNY9hblM30WMqTXdiSmv5TwbRscNoBPw_7RKTN3yBpFhOa08LPJyZQGY8w/s640/blogger-image-1534851697.jpg"></a></div> Washer (soap included)</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The apartment was spacious and even had two beds (one was a futon). During our stay here, Eric and I were able to really spread out. The look and layout was not a surprise to us at all because this was all revealed before we booked. We knew we would find cereal, bread, butter, milk, water, juice, and a few snacks in the kitchenette. Eric and I already knew how to work the remote controlled AC because our host sent us a “How TO” YouTube video. And of course, before we entered we were very aware that we needed to remove our shoes while in the apartment. We were set! Our host thought of everything! He had city and bus maps for us and even offered to take us to DisneySea the next morning. Unfortunately for us, he wasn’t leaving the area until near <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">8 AM</a>, which was too late for us (covered in a previous post).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEETXC5RxVZsvhCVb6b0yvO_L9Sopk5xzymkOUvVTpavNLAlvQhIK5tmCJn5Z4HRkk_Ij0zcWYC8DQkmuBRYevU9Cw8A6sNa3VKaXZqpq2OXXG_ggrIPtRw_rlxptSrb5YizfDarm8hA/s640/blogger-image--1023397065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEETXC5RxVZsvhCVb6b0yvO_L9Sopk5xzymkOUvVTpavNLAlvQhIK5tmCJn5Z4HRkk_Ij0zcWYC8DQkmuBRYevU9Cw8A6sNa3VKaXZqpq2OXXG_ggrIPtRw_rlxptSrb5YizfDarm8hA/s640/blogger-image--1023397065.jpg"></a></div> Balcony of Apartment 1<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUa5lIyFPi4FhT3LBG7SP42Ls8A1N48vA9mwPnCFWZHwb2VqjMxbDrlRBZzU_NgvTFTMNFUo6-J6Ix8MnmD97B2DdtRCHJLy9-KDGNoZzsru0vPGx_MVIKm37PkN7KOBGH2MFTkR-iMU/s640/blogger-image-1533697956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUa5lIyFPi4FhT3LBG7SP42Ls8A1N48vA9mwPnCFWZHwb2VqjMxbDrlRBZzU_NgvTFTMNFUo6-J6Ix8MnmD97B2DdtRCHJLy9-KDGNoZzsru0vPGx_MVIKm37PkN7KOBGH2MFTkR-iMU/s640/blogger-image-1533697956.jpg"></a></div> View from Apt 1's Balcony<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">During our stay we had plenty of room to get ready and not bump into one another. The shower situation was slightly different than we are used to, which was fine. One stands in the center of the bathroom to shower, and the tub is used to soak AFTER showering. We knew before to not shower in the tub because as I mentioned, it is used for a CLEAN bath. I thank sources like YouTube, <a href="http://disneytouristblog.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">DisneyTouristBlog.com</a> and the expert, Chris from <a href="http://tdrexplorer.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4">TDRExplorer.com</a> , in knowing appropriate behaviors in Japan. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had arrived in town on a <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5">Monday night</a> and we left this first apartment on that following Saturday. Deep inside my being, I was a little nervous about getting from Apartment 1, near Tokyo Disneyland, to Apartment 2 in Shibuya, Tokyo. Our host knocked on our door around <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://6" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="6">10 AM</a> that <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://7" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="7">Saturday morning</a> (moving day) and asked if this was our last day. I was a bit confused by that question. We were only booked through that day. Maybe it was a nice way of saying, “So, you guys are getting the Hell outta here, right?” To leave a good impression, we washed our towels and bedding. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv4thuM3vsFknd9tcLUe5zBd0cjeRCRywPJO9T5E8OrVH08W__aLu0Y5zt-eaEN54JcjJGvr_q5REvAMk_v2IyokndP2cBCX5tkV0lx6x9Q3hwGWjRGkRng7oy_N_CnGRR25GT08Fv9k/s640/blogger-image--767065183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv4thuM3vsFknd9tcLUe5zBd0cjeRCRywPJO9T5E8OrVH08W__aLu0Y5zt-eaEN54JcjJGvr_q5REvAMk_v2IyokndP2cBCX5tkV0lx6x9Q3hwGWjRGkRng7oy_N_CnGRR25GT08Fv9k/s640/blogger-image--767065183.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our host really was excellent! I asked him if he could verify that eric and I had our bus route to the train station correct. We would need to take 2 buses to reach the station that would then take us to Tokyo Station. He thought that was a little too involved and offered to drive us to the station himself! In case I hadn’t yet mentioned it, We Love Japan!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFy5EGlyRaq0PMf3-ACB0r5RDd-H3JmUuP9Vt9dTJk4Ox36_PeZLFyxpud89SETaLxDUOI1vteMlxaXtcjus4z2cDjAsUBmAQRYw_YeHSp7AkRnsBVXPB_TLDkv7c0r4RnHa2L4-rycs/s640/blogger-image--2057093529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFy5EGlyRaq0PMf3-ACB0r5RDd-H3JmUuP9Vt9dTJk4Ox36_PeZLFyxpud89SETaLxDUOI1vteMlxaXtcjus4z2cDjAsUBmAQRYw_YeHSp7AkRnsBVXPB_TLDkv7c0r4RnHa2L4-rycs/s640/blogger-image--2057093529.jpg"></a></div> View Outside the Station<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After being dropped off we purchased our first train tickets into Tokyo. This was an exciting moment as we finally would be able to use the skills we learned online to buy the tickets. I make it sound more thrilling than it is. It’s an easy machine to us if one knows how to switch the language to English. The next step is purchasing the ticket for the correct distance. If a passenger buys a ticket for too short a distance, the turnstile won’t let the traveler exit at the destination until the difference is paid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hfrMkk4Fk1wmD2wFXYTz6pZ6FACHNJLcg5a0uglSttaANpulyWt5CuFLq15CQ1DDIocjFuQLQ1UPeJAaOwwgGRMyv3jmDAP0dZcnOrEJE6_v4iNnOuiqB6gWmIMLLsAkOL7OAxtnfEI/s640/blogger-image-628420032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hfrMkk4Fk1wmD2wFXYTz6pZ6FACHNJLcg5a0uglSttaANpulyWt5CuFLq15CQ1DDIocjFuQLQ1UPeJAaOwwgGRMyv3jmDAP0dZcnOrEJE6_v4iNnOuiqB6gWmIMLLsAkOL7OAxtnfEI/s640/blogger-image-628420032.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Taking the train into the city and seeing the skyline from our vantage point was more than exciting! As we had learned, we didn't speak into our phones and only used quiet voices. Oh! If we had a runny nose, we made sure to not blow our noses in public. The train announcements were in Japanese and English. And, there were little electronic jingles that played at each station that reminded me of The Disneyland Electrical Parade. What’s the clichéd phrase? “It was a dream come true!”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEsR0__u8FkhqaOtXSPKXMSFgjy3qpPymQwFEhIQX2akAibIfTaAY2fJ50RCeHkBac8xP-mwg0B0TomUcE99aZm_tQts4bT1Km2myqN51N1TLaTlEhyShce1MY04zqy-ryyhCbu8745w/s640/blogger-image-2020234152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEsR0__u8FkhqaOtXSPKXMSFgjy3qpPymQwFEhIQX2akAibIfTaAY2fJ50RCeHkBac8xP-mwg0B0TomUcE99aZm_tQts4bT1Km2myqN51N1TLaTlEhyShce1MY04zqy-ryyhCbu8745w/s640/blogger-image-2020234152.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJeee1Yqz395dfGHSCYx4faufWixGFkXUnHLxHdCrh1RNdvPsKC18-Epjhxld7AOkpysa1h4LDT7RyGlDBWF4YJM1U8OYWYR3f86KdYJKKGYKriz6fU2gzx2ZyIbV_7xtKm2UspwUez4/s640/blogger-image--1338584693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJeee1Yqz395dfGHSCYx4faufWixGFkXUnHLxHdCrh1RNdvPsKC18-Epjhxld7AOkpysa1h4LDT7RyGlDBWF4YJM1U8OYWYR3f86KdYJKKGYKriz6fU2gzx2ZyIbV_7xtKm2UspwUez4/s640/blogger-image--1338584693.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Arriving in Tokyo station, the busiest station in Japan, we saw people flying left and right! All around us the place was humming! For some reason, <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://8" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="8">at 1 PM</a>, everyone was in a hurry and it was infectious! Although we were in a slight rush, anxious to get our trip going again, we had to find the Rail Pass office. We were sent all over that station. People were sending us to Japan Rail Pass offices, but it wasn’t until about 45 minutes later that we found the correct one. After we finally obtained our Japan Rail Pass, which would gain us access to the convenient Yamanote Line and Bullet Trains, we headed for Shibuya. It took us about 15 stops on the Yamanote Line, but we finally made it to our new neighborhood.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj5DqJDBfVOSGfeiHBd_sIiDojWJArCCsdfvGt-LKSWPCw7hhjChF98jpNcShsKt07nwQDKsphjfm0rHFd78eoxBbx6BcKU-JqWsEB3vtzxL1UW9RbldmT9M_g0kBgAxJLMRZ3GEGjYg/s640/blogger-image--1356934661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj5DqJDBfVOSGfeiHBd_sIiDojWJArCCsdfvGt-LKSWPCw7hhjChF98jpNcShsKt07nwQDKsphjfm0rHFd78eoxBbx6BcKU-JqWsEB3vtzxL1UW9RbldmT9M_g0kBgAxJLMRZ3GEGjYg/s640/blogger-image--1356934661.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had to take bridges over busy streets near our second apartment(like in Vegas). This required us having to lug our suitcases up and down many stairs. Then, we had to wheel our luggage up a lengthy incline toward the apartment. This tiring act didn’t take away from the fact that we loved our second place. It was located on a very quiet street, which had a café on the corner. This building was a five minute walk from the noisy street that housed the famous Shibuya Crossing (five way crosswalk). We were amazed that all that excitement was so near, yet this neighborhood was so peaceful.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This time we didn’t meet our host in person. Here, we had specific instructions sent to us on how to retrieve our key. The key was left for us in the mailbox and we had been given the combination. Just like our first host, he was a realtor with a few apartments for rent within Tokyo city. Soon after our arrival, he messaged us on the Airbnb app to make sure that all went smoothly.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygqQI1GtysGigJnQMMWI7fHQIFaaom2VnXlq5Rghh6lvkk6mQ0ohcikRPUnOaITTljXe3SAllcVLs58QbXUNX7c7ecAmA-JCceZLozfPdAvZkjpr5nraD1ZrbPOAZwETpotlE10WD1d4/s640/blogger-image--960123929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygqQI1GtysGigJnQMMWI7fHQIFaaom2VnXlq5Rghh6lvkk6mQ0ohcikRPUnOaITTljXe3SAllcVLs58QbXUNX7c7ecAmA-JCceZLozfPdAvZkjpr5nraD1ZrbPOAZwETpotlE10WD1d4/s640/blogger-image--960123929.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the unit he also had a kitchenette with snack items, along with wine on the table! That wine would come in handy, as soon as we found the glasses. The restroom here was a little more suited for Westerners. There was a tub/shower like we would see in The States. The sofa in this place also became a bed. He had a flat screen TV that we never used (like at Apartment 1). The AC here operated easily, with a click of one button. Again, like our first apartment we had a portable WIFI device for our iPhones. It appeared that Eric and I both chose the perfect places to stay. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t7X3P1GJYqqx-7ppVMFwYuKOvwlbP7D5zCBp6jMfQ-mqFlimkZtYhZmbSEdd5adx9BHT2acRTsaV70KSMwtcZO6vHmWswqe_siQjcFOK3nLK7R071KsX7QJrTfqIN5oUtFx7evF5kE0/s640/blogger-image--2062760708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t7X3P1GJYqqx-7ppVMFwYuKOvwlbP7D5zCBp6jMfQ-mqFlimkZtYhZmbSEdd5adx9BHT2acRTsaV70KSMwtcZO6vHmWswqe_siQjcFOK3nLK7R071KsX7QJrTfqIN5oUtFx7evF5kE0/s640/blogger-image--2062760708.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTx0PkjdWoohYNstq7tz25NYHP8We2JxT9XiG6Ddm6VwkCZyqW5JgLCvDZOg6K3myWQbOKd35YJ0GsIWSVHgKE07riuqzVSYh0MmRiPB83x24E4dS2QwM2mccyKwYYEPt8Jo25b_yrL0/s640/blogger-image-1836727991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTx0PkjdWoohYNstq7tz25NYHP8We2JxT9XiG6Ddm6VwkCZyqW5JgLCvDZOg6K3myWQbOKd35YJ0GsIWSVHgKE07riuqzVSYh0MmRiPB83x24E4dS2QwM2mccyKwYYEPt8Jo25b_yrL0/s640/blogger-image-1836727991.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">During our time here, the action of Shibuya was right at our doorstep. I bet we could’ve spent a few days exploring the ins and outs of Shibuya alone. We also were fortunate to be a close walk to the train station. We could jump on the Yamanote Line and get whisked away to the major meccas of Tokyo. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Even though we never met the owner of this apartment we were tremendously satisfied with the time we spent (and money). I slept well and I never had that tossing and turning experience. The only set back that annoyed us a bit was the WIFI was weak in this apartment. Yes I know that is something to which to roll one’s eyes, but we needed it. We were on vacation, but we weren’t ready to toss away the internet for 8-10 hours at a time!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUrRsAHhBP06hHuSzdmR0LbFeS_8D2OlVGuneudxfuTz-AJlE0Dw5HIy6B-dC3frBzrQs3JefiITuu75zpwIVeoVUcCAPX8tgjE3xrd-RhgoXhyphenhyphenMh4VLUTZZ3-QzIbe986tP3nguvRFA/s640/blogger-image-1011457897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUrRsAHhBP06hHuSzdmR0LbFeS_8D2OlVGuneudxfuTz-AJlE0Dw5HIy6B-dC3frBzrQs3JefiITuu75zpwIVeoVUcCAPX8tgjE3xrd-RhgoXhyphenhyphenMh4VLUTZZ3-QzIbe986tP3nguvRFA/s640/blogger-image-1011457897.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In all seriousness, I can’t recommend Airbnb enough. As I said, there is an app that can be used easily and it is free to download. Through the messaging system, users are able to get in contact with the hosts and ask questions about their listings. I don’t at all work for this company or get any sort of “kickback” from them. I just think people need to visit Japan and make it as easy as possible. If you love using the self-checkout lane at the grocery store, you will love this. And, it gives such a feeling of living there, being a local!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU3bqWPprO0CQJ4ZjubYg87pZvpxqmcR11oyF5mb8V8LvM99zVHo-144LdtwAdBVdjDezv8KaQZWskc9ijnXYBK_4eO7bcEyNS93s-zocI4zB88l3D3G-sVtTq2o7Co9ishMMU4ou_r8/s640/blogger-image--1810702215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU3bqWPprO0CQJ4ZjubYg87pZvpxqmcR11oyF5mb8V8LvM99zVHo-144LdtwAdBVdjDezv8KaQZWskc9ijnXYBK_4eO7bcEyNS93s-zocI4zB88l3D3G-sVtTq2o7Co9ishMMU4ou_r8/s640/blogger-image--1810702215.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There is more to come in regards to our Tokyo trip, but I wanted to get this out there. Maybe I have convinced half of you to start skipping the movies, saying no to those Vegas trips, and to start eating at home. There is a world of real life whimsy waiting for you in Japan! See you all soon with more Tokyo adventures as we explore Shinjuku, Tokyo (where I was asked if I wanted a sexual massage).</span></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </font></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-29649855800552025792015-04-09T11:56:00.001-07:002015-04-09T13:04:04.985-07:00A Dazzling Evening at Tokyo Disneyland<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPy8gg_5ocs_nz0af636nY6DnUQgcNqB7kTMzpN1QtVlFJupX6bSTERrLclexXfkkTPYgb6QNFPm-BWMwKD1C3wzAMSS-QXJalZkbQEBjPIV28nEy8gUhUavoJqJC3KpZkG3RGdpuc9g/s640/blogger-image-695815969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPy8gg_5ocs_nz0af636nY6DnUQgcNqB7kTMzpN1QtVlFJupX6bSTERrLclexXfkkTPYgb6QNFPm-BWMwKD1C3wzAMSS-QXJalZkbQEBjPIV28nEy8gUhUavoJqJC3KpZkG3RGdpuc9g/s640/blogger-image-695815969.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mtz97rA-Ges0V1_DPmNZcEjN-mGLYQ1Ph-Q0MjRk33-hGY2a6TKy2pAdQEq-yPWxHcJSxYmvIli0uFg9SUHQkrU3rDWzpDvXrnePkZf9bX-dr1i5meoFmi-R7gOji4F45FEDlNFYnpw/s640/blogger-image--1776790096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mtz97rA-Ges0V1_DPmNZcEjN-mGLYQ1Ph-Q0MjRk33-hGY2a6TKy2pAdQEq-yPWxHcJSxYmvIli0uFg9SUHQkrU3rDWzpDvXrnePkZf9bX-dr1i5meoFmi-R7gOji4F45FEDlNFYnpw/s640/blogger-image--1776790096.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you have been following along with our trip, it must be obvious that we had covered a lot of ground. So, after taking a ride on the river, leaving the park for a bit wasn’t a crazy idea. Being that this was in a way the Downtown Disney of Tokyo, we kept hearing about how huge Ikspiari is. From what I understand, there is even a basement level full of food and bake shops. The walk to get there was a tad further than we planned. We agreed to allow ourselves about an hour for this excursion, so we had to power walk. Having been dropped off by bus near the main entrance the last few mornings, we hadn’t been exposed to the distance. The train station is adjacent to the Ikspiari facility, not the bus stop.</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59sPtTGuLfYR89UanoP3NoRU8w0nrb789lenSLMikUFydiAzMn6KTUF3q0YOSwxJL0XZKFkEtYDjy4YoOcG6pKBf1qGAIBw4CrAo5UWZaSs_BQ1A12-0aGAwRK2ecr-78GhFnFau_sAY/s640/blogger-image-105402184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59sPtTGuLfYR89UanoP3NoRU8w0nrb789lenSLMikUFydiAzMn6KTUF3q0YOSwxJL0XZKFkEtYDjy4YoOcG6pKBf1qGAIBw4CrAo5UWZaSs_BQ1A12-0aGAwRK2ecr-78GhFnFau_sAY/s640/blogger-image-105402184.jpg"></a></font></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GjbVuYNw2199c4GOQPFRkwP4Aoc7qcGis6VqNq-9Z_PQfn9SMcsCxmJSbO4BBIlsgEEGcBT6STL0-IYd9_iKYKT-MJmqWQxdOQ7QknjUPsxmrXJhkhFICvLLE-fP8BaqAJJcJNVVMT0/s640/blogger-image--1497659359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GjbVuYNw2199c4GOQPFRkwP4Aoc7qcGis6VqNq-9Z_PQfn9SMcsCxmJSbO4BBIlsgEEGcBT6STL0-IYd9_iKYKT-MJmqWQxdOQ7QknjUPsxmrXJhkhFICvLLE-fP8BaqAJJcJNVVMT0/s640/blogger-image--1497659359.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we headed there, I voiced that I wanted to find the shop that carries the park soundtracks. After already seeing the “Happiness is Here” parade, I really wanted that music. I hadn’t seen it sold in the park. We also had plans to stop at the Bon Voyage souvenir shop, and find the Disney Store. The Bon Voyage store, which resembles a large suitcase, was the first one we visited.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1li66ZdEwNSbxGZ-H39MA-eZW7OVkCkAKhh9OUeirGyugheCUFtV3AL4trv6Iiz5f2rdXv5f86-NswHPvKrgOYlAn9zLSTRx25bxyePTgjhv8m-gpCpTyT5gA-7VybNihoEq99uWhuj8/s640/blogger-image--773635062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1li66ZdEwNSbxGZ-H39MA-eZW7OVkCkAKhh9OUeirGyugheCUFtV3AL4trv6Iiz5f2rdXv5f86-NswHPvKrgOYlAn9zLSTRx25bxyePTgjhv8m-gpCpTyT5gA-7VybNihoEq99uWhuj8/s640/blogger-image--773635062.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMLZMxjCTuy5tzOxXM2qpooDPvg7YW3pSX9og9l04b3lvGaS6A8TT3SQ32Wn5_16eLbNywxOR6amNpMKYt8Ams3F1TmX9bTl9fVFZEThpywkRN1u1vbmKGVl5xZwckBea52usaKO-O1A/s640/blogger-image--1703253508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMLZMxjCTuy5tzOxXM2qpooDPvg7YW3pSX9og9l04b3lvGaS6A8TT3SQ32Wn5_16eLbNywxOR6amNpMKYt8Ams3F1TmX9bTl9fVFZEThpywkRN1u1vbmKGVl5xZwckBea52usaKO-O1A/s640/blogger-image--1703253508.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Inside, Eric and I scoured the shop for something we hadn’t yet seen in the park’s stores. A lot of the merchandise was very repetitive. We did happen to find a few items for the nieces and nephews. The chopsticks we found, the ends had Monorails as handles, were very cute. (Why didn’t I take a photo of them?) We also found a few rare pins. Other than that, there wasn’t a lot that caught our eye. An item we kept seeing everywhere were hand towels. They sold/displayed hand towels like one would see a wall of socks or underwear. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4atAgyw2jaSjjfDMMbCZsdjFUM8MS6hMpI_QCJ1j2K-f5jDKxC8UjZortOdhdjV8-bvUuEEhIkOFXu6585X4S9DtLf9mNixJGMYftRuoqVO5_QQJaniZkrvSKMAxWzR23i4IWgljI1E/s640/blogger-image-1306694397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4atAgyw2jaSjjfDMMbCZsdjFUM8MS6hMpI_QCJ1j2K-f5jDKxC8UjZortOdhdjV8-bvUuEEhIkOFXu6585X4S9DtLf9mNixJGMYftRuoqVO5_QQJaniZkrvSKMAxWzR23i4IWgljI1E/s640/blogger-image-1306694397.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We wandered further into the Ikspiari area, beyond the train station, in search of the Disney Store. We had to stroll to the furthest point to find it. I also kick myself as I wonder why we didn’t take photos in the store. The only answer I have is that I didn’t want people thinking I was taking a photo of them. There were some cool iPhone cases, one of which I almost bought. The issue I had with them is that since they were irregularly shaped, they were very impractical.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0hvppLuAlHuHt9okSCkYYhWkWcUgAUfJTs9Hi6KVA8P4q_rDMwcs8SSbWMEmG23pcYKhot6bbqV3SPskuAe2_2G5CGtr94OYOoM0GTl0VGlWVHMhKn40G3xAcEpVBx0H5nlyJIWwicw/s640/blogger-image--1745988879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0hvppLuAlHuHt9okSCkYYhWkWcUgAUfJTs9Hi6KVA8P4q_rDMwcs8SSbWMEmG23pcYKhot6bbqV3SPskuAe2_2G5CGtr94OYOoM0GTl0VGlWVHMhKn40G3xAcEpVBx0H5nlyJIWwicw/s640/blogger-image--1745988879.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we headed back toward the parks, we had already spent close to an hour away, we found the music store. They had a decent sized selection of park music, which included the parade I wanted. This soundtrack went for almost $40 American dollars. 40! As you can probably guess, I passed on that purchase. I really couldn’t justify spending that amount on a CD that had one track on it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpqUA6lmuEMQcUK540gmrY4DKgE9anO0TeFTYkvK_Wi2l5Jpb2rIPL4CXzFPJu3k-p26QJzWt5TlKCJ3gCOPdI7s1OPYjasExbq9iZGwLCgygvlVErGZVDvMfvdKTN8dLBPhJiCAEo2M/s640/blogger-image-1265592313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpqUA6lmuEMQcUK540gmrY4DKgE9anO0TeFTYkvK_Wi2l5Jpb2rIPL4CXzFPJu3k-p26QJzWt5TlKCJ3gCOPdI7s1OPYjasExbq9iZGwLCgygvlVErGZVDvMfvdKTN8dLBPhJiCAEo2M/s640/blogger-image-1265592313.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The natural lighting in the next set of photos makes it look much later than it really was. If I recall correctly (this was 5 months ago) we headed back into the park around <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">3:45 PM</a>. Being mid-afternoon it was definitely time for that snack we had seen earlier, pastry. We would have a nice time sitting as we awaited our Haunted Mansion FP window, <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">4:55-5:55 PM</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2aOBtP9lCndLh_hHi9sZxWqy9xTlwMl97a5slETd0WQ2629U9dliymzkx2ThErDF84tSf2vcQeJJYNBC3Nq17HIcMwAlKv9wc6jc13urvsti1x5uPCtVDhojHMt_UKtvtRY8W8bTRyk/s640/blogger-image-1946648020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2aOBtP9lCndLh_hHi9sZxWqy9xTlwMl97a5slETd0WQ2629U9dliymzkx2ThErDF84tSf2vcQeJJYNBC3Nq17HIcMwAlKv9wc6jc13urvsti1x5uPCtVDhojHMt_UKtvtRY8W8bTRyk/s640/blogger-image-1946648020.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We headed back to the Sweetheart Café, located near the Monsters Inc. fast pass area. I was hungry and ready to bite into Mike Wazowski’s head….melon bread that is. Both out snacks looked a lot sweeter than they actually were. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZlDoxSajUwG6cloFKPDyPRBLkyOW2hr0345ykKAQWaZmOzy2sut4aQaqZooiJ9VC6doEK2-Wzzq1aiNou-tS-wTkbw-Lc1k4VhGkAhCRRYUZlplU12Ct4PitPvffYyyCFrdS9Q7A4LY/s640/blogger-image--1851282307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZlDoxSajUwG6cloFKPDyPRBLkyOW2hr0345ykKAQWaZmOzy2sut4aQaqZooiJ9VC6doEK2-Wzzq1aiNou-tS-wTkbw-Lc1k4VhGkAhCRRYUZlplU12Ct4PitPvffYyyCFrdS9Q7A4LY/s640/blogger-image--1851282307.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although we were doing just fine, Eric and I may have now realized how tired we were. Our day had been full of such excitement that we didn’t even think about how it was affecting us. At the same time, we just didn’t care. We had dreamed of this trip for so long! Eric and I were about to get in as much as possible before the <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://4" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4">7 PM</a> Electrical Parade start time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLCU8Y-Pv770UE-bMjcfO0c9EpP3zt5VsN3wq_3ErJxjz7Fh395llylK0I-w01XDlDBEk470jARhhj_bO92Wt9Ftwihb4XA0jCnEQVkXszvFMgyheZ62XTZg16z7FM_fE1DJ7Ll1NIFw/s640/blogger-image-2003248069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLCU8Y-Pv770UE-bMjcfO0c9EpP3zt5VsN3wq_3ErJxjz7Fh395llylK0I-w01XDlDBEk470jARhhj_bO92Wt9Ftwihb4XA0jCnEQVkXszvFMgyheZ62XTZg16z7FM_fE1DJ7Ll1NIFw/s640/blogger-image-2003248069.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I also wanted this to eat, but I didn’t want to be too gluttonous.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSZLdsb0FElMGE_RYh4UQfIgBygD592qz0RPJbE6Rw7m-Ns4VMdoUaN89N8G6igkVSMmGSx1gHPJBMY2GqR9oj6f_FJv1Hk3ZxdIchphDQvUvenb1iStFQc-dITIy4WKOhGahBP6LpZc/s640/blogger-image-977891242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSZLdsb0FElMGE_RYh4UQfIgBygD592qz0RPJbE6Rw7m-Ns4VMdoUaN89N8G6igkVSMmGSx1gHPJBMY2GqR9oj6f_FJv1Hk3ZxdIchphDQvUvenb1iStFQc-dITIy4WKOhGahBP6LpZc/s640/blogger-image-977891242.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At a quarter to <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5">5 PM</a> we passed near the hour long queue for Jungle Cruise and hoped aboard the Western River Railroad. For those that didn’t know, this train only circles WesternLand. (There are reasons for that which we don’t need to get into now) It sounds a little silly, but one reason I was very excited to ride this train was the fact it passes right in front of Splash Mountain. From certain angles, it appears the finale drop passes directly under the train tracks. In a way it does, but not as dramatically as I had hoped. What I did enjoy about this version of the train is that we felt to be in the middle of the action. At the US Parks, the train ride hides a lot of the park behind trees and buildings.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgt0OheyjPKiSPJio8vmRy7dZESGdKvqc6eEDpFQAFQc6LbaFNP2R-IskoYlcLsxKnjj9dq-dud38fZLet8jFMgjr5gaOeAXoA-1_vt-XdEnRigC8MJ1ATVGQCUQ2eYJpdzpynxPTwY8/s640/blogger-image-1917792288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgt0OheyjPKiSPJio8vmRy7dZESGdKvqc6eEDpFQAFQc6LbaFNP2R-IskoYlcLsxKnjj9dq-dud38fZLet8jFMgjr5gaOeAXoA-1_vt-XdEnRigC8MJ1ATVGQCUQ2eYJpdzpynxPTwY8/s640/blogger-image-1917792288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Westernland seen from the train.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBEZn623KrPfcO-GXJV9nDHWXHch1QyRJHcUcoWFbhCgaQUZ51Q1CSM2VEPeI82i0QmvpLBLrEL1woYDdb5_46RSTr5LaY7FETI1bzTPSYGYi3TK-63rtDDPLaui-vTRvSV8_JbTTHls/s640/blogger-image-630653816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBEZn623KrPfcO-GXJV9nDHWXHch1QyRJHcUcoWFbhCgaQUZ51Q1CSM2VEPeI82i0QmvpLBLrEL1woYDdb5_46RSTr5LaY7FETI1bzTPSYGYi3TK-63rtDDPLaui-vTRvSV8_JbTTHls/s640/blogger-image-630653816.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As Eric and I moved back through Fantasyland, toward Mansion, the area felt so alive. We now had “back to back” Fast Passes to use. We had acquired a Pooh’s Hunny Hunt pass earlier, but still our Mansion time was before that. In total, this would equal four Fast Passes for the day. So to anyone who thinks you can’t get more than one Fast Pass in a day at these parks, he is out of his mind. Or, Eric and I just got lucky.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6oAx5jNa-tW7KMRuMlXFDTZaPoV5YebHQRN7DO31HkyHS4o6QOTY34zFcRuY227Z33S9GR663C0yv3pqJRq4xtWywX3XbCm_X6qMGEMSji1TvZ5UKK8RCcXxceta12kURqsvutGbjmA/s640/blogger-image--1174281689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6oAx5jNa-tW7KMRuMlXFDTZaPoV5YebHQRN7DO31HkyHS4o6QOTY34zFcRuY227Z33S9GR663C0yv3pqJRq4xtWywX3XbCm_X6qMGEMSji1TvZ5UKK8RCcXxceta12kURqsvutGbjmA/s640/blogger-image--1174281689.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9enKilaSI9O37Zy9AADXGLNfETwK_eNQhXYfN0kCuXcIixzFIaQEYjdw7dQcGU5VS3PhlpDkrZvrR8Tys6B0QUTEVUZtvA2JaCOuyS4ujaq59lzmznfKkhf9JvGktHss30cdJ1Zsl38/s640/blogger-image-1223394709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9enKilaSI9O37Zy9AADXGLNfETwK_eNQhXYfN0kCuXcIixzFIaQEYjdw7dQcGU5VS3PhlpDkrZvrR8Tys6B0QUTEVUZtvA2JaCOuyS4ujaq59lzmznfKkhf9JvGktHss30cdJ1Zsl38/s640/blogger-image-1223394709.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdNP-MDfyskb-qbn2r1TlAL3-CV4GE5SMP3ZYw2rN7xaQ2K2qj7BH7COvlucrDdRTX7rfe0pcEFdNffnU6M91lTARFPsbXoLFUcGAwcxZT202Oq6TTQx48aecWe-nwmufRL-rD-tuUNc/s640/blogger-image-618948587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdNP-MDfyskb-qbn2r1TlAL3-CV4GE5SMP3ZYw2rN7xaQ2K2qj7BH7COvlucrDdRTX7rfe0pcEFdNffnU6M91lTARFPsbXoLFUcGAwcxZT202Oq6TTQx48aecWe-nwmufRL-rD-tuUNc/s640/blogger-image-618948587.jpg"></a></div> Eric & I adored these trees lining the walkway.</div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This was our second time on their Holiday Nightmare (love that name)! I was a little brave during this experience and snapped a few grainy shots with my phone. We could’ve tried with the Nikon, but it has the light meter on it and I didn’t want to ruin the experience for others.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WYm2cF1LJ9cBWsvHXDXr2eBCn008IfqNmhmF7JSMiMnPq3abApZwTt7h6KTRSINlOCA99qOZN28yTfo9c7JbszaxSPMZXM64GKBjxQtNiLU0PwQw7VDlBirC5SCHocnhhbuGY8R_Gxg/s640/blogger-image--1447611083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WYm2cF1LJ9cBWsvHXDXr2eBCn008IfqNmhmF7JSMiMnPq3abApZwTt7h6KTRSINlOCA99qOZN28yTfo9c7JbszaxSPMZXM64GKBjxQtNiLU0PwQw7VDlBirC5SCHocnhhbuGY8R_Gxg/s640/blogger-image--1447611083.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5FAeSzqGBs5_eJ1LJVlOxZ3qV-1OHw3jdwkzxP9gvuu-emmlSZa5IU3go9n4E_v4_dY4H7OxrRBulbA1WI-IBmJqjRDOx-LN_J87kT-DENmhKQtoTjSuZjWQG0nkJjks0rH8oknMi_o/s640/blogger-image--319061885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5FAeSzqGBs5_eJ1LJVlOxZ3qV-1OHw3jdwkzxP9gvuu-emmlSZa5IU3go9n4E_v4_dY4H7OxrRBulbA1WI-IBmJqjRDOx-LN_J87kT-DENmhKQtoTjSuZjWQG0nkJjks0rH8oknMi_o/s640/blogger-image--319061885.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With it being about half past <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://6" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="6">5 PM</a>, we had to fit in Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, find food, and find a spot for the parade. The easy part of executing our schedule was that both Mansion and Pooh are in Fantasyland. I was stressing a bit regarding the parade spot. Eric was more relaxed and was trying to get me to calm down. I had read too much online about how tough it is to get a spot for this parade. I decided to go along with Eric’s disposition and calm the heck down.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFPpZtYCgR-qjNMSqgxtVF7P3rbdnwXrpCXOZ_GWuw_2iVY0HYI4X8UP9YB4qZcV7-rWMGnhwl07PJv2ftOfqms-_nsyG65HuI5a7LREa1ruxk5HI8TP1Bze46w5OpIqhEE-vpIDNO74/s640/blogger-image-1366547076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFPpZtYCgR-qjNMSqgxtVF7P3rbdnwXrpCXOZ_GWuw_2iVY0HYI4X8UP9YB4qZcV7-rWMGnhwl07PJv2ftOfqms-_nsyG65HuI5a7LREa1ruxk5HI8TP1Bze46w5OpIqhEE-vpIDNO74/s640/blogger-image-1366547076.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4i8azNlwmiM_eBzFP4TPSifDGqLWetqpr4Gc9cJWIQpSL2WDjkTNxApZu8_wGP1mtTORjzpq4I0NoD1bKV_3nFh_LHWsYrnORDhwVW3sLt4SYH59UfUF0AcHt9RrdTNHgtQ820E2wOM/s640/blogger-image--530031195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4i8azNlwmiM_eBzFP4TPSifDGqLWetqpr4Gc9cJWIQpSL2WDjkTNxApZu8_wGP1mtTORjzpq4I0NoD1bKV_3nFh_LHWsYrnORDhwVW3sLt4SYH59UfUF0AcHt9RrdTNHgtQ820E2wOM/s640/blogger-image--530031195.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Of course Pooh was amazing! This would be our final time riding for this trip (sad face). Eric busted out the Nikon for this. It’s not so dark like in Mansion, so the light meter wasn’t a huge intrusion. I’m glad he decided to get a few photos.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG3oLzYSlqWDJ4HvXRr8Axjy3Cc7th4nYKKJoKAG0pXoQmA5Mhyphenhyphen8qu0N3JK_xm6yNSi3eywxpAODWUcl2xsYJJbfwD0leASu6Ph6asd64UwvM9gxnSoLSDWX3vS-KKxb9fCumL5WpVHk/s640/blogger-image-1568586231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG3oLzYSlqWDJ4HvXRr8Axjy3Cc7th4nYKKJoKAG0pXoQmA5Mhyphenhyphen8qu0N3JK_xm6yNSi3eywxpAODWUcl2xsYJJbfwD0leASu6Ph6asd64UwvM9gxnSoLSDWX3vS-KKxb9fCumL5WpVHk/s640/blogger-image-1568586231.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumlIWFx-52iD3-ANz0R9SDFMCwJFg-G-p2RDOaXSzbprAXM8IQIZzb_FrrHwXxjpMZn5rSOf6xxDdXbw7LXngC2ijmUbdOgUAN6YAaKk1YA1sIJSahNygYpkEQ3YLwRC8XJQz5NUl_dY/s640/blogger-image--906910290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumlIWFx-52iD3-ANz0R9SDFMCwJFg-G-p2RDOaXSzbprAXM8IQIZzb_FrrHwXxjpMZn5rSOf6xxDdXbw7LXngC2ijmUbdOgUAN6YAaKk1YA1sIJSahNygYpkEQ3YLwRC8XJQz5NUl_dY/s640/blogger-image--906910290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we exited, Eric suggested we head back to where we watched the earlier parade. We enjoyed that spot because no one could fill in our immediate area during the show. It was blocked by railings, thanks to the Dumbo attraction. There was still the matter of food. Eric volunteered to head back across Fantasyland (adjacent to the Pooh attraction), so he could get us burgers from Tomorrowland Terrace. I’m glad I married this guy!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnsFWTdkQoueCnExioB9rpgOmH8d-rEZ1TMz8bTjpgFoV18q7Gqk19GXFM8bahAF0EKLmqhuYIa2_QyeJfnLnYrZ-6mr7IihFQuisOtthZ7xY_v8aCSiqEIL065pnAv2MhvJ9dt5Eqyc/s640/blogger-image-385119189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnsFWTdkQoueCnExioB9rpgOmH8d-rEZ1TMz8bTjpgFoV18q7Gqk19GXFM8bahAF0EKLmqhuYIa2_QyeJfnLnYrZ-6mr7IihFQuisOtthZ7xY_v8aCSiqEIL065pnAv2MhvJ9dt5Eqyc/s640/blogger-image-385119189.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We didn’t have a “parade mat” as most people did. About 40 minutes before the show, a family came into our area. I offered up some space to them and I sat on the ledge. This ledge runs the length of the Dumbo railing, so it definitely worked out for us. During the parade we were free to either stand or sit. About 20 minutes prior to step off time, Eric returned with our cute Mickey shaped burgers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqIoxIE9EnOOGpx2LvxXBFrikrRM0CXuTEoDWv5cGeRaAmoyDNYF9Jpvm1VmIjRfSrzhL_DIoVSF1mVIKnoh4Akhv9kQKc1YVmUOTitRIzMSw4vgAXqiMLaqJIfIc7mmpwWY7BBnjSYw/s640/blogger-image-979001536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqIoxIE9EnOOGpx2LvxXBFrikrRM0CXuTEoDWv5cGeRaAmoyDNYF9Jpvm1VmIjRfSrzhL_DIoVSF1mVIKnoh4Akhv9kQKc1YVmUOTitRIzMSw4vgAXqiMLaqJIfIc7mmpwWY7BBnjSYw/s640/blogger-image-979001536.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Adorable!</span></div></span></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since Eric and I were both kids in Southern California, seeing the Main St. Electrical Parade was sort of a park tradition. As most know, that parade has since moved to Walt Disney World, which we do get to see now and again. But, this revamp of the parade came to fruition around 2007, with a new interpretation of floats and soundtrack. When it premiered I of course made a wish to one day see it. The dream was a distant life goal that I thought would never happen. But, here it was and the lights were about to go out! Dreamlights was about to become our reality!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10xY9l1pWl-4TVi_XVw1LMOcOOxKxEgxj88IsScpdjS83zjTkm2STRvEm_wtGtp2DYMBIS_RcbcrdhvlJ73Jv29DUkUwihfcVLVdvVqDSBqA1WV5qEkTWUHMMWsCECHxA9ZCr8rgi2GY/s640/blogger-image-1104096166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10xY9l1pWl-4TVi_XVw1LMOcOOxKxEgxj88IsScpdjS83zjTkm2STRvEm_wtGtp2DYMBIS_RcbcrdhvlJ73Jv29DUkUwihfcVLVdvVqDSBqA1WV5qEkTWUHMMWsCECHxA9ZCr8rgi2GY/s640/blogger-image-1104096166.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just like the parades we had seen earlier, these floats were larger than life and finally passing before us. The music was even more exciting to hear as it enveloped the entire area and the lights on the floats were quite vivid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B15ZRH6bTfFLvJYt74A87rJqMSW6Q9jh6PZOAv4rCgOKXVQDPT0C0tzAo5-dIZVQKKfAxkWduGT6Ae7zcf_8DsVIRZ49u7ZAld0SlLauTrwQvFb_DX5kFhcLyfuorYbIJ9biBQy1irA/s640/blogger-image--467128530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B15ZRH6bTfFLvJYt74A87rJqMSW6Q9jh6PZOAv4rCgOKXVQDPT0C0tzAo5-dIZVQKKfAxkWduGT6Ae7zcf_8DsVIRZ49u7ZAld0SlLauTrwQvFb_DX5kFhcLyfuorYbIJ9biBQy1irA/s640/blogger-image--467128530.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One thing we did wonder, why did some characters speak in Japanese and others in English? Does anyone know this answer?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-dKokCwCvost01DheKOtRqLia3ugE-3gxzspdI1US_FM-Vtw4OA4CrKieSvxB3r6GPSzk3QNz2OQNqJOhNj-4ri1XjdrW4oWya5vwNZzaLoF04j8BU0zwntDNCpUl2jM5XlCBhBM0lE/s640/blogger-image--1766819485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-dKokCwCvost01DheKOtRqLia3ugE-3gxzspdI1US_FM-Vtw4OA4CrKieSvxB3r6GPSzk3QNz2OQNqJOhNj-4ri1XjdrW4oWya5vwNZzaLoF04j8BU0zwntDNCpUl2jM5XlCBhBM0lE/s640/blogger-image--1766819485.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UbAX2TGhcwZzOskLjciwcBT7urYnOfXoRPAQUdGI7qZ3DaEo1FY9q7GGAtnOZwVrJqpeyliZtJEjrbuMjpt3vFPELtE215KV4UpY6iSqktqp3_CJ71rhJe2OlKLgfAk-Ks6urdXdwEE/s640/blogger-image-2020162939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UbAX2TGhcwZzOskLjciwcBT7urYnOfXoRPAQUdGI7qZ3DaEo1FY9q7GGAtnOZwVrJqpeyliZtJEjrbuMjpt3vFPELtE215KV4UpY6iSqktqp3_CJ71rhJe2OlKLgfAk-Ks6urdXdwEE/s640/blogger-image-2020162939.jpg"></a></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can’t really choose a favorite unit or float. I think my top few floats are Cinderella as her dress transforms, Alice on the Cheshire Cat, the Genie, and Blue Fairy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizNNDnaITW6c0fY560ksBEW0OQ2xSrPbnRNxvganvamZeO4BX19a8y_azABM0BMfXu2WAUWgQvlXoxUTEbcWQBf5MV5BV0GxukD6JHFSiyy1F_4ktiO8qtYpcYpsH1I_NRtLGL1nqjTY/s640/blogger-image--1263292913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizNNDnaITW6c0fY560ksBEW0OQ2xSrPbnRNxvganvamZeO4BX19a8y_azABM0BMfXu2WAUWgQvlXoxUTEbcWQBf5MV5BV0GxukD6JHFSiyy1F_4ktiO8qtYpcYpsH1I_NRtLGL1nqjTY/s640/blogger-image--1263292913.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhSQ73Nm3msTrTsdWraIlIE1byPYLBGP4z1lMaMEf0BxkJTk58tlci4iLQvZJhAuE5WQsbDjWwLFSyJKVeKPXqVG9qML6KgGvXR_z4w1Px9_tGzErXMfrvevN0dM_3aUIvp9JPBBjLJw/s640/blogger-image-1911692677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhSQ73Nm3msTrTsdWraIlIE1byPYLBGP4z1lMaMEf0BxkJTk58tlci4iLQvZJhAuE5WQsbDjWwLFSyJKVeKPXqVG9qML6KgGvXR_z4w1Px9_tGzErXMfrvevN0dM_3aUIvp9JPBBjLJw/s640/blogger-image-1911692677.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The parade was an excellent way to start to draw our Tokyo Disneyland experience to a close. I was glad we saw the alternate version two nights prior as it rained and then the actual parade. We really did get lucky during our time here.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ7iuEpor4W4Hq4iNBFw4OGKVWhoFLAEu0Q2OfhrIvdP4D_VWCOzXVc9xG14eSdbEYCfQRHhTz6li59BstS4CxkDAa3A3IL6r0PxjEVr0zrwe7w0v5L40U7Bfsbn1HR1FQiGSX5yeHQw/s640/blogger-image-1055825513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ7iuEpor4W4Hq4iNBFw4OGKVWhoFLAEu0Q2OfhrIvdP4D_VWCOzXVc9xG14eSdbEYCfQRHhTz6li59BstS4CxkDAa3A3IL6r0PxjEVr0zrwe7w0v5L40U7Bfsbn1HR1FQiGSX5yeHQw/s640/blogger-image-1055825513.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had arranged to meet up with Chris, he runs <a href="http://tdrexplorer.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="7">TDRExplorer.com</a> , near the Home Store and Waffle House. They are both located right off the World Bazaar area. To get there from our parade spot, we had to follow the parade to the front of the park. That took a little time in the crowd, but we were used to this many folks in one location. As we shuffled along, Eric and I were impressed that the guests actually listen and obey the directions of Cast Members. If the guest control person had everyone move to one side of a walkway, they all complied. Like soldiers, we witnessed the moving crowd all take two giants steps to the right. We followed suit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a slight wait, we finally did meet Chris. He rode about three trains from Shinjuku to come meet with us. We had been in contact with him before we left California and during the last three days. It was great to finally meet him and get his perspective on everything. Eric and I may have overwhelmed Chris as we fired questions at him from all angles. But, since the three of us were in the Monsters Inc. queue, we had plenty of time. Ride and Go Seek would be our final attraction at this park. Since it is lively and highly interactive, I’m glad this was how we closed the day. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnBCz1utE5nIJi5QoLO5ohniG_5JectmntMlFzE43dHhc3fo-J2BVa3oaYZt1u5ajNdaAjz8l2VVjUYAXRhxqW5gKNFBtkRCEWCrMoikDK9jiZTZvik5d-3BtpnB67PEvc6hKvpKRZuM/s640/blogger-image-75109160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnBCz1utE5nIJi5QoLO5ohniG_5JectmntMlFzE43dHhc3fo-J2BVa3oaYZt1u5ajNdaAjz8l2VVjUYAXRhxqW5gKNFBtkRCEWCrMoikDK9jiZTZvik5d-3BtpnB67PEvc6hKvpKRZuM/s640/blogger-image-75109160.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I think Eric forgot there was a photo to be taken.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Chris, Eric, and I took a final lap around the park in those last 20 minutes of operation. I can’t recall all the specifics of our conversation, but it was definitely surrounding his living experience in Japan. So far Eric and I were fascinated by the culture we had seen, so we were extremely curious about his adjustment. Chris had lived there for a while now and he loves it. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGc3nwnVwL2Ky8O7mTNfasLA1HHrpl4MtYRVetxtqcpdxme6R6Iml063EjA9UdIMwE3iwYehkkoU3BO8qqP1DNHhE4JPMGmVPqyTfOqDEH_4J6S0Sj_XBfWHkWj8w2CJAqCV4aOJf3KE/s640/blogger-image--1213774369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGc3nwnVwL2Ky8O7mTNfasLA1HHrpl4MtYRVetxtqcpdxme6R6Iml063EjA9UdIMwE3iwYehkkoU3BO8qqP1DNHhE4JPMGmVPqyTfOqDEH_4J6S0Sj_XBfWHkWj8w2CJAqCV4aOJf3KE/s640/blogger-image--1213774369.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had to take advantage of the third set of arms and asked Chris to snap a photo of us. Maybe next time we visit “it’s a small world” will be up and running.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jM4Lw2VN4RbkqyiQw1pui_5XIPI1ZtbxleTfMa1bakDPnZpqgU5oCVO8UZVF6Woabr1uayLYK_nxU6OYKcsDWStxZ8AWUEvYzgFUIKRDwwWI-JDLHZSCRP78uuBFkY8Zp0lUueKgwX4/s640/blogger-image--922914678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jM4Lw2VN4RbkqyiQw1pui_5XIPI1ZtbxleTfMa1bakDPnZpqgU5oCVO8UZVF6Woabr1uayLYK_nxU6OYKcsDWStxZ8AWUEvYzgFUIKRDwwWI-JDLHZSCRP78uuBFkY8Zp0lUueKgwX4/s640/blogger-image--922914678.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The three of us tried to venture into a candy shop in the World Bazaar. Eric walked in and was swept away by the current of people. Chris and I stood and watched. The other guests were clearing out the shelves faster than they could stock them. The Japanese people are known for their thoughtful/respectful “omiyage” or souvenirs. It is customary to take back items for friends, family, and co-workers. But, what was odd was that all these tins were ubiquitous. People were still grabbing them as if they hadn’t seen these all day. Eric gave up and managed to get out from the crowd. There was no sense in trying to browse while barely breathing. I will admit that a Black Friday scenario at Disneyland was an interesting thing to see.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQTTawc8933PzeUEdba8YOTEe0I2VDm4psi41JMqr8cYZSsZzfo16MeT2lp5Qi5NIYuHu9sjJzYp3yiBYAhjcGqCr37fqzbLpahgHj1iXTaj4kP0t4jSyeWSXdBkw3LrYqUPqEypHBxk/s640/blogger-image--1905568621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQTTawc8933PzeUEdba8YOTEe0I2VDm4psi41JMqr8cYZSsZzfo16MeT2lp5Qi5NIYuHu9sjJzYp3yiBYAhjcGqCr37fqzbLpahgHj1iXTaj4kP0t4jSyeWSXdBkw3LrYqUPqEypHBxk/s640/blogger-image--1905568621.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The time chatting with Chris went quickly and it was time to say goodbye. It wasn’t all that late, but we needed to catch one of the final buses back to our apartment. It wasn’t really goodbye forever. We made plans to meet up the next day in Shinjuku, somewhat near where Chris lived at the time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With one last photo at the park’s entrance, it was so long Tokyo Disneyland. Eric and I had mixed emotions as we left the parks. Although our time at Disney ended, we would soon relocate apartments to Shibuya, Tokyo. The thought of being in the middle of a busy city brought on anxiety and excitement! A new chapter of this trip would soon begin.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jSwLRlXm1KwpTf3XG7vsI5eb224umQo0bhhdnjQeOajyNMhuG3evUqk5TUnpfyJYIOOuEVsDHCWwikDil8P6M1pi2r4Ts05R0sttKkczCnb3yxN9U0aRTn7HiFnBWUG2DidoH23IshU/s640/blogger-image--1159967115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jSwLRlXm1KwpTf3XG7vsI5eb224umQo0bhhdnjQeOajyNMhuG3evUqk5TUnpfyJYIOOuEVsDHCWwikDil8P6M1pi2r4Ts05R0sttKkczCnb3yxN9U0aRTn7HiFnBWUG2DidoH23IshU/s640/blogger-image--1159967115.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </font></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-3182922486467771012015-02-27T16:10:00.001-08:002015-02-27T18:03:48.874-08:00Sunny Skies at Tokyo Disneyland- Part 2<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Where were we?!</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ah yes! We had just left the Monsters Inc. attraction (Ride and Go Seek) and started to formulate a plan for the mid-afternoon. We could hear that the Happy Harvest Parade had started to makes its way toward our area, the Central Plaza. We did toy with the idea of whether we would watch, but realized there wasn’t enough room for us. The crowd had already been waiting for quite some time. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric and I popped into the bakery across from the Monsters Inc. Fast Pass machines. Well, there were many fun sights to behold in there. I gave a sneak peek at them during my last post. The Mike Wazowski melon bread looked so adorable! Have I mentioned how cute the food is here? The queue was quite long so we pressed on through the Central Plaza, toward the Western area of the park. We wanted to see what snack we could find in the ole West!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg926coite84jkHJp7OsJdMCcYE7d_fHt8eKluZHlei-wG3X9oJ6_glWqGAgm1uMvv6nu0WbA9oBDx958MykaW5jcJLTdiVBa7vj5R-8VPW_znAqntXYMVofK0HAsxrqghP_M8hyphenhyphenxDXgwo/s640/blogger-image-424920002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg926coite84jkHJp7OsJdMCcYE7d_fHt8eKluZHlei-wG3X9oJ6_glWqGAgm1uMvv6nu0WbA9oBDx958MykaW5jcJLTdiVBa7vj5R-8VPW_znAqntXYMVofK0HAsxrqghP_M8hyphenhyphenxDXgwo/s640/blogger-image-424920002.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was a surprise that the parade viewing area along Adventureland was quite empty. Eric and I could grab a spot right against a flower bed and no one would be directly in front of us. We agreed to take advantage of the luck and enjoy the parade.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1250CABKf0PWMJdkakBzRS7jUzdjQApZtUgIrFwVXUrZxpxXqjTBwQJnMBOUXmkVqz3qlqJXW3qftrWV-m6t1OIT82s1uMPr4TaTBkwx3apg85bGT8NIUdYjznP5rcg2-_HuBoRaueuE/s640/blogger-image--1000296984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1250CABKf0PWMJdkakBzRS7jUzdjQApZtUgIrFwVXUrZxpxXqjTBwQJnMBOUXmkVqz3qlqJXW3qftrWV-m6t1OIT82s1uMPr4TaTBkwx3apg85bGT8NIUdYjznP5rcg2-_HuBoRaueuE/s640/blogger-image--1000296984.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don’t know how he does it! As soon as the parade began rolling in, Eric memorized the lyrics! Then again, he does that with almost everything on that old invention, the radio. Why would this be any different? The music is extremely catchy that had most people bobbing their heads to the beat. With lyrics that say “Goblins and ghouls all act a fool!” you can’t help but love it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjLC1th0CRWjoBWMJpSTriGRaCeXLKvYB8tveS0G0hgUf7ufPTTpWgkv9Vp9PSkBR4bDOqnEcciJ03Fqw4mT5yl617CT8G8Wq0wkXzEbPvxwcjZp2l8DKvNhbgmVzQ6kp5HvGw5iZyGw/s640/blogger-image-845910610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjLC1th0CRWjoBWMJpSTriGRaCeXLKvYB8tveS0G0hgUf7ufPTTpWgkv9Vp9PSkBR4bDOqnEcciJ03Fqw4mT5yl617CT8G8Wq0wkXzEbPvxwcjZp2l8DKvNhbgmVzQ6kp5HvGw5iZyGw/s640/blogger-image-845910610.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZFmlFYBu-Wir5Yy6TfA0h0dDuXyay2aEJYPYjtEO7dJPrttw-edIkNjSjcWY3uTEYRL6bSsDCJsfx7xTX7e8UPgtuflwv20sAPeJSy2trwsms0WBuM3YRpesm9ex665K1WxMN84VcEM/s640/blogger-image-1638831817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZFmlFYBu-Wir5Yy6TfA0h0dDuXyay2aEJYPYjtEO7dJPrttw-edIkNjSjcWY3uTEYRL6bSsDCJsfx7xTX7e8UPgtuflwv20sAPeJSy2trwsms0WBuM3YRpesm9ex665K1WxMN84VcEM/s640/blogger-image-1638831817.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We caught an abridged version of this same parade two days prior, but it was the “Rainy Day” parade. There were no dancers and the characters were covered in rain gear. On this gorgeous day we received the full treatment! By looking at the photos I don’t have to describe how inventive the costumes are.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_nZmt66u991RtkkQyzrgxIYJ4ld3pC7OpPMuwCJJYwgu5dC4zFYdCNCx6Vy3RSvLnYmnljk801FWFaa7KmbcRWBOYdIbCw8ynr5LcrQl0ng60X02Fgso_KMMaO8eai_SNlAJ9ea9lU8/s640/blogger-image--868269192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_nZmt66u991RtkkQyzrgxIYJ4ld3pC7OpPMuwCJJYwgu5dC4zFYdCNCx6Vy3RSvLnYmnljk801FWFaa7KmbcRWBOYdIbCw8ynr5LcrQl0ng60X02Fgso_KMMaO8eai_SNlAJ9ea9lU8/s640/blogger-image--868269192.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There were only a few floats, but once they were situated around the Plaza they stopped for a show. The audience had apparently been shown minimal choreography to join in with the performers. Since Eric and I were late to the game, we missed that part. The guests near the parade route were very enthused as their arms waved around in unison! Eric and I were a little further back, but we had a nice view of the goings on. We knew to expect this eagerness to participate from the crowd and it says a lot about how the culture enjoys having fun!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7f4vVqaqQvZCHif6lyAp1DDFlWumYqHqBpnhXbH67ERW_03l3W_Vy4olcOVlhfar71wvToflHLwYDi7RaWEJ1wPkJm5jNuP8LWIg21AYqVA2W3LG0bDVdvHRwekP_Ckm2wpGiQXbVL8/s640/blogger-image-1281525094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7f4vVqaqQvZCHif6lyAp1DDFlWumYqHqBpnhXbH67ERW_03l3W_Vy4olcOVlhfar71wvToflHLwYDi7RaWEJ1wPkJm5jNuP8LWIg21AYqVA2W3LG0bDVdvHRwekP_Ckm2wpGiQXbVL8/s640/blogger-image-1281525094.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once the parade moved past and the crowd began to disperse, we decided we needed more than a snack. I think we had metabolized our morning toast a long time ago. Following the parade path, in the opposite direction, we went in search of some food.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99NGSiU6iFVYHy13vQUr_c0Q3M7D2wHAbNgW4ybT6GoNeCfu4qNd6_S9WJ2tnGLRDFmIZwrYl-FVp8ezekDOCIed3JXqn88JB7zZvu5KOcTzgGtDli8su0QBz9MzGgHz_Z2bE6fkJ1Qo/s640/blogger-image--1237285517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99NGSiU6iFVYHy13vQUr_c0Q3M7D2wHAbNgW4ybT6GoNeCfu4qNd6_S9WJ2tnGLRDFmIZwrYl-FVp8ezekDOCIed3JXqn88JB7zZvu5KOcTzgGtDli8su0QBz9MzGgHz_Z2bE6fkJ1Qo/s640/blogger-image--1237285517.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric remembered the Good Time Café, found in Toontown, because they offer a cute looking sandwich. It is chicken on the inside, but the bread surrounding it is shaped like a Mickey Mouse glove. We had to make our way across Fantasyland to get to Toontown, but not without a few photos.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv-UrDIxrQd_hVa-aT6UHmJeV8u_lc5LiGjuq0-m9yzb7k0Lm7bhPQfdYpDvKS_Y-4RgS8YasnBymzYKHPmBdY8A3V54m9TXWX1jsgT5OxvfC30pneRxvH5LYuSSyH9a_ninQ1-mXA4I/s640/blogger-image--1300638056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv-UrDIxrQd_hVa-aT6UHmJeV8u_lc5LiGjuq0-m9yzb7k0Lm7bhPQfdYpDvKS_Y-4RgS8YasnBymzYKHPmBdY8A3V54m9TXWX1jsgT5OxvfC30pneRxvH5LYuSSyH9a_ninQ1-mXA4I/s640/blogger-image--1300638056.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPdzcAgXC2XZOVESRu55yz8w9irKRVkyrhksaBM0fS86Tl0z0j6COTJJT51-k8nxkHWMqtcGBOwAaRstmbwpVWF00_gzb9GG_tP_QbR00jv1RW5Z8GijlxpAxfRIqEUmE1nVOHJ9zeUA/s640/blogger-image-1772077511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPdzcAgXC2XZOVESRu55yz8w9irKRVkyrhksaBM0fS86Tl0z0j6COTJJT51-k8nxkHWMqtcGBOwAaRstmbwpVWF00_gzb9GG_tP_QbR00jv1RW5Z8GijlxpAxfRIqEUmE1nVOHJ9zeUA/s640/blogger-image-1772077511.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> As we had expected, we caught the crowd leaving the parade route from the same parade. The route starts on one end of Fantasyland (near Haunted Mansion) and loops back to Fantasyland’s other end (near Toontown/Tomorrowland).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwehl04ElauFR4KpByJW4z8EtZMUcQIHn2kmiNmWBPWomsxa3hh2FjJYU3YE5DXnqD17AMNxpgVmx2JmxNaXXMb9EoiX8QHtcCCCAU2cSOXD3ylJ8BVuJ66CIFDvfPfudc4nIPqmH0gI/s640/blogger-image--214959369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwehl04ElauFR4KpByJW4z8EtZMUcQIHn2kmiNmWBPWomsxa3hh2FjJYU3YE5DXnqD17AMNxpgVmx2JmxNaXXMb9EoiX8QHtcCCCAU2cSOXD3ylJ8BVuJ66CIFDvfPfudc4nIPqmH0gI/s640/blogger-image--214959369.jpg"></a></div> See the Cast Member in the crowd?<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This was another moment where Eric and I locked in on our destination and split up. We zig zagged our way through that crowd and found ourselves in Toontown. There were quite a few places to sit, which was surprising with this crowd. Eric went to order and I saved us an area on a bench. I’m thankful Eric suggested I wait. While I sat holding our spot, the crowd slowly started to swell around me. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSSudbihvtxhbyA3r_fIOcIuNDtlSttrqZWo3R4cIyZlJMZZUs5v8PS7whEnNqLkLDOrFDigFp91FzVNv0mE6O6shA8BgLgihGhAIiTD56qzLk9JVcXbG56SVJfzzh7m8H2ooLD9Ukgk/s640/blogger-image-1862626124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSSudbihvtxhbyA3r_fIOcIuNDtlSttrqZWo3R4cIyZlJMZZUs5v8PS7whEnNqLkLDOrFDigFp91FzVNv0mE6O6shA8BgLgihGhAIiTD56qzLk9JVcXbG56SVJfzzh7m8H2ooLD9Ukgk/s640/blogger-image-1862626124.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzNY9LGT_3jfGj-9VLHzUvy0uJlf2nFtzbExAzHj-7IXFeDbK84QLNxQSePTW0cLvGvrKgsZwCg7K1gKpkYTBQvVGM4qWnG1Ihka-Zqtv1kYlIfftV1iHi7ZfTiUSbjUTmgW_W9DbcMo/s640/blogger-image-1386029666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzNY9LGT_3jfGj-9VLHzUvy0uJlf2nFtzbExAzHj-7IXFeDbK84QLNxQSePTW0cLvGvrKgsZwCg7K1gKpkYTBQvVGM4qWnG1Ihka-Zqtv1kYlIfftV1iHi7ZfTiUSbjUTmgW_W9DbcMo/s640/blogger-image-1386029666.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m happy we grabbed photos of the food right away because even though it was adorable, we devoured it! We didn’t hang in that area for too long because we could tell people were eyeing our seats. The both of us would be sitting soon to wait for the Happiness is Here parade. We could rest then.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8mjaKODpxpj8LxBDGorOJY6e_7sf7pIv_hofiExNFuoGiff3dxB90EOwn6GLKC9L1AZpQn-USaEG730J8CymHBeHkKBRTaOmfpETyZuTA7SCiBMNhcVJnHTK5up13pAjwj40Tj0iHQE/s640/blogger-image-1460608227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8mjaKODpxpj8LxBDGorOJY6e_7sf7pIv_hofiExNFuoGiff3dxB90EOwn6GLKC9L1AZpQn-USaEG730J8CymHBeHkKBRTaOmfpETyZuTA7SCiBMNhcVJnHTK5up13pAjwj40Tj0iHQE/s640/blogger-image-1460608227.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-a1DC0JD0uhT-JAzEvZwnQ39Y1zgd_B-WuA2w6RXOl0Z1RKX18dtPeVDSr8w6bk01ZJ4e9LGPm9OKQndCKKNBbgynodEHPy52r9lfT3ghB8f6StgjQjvei-oqA7UuN8OBx2mNeleUYE/s640/blogger-image-1184121124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-a1DC0JD0uhT-JAzEvZwnQ39Y1zgd_B-WuA2w6RXOl0Z1RKX18dtPeVDSr8w6bk01ZJ4e9LGPm9OKQndCKKNBbgynodEHPy52r9lfT3ghB8f6StgjQjvei-oqA7UuN8OBx2mNeleUYE/s640/blogger-image-1184121124.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric used to work in original Toontown, so this “flipped” version was fun to explore. Besides the difference in the layout, the park has this area decorated for Halloween. Our Toontown in Anaheim only gets spruced up for Christmas. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7MApfb35fDkdisi6Ff81piY6GsyL4etTexnOxNXqXtz_9YaEks2DRHdqFEj7oxk97RsYwVETylJXEgLut_t9MaaUd2An3mfQV4AgBfGaOQ9TNDuIfwarrt27jQx_aNGdyatN08gs9ek/s640/blogger-image--492642893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7MApfb35fDkdisi6Ff81piY6GsyL4etTexnOxNXqXtz_9YaEks2DRHdqFEj7oxk97RsYwVETylJXEgLut_t9MaaUd2An3mfQV4AgBfGaOQ9TNDuIfwarrt27jQx_aNGdyatN08gs9ek/s640/blogger-image--492642893.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Looks like Eric made a friend! Although he wore the male version, this is the same costume that was once worn in CA’s Toontown.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg4wSQDyH-CDlMs9f4YIBUP1tDrXo2CEEYW-CJQSjscRDm0oxodd0eLKpfZGiKXpO-0ucLm0cXdOJHzUU8xHZB9FrIieYINpvhJUhN7dRzP7_MRuhVKQWp4kbvCtfKG5q9rV9f5AYxWk/s640/blogger-image-1055823292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg4wSQDyH-CDlMs9f4YIBUP1tDrXo2CEEYW-CJQSjscRDm0oxodd0eLKpfZGiKXpO-0ucLm0cXdOJHzUU8xHZB9FrIieYINpvhJUhN7dRzP7_MRuhVKQWp4kbvCtfKG5q9rV9f5AYxWk/s640/blogger-image-1055823292.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ij9lNZyrEZolUGs-RFePch2JEc371dE4nAePQCThTuZ2FkyjTqVia89_408IumD4Jc3gRoYQS8CdYz6RmutQ07Z-VnpzzL1bB2trA-dr3u1xDrkN1Pv1RtbUp-DEf-Exr7uEgn0JVQY/s640/blogger-image--132050155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ij9lNZyrEZolUGs-RFePch2JEc371dE4nAePQCThTuZ2FkyjTqVia89_408IumD4Jc3gRoYQS8CdYz6RmutQ07Z-VnpzzL1bB2trA-dr3u1xDrkN1Pv1RtbUp-DEf-Exr7uEgn0JVQY/s640/blogger-image--132050155.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For the Disneyland veterans in CA, check out Space Mountain behind Gadget’s Go Coaster! Don’t forget, people call this place “Bizarro Disneyland”.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzqochbiaD3SVN98cOtN-loOD07QBwJNT6tMX3U9VRPMPwYzb8oBI83X6gQWrxVEfogK0_tWAG4wjDq8cKH70WGuCsLr1oDJQu9AXJrE6mueAtNlx-w8GHr8N0R-MKXfPM49GeaptYiA/s640/blogger-image-137164770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzqochbiaD3SVN98cOtN-loOD07QBwJNT6tMX3U9VRPMPwYzb8oBI83X6gQWrxVEfogK0_tWAG4wjDq8cKH70WGuCsLr1oDJQu9AXJrE6mueAtNlx-w8GHr8N0R-MKXfPM49GeaptYiA/s640/blogger-image-137164770.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don’t think our Chip n Dale Treehouse has leaves anymore! (sad face) Too bad we didn’t go inside this one.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw011ez2DuiMg8rJN2kTigIo_PXZsYtZ94zf_Ctxie2XxH2GHoB9ePv6HTT43DT2uoGM2ghuDQHw0ugjGSUPMmVWJs4oOXk1c6DaeXf9TE121FuA9qeUlxIBHMBONRooLrPUBx9uznTg/s640/blogger-image--121274093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw011ez2DuiMg8rJN2kTigIo_PXZsYtZ94zf_Ctxie2XxH2GHoB9ePv6HTT43DT2uoGM2ghuDQHw0ugjGSUPMmVWJs4oOXk1c6DaeXf9TE121FuA9qeUlxIBHMBONRooLrPUBx9uznTg/s640/blogger-image--121274093.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was big decision time folks! Where would we watch the parade this time? While in Toontown, we were at the end of the route. So far it wasn’t filling in with guests. I didn’t want to sit at a blind turn. I wanted a clear view as the parade approached. So, we headed back across Fantasyland to the parade step off.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwujDH2ewsd_dTc9eIHlr6BJJQwJedtKkaRFyMQM-WNJJgZWhfyp6TQum4r1R-aCvWvTH-yjEbS5D-pUhbUfngk4gLh314ypx9i69FuMqgMYuO1p0sdMGZsPGSphNx3ZrgVY9sLXLGh0/s640/blogger-image-1981725373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwujDH2ewsd_dTc9eIHlr6BJJQwJedtKkaRFyMQM-WNJJgZWhfyp6TQum4r1R-aCvWvTH-yjEbS5D-pUhbUfngk4gLh314ypx9i69FuMqgMYuO1p0sdMGZsPGSphNx3ZrgVY9sLXLGh0/s640/blogger-image-1981725373.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we made our way to our viewing area, Eric realized it was now okay for us to get a new Fast Pass. Just across from our chosen spot was the Haunted Mansion: Holiday Nightmare. We couldn’t pass that opportunity so that’s the one we chose. If you recall from the past post, we had a Fast Pass for Pooh’s Hunny Hunt <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">at 18:00</a>. This new time for Mansion would work out perfectly! Now it was the hour long waiting game.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB9sg7aaY9XoNEVI4CNQnZnriGtclJZDcI10OqBNjI0FcWGZENFQFikEAdiIgdXn8rpB79I19WzsfiVGYZpO6p5nn66FGyAJ73NcMn1eVDXHUM-V8Z_EMoeR4lgo5y0uk4XppCH0zETg/s640/blogger-image--1873948344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB9sg7aaY9XoNEVI4CNQnZnriGtclJZDcI10OqBNjI0FcWGZENFQFikEAdiIgdXn8rpB79I19WzsfiVGYZpO6p5nn66FGyAJ73NcMn1eVDXHUM-V8Z_EMoeR4lgo5y0uk4XppCH0zETg/s640/blogger-image--1873948344.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our spot was great. Directly behind Eric and I was the railing for the Dumbo attraction. There wasn’t a way for people to burst in during the show. I always like getting a spot that can be blocked off from walkways. This was it! Nothing is worse while watching a show/parade then having people push themselves into the spot (or through your legs) you have held for an hour or more.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Being Cast Members from CA, Eric and I were interested to see how they ran their crowd control. We almost felt a little jealous as it seemed these guests were more inclined to follow directions. One word of “back talk” heard often by a Disneyland Cast Member is “Why?” Here in Tokyo, the guests were very willing to follow the directions given. (Look at me just rambling on when there is a parade to get to)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHHNvjX-ZIpmVlj8rreD4GMP70zLrTGrQiGSBoBoLafsuCv2KSyTBh5FYgjwSwfYRyG8y9iLcCV6jdvqRYUMgkcpPkSCwXSbv6qsFa1hcn8gnMjXJN8eFImk6ZXZgZG43LI-qjx4AP2M/s640/blogger-image-1599502282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHHNvjX-ZIpmVlj8rreD4GMP70zLrTGrQiGSBoBoLafsuCv2KSyTBh5FYgjwSwfYRyG8y9iLcCV6jdvqRYUMgkcpPkSCwXSbv6qsFa1hcn8gnMjXJN8eFImk6ZXZgZG43LI-qjx4AP2M/s640/blogger-image-1599502282.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBy9We-yqXTjxK2FwbIdhAO5PfKajYsxGCcbnj5hBtwL0r3RKm5eA3eF3VnjGImhkw46VFuWkNkunXMl1lzTYERjAn3toDXavRw2Ru14-wJwhGxX57o-HPQjhoBowahbQdBE7QOPkAc0/s640/blogger-image--250270347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBy9We-yqXTjxK2FwbIdhAO5PfKajYsxGCcbnj5hBtwL0r3RKm5eA3eF3VnjGImhkw46VFuWkNkunXMl1lzTYERjAn3toDXavRw2Ru14-wJwhGxX57o-HPQjhoBowahbQdBE7QOPkAc0/s640/blogger-image--250270347.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can’t believe I am saying this on the internet, but I may have had a few tears in my eyes (they burn). Tokyo Disneyland really knows how to put on a parade! The floats were huge and so lively! And again, Eric suddenly knew the lyrics! (This time I must confess that we had heard the music before.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXzDa2dSOijDwdEiu9415MCnsMK1d9M2YWfgQQhQMta57XeV03W0gw5fuQaViZWHZ2GX-F_Hg-j_rPM7PO80Cjk3qn8n5fOen02JiPIgIqhhsjsb1E6axrlK81OwPXiOaabvYnN78DeA/s640/blogger-image--106665202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXzDa2dSOijDwdEiu9415MCnsMK1d9M2YWfgQQhQMta57XeV03W0gw5fuQaViZWHZ2GX-F_Hg-j_rPM7PO80Cjk3qn8n5fOen02JiPIgIqhhsjsb1E6axrlK81OwPXiOaabvYnN78DeA/s640/blogger-image--106665202.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QkjNjnUaqDLJPfq6aMz5O-IQMlbdlGCbxw8lFf-KaTIvXzwBheou26H0q1vlLW45z5Yy0tGSnlVVbzWbVyOzLr_wJ2tRdJuV6mVnEzRwy5ABay6FsZ_uES9I1x7NVVLvop4SrhO7PIU/s640/blogger-image--267954593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QkjNjnUaqDLJPfq6aMz5O-IQMlbdlGCbxw8lFf-KaTIvXzwBheou26H0q1vlLW45z5Yy0tGSnlVVbzWbVyOzLr_wJ2tRdJuV6mVnEzRwy5ABay6FsZ_uES9I1x7NVVLvop4SrhO7PIU/s640/blogger-image--267954593.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBvXrjmzwpDIeAB5FY0EbmXfHC026csMclmc_H7VJE460ysNCyAY17lO33B20U81y12Xnod6hq6Cgx_29YDM1oUyZ7pIUPPSoklssUdFJPBOgHttixaY-OabpRc3g3Bm1C0U6C42rOlM/s640/blogger-image--802998530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBvXrjmzwpDIeAB5FY0EbmXfHC026csMclmc_H7VJE460ysNCyAY17lO33B20U81y12Xnod6hq6Cgx_29YDM1oUyZ7pIUPPSoklssUdFJPBOgHttixaY-OabpRc3g3Bm1C0U6C42rOlM/s640/blogger-image--802998530.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don’t really know what to say about the parade because it really does speak for itself. If you choose to see it in motion and with the music, you really should check it out on YouTube. I have a short video up on there, but the full ones are there as well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_Apitkr3WwOrcwEIV_YS-YarRLjbW5rQ3UDPx2hWd-VcmsHDFGmRborA_X9M8ZKvKxeTBkaLo00EPmblQusv16kjn51dXOBshL2Az8z7ZQoatwRU8SzSHgS1IsvbjmWYA-XjlU5Vezo/s640/blogger-image-1163985977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_Apitkr3WwOrcwEIV_YS-YarRLjbW5rQ3UDPx2hWd-VcmsHDFGmRborA_X9M8ZKvKxeTBkaLo00EPmblQusv16kjn51dXOBshL2Az8z7ZQoatwRU8SzSHgS1IsvbjmWYA-XjlU5Vezo/s640/blogger-image-1163985977.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHTmbTQbw2RHvNlivEY7WZ5X3i7Vf_dar0I9FHEQiJK5sCCR6fzKOLv4Q3YqmEFNLUyrxm0I1ckNPBqq8CpwoSDKjThlAkssfVak13karepPx2isn7yNbmb9CzqGtwzzclhph77calyA/s640/blogger-image-1071040246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHTmbTQbw2RHvNlivEY7WZ5X3i7Vf_dar0I9FHEQiJK5sCCR6fzKOLv4Q3YqmEFNLUyrxm0I1ckNPBqq8CpwoSDKjThlAkssfVak13karepPx2isn7yNbmb9CzqGtwzzclhph77calyA/s640/blogger-image-1071040246.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0VgnYdfSGQ0ELjTtyOMJhftiZl78ujlg6RGNmt7xEVW5gGQZ7Zx8WATO7lMf33DXenWilHaBe7AtOgMPC64lD_wj_2ioCbcd9CKuCgpZu1OnpAgkPKw0YljnAA7oJgoMzCVKiS0jbfQ/s640/blogger-image-1956830689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0VgnYdfSGQ0ELjTtyOMJhftiZl78ujlg6RGNmt7xEVW5gGQZ7Zx8WATO7lMf33DXenWilHaBe7AtOgMPC64lD_wj_2ioCbcd9CKuCgpZu1OnpAgkPKw0YljnAA7oJgoMzCVKiS0jbfQ/s640/blogger-image-1956830689.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I really am annoyed with myself that I can’t think of what to say about the parade. It must be experienced in person. To sum up the whole parade: It is full of Disney moments that come alive before your eyes with floats that put most parades to shame! I was glad there wasn’t a show stop. A parade should keep moving along. As great as a performance is, it gets to be tiresome sitting on the ground for long or standing in one spot.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1ELMYyokE8-nQ4ulQMsNBJsJLtW75vkPqyJ839hyphenhyphenzD3-o_V9mo6vQpTjXgFOe8I9lAsC2TAxYjuEy5QoRYGhr6TjvPCMt_V8WOTcak_yiu51gBM1hZDXw4ubBfkn-_oYyZJvIWMwSH8/s640/blogger-image--30518677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1ELMYyokE8-nQ4ulQMsNBJsJLtW75vkPqyJ839hyphenhyphenzD3-o_V9mo6vQpTjXgFOe8I9lAsC2TAxYjuEy5QoRYGhr6TjvPCMt_V8WOTcak_yiu51gBM1hZDXw4ubBfkn-_oYyZJvIWMwSH8/s640/blogger-image--30518677.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OW8OfcXkRnbcNwySCZ9Sp4mFxtwzlyhVvAkXolS3nGOIhRIaNeUmMsihPxrosvYj2eb-XaqV-ZUl4jt6UhEoQu2i231oEQjXKpI8qvfKaPoPSzwW7UiC4J3QWFwI_kLUvEK_ORoLtxk/s640/blogger-image-419147849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OW8OfcXkRnbcNwySCZ9Sp4mFxtwzlyhVvAkXolS3nGOIhRIaNeUmMsihPxrosvYj2eb-XaqV-ZUl4jt6UhEoQu2i231oEQjXKpI8qvfKaPoPSzwW7UiC4J3QWFwI_kLUvEK_ORoLtxk/s640/blogger-image-419147849.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WBiFaTgo6I5bpJAy4wVKr_j_cuybs1qpo6if4jsHeEchu4wlzfhQQ0bikC1IFX3xu_SDdVWIxvVT-HvoLg1GR89O0DuwPFsouYRtUoGDSbqrvZowbCKlEWolouZDh9TYXPTLgv1_olY/s640/blogger-image--1342532584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WBiFaTgo6I5bpJAy4wVKr_j_cuybs1qpo6if4jsHeEchu4wlzfhQQ0bikC1IFX3xu_SDdVWIxvVT-HvoLg1GR89O0DuwPFsouYRtUoGDSbqrvZowbCKlEWolouZDh9TYXPTLgv1_olY/s640/blogger-image--1342532584.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5A5PECKTyPClENJ_tEsHqc-rv_c2d5CeNEJdsRwbGbVLFLkjRS307OFLfLq3ayl-ruYv7tjG9whYqqVetWozd5sBEDeAioFmpsKX2lNsl6thYTc8xMNYw7AqcaZ1xo2bo81fdEJ2doI/s640/blogger-image-1099747450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5A5PECKTyPClENJ_tEsHqc-rv_c2d5CeNEJdsRwbGbVLFLkjRS307OFLfLq3ayl-ruYv7tjG9whYqqVetWozd5sBEDeAioFmpsKX2lNsl6thYTc8xMNYw7AqcaZ1xo2bo81fdEJ2doI/s640/blogger-image-1099747450.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The show ended around <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">1:45 PM</a> and we had the afternoon ahead of us. Eric and I felt like we were making so much progress during our time in the parks. I think since we had done so much research, we had the upper hand. We even decided to fit in some time to visit the shopping area called Ikspiari (ick-spee-ar-ee). That shopping district acts like the Downtown Disney for both parks. It is a bit of walk to get there and located near the train station. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qoe2Fc3Mhgdrp6khqBFR8tTbckAnbJJCL6nzoZtuD1isAHe9g88RkqVhPQfi8z4smtFFuBmGq643PRQ8Af7z50ADMAWWJHgeEGghckX1xjZnnE2cnMGsOMir4Ft3WIViFcbCMCNOGbA/s640/blogger-image-1420572447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qoe2Fc3Mhgdrp6khqBFR8tTbckAnbJJCL6nzoZtuD1isAHe9g88RkqVhPQfi8z4smtFFuBmGq643PRQ8Af7z50ADMAWWJHgeEGghckX1xjZnnE2cnMGsOMir4Ft3WIViFcbCMCNOGbA/s640/blogger-image-1420572447.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We first took a trip on The Mark Twain before we made our way toward the main gate. In the next installment of our Sunny Day at Tokyo Disneyland, we find out if Ikspiari is the place to be or the place to avoid. Also, we have a nice evening at the park that builds up to the Electrical Parade: Dreamlights. “See you real soon!”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZorJjaWyHoPIP5PGY0qi_JVCBzRoQneIYopXT51PQR80VcXb8iToRfOB-iBDoBaZSRuz3v83JhCQKVYj6sZviVk-bIaNe312mqMEQj3wLFU4caKo-9qHBnMvKi5CgFzvJz85PgoXkkNs/s640/blogger-image--1588880571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZorJjaWyHoPIP5PGY0qi_JVCBzRoQneIYopXT51PQR80VcXb8iToRfOB-iBDoBaZSRuz3v83JhCQKVYj6sZviVk-bIaNe312mqMEQj3wLFU4caKo-9qHBnMvKi5CgFzvJz85PgoXkkNs/s640/blogger-image--1588880571.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </font></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-24481695289978567812015-02-25T12:34:00.001-08:002015-02-25T13:45:11.924-08:00Sunny Skies at Tokyo Disneyland!<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were ecstatic to finally have a sunny day to hopefully get some great photos of Disneyland. I practically bounded out of bed, feeling that we had acclimated to the time change, and ready for the day! Even though we had been there two days prior, I knew today would be the day we would see Happiness is Here parade the way it was intended to be performed and Dreamlights too. Of course the excitement for attractions and completing the days “Battle Plan” also were important early morning motivators.</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric made a gourmet breakfast for the two of us, toast. I don’t know why we hadn’t taken advantage of the food items we had in our kitchenette before now. The owner was nice enough to have water, juices, tea, bread/butter, and a few cereals for us. Feeling a little more at home, we found we had some extra time. Still, we were out the door near <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">6:40</a> to hopefully catch the <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">6:55</a> bus to the park. Having had the toast, we didn’t see our gal pals at Lawson that morning. I have to say I liked going in there during our morning ritual. Stopping at Lawson caused us to almost feel like we lived there and were a part of the neighborhood. We were really enjoying our Airbnb experience.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don’t know if it was mentioned in past posts, but Eric and I were amused with the fact that parents drop off young kids for the trains. Our bus station was right outside the train station (those trains didn’t head to the parks). We saw kids around 7 and 10 years old, dressed in their school uniforms (yes like Sailor Moon), being left to take the trains on their own. We were impressed by the independence of the kids and the trusting society. It is a shame that here in The States we usually assume the worst of most people in a city setting. Inn Japan there seemed to be a huge sense of security by all the residents.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43DXqf_eNh8s3EfYLnWcUGJC_LEAf4KgEWhyTQcyJHu75kOCAbKY9v9HT3DtbQ9-ZGRD7Bt_rUHHfKyD6tGQrdSHr0xXPjR23QWTNAXmUGGIwgxzN78Nj39OSc6W-2lh-NuXD3xJsk0s/s640/blogger-image--2131206121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43DXqf_eNh8s3EfYLnWcUGJC_LEAf4KgEWhyTQcyJHu75kOCAbKY9v9HT3DtbQ9-ZGRD7Bt_rUHHfKyD6tGQrdSHr0xXPjR23QWTNAXmUGGIwgxzN78Nj39OSc6W-2lh-NuXD3xJsk0s/s640/blogger-image--2131206121.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIgBXXYacn8vNvks0MZcG67BQaSI9w44o0g-hGpndfrNKpnnsuGwB5Q5PoYdsLs0XzHypuXTs1s2rSDfvHK9fRA6meSWNISAz_hF5ZVQX2RUtO1_LcSdcLm4FGKXf9xUCMqndVIVxJfo/s640/blogger-image--853207870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIgBXXYacn8vNvks0MZcG67BQaSI9w44o0g-hGpndfrNKpnnsuGwB5Q5PoYdsLs0XzHypuXTs1s2rSDfvHK9fRA6meSWNISAz_hF5ZVQX2RUtO1_LcSdcLm4FGKXf9xUCMqndVIVxJfo/s640/blogger-image--853207870.jpg"></a></div>Everyone is faceless, except one lady giving us the stink eye!</div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Arriving at the front of the parks Eric and I were met with the beginnings of a large crowd. Thankfully we strolled up early enough to not be in the back of the crowd. Our place in the queue or crowd was quickly blocked from behind as the wave of guests arrived soon after us. Being slightly farther back from the turnstiles, it was harder for us to see the Disney characters that soon appeared. But, that was okay for us. We had seen Mickey and Donald many times before. The reaction of the crowd around us was so full of excitement, you’d think Michael Jackson himself had been resurrected and was there that day!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KOsQ7Ytn2NR5Cmtfgx4qhTFT8mGP_eRU91t-wwHftjjzcEcHlYfTpJhOvAyHSNlKQHduccB412mFznDqvdYWhYKFN9Qlu1gM54Fb1fzOEhQL-tuHMSSycvqnll1hnY9oC_leCmz99oI/s640/blogger-image--1395778025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KOsQ7Ytn2NR5Cmtfgx4qhTFT8mGP_eRU91t-wwHftjjzcEcHlYfTpJhOvAyHSNlKQHduccB412mFznDqvdYWhYKFN9Qlu1gM54Fb1fzOEhQL-tuHMSSycvqnll1hnY9oC_leCmz99oI/s640/blogger-image--1395778025.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTCVLEU16ng1ywLYA_l8Jx22nuSX352bke04rVAxR751wpoMq0xnaAxSFRCgzzCb3YZ3cz63fBSnSnb7X8gdGS8HlGFoMo0zMnwTJDkqXZo7calWJPRJtdUGWsAEvRe_hytqiWfqx1_M/s640/blogger-image-2663067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTCVLEU16ng1ywLYA_l8Jx22nuSX352bke04rVAxR751wpoMq0xnaAxSFRCgzzCb3YZ3cz63fBSnSnb7X8gdGS8HlGFoMo0zMnwTJDkqXZo7calWJPRJtdUGWsAEvRe_hytqiWfqx1_M/s640/blogger-image-2663067.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We hoped the other guests would head to the newly refurbished Jungle Cruise and not to Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek. I am not sure if our prediction was correct because the crowd for Monsters Fast Pass was still a large one. Eric and I were a small piece of the mass of visitors darting into the covered World Bazaar and made a sharp right into Tomorrowland. The locals are not crazy. This is one of the most memorable parts of this trip, the morning dash into the parks. One has to start strong and keep that momentum going throughout the day! These guests know the system and they are masters of it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsFI_qen3hLTU4tNW7OE6tokAX57hO9XLoQL04jo90C8ylWbti-MyEWKU354j3v2aSVh9TtoT8TdqRlNAz_QXObCqQskhqjNIOeaKfnfiUfYIwYsT9-kHT7yS3IjZMuAgPidvxPzRvQ8/s640/blogger-image-1348631059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsFI_qen3hLTU4tNW7OE6tokAX57hO9XLoQL04jo90C8ylWbti-MyEWKU354j3v2aSVh9TtoT8TdqRlNAz_QXObCqQskhqjNIOeaKfnfiUfYIwYsT9-kHT7yS3IjZMuAgPidvxPzRvQ8/s640/blogger-image-1348631059.jpg"></a></div>Eric waiting to grab our Fast Passes<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4_0OsyVHtL-DYsprMx9PLvHNngkn-k9ke5-T5x0jpHwJy09DgPbM5Zj3ODycteA-_hZPpptkqIYsEhxUt_U4MnnCuhJHsoXTaTrgClB2R20TEZYBwlDc3yFUjgjh9mxdvQoDycbD0uo/s640/blogger-image--744341178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4_0OsyVHtL-DYsprMx9PLvHNngkn-k9ke5-T5x0jpHwJy09DgPbM5Zj3ODycteA-_hZPpptkqIYsEhxUt_U4MnnCuhJHsoXTaTrgClB2R20TEZYBwlDc3yFUjgjh9mxdvQoDycbD0uo/s640/blogger-image--744341178.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just as we had done the other day, we made fast tracks to Fantasyland toward Pooh’s Hunny Hunt. The sunlight was peeking through the trees and caused structures like the castle to glow. This park doesn’t really have the charm and cozy feeling that Disneyland in California conveys, but the grandeur makes up for that. We were definitely reminded how grand it was as we made our long trek to Fantasyland from Tomorrowland.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf44Ff-GJpT-DLN2pShx8EauNTLT4S1BeOvXNydBhArqz7FD4fuiVj1re7f4zIpVlGhal7bIexlgAx380tW7kCS_0u71NL1owDASYKBqxHZq3k_2NFLLK1d_K0Lffe5uzortRWe38mfU/s640/blogger-image--1961502464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf44Ff-GJpT-DLN2pShx8EauNTLT4S1BeOvXNydBhArqz7FD4fuiVj1re7f4zIpVlGhal7bIexlgAx380tW7kCS_0u71NL1owDASYKBqxHZq3k_2NFLLK1d_K0Lffe5uzortRWe38mfU/s640/blogger-image--1961502464.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs3PPiWQsZ3HPYHeMvcpIg_8dxYUffGwvYN0K3FOJ3e25SziCc9fiHJwhypEYr9dNaO9lKoSrgsW1aZVxuhHpjf5MfTkYhG6W2kooaTRdFxWQOJukwBPoCbH6A54tQr6gnAc5K_VbxrE/s640/blogger-image-1535157683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs3PPiWQsZ3HPYHeMvcpIg_8dxYUffGwvYN0K3FOJ3e25SziCc9fiHJwhypEYr9dNaO9lKoSrgsW1aZVxuhHpjf5MfTkYhG6W2kooaTRdFxWQOJukwBPoCbH6A54tQr6gnAc5K_VbxrE/s640/blogger-image-1535157683.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Riding Pooh’s Hunny Hunt this second time around was still a surreal experience. As we passed through and saw the fascinating scenes, I wondered to myself if this was the last time. Seeing the honey pots independently make their way through the Blustery Day scene was a thrilling sight. There is so much to absorb all at once. Although you are in this vehicle and watching the story unfold, it feels like you missed all of it. I just wanted to stand in that one room for at least five minutes and watch all the gags take place. By seeing Eric’s reactions and expressions, I knew he was thinking similar thoughts. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvwNL_ZSxUdBoSqg88rAer6qYLDeeAic4_741Tpdwp5SQDWQqqSi5EHY5exd34olY8ZS3ZZ2oz1To_YkkEsEQPPV0cz4fvvfeS1yZ4vaEcRhmgucxTS5tKMtwxDEi52LHGhsUITNGNgg/s640/blogger-image-653454642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvwNL_ZSxUdBoSqg88rAer6qYLDeeAic4_741Tpdwp5SQDWQqqSi5EHY5exd34olY8ZS3ZZ2oz1To_YkkEsEQPPV0cz4fvvfeS1yZ4vaEcRhmgucxTS5tKMtwxDEi52LHGhsUITNGNgg/s640/blogger-image-653454642.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyec6hOjW_pWQtGdggdN0VFda5EAjwaWfCtD6PmDCIgoZfRLO4kthdI15_j7Z7gFz9xV54thMi5t6ua0psS10n-S-vlJ8R20_4ux1VBu9JhlXZ-JE364tkCyj7ExPoU_LaULA3xbldSA/s640/blogger-image--1733437745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyec6hOjW_pWQtGdggdN0VFda5EAjwaWfCtD6PmDCIgoZfRLO4kthdI15_j7Z7gFz9xV54thMi5t6ua0psS10n-S-vlJ8R20_4ux1VBu9JhlXZ-JE364tkCyj7ExPoU_LaULA3xbldSA/s640/blogger-image--1733437745.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When we exited the attraction the both of us knew we couldn’t leave it at that. We right away had to grab a Fast Pass for the attraction. With our Monsters Inc. passes still not valid until <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">9:50 AM</a>, we would need to wait before we could get new one. Straight away we jumped into the queue for Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. Eric had mentioned to me that this attraction was made for this park first. Then, when CA’s Fantasyland was renovated in 1983, they put this attraction in there too. I really liked their attraction façade. The interior was the same experience. It seemed there were a few different color choices made on the inside. For one, the greens seemed to be a little more neon in their hues where in CA we have deeper forest greens.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j0TsPBAO6Q9vL95VyFSgjk56fpPLWHgiNveZGZ3lqTbJ9mXugAQVhV_AJ7uOjsSih9RTafFbPq-X-7a0rM0rhBDjISNJW-Lv00XqE0ckZsXelLLxiNQXm-_oZJq-3eRTv4hDC1hPap0/s640/blogger-image-965348707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j0TsPBAO6Q9vL95VyFSgjk56fpPLWHgiNveZGZ3lqTbJ9mXugAQVhV_AJ7uOjsSih9RTafFbPq-X-7a0rM0rhBDjISNJW-Lv00XqE0ckZsXelLLxiNQXm-_oZJq-3eRTv4hDC1hPap0/s640/blogger-image-965348707.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmI46pNrOhm5HWDjtHYzhhse_4OLkXvKQl4dVjquLGeL1BQZupDcc35hktcqKXXIRBO_lZrY24F38oo7IQaSzofDTwtdIVQBRY-wuXNKguNRSO3sODkURzPGHTFZ8AqhOcW3mjfqK05p0/s640/blogger-image-506472270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmI46pNrOhm5HWDjtHYzhhse_4OLkXvKQl4dVjquLGeL1BQZupDcc35hktcqKXXIRBO_lZrY24F38oo7IQaSzofDTwtdIVQBRY-wuXNKguNRSO3sODkURzPGHTFZ8AqhOcW3mjfqK05p0/s640/blogger-image-506472270.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was still early enough that we felt Splash Mountain would have a decent wait time. Critter Country is very close to Fantasyland, right next door. So, Eric led the way through the morning hustle and bustle to the land of the critters. What is great about going places with Eric is we are okay to split up. We don’t start to freak out if we are 20 to 30 steps ahead of one another. I haven’t tested this out with other people because I don’t want them to feel I think they are too slow. Maybe we will try it out later this spring when we visit Walt Disney World.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny_OTY9N9QFbIHQNehcLtbhCFjF4pen61idvrr6QRtF86ca0_gr8fj3iajnBW8dhPnoWRuqamjCGsLdGZsZH8NsvUjJDVyAQ7ustT45PHL1eHNYGkrclN12j_FlDjx5Z9-3cni7UmXxY/s640/blogger-image-1307020573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny_OTY9N9QFbIHQNehcLtbhCFjF4pen61idvrr6QRtF86ca0_gr8fj3iajnBW8dhPnoWRuqamjCGsLdGZsZH8NsvUjJDVyAQ7ustT45PHL1eHNYGkrclN12j_FlDjx5Z9-3cni7UmXxY/s640/blogger-image-1307020573.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchVh42N3rM4-dyVUZH8P-V7IhWjfUx3LbIZ2zrQpieFjTa-e-rLXEMCXfZ7UMKMuBzjw-7Jk1T4IwsU7HMn7hKcZvIBQvmtJR8kf10pA5X9J8KqKuTHjslz_gtT0ilphH0HN1SnHIeP0/s640/blogger-image-339154872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchVh42N3rM4-dyVUZH8P-V7IhWjfUx3LbIZ2zrQpieFjTa-e-rLXEMCXfZ7UMKMuBzjw-7Jk1T4IwsU7HMn7hKcZvIBQvmtJR8kf10pA5X9J8KqKuTHjslz_gtT0ilphH0HN1SnHIeP0/s640/blogger-image-339154872.jpg"></a></div> (So dark in there. Taken without flash on the iPhone)</div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can’t recall the posted wait time, but we ended up waiting around 35 minutes. In our opinion that is an excellent wait time for Splash Mountain. The queues we have seen for this attraction at the other parks can reach two hours in length. The queue entry for this version takes guests right into what we are used to being the water mill. (In Tokyo, the watermill is found along the façade toward the exit) Unless there was an outdoor area currently unused, this entire queue was indoors. I wish our queue for this in California took the elements into account as well. Most of the queue at the original is outdoors. Something we found great for the Cast Member is the logs are at waist level. The guests step down, into the logs, but the flume is aligned with the waist of the ride operator. There is no need for them to bend down and they can communicate at eye level with us. Guests or people in general don’t like being looked down upon.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsy3Sg9Gl-iOKwVSDqDmv45K8NQGm4URFewpnmAvfNQFrXZKiNIU-dccSDxaibdBktYLH_oDO2IWGjt3oOjdXnfVyEJdHGPct-SGQhBms0-gwr0zOF_JCRsD-8XLWQWtDSo7rNc_8Yto/s640/blogger-image--629300307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsy3Sg9Gl-iOKwVSDqDmv45K8NQGm4URFewpnmAvfNQFrXZKiNIU-dccSDxaibdBktYLH_oDO2IWGjt3oOjdXnfVyEJdHGPct-SGQhBms0-gwr0zOF_JCRsD-8XLWQWtDSo7rNc_8Yto/s640/blogger-image--629300307.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFLk_3TZ3PYMQ1mzxDfKdkVdpYWshSDeMejDM3t0yopaRUYsOLl9WQdH9CTH59iSQccajYyAzeplJRR6glOX-QXxIMqnEj5jrew_1YsxkY6Z0lIi_uAKTXuixgy35ihFf9gd6JzUkrQc/s640/blogger-image-1800199032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFLk_3TZ3PYMQ1mzxDfKdkVdpYWshSDeMejDM3t0yopaRUYsOLl9WQdH9CTH59iSQccajYyAzeplJRR6glOX-QXxIMqnEj5jrew_1YsxkY6Z0lIi_uAKTXuixgy35ihFf9gd6JzUkrQc/s640/blogger-image-1800199032.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The story was told just like Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain, but in Tokyo it was nice to see the animatronics all moving and the gags were successful. A rumor I had heard before traveling to Japan was that locals do not like getting wet. I have read people on Twitter say that they have gotten wet on this ride, but that wasn’t true for us. It may have been our luck (we didn’t want to get soaked) like when one rides a raft ride and only 50% of the riders aboard get wet. Maybe the back half of our log was wet and we just didn’t notice. Can anyone confirm this fact about Tokyo’s Splash Mountain keeping riders dry?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDz-EquThyVP_TEOBC8LbnG9cfB9p5I_INQf0sWJ3MFq8Eq1VXGZhzZKhiPM7t_f-nFvwVtr0f7S944LTaCSFO_nFBiun2mzbUTtjHV0ab0-JXvV6-ZlUrNDacfR5gKW0aUKjFaw-C-A/s640/blogger-image-1672438178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDz-EquThyVP_TEOBC8LbnG9cfB9p5I_INQf0sWJ3MFq8Eq1VXGZhzZKhiPM7t_f-nFvwVtr0f7S944LTaCSFO_nFBiun2mzbUTtjHV0ab0-JXvV6-ZlUrNDacfR5gKW0aUKjFaw-C-A/s640/blogger-image-1672438178.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejAkvVKjly5uE7-W7TzyqYMjt8s1zETTxajivhCuJTG25QSaK-tjpJ9SlFsFdj0_Yy7hgf5rQ-hyea33xuyfw5DyzSQF4bVkcjenXPDrCIJ0tPVEh2PzMPhlON4Uo2hWVS3Lcx2szfkg/s640/blogger-image--1177943455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejAkvVKjly5uE7-W7TzyqYMjt8s1zETTxajivhCuJTG25QSaK-tjpJ9SlFsFdj0_Yy7hgf5rQ-hyea33xuyfw5DyzSQF4bVkcjenXPDrCIJ0tPVEh2PzMPhlON4Uo2hWVS3Lcx2szfkg/s640/blogger-image--1177943455.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The time was pressing forward and we were getting close to our Fast Pass window for Monsters Inc. This also meant that we could grab a pass for Pooh’s Hunny Hunt. We neared the Hunny Hunt distribution about three minutes early and Eric jumped into the queue. That Fast Pass queue moved quicker than it looked because even when he reached the machine, he had to wait another minute before he could get one to print (no, we can’t outwit the computer). Although it was <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">9:50 AM</a>, our time to ride Pooh would be <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://4" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4">at 18:00</a> that evening. With the way we tentatively had laid out the day, riding <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5">at 18:00</a> would give us enough time to get food and choose a parade spot. Did I mention we would see The Electrical Parade: Dreamlights? (wink! wink! Very excited for that)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhm3EssJmoePjGBc8_R3GixSYVZiXwgTjfzEFn2w3JLn_YMX5MIo2RDgKPumiTe05mZATsOzcgHZGcleJC5p1G-Aoz2Iw1aNMTTXteK0QcAMy79z9h-klgO-ON8Uo2abqD95gDc2I9wA/s640/blogger-image--1533497920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhm3EssJmoePjGBc8_R3GixSYVZiXwgTjfzEFn2w3JLn_YMX5MIo2RDgKPumiTe05mZATsOzcgHZGcleJC5p1G-Aoz2Iw1aNMTTXteK0QcAMy79z9h-klgO-ON8Uo2abqD95gDc2I9wA/s640/blogger-image--1533497920.jpg"></a></div> I'm still unsure if I loved the Halloween accents.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4lIgiZcITBR8XwSIekydBidJidJEl6Tbss0Ja_iEv7jS3ZY6iyWGxvGbm7KErKbZT2Yao_zBNk4zaD8mZ9oBWv1EXMsaxIle4I6qfDnlrs1Ij046jmyTa2kut5517ip1Ysbt3AD50sM/s640/blogger-image--665934253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4lIgiZcITBR8XwSIekydBidJidJEl6Tbss0Ja_iEv7jS3ZY6iyWGxvGbm7KErKbZT2Yao_zBNk4zaD8mZ9oBWv1EXMsaxIle4I6qfDnlrs1Ij046jmyTa2kut5517ip1Ysbt3AD50sM/s640/blogger-image--665934253.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we headed back to Monsters Inc. in Tomorrowland we took the scenic route. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv3ORJujLf2G9uUG5zyyx4-8Yj6WTE2qB8nIk27aKVHebxuRUJsRsUEHa7296UPGROuFWfF6bj8BLjeQho33YDtSduXHpPqTtfCWuJa8b0kgt3QXI4kYRu7POzvrOZzIyD2mgGftih5Q/s640/blogger-image--1658575531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv3ORJujLf2G9uUG5zyyx4-8Yj6WTE2qB8nIk27aKVHebxuRUJsRsUEHa7296UPGROuFWfF6bj8BLjeQho33YDtSduXHpPqTtfCWuJa8b0kgt3QXI4kYRu7POzvrOZzIyD2mgGftih5Q/s640/blogger-image--1658575531.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am pretty much in love with the Tomorrowland main entrance, but I hated that some of it was under wraps.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi3A8LBLyNk8Vbk_GhnMnXVY-BA4tKZPSSmPybi6dGMBVzy0OAaFl792Ne9fu43J4WxYuJExhBLmWIRYvT3LGZvjsDstma3_82gZDeDiWkn2sxe-DxAWBxY7BlruRu-ov1PK4wFyNNgI/s640/blogger-image-1215745179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi3A8LBLyNk8Vbk_GhnMnXVY-BA4tKZPSSmPybi6dGMBVzy0OAaFl792Ne9fu43J4WxYuJExhBLmWIRYvT3LGZvjsDstma3_82gZDeDiWkn2sxe-DxAWBxY7BlruRu-ov1PK4wFyNNgI/s640/blogger-image-1215745179.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXb-3aO9-uSdOwOEF59a7Zg2pAstl922r0T7mFNooXMHRZYi5IISpdV5uBTynu1ndDQgjW1z2wItpPtZ-yM37n7SYiAGwXsCANTEyPC6xtBYDxG7Elt8rRB-6RLzsriJsjWh12lvGhHY/s640/blogger-image--610070024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXb-3aO9-uSdOwOEF59a7Zg2pAstl922r0T7mFNooXMHRZYi5IISpdV5uBTynu1ndDQgjW1z2wItpPtZ-yM37n7SYiAGwXsCANTEyPC6xtBYDxG7Elt8rRB-6RLzsriJsjWh12lvGhHY/s640/blogger-image--610070024.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Something I noticed about our photos of Disneyland is we didn’t take as many castle photos as I would’ve liked. Besides the varied coloring, it is the same structure that stands at WDW. Visiting Florida over the last 12 years we may have taken so many shots of the Magic Kingdom’s castle that we ignored Tokyo’s.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GbShz4R73ijplW6ZpIur5_XnyjFrbAS11c7i4X8aajz-CRyOksCRcAMoyCPUf8Qopg2iK8kYNrfw_vMT-DlzmLohwMPGpYe_DCS9TU38ecQIrWm7fbURIv6F9Lc5KO80ymYSpNFNWCs/s640/blogger-image-330985041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GbShz4R73ijplW6ZpIur5_XnyjFrbAS11c7i4X8aajz-CRyOksCRcAMoyCPUf8Qopg2iK8kYNrfw_vMT-DlzmLohwMPGpYe_DCS9TU38ecQIrWm7fbURIv6F9Lc5KO80ymYSpNFNWCs/s640/blogger-image-330985041.jpg"></a></div> More free souvenirs!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm1avABmO63ac3aOi3lnxR-sxSSeAC-ZcEebr5anqX8pBX1t_XdVXPXE3v1_K4ZzIyD_5pSSEle6TSDl2Fen8SkCTVvPzLV1es75g4YfwvZPOty4s0z5aPIjVFgFlwNP6vYgLgYQgYsY/s640/blogger-image-37427210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm1avABmO63ac3aOi3lnxR-sxSSeAC-ZcEebr5anqX8pBX1t_XdVXPXE3v1_K4ZzIyD_5pSSEle6TSDl2Fen8SkCTVvPzLV1es75g4YfwvZPOty4s0z5aPIjVFgFlwNP6vYgLgYQgYsY/s640/blogger-image-37427210.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PtIPwNiRqApvPKNPDfUh1nS81qQ03myLb_2fMkcmOnB0UYzTGl4AoHbl6JyV1X484QtDO9i_qZWcdmfHvlGns2QK1vSM0jkaHByO-Ao7TREnejlZ-xg42ifLxcQRdIwQu_7OpGAYlgM/s640/blogger-image-1782186936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PtIPwNiRqApvPKNPDfUh1nS81qQ03myLb_2fMkcmOnB0UYzTGl4AoHbl6JyV1X484QtDO9i_qZWcdmfHvlGns2QK1vSM0jkaHByO-Ao7TREnejlZ-xg42ifLxcQRdIwQu_7OpGAYlgM/s640/blogger-image-1782186936.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbWXJiMI1itL0T9tO0CO1jLjWBw7VgzWSNOLaEhjEWrMO02OQGR5ZOxbd-16sJuDDgN16JHmyen4fl0Cra-TVzek948d_s75yHuxPOXRnsBUQdUVa9uPgtDKS9iL4emNCvJ7uZ4GAGBg/s640/blogger-image-1238192688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbWXJiMI1itL0T9tO0CO1jLjWBw7VgzWSNOLaEhjEWrMO02OQGR5ZOxbd-16sJuDDgN16JHmyen4fl0Cra-TVzek948d_s75yHuxPOXRnsBUQdUVa9uPgtDKS9iL4emNCvJ7uZ4GAGBg/s640/blogger-image-1238192688.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This would be the first of two Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek experiences of the day. We rode again after Dreamlights with our friend Chris. I have mentioned him before as the person that runs <a href="http://www.tdrexplorer.com/">www.TDRexplorer.com</a> , the English guide to the Tokyo Disney Resort. But, we will get to that as the day progresses.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pPr6J5XDywe-4tv8NIIBu0BgBLSUsXhx-PlhdC-3MwIMzRL6gOjN7IhVEdJXvwgPqwCQVtNBcBh5g6V8HaKOmitwZ_bAVSIKXtydnZLLhpY6w42Lgm3LFruo1qAr2ZoULfdguVNWZpc/s640/blogger-image-215241970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pPr6J5XDywe-4tv8NIIBu0BgBLSUsXhx-PlhdC-3MwIMzRL6gOjN7IhVEdJXvwgPqwCQVtNBcBh5g6V8HaKOmitwZ_bAVSIKXtydnZLLhpY6w42Lgm3LFruo1qAr2ZoULfdguVNWZpc/s640/blogger-image-215241970.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the upcoming post we get a last minute viewing spot for the Happy Harvest Parade, experience more attractions, adorably cute food offerings, and the Happiness is Here Parade. Check back with us soon for more Tokyo Disneyland fun. I hope after reading over these posts so far, you’re getting the “itch” to gather together a budget and head to Japan! We never thought we would get there and here I am telling you fine folks about it.</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj0dGw_9UpQTDJWg-saV8fqmiuNI9BqBtXttMeb0uO8_os2Aq_3TCNVmIC3CD5shm_y6j_2iha-T7DGn4voNwabXG3xakQ4VqD8s2QiNB532fMPTgDAw87ek7xCQx1pb_NNE6Ys5VpOQ/s640/blogger-image-1907423709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj0dGw_9UpQTDJWg-saV8fqmiuNI9BqBtXttMeb0uO8_os2Aq_3TCNVmIC3CD5shm_y6j_2iha-T7DGn4voNwabXG3xakQ4VqD8s2QiNB532fMPTgDAw87ek7xCQx1pb_NNE6Ys5VpOQ/s640/blogger-image-1907423709.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-29309805895082010322015-02-04T12:41:00.001-08:002015-02-04T12:48:26.138-08:00For Us, Tokyo DisneySea Draws to a Close<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3COsXGr09-a4uqDYeF5p_O647ngHl4M1ObxUGGj_qxJWPpU8-iNLy0L0h8oobsSWOkKboZAXJMiIea_HdXBrgTCuq2a72LBbV3YCVilZIUlaq9EkLFWxxw6WFu_cEUaItYylZJmwKz74/s640/blogger-image--1506138970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3COsXGr09-a4uqDYeF5p_O647ngHl4M1ObxUGGj_qxJWPpU8-iNLy0L0h8oobsSWOkKboZAXJMiIea_HdXBrgTCuq2a72LBbV3YCVilZIUlaq9EkLFWxxw6WFu_cEUaItYylZJmwKz74/s640/blogger-image--1506138970.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Well!!!!</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It would seem that after we left Sinbad’s attraction, a little shopping and snacking was in order. Eric knew of the Chandu Tiger tails that were available near the attraction exit. Chandu is that cute, little tiger that joins Sinbad on his voyages. Did I mention how cute he is? The little snack is a chicken bun shaped into a tiger tail and is served again, in cute packaging! This might sound like an odd description, but the tail tasted like chicken noodle soup. Who doesn’t like that sort of soup? I feel all that enter this park needs to try a Chandu tail. (And, also buy a plush doll of him)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJbAVJ6sV_1hkS0c1YQPnAmt0ByoLXXqoqAQ_nX8RMkxoY8SVdoxR-aybpAVWFVShgNx_1l9tj53WLZo8te3PABWNNxl4NSmotN9b8otKkPSRLE9nsFI3bge9Zzhyb4mB0p5iop8nNiQ/s640/blogger-image--1462365747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJbAVJ6sV_1hkS0c1YQPnAmt0ByoLXXqoqAQ_nX8RMkxoY8SVdoxR-aybpAVWFVShgNx_1l9tj53WLZo8te3PABWNNxl4NSmotN9b8otKkPSRLE9nsFI3bge9Zzhyb4mB0p5iop8nNiQ/s640/blogger-image--1462365747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jGzT10E_SlBB9bGVKSyNQoXLbb5V6rBA4NJuMm2yWi0kbGoAe6RGNG-W3LV40Nclr407bdxummhCBgywBmVxSwVFbggpg4CqzfgbI5hnADMc_Zw9czOcGKdTkYhKsnptarzshMy3I2s/s640/blogger-image--576926426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jGzT10E_SlBB9bGVKSyNQoXLbb5V6rBA4NJuMm2yWi0kbGoAe6RGNG-W3LV40Nclr407bdxummhCBgywBmVxSwVFbggpg4CqzfgbI5hnADMc_Zw9czOcGKdTkYhKsnptarzshMy3I2s/s640/blogger-image--576926426.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jWK89UNJGiaSPzYatIodkKSry3tn8LE8vTjMOTdzTqXSkLwGxqaXeH7L540umr9YU18emayNHpYqPBPnykPH2fDOswyh1nY1NrirKwQZ8Sv_O7mSCHbe409_K8Y0Yxhjh9Iytkgbk4s/s640/blogger-image-846576328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jWK89UNJGiaSPzYatIodkKSry3tn8LE8vTjMOTdzTqXSkLwGxqaXeH7L540umr9YU18emayNHpYqPBPnykPH2fDOswyh1nY1NrirKwQZ8Sv_O7mSCHbe409_K8Y0Yxhjh9Iytkgbk4s/s640/blogger-image-846576328.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After wandering through the marketplace in Arabian Coast, we decided we needed to see the Magic Lamp 3D show. The theater is found inside a rather largely scaled structure. To be honest, all the buildings in this area are massive. The queue was a decent length, bearable. There are a few things I recall from our wait.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBNnAXr4uUHS0bmv_eIDuk-AURVS74s9tLCzFenuYm4NGt0LA3ZOsz8HZIJgeWHMEKKg66Hjv9ylaHBGExcMbrku9lD8-SqFKkICuHXLgreAGEDfiUbkA8goPyaPd5OOHzSuDZGfO-CE/s640/blogger-image-1102101585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBNnAXr4uUHS0bmv_eIDuk-AURVS74s9tLCzFenuYm4NGt0LA3ZOsz8HZIJgeWHMEKKg66Hjv9ylaHBGExcMbrku9lD8-SqFKkICuHXLgreAGEDfiUbkA8goPyaPd5OOHzSuDZGfO-CE/s640/blogger-image-1102101585.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were transferred to the queue within the courtyard. There was a Cast Member in there that seemed to be in charge of prepping guests with theater rules. Since the guests were spread out within the courtyard’s queue, she went to various spots to deliver an announcement. Each time she did this, she recited a well-rehearsed spiel. At the conclusion of this announcement she put her hands to her side and slowly bowed to the crowd. I saw her do this three times as we waited and was equally impressed each time. I love Japan!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The crowd was ushered into the lobby of the theater that also acted as the pre-show. Here an animated snake was filling in the crowd about the magical genie (all in Japanese, so this is an assumption). If my memory is correct, he of course added in references to Aladdin and his lamp. I assumed this was all preparation for the genie we would encounter once in the theater. Now during all of this, a baby/toddler was giving everyone the biggest headache ever. This baby was either not wanting to be in that building or was hungry because it was making the most high pitch noise I had heard from a kid. The Japanese are a considerate people, but clearly everyone was getting annoyed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1X8oAB4SUfckV1Mp6UlWfHalMINKQpxKB_DPl8w68x2GO0iwXNwkFYx7H8OmLiwTJ3h45i9yIWbpzUxGaezHTru4GWIYTYvLtI-Pyf1DZrMM90OWeAc1_jrpixS7cRaly1oW9H_VeXo/s640/blogger-image-1680913678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1X8oAB4SUfckV1Mp6UlWfHalMINKQpxKB_DPl8w68x2GO0iwXNwkFYx7H8OmLiwTJ3h45i9yIWbpzUxGaezHTru4GWIYTYvLtI-Pyf1DZrMM90OWeAc1_jrpixS7cRaly1oW9H_VeXo/s640/blogger-image-1680913678.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric and I were quite relieved when the theater entry doors opened. We made a beeline for the doors to get away from that kid! Everyone joined in that action. The show itself was also all in Japanese. From what we gathered, the assistant (a live actor) was there to get us ready to meet Genie himself from Aladdin. But, there was also another live actor present that tried to take over the show. He too had some sort of powers as he cast the Genie’s assistant away. While all this is taking place, the screen behind them interacted with them. The crowd was very excited as they enjoyed the mixture of live action and 3D screens. Somehow it all gets resolved. The Genie shows up to save the day. And, the assistant (in MC Hammer pants) assists the Genie to cast away the evil guy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Generally that show gets a lot of bad reviews, but it was easier to follow than the Tiki Room at Disneyland. We didn’t know what was going in during that show. Maybe it was the over the top acting that helped us out in this show?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAtkWtrTJJu-40SLatCbsF_GMiIsOXl4o0iNZXeVIR1nX5Wwj4zTLf-mAL0Qzn37QKXnoQSby4urH599c-sDlYGl-bxpNWcQwZG9SAont4J4BhGmiSGDST3CbsJYe_VylpHtXH-TIylE/s640/blogger-image--747360321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAtkWtrTJJu-40SLatCbsF_GMiIsOXl4o0iNZXeVIR1nX5Wwj4zTLf-mAL0Qzn37QKXnoQSby4urH599c-sDlYGl-bxpNWcQwZG9SAont4J4BhGmiSGDST3CbsJYe_VylpHtXH-TIylE/s640/blogger-image--747360321.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was now just after <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">3:30 PM</a>. We had mentioned to our other American travelers that if they were free, to meet us at the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge around <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">4 PM</a>. Eric and I decided to head back to American Waterfront to maybe meet up with them. We took the path found across the water from the main Mermaid Lagoon structure. On that end of the water, it is still considered to be a part of Mermaid Lagoon. Ariel’s meet and greet is found there. We weren’t going to be seeing Ariel, but found it interesting that this area was unified with that across the water. Suddenly, Eric grabbed my arm or shoulder and practically shouted for me to look down the walkway, past Ariel’s meet and greet entrance! I saw it! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZsS8KTRyK7SsI8yx1mv8VP2yxYiuNsvXoSg2lTmEjH1o6rPRqJnZf_YVCzJT7Mw51yEmin_dxDEj2FIzO1VIvCwGM3NsX62TmbkKV0CcMcqU-gfKXCd1fcnd6SLNoG5JJz3AE5ksRDY/s640/blogger-image--561192986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZsS8KTRyK7SsI8yx1mv8VP2yxYiuNsvXoSg2lTmEjH1o6rPRqJnZf_YVCzJT7Mw51yEmin_dxDEj2FIzO1VIvCwGM3NsX62TmbkKV0CcMcqU-gfKXCd1fcnd6SLNoG5JJz3AE5ksRDY/s640/blogger-image--561192986.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric had finally found the popcorn bucket that I wanted! I had put that on the “back burner”, as I figured the only place to find it would be the next day, at Disneyland’s AdventureLand. I don’t know if I can convey how excited I was to get this bucket. I had seen this bucket online prior to our visit and it was the one thing I knew that I had to have from Tokyo Disney. As you can see, the Cast Member that sold it to me was so cute and nice.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlQLUIcfFer0DAKjSNpp0VNPKGofp2i5g2rIgAMjga0SLW0TNlpHzh3QsSYjtajwxU0046nVhXXe-gPrxYSO6gITPl_QQf2Y-ZrBDLIWOJQ4a5MqahjtCjVGfH9gHOy8_LSYcuQEjbL0/s640/blogger-image-1440762490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlQLUIcfFer0DAKjSNpp0VNPKGofp2i5g2rIgAMjga0SLW0TNlpHzh3QsSYjtajwxU0046nVhXXe-gPrxYSO6gITPl_QQf2Y-ZrBDLIWOJQ4a5MqahjtCjVGfH9gHOy8_LSYcuQEjbL0/s640/blogger-image-1440762490.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just near that cart is a convenient path that cuts through Mysterious Island, so that we can get to American Waterfront. I tell you, we were so confused at the park layout on Day 1. Luckily, after a few wrong turns on that first day, we felt we had a better handle on the various paths.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7fTRFQV94czW6CotNmHe_VGm2enjsDsMjiMAsfwlgPSe6Pv4lwmjxI51swPkV5hDCd8feuz5NHZ1UD8y7NLM5MOGgHTupw8ekFfQFnU8uZ2E3F9etvuA-y81v1DOnyBJ1DRckGI6WUA/s640/blogger-image--1723025809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7fTRFQV94czW6CotNmHe_VGm2enjsDsMjiMAsfwlgPSe6Pv4lwmjxI51swPkV5hDCd8feuz5NHZ1UD8y7NLM5MOGgHTupw8ekFfQFnU8uZ2E3F9etvuA-y81v1DOnyBJ1DRckGI6WUA/s640/blogger-image--1723025809.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once onboard the ship Colombia, we didn’t see The Brickers or Selgas at the lounge’s entry queue. We went ahead and put ourselves down for a table for two. The wait wasn’t all that long. We were sat in the front area, the less interesting section in our opinion. But after we ordered out Manhattans we each wandered around to see the décor. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ9Cmv_fEEUNDySGzmES0qgLSGHzcGe-pjz2aXvprMGz8r_Ub3Yty2LTrN0YeCjD0vYc2jPLxng6gedIZPDbYI6reo1rKBJMjNNYGbjQVbViWuNn86t3NK7ws6NKrYv43EmeLbl1YDP0/s640/blogger-image--1978427219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ9Cmv_fEEUNDySGzmES0qgLSGHzcGe-pjz2aXvprMGz8r_Ub3Yty2LTrN0YeCjD0vYc2jPLxng6gedIZPDbYI6reo1rKBJMjNNYGbjQVbViWuNn86t3NK7ws6NKrYv43EmeLbl1YDP0/s640/blogger-image--1978427219.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1Rf9WBdrIjBpx8Ub4Vbf6Y3Mb8ETGOJ-p3NXerC9vQURgL8IB5AkSq2uQP9zcmv6FmNwgB3BGJammkRLB-0pGtwLqRFutn0YIAoVljWsDT510U2m3W8447akcrtJmMNsdyena9bKOI/s640/blogger-image--451737888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1Rf9WBdrIjBpx8Ub4Vbf6Y3Mb8ETGOJ-p3NXerC9vQURgL8IB5AkSq2uQP9zcmv6FmNwgB3BGJammkRLB-0pGtwLqRFutn0YIAoVljWsDT510U2m3W8447akcrtJmMNsdyena9bKOI/s640/blogger-image--451737888.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’ve had better Manhattan’s at California Adventures Carthay Circle lounge, but we still ordered two! As we “lounged’ in the lounge, I started to get that odd feeling that someone was staring at or watching us. There were two ladies right near us, appeared to be in their late 20s, that kept glancing over. It was an odd feeling and something that I had been warned about before we left home. Maybe I was just creating a story in my head, but this wasn’t the last time we encountered this while on the trip. If my Japanese was excellent, I am sure I could’ve corrected or confirmed my assumption.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdZLQrGw94ntfEtbyB9suyYecPR-SP7jMZGWdm5QiHduYkk2cnynliSfMUhocorwLaWezyHbXdkL-ZIWPkqTBVJMrBTSuGKDEEYdy_m0QQ5k5XivaBXBjZi2daKJ6mbnsh6wUqQueluA/s640/blogger-image--1539844734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdZLQrGw94ntfEtbyB9suyYecPR-SP7jMZGWdm5QiHduYkk2cnynliSfMUhocorwLaWezyHbXdkL-ZIWPkqTBVJMrBTSuGKDEEYdy_m0QQ5k5XivaBXBjZi2daKJ6mbnsh6wUqQueluA/s640/blogger-image--1539844734.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQOZl4lMdfP9wyyZrduWUqCNj9cbFCX6_RNFmEveYGucqRUxTSyPFYYAfTE63UIr2YV5qtPTy2GU0Jd9OaMz6REBOs84N3kZYtTbzZkw8gPwXNxNrx5gAeCGknAey3NRNex3unrM9DX4/s640/blogger-image-958074903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQOZl4lMdfP9wyyZrduWUqCNj9cbFCX6_RNFmEveYGucqRUxTSyPFYYAfTE63UIr2YV5qtPTy2GU0Jd9OaMz6REBOs84N3kZYtTbzZkw8gPwXNxNrx5gAeCGknAey3NRNex3unrM9DX4/s640/blogger-image-958074903.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Taking a few silly photos and wandering the decks of the Colombia was next on our agenda. As we were on the top deck I heard someone ask, “How were your drinks?” It was Sarah! They were running behind and a fast pass of theirs overlapped, so they didn’t make the lounge with us. I’m glad we ran into them on the ship. Apparently Tom was off photographing the park. We didn’t ask because I didn’t want to seem too nosey (lol). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKMnnwxVcEKt6nKP0z9j6uGUKvjcShAuzFrttuoJ88quqI98ods1WTcht_4eZMHTNk4FwSorSXXmfJjVBNChWqUy-nB7n4HfwQFu4jMUwHFC7v1db8yTpf3ntGMgOJKdat3BQekBa-FU/s640/blogger-image-1038310058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKMnnwxVcEKt6nKP0z9j6uGUKvjcShAuzFrttuoJ88quqI98ods1WTcht_4eZMHTNk4FwSorSXXmfJjVBNChWqUy-nB7n4HfwQFu4jMUwHFC7v1db8yTpf3ntGMgOJKdat3BQekBa-FU/s640/blogger-image-1038310058.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaTGsBrjrzk5smAIpOJA-rGQ-NM2Kd-_J0m0etn_FI7mR0cV3G-H87LBuTchsoSMc8N1ltDZ4exo81OxbPaCgYCuoEg9eSK6UB04Yb_inPXjN2NMptinO-jJ3PKky82jX46aep-HZ9GY/s640/blogger-image--669729892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaTGsBrjrzk5smAIpOJA-rGQ-NM2Kd-_J0m0etn_FI7mR0cV3G-H87LBuTchsoSMc8N1ltDZ4exo81OxbPaCgYCuoEg9eSK6UB04Yb_inPXjN2NMptinO-jJ3PKky82jX46aep-HZ9GY/s640/blogger-image--669729892.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l1lMMABlW707hZjMzVUftD0qlFDjP8TFFZMj-Qnp8iizv1lD1ZcpBA-WRqyiquoF4MSFFirYUSNpwTe3pYQiv47NbgNtJTyvRe5Ut3JZxoIOURRyh4vrjr_piTxsqHpUNn587f7_vRQ/s640/blogger-image--776593770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l1lMMABlW707hZjMzVUftD0qlFDjP8TFFZMj-Qnp8iizv1lD1ZcpBA-WRqyiquoF4MSFFirYUSNpwTe3pYQiv47NbgNtJTyvRe5Ut3JZxoIOURRyh4vrjr_piTxsqHpUNn587f7_vRQ/s640/blogger-image--776593770.jpg"></a></div> Yes, that is the real ocean. </div></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We recruited Sarah to take a few shots of us on the boat. The sunset was taking place, but unfortunately the clouds were making it a hazy one. They invited us to join them at the nearby show called “A Table is Waiting”. This was to be another one of the more popular shows at the park.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXmb300zMh5QKij-Z0dCdTzrAm0dCSclM2VaI79gbhU8Wb0WBQdpx8SJvm2k5I4sVfGC_6KJFCEeePkkRk6n70j2ZJZDjU-DZ2WiKQPAKH47ymlgOgDGKzKQqSg4EaOVsD03FweYwf1M/s640/blogger-image-1447711039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXmb300zMh5QKij-Z0dCdTzrAm0dCSclM2VaI79gbhU8Wb0WBQdpx8SJvm2k5I4sVfGC_6KJFCEeePkkRk6n70j2ZJZDjU-DZ2WiKQPAKH47ymlgOgDGKzKQqSg4EaOVsD03FweYwf1M/s640/blogger-image-1447711039.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The five of us sat down in some pretty decent seats, but soon after it started to lightly drizzle. We were all prepared for the rain, but what deterred us from waiting was that there was still another 40 minutes until show time. Although we were definitely interested in the show, we had assumed the start was about 15 minutes away. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There were a few other stops they wanted to make and we were getting a little hungry. Sarah suggested we have the curry found in Arabian Coast. We kept in touch with the group during the rest of our time at Disney, but didn’t see each other again until we were in Tokyo.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2mpt3lHvTB_tm0gCUvUNkSIFFy8we7SIDwpqWF9Hs1_242uRRXMbXe6KjssOSAFydPQPQ2SJOTazy453NkAjB3WQz6Z2vXAvcMwksrUFSAkSSva7XDoLXmCa97HCWH0RVnsgqSsvcdg/s640/blogger-image--727248334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2mpt3lHvTB_tm0gCUvUNkSIFFy8we7SIDwpqWF9Hs1_242uRRXMbXe6KjssOSAFydPQPQ2SJOTazy453NkAjB3WQz6Z2vXAvcMwksrUFSAkSSva7XDoLXmCa97HCWH0RVnsgqSsvcdg/s640/blogger-image--727248334.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusGTNeBoPhsnzmoDa2OPaRf0urtAcWbvW3MyXtEL-x8qvZPOMuzq4pM0SnDjt-NWLOAgnSR6nVxrJjiCgrIVfeSLPH5h0HNHzBMeyUjPdiOWnWEPgx9-1tnDRJj7_YALl1IvBdJuQIA0/s640/blogger-image--152148344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusGTNeBoPhsnzmoDa2OPaRf0urtAcWbvW3MyXtEL-x8qvZPOMuzq4pM0SnDjt-NWLOAgnSR6nVxrJjiCgrIVfeSLPH5h0HNHzBMeyUjPdiOWnWEPgx9-1tnDRJj7_YALl1IvBdJuQIA0/s640/blogger-image--152148344.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric and I decided to take the long way to Arabian Coast to shoot more photos. We of course visited American Waterfront, walked in the rain to Lost River Delta, and ended up in Arabian Coast. Someone might wonder why we didn’t ride the attractions over and over again. The truth is that DisneySea is an amazing spectacle that is screaming out to be admired. We had such a great time going down the various paths and taking in the grandeur of the park’s design. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4BIHTZEtcHi0qByx8KgYHjRLvTQNhfkBybUmrOMgu5Q7Zcj00il62X7ABJ1Ua7bX717RJC15x4EMGn7MWfneCWB34kFg7QQcC0rd0tzd9EgGZf82xOTlg2xQ_ISJQaLGhUNzMR4hZ3I/s640/blogger-image-1687687749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4BIHTZEtcHi0qByx8KgYHjRLvTQNhfkBybUmrOMgu5Q7Zcj00il62X7ABJ1Ua7bX717RJC15x4EMGn7MWfneCWB34kFg7QQcC0rd0tzd9EgGZf82xOTlg2xQ_ISJQaLGhUNzMR4hZ3I/s640/blogger-image-1687687749.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At one point a lovely couple took our photo near the Indiana Jones attraction. Eric thanked them in Japanese and bowed. The female in that couple then informed us that they were from Taiwan. Oops!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWrF2Fos-fqA7d1QNPvdgzT3FGWAveWrvMoyiv3ZdsvSzaHFB2P-GJat_1qLdL4yMG2tXET_CoWEONSoS-tn-pN31-2jeogxV1smSGeBRhSaGlfHKGHRoT-bOSSub7WhJ7WynPrsNAfI/s640/blogger-image-1813133287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWrF2Fos-fqA7d1QNPvdgzT3FGWAveWrvMoyiv3ZdsvSzaHFB2P-GJat_1qLdL4yMG2tXET_CoWEONSoS-tn-pN31-2jeogxV1smSGeBRhSaGlfHKGHRoT-bOSSub7WhJ7WynPrsNAfI/s640/blogger-image-1813133287.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z0ztC304INWO4BhomIN_bOcMepWlOnBtbII41Tg6jkvDp88HvdxSw9aDMK5UEN5FSdYFwKWK1l-RdVr3Xa0FqLkC0-L0Wa9KG1IHzpfISjzw1b03GKVwtzOlAR4ojQNGR9H-FATCLWI/s640/blogger-image-1425788944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z0ztC304INWO4BhomIN_bOcMepWlOnBtbII41Tg6jkvDp88HvdxSw9aDMK5UEN5FSdYFwKWK1l-RdVr3Xa0FqLkC0-L0Wa9KG1IHzpfISjzw1b03GKVwtzOlAR4ojQNGR9H-FATCLWI/s640/blogger-image-1425788944.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQezN8Qx-dZpejIkUNiUP-U-HGXywNi-5KuRW8pQ3mS73lD2WBi1AaFJXUXgPdIEM6yl2u7GeQaRotLGb0Sn3KbreIRxITCv-nF4CDMCqM-2zvlLpdkQ-NVudS_x2oQnKs3VmvKptevE/s640/blogger-image-1766950514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQezN8Qx-dZpejIkUNiUP-U-HGXywNi-5KuRW8pQ3mS73lD2WBi1AaFJXUXgPdIEM6yl2u7GeQaRotLGb0Sn3KbreIRxITCv-nF4CDMCqM-2zvlLpdkQ-NVudS_x2oQnKs3VmvKptevE/s640/blogger-image-1766950514.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">During a light rain, Eric and I reached the Royal Tandor restaurant to have the curry that Sarah was raving about. After eating there, I heard from a few people that this food wasn’t all that impressive. We enjoyed it and thought it “hit the spot”. This dish of rice, chicken, naan bread, and curry isn’t something we normally eat. It even being outside our comfort zone, we still savored every last bite.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJeQCsAmEoLfdnZ_d4pGoPi53WgLQZebu5GI0MU7mXnuMKF9YogCNfa3p-9iSziRsHCrxgOBVKZ0ONcnTp-vJqXHht0cLERlYnwOHW7WQaVC1j0axABg_-gXCLNpP_z8QZBNpuxsH1us/s640/blogger-image-1594028092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJeQCsAmEoLfdnZ_d4pGoPi53WgLQZebu5GI0MU7mXnuMKF9YogCNfa3p-9iSziRsHCrxgOBVKZ0ONcnTp-vJqXHht0cLERlYnwOHW7WQaVC1j0axABg_-gXCLNpP_z8QZBNpuxsH1us/s640/blogger-image-1594028092.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I3UH8qVZqp8lccfEAiqMfj9BLhVmaVcvCDAkoxQSf1yrtR4XEsy6Mouxqt6VU8mPdtpDS5pHaUfZX10G7Y-dT66_Uy_zaBUrUNYcXO-SRyy26Upyc6dPvrKM4W2s6glxQ6yUuj2YBiA/s640/blogger-image--248606973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I3UH8qVZqp8lccfEAiqMfj9BLhVmaVcvCDAkoxQSf1yrtR4XEsy6Mouxqt6VU8mPdtpDS5pHaUfZX10G7Y-dT66_Uy_zaBUrUNYcXO-SRyy26Upyc6dPvrKM4W2s6glxQ6yUuj2YBiA/s640/blogger-image--248606973.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The rain let up while we dined. This was great because we wanted to see the New York Halloween Follies show that would take place in American Waterfront. People were waiting hours for a spot to see this, but Eric hoped we could snag a spot along the side lines. This was another show we had heard great things about on the <a href="http://tdrexplorer.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">TDRExplorer.com</a> podcast. Would this show live up to the expectations set by that site? (So far that site had been a huge help, so I was confident it would)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwtHyCmRxC3KVg6TgKd6uXvhAMTRIGaY6X5SF8N-2Jst9VWdHz4_ABAqZvhsd857NQgVhQe7bwghc9WgVnIwyO3I03P5TcmvK3ecR79U9QlPplE8x-qCM5UcsPd_klh-cRaDJBBf0Xcg/s640/blogger-image--2080437397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwtHyCmRxC3KVg6TgKd6uXvhAMTRIGaY6X5SF8N-2Jst9VWdHz4_ABAqZvhsd857NQgVhQe7bwghc9WgVnIwyO3I03P5TcmvK3ecR79U9QlPplE8x-qCM5UcsPd_klh-cRaDJBBf0Xcg/s640/blogger-image--2080437397.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLD_XPuyWeKttDATqA6J-UWffqqTERQgwgFhPcB_kErRcDpm9x_uZXou35-MwNu4CcvQsCIaz1UPLSQ6562IV2Vkjbq212IM19ecmvOttPwXDJHxXDeqfedt0Xvid0TB71U8RKbUitpE/s640/blogger-image--19794614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLD_XPuyWeKttDATqA6J-UWffqqTERQgwgFhPcB_kErRcDpm9x_uZXou35-MwNu4CcvQsCIaz1UPLSQ6562IV2Vkjbq212IM19ecmvOttPwXDJHxXDeqfedt0Xvid0TB71U8RKbUitpE/s640/blogger-image--19794614.jpg"></a></div> Flapper Minnie and the back of Zoot Suit Mickey</div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">From what I learned on that podcast, Follies showcases the current celebrities of park, the skeletons. The era is the 1920s and they’re all out for a Halloween party. The conflict in the show arises when Scrooge McDuck objects to the very existence of the skeletons. He even tried to get them taken away by Chip n Dale, dressed as gangsters. Through dance and music, Scrooge is shown how to get down and Charleston with the rest of the gang. In the end, Scrooge confesses he was not keen on the arrival of the skeletons because he was a little afraid of them. But, he was now happy and showed his happiness as he joined the skeleton friends in a large dancing finale that even included huge beach balls (because that fits the 1920s theme, right?). The cast of this show is huge! It was the one time we saw this many of the skeleton friends in one place at the same time! Our view was a little obstructed, but at times the performers came to our end, as well as driving past in a vehicle. When this ended, I may have wished we did get a chance to see this one more time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb9jcU48F4DasdJIZbprFHatXTU_6_PmgL3hQxaENyJOfJ7NUT1Avbw0XW01Xd4IftbwhB11-J0pCFhUXUUlsNLwL58agjQF360KnRbNiDAoi5dw6cE1jG76qHsOzSDX6DMUaXhK0KXA/s640/blogger-image-1932383227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb9jcU48F4DasdJIZbprFHatXTU_6_PmgL3hQxaENyJOfJ7NUT1Avbw0XW01Xd4IftbwhB11-J0pCFhUXUUlsNLwL58agjQF360KnRbNiDAoi5dw6cE1jG76qHsOzSDX6DMUaXhK0KXA/s640/blogger-image-1932383227.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But, this would be our last evening at Tokyo DisneySea. What does one do when you have an hour or two left at the number one theme park in the world? It was a tough decision, but we did head over and ride our favorite attraction there, Journey to the Center of the Earth. This was the one time that we actually waited in the standby queue. There we were reading every inscription and plaque that we found. We learned about the drilling machine that Nemo created and how it led him to the depths of the earth. It also allowed him to find a hidden passage of water that was of use to explore the ocean waters (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbH4m16z7jZInWtieJNcynlV9b__uefnK_0yiTBxKlvmJ0ru5ZwUioDkI3dI-n7zuUZ-sdoGEc_kAZKNussChaSVCAC2RMEt8KW3XAa5AFUU0sB5UMBgbNrQgW3USDcAujNLR3i23a74/s640/blogger-image--1342460496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbH4m16z7jZInWtieJNcynlV9b__uefnK_0yiTBxKlvmJ0ru5ZwUioDkI3dI-n7zuUZ-sdoGEc_kAZKNussChaSVCAC2RMEt8KW3XAa5AFUU0sB5UMBgbNrQgW3USDcAujNLR3i23a74/s640/blogger-image--1342460496.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIdA3foOBi_OpNGfMFBLWFLZ1SDmaJqZtu5ZYe0PN0UFYEYc7a12HOzyb4X7XyaGP52W3M5vzSIMUspJFQcyFnH7mhyphenhyphenYeUmymyyWrJcLKtXm0BMUTQ4NKfmgbD6QHk9v6pZcn-difwss/s640/blogger-image-1843412661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIdA3foOBi_OpNGfMFBLWFLZ1SDmaJqZtu5ZYe0PN0UFYEYc7a12HOzyb4X7XyaGP52W3M5vzSIMUspJFQcyFnH7mhyphenhyphenYeUmymyyWrJcLKtXm0BMUTQ4NKfmgbD6QHk9v6pZcn-difwss/s640/blogger-image-1843412661.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A cool touch that people are catching onto is the lava, mentioned in the previous post, even made its way into the queue. Here we can see where the lava even overtook a drinking fountain!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3IibDlsIQOs-R16uhZ7rZQ7JjZIycsYoaEzMbsEAsuabZ7x-j5h7EyLGQ2s5w4f7WGQ9wto6WI3JlUtpVwHljl_DzRNHxX7iQfGhVjC0P3d0Tdm5WIMTnB3XOuBs4ug859NDWAJrby8/s640/blogger-image--769995916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3IibDlsIQOs-R16uhZ7rZQ7JjZIycsYoaEzMbsEAsuabZ7x-j5h7EyLGQ2s5w4f7WGQ9wto6WI3JlUtpVwHljl_DzRNHxX7iQfGhVjC0P3d0Tdm5WIMTnB3XOuBs4ug859NDWAJrby8/s640/blogger-image--769995916.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After riding, Eric and I were dragging our feet back the park’s main entrance. We were mindful that we needed to catch our bus back to our apartment, but also sad to leave the park behind. Gee, I am even getting a little sentimental as I type this sentence (nearly four months later).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI1GTLzwTNQqrww3uIz7i6pf8QUMrV34bB0I9RZOVc1FiMEebLcRwFOojkXTuxIjVcVgPf6sH2IUN35CmSNWl5Oa571zP37B0sYatwZ-DQr4iorv9dgIxYGEURTIUGXOLXCYIqcQrlUM/s640/blogger-image-1051162090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI1GTLzwTNQqrww3uIz7i6pf8QUMrV34bB0I9RZOVc1FiMEebLcRwFOojkXTuxIjVcVgPf6sH2IUN35CmSNWl5Oa571zP37B0sYatwZ-DQr4iorv9dgIxYGEURTIUGXOLXCYIqcQrlUM/s640/blogger-image-1051162090.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But, not all was lost at all. We still had another Disneyland day to look forward to! And, guess what? The next day it was forecasted to be so clear that there wouldn’t be a cloud in the sky. I’ll give you one hint about that, it made all the difference in what we saw there! Join us next time at Tokyo Disneyland when we finally see the parades as they were meant to be performed!</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6olpwH-ISTr-n_aSjsvDpJZXkenFLlYATu3Ejwq-8vc2te8uVyZkH-mHlV49jk8JXf88mEhNPZqYQcg_t2nC_apVkBzwRdD930hofiO1tIaRCTHGc5ILRSBDpHQFriYZXh4t6Swpdpc/s640/blogger-image-1365375248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6olpwH-ISTr-n_aSjsvDpJZXkenFLlYATu3Ejwq-8vc2te8uVyZkH-mHlV49jk8JXf88mEhNPZqYQcg_t2nC_apVkBzwRdD930hofiO1tIaRCTHGc5ILRSBDpHQFriYZXh4t6Swpdpc/s640/blogger-image-1365375248.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-41165114580864327312015-01-20T14:42:00.002-08:002015-01-31T14:02:36.359-08:00Shows, Food, and Skinless Characters at Tokyo DisneySeaBeing that it still wasn't Noon, it felt really early to us. I think our bodies were also a little confused with the time too. Even if our bodies were telling us to stop and take a breather we kept going.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_-Lrgy4YB2rmh8UXB96S2gbFvpjhnDNIdzz2JGxP9rGw-ZrPN6zBwTF04EMs2SaE2-n29kkS8hYNRczl2HkP4P5bWFugnhCyT57xQ_LVjsweKTTCFh0CFrj-3umg1Fy6oD36Q1OSGTM/s640/blogger-image--28361470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_-Lrgy4YB2rmh8UXB96S2gbFvpjhnDNIdzz2JGxP9rGw-ZrPN6zBwTF04EMs2SaE2-n29kkS8hYNRczl2HkP4P5bWFugnhCyT57xQ_LVjsweKTTCFh0CFrj-3umg1Fy6oD36Q1OSGTM/s640/blogger-image--28361470.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGrIBOBG5h0EFKzbyXm99Y28o7P9duFTSwcH4Onw5ZSSUzsdK3g3XiWpSCCg93ixfFWoodvgSBR4nlqL0qCRtqF2q1cqR3GHZyiRu1FKWB4-Q7Rhe2vULf7Agpf08RDtN5CVPgHkf3BM/s640/blogger-image-469913965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGrIBOBG5h0EFKzbyXm99Y28o7P9duFTSwcH4Onw5ZSSUzsdK3g3XiWpSCCg93ixfFWoodvgSBR4nlqL0qCRtqF2q1cqR3GHZyiRu1FKWB4-Q7Rhe2vULf7Agpf08RDtN5CVPgHkf3BM/s640/blogger-image-469913965.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>We had heard and read a lot about the fortress in the park, and it's accompanying vessel. They are both found at the base of the volcano. Shortly we will see how the volcanic eruptions have affected that edifice. I'm looking on the park map now and it appears to only go by the name "Fortress Explorations" (interactive fun at the fortress and galleon). I really thought there was a more interesting name for this attraction. I am sure there isn't a connection at all, but the main dome reminds me of The Dome of the Rock from Jerusalem, Israel.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnRDTOXYa9xljdQSO4EetYIE0PTWZeFu1kcHDTuwLeCiG-7l1BniPuf2TPlERnsck9dkUsj5dN_c6H3dqbwdyHapEFfgrBazXw2lVoZKJRE0Zoe3u0kFRd55hqB-L0m-y7lbwTV640oQ/s640/blogger-image--892223103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnRDTOXYa9xljdQSO4EetYIE0PTWZeFu1kcHDTuwLeCiG-7l1BniPuf2TPlERnsck9dkUsj5dN_c6H3dqbwdyHapEFfgrBazXw2lVoZKJRE0Zoe3u0kFRd55hqB-L0m-y7lbwTV640oQ/s640/blogger-image--892223103.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br>It's very easy to get lost inside this structure as all the twist and turns appear the same. Eric had a pretty good idea what he wanted to see and do in there. I was mostly following him and enjoying myself.<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TD7Me08TDe4lAgJApxbNTp4kprgzEn4Km64gutenbycvmRyh6IWpFBylTtyt8i2I5JovVAPu6N0BxSYVGri8siXtJjX15A9i-I9yDp3iBLzXDc25hZ1JWfA0neBxidivkGla5VooTQ8/s640/blogger-image-1906571749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TD7Me08TDe4lAgJApxbNTp4kprgzEn4Km64gutenbycvmRyh6IWpFBylTtyt8i2I5JovVAPu6N0BxSYVGri8siXtJjX15A9i-I9yDp3iBLzXDc25hZ1JWfA0neBxidivkGla5VooTQ8/s640/blogger-image-1906571749.jpg"></a></div><br>
We came across some interesting designs that could've been right out of the Italian Renaissance. I'm sure that was the point.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrtKTODGPy5aVYpuoDbCOTqfWC3DZrRyaiUHeV3Uh_zQI1qUj-VTKXfe3mwFluWronySEgDFm3tPamxUdTBgM3NhD89UXLOubCZGuTAEkG3f53H3VPmfn9u68UBxwlJt73BFORQKVBfA/s640/blogger-image-1419084027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrtKTODGPy5aVYpuoDbCOTqfWC3DZrRyaiUHeV3Uh_zQI1qUj-VTKXfe3mwFluWronySEgDFm3tPamxUdTBgM3NhD89UXLOubCZGuTAEkG3f53H3VPmfn9u68UBxwlJt73BFORQKVBfA/s640/blogger-image-1419084027.jpg"></a></div><br>
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As we had our look around, there was a show going on across the bay. I believe it was called 'Welcome Skeleton Friends". We didn't ever watch it, but it was a show where the skeletons show up on a barge, disembark and dance around with Mickey and Friends. Like in most places, the guest of Tokyo love their stage shows.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe3hfNrsfQSBdvzI0vK3uwUsxVWOikOMvh2pRyYtormAmF-17EmGr0Ix-j7Zw6ukJEZ2RgCakZ32Rk-FcXSihafv_WrSp_9vyiLDRbqZI79CtFtomjOC_KHoBS117WjhZigzqnQ1qi3I/s640/blogger-image-329389620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe3hfNrsfQSBdvzI0vK3uwUsxVWOikOMvh2pRyYtormAmF-17EmGr0Ix-j7Zw6ukJEZ2RgCakZ32Rk-FcXSihafv_WrSp_9vyiLDRbqZI79CtFtomjOC_KHoBS117WjhZigzqnQ1qi3I/s640/blogger-image-329389620.jpg"></a></div><br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In a few areas throughout the park we could see the story of how the volcano overtook a few areas. I guess this fortress wasn't strong enough to keep out the lava.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCopo0WbY4nmlHrIsmNNJDZIws8Tjf5ufiR5WxR3I7aHvJ9dIgDm-vZgRQyoDUvfIp8vG23EDdB-104_8ao4FFrdJ7w-t1Ch1403qW4hjoZVvL7ohD5W7nK8PV2aDph5rPez6eZEPrpyk/s640/blogger-image--848849606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCopo0WbY4nmlHrIsmNNJDZIws8Tjf5ufiR5WxR3I7aHvJ9dIgDm-vZgRQyoDUvfIp8vG23EDdB-104_8ao4FFrdJ7w-t1Ch1403qW4hjoZVvL7ohD5W7nK8PV2aDph5rPez6eZEPrpyk/s640/blogger-image--848849606.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtUf-th-UiPHcAMkmLIdKRMjoEZ-W29FxyI4VudLGrTUqdLw6h038ru-592N8x4bOeVcutPdQuENQ8ER5p4TJ4FHQuv-7hlH5OBzg0dIyM8Rv3fwz53FuCbFeyix51oWYN_Imt98T7gc/s640/blogger-image--941670437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtUf-th-UiPHcAMkmLIdKRMjoEZ-W29FxyI4VudLGrTUqdLw6h038ru-592N8x4bOeVcutPdQuENQ8ER5p4TJ4FHQuv-7hlH5OBzg0dIyM8Rv3fwz53FuCbFeyix51oWYN_Imt98T7gc/s640/blogger-image--941670437.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>Having obtained Fast Passes for it, we needed to head back to American Waterfront, we spent a lot of time there, to ride Tower of Terror. This time around we grabbed a few more shots inside. I think taking photos was against the rules, but we sneaked a few here and there, and stayed away from flash.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_SEbw9ntRYX0HgzVwybFCMruXYc8jA0mK4k8U_-4waRKI-TR3if5sSjlJVIKi4Pcy7cNJK2g0BCf2hNVmtx5uW5UvBF8NRR2lnm-t30eTOJ9_AE6_nwpzLjnHTretF2tt3KZzDk5kzw/s640/blogger-image--330673953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_SEbw9ntRYX0HgzVwybFCMruXYc8jA0mK4k8U_-4waRKI-TR3if5sSjlJVIKi4Pcy7cNJK2g0BCf2hNVmtx5uW5UvBF8NRR2lnm-t30eTOJ9_AE6_nwpzLjnHTretF2tt3KZzDk5kzw/s640/blogger-image--330673953.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRPYcft09RXPHdB5DZ8qNXhKQ9P4uC2IgvxmvD2obss_iZ9fkjQAMQkNE8xgCB_TQt8iWxExf4d6Tw8M49aZ4F-r66dSkj0Qip-_yj3qnJQIaacHQwv7jSYJkg9BivCyWVmkxGhTnKwA/s640/blogger-image--1367851109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRPYcft09RXPHdB5DZ8qNXhKQ9P4uC2IgvxmvD2obss_iZ9fkjQAMQkNE8xgCB_TQt8iWxExf4d6Tw8M49aZ4F-r66dSkj0Qip-_yj3qnJQIaacHQwv7jSYJkg9BivCyWVmkxGhTnKwA/s640/blogger-image--1367851109.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>The Fast Pass return queue was a tad backed up, but that was ok. We were able to take our time while visually taking in some of the story (and grabbing the photos I mentioned). The owner of this hotel had obtained relics from around the world (as explored in a previous post). But, we could now see in murals around the lobby that yes, those previous owners were glad to rid themselves of them. It was also cool to notice that various finds were from themed lands that looked very similar to the park's ports of call. Check it out! We even found a Crystal Skull near the loading area.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlG-d0ZoGSUTOScF_QKpt7u68V01mEhuGRVGoF8HrhxW6LaaAZYUq51o_Tx4en-_N_XWkQ57BSs7opg2_FTPbIBY7KqoN0QSTlUzzNdfbRCY6Sj2-0RSCCOvCb_uFClQAw2IpWJHVOl4/s640/blogger-image--1611438154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlG-d0ZoGSUTOScF_QKpt7u68V01mEhuGRVGoF8HrhxW6LaaAZYUq51o_Tx4en-_N_XWkQ57BSs7opg2_FTPbIBY7KqoN0QSTlUzzNdfbRCY6Sj2-0RSCCOvCb_uFClQAw2IpWJHVOl4/s640/blogger-image--1611438154.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnawJ5mUnpQnlFT1dvHkbK_ME6oWl-N6kyORkdA0BL0H8odkpzK-DFrZlAmVxLMQw3Olq8L8-TZFbheABAM0D4TXi5yIYtlwRlHYtWwZMCgNZzW7bUh76A575K_POeHOmkfjLi9od5fc/s640/blogger-image--1364071034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnawJ5mUnpQnlFT1dvHkbK_ME6oWl-N6kyORkdA0BL0H8odkpzK-DFrZlAmVxLMQw3Olq8L8-TZFbheABAM0D4TXi5yIYtlwRlHYtWwZMCgNZzW7bUh76A575K_POeHOmkfjLi9od5fc/s640/blogger-image--1364071034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Take a look in the back row!</div><br></div><br>Although the thrills are far better at the American parks, I still wouldn't tell anyone to skip this attraction. A friend of ours, he runs TDRExplorer.com, doesn't care for this one very much. I think he would see there isn't too much to be stressed about. We must have had some energetic fun on this attraction because we were getting hungry by the attraction's end.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HfiahibqBtY7_tY5821OAv_CE9pPJlnvIBO9Rg8ZAjuliJ_mMSDmzJz29X9dU6ErL40zPvcDsAqmjs3tDkPAZ3GD9T7Rg57CAkj4UgDKxTgwMiA1DBUsEcA8QWrdbRNE35yEKqiCTjk/s640/blogger-image-2098179814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HfiahibqBtY7_tY5821OAv_CE9pPJlnvIBO9Rg8ZAjuliJ_mMSDmzJz29X9dU6ErL40zPvcDsAqmjs3tDkPAZ3GD9T7Rg57CAkj4UgDKxTgwMiA1DBUsEcA8QWrdbRNE35yEKqiCTjk/s640/blogger-image-2098179814.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCC24SyEd6NNtFh6oN11KCcMUpF2qTpeILvcFrgq9f-f8KaMqn-UgA5uobY5uWhwWfHcysUmuTov7BZahhLsTmqiQmp7LPnE9Y6rLXgbHilHkOkuqhB_gOcGO7_iXqskM7qN6MfP2nHE/s640/blogger-image-1092737773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCC24SyEd6NNtFh6oN11KCcMUpF2qTpeILvcFrgq9f-f8KaMqn-UgA5uobY5uWhwWfHcysUmuTov7BZahhLsTmqiQmp7LPnE9Y6rLXgbHilHkOkuqhB_gOcGO7_iXqskM7qN6MfP2nHE/s640/blogger-image-1092737773.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>The New York Deli is down the city street from Tower of Terror. Since it was around lunch time now, we thought we would get that meal in prior to queueing for the Big Band Beat Show. We had to walk past the theater where it would play. Although the show was nearly an hour away, a crowd awaiting the opening of the doors filled the queue. Why was I not surprised? We didn't know a lot about the show and decided to be surprised by what we would see. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi618ny0BhmbuZCGmC9SgF8PpIdDJhcaU1E3oQbVpvsxSqnbm2vYyADM3YWnoLF8jvp13u73PIX-F-NGATJoXk5qPKZ9eiZVZBl856i76FZbVengeM0Uq6bTumM7qNjbpICXokqFJW9BiA/s640/blogger-image--785993339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi618ny0BhmbuZCGmC9SgF8PpIdDJhcaU1E3oQbVpvsxSqnbm2vYyADM3YWnoLF8jvp13u73PIX-F-NGATJoXk5qPKZ9eiZVZBl856i76FZbVengeM0Uq6bTumM7qNjbpICXokqFJW9BiA/s640/blogger-image--785993339.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br>This park tricks your mind into thinking that you are really not in Japan. There is a sense that it is around 1920/1930s and New York city is your home. From the ads on the street, to the cheeses being aged in shop windows (which we have seen for ourselves in NYC's Little Italy) the hustle of the city enveloped us.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfI1cPoEBHQt_VblMcHoQvTB2qx1FCGlXW5y6916GmCVVgLcnZkLtY8GcwS1DKQaH3ilOH5H_20kPhy8-e1ha0BX_Rp6CUn78bH-NFqcSFFx2ehVKKE-RjIgdqDU7xdswautGKa5yJeo/s640/blogger-image-1643496607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfI1cPoEBHQt_VblMcHoQvTB2qx1FCGlXW5y6916GmCVVgLcnZkLtY8GcwS1DKQaH3ilOH5H_20kPhy8-e1ha0BX_Rp6CUn78bH-NFqcSFFx2ehVKKE-RjIgdqDU7xdswautGKa5yJeo/s640/blogger-image-1643496607.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
Oh look! We came upon another one of the Skeleton friends. I had heard of 'The Artist", but it wasn't until now that we saw him. He was drawing a portrait of a fellow guest (remember, he was also on vacation). I think he did a pretty good job of it and the crowd loved the drawing too.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48ArKwFA7scyaD3qEG6u6lqXTwObDj5GVhyphenhyphenyFpjO8Ck7gOn42mYsgsD4uOyncQN9QFyRhLoATmdGP9VRDvVxkZ4yARXPNeKEaGFbR9lWu7kEu6x4CPU7MbAN0Q_Z6_TvMGF1QqbqAK3k/s640/blogger-image--888725164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48ArKwFA7scyaD3qEG6u6lqXTwObDj5GVhyphenhyphenyFpjO8Ck7gOn42mYsgsD4uOyncQN9QFyRhLoATmdGP9VRDvVxkZ4yARXPNeKEaGFbR9lWu7kEu6x4CPU7MbAN0Q_Z6_TvMGF1QqbqAK3k/s640/blogger-image--888725164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6XjRFDxExo2Ahfe0W2Icmmqcetr3ulzRJ9y6saOxA_scF35p19GPK4IqtC6O5icbxJ_vCJzUahN64SyniDXYxRuLoI7aN9aYsOXCrnhvFZZ2A1MlXDX76pc2Lco17gP3He6NnjWq_Rw/s640/blogger-image-1386562800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6XjRFDxExo2Ahfe0W2Icmmqcetr3ulzRJ9y6saOxA_scF35p19GPK4IqtC6O5icbxJ_vCJzUahN64SyniDXYxRuLoI7aN9aYsOXCrnhvFZZ2A1MlXDX76pc2Lco17gP3He6NnjWq_Rw/s640/blogger-image-1386562800.jpg"></a></div><br>Our lunch was pretty basic, sandwiches and french fries. I enjoy the wrappings that all the food is wrapped inside of. Although we were given wet naps with most of our meals, the wrapper is a nice addition for cleanliness. Throughout Tokyo, if something is served to you, a piece of waxed paper is handed to you so that you may hold your food. I am one that hates getting any sauces or oils on my hand, so I loved this. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSywuVATH2WNkbtp2JXau0JiI1J6JMUAg3R_fCgzvERvb_u02t9iDclJelmzjljNIUN2q1EcsEcPS8r9Sx_P32YJnYweHcsliaqnEhQ699Fj7LpkpQ9xaK0nhazx-ahwLgq6S59mFR7c/s640/blogger-image--992040555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSywuVATH2WNkbtp2JXau0JiI1J6JMUAg3R_fCgzvERvb_u02t9iDclJelmzjljNIUN2q1EcsEcPS8r9Sx_P32YJnYweHcsliaqnEhQ699Fj7LpkpQ9xaK0nhazx-ahwLgq6S59mFR7c/s640/blogger-image--992040555.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The theater announcements for Big Band Beat were very detailed in that absolutely no photography of any kind was allowed. We followed the rule and took in the show. I don't think we wanted to be "those Americans" that broke all the rules for our own sake. </div><div><br></div><div>The show was filled with swing music, live, and a lot of dancing. The singers had some great talent to back up the live band. The look of the show was right out of the 1940s, full of nods to Art Deco and Art Nouveau. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">At the finale, Mickey came out and tap danced so rapidly that I thought he was going to fall over! This was a moment in the show I wish I had recorded. I bet I can find it on YouTube somewhere. Big Band Beat had some entertaining moments, no question, but there was something it lacked. I can't even suggest what to change. I think it felt very rehearsed, and though professional, seemed very systematic. It wasn't until that final tap number did I feel there was heart and soul imbedded into what they were doing. Other than the parades, the entertainment wasn't delivering the Wow Factor I had heard about. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG9nOdoW3FNTA_J1J0THqcaRmpZgs-6-PakSEab7zttHTeLY2Ahpt-oePgd4eNAikQER0W5NNUKwUSCHvcKZXcAyIslDjxhGDwkeMsV0-j4egiBYdOTvAmb6TAiX4Z2vgNtKgutR4e4w/s640/blogger-image-1875250161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG9nOdoW3FNTA_J1J0THqcaRmpZgs-6-PakSEab7zttHTeLY2Ahpt-oePgd4eNAikQER0W5NNUKwUSCHvcKZXcAyIslDjxhGDwkeMsV0-j4egiBYdOTvAmb6TAiX4Z2vgNtKgutR4e4w/s640/blogger-image-1875250161.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When exiting the show, we decided we wanted take their boat ride around the park. We loaded from the same dock area where Duffy greets guests. Apparently Oswald was also nearby, but we didn’t catch a glimpse of him the entire trip. I think we were hoping for the boat to leave us at the Lost River Delta area. The park would have a Halloween cavalcade in that area, but the boat didn’t stop there. Instead, the boat made a full circle around the park as it passed Lost Rover Delta and the Arabian Coast. It headed back and left us right where we started. We felt a little silly as we thought we knew what we were doing.</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerA56hmuLCOf_2wUY9ZE-dip-0n6mbthZoc-b6U853RoQdgLMdHTiOvsh5G4O4lDopV7NUaw2bWG2LvEGK9B5-JZU-QeXmniiM_Zfpelob7QkwxiBK9w-Dv_ALXA6fzSzlkg8aipcmQQ/s640/blogger-image--1608795938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerA56hmuLCOf_2wUY9ZE-dip-0n6mbthZoc-b6U853RoQdgLMdHTiOvsh5G4O4lDopV7NUaw2bWG2LvEGK9B5-JZU-QeXmniiM_Zfpelob7QkwxiBK9w-Dv_ALXA6fzSzlkg8aipcmQQ/s640/blogger-image--1608795938.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKFq2DF0pvpWo1l4ghcaFlM3CAY-0DYTLRzh0soVPMGXgyXyN8jOeGx6hfSG09prdz8MgVtQG-fOQv9plmDl26q0AoIz7D11sD91pd-YDHegYcq8kePyZm5iErOq0tngjnIjrUHQHVas/s640/blogger-image--1140588601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKFq2DF0pvpWo1l4ghcaFlM3CAY-0DYTLRzh0soVPMGXgyXyN8jOeGx6hfSG09prdz8MgVtQG-fOQv9plmDl26q0AoIz7D11sD91pd-YDHegYcq8kePyZm5iErOq0tngjnIjrUHQHVas/s640/blogger-image--1140588601.jpg"></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">During our tour we see a fun effect where it appears that the water from the Tokyo Bay is breaking through. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgr1vp4EiWrNC3v7gXaj-ycxg-zCN2AQdhlj6dcr9Uy0Mym1Xy8RVYyQCAiBGIQBMDgJkJ-3qrZmQLVrHdVC3R07_OySiXK5SkOzNLw0C6p3geVGo-WGuTZJ3hQh4hr2E9oY5U4Mi9Aw/s640/blogger-image--1521715083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgr1vp4EiWrNC3v7gXaj-ycxg-zCN2AQdhlj6dcr9Uy0Mym1Xy8RVYyQCAiBGIQBMDgJkJ-3qrZmQLVrHdVC3R07_OySiXK5SkOzNLw0C6p3geVGo-WGuTZJ3hQh4hr2E9oY5U4Mi9Aw/s640/blogger-image--1521715083.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwd7evev18bGgeMMYgV34mZFxfAKXQM1WuMM7fg1-bXkd4FHR0IOTlHzDs43VI1F3GwJw7p-QV18Ki0wRuzDkmedQryHVdKXDoR5eNwtzQ_yWW9eXFq6bKQdevcQQgdxiOc8l9xrKDEKM/s640/blogger-image--686662185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwd7evev18bGgeMMYgV34mZFxfAKXQM1WuMM7fg1-bXkd4FHR0IOTlHzDs43VI1F3GwJw7p-QV18Ki0wRuzDkmedQryHVdKXDoR5eNwtzQ_yWW9eXFq6bKQdevcQQgdxiOc8l9xrKDEKM/s640/blogger-image--686662185.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since we had to go on foot, we took the route through the Cape Cod area. There was a popcorn stand there that we hadn’t tried yet. They sold the Milk Tea flavored popcorn. Our friend Miley said this was her favorite one, so we had to make time for that! As it turned out, this would be our favorite too! I don’t even think I could describe it, but believe me when I say it had a wonderful and unique flavor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zNQ9lo27WMBfcPbTDzFOlnfhahLtNH1MulhVjQY8fJ2C8QWQfYpNz15Z9gTm2e9tm3WTX6GAJ4nosCW9PZp2xsNUMga-h8rpii_lQWmTUc5ZPLHYtqtI3ZdRcu3OFK1rF0N1zCwJQpU/s640/blogger-image--1773771353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zNQ9lo27WMBfcPbTDzFOlnfhahLtNH1MulhVjQY8fJ2C8QWQfYpNz15Z9gTm2e9tm3WTX6GAJ4nosCW9PZp2xsNUMga-h8rpii_lQWmTUc5ZPLHYtqtI3ZdRcu3OFK1rF0N1zCwJQpU/s640/blogger-image--1773771353.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMq5MJXTm8DETWrd-qP5HPWROHC8n1PK8cRBPk1hyphenhyphendCmPuMAEF1V4O-X_677H5YHQcbemG3iKZnUthMFt2W5vW4cQLzN__BW31Rw832Q41lFnSBzJq4PJTIP0yD_pKqIBSOcdNuPTRSI/s640/blogger-image--552790159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMq5MJXTm8DETWrd-qP5HPWROHC8n1PK8cRBPk1hyphenhyphendCmPuMAEF1V4O-X_677H5YHQcbemG3iKZnUthMFt2W5vW4cQLzN__BW31Rw832Q41lFnSBzJq4PJTIP0yD_pKqIBSOcdNuPTRSI/s640/blogger-image--552790159.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As I had read in a post on Tom Bricker’s blog, the snacking at these two parks is endless! Soon after we finished our popcorn, we continued to seek a spot for the Skeletons Cavalcade, in Port Discovery. Right near where we would wait to watch, we came across a Tiramasu ice cream sandwich that I just had to have! Again, the packaging on this was so adorable! (Even with all the walking we did this trip, I still don’t see how I lost five pounds that week.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIb5xRd9dGGwBBTfmSmnKWl_74zFspUqJ1IVJ6Ie7iKhXX43RPjUKY2ysEg8aLfhEzxrFmiEb1UkU2UjfEoif7b-20e68gZE_Ofo1HQV2-zwnmSSVM16-o8uqgj-oGsCH74UEqNR2eKo/s640/blogger-image-64749623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIb5xRd9dGGwBBTfmSmnKWl_74zFspUqJ1IVJ6Ie7iKhXX43RPjUKY2ysEg8aLfhEzxrFmiEb1UkU2UjfEoif7b-20e68gZE_Ofo1HQV2-zwnmSSVM16-o8uqgj-oGsCH74UEqNR2eKo/s640/blogger-image-64749623.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaH7pMgFMn0k2trsderZet2Hf5LY78XpmCLjq4C4TvDflc8nFBF_-h3ns8vsSCA-UlmYyhVLzlzqU4_ipmw2O8sRW-V6HYFOezQvUTxs210bM6hX5ihSEqHKoKm-6MHNGHE5pAfGQA8Q/s640/blogger-image-883288344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaH7pMgFMn0k2trsderZet2Hf5LY78XpmCLjq4C4TvDflc8nFBF_-h3ns8vsSCA-UlmYyhVLzlzqU4_ipmw2O8sRW-V6HYFOezQvUTxs210bM6hX5ihSEqHKoKm-6MHNGHE5pAfGQA8Q/s640/blogger-image-883288344.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Skeleton Cavalcade had a fun little beat going, with a Latin feel. After all, we were in an area themed to South America/Mexico/Puerto Rico. I couldn’t really pin down what country exactly, but it conveyed a nice hybrid of them all. However; the costumes they used in this little parade felt right out of Mexico as they danced in the Folklorico style.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XNiWWo_5a84idnRaw6CtJZrq97D4c-327BTDlYVITLotL2RkZjERvOPk2uTnDSeERdNhPClU-Sq_OvvVPicd-X3U0X8FKYDip5-Fnimqt2jGwzwp1MZtky_6sTGhK4J7hc_wJsu_PVs/s640/blogger-image-1680875756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XNiWWo_5a84idnRaw6CtJZrq97D4c-327BTDlYVITLotL2RkZjERvOPk2uTnDSeERdNhPClU-Sq_OvvVPicd-X3U0X8FKYDip5-Fnimqt2jGwzwp1MZtky_6sTGhK4J7hc_wJsu_PVs/s640/blogger-image-1680875756.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Tokyo parks love to feature the Clarice character from that one Chip n Dale cartoon! We don’t really see her at the parks in the U.S. but she is everywhere here! In this photo, Eric and I like to pretend that she is shouting out, “HEY Gurrrrrrrrrrrrrl!!!”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After the show we continued on through the land to check out more of their Halloween decorations.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFKNeayiY6jwx-S52JneT1aBRYwwJnnSeH-JSmS6ND4FuZi6ncuXOfrFZI-e7TPhNvUnEcQmOjaYGImcQ390rcsS-hE0HvsFLwZf6cC7oTRstdmGA_guEFCjH6-x_UeMmePCmdySDVBI/s640/blogger-image-232249809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFKNeayiY6jwx-S52JneT1aBRYwwJnnSeH-JSmS6ND4FuZi6ncuXOfrFZI-e7TPhNvUnEcQmOjaYGImcQ390rcsS-hE0HvsFLwZf6cC7oTRstdmGA_guEFCjH6-x_UeMmePCmdySDVBI/s640/blogger-image-232249809.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0haCp9joKsBLLeNZl85M2QoEUcGjrRPM78NJsqwPCCDEdLH0VIAmvsIaIv0aCEY9VlyKLMACbIOLbB-TU-hBfYDuo2EG3WlO27CsB7m-E6qNWKN8hUniR4C4CUdsOSBotNn_R5FEWfpI/s640/blogger-image-1945354373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0haCp9joKsBLLeNZl85M2QoEUcGjrRPM78NJsqwPCCDEdLH0VIAmvsIaIv0aCEY9VlyKLMACbIOLbB-TU-hBfYDuo2EG3WlO27CsB7m-E6qNWKN8hUniR4C4CUdsOSBotNn_R5FEWfpI/s640/blogger-image-1945354373.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we reached the end of Lost River Delta, staring at us in the face is Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage. There is no way were going to pass up riding that again! We have been home over three months now and I am still whistling that soundtrack!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L68SSX3poGXSa0a8D48xva6Ac_TjPL5L0HhYT0ZT_ESD83_H02ZL25CUsdGW3eSvvwaEOOo9u8B5qEs4DHAACtFmuIti1HGECVDl4egu6ZE3-7y0uTdpL2HnRX4ITu54Z-YwBnvo9gc/s640/blogger-image-351718681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L68SSX3poGXSa0a8D48xva6Ac_TjPL5L0HhYT0ZT_ESD83_H02ZL25CUsdGW3eSvvwaEOOo9u8B5qEs4DHAACtFmuIti1HGECVDl4egu6ZE3-7y0uTdpL2HnRX4ITu54Z-YwBnvo9gc/s640/blogger-image-351718681.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKbK8-VcJDSbVYbrkTnxvenKPTPXr6AOjRsl8WJ2hAyO7bEkAM82p2kvIc69T6wXQABb2vautk59yMP4y0qXycI-2hyMigKcpf-6o4Qhw8-M8kKlxBakLYuHjDD5tK_MM_bcg8sjPoqI/s640/blogger-image-1724778931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKbK8-VcJDSbVYbrkTnxvenKPTPXr6AOjRsl8WJ2hAyO7bEkAM82p2kvIc69T6wXQABb2vautk59yMP4y0qXycI-2hyMigKcpf-6o4Qhw8-M8kKlxBakLYuHjDD5tK_MM_bcg8sjPoqI/s640/blogger-image-1724778931.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Coming up soon (I hope sooner than the last post) you will see me get a really nice surprise. Also, Eric and I take in the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge and explore the decks of the park’s ship, the U.S.S. Colombia! There is still plenty more we did on this Day 2 of Tokyo Disneysea!</font></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></font></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr_7kZ8db55p2KqUbBNcUJ7zNCTlSdpQJTTP2yYKd8inW_8IOwa6I_2T8Bl7pycDGWlkvOTTDctXFoRW4fnNjPGRjmGypnh83ybWtIzCf5rVXLDgPq8-PRmsex6mwuzCbUDru33cDHSk/s640/blogger-image--2125945080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr_7kZ8db55p2KqUbBNcUJ7zNCTlSdpQJTTP2yYKd8inW_8IOwa6I_2T8Bl7pycDGWlkvOTTDctXFoRW4fnNjPGRjmGypnh83ybWtIzCf5rVXLDgPq8-PRmsex6mwuzCbUDru33cDHSk/s640/blogger-image--2125945080.jpg"></a></font></font></div><font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></font><p></p></div><div>
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<br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-61802036752207707782015-01-07T09:53:00.001-08:002015-01-07T13:06:55.533-08:00Halloween Presents Itself at DisneySea<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The excitement on our third day didn’t falter what so ever! Now that we had a little experience under our belts, we were ready to take on DisneySea with full force. We weren’t at all experts, like the locals, but the overwhelmed feeling was gone. We even felt better at the local Lawson convenient market, near our apartment rental. I noticed the female clerk was still wearing her huge, strawberry blonde wig. Good for her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The bus ride was still interesting for us. Every seat has its own button to notify the driver that you’d like to exit. And, we enjoyed the fun signage that each told his own cautionary tale of why you shouldn’t disobey safety rules. Seeing the various citizens heading to their daily routines, in their various uniforms, is something we don’t see often at home. Yes, we do see folks headed to work and school, but this was different. The independence shown by these young kids either headed to the trains or on the bus we rode was impressive. Eric and I were baffled to see what appeared to be 8/9 year olds heading out alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This time around, Eric and I were “in the know” and we stayed on the bus until it arrived at the DisneySea terminal. As fun as it is to ride, we avoided the Monorail fee of approximately 2.50. There was definitely a chill in the air that was multiplied as we entered the turnstile area. We were under the covered walkway with everyone else, waiting for the gates to open. Just like the day before at Disneyland, Eric and I were very close to the front of the queue. We had about 45 minutes to wait in anticipation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFBHIgHKiqzjfYsZUmepETF2E0vU0XFNuOQmUFU2gUdvwR3hs-SIOaDKpUL4StFhXbBYjRV7c5wmO3bYCSVULuR9uR33e7R_8oPaU_RC3VN5KoLmhPvm60UPrnN1OozMdL9BbKl3BHjg/s640/blogger-image--1750623664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFBHIgHKiqzjfYsZUmepETF2E0vU0XFNuOQmUFU2gUdvwR3hs-SIOaDKpUL4StFhXbBYjRV7c5wmO3bYCSVULuR9uR33e7R_8oPaU_RC3VN5KoLmhPvm60UPrnN1OozMdL9BbKl3BHjg/s640/blogger-image--1750623664.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Upon entering the park, we had the same plan as we did on Day 1. We would head straight to Journey to the Center of the Earth, grab a fast pass and then ride it. This attraction is at the top of our list for Tokyo Disney Resort attractions. The excitement of the morning dash was just as fun as previous days. If any of you readers visit these parks, I can’t stress enough that you must see this for yourself! It all plays out like the Black Friday footage we see on the news broadcast!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgyI2a86ZaqIor0POrDSrSVl5uM8ZYLhIZ3TuYia41D8MTIS6uRmtbWS3732PL2FMyebOHK3QJgqSt78wEV7hZKkIWf-1T94WTeOelFqLTwFrKrDYh_QkZdgc_ctVJgGiFrdFoCBc-fE/s640/blogger-image-784911611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgyI2a86ZaqIor0POrDSrSVl5uM8ZYLhIZ3TuYia41D8MTIS6uRmtbWS3732PL2FMyebOHK3QJgqSt78wEV7hZKkIWf-1T94WTeOelFqLTwFrKrDYh_QkZdgc_ctVJgGiFrdFoCBc-fE/s640/blogger-image-784911611.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Cool aqueduct structure in Mediterranean Harbor</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx64xdpTXfFBxTTN9nQKFXfZf4Exu1sw5zcQW5gBEAtnwLp7Gth8ZryV4FxMo1BjYf4uyBbZT_KZF_1VP1vRIYoDRGNsprVKG95ewSkuliBy62cGDfOhE3GQ7X08jxIpVCkkLO6_VuTs/s640/blogger-image--1997733185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx64xdpTXfFBxTTN9nQKFXfZf4Exu1sw5zcQW5gBEAtnwLp7Gth8ZryV4FxMo1BjYf4uyBbZT_KZF_1VP1vRIYoDRGNsprVKG95ewSkuliBy62cGDfOhE3GQ7X08jxIpVCkkLO6_VuTs/s640/blogger-image--1997733185.jpg"></a></div> Journey to the Center of the Earth queue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lMR0x6KNzu9b7SOI0eacmKS1c4lyUkYphq7pNRFwgBP_ESlW9P7JNsKkV1nwQCkTOWTIbTzjTdANCjxji6cZUREK-5-M6cwt_RqbwBIW3ZvRzipbfj32PzJCiFCBc8x4Ap6gqNr6VXo/s640/blogger-image-1758610010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lMR0x6KNzu9b7SOI0eacmKS1c4lyUkYphq7pNRFwgBP_ESlW9P7JNsKkV1nwQCkTOWTIbTzjTdANCjxji6cZUREK-5-M6cwt_RqbwBIW3ZvRzipbfj32PzJCiFCBc8x4Ap6gqNr6VXo/s640/blogger-image-1758610010.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After enjoying both 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Center of the Earth, we again bumped into some USA pals. Tom Bricker and wife Sarah, as well as Guy Selga and wife Jennifer asked us along to ride the gondolas. At this point, Eric and I had forgotten about the gondolas. How could we? They are tucked away in an almost hidden area of the park. If one were to enter from the main entrance, the attraction is nestled behind the shops on the left. The group also felt we should join them at the lottery for the DisneySea show “Big Band Beat”, which plays in American Waterfront. But, first we all headed to the Venetian themed canals to board a gondola.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqOqp85Kx9t2mi2LQY_CZV4RuOFRt6D4Q7qhdYnQk-Fu0daa4PQxvKlotpVgRSHa58R7gptBe250AmSS4RcHqsFGwVRG-xO3YBkDpHkcsa3azS_nsvtlNogHKzBLd739wbaOboeta70s/s640/blogger-image--1768513681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqOqp85Kx9t2mi2LQY_CZV4RuOFRt6D4Q7qhdYnQk-Fu0daa4PQxvKlotpVgRSHa58R7gptBe250AmSS4RcHqsFGwVRG-xO3YBkDpHkcsa3azS_nsvtlNogHKzBLd739wbaOboeta70s/s640/blogger-image--1768513681.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSH5zzmFVhGQ3pfT4Q8aqxmASF31fXukTbFdKMsmO5H7HQd6wntpDuV8_AeaUH5CwFCwLkMhtlfsB5SlPvW2t_Zqidn1kguynWqF3mnR0NdyexqWn3FarQaXxtYjuAxlsAEq3cjGzkjA/s640/blogger-image-363804592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSH5zzmFVhGQ3pfT4Q8aqxmASF31fXukTbFdKMsmO5H7HQd6wntpDuV8_AeaUH5CwFCwLkMhtlfsB5SlPvW2t_Zqidn1kguynWqF3mnR0NdyexqWn3FarQaXxtYjuAxlsAEq3cjGzkjA/s640/blogger-image-363804592.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They were very spacious, but since the queue was short they didn’t seem to load it as heavy as that might at busier times. Unlike the propelled gondolas at the Las Vegas Venetian hotel, here it appeared that Cast Member was using manual force to get us through the canals. The waterway themed to the canals wasn’t very long. When the canal ended we turned away from that area and coasted along the main lagoon, where Fantasmic is performed. The morning was slightly gloomy so it didn’t make for great photos. As we headed in the opposite direction, heading back to the station, the gondolier began his rendition of an un-named aria. He did pretty well until the last few moments when he struggled a bit. Still, we all applauded his performance. It’s tough to put yourself out there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ADFA8H45PzK4TFsIF6pl48khxakZuIMw9HbEnzFU_cUAOPFZz_vhFfRaNbz1prpeRa2o2uLXSLJNeaHQ4LG-4-vDh2Laq2_VAbm2_25JiOjvlwPj_uIGf5FNtqKqD8JKU0RUSmdJ5M/s640/blogger-image--257069445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ADFA8H45PzK4TFsIF6pl48khxakZuIMw9HbEnzFU_cUAOPFZz_vhFfRaNbz1prpeRa2o2uLXSLJNeaHQ4LG-4-vDh2Laq2_VAbm2_25JiOjvlwPj_uIGf5FNtqKqD8JKU0RUSmdJ5M/s640/blogger-image--257069445.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thankfully the posted lottery schedule was near the gondola attraction. As we walked over, we all exchanged stories and opinions of what we had seen on our trip. All of us seemed to agree that we loved how crowded Disneyland was on the previous rainy day. I say we “loved” it because as I mentioned in a previous post, the determination of the Tokyo fans is amazing to see. Our group soon found out that the show “Big Band Beat” would not offer the lottery for today. The show would load on a first come basis. Well, all that really meant was that we would need to arrive in time to wait for entry. Eric and I didn’t mind that. It was early in the day and there was plenty of time. We parted ways with the other four, but made tentative plans to meet at the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge a little later.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQorU9pkwbMiXk8RsVLxw-il4b_hK4WTIJNmQ1xaw_BkKDLLHKguWIugmLHLWf795dLTMCQUkJfKG0-2uyvXKEo9AUPVSvzp_GQLbz0fkoEwEdpQGGgM58g9ueOJwqyz8q7mplYP46JXo/s640/blogger-image--1000935522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQorU9pkwbMiXk8RsVLxw-il4b_hK4WTIJNmQ1xaw_BkKDLLHKguWIugmLHLWf795dLTMCQUkJfKG0-2uyvXKEo9AUPVSvzp_GQLbz0fkoEwEdpQGGgM58g9ueOJwqyz8q7mplYP46JXo/s640/blogger-image--1000935522.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although Eric and I had a pastry for breakfast, with a famous Coke Zero, it was time for another snack. Again, thanks to the helpful <a href="http://tdrexplorer.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">TDRExplorer.com</a> we knew that the Halloween themed hot dog was nearby in American Waterfront! It was just a matter of finding the right location. It wasn’t hard at all. Starting from a parked vending truck, there was a small queue formed for the popular “black” hot dog with a ghostly white bun. We had been waiting to sample this for about a month!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSJDDgqAtzdOukptdFEOFKiJvqb-XGK-b5SS6hOHagUksqHuZceAsIi4-fSW-Qo2myJT3buRAKAHHIQVkS1d2F8u2W-yO5XPBnLyfr6bIS3NySoJKzqCgRWz-yh4_wNXaQsOM4Fg6Rq4/s640/blogger-image-1454295976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSJDDgqAtzdOukptdFEOFKiJvqb-XGK-b5SS6hOHagUksqHuZceAsIi4-fSW-Qo2myJT3buRAKAHHIQVkS1d2F8u2W-yO5XPBnLyfr6bIS3NySoJKzqCgRWz-yh4_wNXaQsOM4Fg6Rq4/s640/blogger-image-1454295976.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The hot dog tasted like any other hot dog, but the texture of the meat itself was slightly different. I would say the texture seemed a little fake. But, has anyone ever had a hot dog with the same texture as a slab of beef right off the grill? I doubt it. The novelty of the whole thing was good enough for us. As we ate, on the back steps of the McDuck’s merchandise store, we could hear some interesting voices approaching our way. My next action may have come off as rude, but I assure you all that it was out of excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gZ9DV-T0o-6Qwj5r6Sfuk1km7ybVNMNkfMnMJ5tPW-dgOivNfEOG01bc7rIIucqw0rV1GZvUuM794Xuar9k0rRewWb3vwki2gCmz7u1NLpXvGFaEacbiTk0Dk1m2qeWed6hyphenhyphenvz2f4F8/s640/blogger-image-149733631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gZ9DV-T0o-6Qwj5r6Sfuk1km7ybVNMNkfMnMJ5tPW-dgOivNfEOG01bc7rIIucqw0rV1GZvUuM794Xuar9k0rRewWb3vwki2gCmz7u1NLpXvGFaEacbiTk0Dk1m2qeWed6hyphenhyphenvz2f4F8/s640/blogger-image-149733631.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQn0V9QuBaVD5u4ihnrnoa3-nAdKOXMX2mt-VFENpZkr6jAlH5A684gW1lrJHwjyc-9CHULvNHNVUffy0e5onUhXKvVhBLp9Npqrg0xMqEenytjv-0l8_-OV11cIFGyF9e5uKqXQwTu0/s640/blogger-image--461789679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQn0V9QuBaVD5u4ihnrnoa3-nAdKOXMX2mt-VFENpZkr6jAlH5A684gW1lrJHwjyc-9CHULvNHNVUffy0e5onUhXKvVhBLp9Npqrg0xMqEenytjv-0l8_-OV11cIFGyF9e5uKqXQwTu0/s640/blogger-image--461789679.jpg"></a></div></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I practically snatched Eric’s hot dog out of his hand, what was left of it, and may have shouted, “GO! GO!” as I pointed at the approaching skeleton family. I’m not proud of my actions, but Eric got some great shots of the family on vacation! They had their eerie sounding voices as they interacted with the crowd. They seemed to be in a hurry, maybe late for a fast pass, because they didn’t stop. Since they continued on their way, my understanding husband was able to return to enjoy his hot dog.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIvgCvz5yusfupw0rdOSFzt9Ae-q4hnvSadgBM1Q_l-yG5fQ9Sz8WxTTs2yXr19xFo5rTQy4x2IuVrQDQoIRMPNLZGPQXaC8_ZN09-pUNL6nmeij5MOP4BT76NNurWWvj3387H0l4Bm8/s640/blogger-image-8102931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIvgCvz5yusfupw0rdOSFzt9Ae-q4hnvSadgBM1Q_l-yG5fQ9Sz8WxTTs2yXr19xFo5rTQy4x2IuVrQDQoIRMPNLZGPQXaC8_ZN09-pUNL6nmeij5MOP4BT76NNurWWvj3387H0l4Bm8/s640/blogger-image-8102931.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqVx1ZpzpmbZXxi-2w8He43kTspJtfUEfqNdOvQJ1kdR1KkRIyZk66wc4BhLAy681iOB1ZlXK8yHy7C9FhbhyTX_XxVf_IQJSfBHFkKJ60LhVuaKlqOnk6Ro77wJ4tpGa72QRuaRimoI/s640/blogger-image-1948513377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqVx1ZpzpmbZXxi-2w8He43kTspJtfUEfqNdOvQJ1kdR1KkRIyZk66wc4BhLAy681iOB1ZlXK8yHy7C9FhbhyTX_XxVf_IQJSfBHFkKJ60LhVuaKlqOnk6Ro77wJ4tpGa72QRuaRimoI/s640/blogger-image-1948513377.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGATTUt-NbQxXN3GU7IvBkFZ0BiVfSMQzRZs56YfGEHvRwNcBYKP4-E4laZqFOaLtPT_jiutTdzHA2CCziCwSCNs2xKpZjO5qd5fHj4e-FeKhH08TVlvbYXICkKPVFXogzNvWiakNXgw/s640/blogger-image--2112671366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGATTUt-NbQxXN3GU7IvBkFZ0BiVfSMQzRZs56YfGEHvRwNcBYKP4-E4laZqFOaLtPT_jiutTdzHA2CCziCwSCNs2xKpZjO5qd5fHj4e-FeKhH08TVlvbYXICkKPVFXogzNvWiakNXgw/s640/blogger-image--2112671366.jpg"></a></div><br></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once we finished our snack or mid-day meal (depends on one’s perspective) we took a stroll through McDuck’s. As reported on many sites before, it is a mecca to the Duffy enthusiast. Even though we already knew this fact we had to take a look for ourselves. Everywhere we gazed guests jumped or shrieked with the excitement of a lottery winner. Even if they weren’t about to make a purchase, the love for Duffy, along with now Shellie May and Gelatoni, was infectious. There were Eric and myself joining in the fun as we examined all the various outfits for these three plush dolls. Nearing the front of the store we heard a familiar sound, and we both dashed out the door!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Behold!....more skeleton friends!!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9O9o0-XH4Cx7bWQnW14VHJK8GlvFxptZF5MBmbgRjFxsGBIQtz-QJESKwIKEanBauE4TIgKHwChB5ijPCyWlSdjLoTeW7b2SmXGf9pB2AIvURQGvLJI9GIIXL7szhG0QQ9vZQsujouw/s640/blogger-image--492296288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9O9o0-XH4Cx7bWQnW14VHJK8GlvFxptZF5MBmbgRjFxsGBIQtz-QJESKwIKEanBauE4TIgKHwChB5ijPCyWlSdjLoTeW7b2SmXGf9pB2AIvURQGvLJI9GIIXL7szhG0QQ9vZQsujouw/s640/blogger-image--492296288.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This time the skeletons were from various backgrounds. One appeared to be a bell hop from the cursed hotel nearby and another looked like she may have been a celebrity of some sort. Maybe the bell hop wasn’t from Tower of Terror as his hat had the word “Chattanooga” across the front of it. They seemed to be improving with the guests as they posed for photos. I wish I knew what they were saying. As they spoke in Japanese, they had voice modulators to give them a high pitched, electronic sounding voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipV2NXM2QEy04dQDdXExExiIh0gcXaxh9A27Es3dLRHlZ-u18Ygq1ddkDHBeZnB7hzCJGDmjeXRTvOHGkT_8M-E8pi0PRtES45KSif3Owc8lYF8mh_rp_CRksciPe9QxGJ27RsfPiWWCE/s640/blogger-image--1112177408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipV2NXM2QEy04dQDdXExExiIh0gcXaxh9A27Es3dLRHlZ-u18Ygq1ddkDHBeZnB7hzCJGDmjeXRTvOHGkT_8M-E8pi0PRtES45KSif3Owc8lYF8mh_rp_CRksciPe9QxGJ27RsfPiWWCE/s640/blogger-image--1112177408.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In our morning so far, we had some positive experiences with their Halloween offerings. There was still “Big Band Beat” and the “Follies” show we hoped to see. The only drawback of the “Follies” show is people seem to wait up to four hours for that one. I don’t know if we had that long to set aside in our day. Maybe we were wrong in thinking we had a lot of time? And don't forget that I'm still on the prowl for my Mickey popcorn bucket! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-89158599068830473722014-12-18T14:39:00.001-08:002014-12-19T16:21:16.716-08:00A Wet Electrical Parade & a "Large" Coffee at Tokyo Disneyland<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It is very tough to describe the layout of Westernland. As we moved through the park, I kept comparing the layout to Disneyland in California. One could almost say their Country Bear Jamboree is where our Pioneer Mercantile merchandise store is located. I don’t know why this park was more confusing than Florida’s version, or even Paris (which I have been to). To throw a wrench in the wheel, it appeared Adventureland had to boast of its latest gain. The queue for the newly refurbished Jungle Cruise was spilling into Westernland. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Go home to Adventreland Jungle Cruise, you’re drunk! Just stay in your own land! We are confused as it is!”</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The other queue Eric and I found to be surprising was that of the shooting gallery. Even with the rain there was a long queue to play the game. I never see that at any of the other parks. We couldn’t even get a good look at the game area, the crowd blocked it. I would have liked to see what it was that made this particular version so spectacular. If anyone knows please tell me. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric was first to notice the plethora of Explorer Canoes out on the river. From what I recall, most rainy days the canoes at Disneyland in California will shut down. In Tokyo the guests had their rain gear on and were out there rowing away. We were thrilled to see this! With each stroke, it seemed all the guests were yelling the equivalent of “Stroke” or Row”. I’ve seen American guests ride this during ideal weather. Most of the tourist in the US would rather take selfies and photos of the surrounding area, me included. We even have a video of it! <a href="http://youtu.be/QLIOM04VT7U">http://youtu.be/QLIOM04VT7U</a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHbepBV-Ytakgqc03ybMVLj5bs9qD3CrJ62KVnGrUM9YiApOVfpWnoLz6NDbfAEmKlH_UY0IgxDj71-_WKbIiU_sL9P5mR4SvylXhnYz1eu15fsjGvSz_hBmSUooAkv0ih-BbvJr7aKw/s640/blogger-image--610992192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHbepBV-Ytakgqc03ybMVLj5bs9qD3CrJ62KVnGrUM9YiApOVfpWnoLz6NDbfAEmKlH_UY0IgxDj71-_WKbIiU_sL9P5mR4SvylXhnYz1eu15fsjGvSz_hBmSUooAkv0ih-BbvJr7aKw/s640/blogger-image--610992192.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric suggested we checkout the rest of the Fantasland dark rides. We had heard these are basically copies of what is offered in Florida's park. This rumor turned out to be true. Even still, I like seeing the subtle differences in the queue layout and effects. I think a few of the scenes were a little brighter, but maybe they had just been painted. Our vehicle kept stalling while inside the Snow White attraction. That was annoying because the audio would cut out completely. There was also awkward silence as we sat with the other group of two. But, that made it easy for me to get this shot of the crone!</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Cast Member at unload was like a robot. Each time a vehicle returned to the station she threw her arms up, shook them, and began her exit spiel. I assume it was something like, "Welcome back, I see you survived! Raise your arms and prepare to exit. Have a nice evening." She performed it the same way for each vehicle. We were impressed. By the way, this was something we observed prior to riding. We weren't just standing there like weirdos. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although we knew when we booked our flight, we were disappointed that "it's a small world" was closed. They were preparing for their holiday season. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Eric and I also took a flight on Peter Pan. I believe these dark rides were built about a decade after WDW's grand opening, it was obvious they used the exact design. There was a a tiny addition to the loading area. In the station, just as the Cast Member checks that your lap bar is secure, there is a Tinkerbell figure flying on a wire. Even as we waited in the queue, it was amusing to watch her swoop up and down. At this point Eric and I were getting slightly hungry, so it was decision time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Before we even left to Japan, I found out about of a hidden gem of a fast food location in Westernland that sells Chicken Strips, The Lucky Nugget Cafe. This knowledge was obtained thanks to our pal at </span><a href="http://tdrexplorer.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors="true">TDRExplorer.com</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Why chicken strips you ask? To that, I respond with another question, “Why not?” It’s a theme park and we aren’t at the park for anything gourmet, although the food is a lot better than people say. Also, we wanted to have enough time to eat and get a spot for the night parade. The parade was at </span><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">7:00 PM</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, so we had about 1.5 hours until that time. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This cafe is located a little past the shooting gallery and Big Thunder Mountain, all the way in the far corner. Because of the rain, they have large sheets of waxed paper to cover everyone’s tray. When the Cast Member handed me that I was shocked! I was also a little embarrassed as we seemed to fit the American stereotype of enjoying our Coke products. We had to order the large because the small was a joke, child size in the US. But, you know what? I’ll salute the flag while carry around my Diet Coke any day! Speaking of Diet Coke, I didn't see any during our whole trip. We had to have Coke Zero instead. It's a decent replacement, but it's not our usual choice. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As you may have noticed, we hadn’t really dived into any Japanese cuisine as of yet. We weren’t avoiding it, but I can’t say there was any huge push for Japanese cuisine here. Just like the signs are in English first and then Japanese, the food had an American influence. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Soon after finishing our meal we were in the mood for a little coffee. The rain wasn’t letting up and we were pretty cold. I went over to order and asked for our coffee (sounds like “coh-he” in Japanese). The cashier asked me a question in Japanese. When I clearly didn’t understand, she asked in English, “hot?” I replied that I did want it hot. Internally I wondered why anyone would order an iced coffee in this cold weather. Throughout the rest of our time in Japan we were asked “hot or cold” no matter how cold the weather was. It wasn’t annoying to us. But, It seemed to add a step in the order process that wasn’t needed. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now let’s take a moment to talk about what a Large coffee looks like in Japan? Here it is folks. I think as Americans we are labeled as “Greedy”, but this is definitely too small for the price of around 3.00.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We took our coffee to go as we went in search of a decent parade spot. A lot of what would be considered “front row” was gone in the Fantasyland area of the route. Eric suggested we head to where the parade would begin, between Toowntown and the castle. Even at this point in time, 20 minutes from showtime, this section of the route had many open spots.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we had experienced with the Happiness is Here parade, we weren’t sure what we were going to see. We knew that mostly likely they would perform the Nightfall Glow parade, their alternate show for Dreamlights. However; we did see those other two parades in the rain, so why wouldn’t they perform Dreamlights in the same weather? I even tweeted earlier that day I wasn’t going to leave Japan until I saw Tokyo Disneyland’s Dreamlights. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At last, the lights went out along the parade route and the announcement for Nightfall Glow began. The music is simple, but so perfect for this short cavalcade. As the floats move past we see Merryweather and Flora are arguing as to what the best color is. Flora wants the floats all to be pink and Merryweather prefers my favorite, blue. At one point Fauna gets them to compromise, and together they change all the floats various colors.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As the fairies argue and then work together, the characters on the other three floats are seeing this change. So, as colors are changing to their respective floats the other characters are reacting to them. Donald gets almost frustrated with what is happening, “Hey! What’s the big idea?!” But, he also lets out an “Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy!” in his excitement. And of course the princesses (Belle, Jasmine, and Cinderella) talk about how “lovely” the lights are. The characters also reference the raindrops and how great it is that they too take on the color.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> don’t really need to say how great of a replacement this parade is on a rainy night. The photos speak for themselves. If you could hear the music I bet you’d enjoy that as well. From what I have seen in the other Disney Parks, when it rains you might see characters riding covered carriages. In Tokyo, this parade was designed especially for this situation</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. Replacing an electrical parade WITH an electrical parade is already a great idea! Then, the characters are acknowledging the rain and how the ground shimmers with the light. It’s almost too perfect of a design.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With the park set to close <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 10 PM</a>, we still had a little over two hours. We followed the parade to the World Bazaar area, remember that is Main St., so that we may take a look around. We hadn’t really don’t any shopping in that area. The stores were insanely packed. We read over and over to not wait until park closing, and here we were stuck in a sea of people, far from closing. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There was this cute “kick line” pumpkin I wanted from the Happy Harvest parade, but at around $25.00 I just thought it was bit too expensive. I had the money, but where was I going to put this little lady? I went the cheap route and posed with her!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">W</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">e also visited the gallery where nice sculptures can be found. There were also many selections of high end stationary. The trouble with stationary these days is that I have no use for it. I don’t think I ever had use for stationary and I didn’t think anyone else was dying to write a letter. There was so much stuff I wanted to buy just so that I may take it home To say, “Hey look! They sell this cool stuff there,” but then have no use for it afterward.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One item I had been looking for was a popcorn bucket. It was spherical in shape and had Mickey ears. The bottom half had a design of Mickey’s pants in red, and the top half has the black Mickey ears. I knew I wanted this “bucket” ever since I laid eyes on it a few weeks ago, online. I had been unlucky so far. My pal Chris, he is local, said he hadn’t seen it anywhere, but I wasn’t going to give up looking!</span></div>
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I was fascinated that guests were willing to keep the street clear for the show.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The time was now very close to the park's newest show "Once Upon a Time". It is a projected show onto the castle, accompanied with music and fireworks. As we approached the Plaza area, their firework show suddenly began. We had forgotten all about this, but were glad to catch it. I was surprised that they loaded the pyro shells in the rain, but I digress. Eric and I weren’t really “feeling” the show. It featured Disney music of course, but the fireworks were just random explosions. We knew that this show served both parks, but I still was hoping for something with a little more heart. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After that was done, it was time for "Once Upon a Time"! </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Eric and I have already seen the various projection tricks used at Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s castle for those shows. Even with all the “bells and whistles”, we felt the show was just ok. It was definitely a huge spectacle, especially when the rain interacted with the massive laser lights. I can definitely understand the appeal because when this was first used at “it’s a small world” in California, everyone ate it up!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It pretty much poured the entire time. I couldn’t see well from where I was because everyone ahead of me had their umbrella out, as did we. Normally, during shows, the rules at this park dictate that nothing can obstruct anyone else’s view. For parades they go as far as asking someone to remove a large hat. In the rain, I know I personally understand the need for an umbrella. I became a little tired of craning my head to peek between two umbrellas, so I stepped over to the sidewalk area. I was fine with my partial view and was at least able to see the pyro.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We could tell the show was nearing its grand finale, so we decided to start heading to the Jungle Cruise. As I mentioned earlier, this was the most recent ride to have a rehab, so we hoped everyone else would be at the show. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As we were rushing through Adventureland, we spotted a popcorn cart selling my bucket and chocolate flavored popcorn! At last it would be ours! We "stuck a pin in that" and knew we would return after riding Jungle Cruise. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Anyway, we guessed correctly about the crowds! Our queue wait time was around 20 minutes! Can you believe it? This queue was consistently over an hour long!</span></div>
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Here is a photo of the queue from earlier. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The ride was extremely dark, so taking photos made it tough. Eric and I agreed that unlike the Tiki Room at this park, we could somewhat follow along. We weren’t getting any of the jokes, but the ride path was extremely similar to Florida’s version. The great addition to this was all the new nighttime lighting. There were a lot of mysterious light bugs and even cool projections inside the temple. Don't worry Disney purists, I wouldn’t say the additions changed the ride completely. Instead, they enhanced the experience to the next level without taking away its original heart.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We hoped off the boat and headed straight to the vending cart for that bucket! When we found it we saw that the cart was already closed for the night! The crew was cleaning out the popcorn kettle and packing up their money. I was definitely disappointed. We had two more days at the parks so I hoped to find it at some point. We would be back at this park in two days time, but I would prefer to have the bucket more than one day. </span></div>
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I loved the Tomorrowland entrance.<br />
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Although a little heartbroken and defeated, we rushed over to Star Tours. At first we were willing to skip this attraction because we have the exact same thing at home. But, we had covered a lot of ground and still had a little time. The concourse area is huge! They have six Starspeeders there! Aside from the impressive station, we appreciated that the Cast's costumes are brought in at the waist by a belt. At home it's the same costume. But, since the shirt hangs down while untucked, it looks sloppy. </div>
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Saluting in the Star Tours exit bridge. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The evening was drawing extremely close to the <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">10 PM</a> hour. We wouldn’t have a lot of time to hang about after closing because we needed to catch our bus to the apartment. We strolled a bit around the Plaza and admired their Halloween decorations.</span></div>
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As I said, I knew we had two more days at the park, but I could feel myself getting sad. We've waited so long to come here and the time was rushing by too quickly. We had seen a lot of these parks, so the physical affects of that we're definitely taking their toll. But, if you've read my other posts from our trips together, we always push right through the fatigue. We had an excellent day and already excited to return to Disneysea! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-45076883985925559762014-12-06T20:10:00.001-08:002014-12-10T13:11:59.337-08:00Determined to Find Critter Country<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ5aR5vrqJ3YfE1CO-rJFfTglayokXRJrQE6C0uJ2yUlsiBRMmzjw_jJfJMKcvMdFS0HcZ6aJIkamK90Tc0vfrOP21zkZr5Gg7K45eQWUYktOQ9v82C1jZmDISsFMoFSc104sLqhh3dQ/s640/blogger-image--1494460832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ5aR5vrqJ3YfE1CO-rJFfTglayokXRJrQE6C0uJ2yUlsiBRMmzjw_jJfJMKcvMdFS0HcZ6aJIkamK90Tc0vfrOP21zkZr5Gg7K45eQWUYktOQ9v82C1jZmDISsFMoFSc104sLqhh3dQ/s640/blogger-image--1494460832.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">By this time in our day I appreciate the enthusiasm the people of Japan have as they frolic through the rain. I wouldn't say that anyone was literally splashing through puddles, but everyone was very determined to see as much as possible. I've been told that in Japan, dealing with the small, everyday negatives of life can be summed up in one small phrase, "sho ga nai" (show-gah-nigh). It literally can translate to "it can't be helped". In our part of the world we might say, "Don't sweat the small stuff". Whether it was in the city or here in the parks, people accepted busy stores, wet skies, long queues, or sold out fast passes. Disrupting the order can lead to a bad experience for all, and that's not their goal. Only being visitors and not native to the land, Eric and I were convinced this shone through in their excellent service. </span></div><div><br></div><div>When Eric and I reached the parade route in the Hub area, we saw people waiting for the parade. This was not the normal massive sized crowd. There were less people on account of the weather. I asked Eric if he minded asking a Cast Member whether or not the parade would happen. It seemed to be drizzling a bit, so I was consulting the map to see what we'd do instead. But, Eric came back and he was told the parade was happening. Around that same time we could hear the parade music playing at the Westernland part of the route. I tried to play it cool and not show I was bursting with excitement! Finally, we would see the parade, "Happiness is Here"!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCtrLB3rt5uz0d1rdpMvE_vhzufxP8mpDmXSDFGi-RtcNi_4QLNJj8tXdwe-5gu32O7QZZbYezjArppmSOZBvSjFUGyXlYiAz53zjnp4l12hBWyyu_PpLVyLTKSFDWtIJzXNFV7fwTAU/s640/blogger-image--258860945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCtrLB3rt5uz0d1rdpMvE_vhzufxP8mpDmXSDFGi-RtcNi_4QLNJj8tXdwe-5gu32O7QZZbYezjArppmSOZBvSjFUGyXlYiAz53zjnp4l12hBWyyu_PpLVyLTKSFDWtIJzXNFV7fwTAU/s640/blogger-image--258860945.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUDlTXQRO4W-HqDsxwtlb1_Y2t8jP8EkD4h_-4OQxKBwXfVdx0TJNy49qTXjk3oC8APn17NzCZUJqDnCtJ-sOA0UjCr8LXryeW58QFnPrC-4nlGqwCpXhyk5w4ZVeGlabwobRjKrRKoU/s640/blogger-image-204544547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUDlTXQRO4W-HqDsxwtlb1_Y2t8jP8EkD4h_-4OQxKBwXfVdx0TJNy49qTXjk3oC8APn17NzCZUJqDnCtJ-sOA0UjCr8LXryeW58QFnPrC-4nlGqwCpXhyk5w4ZVeGlabwobRjKrRKoU/s640/blogger-image-204544547.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just like we had noticed with the Halloween parade earlier, the dancers that accompany the floats had been cut for rain. Still, the characters on the colorful floats were enough for these two grateful Californians. I was geeking out as I took photos with both the iPhone and Nikon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0t1k6chLXH69R82REVIiArPmCP2sCuI0cOQYZhg_n5kNOzSDSHfgsBBLICUs9gREDeuFfDdXpsQa2ojsdZUDRgFX3EG3YzhWUCJytl-a7gI4sj5TLFepwXuRxGD2Ysszt9Zhdd6B2eA/s640/blogger-image-1904757561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0t1k6chLXH69R82REVIiArPmCP2sCuI0cOQYZhg_n5kNOzSDSHfgsBBLICUs9gREDeuFfDdXpsQa2ojsdZUDRgFX3EG3YzhWUCJytl-a7gI4sj5TLFepwXuRxGD2Ysszt9Zhdd6B2eA/s640/blogger-image-1904757561.jpg"></a></div></div>All suited up in what appeared to be water resistant fabric and of course rain gear! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The soundtrack for this parade has a very clever concept. Taking direction from the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, there is the main melody that acts as a background for each parade unit. As the parade moves past a given point, the theme for that unit travels with that section. These musical sections are synced with the main melody that plays on a loop during the show. Although a rainy experience, it was a lot of fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGvhvvQqgAJyiSZvOsuYHHfUEYsorl7xLmD12olXOH_aSKdv-LjVzaBxK7WA9b4gOfWb5PRtLj2LKcAQlReB8gjTps1sQxlWfHXf8T45BKhmbyhr5bkWcCrr2ML4aLPSFQpze3Nq2TIc/s640/blogger-image-1352229969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGvhvvQqgAJyiSZvOsuYHHfUEYsorl7xLmD12olXOH_aSKdv-LjVzaBxK7WA9b4gOfWb5PRtLj2LKcAQlReB8gjTps1sQxlWfHXf8T45BKhmbyhr5bkWcCrr2ML4aLPSFQpze3Nq2TIc/s640/blogger-image-1352229969.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBja7wIU94J2otHDtS1wTR1sumKEv57PfV5q_L-1igz1sa0Zf171gGlOKXpAGLOczCASW7IDxDg1hXX7bnZI2X8hD_0NcrZQnL5i27_uTesaU5oACMe81aVQ6UGhrKW4yFb1DWec7jws/s640/blogger-image--1617169673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBja7wIU94J2otHDtS1wTR1sumKEv57PfV5q_L-1igz1sa0Zf171gGlOKXpAGLOczCASW7IDxDg1hXX7bnZI2X8hD_0NcrZQnL5i27_uTesaU5oACMe81aVQ6UGhrKW4yFb1DWec7jws/s640/blogger-image--1617169673.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By the time the parade ended it was "full on" raining and we didn't see a break in the clouds. From our parade viewing position, staring at us in the face was Cinderella Castle, our next stop. Recently the park opened a walk through where guests get to visit a few rooms of the palace. Although I had seen a few photos and a YouTube video, we weren't exactly sure what happens inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzabTCM4oq-NbVH20DKhT4nAmH1reVaNLskRf5am_0k0FWKpcHUsvVh4HPDcniyMgfrtJlImgMeJK9d7votH2_BbLCaUgV-8BAeTU6tujUSm9czNqwEpiPrn4mnyiRLzirWADJy8UzZH8/s640/blogger-image-1648054181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzabTCM4oq-NbVH20DKhT4nAmH1reVaNLskRf5am_0k0FWKpcHUsvVh4HPDcniyMgfrtJlImgMeJK9d7votH2_BbLCaUgV-8BAeTU6tujUSm9czNqwEpiPrn4mnyiRLzirWADJy8UzZH8/s640/blogger-image-1648054181.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The entrance for the tour is in the exact spot where in Walt Disney World one would enter for the Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant. Here in Tokyp, they used to have a type of mystery tour that would take you deep into the dungeons of the castle. I've seen a very dark video of that and I wish that tour was still there. But, it was gone and we were curious about this. One thing that seemed odd at the start is that we had to wait to ride an elevator to a higher level. I would've been fine taking stairs, which you do use in Florida's castle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmxYi6l5ilVvpvgnaoKAY-xjF2E0rongW4Xv_2Nx6OpKicjizCsQ2MKQ9eFzx8vrhmAtzUkUQ6jbTElxMYKib839Iq5q3Y2HksvFD33nqKTEpIotzj0TVoQ3KvfBPGl1PoU-l4F_WAts/s640/blogger-image--2146971929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmxYi6l5ilVvpvgnaoKAY-xjF2E0rongW4Xv_2Nx6OpKicjizCsQ2MKQ9eFzx8vrhmAtzUkUQ6jbTElxMYKib839Iq5q3Y2HksvFD33nqKTEpIotzj0TVoQ3KvfBPGl1PoU-l4F_WAts/s640/blogger-image--2146971929.jpg"></a></div>Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall is seen in the center, even Mt. Prometheus from DisneySea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we stepped off the elevator there is a nice view of Fantasyland. Too bad it was so gloomy this day. I bet the colors really would've "popped" in the sunlight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00fwvInrZ5dqG9E_bRmQGv62KqmSVBavBRARwxe2gcu7t_ZtPp_nt-r32Bh7aHAnarjZC7JhL_igGggHovwkKXpxucaJTn7RRi-TPif_dJ9jOU3_To1lurvPt0248xocVvWFaAfs6-7c/s640/blogger-image--1177426970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00fwvInrZ5dqG9E_bRmQGv62KqmSVBavBRARwxe2gcu7t_ZtPp_nt-r32Bh7aHAnarjZC7JhL_igGggHovwkKXpxucaJTn7RRi-TPif_dJ9jOU3_To1lurvPt0248xocVvWFaAfs6-7c/s640/blogger-image--1177426970.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The interior was a mixture of wall murals and small dioramas that retold the story of Cinderella. And of course, the design highly reflected the Rococo era. The small vignettes depicted Cindy's struggle with her horrible family, and then her bravery as she attended the ball. They appeared to have been commissioned by the park, and each one was different. In my opinion it is always cool to see people put a spin on images that we are used to seeing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkwQOJIo9GG0DbRNr7R1lkwIXwK1s2vtPJuENVbkm_9COJqUc-2dl7E4dKbYS_kHfrDaEKtO4Hyb74o4lIi-tGC1fscOH0GSXqABS4oxWswRzPDwJzayPtRdXWe_yyGch-xymZduZkFc/s640/blogger-image--116929464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkwQOJIo9GG0DbRNr7R1lkwIXwK1s2vtPJuENVbkm_9COJqUc-2dl7E4dKbYS_kHfrDaEKtO4Hyb74o4lIi-tGC1fscOH0GSXqABS4oxWswRzPDwJzayPtRdXWe_yyGch-xymZduZkFc/s640/blogger-image--116929464.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtkNoz6W6eKXrK1_lCKjlsF0dmUJggbk9eUX-NvXHAPa_rTm8nh2H1OAoXMWCGA5Ud-2-0TV1bDQw4T7FY4zh38YGMs6CeiYcSNTXojBC6xVrvqWGKCF6o2IjRqFIfnXB0HWw-dl4Hik/s640/blogger-image-1335936688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtkNoz6W6eKXrK1_lCKjlsF0dmUJggbk9eUX-NvXHAPa_rTm8nh2H1OAoXMWCGA5Ud-2-0TV1bDQw4T7FY4zh38YGMs6CeiYcSNTXojBC6xVrvqWGKCF6o2IjRqFIfnXB0HWw-dl4Hik/s640/blogger-image-1335936688.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNbZF2OBM5283vV1MAVT3b4UdVcQXKeadImw1fd2xYBmBP2gFPehcLPbXfeI0AIjjyd3hD2Lp8slZFPHqSMAs9B-oyz1gfluya7lsqEy5olUwZtXX0U1cZpd-5YK2KPHWmylyllEjDx8/s640/blogger-image-2027239786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNbZF2OBM5283vV1MAVT3b4UdVcQXKeadImw1fd2xYBmBP2gFPehcLPbXfeI0AIjjyd3hD2Lp8slZFPHqSMAs9B-oyz1gfluya7lsqEy5olUwZtXX0U1cZpd-5YK2KPHWmylyllEjDx8/s640/blogger-image-2027239786.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The whole experience was cute, but almost a little too cute for me. I was certain that there would be a meet n greet opportunity with Cinderella, but that moment never came. Besides the murals we had been seeing, there are some fun murals that when photographed reveal a hidden message. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDgRZQto-pplsoPV3KaeTfbjq2FKE1ICB_M9eCLFjaRcv2gtuJIC0RWJlU5shkl4zyWufDlvZmREcnwsaIzhcIyfZYCXTCavoesA2DO3rLqjvaCknrz-s6bKY4lecXS1M8dWhvm0zX8o/s640/blogger-image-630999140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDgRZQto-pplsoPV3KaeTfbjq2FKE1ICB_M9eCLFjaRcv2gtuJIC0RWJlU5shkl4zyWufDlvZmREcnwsaIzhcIyfZYCXTCavoesA2DO3rLqjvaCknrz-s6bKY4lecXS1M8dWhvm0zX8o/s640/blogger-image-630999140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5HRGliAX4rxqnNsWixLONQg2mbHgybMNPf81JavmPQ9hgxn_DHnpSf8zMgaCU49vG1N1jJWT2Gn8AqX9Pj0rGIAeE307ijvOS_5syxZDw9gSxlCxbeoQ4VX0LBXRDDCCuaE-fYftGcQ/s640/blogger-image--1816654300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5HRGliAX4rxqnNsWixLONQg2mbHgybMNPf81JavmPQ9hgxn_DHnpSf8zMgaCU49vG1N1jJWT2Gn8AqX9Pj0rGIAeE307ijvOS_5syxZDw9gSxlCxbeoQ4VX0LBXRDDCCuaE-fYftGcQ/s640/blogger-image--1816654300.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I had to get my chance at it too! They seemed to come out better with the iPhone's flash. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7v2-SPPjYhfkplOcY9HNI0z3iG65aCAJu_Ii2zi9GVDY4frN2nbdLTxnL6LFlxxKyQQvif0UP8ZT8cCOfWzsnrJQCQM9NQ_ehXlTcTJGZGb6C9Ms7_aEoGfsDSYnfuzThY-gI1x0iII/s640/blogger-image--759026066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7v2-SPPjYhfkplOcY9HNI0z3iG65aCAJu_Ii2zi9GVDY4frN2nbdLTxnL6LFlxxKyQQvif0UP8ZT8cCOfWzsnrJQCQM9NQ_ehXlTcTJGZGb6C9Ms7_aEoGfsDSYnfuzThY-gI1x0iII/s640/blogger-image--759026066.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzBY-D1vuCXKWtGU5wegTHcZXuDn9F4nICX9k94VqhiVAEaRi8fVdedHay0e8K83lJujQysv2xUjA3gP-k3COeCGi7frIC_j8a5J0npVrtDvDcMvVEbQspvuwyWIeXRqgCfzOISOKX94/s640/blogger-image--936276641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzBY-D1vuCXKWtGU5wegTHcZXuDn9F4nICX9k94VqhiVAEaRi8fVdedHay0e8K83lJujQysv2xUjA3gP-k3COeCGi7frIC_j8a5J0npVrtDvDcMvVEbQspvuwyWIeXRqgCfzOISOKX94/s640/blogger-image--936276641.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We took one last look around and two friends appeared from their secret door. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eimVHNjzD4r5j3CQKY0od-QGUFzcza-e_o5YzE39rtqs0AipTi6HAFpSlD_J3oSZUVBQ3_a9HXkd4z1a4z8HUQUxPmoyBfcYCBpZOncwO27bQ8Zb0um7DOftN2PSjSDwoV6uB1v1EIE/s640/blogger-image--807810738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eimVHNjzD4r5j3CQKY0od-QGUFzcza-e_o5YzE39rtqs0AipTi6HAFpSlD_J3oSZUVBQ3_a9HXkd4z1a4z8HUQUxPmoyBfcYCBpZOncwO27bQ8Zb0um7DOftN2PSjSDwoV6uB1v1EIE/s640/blogger-image--807810738.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Something we did not get a photo of was the glass slipper in the center of the throne room. People were in a queue to snap a photo of them "trying it on". Well, I didn't want to look like some creeper trying to get take a photo of random children, and some mothers, so we opted out of that shot. But, here is the throne of the palace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidToL1aDbBH8zElXxjSbAOAflG-GE3J3WqlKto87Xkd0n720kKyCRy16oV9XZ5g9U3aAp4OBqs7QfmXt4D8B6X9OvU9OnJjLI0tPnl00MABSsKk7RuSFEtQaOtAdemr7KbZ-7o-K7CmBk/s640/blogger-image-1585158331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidToL1aDbBH8zElXxjSbAOAflG-GE3J3WqlKto87Xkd0n720kKyCRy16oV9XZ5g9U3aAp4OBqs7QfmXt4D8B6X9OvU9OnJjLI0tPnl00MABSsKk7RuSFEtQaOtAdemr7KbZ-7o-K7CmBk/s640/blogger-image-1585158331.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While doing research for for our trip, Eric found out that the Snow White Grotto has an odd location. It is near the castle and right across from the Golden Horseshoe. It was just another addition to the list that gave Tokyo Disneyland its internet nickname, "Bizarro Disneyland".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3Otfdv4x5NkGVmyipMkh1kDxz6Zd56HQgYc_RTAAfUxL7Ujte0hJGxlGmq-cnG8S5GFQYsPQGC00D2h0o8tdmPRAcS0lCnf-kHQw1f2Q0XyFWSiV8N3FoKV7pG0_g_hHO8qGR7hTzFY/s640/blogger-image--1688749899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3Otfdv4x5NkGVmyipMkh1kDxz6Zd56HQgYc_RTAAfUxL7Ujte0hJGxlGmq-cnG8S5GFQYsPQGC00D2h0o8tdmPRAcS0lCnf-kHQw1f2Q0XyFWSiV8N3FoKV7pG0_g_hHO8qGR7hTzFY/s640/blogger-image--1688749899.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If we turn around.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyf6cq8neXDPXfoNNNfuFgXNtQUBfH7YtYfRslMpzQziN5JyAjYDHmCRwi6zsvd9jSO0UHIIYnuxbwVXDdu1BUvHgBaMiGVODb-9TdS98VPWdjQIloygGRX8iPxGzI_BsW4-CnvvBrTk/s640/blogger-image--318828836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyf6cq8neXDPXfoNNNfuFgXNtQUBfH7YtYfRslMpzQziN5JyAjYDHmCRwi6zsvd9jSO0UHIIYnuxbwVXDdu1BUvHgBaMiGVODb-9TdS98VPWdjQIloygGRX8iPxGzI_BsW4-CnvvBrTk/s640/blogger-image--318828836.jpg"></a></div>Frontierland!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With The Country Bears, singing in Japanese, and performing the Vacation Hoedown, we practically ran to the theater! The waiting area looked very similar to Florida's. One thing I couldn't wrap my head around was this: Why would this audience even care about a show like this? The lobby was full of guests, and so was the theater. I know that Western culture attracts interest from Japan, I'm told. But, this show about country living bears seems far away from the main stream culture. As Americans we understand this part of our culture, but what would Japanese citizens think of this show? I wish I could ask someone's opinion. If the show became unpopular in California, how was it still holding up in Tokyo? And, from what I understand they even change over for the Christmas show!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyjmnTc39_PFqr8yLCpr1uMDIbSoDMe57zQpTLksSX12OWPi6coQUsmf9RAhVJDG08TN71sz9H4DJVltKxpp5QUFPatigZ73IctEBTIchIUWOLS9Z3Q-nVuXXAj6JmYxyiW_3ylw0N7k/s640/blogger-image-64585293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyjmnTc39_PFqr8yLCpr1uMDIbSoDMe57zQpTLksSX12OWPi6coQUsmf9RAhVJDG08TN71sz9H4DJVltKxpp5QUFPatigZ73IctEBTIchIUWOLS9Z3Q-nVuXXAj6JmYxyiW_3ylw0N7k/s640/blogger-image-64585293.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Throughout the show I could hear the giggles and laughter from the crowd. Because the only Japanese words I could understand were "there", "here", and "look over there", I couldn't tell what exactly everyone found funny. Don't get me wrong, the show is funny. I just wish I knew exactly what the crowd found hilarious. The whole experience of the show being in Japanese and the crowd reaction was cute. Everyone, including Eric and I, really had a laugh when "Achy Breaky Heart" was performed by Trixie. The way that wine sloshed around in her glass, it seemed she had a bad day. So my guess is that just looking at these bears, you can definitely see each one's personality. Maybe everyone here is saying to themselves, "Oh man, I know someone just like that!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8GMwlJCE9HGHtFH3eaEN0xc7e_LvXxz42Ky5gkwPASCTCwepq_fp2J15gV265sCsNOYdtj3YXd-MJ66ACOtuVHRG43POL7_SrUsPz3soshpJIg-2rWmEOuTcbVkr3R2AiY_UiI_57xk/s640/blogger-image--1081882356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8GMwlJCE9HGHtFH3eaEN0xc7e_LvXxz42Ky5gkwPASCTCwepq_fp2J15gV265sCsNOYdtj3YXd-MJ66ACOtuVHRG43POL7_SrUsPz3soshpJIg-2rWmEOuTcbVkr3R2AiY_UiI_57xk/s640/blogger-image--1081882356.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Right near the theater exit was the ice cream window where, for Halloween, they were offering Pumpkin Soft Serve. I had read about this on our friend Jeff's blog so I had to try it. Eric isn't a fan of anything with the word "pumpkin", so he ordered the vanilla. And, just like Jeff's husband Lance said, "Yup, that's pumpkin alright!" There wasn't even a slight hint of pumpkin spice. This tasted like what the canned pumpkin smells like before you add anything to it. I wouldn't say it was awful, but Eric did! He did try it and definitely wasn't a fan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguGqo-kzD2vAumbt7kkKi0EshYc8GC625IB08VgBPdd1ebBzGrN4ibknSoX6SDpuuNUrQqt6272XdLvQkoBoQRb0-7bmGv5_8o5zs6TR8InHl8ObRLHKwEQbH4Qw9v69zunJtQkUchhU/s640/blogger-image--2121942114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguGqo-kzD2vAumbt7kkKi0EshYc8GC625IB08VgBPdd1ebBzGrN4ibknSoX6SDpuuNUrQqt6272XdLvQkoBoQRb0-7bmGv5_8o5zs6TR8InHl8ObRLHKwEQbH4Qw9v69zunJtQkUchhU/s640/blogger-image--2121942114.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then, because we apparently were starving to death, we also tried the White Chocolate Popcorn. The both of us were fans of this flavor! We decided to try and find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy. In Japan one doesn't walk and eat simultaneously, it is not good manners. I should have also mentioned we stood in one place as we ate our ice cream cones. We hoped to find a place to eat our snack in Critter Country, maybe near a critter or a creek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4nojJyYrGb7oPwoDjuudHoeQb-N2VFLd_uwnAH-oDMVr_gSOvzv1yBnZ6s_4McanAfxxA69QUy-1IndNNhC1YzQUZ3ylmkay2HX_meyprByF9wG_sbQido2FK2WpJl6ItoAhbTLqi-g/s640/blogger-image--638210690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4nojJyYrGb7oPwoDjuudHoeQb-N2VFLd_uwnAH-oDMVr_gSOvzv1yBnZ6s_4McanAfxxA69QUy-1IndNNhC1YzQUZ3ylmkay2HX_meyprByF9wG_sbQido2FK2WpJl6ItoAhbTLqi-g/s640/blogger-image--638210690.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In this park, Critter Country is extremely close to Fantasyland. Haunted Mansion marks the end of Fantasyland. As one turns the corner, to the right, away from the mansion, you're in Critter Country. The narrow walkway, that appears to lead no where, will guide you to your laughin' place at Splash Mountain. What we found very different was that while facing the mountain, the trestle where the Steam Train passes is directly behind you. Something else that stood out is the attraction appeared to be flipped. As we watched, the logs left the station like normal, but float from left to right in front of the briar patch. And, the watermill is still on the mountain's left, but the watermill is the queue entrance into the building. We definitely had plans to ride this, but we would wait until our "Day 2" at this park to maybe utilize Fast Pass. (We actually don't end up using fast pass here, but in that post I'll tell you what we did).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAYXlGkmJ6lpbje8ll_BR9eRlEVxJUCJyz9gQO5JrAb-6J7VwWEA9y5Ih_-yz_tINMCtchdQFf2u0qeg0FpxoQ_s7n2pRkkst_C8EHxQOvg7Bir71rWWD_PtVCbFsKpcF7QCkz18js_M/s640/blogger-image-332392412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAYXlGkmJ6lpbje8ll_BR9eRlEVxJUCJyz9gQO5JrAb-6J7VwWEA9y5Ih_-yz_tINMCtchdQFf2u0qeg0FpxoQ_s7n2pRkkst_C8EHxQOvg7Bir71rWWD_PtVCbFsKpcF7QCkz18js_M/s640/blogger-image-332392412.jpg"></a></div>Looking behind Eric, you can see the logs cross the opposite direction and enter a tunnel, not the watermill. While you're at it, checkout that cool pumpkin popcorn bucket hanging off that stroller!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4O2Q6e-wBlt34P2fKzMshJKK2Pcn7NEPRfkAXf3_hRgrXViGHdy0BIWbtYjiJC8WZzfsUKsezwcsp5cFnEGMEhGfZKSS_zioKNkPGKLH-Qukykp4L1sLfC07aLVFBsdY5VC8g_RkU_M/s640/blogger-image--2095827574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4O2Q6e-wBlt34P2fKzMshJKK2Pcn7NEPRfkAXf3_hRgrXViGHdy0BIWbtYjiJC8WZzfsUKsezwcsp5cFnEGMEhGfZKSS_zioKNkPGKLH-Qukykp4L1sLfC07aLVFBsdY5VC8g_RkU_M/s640/blogger-image--2095827574.jpg"></a></div>Looking the opposite direction, we see the train passing over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It took us a bit to find the entire area of this land. We had seen online that there was a path in Critter Country that took guests through a tunnel to an open area. Here was our small dilemma. We saw the Splash entrance, seen here with a cute little door...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmMFOKBl1sL3nTrRcdTzlODXZ2NiMnJKE6NVsOs0MuLdBkUQE6gLFK0FG0E2W1H31_1n8xxayVEIh6oHAYuYb3CK3q1RvqJd1N_RDRjSuU2MaDI2ZISXYvdmhe5RmddJ4RXiTvrWgAxU/s640/blogger-image--980432326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmMFOKBl1sL3nTrRcdTzlODXZ2NiMnJKE6NVsOs0MuLdBkUQE6gLFK0FG0E2W1H31_1n8xxayVEIh6oHAYuYb3CK3q1RvqJd1N_RDRjSuU2MaDI2ZISXYvdmhe5RmddJ4RXiTvrWgAxU/s640/blogger-image--980432326.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But, all the we saw to the right was the exit walkway from Splash Mountain. Being a little nervous on how we would explain this, I tried this door. Maybe it would lead us to that area? JK</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQs-spGZQUVNzRFyOKWnW5kDWwAgi9s5BVsgwFWF8Y7nqOSQKruewclb1S2ESyZm3k4h8T1sr6NtnVlxj5Z9KF0hAUAjmN4NDBQzzxJsgBA9i7jI6mXh14T2GePbKKaeMaYLXeGZcpMw/s640/blogger-image--266714541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQs-spGZQUVNzRFyOKWnW5kDWwAgi9s5BVsgwFWF8Y7nqOSQKruewclb1S2ESyZm3k4h8T1sr6NtnVlxj5Z9KF0hAUAjmN4NDBQzzxJsgBA9i7jI6mXh14T2GePbKKaeMaYLXeGZcpMw/s640/blogger-image--266714541.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a little debate between Eric and myself, we decided to walk against traffic, toward the Splash exit. We wanted to see if maybe this path would split. It sure did! We found the tunnel that housed a small merchandise cart. As we continued through the tunnel, the area opened up again. Here we found the location where guests purchase their on board photos and a small food location. It was there that Eric bought his Mickey shaped churro. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oRaP40gOlIac0PVFE1pI5_KpxGiUBpMIRj4y0N9J8OcOl7AFEPI6Eq6s7NFhOVOmOCj9z1hwkeZLFtxF7edXOD6_fcuyDFZqRXnyAT4lbrWj7MfZ_qxrVOOcNzwxZ68nLJOzH72YEms/s640/blogger-image-391684336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oRaP40gOlIac0PVFE1pI5_KpxGiUBpMIRj4y0N9J8OcOl7AFEPI6Eq6s7NFhOVOmOCj9z1hwkeZLFtxF7edXOD6_fcuyDFZqRXnyAT4lbrWj7MfZ_qxrVOOcNzwxZ68nLJOzH72YEms/s640/blogger-image-391684336.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEvJW9WbTcUeGaOuIcXi7TF_foDelUZ-8ZNOk-Ytw8-O8l7-Ai82-fvtM6kWl54YxyxMJt5mxfryuHKK0Y1JbIliaIQ94ud5Xyf_JTUmFsIskQ-AZOGwAfuWEszRyhSeeMTHJhPqDYUs/s640/blogger-image--1449046535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEvJW9WbTcUeGaOuIcXi7TF_foDelUZ-8ZNOk-Ytw8-O8l7-Ai82-fvtM6kWl54YxyxMJt5mxfryuHKK0Y1JbIliaIQ94ud5Xyf_JTUmFsIskQ-AZOGwAfuWEszRyhSeeMTHJhPqDYUs/s640/blogger-image--1449046535.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm glad that we were so determined to find this area because it turned out to be the prettiest area in the park. I can't stress enough that people need to get back into this corner and see it for themselves. The Splash Mountain area really appears to be a dead end, but push on through and you'll find it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBgKeI6Vhvr2Eh9bA6JGhIZRN6IWnCNJbX6drqnABtMnAHw9pkC5WKMiWS9pAUQ8ZfDilWR7McnC7FJHHVbZ_Pxc-ZAkvtacQgMU_z0iDa066pj_IBu17qqiuXF5ElHXw9QnXvVpgK_g/s640/blogger-image--314814007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBgKeI6Vhvr2Eh9bA6JGhIZRN6IWnCNJbX6drqnABtMnAHw9pkC5WKMiWS9pAUQ8ZfDilWR7McnC7FJHHVbZ_Pxc-ZAkvtacQgMU_z0iDa066pj_IBu17qqiuXF5ElHXw9QnXvVpgK_g/s640/blogger-image--314814007.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In the next installment of Tokyo Disneyland Day 1, we will finish out the day with another hidden corner of the park and more entertainment! There are three more pieces of entertainment to be experienced on this day! Is all this too much? It's been great reliving this with everyone and I'll be back again with a lot of more! </span></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-22770430199698454712014-12-03T09:25:00.001-08:002014-12-04T19:43:44.212-08:00Is This Adventureland?Before us stood a whimsical dining location that not only had a cool theme, it was dry. The rain was steady during this time so it would be nice to sit and relax. And, because we would be eating slightly earlier than a typical lunch hour it wasn't very crowded. Sure there was a small queue, but nothing like I had seen in other blogs or YouTube videos. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzJ4hhriVbHbnesgPXdvXjAFyEpzcuw-3SDtJ0t_0xd42xCAVG6v0U4NRPSSrZnbO-YWnFyQF4L1-EDf58Kbq4QdqFc0MlWkUDfJ5zMFHiFw8EjYQojF7k7Y1JXDlZMjX4RRPcvBRYPI/s640/blogger-image-2040403313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzJ4hhriVbHbnesgPXdvXjAFyEpzcuw-3SDtJ0t_0xd42xCAVG6v0U4NRPSSrZnbO-YWnFyQF4L1-EDf58Kbq4QdqFc0MlWkUDfJ5zMFHiFw8EjYQojF7k7Y1JXDlZMjX4RRPcvBRYPI/s640/blogger-image-2040403313.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I really love the cast costumes here at the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall. They are a little over the top, but this is Wonderland! They all fit very well in this nonsense filled world. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AoXoeIj2uYzWzGbgUI1ZwVzwaEGELFrxvEL0cva2pyGHgas_3jRJAgj_PoiNQ4BKZR_RGN7TyQ_fsF7rZCEV9mqB0Z72HsUFkvnVcYflMHu17jLNFWJRD6Jbou8YvGGGtD62JtrQJ8o/s640/blogger-image-526222754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AoXoeIj2uYzWzGbgUI1ZwVzwaEGELFrxvEL0cva2pyGHgas_3jRJAgj_PoiNQ4BKZR_RGN7TyQ_fsF7rZCEV9mqB0Z72HsUFkvnVcYflMHu17jLNFWJRD6Jbou8YvGGGtD62JtrQJ8o/s640/blogger-image-526222754.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The queue moved past the food like any other "buffeteria" styled place. They had some decent selections, but Eric and I had already planned out our meal here. We wanted, what we called, "the heart shaped meat thingy". Isn't it cute? All the food at Tokyo Disney is so cute!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnTUZyLZq330ATRkZCbM6SEIKS725zsXVowJ5Qvwma5MygctPygmXQiQmDnBQSMBpL-mSnu0gOh0ktLZciIYIUxPk4uvEGh5dw-Q5h8qY-MIcrBb7I0s0pETRn3N2dY4uaQFLm1CamUk/s640/blogger-image-273064373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnTUZyLZq330ATRkZCbM6SEIKS725zsXVowJ5Qvwma5MygctPygmXQiQmDnBQSMBpL-mSnu0gOh0ktLZciIYIUxPk4uvEGh5dw-Q5h8qY-MIcrBb7I0s0pETRn3N2dY4uaQFLm1CamUk/s640/blogger-image-273064373.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It more or less tasted like meatloaf you'd get at any restaurant. I think some bloggers thought this was the weirdest thing in the world because of the shape. When you think about it, all patties are shaped after being processed. It's all technically bad for you, but it sure was tasty! Each of us were also offered a bowl of rice, an extra charge. I think we were one of the few to turn this down. The dessert didn't disappoint either. Eric and I grabbed two different plates to share. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0ZPMb5KJ-jWyQGDUXgq036koh-zXJWrzSIk-tL2GJft0pZ7mAWms7xrmTDoznNbmtKtbJieJ68BYi1Cpz-l_KzgIkvXDH_cvHhwkoTmZeCwOdb9L7WtrtPyqSJUJMNl9cSlMQQJUK3k/s640/blogger-image-1146036080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0ZPMb5KJ-jWyQGDUXgq036koh-zXJWrzSIk-tL2GJft0pZ7mAWms7xrmTDoznNbmtKtbJieJ68BYi1Cpz-l_KzgIkvXDH_cvHhwkoTmZeCwOdb9L7WtrtPyqSJUJMNl9cSlMQQJUK3k/s640/blogger-image-1146036080.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEaML15XvKeXNMh2A4RlFRX4DFvzO4TNZ-Si_ouo9NE6ei9BF8Jdq0_ef_2G4NlqARsFI_MahG5sP6S3JJhhyuYiyOC5513Dit2dYbnpG8wZHH9_RAMaCLFVPi3EYUli2TxdouwtZGmo/s640/blogger-image--1225304476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEaML15XvKeXNMh2A4RlFRX4DFvzO4TNZ-Si_ouo9NE6ei9BF8Jdq0_ef_2G4NlqARsFI_MahG5sP6S3JJhhyuYiyOC5513Dit2dYbnpG8wZHH9_RAMaCLFVPi3EYUli2TxdouwtZGmo/s640/blogger-image--1225304476.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Just as I ordered drinks and got ready to pay, a Cast Member walked up. She asked how many we had, then she whisked away my tray and our drinks. I was so busy counting coins I wasn't 100% sure where she was headed. After paying, with the preferred exact change, I searched around for this lady. Eric pointed her out down the checkered walkway, holding up her free hand. She walked us over to a table in a well lit area, while also carrying our food. I wasn't expecting this service at all. I assumed we would find our own table and carry our own food, which I would've been fine with doing. We bowed and thanked her for the help. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4rhInSawGQyEnPQIYkjrwVRQj0THp7OcUQdTbWqFto-UgVBwJNllneZ1vhoL5NSv-ZZy9jq7uIx7RYvnfHANI-2onF0C52kPTmHsQT0YEFlvPtweXts3o9pdpebpbOOWSsbwaF3J1UE/s640/blogger-image--1044811988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4rhInSawGQyEnPQIYkjrwVRQj0THp7OcUQdTbWqFto-UgVBwJNllneZ1vhoL5NSv-ZZy9jq7uIx7RYvnfHANI-2onF0C52kPTmHsQT0YEFlvPtweXts3o9pdpebpbOOWSsbwaF3J1UE/s640/blogger-image--1044811988.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4vhicGHkEBNTiCDmeG7SV6fmEixGvNhroLOZ62a05MSyzBWSDhYsSWAeipUfDbIzzylPXVTUCrD6IaN5KIV5gA1vRYmQgXm6KorIUcbJDLtnq-5ccN7UT7bGHhVBRzwYXqmmTo3THJs/s640/blogger-image-1754422694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4vhicGHkEBNTiCDmeG7SV6fmEixGvNhroLOZ62a05MSyzBWSDhYsSWAeipUfDbIzzylPXVTUCrD6IaN5KIV5gA1vRYmQgXm6KorIUcbJDLtnq-5ccN7UT7bGHhVBRzwYXqmmTo3THJs/s640/blogger-image-1754422694.jpg"></a></div> I'm not sure why he deviated from the usual "Two Finger" pose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Believe it or not, we were done with being able to obtain a Fast Pass. My friend Jonny, the Fast Pass King, would have absolutely hated this fact, but it's true. The fast passes were gone for the day and it wasn't even noon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eric and I still hadn't explored the other end of the park. Feeling confident about our time management, we took a leisurely stroll toward Pirates of the Carribean. It's clearly obvious by looking at the next photo that even in the rain no one was leaving anytime soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtVfpe2ZY-QvAdBSs8_33jwAF1K5zCllzlQK0BxtU0WQJhEZmROABFt40F3edpEOwdrDcsRBb17sBgnA0aO9Pzr2RpaKhyWg3BEZARXnNzPVdaUXvB-vAwZFb3Nc54QPm7GLyomRwx08/s640/blogger-image--363290367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtVfpe2ZY-QvAdBSs8_33jwAF1K5zCllzlQK0BxtU0WQJhEZmROABFt40F3edpEOwdrDcsRBb17sBgnA0aO9Pzr2RpaKhyWg3BEZARXnNzPVdaUXvB-vAwZFb3Nc54QPm7GLyomRwx08/s640/blogger-image--363290367.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The queue for Pirates was stretched out into the walkway. I wish we grabbed a photo of it. Picture Disneyland's version without that bridge. The walkway out front is level to the rest of the area. The queue flowed out to the left of the entrance and toward the World Bazaar area (Main St). It didn't look too long at all. It appeared we would enter, walk up the slope that runs along the flume, then board. When we walked into the building, this is what we saw.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJJ_DbbKcas5BedETDhGkSbGEWXKZIXX6lANT5S8WoT78UEE8K34s8TS7S5LF2IF1pHSTqz_jcyp7jxKaP2eN4t0aE56iBWiziow8GjHFNap8N9A6KBwt07aixyaqAG68hVY0nPrxoRU/s640/blogger-image-1406368057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJJ_DbbKcas5BedETDhGkSbGEWXKZIXX6lANT5S8WoT78UEE8K34s8TS7S5LF2IF1pHSTqz_jcyp7jxKaP2eN4t0aE56iBWiziow8GjHFNap8N9A6KBwt07aixyaqAG68hVY0nPrxoRU/s640/blogger-image-1406368057.jpg"></a></div><br></div>In regards to the ride experience, I'd say its queue was the biggest change. We had no clue that these sets of switchbacks even existed within the building! As mentioned, we expected to walk right up the ramp to the station, but we instead made a hard left into this full queue. Apparently we didn't do the proper amount of research. The little I had read was : If a guest didn't feel like waiting in a long queue, go ride Pirates. Eric and I are here to tell you that yes, there was definitely a wait. Even though this was a surprise, he and I are fine waiting in queues. As usual, the queue appeared much longer than it actually is. </div><div><br></div><div> It was interesting to see the difference in the queue interior. The outside facade here and in Anaheim are replicas. They give the impression you're entering a New Orleans regal home or a gallery. This interior definitely felt like the front area of a house, lined with family portraits, culminating with a staircase that leads to what might be the private living quarters. The attraction itself felt very much the same as the original. Different or not, as it poured rain outside it was a nice get away. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx2z2Yru1POjJecb68NIljc20plE9yjhrgDYtfDdxHf1rUFrPEJIxOspLYVL0KhQbJZHIOmefa61P8aqFxnm29Wh3jrzkFtsZBwsX2Rgm6VqAz94lq9uYYm2EfAgNRWC612r6-Uf67PI/s640/blogger-image--1099144069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx2z2Yru1POjJecb68NIljc20plE9yjhrgDYtfDdxHf1rUFrPEJIxOspLYVL0KhQbJZHIOmefa61P8aqFxnm29Wh3jrzkFtsZBwsX2Rgm6VqAz94lq9uYYm2EfAgNRWC612r6-Uf67PI/s640/blogger-image--1099144069.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Back out in the rain we had an uneasy feeling. We stood in what appeared to be New Orleans Square at "California Disneyland", but it was really Adventureland in Tokyo Disneyland. If that last sentence didn't make sense, I apologize. That's really the only way to describe the feeling of dissonance. Maybe I'm blocking the scenery too much. Here's another photo Eric took without me in it. (Even Blue Bayou is there) I do believe in California we even have those exact potted plants. Anyway, pressing on....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkMY0mJt_IHvp2KZCZp1WKK9sXVGDxhOZyiG0DVJIHvT0i9iHafG7EQs2rrBE40glFJX_WXvwbrAJMwlZdt3Za3yiEAfmYgbm5ZNlWa5nfZ75BOEtvNRZMYD7qd_eMvv6GztY4VuCsDU/s640/blogger-image-1440758063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkMY0mJt_IHvp2KZCZp1WKK9sXVGDxhOZyiG0DVJIHvT0i9iHafG7EQs2rrBE40glFJX_WXvwbrAJMwlZdt3Za3yiEAfmYgbm5ZNlWa5nfZ75BOEtvNRZMYD7qd_eMvv6GztY4VuCsDU/s640/blogger-image-1440758063.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We must not have been too impressed with Adventureland because we didn't take many photos of it. If we thought Fantasyland was just tossed together, to cram in as much as possible, Adventureland stole that title for sure! I recall food stands, an occasional restroom, trees, a few attractions all lumped into a confusing area. They even had a small portion themed to what maybe was the Carribean Islands<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> hit by a typhoon. (It actually looked a lot like WDW's Typhoon Lagoon water park</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Even after that description I gave, I wouldn't say I hated Adventuereland. This land or the odd layout of Fantasyland doesn't at all cause me to say that I dislike this park. All I'm doing is describing what we saw. Now we didn't visit this park with "rose colored lenses". There was something here we didn't care for very much, Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha e Komo Mai!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyGqClOJI5jZh85orV9ATB5bVoDku_lkzPvjvX2qwb85VJs2rgTWM7-Ml5YtosOyXYn-fMnaSgZ0B4nDzE3vgSQBkcB6NlP89W33kslLEXzCZoPgOlp3RgRRolY_H-W2lrgsfPNpZavs/s640/blogger-image--785131090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyGqClOJI5jZh85orV9ATB5bVoDku_lkzPvjvX2qwb85VJs2rgTWM7-Ml5YtosOyXYn-fMnaSgZ0B4nDzE3vgSQBkcB6NlP89W33kslLEXzCZoPgOlp3RgRRolY_H-W2lrgsfPNpZavs/s640/blogger-image--785131090.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If you don't speak Japanese well, I'd say to skip this attraction. I'm sure it is very entertaining to those that know what is going on, but it really was more than a mystery to Eric and myself. We thought, "Well, we have been to a few versions of this attraction, I'm sure we can follow along." We could not. I can still picture Eric and I looking over to each other and shrugging. It was really THE ONLY time in Japan where we felt completely lost. This was our epic "Lost in Translation" moment, not a bad place for ot to occur.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">One of the snacks we had heard about during our research was this mochi dessert below. Each one has its own flavor and could be found in Tomorrowland. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VTjhZIg9W3WWlVdFdH5di-UKcKeEd7Ih7-flxKdHUa-Aj5jj_RvwaH-EaGgnMj-xUWf0hdXpw-iAykI3MnH5TsN-cklwG4W7A-rsqrFtbf6IPjH1mgVTlh_07kZV9w3i5hpv4X6B-uQ/s640/blogger-image--1354756831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VTjhZIg9W3WWlVdFdH5di-UKcKeEd7Ih7-flxKdHUa-Aj5jj_RvwaH-EaGgnMj-xUWf0hdXpw-iAykI3MnH5TsN-cklwG4W7A-rsqrFtbf6IPjH1mgVTlh_07kZV9w3i5hpv4X6B-uQ/s640/blogger-image--1354756831.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They are sold at Pan Galactic Pizza Port, right across from the Star Tours exit. Order on the first floor and grab a seat above. There's a small animatronic show to watch. It's a basic show where an alien appears to be making pizza dough. As we waited to order, I wondered if there is a Tomorrowland that doesn't sell pizza? I know even Paris' version has Pizza Planet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway this snack we wanted comes as in threes. It has a strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate "dumpling" or mochi. They're very good and if you're ever there you have to seek this out. The Vanilla one tasted a little more like custard, so we loved that! It's a rite of passage for those visiting. I say this because every blog I've seen for this park seems to share their experience with this snack! Most people don't like the sticky feeling it has, but Eric and I enjoyed it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJiESaXysUEHpGB14nJEoGpakkBMonHWO4EWY8o0T_bt6H4fVj8GYyvXBNOh8fsnsqTK-AaKNSCwnyLB1JwETo9Phnegta0ETuEr4Yj4WZZPKLb4D1dIvkC-VeLDmXIfx-vPmi-8BCFY/s640/blogger-image-1859281916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJiESaXysUEHpGB14nJEoGpakkBMonHWO4EWY8o0T_bt6H4fVj8GYyvXBNOh8fsnsqTK-AaKNSCwnyLB1JwETo9Phnegta0ETuEr4Yj4WZZPKLb4D1dIvkC-VeLDmXIfx-vPmi-8BCFY/s640/blogger-image-1859281916.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The big moment for a decision had arrived. Should we continue on with visiting attractions.? Or, should se check if the "Happiness is Here Parade" would even happen. There was a break in the rain, but what a gloomy day for parade photos. Still, I had been anxious to see this parade ever since it premiered in 2013. We also had to keep in mind that we might get stuck with a plain "rainy day cavalcade". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We all can find out the outcome next time!! But first, let's see one last shot as Eric poses the question, "Why is the Star Tours exit, this bridge, more elaborate than the entrance to it?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i3ycjSEBzYaa1FwYzUNo1dyuZdqqYxGo7LUUFEXrq6FvLUpWrr8awWhGsSJV7ME6-rUzb_lJ948RC-uTc-VTDg8LiZmEGHbvmbcS1T7F34mwLDEHNqCOpgCqd0b9qPUwC8khI6oCZ_g/s640/blogger-image--1160597782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i3ycjSEBzYaa1FwYzUNo1dyuZdqqYxGo7LUUFEXrq6FvLUpWrr8awWhGsSJV7ME6-rUzb_lJ948RC-uTc-VTDg8LiZmEGHbvmbcS1T7F34mwLDEHNqCOpgCqd0b9qPUwC8khI6oCZ_g/s640/blogger-image--1160597782.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-80474658946935667432014-11-25T12:56:00.002-08:002014-11-25T20:40:40.477-08:00Surviving Tokyo Disneyland in the RainUpon exiting the Winnie the Pooh attraction ones nose is bombarded with the sweet smell of honey! I can't say that either myself nor Eric are fans of honey, but after that ride it smells so nice. The parks have various popcorn flavors and it is fitting that the "Honey" cart is near Pooh's Hunny Hunt.<br>
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Something else we quickly notice about this Fantasyland is that it resembles the Disney Wold version (prior to the remodel). The Hunny Hunt theme ends as quickly as it begins. As we head to Space Mountain, we notice a few things we didn't see as we ran here. Without any sort of transition Mickey's Toontown exists in an open area, free of borders. Unlike Disneyland, there isn't anything that separates Fantasyland, or its other neighbor Tomorrowland, from its little corner. And, the parade route passes right through it!</div>
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As we continue to Space Mountain, I almost feel like I'm back in Florida. I had mentioned that Fantasyland felt VERY Florida-esque, so did this walkway through Tomorrowland. Even the planters are laid out the same. I regret it now, but I should have taken a photo of this to illustrate my point. The Autopia is right across from their version of Tomorrowland Terrace. I was expecting these types of moments, but when they happen, your mind starts to think you're somewhere else. This will sound like an odd thing to notice, but even the restrooms are in the same spot as Florida's version.</div>
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When we reached the Space queue, it was posted at 30 minutes. Who doesn't have 30 minutes to wait for Space Mountain? I couldn't tell if the area walkways were busy or if it was calming down from the "morning race". We still had hope that the rain would keep people away. When we saw only one group awaiting the show "One Man's Dream", it appeared that we might get our wish. </div>
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They're the first in line. Good on them!</div>
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These folks here are dashing to and fro!</div>
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I was more than excited to take the speed ramp up to the Space Mountain concourse. As a kid we had this ramp over at Disneyland in California, but I never rode it at that time. I was too young/scared. </div>
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This version of Space Mountain seemed to lean toward an electronic theme. The colors were various greens and a few deep blues. We didn't have onboard audio as we road, but as we went up the two lifts, sound effects played. And, as we moved through the lifts we saw a type of circuit board grid on the walls (possibly a blacklight effect). It was a fun change from what we are used to seeing. The track is the exact same one we have in Anaheim. That didn't matter to us because we never tire of riding it. It's nice to have these subtle changes. My observation of the main "domed" area was that it was much darker and had no planet projections. Only the small pinhole type lights were shinning through giving the starfield effect. This would be the only time we rode this and it's too bad we didn't ride again. </div>
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We now were getting closer to our Monsters Inc fast pass return time, but not close enough. Eric suggested we take a quick lap to see more of Fantasyland and grab a Haunted Mansion fast pass. When our return window for Monsters arrived, we'd be allowed to get our second fast pass. I was very curious to see Haunted Mansion in its odd location, across from Dumbo. </div>
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You can see the top of Haunted Mansion in the background. </div>
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As mentioned a little bit ago, we saw more evidence that Tokyo's Fantasyland was crammed together. It wasn't ugly, but the attraction placement seems odd. Eric didn't feel this area was very pretty, but we were happy to see the difference. The Oriental Land Company, the business that runs these parks, announced huge changes to this area, so we were lucky to see some would consider "the before". The favorite nook of ours is right behind the castle. They have these cute trees lining the walkway that leads one from the drawbridge toward the carousel. An added touch at this Disneyland we find a Halloween decorated Fantasyland. Eric and I have never seen that area decorated for a holiday. </div>
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The clock was approaching 10 AM. We had so far only seen Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and the entrance area of the World Bazaar. We still hadn't had that usual "castle moment" everyone sees when they walk into the p[ark from the Main Entrance. Remember, we made that hard right turn for our fast pass pick up. </div>
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We were always told that obtaining the Monsters fast pass was a must do for Tokyo Disneyland. I have to admit that although I enjoy the attraction of the same name here in California, I at first didn't understand the big deal for Tokyo. After seeing the show building in person I was already getting a little excited. The folks that run this place already set the bar high with the exterior design. The impressive interior is no stranger to the internet. The height of this lobby's ceiling was phenomenal. At the reception desk they even had a waste basket with paperwork crumbled. On that paper we could see text pertaining to the business, Monsters Inc. </div>
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The loading area was very bright and the Cast Member's outfits are so cute! It's a basic two toned jumpsuit with a blue beret. Eric and I love the use of the costume accessories because they really add the special touch. We don't have a photo of it, but they are seen on the youtube videos I have posted. I don't know why I was so embarrassed to ask if Eric or I could take a photo with them. However; we do have a Toontown photo with a Cast Member to share on a later post. </div>
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For this attraction they were very serious about cameras needing to be put away. Once we saw how quickly the vehicles spun us around, the reason is quite clear as to why that rule is enforced. As Eric and I walked over to our assigned row I was finishing up a tweet or text. A Cast Member bounced over and told me right away to put my iPhone away. "No photos!" He was nice about it, but i was surprised that it was almost as though he waited for me to do it. </div>
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The ride itself followed the movie's storyline, as the one in California does, but it really bumped up the standard. We see the one eyed Mike Wazowski just as frantic about having a human child in Monstroplolis and James P. Sullivan trying to stay level headed. Boo has gotten away from her pals, but only because she wants to play "Hide n Seek". When Boo giggles or cries out in excitement all the electrical posts around he practically sizzle with overloaded circuits. I absolutely loved that addition to this attraction! </div>
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Our ride vehicles were equipped with flashlights that would activate different sensors. Those sensors appeared as hardhats, with the Monsters Inc logo. I believe we were to use them to find Boo and other hidden Monsters. We shine the light onto the hardhat, set off flashing sensors and hear bells ring! If we find Boo in a hiding place, the bell rings, she pops out, and lets out a huge laugh which overloads the surrounding circuits. As all this is going on the soundtrack is playing, other various noises from the city are heard, the vehicles whip you to and fro, character dialogue is heard, and guests laughter fills the room...let's say there was a lot going on. This attraction is total sensory overload. </div>
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We of course find Boo and then she has to head back home. Just like in California's version, we are then debriefed by everyone's favorite cranky lady, Roz. She sounds just as annoyed with us in Japanese! So the morning dash to grab this fast pass was definitely worth the effort, especially since the queue was at now nearing 2.5 hours. </div>
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Looking away from the castle toward the main entrance.<br>
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It was now around 10:15 AM and our Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare fast pass window was rolling around. We really felt like it was later because so much had gone on since we woke up at 5:30 AM. The rain was back again, but what are we gonna do? I would say what made it disappointing was that we weren't able to take as many photos with our new camera. We bought it specifically for this trip, but we didn't want it to get wet. Most of the photos of our morning are from the iPhone 6. </div>
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When it comes to Haunted Mansion exterior, we have a few decent photos on the new camera from our Day 2 at Disneyland. Since we used fast pass the both times we rode, we didn't get any queue photos. From what I could see, because you really do bypass it to the point that you don't see it, the queue appeared interesting. A fun change is that although the structure is the same as Florida's, the building is not left in pristine condition. The windows are broken and shutters are near the point where they would detach completely.</div>
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The "maids" that work the attraction really have a persona that can be summed up with the phrase: "Dude, I've seen shit...and I don't wanna see it again." It's almost as if all of them don't want to look up in fear of seeing another ghost, a ghost that scared them a little too much. Their long black hair drapes down and frames their faces and they move about cautiously and quietly. We were all waved toward the circular gallery, but that Cast Member didn't join us. She stood motionless, while keeping her gaze down, and the double doors slid shut. Ok! That was already creepy! I think our advice to other Mansion Cast Members around the world would definitely be "Less IS More"! Rather than trying to BE the show, just be apart of the well thought out show already in place.</div>
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The vehicle ride path was laid out just like the one in Florida's Magic Kingdom. It was nice to see that right at the start we were greeted by both Jack Skellington and Sally. Eric and I were huge fans of the stronger presence of these characters. Back home we see Sally once, at the very end. In Tokyo we see her in about three different scenes. That might not sound like a huge difference, but it really adds to the experience. A favorite room of mine is the library where the ghost dog Zero is decorating a Christmas tree. The tree spins and he's applying some shiny garland to it.</div>
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Eric was quick to point out that in the graveyard scene, the ghosts are a lot brighter. The ghosts in Japan must have a stronger connection from the supernatural world? I think when it came to that detail, I prefer the ghosts back home. In the American parks, the ghosts in the graveyard appear to be a little more "see through" than those found in Japan.</div>
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Again, at the unload area the Cast Members are addressing the guests as minimally as possible. A subtle gesture saying "Please get out" is our cue to hop out and be on our way.</div>
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We were very much surprised as Eric and I stepped out of the building the parade was passing right in front of us. The parade step off is adjacent to the attraction's exit. I had heard that a "rainy day" cavalcade would replace the usual parade that takes place. Apparently in Tokyo it meant the parade would go on, but everyone would wear rain gear ponchos. However; the dancers that travel with the floats were cut.</div>
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It was our intention to try watching The Happy Harvest parade in two days time, when there would be a sunny day. But, Eric and I couldn't step away from this. The music was catchy and the costumes were all so cute! Winnie the Pooh as a bumble bee was oh so adorable! I think someone as huge as Mickey Mouse was up a little too high. He's the main man and they have him perched up on top of a huge pumpkin. I would prefer him a little lower. But, as I keep saying, the designers of this parade really know how to get everyone's favorite word "Kawaii" (cute) to be said over and over again. </div>
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The cuteness will continue to grow as we progress further into our day. It was now a little after 11 AM and hunger was beckoning us to eat. Right across from where we watched the parade is the Queen of Heart's Banquet Hall. Ever since I was a kid I have been a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland, the film. So, eating at this restaurant was a must do on our list. I know Eric was also wanting to eat there and he was just as hungry as I was. When we continue next time, unless you cheat by googling photos on your own, you'll get to see how fun it was inside!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-73150054566863629232014-11-19T09:04:00.001-08:002014-11-19T09:04:28.482-08:00Our Tokyo Disneyland VideoHere we enter Disneyland for the first time, in Tokyo. Eric and I do what we can to get our first fast pass!! Watch :-)<div><br></div><div><a href="http://youtu.be/MR8tzqmPLB4">http://youtu.be/MR8tzqmPLB4</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-25510087011741662612014-11-18T14:39:00.000-08:002014-11-26T13:32:06.490-08:00It's Tokyo Disneyland! Run!Ohayo Gozaimasu!!<br>
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Our neighborhood. </div>
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Eric and I woke up at 5:30 AM to get ready, grab a snack, and then catch our flashy pink bus to Disneyland. We had a better routine down for our second full day. The stress level that I felt was pretty much nonexistent. The day before I was a nervous mess. It was close to 6:20 and the bus was to leave at 6:49. We had about a five minute walk to the bus station. There was already a very small queue when arrived to the station. Right from this moment, we could see that everyone was bringing their "A Game" to Disneyland. Other than a few guys holding their popcorn buckets, I didn't see anyone in a costume.</div>
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First donut of the trip!</div>
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When Eric and I arrived at the bus drop off area at the resort, I felt an odd feeling in my stomach. No, this doesn't change to a story where I catch a stomach flu. This was the moment where my excitement was hitting me hard! I knew that DisneySea would be amazing like nothing else, and it was. But, I was extremely curious to see this version of Disneyland. </div>
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I had seen many photos or vlogs where people are waiting to enter hours before opening. I was very excited to wait in this crowd. We reached the main gate at about 7:10 AM and the park would open at 8:30 AM. There were approximately five groups ahead of us. I still didn't have my jacket on, but those clouds were going from patchy white to a solid gray. Right around 8 AM we began to see Mickey and the gang come out to greet the crowd. Everyone went mad for them! Unfortunately it was around that time a light sprinkle began to fall, so they cut their set short. But, since Eric and I spent at least a week searching for the perfect umbrella, oversized, we were ready. </div>
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We were relieved that when we were minutes away from the turnstiles being opened the rain stopped. Knowing what was coming I made a quick note to run flat footed, to not slip. Yes I said run. Just like the day before we would dash into Disneyland, but this time be a little more aggressive. We wouldn't be heading to some attraction that everyone had "been there done that". Eric and I would be joining the crowd, heading to Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek! </div>
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Eric popped through the turnstile first, then myself. Both us received a lovely "Irashai!" (Welcome!) from the Cast! We knew exactly where we were going. It's almost a shame to head in with such madness because their entry is very different than other versions of Disneyland. One must take in the sight quickly! </div>
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You can watch our entry video too :-) <a href="http://youtu.be/MR8tzqmPLB4" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/MR8tzqmPLB4</a></div>
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As if we were on a treasure hunt with golden prizes, we jogged our way through the World Bazzar (their Main St. USA). We made an abrupt right turn at the first opening that led to Tomorrowland. The odd or surprising thing about this nook of "bizarre Main St" is that it's pseudo Art Deco in design. </div>
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Although we thought those design decisions were out of place, we had to refocus back to Monsters Inc and the fast pass machines. The queue for the machines weren't bad at all. I've seen photos of the Toy Story fast pass queue at DisneySea having its own switch back! Crazy! This one was about eight people deep per machine. These fast pass machines are so cute in that they make a little growl or laugh when printing. </div>
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Now that we had those passes, it was time for Chariots of Fire running toward Pooh's Hunny Hunt. Shrines, temples, kimonos......NO!!!! We were in Japan for Pooh's Hunny Hunt! We were gonna get on that attraction!!! <taking a few breaths></div>
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Let's continue on shall we? At this point Eric and I are running like the wind toward the castle. I have to mention that the stretch between Monsters Inc and the castle is quite lengthy. Having a lot of running experience, Eric and I were just fine. There was one thing that slowed us down. It wasn't even the Cast Members with signs stating : Do Not Run. It was this lady giving it all she had as she too ran toward Fantasyland. She was clogging along in her heels and no one was going to stop her! Bless her little excited heart! </div>
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Running LoLita</div>
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We rounded our last corner and we could see the mini forest of trees surrounding Pooh's Hunny Hunt. That was the moment where Eric and I locked eyes. We each had that "Oh yea, this is happening!" smile on our face. As we neared the entrance, we could hear the Cast Member announcing how short the queue was. At this time, it was at 15 minutes. </div>
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The path for the queue wound its way through a small forest and an English garden. This experience has been showcased in so many places online, but seeing it is unreal. It was really one of those moments where we weren't sure if we could ride again, so there we were burning it into our minds.<br>
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I think the better half of the queue is the outdoor area with the garden. The garden feels a lot like a backyard to a home, like the reality of Christopher Robin. Once you step into the building we briefly see an area where Christopher Robin stores his play things. It's a very cute area and very believable too. The whimsy of this experience is just around the corner. </div>
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Soon after, we transition into a large book and zig zag through the pages of Winnie the Pooh. This area resembles what we have seen in the Florida version of the queue, large pages telling the story of the 100 Acre Woods. Along one of the larger pages, a sort of mural, is the loading area full of honey pots, our ride vehicles. In the world of Pooh, it is spelled "hunny". (Parents : If your child grows up spelling "house" as "howse", you'll know why)<br>
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We saw at least 5 Cast Members in the boarding area. They efficiently loaded us into our vehicles and we were on our way. Our "pot" and two others advanced up to an area for lap bar checks, There were another 3 Cast Members here! The Tokyo parks really "cover all their bases". After a few bows from the Cast Members we were whisked away into the attraction.<br>
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The other two hunny pots and ourselves witness Christopher Robin give Winnie the Pooh a balloon and Pooh floats away. But, we don't lose sight of the silly old bear because we are all thrust into the forest. A windy day it must be because the breeze blowing throughout is quite strong! And who flies above us? It's Pooh bear, holding onto the balloon he was just given. It was here we begin to witness the technology of this attraction. The other hunny pots in our group break away from us and move about the room on their own. There is not a track.</div>
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We all get to see various vignettes of Pooh's friends dealing with this blustery day. Meanwhile, Pooh keeps flying about the trees and interacting with his friends. One of the best parts is when he glides past Eeyore and knocks down his house. "Double meanwhile", I can look around the huge room and see the other vehicles experiencing something different. I wish to see more and i try to look in all directions at once! But as the next set of vehicles join us, our three vehicles come back together and head toward Tigger. In Japanese, Tigger beckons us to join him deeper into the forest.</div>
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So much is going on that Eric and I are laughing and pointing. One problem is that it is all happening a little too quickly. The next area has all of our vehicles bouncing along with the more than excited Tigger. The trees bounce and our vehicles bounce! It was hard to tell if the floor was mobbing too. How does this happen. Online this area definitely looks impressive, no dispute there. But, seeing it happen all around you leaves you speechless. For a brief moment Eric and I lock eyes again and we know we can't believe it.<br>
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More scenes take our breath away as we even join 6 other vehicles in Pooh's dream of Heffalumps and Woozles. How does someone begin to explain this? It's a sensory overloaded room filled with nonsensical hybrids of bees and elephants. While these characters exist in this dream, we spin about the area while visiting them in their respective vignettes. There is even one hunny pot filled with Heffalumps spinning about the room. What's also great about this scene is you experience different perspectives each time!<br>
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After it is all over and we return to the station, we exit while trying to stay present. The whirlwind we just experienced clouded our minds momentarily.<br>
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I wonder to myself, "Do I recall how to walk? ....Yes. Yes I do.....Woozles! .....Heffalumps!!! ...Right. left. Right. Left.....BOUNCE LIKE TIGGER!!!!.....Go through the door and out the exit.....hunny.......hunny.........."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-84350988310246054482014-11-09T19:52:00.002-08:002014-11-09T21:37:18.916-08:00From Mermaid tails to Storm Tracking at DisneySeaAs I had said, the Cast Members at Magellan's were very welcoming. So many bloggers suggested we grab that important reservation, but it didn't seem all that busy. We were given the suggestion by friends that we don't try to sit in the " secret wine cellar". There is a small, hidden dining room that some fans enjoy eating in. The Cast Member or the guest will push a "secret" button on the wall, part the Egg-and-Dart door frame carving. Then like something out of Star Trek, the door slides open.<br>
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Well, Eric and I wouldn't be eating there. I'm told that after the excitement of entering the room, it's a too quiet and too secluded experience. But, maybe you will be on a hot date and want the privacy and quite time? Although on a hot date, Eric and I wanted the full experience and would be in a main area. </div>
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In the past I've written about not really being a foodie or food blogger, but since we had a good time here I want to share. Eric was telling me that this location is connected to the "SEA" (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) part of the full name DISNEYSEA. This restaurant is the meeting place for those that travel the world. Magellan himself was a member, as well as the tower's owner Harrison Hightower, and rumored that even Indiana Jones is too. But, that's just a rumor. </div>
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We each ordered our own appetizer, which were nice starters to our meal. It was relaxing to slow down after our busy morning. Eric and I were very keen on finding those moments where we could enjoy some ambience before we get back to our "go go go" mentality. </div>
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The two of us ordered from the lunch set. (They use the word "set" everywhere there...not combo or pri fixe) The server was very big on up selling us the whole Free Refills aspect of their lunch. Eric joked that the Americans must usually be all about getting re-fills on soft drinks. In Japan I'd say re-fills are definitely needed, but rarely offered. The cup sizes are comparable to ordering juice at a restaurant. You're handed what resembles a shot glass sized serving of soda. We have a few fun photos with the shocking sizes of the drinks in Japan. I'm sure this along with the insane amount of walking contributed to me actually losing five pounds during this vacation. How could I have lost when eating something as lovely as this crème brûlée?<br>
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I can't rave about how sweet the Cast Members are. They were also excited when it was time to pay and we handed the server our Disney ID. She had a few questions for us regarding Disneyland at home. I feel silly not committing her name to memory. Although a small gesture, she gave us cute stickers with a little message. </div>
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It was now nearly time for our Raging Spirits fast pass. This coaster is similar to the Disneyland Paris Indiana Jones coaster. I'm sure someone out there in the internet universe can confirm if it is the same track. The facade for this is very creative. I'm not sure how they have burning fire with also water cascading over it. Again, I'm sure the explanation is out there, but for this I don't want to know.<br>
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The Cast here kept up the momentum of themed service. Throughout their spieling, the attraction Cast Members would sneak in a few Spanish words. It made us giggle because it was just so cute. Here and at other rides, the crew was always proactive in making sure we took off our backpacks prior to entering the vehicle. In Japanese it was explained we would get in the vehicle, store all items securely and the quickly pull down lap bars. The Cast Member would also pantomime this as it was said. One person was stationed for this act alone.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The track zigzags a few times, small drops, and there's a fun 360 degree loop thrown in near the end. I'm not sure if any cool lighting effects are triggered at night, but I think the structure itself was sufficient. Not all the attractions can be a large "E-Ticket" attraction. So, if you read elsewhere that this ride is awful, remember to try it out yourself. Just use the fast pass system. </div>
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Seen above are examples of the grandeur and back alleys of the Arabian Coast area. The large palace type structures are surrounded with music fit for a sultan! Overwhelming orchestrations can be heard throughout the courtyard, like something from Scheherazade . It really does fit in with the impressive structures of the palace. Even the carousel is two stories tall! Neither Eric nor myself had ridden a double decker carousel before. As it turns out, it just feels like a single leveled one because you can't see the other level as you ride. Go figure <shrugs>.</div>
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There appears to be a "large" soda here....and a double deckered carousel.<br>
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As a contrast, the marketplace and alleys have music found in rural areas of storybook Arabia. In this area merchants sell their wares (popcorn and drinks) and camels take long breaks in the shade. Eric wondered if many people notice these differences in the audio here. The music of this section sounds very rustic and gypsy-like. It is in this poorer area where we find the attraction themed to a humble traveller, Sinbad. </div>
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Eric and I had heard mixed reviews about this attraction. I had seen photos and clips of this little boat adventure that really didn't impress. I was just glad to sit. Still, the Cast Members performed amazingly. A female Cast Member recited the safety spiel with such animation that I would've thought she was an animatronic! </div>
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We were sent on our voyage and the crew of four happily waved good bye. Once that ride began Eric and I were sold! There was something to look at in each corner. This attraction, like the rest, was being sung in Japanese. The song was a melody that would be repeated throughout the voyage, like "it's a small world". In this first show room, it was huge, we were very much taking in the massive scenery. Eric and I quietly discussed to ourselves that it seemed Sinbad was leaving on a journey, but we weren't sure why. The belly dancing figures distracted us because they had more movemeant than I'd seen from an animatronic in a long time. And, we weren't all the certain as to why the elderly wizard guy was angry about it. The song's melody hadn't quite sunk in yet. That may sound like an odd point for me to add here, but I have a reason. </div>
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So as we glided down that waterway, Sinbad's Storybook Voyage was possessing us with its charm! Eric and I quite literally fell in love with everything about this. We got to a scene where Sinbad was out on the ocean, being serenaded by mermaids with green and blue hair, and that's when it happened. By now, Eric and I stopped our whispers. There was a misty rain falling on us (you heard me!) and the music suddenly overtook everything! It's a score written by Alan Manken (Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback, and Little Mermaid) so it wasn't a surprise that we also fell in love with this soundtrack called "Compass of the Heart". There is a core melody used and the lyrics change according to the scene your floating past.<br>
<br><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We visit many exotic lands with Sinband, even a very odd island full of percussion enthused monkeys. (Yes they dance and play the drums) We knew the end was near because Sinbad made it back home, which looked like the opening scene. Fireworks welcomed him/us back as he shared his found treasures with the village. Of course a celebration wouldn't be complete without more belly dancing! </span>
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Why do I get the sense that no one reading this believes me? The ride is a winner! Maybe part of it came from my low expectations? Sinbad's little friend Chandu is also the star of this boat ride. He is so cute as he helps Sinbad during his quest. I had to buy the plush they sell in the marketplace! Even a friend from home wanted me to bring one home for her.</div>
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A place we had yet to visit was staring at us for almost half a day. It rises high into the air and is a beacon for someone like Eric and myself. At the innocent age of 8 years old, I sat in a theater with my brother and watched Ariel swim under the sea. So, seeing Triton's palace here at DisneySea was something eric and I both looked forward to for a long time. As we ventured away from Arabian Coast, curry popcorn in hand, the graceful spires welcomed us from across the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU0t0EhFj1WNqQ-n0clBQqWFHVu0DyVBYBXIXrs11P1YeYBPmBgCow-uifSKdbk80IJVGEC2sNU6OoBhky0_k2ZmcpefX6eV1AeocbTO9QYMfJV6L2oHz2d8mbIN4nxyJ6B2Np2jkI3w/s640/blogger-image-574629272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU0t0EhFj1WNqQ-n0clBQqWFHVu0DyVBYBXIXrs11P1YeYBPmBgCow-uifSKdbk80IJVGEC2sNU6OoBhky0_k2ZmcpefX6eV1AeocbTO9QYMfJV6L2oHz2d8mbIN4nxyJ6B2Np2jkI3w/s640/blogger-image-574629272.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now this structure has sat here for just over 13 years, but seeing it up close was special to us and any "first timer" to the park. The detail that reveals itself is something that we weren't expecting. But why was it a surprise? We should've know there was something that caused it to sparkle.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1t1P4Ch8YVyPHX28WhKhN2s34Z6P3TYW0bWbpjGjEjp8XqN4sevKOUgkJNlF20LfBxqhkUaL_pI2La_Ug8B4B9K9aDGy54_LkEXcuZHrwRHl8i_DzAdBht2sS1sZMfUjswRRSdyo16U/s640/blogger-image--2033922635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1t1P4Ch8YVyPHX28WhKhN2s34Z6P3TYW0bWbpjGjEjp8XqN4sevKOUgkJNlF20LfBxqhkUaL_pI2La_Ug8B4B9K9aDGy54_LkEXcuZHrwRHl8i_DzAdBht2sS1sZMfUjswRRSdyo16U/s640/blogger-image--2033922635.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DSFtRpB7VT3AB9AlAt-tfZjYYUIvChxTP7TOBeo01qD9ENLQ0Z7RBtqbfaxOJCGL-PzWE5kOcqInaEhHMyHqdYTNs_KEDboSBviZ5_l0P5Dl3NoVK9q3EchgxWpOxz1NQgsJYqrAHxE/s640/blogger-image--862348097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DSFtRpB7VT3AB9AlAt-tfZjYYUIvChxTP7TOBeo01qD9ENLQ0Z7RBtqbfaxOJCGL-PzWE5kOcqInaEhHMyHqdYTNs_KEDboSBviZ5_l0P5Dl3NoVK9q3EchgxWpOxz1NQgsJYqrAHxE/s640/blogger-image--862348097.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ2WAgGpEM4zCD1xi_eL-0866pdz1Qp368fsFqBfouaQHiMHL_7uUShfiE4SCshLTy3uede9SK1vv83ZVDIsqgBjLY0f6K1PwONKyR7oNcl0631yEhAXgqnU9tfpV9tnOhoF7U2yS0TA/s640/blogger-image--135658652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ2WAgGpEM4zCD1xi_eL-0866pdz1Qp368fsFqBfouaQHiMHL_7uUShfiE4SCshLTy3uede9SK1vv83ZVDIsqgBjLY0f6K1PwONKyR7oNcl0631yEhAXgqnU9tfpV9tnOhoF7U2yS0TA/s640/blogger-image--135658652.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">For our first trip into Triton's Kingdom we didn't experience any of the attractions available. We were happy to wander through the underwater landscape and get lost in the grottos. The Caribbean waters must have mixed in with this current because it was quite warm in there. There were a few times that we actually felt blasts of warm wind coming at us. The Japanese sure have a different idea of what climate control is. Although warned of this by friends, we kept getting surprised to experience this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgAriN3uijtewrvp6FU1vEA-B7Y5k44xFRwScs822HVa2IG1myYspVt9wX3BU9fl8dINrl3DcKK7fm8R3HhsZZkadNtP57yQna9c0JrWDcBaJph5B_Fe00J7O7QicrNitmdc3jie-8F4/s640/blogger-image-1176001299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgAriN3uijtewrvp6FU1vEA-B7Y5k44xFRwScs822HVa2IG1myYspVt9wX3BU9fl8dINrl3DcKK7fm8R3HhsZZkadNtP57yQna9c0JrWDcBaJph5B_Fe00J7O7QicrNitmdc3jie-8F4/s640/blogger-image-1176001299.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Besides the attractions that seem to mirror A Bug's Land in California, there are paths to explore. We even came upon Ursula's lair. As they should be, children were scattered all over so it made it difficult to photograph. Something that was hard to find was Ariel's Grotto. We had seen photos online of it and we just had to get that "What's the word?...BURN!" photo for ourselves. Or, maybe take our own version of "This is all so sudden" with the Prince Eric statue. Here it all was. Another small part of our childhood come to life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb08lqd3IqbGPxRQ_fB_CbKiSE9pAfY4xLok15dZDX9vJDS8n-gLqOtPwfOMOFFpyIFFSaRjrltMlFb1RKYGyUoJdjBOEuE-3X139leBDPfUtumliNGFAUEfGuqxcxvq-Cr3PUnKVFGU/s640/blogger-image-1414816906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb08lqd3IqbGPxRQ_fB_CbKiSE9pAfY4xLok15dZDX9vJDS8n-gLqOtPwfOMOFFpyIFFSaRjrltMlFb1RKYGyUoJdjBOEuE-3X139leBDPfUtumliNGFAUEfGuqxcxvq-Cr3PUnKVFGU/s640/blogger-image-1414816906.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The time to change the clocks back hour was a few weeks out, but it still got dark there around 5 PM. We knew that once the lights came on and the sun dropped away we would see the park aglow. Another night event at this park would be a performance of Fantasmic. Eric and I had experienced a lot on this day so we were willing to wait at least an hour for the show. </div>
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Since it was now about 6 PM, hunger was creeping on us again. Fantasmic would happen at 8 PM. We strolled back to the Mediterranean area to see what food was found there. By the time we made it back to this area we were more than hungry! I think we had forgotten that we ate about six hours ago, unless you add in the curry popcorn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgbQH2gAhMi4oU-U2y9CmfSgvtZIDxogl32eyZCOCR0ScDb6gIvQ2UlXffZoJ5EiyLi0aEkwRQi6zNaUxzi7tIK7auH_hgMZfg9G4rXcUlykeYuDUG_nIH98Vr1GPE8kfVf2Y5GjpVPg/s640/blogger-image-2132816262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgbQH2gAhMi4oU-U2y9CmfSgvtZIDxogl32eyZCOCR0ScDb6gIvQ2UlXffZoJ5EiyLi0aEkwRQi6zNaUxzi7tIK7auH_hgMZfg9G4rXcUlykeYuDUG_nIH98Vr1GPE8kfVf2Y5GjpVPg/s640/blogger-image-2132816262.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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When we came to the restaurant serving fast food pizza we were more than okay with that! Our mozzarella/tomato pizzas were very good and hit the spot! Eric and I were also fine with taking a few moments to recharge and talk about what we had seen. We still couldn't believe that any of this was happening. Here we were. It was an evening in Japan all while our families and friends at home were asleep, close to waking for the day we were ending. It's a very simple explanation, but also mind blowing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52UvbNF6gI47-xqHy_ssh_jCZhfIknVMuTzrBYpbY15GgpxkaE303l8Jix87UPxoaIvxvsGD3JxtKjD2RfnOjjEMwznZVBLBzaNOauXhdVjFT7Ou4CgdAZLOJN9Z01AAMw8qdRg8NJAw/s640/blogger-image--710751538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52UvbNF6gI47-xqHy_ssh_jCZhfIknVMuTzrBYpbY15GgpxkaE303l8Jix87UPxoaIvxvsGD3JxtKjD2RfnOjjEMwznZVBLBzaNOauXhdVjFT7Ou4CgdAZLOJN9Z01AAMw8qdRg8NJAw/s640/blogger-image--710751538.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jjv02OvztI8VINB_OwZbVobcG7UVEXoa0uGUhyQPPabOsZhyphenhyphenLU04SdCFOOpXbAfYTL20gKtmCh6FVWnmwPqt0K4J1ddzaXEA_VpRDQmj26ddVqStpH_Xviu2CN0HU_u_J2U1P80txCQ/s640/blogger-image--432744752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jjv02OvztI8VINB_OwZbVobcG7UVEXoa0uGUhyQPPabOsZhyphenhyphenLU04SdCFOOpXbAfYTL20gKtmCh6FVWnmwPqt0K4J1ddzaXEA_VpRDQmj26ddVqStpH_Xviu2CN0HU_u_J2U1P80txCQ/s640/blogger-image--432744752.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was exactly 7 PM and there was an area in Mediterranean Harbor that had no one waiting for the show. We weren't about to let front row spots go to waste. Eric also did a little wandering as I held his spot. He even came across the area with the Venetian canals. I had completely forgotten about it and was surprised there was even more to see! Eric was excited to find the Duffy and Gelatoni pumpkins. I can't express enough how cute their decor and merchandise are!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDAAGD5pCWvqs2oh26whUefYfSSpSHeXLkOMGXPImFLZD6_rWzTxgrtDzS0q4KUfbVaMIcFCd0QJ5LuMFsMkhiERImbKaeZv8hegOnt5EF5zX1oVh3oojdmVM6nbIwJbzYXXvLZ2QJU/s640/blogger-image-1645882304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDAAGD5pCWvqs2oh26whUefYfSSpSHeXLkOMGXPImFLZD6_rWzTxgrtDzS0q4KUfbVaMIcFCd0QJ5LuMFsMkhiERImbKaeZv8hegOnt5EF5zX1oVh3oojdmVM6nbIwJbzYXXvLZ2QJU/s640/blogger-image-1645882304.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFC7y7t0Ju7RpM7bNOFLqKBMH45YGnjBYQcumrNaQUNcaiGNjGXtX0RcO69KYyPiBO-o5XeXpxVdqtOrRGJPpxpo82W-rmKDb4IC7Py1tU1gZnXZbTzzdeKawcqTjgRseCHdqsCI8i98/s640/blogger-image--1170610463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFC7y7t0Ju7RpM7bNOFLqKBMH45YGnjBYQcumrNaQUNcaiGNjGXtX0RcO69KYyPiBO-o5XeXpxVdqtOrRGJPpxpo82W-rmKDb4IC7Py1tU1gZnXZbTzzdeKawcqTjgRseCHdqsCI8i98/s640/blogger-image--1170610463.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">According to announcements, it was windy that night. The Fantasmic pyro was cut to a minimum. Maybe it was because of this that the show seemed to lack a little pixie dust. Eric feels that the show is presented a little more like World of Color than the original Fantasmic. A lot of it was projected onto large LED screens shaped into a cone. It was a great effect to see these screens represent the famous Sorcerer's hat. Eric and I both agree that this should be viewed as a show having a familiar name, but expect something different. I don't say that as a complaint at all because when people oddly ask, "Why would you go to Disneyland in Japan when you go in California?", this is why.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQaC6D9Yh1Q2Hed-P1C7DGyBRZROMbS16LZ_maR43OsisBFd-CfzOWqhZFrriUPi_qERuFT4a5xrk0bmR6AYfzAKSBlfeU7GUPIbfFjX08i2mTEMCLhq_seG_T1baotCv4x2LCsG4EfM/s640/blogger-image--972565627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQaC6D9Yh1Q2Hed-P1C7DGyBRZROMbS16LZ_maR43OsisBFd-CfzOWqhZFrriUPi_qERuFT4a5xrk0bmR6AYfzAKSBlfeU7GUPIbfFjX08i2mTEMCLhq_seG_T1baotCv4x2LCsG4EfM/s640/blogger-image--972565627.jpg"></a></div> </span></div>
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After the show's big finish we rode the DisneySea Electric Railway to Port Discovery. It's an elevated track where you ride a trolley looking train. We knew this would take us to the back of the park where we could ride StormRider. I've read a lot of hate online towards StormRider. This is where our pal Miley worked. I'm here to tell you that if you leave your brain at the door it's a great adventure! The concept is that we will ride into a storm and fire a sort of bomb into the storm's eye to destroy it. Crazy right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPx0uehlulzPUSlgi0WDKYJrW73maBC3ymGcs-eM0N14oI5uQ9zsO2T_ZtmBDzCsC3rZnuw9Jqs0-BVz1m238DZfky7dWzufomiNZ0bcm2J2_LNoavTHUMEQdy7B1Ia0mj-JspOWVNhc/s640/blogger-image--1543647605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPx0uehlulzPUSlgi0WDKYJrW73maBC3ymGcs-eM0N14oI5uQ9zsO2T_ZtmBDzCsC3rZnuw9Jqs0-BVz1m238DZfky7dWzufomiNZ0bcm2J2_LNoavTHUMEQdy7B1Ia0mj-JspOWVNhc/s640/blogger-image--1543647605.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When we enter the elaborate staging area we watch a very animated Cast Member explain to us the whole idea. She takes this extremely seriously. There is a water tank with a large whirlpool in it, representing a tornado I guessed. The rocket is fired at this contraption and voila!...... the whirlpool vanishes. Everyone claps and cheers. The whole thing felt like a Tony Stark presentation from Iron man.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJRGNjvgPB9DR6y9svxDyamF_9LU8p8qa-OAZVFevmamZajKY37Q84pLtGOHu-7p__g8cIF6QGlF_ha_do2LcwhU-TOKMu4ZBoYj18c2e6K6uZjam8XjLt73kbT57uFet8FCREgPrETI/s640/blogger-image--805507331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJRGNjvgPB9DR6y9svxDyamF_9LU8p8qa-OAZVFevmamZajKY37Q84pLtGOHu-7p__g8cIF6QGlF_ha_do2LcwhU-TOKMu4ZBoYj18c2e6K6uZjam8XjLt73kbT57uFet8FCREgPrETI/s640/blogger-image--805507331.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
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The simulator, or very wide airplane, fit's over 65 people. I used to work at Star Tours and they get 40 guests in there. This was much much bigger than that! The experience while flying is almost hilarious as can be. The crowd reaction is so fun to watch. (SPOILERS) And, there is a moment where the rocket we have launched has accidentally shot into our aircraft. Believe me when I say that it literally protrudes into the vehicle. There is water raining on us and it appears that we are all going to die in the heavens. Well, I'm typing this so obviously we lived through the ordeal. Our plane lands with many thuds outside. But, when we exit we are somewhere completely different. Hmmm? Anyway, it was all great fun and I'm glad we rode this again during our trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPiJpJv_5GvQFtdxmYUBgAjkCvbJ-F-F9Yave39z5MKycTOMufM4scO0KT4Z4ywgIxacwm8Dog8Zq4ayytv-8ys-FMoleQFZq-r0k65c6gpvwaLxGkPB2RvaETlp0zJk5rgcX_ix8hBQ/s640/blogger-image--323352260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPiJpJv_5GvQFtdxmYUBgAjkCvbJ-F-F9Yave39z5MKycTOMufM4scO0KT4Z4ywgIxacwm8Dog8Zq4ayytv-8ys-FMoleQFZq-r0k65c6gpvwaLxGkPB2RvaETlp0zJk5rgcX_ix8hBQ/s640/blogger-image--323352260.jpg"></a></div>Captain Nemo's submarine</div>
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It now being between the hours of 9 Pm and 10 PM, we wanted to wander around and shop. We still hadn't seen the Toy Story area. Like the Venice canals, I had also forgotten all about that area. It was a nice leisurely walk back through the park. As we passed through Mysterious Island we couldn't resist 20,000 Leagues, so we rode that again. It was just as fun as the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiCwarjSdCTfgH3NZtV217sS7CeC6jDe-tDTw4XiIe6q1foq74y0R9Qg7vk1w5g9mnF5lygIEavV6zZq3LTo1eGn1lhmoXaQ-vBytx9nJZagVA4amB0d8f2JbQmaPsQVgkWnHtiVxPAY/s640/blogger-image-1793498369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiCwarjSdCTfgH3NZtV217sS7CeC6jDe-tDTw4XiIe6q1foq74y0R9Qg7vk1w5g9mnF5lygIEavV6zZq3LTo1eGn1lhmoXaQ-vBytx9nJZagVA4amB0d8f2JbQmaPsQVgkWnHtiVxPAY/s640/blogger-image-1793498369.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5fuelSIl6jUnZnsjUgyjnLP-5d1BIOjIFwu9zKvf15xBOivuFin0pBrRbBIQnLXfQEsPa0VdaMxoto5cDgtEv09veEREt6wzVZAryDZi5rC3C4HWz4U-ve0lWCdVOT1ONS0VHL6mxUs/s640/blogger-image-888993810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5fuelSIl6jUnZnsjUgyjnLP-5d1BIOjIFwu9zKvf15xBOivuFin0pBrRbBIQnLXfQEsPa0VdaMxoto5cDgtEv09veEREt6wzVZAryDZi5rC3C4HWz4U-ve0lWCdVOT1ONS0VHL6mxUs/s640/blogger-image-888993810.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What we had suspected was true. The park definitely had a different vibe at night. The lighting added just enough mystery and whimsy. And, it was nice to see the Halloween displays stand out for the season. Even the Tower of Terror seem to join in with its year round sinister glow and screams.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VJIIQZRQG_hBAstYUOLjCqrN6f92A1FncH3G-m-pN0ZICScsQex86O3nPD2Y0GzyTkWUf9TX9o4jAHySxIlJRBRB_W629DiROsCt21m-hZKl_McIpPQxmo2l3LtGocDxfno3_qPePc0/s640/blogger-image--928307141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VJIIQZRQG_hBAstYUOLjCqrN6f92A1FncH3G-m-pN0ZICScsQex86O3nPD2Y0GzyTkWUf9TX9o4jAHySxIlJRBRB_W629DiROsCt21m-hZKl_McIpPQxmo2l3LtGocDxfno3_qPePc0/s640/blogger-image--928307141.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4XlzbajFobTOGK5U48_GndadqW4-4yhbL0RlvYJcX0zUT2xq_lYOVYBbn5EiZ0Hjfj2rBTqiHFRGCGPh0XCW8_sigT2Y6s87NUltzo-z95mza1WVT30FQHxc8j9ANVS1SLpahXPqd6c/s640/blogger-image-1791539266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4XlzbajFobTOGK5U48_GndadqW4-4yhbL0RlvYJcX0zUT2xq_lYOVYBbn5EiZ0Hjfj2rBTqiHFRGCGPh0XCW8_sigT2Y6s87NUltzo-z95mza1WVT30FQHxc8j9ANVS1SLpahXPqd6c/s640/blogger-image-1791539266.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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It was very close to 10 PM when we ventured into the Toyville area to see Toy Story Midway Mania. It's a shame that a bigger area can't be dedicated to the look of this attraction. I have heard people say it looks just like Paradise Pier in California Adventure, but it really doesn't. Although both areas might convey seaside attractions, this definitely has that East coast feel. I would even say that it felt like what Coney island might be like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgBBp96FUKEWO7FKxJMGz-tAWifjvP_EshLPGANwinmI9tDqV4OAfiA-V9saMUXOI5fuY42Y2NJSYh0rljsRMa4vT5BwE1eb5MYDoLzf0RtfUzL-dAp1VZ-KEhAWlU1cI93wsPQXaYs8/s640/blogger-image--2122520709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgBBp96FUKEWO7FKxJMGz-tAWifjvP_EshLPGANwinmI9tDqV4OAfiA-V9saMUXOI5fuY42Y2NJSYh0rljsRMa4vT5BwE1eb5MYDoLzf0RtfUzL-dAp1VZ-KEhAWlU1cI93wsPQXaYs8/s640/blogger-image--2122520709.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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Rounding out the day we stopped in some shops near the main entry area. It was amazing to watch people "eating up" Duffy like it was never coming back. One could find Duffy products in at least three stores, but here were people snatching him off the shelves. There really is an excitement for many of the products there that I hadn't seen before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc49azqskV9NW0NqOMdyegFh_vBVHem5xMkeSKZMRsHDBNZJFBJu6IqMNPACtd6gCW-cg3F0LVDTf6cwvt8v-7pNktJPSvE5_HfD0jpwX1P0f-awykHHBgFB4awsMySjJwx6KacVU1JE4/s640/blogger-image--1588422828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc49azqskV9NW0NqOMdyegFh_vBVHem5xMkeSKZMRsHDBNZJFBJu6IqMNPACtd6gCW-cg3F0LVDTf6cwvt8v-7pNktJPSvE5_HfD0jpwX1P0f-awykHHBgFB4awsMySjJwx6KacVU1JE4/s640/blogger-image--1588422828.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNsP-M_Mo4RGvI3PE6dcChROKRrR39awfMTwsHcpyY_w7OIEPXUATYxM2slTyvJv4cmRrxBzjVvtAqpCsD5lP2i1EYcgMZY1oExohdbbxauMm_PGTYvRex-MGL7D30jPuAlIWn4b4F6g/s640/blogger-image--1219565116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNsP-M_Mo4RGvI3PE6dcChROKRrR39awfMTwsHcpyY_w7OIEPXUATYxM2slTyvJv4cmRrxBzjVvtAqpCsD5lP2i1EYcgMZY1oExohdbbxauMm_PGTYvRex-MGL7D30jPuAlIWn4b4F6g/s640/blogger-image--1219565116.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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Although our first park day was done, there wasn't a sadness just yet. We knew we still had three more days to go with Disneyland and DisneySea. I was starting to get excited for Hunny Hunt and seeing a new take on Disneyland in general. Stay with us as we start off the next day with yet another morning run at Disneyland!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-l7EvjNF8kovhn1XViJNTwADhoE9vvZ3oqndnG5HcN_uBCJc0psf3l5PjwuuAL8A1zmfkf-l2Xh0d0REjY1BlpQ-bNTi5DECvItwb2uNSanoTaAfH8ti0IWaBlUiTQxn1aCg_BnO8X8/s640/blogger-image--1203188892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-l7EvjNF8kovhn1XViJNTwADhoE9vvZ3oqndnG5HcN_uBCJc0psf3l5PjwuuAL8A1zmfkf-l2Xh0d0REjY1BlpQ-bNTi5DECvItwb2uNSanoTaAfH8ti0IWaBlUiTQxn1aCg_BnO8X8/s640/blogger-image--1203188892.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-6695573696447240482014-11-04T17:02:00.001-08:002014-11-04T17:09:41.709-08:00Tokyo DisneySea Continues to Amaze!The Port Discovery area is one that stands out for us because we have a good friend that worked here. Our friend Miley worked at the StormRider attraction. Although we wouldn't be experiencing this attraction until a little later, it was fun to see the building in person.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdl7znFAIS2qlUNoULiKmdVJwkwyU_XAiFBQSZjFnRrusCP_25DsPJ-p8mJU2RBNWcmMxAQcfjOquT6vJmalq24FpNvGZh7fBFNa_z6lAuNN1yuEVUXvgeY1dC9lKGWQguXGNmT8MVfY/s640/blogger-image--154334859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdl7znFAIS2qlUNoULiKmdVJwkwyU_XAiFBQSZjFnRrusCP_25DsPJ-p8mJU2RBNWcmMxAQcfjOquT6vJmalq24FpNvGZh7fBFNa_z6lAuNN1yuEVUXvgeY1dC9lKGWQguXGNmT8MVfY/s640/blogger-image--154334859.jpg"></a></div>
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StormRide is the one with the golden dome.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ8L6a5H171TQhJP0KpqWi7z8kSbOVnWtX-P4T6EVpr0CHwzO0uW71EoyfXW1eIwOE-cHJhQwYhA9S-ZIq4Qmwzs1c-u0-5orgHPKTPNqVCQ8nyHfInxfOW_2ev4bKOaGZfgnhnLbZQ4/s640/blogger-image--903019832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ8L6a5H171TQhJP0KpqWi7z8kSbOVnWtX-P4T6EVpr0CHwzO0uW71EoyfXW1eIwOE-cHJhQwYhA9S-ZIq4Qmwzs1c-u0-5orgHPKTPNqVCQ8nyHfInxfOW_2ev4bKOaGZfgnhnLbZQ4/s640/blogger-image--903019832.jpg"></a></div>
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Our eye was also drawn to the visually interesting Aquatopia attraction. Here the vehicles ride or hover on the water's surface as they spin and travel past waterfalls and rock work. The experience has a whole is pretty basic as attractions come, but it looked fun to us. At first glance they appear to be bumper cars. The vehicles don't make any contact with each other. Riders do get slightly misted with water. It is nothing that dampens your outfit or hair. I am sure it feels nice during the hot months in Japan. Eric and I noticed that on the back of each car, a sort of atomic motor can be seen. That was a cool touch to the theming.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zclO65JUrHklhZVRGdqczZoHighjlAJidOQKjguk8Mzxjxj7qcTo3GeKmCRK_RbR0ZRZFjnllkJO4Uf8JjjEM7Vj1lvHK7rCKLMGRNG6TaRkn4zK6EAq13GCebxqrTdTcbdDDC5NkQ/s640/blogger-image--1176879812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zclO65JUrHklhZVRGdqczZoHighjlAJidOQKjguk8Mzxjxj7qcTo3GeKmCRK_RbR0ZRZFjnllkJO4Uf8JjjEM7Vj1lvHK7rCKLMGRNG6TaRkn4zK6EAq13GCebxqrTdTcbdDDC5NkQ/s640/blogger-image--1176879812.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQT7KtFKSWTLTrP-Rihshyphenhyphen_l4_uH2k4mJCTBCJtGoUYe4tl_mBd-CBmPLRRkQQF1_elvC9MthT0sM4w4r_9lv96hZmAgoJgdtAldDCTnyMF_CnK6ktOXMOxmuipMoAmHZ9vG8pnwsQCY/s640/blogger-image-505167951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQT7KtFKSWTLTrP-Rihshyphenhyphen_l4_uH2k4mJCTBCJtGoUYe4tl_mBd-CBmPLRRkQQF1_elvC9MthT0sM4w4r_9lv96hZmAgoJgdtAldDCTnyMF_CnK6ktOXMOxmuipMoAmHZ9vG8pnwsQCY/s640/blogger-image-505167951.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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We were a little surprised to notice that the area of Port Discovery is occupied by a large sized restaurant. I'm just speculating that the park designers wanted to have a futuristic land, but the other ideas clearly dominate the park.<br>
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Shortly after our ride on Aquatopia, it was time for our Tower of Terror fast pass. Again, we weren't entirely sure which other route would take us back to American Waterfront, so we took the same path. This would be our fourth time taking this path today. So, we still hadn't seen other areas of the park. Little did we know that when we exited Aquatopia, The Lost River Delta was to the left and just around the corner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKJyD_0rR5-dFkBm5wOuHk8l6U9w1_yzqSjullQ_dvb0xvBXum-KaHsCnlARiwGz2QZke8OCg3CasSXT8rSR2Q0ktZl4aaHF7giV7hrOrYVyRB3iNldGFJ3mjBAvHelrqurEjxQSULXs/s640/blogger-image--1589805867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKJyD_0rR5-dFkBm5wOuHk8l6U9w1_yzqSjullQ_dvb0xvBXum-KaHsCnlARiwGz2QZke8OCg3CasSXT8rSR2Q0ktZl4aaHF7giV7hrOrYVyRB3iNldGFJ3mjBAvHelrqurEjxQSULXs/s640/blogger-image--1589805867.jpg"></a></div>
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We did want to secure lunch reservations at the fine dining restaurant called Magellan's. It was about 9:45 AM so we hoped there would be slots left for lunch. As we passed near "Journey", we weren't entirely sure how to get to the restaurant. Luckily we ran into The Brickers of DisneyTouristBlog.com and The Selgas. They too were coincidentally on holiday from The States. Tom thankfully knew the easiest way to get to Magellan's. Since Eric and I were really getting turned around in this park we may have taken the longer route. The six of us made some loose plans to see the other group during our stay, but as you'll see, we ran into them again a bit later.<br>
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After taking Tom's directions, we quickly found the restaurant. The Cast Member was quite helpful with helping us choose a time to eat. She spoke great English. We found that if the Cast Member spoke decent English, they were very much excited to try out their skills.<br>
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Prior to our trip, Eric and I learned that in the Japanese culture you follow a paraphrased saying: When you set out to do something, there is no failure. You do it correct the first time while bringing yourself and family honor. So if you're ever in Japan and encounter someone attempting English with you, they really are putting themselves out there. Our friend Miley, who we mentioned lived here for some time, said that the people will either help you with excitement or dash away from nervousness.</div>
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As we continued to the American Waterfront for Tower of Terror, we enjoyed seeing the locals enjoy themselves. The people there really let loose and lose all inhibitions. It is very interesting to see a side of this culture that we rarely hear about. We even saw huge character hats on the most serious looking of people. It is also a big thing in Japan to match your entire group. A group of friends or family would all have the same hat or wear the same outrageous outfit. Many couples roam the parks in themed clothing as well. I wish I had taken photos of certain people, but they are very sensitive when it comes to random people taking photos of them. I imagine we all are. But, even on social media they blur out the faces of strangers. Maybe you will catch a glimpse in our photo backgrounds as these posts continue?</div>
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Strolling up to the Tower of Terror fast pass return queue we spot Tom and Sarah Bricker enter the same queue. Who was right ahead of them? The Selgas. I announced our arrival by telling Sarah, "I swear we aren't stalking you folks." We all had fun conversations about our experience so far. And, we also received some tips on what was to come of our time there. The Brickers were thrilled to learn we had tickets for the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo and wanted to join us. They had seen the show before and love it. (more on that later)<br>
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Judging by the murals around the lobby, it looked like the owner had many travels abroad, to exotic places. But, in the mural depicting his latest acquirement, the locals were happily ridding themselves of the relic. That sounds like a red flag to me! Speaking of signs, take a look at this damaged elevator shaft.</div>
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We were ushered into a small, tiled area where a Cast Member tells us about the frightful night a press conference took place at the tower. Thanks to TDRExplorer.com we know that the hotel owner, Harrison Hightower, was full of hubris. Harrison felt the supposed curse surrounding the relic wouldn't affect him.<br>
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Our group of guests were led to the area where the press conference took place. It looked like an office full of Victorian decor and antiques. Sitting in the office was the idol from the mysterious tale. It sat glaring at us from a high mantle. The Cast Member cranked up a phonograph so that we could hear the press conference for ourselves. Although it was in Japanese, there was definitely something that went wrong. Our room darkened, filled with stars, and the cursed relic vanished before our eyes. Harrison is then heard as he warns us to get out of the tower because the relic was coming for us next.<br>
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That was when we saw a little boy that had enough. There was no way he wanted to continue with the tour any further. "I E!" he was yelling, which means "No!". Judging by his intensity, I took it as "Hell no!"<br>
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We made our way to the second floor of the queue and start to come across the other antiques we saw in the murals.<br>
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The attraction itself is loaded similarly to the US versions. I must point out there is an over the shoulder seat belt that is used. Maybe they don't like the air time that we feel here at home? I feel that is one of the best parts of attractions like this, lacking here.<br>
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We do see the relic come to life and in the tower's spooky halls. The idol somehow causes our elevator to go wild and then comes the drops that we all know. The sequence is the exact one from California Adventure's Tower of Terror. But, as mentioned, the over the shoulder belts make it feel less intense.<br>
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The best part of this experience was the idol vanishing while we were in Harrison's office. Other than that it wasn't a favorite of mine. We only rode the attraction one other time during our visit at the parks. The costumes are excellent and the design itself is very detailed, like the other versions. But, since this is slightly different, it's a little more interesting to see. I wouldn't at all say to miss this incarnation. It is worth seeing that idol vanish.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Once Eric and I parted ways with the other group we wanted to head in a direction we hadn't seen as of yet. A lot of people have raved about the size of the park's ship, S.S. Colombia for good reason. The ship is basically a replica of an actual boat, The Queen Mary. This fact is no secret to theme park fans, but to see it is to be astounded. What adds to the beauty of this is that the Tokyo Bay sits right behind the boat. It really is almost too perfect for words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Heading away from the New York City area, and onto a new path for Eric and I, we find ourselves in lush surroundings. Gone is the industrial feel of the city and we can see signage for the Cape Cod area. We know from online that this is also the location of the infamous Duffy meet n greet and the Duffy merchandise. We were on the lookout for Gelatoni and Shellie Mae. Shells has been out for a while now, but Gelatoni is new as of this year. Eric wanted one for himself and we were also picking up a Gelatoni for our friend Jeff.</span></div>
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This area really captures that New England feeling. Looking at the photos, I'd really be stating the obvious as to why that is a fact. I love the vintage looking Halloween decorations that are scattered about the area. The decor for the holiday in the NYC area has a very stylized look for their skeleton promotion this year. But as you can see, in this area there is a very traditional feel to the Halloween motif. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The merchandise store was all that I heard it would be. I'm here to say that even though Duffy has been present in Japan for a while, there was still excitement for the product. Park attendees were buying Duffy plush like it was going out of style! I must admit that the costumes for all three characters are very cute("kawaii" in Japanese). I even fell under the Gelatoni spell as I bought a charm for my backpack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">At the register, the Cast Member tells you the price and then gestures to the display screen. Once I gave her my yen, she then proceeded to count out what I gave her, then showed what I gave her to me. ("Just letting you know this is what you have given me") She set the bills into a clip attached to the register, as she entered the amount given to her. A second Cast Member asks me if I'd like the price peeled off. ("Should I peel this off because you are giving this as a gift?") I said yes because this little guy was going right onto my bag anyway. As the first Cast Member began to count my change back, the second CM bagged the figure, and then added three other bags into the bag. As the change was counted aloud she fanned out the bills. Then she spread the bills out individually in her hand to show the amount again. As all this happened I could hear the bills snapping like a deck of cards. The second Cast Member then taped the bag shut. I was amazed. I grabbed my bag as I bowed my head and let out a "Arigato Gosaimasu!" That's how the transactions would happen for the rest of the trip. </span></div>
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Here at DisneySea they have a fun addition to the Halloween offerings. It is very small, but they have Cast Members handing out candy. When they are found you are to approach and say the traditional saying, "Trick-o-Treat!" and they give you a special treat. The park had one of a kind wrappers made for the occasion. We will definitely be holding onto these. We had about an hour before lunch, so we continued on the pathway through Port Discovery so that we could see Lost River Delta. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSi3ykIrXYVfeTS8kUy3dIlKZT2abJMsRBOmkAJLP6KcKE8Lov1aW6buNK7K1EENfGRWOUjFdd121uIMhAdhGSsGoHFMMO9U2pPtNewMfXwpgET2RgEnvLEhSklBAHpvTxCXYbcCojL0/s640/blogger-image-241366657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSi3ykIrXYVfeTS8kUy3dIlKZT2abJMsRBOmkAJLP6KcKE8Lov1aW6buNK7K1EENfGRWOUjFdd121uIMhAdhGSsGoHFMMO9U2pPtNewMfXwpgET2RgEnvLEhSklBAHpvTxCXYbcCojL0/s640/blogger-image-241366657.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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When we saw this Duffy/Gelatoni picture spot we couldn't resist the urge to snap a photo.</div>
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The Lost River Delta area has a South American influence. It is interesting to see what the latin presence is in this park. I would imagine that Mexico or Latin America in general is such a foreign idea to the people in Japan. I read about the food in this area not being good at all, so we didn't even try it. I need something with a little spice and apparently there isn't any in the "Mexican Food" that Japan has to offer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPffvcP3wkFGGHzLwfnBM14-sznVT7JHsWuMTyLlqqLvLRiurliZ1BjOxLMCGFtqygrhwv8Fl9C1GzI7_sPw-o7x_Du5MnpU0V1pvybX6553F7NjagkAr4k1T9ectY3ytU-J6eIy9C8U0/s640/blogger-image-1851221446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPffvcP3wkFGGHzLwfnBM14-sznVT7JHsWuMTyLlqqLvLRiurliZ1BjOxLMCGFtqygrhwv8Fl9C1GzI7_sPw-o7x_Du5MnpU0V1pvybX6553F7NjagkAr4k1T9ectY3ytU-J6eIy9C8U0/s640/blogger-image-1851221446.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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The land was covered in Dia de Los Muertos decor. On various light posts they had an image of Indiana Jones, the explorer, as a skeleton wearing his signature hat. Eric and I were definitely getting close to the Indiana Jones attraction. Here the ride is based on the Crystal Skull and has the same track layout as Anaheim. When we reached the queue it listed 30 minutes. Having plenty of time to do that and make it to eat, we got into the queue. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid2po1FhiDAe95-YvwDHz7WwZAfz7yX3ghuaglWuLgQwI5voWRbN7ycsafq1KOHtic-wXRzyMB72XH6Ssoa682Vowh6I3E0ZS9ukPUCKC4wgPUctbgHOigpXNJK9vh4HlMBf3UcBW1IQ/s640/blogger-image-600937651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhid2po1FhiDAe95-YvwDHz7WwZAfz7yX3ghuaglWuLgQwI5voWRbN7ycsafq1KOHtic-wXRzyMB72XH6Ssoa682Vowh6I3E0ZS9ukPUCKC4wgPUctbgHOigpXNJK9vh4HlMBf3UcBW1IQ/s640/blogger-image-600937651.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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What's most impressive about this queue is the size of the building. We didn't enter a temple that had any forced perspective trickery. There is a full on pyramid here. When we entered the building it became very believable that we were winding our way through this Mayan temple. Although impressive in size, the queue was lacking the interactivity found in California's version. I don't mean to go back and forth between the two, but I think that's a significant difference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyMhfIBEJefUkn5e2o2nFjtHvSQ6w6O1_jKVcWktzNcelqQRAMyV1ko65RSADBUbgYNoPg4W3GsL5b15KEzxKythjIlmE6AaLWVB-c-2kqzVgZs4zMfEXNxwo-nrSEBBGLvVYioUD_Z0/s640/blogger-image--1079601822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyMhfIBEJefUkn5e2o2nFjtHvSQ6w6O1_jKVcWktzNcelqQRAMyV1ko65RSADBUbgYNoPg4W3GsL5b15KEzxKythjIlmE6AaLWVB-c-2kqzVgZs4zMfEXNxwo-nrSEBBGLvVYioUD_Z0/s640/blogger-image--1079601822.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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The feeling that is conveyed as our vehicle moves through the attraction is one of peril. We really get the sense that there is an evil out to get us. The attraction is blanketed in lighting hues of dark blue, silver, and a spooky green. The crystal skull is stationed throughout the building and its power is radiating from within. There is even a vortex of magic that swirls in the temple's center. From this vortex and the skull, electrical currents shoot out to try and destroy the vehicle. At one point the skull has cut off our path and shoots out a smoke ring of destruction at our group. We seem to avoid it, but then find ourselves in trouble as a large rock comes careening at us! The audio of this mighty force pressing toward our vehicle shakes the entire facility and we see smoke billowing from its path. In a forceful manner, we barely miss the rolling ball as we shoot downward from its path! When it's over we really feel like we survived the danger, but also feel inclined to ride again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwzReXT82biHas-5R1twMGosKrX3vA4QH1z7wEqGEuZ7Bn4EHBKIqcVb5yaF2S1_EWAnUKGMBQFISujOqWtgN1DxgA0F2VngvRLvQLJ-HKebsfifofhj0XVxKNi8ltEdVu7L3bYVUYCQ/s640/blogger-image-820051322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwzReXT82biHas-5R1twMGosKrX3vA4QH1z7wEqGEuZ7Bn4EHBKIqcVb5yaF2S1_EWAnUKGMBQFISujOqWtgN1DxgA0F2VngvRLvQLJ-HKebsfifofhj0XVxKNi8ltEdVu7L3bYVUYCQ/s640/blogger-image-820051322.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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It was now time for our lunch at Magellan's and we were very hungry! I wasn't sure what was going to be on the menu. Would it be traditional Japanese food? Would there be any sort of American food available? Join us next time and you will find out.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-23738633769999905112014-10-31T08:38:00.001-07:002014-11-03T10:36:43.650-08:00Finally Landing in Japan!The build up finally exploded into shards of happiness as we boarded Singapore Airlines to Japan! I'm normally not an excited passenger on a plane, but we had read many nice accolades about this airline. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1BvPJ0BF9TtsJOYbe5v7nDM_qHcktob7U0BleBbiHUH7ZMJUWBrp4wl3KO_abGqjiKYVOHqlr_sHxvj29Up9MatbncFjMsR-lX_48f14Pqut0-BZXqeRnqI6qdat7eTgcnfwbSx8th0/s640/blogger-image-971869160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1BvPJ0BF9TtsJOYbe5v7nDM_qHcktob7U0BleBbiHUH7ZMJUWBrp4wl3KO_abGqjiKYVOHqlr_sHxvj29Up9MatbncFjMsR-lX_48f14Pqut0-BZXqeRnqI6qdat7eTgcnfwbSx8th0/s640/blogger-image-971869160.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The crew loaded the plane from the rear to the front. Why doesn't everyone else do that? And, they didn't let passengers with seats closer to the plane's nose congregate at the jetway's entrance. Again, a no brainer that no other airline seems to realize. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the most part, the flight was as pleasant as the crew. Dressed in two pieced, matching, Asian inspired printed dresses, the flight attendants were beautiful! It had been a while where we had seen a full crew presented without a hair strand out of place and extremely tiny waists. (How do they get away with hiring only a certain sized female?) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I want to get to the juicy Japan stuff, but I have to mention how good the food was. I had an Indian, vegetarian meal. I didn't ask what it was, but I willingly ate it! It had excellent flavor and packed a punch of spice! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp6kkyT0UJH3ddsyk0_prQI7nVOkaxhB8iG-V1hyY-ufpBiZmqWfDTmRTZiBMJxHRRa01gIs5Ar0ZcrKmey_C5Gq4Wd4rJ1V3Zum2TGLdQRgqtJw7bSE3XfD3fco0v8bEVcIOFQctBZA/s640/blogger-image-1709186280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp6kkyT0UJH3ddsyk0_prQI7nVOkaxhB8iG-V1hyY-ufpBiZmqWfDTmRTZiBMJxHRRa01gIs5Ar0ZcrKmey_C5Gq4Wd4rJ1V3Zum2TGLdQRgqtJw7bSE3XfD3fco0v8bEVcIOFQctBZA/s640/blogger-image-1709186280.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also had a Sauvignon or Cabernet Sauvignon from which to choose. I was amused how the attendants were walking around and refilling everyone's wine like it was a party. They'd fill the glass and parted with a simple "Cheers!" I also want to quickly mention that we had a flavorful dessert. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRgea5R_Z6e9DrfMXiD8ZKMTzHkh4FPyffa6T7guFDiRSjhyN_h0cGqdIxACLZ_xESImIW866ahHm7Pw_KNWnG2odDDm3veyh1B6IwonnGlK3cqVk0vmE4PdVOigZ3zwJZkvnQ6z_8vE/s640/blogger-image--1502114406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRgea5R_Z6e9DrfMXiD8ZKMTzHkh4FPyffa6T7guFDiRSjhyN_h0cGqdIxACLZ_xESImIW866ahHm7Pw_KNWnG2odDDm3veyh1B6IwonnGlK3cqVk0vmE4PdVOigZ3zwJZkvnQ6z_8vE/s640/blogger-image--1502114406.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Upon arrival into Japan we made our way through a quiet set of hallways. Once we saw the "Welcome to Japan" mural, a lot of people became excited. We were pretty exhausted, but also anxious to get the trip started. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZvq5DcZ1lp1LNkRyn9XY-G7xTPIRx_hzvTBt8UrCU88JjaeZLZGeeWMFnWsaAfgHUP-yfckSKhLH6FGo30my2Q75Rp7n5yWoN08tfoepQ_ICIqAgIRP18BHccmWOb77CvRriy5AdnsM/s640/blogger-image-534918932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZvq5DcZ1lp1LNkRyn9XY-G7xTPIRx_hzvTBt8UrCU88JjaeZLZGeeWMFnWsaAfgHUP-yfckSKhLH6FGo30my2Q75Rp7n5yWoN08tfoepQ_ICIqAgIRP18BHccmWOb77CvRriy5AdnsM/s640/blogger-image-534918932.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As mentioned in other posts, we booked our accommodations through Airbnb. Our first host was waiting for our arrival near the customs checkpoint. His name is Koji. He seemed relieved to see us as the approaching storm Vonfong would soon arrive. Koji was very willing to help us with our bags. Eric and I were so glad to find out <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he spoke excellent English and happy we decided to pay extra for him to pick us up at the airport. I know in that tired state we weren't ready to face the transportation system(which ended up not being so bad).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyDs9oKVi8fYGDS7aToc0f0ZDYC1Bhq5kk9oGtGsjkbeN7E0aUdmdf1inQpzFKRM2LI0tGLc3dheMreCB6qY_a6DtQzz7pHEoHSrRKhCVOgh-Z0DtKZtfG_4pTyogEZENynu4xQ9B564/s640/blogger-image--1658437600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyDs9oKVi8fYGDS7aToc0f0ZDYC1Bhq5kk9oGtGsjkbeN7E0aUdmdf1inQpzFKRM2LI0tGLc3dheMreCB6qY_a6DtQzz7pHEoHSrRKhCVOgh-Z0DtKZtfG_4pTyogEZENynu4xQ9B564/s640/blogger-image--1658437600.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxWsBDB0DzL1M6_Tts9n3hjOSq4Sosvm-hdsmrtorNzw4zhmecOCN4qDaoE3xSNoRchhzLGQjduXi9kJYhjg-vOOprkjHdCUEx44fwKujfOSlhOCYoQCcTc8tk8lQ9YUn9PwWgkVYCwU/s640/blogger-image-656840107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxWsBDB0DzL1M6_Tts9n3hjOSq4Sosvm-hdsmrtorNzw4zhmecOCN4qDaoE3xSNoRchhzLGQjduXi9kJYhjg-vOOprkjHdCUEx44fwKujfOSlhOCYoQCcTc8tk8lQ9YUn9PwWgkVYCwU/s640/blogger-image-656840107.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The apartment was very spacious. It had two rooms/living area, kitchen, balcony, and our own Japanese style bathroom. No shoes were to be worn inside, but we had expected that. Eric and I were very interested in getting the full, cultural experience. As we explored the place, the rain was pounding against the windows. We hoped the typhoon would pass befire the following day as we didn't want our first Disney experience in Japan to be during a storm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr5AmEzq_h5DbeBdoM1CjNSc7JMUnXgTG813TPGMHJdg81EdF2SqW3nwrAt0WJVXDxd8XYourrxJAzQmWDbtK9c6GvsWGgQeuQWtWw1ckq6D_GsXwm8mbblj6dLVRsGi6TdJP9zWuPXg/s640/blogger-image-513339867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr5AmEzq_h5DbeBdoM1CjNSc7JMUnXgTG813TPGMHJdg81EdF2SqW3nwrAt0WJVXDxd8XYourrxJAzQmWDbtK9c6GvsWGgQeuQWtWw1ckq6D_GsXwm8mbblj6dLVRsGi6TdJP9zWuPXg/s640/blogger-image-513339867.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEdqJMB1K6tkXAggS4ehukV7hmwROhqSardyaToUWMXG9ay3IsJqeiILWeBifhGRx8xH9cR4lgu21gzRmk38avp2sX03JASvfBus97OOXbbhqnc7TInjvN58tnRQS2wcKA7ZxLf5Zyvc/s640/blogger-image-883486305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEdqJMB1K6tkXAggS4ehukV7hmwROhqSardyaToUWMXG9ay3IsJqeiILWeBifhGRx8xH9cR4lgu21gzRmk38avp2sX03JASvfBus97OOXbbhqnc7TInjvN58tnRQS2wcKA7ZxLf5Zyvc/s640/blogger-image-883486305.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Although there were scattered clouds the next morning, it appeared we were in the clear of the typhoon. It was slightly humid. This structure was at the bus terminal that sat outside the train station. We would take the same bus over the next four days to get to the Disney Resort. Eric and I were very nervous we would get on the wrong bus. I was sweating bullets because we were leaving later than planned and I wasn't sure the driver would take my bills. I was sure they wanted coins. In broken Japanese I asked a street sweeper (like one you'd see at Disneyland) if we were at the correct stop for the parks. He answered me in decent English that we weren't! He pointed us to the correct waiting area and mentioned it would be a pink bus. I'm glad we decided to ask. Who knows what we would've ended up visiting?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When Eric and I joined the queue at the correct stop it became clear THIS was for Disneyland. There were two girls dressed in Sully pajamas. And, there was a guy with a refillable popcorn bucket. Why didn't we catch that before? The pink #7 bus pulled up to the curb and we stepped up into it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Disneyland?" Eric muttered to the driver. He was also a bit nervous. The man motioned to the fare price on the screen. After fumbling with the yen for a moment we both popped our coins into the machine. (It's important to note that we also bowed. This would be the start of many bows to come.) I noticed there was also a slot to insert cash and change could be given. It was all automated. Relief!!! The buses have Japanese and English announcements. That helped a great deal! (Especially when Disneyland was mentioned) It seemed so considerate because I doubt they actually HAD to have bilingual information. Looking around on the bus, Eric and I were the only two that spoke English. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcdrBATHr66FdcurGDiKkLB3WpKwq-JVQCd6bYiuO8wcdyJCOJylM23w_w2nXKorEbq4I0HhqVQpIhdMrz5mw2jNF6Dpt80j7C6-QNLIuLMxvF_UUZrWdbZLo737DCy2p4NXeQOf-gFI/s640/blogger-image--1116726011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcdrBATHr66FdcurGDiKkLB3WpKwq-JVQCd6bYiuO8wcdyJCOJylM23w_w2nXKorEbq4I0HhqVQpIhdMrz5mw2jNF6Dpt80j7C6-QNLIuLMxvF_UUZrWdbZLo737DCy2p4NXeQOf-gFI/s640/blogger-image--1116726011.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When the bus pulled up to Disneyland we jumped off with the rest of the people. We didn't realize that the bus was about to then drive to DisneySea, where we wanted to go. Again I started to panic. After the bus ordeal set us back a bit, it was now very close to park opening. So what that meant was we didn't get to queue up for the main gate with everyone else. Our saving grace was that we weren't trying for Toy Story fast passes, like the rest of the attendees. But, with these thoughts shooting through my brain, Eric and I needed to find the Monorail to catch a lift to DisneySea. After close examination, we realized we were at the far left end of the Disneyland entrance. And believe me when I say, VERY CONFUSED of the layout. Once we spotted the Monorail station and figured out how to get up to the platform, we felt we had our structural bearings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiguBmztnmtcwGL0mxvMdrQgOkFv9wJ22eN7xSpue4rv22inxX1RhyPqC03K1L1JxIW3QXH7mW9mFHn-qWUqwNMYSvvQzYVAVnRtY_bjOSKbUmSxUp6k5bckIs-EkprRmwGH6z_jxDOrw/s640/blogger-image--1606591031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiguBmztnmtcwGL0mxvMdrQgOkFv9wJ22eN7xSpue4rv22inxX1RhyPqC03K1L1JxIW3QXH7mW9mFHn-qWUqwNMYSvvQzYVAVnRtY_bjOSKbUmSxUp6k5bckIs-EkprRmwGH6z_jxDOrw/s640/blogger-image--1606591031.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes you can read about it, and watch YouTube videos, but standing there while feeling overwhelmed is very different. And, the clock was ticking. I could almost hear it tapping at my head as the seconds marched on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After excitedly using the ticket machines to purchase our passes to the monorail, we quickly boarded the train. Once we were on the move we had a great view of the parks. It was amazing and more than surreal to see these places with our own eyes! Eric and I didn't know where to look. We pointed left and right as we stared in awe toward the parks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMc_K06ZQcUK_tVZqES7Gc0jOMCid2Py9q0ALQ6JS01bvQDPnLiMoaBzOvo03V5e1hEGVAo4TDOEYPCCL8mk3CMJ7hhQwL-TI3pEpjsAfUubMPOZfbnKWw7bGT7FKoLJqckUC9La2Zlw/s640/blogger-image-1563325883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMc_K06ZQcUK_tVZqES7Gc0jOMCid2Py9q0ALQ6JS01bvQDPnLiMoaBzOvo03V5e1hEGVAo4TDOEYPCCL8mk3CMJ7hhQwL-TI3pEpjsAfUubMPOZfbnKWw7bGT7FKoLJqckUC9La2Zlw/s640/blogger-image-1563325883.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"FUJI-SAN!!!! FUJI-SAN!!!" We were both shaken violently from our shoulders and spun around as we again heard "FUJI-SAN!!" There was a woman, Japanese I assume, pointed to the opposite side of the train. We peered across and there it was. Mount Fuji! It was far away, looking tiny, but we could see it! In unison Eric and I both exclaimed "aaaaaaah!!" Then the lady started laughing. She said something to her companions in Japanese and they all imitated us. It was a funny moment. That was the beginning to what would be an interaction with some of the most glorious people on earth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMIftkW1vdStXYRDS9dyUVCoNl5zs0qJSqAZzrO246q4ypEnIhML-9IOB8OXaamQixHY75LC6auUjat1eFdMiWnutbXSiaA3E1xygkBRRC1J_SY0Ur74pqGwVCRTm8iVcv4_r7SqtAAU/s640/blogger-image--164047189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMIftkW1vdStXYRDS9dyUVCoNl5zs0qJSqAZzrO246q4ypEnIhML-9IOB8OXaamQixHY75LC6auUjat1eFdMiWnutbXSiaA3E1xygkBRRC1J_SY0Ur74pqGwVCRTm8iVcv4_r7SqtAAU/s640/blogger-image--164047189.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mt. Fuji is "center-left" in this pic</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIQ_gJ-jxW8z_K2CRcWJd_S9LnfK9RQ9R-E8lMNq-KU_W_ohTTyzFg4vi-Br37JGQhD6drwF4XCaRKvJzX-LqauBcMZ60o_qqSRxnkHll5dbn1iLhuXCj9809nD-tqAVHOLuZBvhva0A/s640/blogger-image-974032296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIQ_gJ-jxW8z_K2CRcWJd_S9LnfK9RQ9R-E8lMNq-KU_W_ohTTyzFg4vi-Br37JGQhD6drwF4XCaRKvJzX-LqauBcMZ60o_qqSRxnkHll5dbn1iLhuXCj9809nD-tqAVHOLuZBvhva0A/s640/blogger-image-974032296.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were staring at what was equal to a pool of ice cream and were about to jump into it head first! The gates were open and we were so close to entering! Our hearts were pounding and our minds racing! Would all our homework and gathering of information pay off? We were about to find out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Ohio Gozaimasu! Irashai!" the Cast Member exclaimed as we clicked through the turnstile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A lot has been said about DisneySea on many blogs. Eric and I have read them. The best description I can give to you, the reader, is this: If you've been to Disney California Adventure, that dwarfed feeling you get while standing near the bute and rock archway of Cars Land is how the entire park of DisneySea is. It's total immersion! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK26C-eJyA_MQIwS3lHiB1GIncgCU6LAhoOVgeObL6fd4n926L5Wgz3Bqp37Y6tq5Vkuk5YYQMszjqzD2l0-TbhU8WQVY7Hz4Ie303v7gCHvHA105BXSMH4o1AVQvz1xwzDKcYDxOz6JI/s640/blogger-image--1842571786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK26C-eJyA_MQIwS3lHiB1GIncgCU6LAhoOVgeObL6fd4n926L5Wgz3Bqp37Y6tq5Vkuk5YYQMszjqzD2l0-TbhU8WQVY7Hz4Ie303v7gCHvHA105BXSMH4o1AVQvz1xwzDKcYDxOz6JI/s640/blogger-image--1842571786.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This look on Eric's face melts my heart! It is priceless and says everything about how much anticipation had built over the years. We have dreamed for this moment, together, for a very long time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4ZioVz9n4fKYCHwl0Ha3GfWkkfHIA-NigIRYx7U-BBjsrZQ9dI4MaSxuznlHoaRE2EKAMm6DG1IrDjl0DgS6GHCLRk8fBTp_niPJrz-ZygeoZIflb4meP4cr-3fXBWPqscT8uvGAlHw/s640/blogger-image--1948601581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4ZioVz9n4fKYCHwl0Ha3GfWkkfHIA-NigIRYx7U-BBjsrZQ9dI4MaSxuznlHoaRE2EKAMm6DG1IrDjl0DgS6GHCLRk8fBTp_niPJrz-ZygeoZIflb4meP4cr-3fXBWPqscT8uvGAlHw/s640/blogger-image--1948601581.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Everything at this moment happened so quickly. It was pandemonium as park goers ran, skipped, and even pushed every which way they could. Eric and I were fully prepared for this and joined in the fun! In the U.S. parks an experienced park enthusiast might out wit his fellow attendees. Not here! In Japan all the people attending are professionals and know exactly what to do! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoWjK_Honj89sYxhubiErb-WFjZl7AfLKW3ILMjTxAhl3ZsTj1lkk0aOavJGrQUFgEQyAxI2Gqrr__adKqu2MZsOmJ1RwRqwQBywums5Vr7mP8FgpHIyWCb3x3kgP-4NUOMe65MssneI/s640/blogger-image-490113956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoWjK_Honj89sYxhubiErb-WFjZl7AfLKW3ILMjTxAhl3ZsTj1lkk0aOavJGrQUFgEQyAxI2Gqrr__adKqu2MZsOmJ1RwRqwQBywums5Vr7mP8FgpHIyWCb3x3kgP-4NUOMe65MssneI/s640/blogger-image-490113956.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eric and I didn't join the rest of the DisneySea universe as they headed to American Waterfront. They were after the coveted Toy Story Mania Fast Pass. Eric and I knew we were headed straight to Journey to the Center of the Earth attraction. We knew the exact route. Our goal was to obtain our fast pass and then ride the damn thing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-irn54I0ASAUXQIVW_IbgeUrDDF_Ljv1wxgDSEX_VbXi9cF20owfOIG4ZDsokEIe3wtf2cTWukBFE4UX0uGJBwObCUF4b4TCbUcR6wT6V5S4kC_LNcoETNC350JaJRt3XM71RuRGOHM/s640/blogger-image-603256605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-irn54I0ASAUXQIVW_IbgeUrDDF_Ljv1wxgDSEX_VbXi9cF20owfOIG4ZDsokEIe3wtf2cTWukBFE4UX0uGJBwObCUF4b4TCbUcR6wT6V5S4kC_LNcoETNC350JaJRt3XM71RuRGOHM/s640/blogger-image-603256605.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgLN1mF4jVm-85S1W1RYO1bd62SNLSxDwqKZ6X5E6Ha8yheWuWFBaP4Z2gwwquM7Hs38LLUp7hydDTkOXzaTosQA6puZJtIalTr42cK8iPkBnkG_1lrk0zWmz16l7Iu7aFpq8tdV3pFY/s640/blogger-image-1973256378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgLN1mF4jVm-85S1W1RYO1bd62SNLSxDwqKZ6X5E6Ha8yheWuWFBaP4Z2gwwquM7Hs38LLUp7hydDTkOXzaTosQA6puZJtIalTr42cK8iPkBnkG_1lrk0zWmz16l7Iu7aFpq8tdV3pFY/s640/blogger-image-1973256378.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Mysterious Island area of the park is known to many Disney fans everywhere. Steam is leaking from craters and water is boiling where the lava meets the sea. It had a tone of Victorian influence coupled with obvious steampunk aesthetic. When Eric and I reached the inner part of the mountain it was too much to take in. We didn't fall down and sob, but I think we both felt like it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rJadulC8j1jdESJWIcTpmVMVRtlh1Dh8uLX2nfr8ewng67wj6iQRCzqjwEcXH9Dnsll4coAxgsqC4A7o-nKjc0vhsfAvbPCcxUkPxsLkALsP0OXrv3caqMw8lLQn4nsUJQMDx_h-5e4/s640/blogger-image--1888647491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rJadulC8j1jdESJWIcTpmVMVRtlh1Dh8uLX2nfr8ewng67wj6iQRCzqjwEcXH9Dnsll4coAxgsqC4A7o-nKjc0vhsfAvbPCcxUkPxsLkALsP0OXrv3caqMw8lLQn4nsUJQMDx_h-5e4/s640/blogger-image--1888647491.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The two attractions here draw sources from the idea that Captain Nemo has burrowed into the volcano to enter worlds not explored by man or woman. He created a drill that could grind the rick like no other machine. With that machine he carved us all a path to the center of the earth. On on the attraction that shared that name, that's exactly where we go! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnwbgRFGWqFs77SuKX3-G-xFEDL0yanYM89VS1fAJSMNvb_G-w9Y8L3z-45-qc_LVSt75ObBdgvXVCtqm3QpBtaRQoZ4LotzD_tGaz_IWsOKNIY3X0lVVsB9XHSCjasakFTP6-d00B9w/s640/blogger-image-712081465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnwbgRFGWqFs77SuKX3-G-xFEDL0yanYM89VS1fAJSMNvb_G-w9Y8L3z-45-qc_LVSt75ObBdgvXVCtqm3QpBtaRQoZ4LotzD_tGaz_IWsOKNIY3X0lVVsB9XHSCjasakFTP6-d00B9w/s640/blogger-image-712081465.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Journey to the Center of the Earth is a tour through Nemo's discoveries of the subterranean world, and maybe too deep. After passing crystalized sculptures of light we visit gentle creatures that look friendly. They greet us with nods and "coos" as we roll between the huge, glowing, purple mushroom structures that are their home. It's all very larger than life. But we start to see evidence that we might be going down too deep. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our massive vehicle starts burrowing past pods of convulsing eggs. We can see small embryos inside their slimy lairs. And, we can hear a roar from the road up ahead. Where is this metal beast taking us? Did Nemo come across this as well? We reach the source of the roar! A loud alien-like monster with multiple arms and he isn't happy at all that we have found his hiding place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We rocket into an upward spiral through a dark tunnel of sparkling mud and oozing barnacles. The speed gets so fast that we start to wonder how it can pick up such energy. I'm not trying to say we were breaking the sound barrier, but for this chunk of metal it was impressive. At the top of this spiral we see daylight for a moment as we plummet, and I DO mean plummet, down a hill. It's one of those drops that you feel deep in your gut. (Seeing the drop from the walkway gives a false sense of how it feels to ride. It feels worse) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a way to start the long laundry list of attractions that we would experience! I had read about that downward drop on my friend Jeff's blog of http://lanceandjeff.com but I didn't think it would be that intense. I was wrong! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SrZVxs1Bg6hcUywoVqLaeC4eyz20qZgWvpmpIGLpM8tsPBvgUa6wvtvsZAY0kyy1Ch79_azxEU2fXDZOn6B-Wp5_3RvTrYrIA-s6LPXV-hyY5mdTCNbLYRYDjabF1-_SIOd33qIFOuc/s640/blogger-image--143473858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SrZVxs1Bg6hcUywoVqLaeC4eyz20qZgWvpmpIGLpM8tsPBvgUa6wvtvsZAY0kyy1Ch79_azxEU2fXDZOn6B-Wp5_3RvTrYrIA-s6LPXV-hyY5mdTCNbLYRYDjabF1-_SIOd33qIFOuc/s640/blogger-image--143473858.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As mentioned, the closest attraction to "Journey" is 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Sticking with the same theme, the vehicles that take you through liquid space are very impressive. Sitting in groups of two, or small three, we face our own window to view the relics lost at sea. It's all narrated in Japanese, but you still get the sense that although you've set out on a routine exploration, something goes awry! It's especially obvious that control has been lost when our vehicle gets caught in the grip of a larger than normal squid! The captain seems to think quickly on his feet as he electrocutes the beast! But, maybe too much power was used? Our vehicle loses power and sinks further down and we find ourselves amidst the underwater world of amphibious creatures. Judging by the "gliphs" on the wall, this could be The Lost City of Atlantis! Maybe we found Nemo's intended destination after all? The "Atlantians" seem to glow in the dark and have a whole colony of others just like them. Luckily these creatures use a sort of colorfully glowing power to recharge us, even pushing our ship to safety. And then hooray! We make it back to Nemo's seaport, Mysterious Island. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW567pXenI9rJkPEHQRAoGaidb0T3XUIe7lgC4ueJVZvrytVZLr3OVbmEhVWs1uddHxngrwx-6F4F2JgeWHRpB6tkhAODub5VFQTNn4aTFu21SyhJOii1wdoANz4r8MjqgGwboRItR4sw/s640/blogger-image-1680867462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW567pXenI9rJkPEHQRAoGaidb0T3XUIe7lgC4ueJVZvrytVZLr3OVbmEhVWs1uddHxngrwx-6F4F2JgeWHRpB6tkhAODub5VFQTNn4aTFu21SyhJOii1wdoANz4r8MjqgGwboRItR4sw/s640/blogger-image-1680867462.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here we see the famed Gyoza bun that park goers wait almost two hours, on busy days, to eat. Since it was only 20 minutes into the day, we went straight up to the counter to order. The soft dough has been dyed black for Halloween. I am told that the flavor is similar. It tasted like an egg roll/sesame dressing. It wasn't a highlight of the trip, but since people normally wait so long for it, we felt like we had cheated the system. And look at this! Wouldn't you want to write home about it? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoM4S53gPN8_X0ZXJOmYVV2cWPRtAOw5_32HfZLfQLffYHDzi-n-EZNCTuHBFwpY6UMamqCJ7ysEyrbk4YCWXAvdXbjDESMr3ONCJR-laThKrMW_mJVwz8fvaqLV5A4m3mha1h_LXP9c/s640/blogger-image-474395398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoM4S53gPN8_X0ZXJOmYVV2cWPRtAOw5_32HfZLfQLffYHDzi-n-EZNCTuHBFwpY6UMamqCJ7ysEyrbk4YCWXAvdXbjDESMr3ONCJR-laThKrMW_mJVwz8fvaqLV5A4m3mha1h_LXP9c/s640/blogger-image-474395398.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Seeing that it was time for our Journey to the Center of the Earth fast passes, Eric and I were now able to obtain a second fast pass. We decided to hop over to get Tower of Terror passes. We'd return to this area just after that. Taking a route that in our minds was surely the way to American Waterfront, we went the wrong way. It was still too soon for us to visualize the park in our heads. Eric and I ended up walking into the electrically run land of Port Discovery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8NJkbZj6zihnSTOc481Y0NNuxi2bzjtV9RuOZvCiD2NOIMEeQvJx-7f6afmx_zTShTXxAG82p1Vm6L-crVIRokh4ZMIOP_Ry_j2B-85iZ4K1TlXXssZdPWShPT-eA7Qla9_VsiNDiDU/s640/blogger-image--1422332805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8NJkbZj6zihnSTOc481Y0NNuxi2bzjtV9RuOZvCiD2NOIMEeQvJx-7f6afmx_zTShTXxAG82p1Vm6L-crVIRokh4ZMIOP_Ry_j2B-85iZ4K1TlXXssZdPWShPT-eA7Qla9_VsiNDiDU/s640/blogger-image--1422332805.jpg"></a></div><br></div>When we arrived here it was clear we were lost. We're men! Gay men, but still Men. We don't use maps! So we broke down and whipped out the map to find out how many wrong turns we took. It was great to be lost because it was so exciting to be in a Disney park we hadn't visited before. After doubling back through Mysterious Island, we found our way across the park to Tower of Terror. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was very amused to hear that the attraction's area music was lifted from the film Psycho. The score to that movie is amazing and sets a very ominous tone. It was perfect! Luckily the fast pass return time was still before 11 AM. There was still so much to see and it wasn't even 9:30 yet, plenty of time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvEAAqcEolObHZHF9nejw3cPa83wq7X8hag5a1C0SrPx10u9WSN6uRr-uzTQDs50usnIxvJNsJbRuCEeIGrJUgKwH_12j26IiH4SVLGt90yW7kBGcgzNxNLPnd0xwrvjC221QIlQNX7w/s640/blogger-image--1336231308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvEAAqcEolObHZHF9nejw3cPa83wq7X8hag5a1C0SrPx10u9WSN6uRr-uzTQDs50usnIxvJNsJbRuCEeIGrJUgKwH_12j26IiH4SVLGt90yW7kBGcgzNxNLPnd0xwrvjC221QIlQNX7w/s640/blogger-image--1336231308.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRho93UfBDvJmJuldOqKITytqJFGXfGRvTP-Wmr60H3kPHWL-o0xIT8Pn1oFBDgnuI5SoxXetUefoEpjp_ZK7ktUaq72KFHf0qLaqjZeS9KQ1tuSyXfwwrmVp6tpGBCRpijGuiOVuXrRc/s640/blogger-image--1091126324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRho93UfBDvJmJuldOqKITytqJFGXfGRvTP-Wmr60H3kPHWL-o0xIT8Pn1oFBDgnuI5SoxXetUefoEpjp_ZK7ktUaq72KFHf0qLaqjZeS9KQ1tuSyXfwwrmVp6tpGBCRpijGuiOVuXrRc/s640/blogger-image--1091126324.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we made the long walk back to Journey to the center of the Earth for our fast pass time, we came across a beautiful view of the park. As Eric mentioned throughout our trip, DisneySea is a park begging to be photographed! It's evident that so much thought went into this place!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJulW0f0MicQYjWSHkCYJ0ixMrCFWCOj4YR2P7iccUnu5OXXQotHh5dPQ4NB3L2zm8NLtEkzqtY554wf73-KDSibL7K9adZJJvmcxFCW9PRudpA4pGmhq1nxBiGXCFB67Dy03L7tDX4dY/s640/blogger-image--2070907895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJulW0f0MicQYjWSHkCYJ0ixMrCFWCOj4YR2P7iccUnu5OXXQotHh5dPQ4NB3L2zm8NLtEkzqtY554wf73-KDSibL7K9adZJJvmcxFCW9PRudpA4pGmhq1nxBiGXCFB67Dy03L7tDX4dY/s640/blogger-image--2070907895.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Something equally as grand are the Cast Members that make this all happen. The standard for service in Japan is high, even at a convenient store. So, here at Tokyo Disney, the service is really more than through the roof. It would appear they have all situations thought out before they happen and they're very informative when it comes to loading/unloading their ride vehicles. And as expected, it's all started and finished with a delicate bow. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our second trip through the "Journey" attraction was as wonderful as the first. Eric and I were excited to get back to Port Discovery and see that area in a little more detail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Speaking of details, there's so much to recall and so much to share! I think you guys need a break today! I hope you've found this fun and or helpful (if planning a trip) so far. There's a lot more to come!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3SReDW6pp6z0hqER3D7LYrIt3Q2vZXlt7EIHfsK4WKx6zeICtU5-QI_FLf6GCSzRycKLH34fXGgw0LT0a26TpBV7U5OJsWGVw3J1q1LE_rNOgHCc2ScQZgs9koXuDV20yInLsvm8vrg/s640/blogger-image-845407467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3SReDW6pp6z0hqER3D7LYrIt3Q2vZXlt7EIHfsK4WKx6zeICtU5-QI_FLf6GCSzRycKLH34fXGgw0LT0a26TpBV7U5OJsWGVw3J1q1LE_rNOgHCc2ScQZgs9koXuDV20yInLsvm8vrg/s640/blogger-image-845407467.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Scientist Goofy!?! (at least that's what I've called him) </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-6654991010023997352014-09-22T21:44:00.001-07:002014-09-22T21:44:55.270-07:00Shiny start...then, DENIED!!!Watch a short video of what happened to Eric and I at Disneyland. <div><br></div><div><a href="http://youtu.be/285EzxN3fD0">http://youtu.be/285EzxN3fD0</a></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe-3SASTIe90fun5M2Ez5nVroPjxou3OT6ORd9edHN27gjVV1HopxE7ZOGAndeipXJ_VuTI9RTotu3vhb_EnAgOo6_EQscxfL0O00tUy6gJ19Mtw1uZxR424u5t5GKoswvie5M3-IFR0/s640/blogger-image-528774812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe-3SASTIe90fun5M2Ez5nVroPjxou3OT6ORd9edHN27gjVV1HopxE7ZOGAndeipXJ_VuTI9RTotu3vhb_EnAgOo6_EQscxfL0O00tUy6gJ19Mtw1uZxR424u5t5GKoswvie5M3-IFR0/s640/blogger-image-528774812.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-3606104422718170962014-09-20T07:54:00.001-07:002014-09-20T07:54:39.167-07:00Celebrating 15 years at Disneyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVMtDNkZDueQZfsk73I4dJ5393xaSpwlqS84EMv5wAkvtdmwZtg0vif4E6HnQO2xqG8RRQXX719R7K2nOBrK0aGv-KcoVr20cbTxmuN-5Nu8r-4LvKehF4ESRoJd8hMuS4Qx6b9NzFCU/s640/blogger-image-1116757244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVMtDNkZDueQZfsk73I4dJ5393xaSpwlqS84EMv5wAkvtdmwZtg0vif4E6HnQO2xqG8RRQXX719R7K2nOBrK0aGv-KcoVr20cbTxmuN-5Nu8r-4LvKehF4ESRoJd8hMuS4Qx6b9NzFCU/s640/blogger-image-1116757244.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When most folks reflect on their time working at Disneyland, we usually hear them say, "It was just going to be a Summer job." But, I'm a different person with a different story. I can say, "When I began here I had plans to stay as long as possible." 15 years later I'm still here. To celebrate Disneyland Cast Activities threw quite the party! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The recognition of time worked usually comes every five years with a banquet. Having been to my 10 year banquet, I was looking forward to this week. It began in our office conference room on a Wednesday. Our supervisor put together a small gathering where we had cake and I was presented with my statue and name tag pin. It was a humble gathering attended by friends I've worked with during my time here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTyEUubBAKFSRSPuL1GGBSIQZgWZT2f3NFWuvnWQcn4DUzQIqtI2Hhwp1mbQwImpckPJhiGm19JfeQAYtyleTR-prj8ozJ6PFOpeVgQ0DFFV9J_iGUNakXcbI3TlHEU52T09O4SH5yGg/s640/blogger-image-1358774622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTyEUubBAKFSRSPuL1GGBSIQZgWZT2f3NFWuvnWQcn4DUzQIqtI2Hhwp1mbQwImpckPJhiGm19JfeQAYtyleTR-prj8ozJ6PFOpeVgQ0DFFV9J_iGUNakXcbI3TlHEU52T09O4SH5yGg/s640/blogger-image-1358774622.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the attendees was Sandra. She opens the "it's a small world" attraction Monday through Friday and has been for years! Back when I was in Fantasyland as a lead, Eric and I worked with her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> There are a lot of great times attached to this park for me. A lot of people remember moments as visitors, which I have too, but the ones that stand out the most are: feeling overwhelmed as I worked my first crowd control shift for Fantasmic, not knowing anyone well for my first few weeks at Star Tours, getting yelled at by a guest because something way out of my control happened, the first time I walked through Peter Pan with lights on, meeting Eric at "it's a small world", and walking through an empty Disneyland at night while holiday decorations are lit. With smiles and laughter, these were the sort of memories the group talked about as we ate our cake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2iYCu9gY1ZW0kUj9FTt_KHJJIvrNiAdPo6WSyQsJ1hjU_lwaALeJbW1Yeck4_W7vIDVx0y7vIkAhD2-FsYA_VxaBT__bzwQMmyhEadYtR4q0uXMA9TaGuRyOIlC5mUzML22jZqWDwjk/s640/blogger-image--1822008434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2iYCu9gY1ZW0kUj9FTt_KHJJIvrNiAdPo6WSyQsJ1hjU_lwaALeJbW1Yeck4_W7vIDVx0y7vIkAhD2-FsYA_VxaBT__bzwQMmyhEadYtR4q0uXMA9TaGuRyOIlC5mUzML22jZqWDwjk/s640/blogger-image--1822008434.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Knowing the event would have many "open bars", we were dropped off at the event by my mother in law. I felt like a teenager being left at a party during high school, but safety first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGwRaqwJTQ3Zz8YGp1qSrODh-W7cPD9f8v20YRJJzHd3vYMqozPM54R3awXraPxr6dCfBoG4Sgm51cSpTeoyAlJdWfu5wADClxpzCNsmgz5wVOdg0GX2TrUxQMy26bQi1B-lumvIldRE/s640/blogger-image-2051296933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGwRaqwJTQ3Zz8YGp1qSrODh-W7cPD9f8v20YRJJzHd3vYMqozPM54R3awXraPxr6dCfBoG4Sgm51cSpTeoyAlJdWfu5wADClxpzCNsmgz5wVOdg0GX2TrUxQMy26bQi1B-lumvIldRE/s640/blogger-image-2051296933.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUp0JEX2t9Q0sUAF_ISsywi9XIRPq3BRLfiIk54PUn63PbJVCycQhf-aiy1-OffM-GYzyhjvCWrcUotczleD2POXu-ZHSqb0K1tAuadTuMjRb1iSDH9Cy4ojBydOc4VtCvRoOAQxwIzw/s640/blogger-image-1135159063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUp0JEX2t9Q0sUAF_ISsywi9XIRPq3BRLfiIk54PUn63PbJVCycQhf-aiy1-OffM-GYzyhjvCWrcUotczleD2POXu-ZHSqb0K1tAuadTuMjRb1iSDH9Cy4ojBydOc4VtCvRoOAQxwIzw/s640/blogger-image-1135159063.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The planners had rolled out the red carpet! The party was taking place in Frontierland, Adventureland, and New Orleans Square. As we entered the park, honorees were funneled toward the park's hub. We of course had to stop and take a photo, with Walt's apartment as a backdrop. After all, it was in his mind where the magic began.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqahmmWYrS9EJvixW9ZmuLtxb1gB66RkKg60YgICZ2K67cgPz1smNaI0LjXsmB77jfe0plvVQNld07wGjt3XCUmfWNaHYcZgQ8zSdLlFV33ZNDbm7OiZgQWqREbyVuMad17JRu2xmkfQ/s640/blogger-image--1634739924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqahmmWYrS9EJvixW9ZmuLtxb1gB66RkKg60YgICZ2K67cgPz1smNaI0LjXsmB77jfe0plvVQNld07wGjt3XCUmfWNaHYcZgQ8zSdLlFV33ZNDbm7OiZgQWqREbyVuMad17JRu2xmkfQ/s640/blogger-image--1634739924.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we reached the entrance walkway to the event, Cast Members and various managers were lined up congratulating everyone. If you look across the pictured banner you'll notice Disney gathers together people celebrating various milestones. Eric commented that those celebrating 50 years should have had their names displayed. I bet they have some great stories to tell! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTPEQSz_UvNMpes7uyre96a8bIqwqIKH9cR2B5DuiEGCBaLzfPrqMsKntNVHCKv3qFM9jyJo6_dXNAZftP6Wc3ztdxbip9aauNt2qNsIB58Uj28MCUn9FmQIDbtmliccoDKQvLORbof4/s640/blogger-image-507231775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTPEQSz_UvNMpes7uyre96a8bIqwqIKH9cR2B5DuiEGCBaLzfPrqMsKntNVHCKv3qFM9jyJo6_dXNAZftP6Wc3ztdxbip9aauNt2qNsIB58Uj28MCUn9FmQIDbtmliccoDKQvLORbof4/s640/blogger-image-507231775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eric and I chose to dine in Adventureland. Various buffet tables were spread throughout the area, as well as a few bars. We each began with red wine and then we figured we should probably eat. Right next to our table a band playing South American tunes was adding great atmosphere. The park really took on a different characteristic, while still holding onto its original charm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCzz1wZG_gjA48YOw1Jhzd-yrvX5aVMXw4LxC30om7LqOGZEpFpjvzmC83F0Pov5QW_pY2QREhJSmXhoUsmxSbpS9o4JVgHl90w_EalqRIzSjagUBS1gFHZUGiAtalx51esKJJj1MUG4/s640/blogger-image--1201967648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCzz1wZG_gjA48YOw1Jhzd-yrvX5aVMXw4LxC30om7LqOGZEpFpjvzmC83F0Pov5QW_pY2QREhJSmXhoUsmxSbpS9o4JVgHl90w_EalqRIzSjagUBS1gFHZUGiAtalx51esKJJj1MUG4/s640/blogger-image--1201967648.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Although we were enjoying ourselves, we went in search of friends we knew were also celebrating 15 years. And maybe we also wanted to find the martini bar!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZM6j8AKCP_v60psI8cpy66a9yfGHSbvYeZvmE0MwzVC_GkyS8QF5f3plRNXuv61SZqQ-Vm1CAhbekPvTnK2jTBBl3Zehb7FXGDoo3ISBpJueMGt609XXnNr-W0Yhq5f2pl0UiqmUOOA/s640/blogger-image-638866701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZM6j8AKCP_v60psI8cpy66a9yfGHSbvYeZvmE0MwzVC_GkyS8QF5f3plRNXuv61SZqQ-Vm1CAhbekPvTnK2jTBBl3Zehb7FXGDoo3ISBpJueMGt609XXnNr-W0Yhq5f2pl0UiqmUOOA/s640/blogger-image-638866701.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was quite a queue formed for the lit up martini glasses! We had our choice of either Cosmos or Apple-tini. Both Eric and I chose the Cosmo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx282dzBuOcZbYq9I7mlNhKkO8bmzCpyZEY6IHz3ln1nayrnDveZAvMRUVfcHCwMLCDpb-hatjnvgvIYtKn2tMQJfflc8qFhsTijOsu8e1MsJrizr6dNE1L0lusyGcHlMiDsNWJe4QTI/s640/blogger-image-1017220969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx282dzBuOcZbYq9I7mlNhKkO8bmzCpyZEY6IHz3ln1nayrnDveZAvMRUVfcHCwMLCDpb-hatjnvgvIYtKn2tMQJfflc8qFhsTijOsu8e1MsJrizr6dNE1L0lusyGcHlMiDsNWJe4QTI/s640/blogger-image-1017220969.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A short time after, we located a few friends that were dining near the dueling pianos. Our friend Rita was also celebrating her 15th year at Disneyland. She also began in attractions, but she now works in Casting. Her and I became friends while working as schedulers. She is so funny and definitely has enhanced my time at Disney. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvB1k9PK15SqFekO_qffow7lep0yszqKNjkINybziWH83sOCFAF3FlNJt2n7IvgctonRT3qT9olZFbB-322fJJBxhXLjGmotHetZHl9-mxhYgOOFioaA94Tj2koouw1PFPe6JmZSuqhA/s640/blogger-image--1116365093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvB1k9PK15SqFekO_qffow7lep0yszqKNjkINybziWH83sOCFAF3FlNJt2n7IvgctonRT3qT9olZFbB-322fJJBxhXLjGmotHetZHl9-mxhYgOOFioaA94Tj2koouw1PFPe6JmZSuqhA/s640/blogger-image--1116365093.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Here are Rita and myself posing with Alvin, who also worked with us in the Scheduling Department. Do you like our glowing "15" lanyards?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3re2E32SKRswpHHKpCGs70mGMzWIauWMikEteC4_Ldb5tI1qHP0DMiR60dboFo4UPE3L1KfY41Aam0P_c7XB9jPJogJr_mx7F3k6I6S5uOO7KwKI_UKEFhpQ-pY5yQ4f-SOh_wDWtNw/s640/blogger-image--855911826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3re2E32SKRswpHHKpCGs70mGMzWIauWMikEteC4_Ldb5tI1qHP0DMiR60dboFo4UPE3L1KfY41Aam0P_c7XB9jPJogJr_mx7F3k6I6S5uOO7KwKI_UKEFhpQ-pY5yQ4f-SOh_wDWtNw/s640/blogger-image--855911826.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Right alongside the martini bar, we came across another former "it's a small world" lead, Erin. The three of us ran that attraction with good humor, magic, and iron fists! Basically we had a fun time together, the best. She was standing in the martini queue, so we let her get back to it. We didn't want her and her guest to miss out on the glowing libations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplUZOh62wfWTo0liluSzBcIQj2t94T1F-TbTVcb1YVxKCOa96QWKhUW3zEXGz52QjWRfshIkNNNrnes_p9ILuA19vxEToNHrzTOAY7usQTqhpCkbDXf2J3nbCqCz-2S3GWcWRuiqssRs/s640/blogger-image--1280540257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplUZOh62wfWTo0liluSzBcIQj2t94T1F-TbTVcb1YVxKCOa96QWKhUW3zEXGz52QjWRfshIkNNNrnes_p9ILuA19vxEToNHrzTOAY7usQTqhpCkbDXf2J3nbCqCz-2S3GWcWRuiqssRs/s640/blogger-image--1280540257.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>As our little party within a party made our way to Haunted Mansion, we came across Princess Tiana and her gang. She was singing, along with Prince Naveen, one of my favorites, "Dig a Little Deeper"! And what perfection. She is from New Orleans, and here she was performing in her hometown. It was great fun to watch! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Realizing we were approaching the time for the fireworks show, we held off on riding the mansion. We were lucky enough to see our pals Josh and Daniel. Daniel was also celebrating his 15 years! Soon after we saw them the firework show began, so I didn't get a photo with them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSgeZCY_z07uobvGY3OKa_2tpTxH9GuUe7NeBCTD7_QDR-7g94qahD1tnx7C9neMZv473M0jLLX_5YCKuZulfdibDi19kYXdkHRJ4p6l0T39ijwZSUHjDv74V_0Qi-Gvrzngs5HWTt24/s640/blogger-image--24924368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSgeZCY_z07uobvGY3OKa_2tpTxH9GuUe7NeBCTD7_QDR-7g94qahD1tnx7C9neMZv473M0jLLX_5YCKuZulfdibDi19kYXdkHRJ4p6l0T39ijwZSUHjDv74V_0Qi-Gvrzngs5HWTt24/s640/blogger-image--24924368.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just before we rode Haunted Mansion, we managed to get a quick shot with our favorite Duck, Donald! Here is a glance at the New Orleans Square dessert spread and dining area. What a party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW5ixS5EWm6bXPf6pVB1YrlpFn290lwg7BITedcmDbS_Plj-r3wi6cIXaJNgy2i5guQbwDtx04kdVori1vi-wC-lIEaHD7LWHnOCoSSAIDgYdLCYyP-vIRZtKFYcqvczu10R7cSV4Haw/s640/blogger-image-252937019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW5ixS5EWm6bXPf6pVB1YrlpFn290lwg7BITedcmDbS_Plj-r3wi6cIXaJNgy2i5guQbwDtx04kdVori1vi-wC-lIEaHD7LWHnOCoSSAIDgYdLCYyP-vIRZtKFYcqvczu10R7cSV4Haw/s640/blogger-image-252937019.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-KO9ikuiy_DsGBd6eAGp5jOeYgNHKs1ZoU2uz-Jx6l-pKHk8YRwv9OpzeM8Hr24VpFhmVUoRB3CPiETdW1FWd_kIygzKiTmMzMSfj41ldEvFB9pAL2BDvBHw7DFcsBdKgA9VVWLJBGk/s640/blogger-image-1835836212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-KO9ikuiy_DsGBd6eAGp5jOeYgNHKs1ZoU2uz-Jx6l-pKHk8YRwv9OpzeM8Hr24VpFhmVUoRB3CPiETdW1FWd_kIygzKiTmMzMSfj41ldEvFB9pAL2BDvBHw7DFcsBdKgA9VVWLJBGk/s640/blogger-image-1835836212.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once we stepped off the mansion we found ourselves at another martini bar. Well, there wasn't a queue, and it was only about 10:15 PM. We all had another round. Eric and I were lucky enough to see another "it's a small world" friend, Nieca. She was there for her 10th anniversary. Time goes so quickly. I remember when she first started. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0kJE6K_DSsMq9kC-dImxXSyhUZl6rc-BmdA9qwWt33Rkm7RH5nSiQcldfmhOws4F6bjdHLVgvoUjuoI1zqxAVXbyUgPH9wcgVvAQviZ_EihW_BN0WU3MotVGkGZsDje4KibtXj_AJ-k/s640/blogger-image--1755019108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0kJE6K_DSsMq9kC-dImxXSyhUZl6rc-BmdA9qwWt33Rkm7RH5nSiQcldfmhOws4F6bjdHLVgvoUjuoI1zqxAVXbyUgPH9wcgVvAQviZ_EihW_BN0WU3MotVGkGZsDje4KibtXj_AJ-k/s640/blogger-image--1755019108.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvEUZpM4waWNYr5sNvZzKg0TMaQNTzAqp7loVM-UQI-oyUV406uQJ_paM3X9kYOtgLOJ2qUQXi40OVYWyvQISSeZd8NIDFitygkNTCllYZXCFp0V3T4o4oeSEqyN_jV_NXPBGx2B_2EY/s640/blogger-image-1686193370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvEUZpM4waWNYr5sNvZzKg0TMaQNTzAqp7loVM-UQI-oyUV406uQJ_paM3X9kYOtgLOJ2qUQXi40OVYWyvQISSeZd8NIDFitygkNTCllYZXCFp0V3T4o4oeSEqyN_jV_NXPBGx2B_2EY/s640/blogger-image-1686193370.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Minnie Mouse was also hanging about the area. She was all dolled up in her attire worn during Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. That was a big year for the park. (It's just now I'm realizing that I maybe didn't need to wear the name badge)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was at this time we said goodbye to Rita and her husband Joey. (Should've mentioned Joey sooner. He works at Disney Imagineering and led the recent Juju craze in Adventuereland) Unlike Eric and I, Rita would be working the next day and their daughter was home with the sitter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rpFZ9huhLRb1wwiroQEaUGeFBBJO94XSACzvs97ZDXkfR1obR5wPyloSjKjPp2hcWnKmONqWZxw4f6Zv0EBFdbo78rHHVkKciAUMstNZMBT6vMnlk3bIb62UFdMi6UMAAFxyV4JWxPM/s640/blogger-image--646847300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rpFZ9huhLRb1wwiroQEaUGeFBBJO94XSACzvs97ZDXkfR1obR5wPyloSjKjPp2hcWnKmONqWZxw4f6Zv0EBFdbo78rHHVkKciAUMstNZMBT6vMnlk3bIb62UFdMi6UMAAFxyV4JWxPM/s640/blogger-image--646847300.jpg"></a></div><br></div>There was still another honoree we had not yet seen. Our friend Melissa was there as well, attending with her sister Yvonne (former Cast Member). Melissa works in our office and we've known her for many years, at least 11. We found her right out front of the new Club 33 entrance. Although she has an injury she's been seeing to, she was giving it her all to enjoy the night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxqHiP6zqgkHJtSR5OB6GGHTDp_VLdthg8COfinoebJj9VmvMK4xcDe_7fEL0nGMuR4LfaKp2dvCyWw5FU_kNgOnyIZdWU6JoZocS_3rb4vmquwBdwCy1GFXzq1LEQP1Kh6b7Hl5sMLU/s640/blogger-image--362551898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxqHiP6zqgkHJtSR5OB6GGHTDp_VLdthg8COfinoebJj9VmvMK4xcDe_7fEL0nGMuR4LfaKp2dvCyWw5FU_kNgOnyIZdWU6JoZocS_3rb4vmquwBdwCy1GFXzq1LEQP1Kh6b7Hl5sMLU/s640/blogger-image--362551898.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was now nearing 10:40 pm and we wanted to sneak in a ride on Jungle Cruise before the final performance of the Golden Horseshoe Revue. As expected, the queue for the boats was a "walk on", but unfortunately our skipper was a little boring. Sorry, but I'm just being truthful. Either way, the night ended in an exciting way. Neither Eric nor I had seen the Golden Horseshoe Revue, so this was a perfect time to do it. The show retired after a 30 year run, but recently they've revamped it for special occasions or promotions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHNhSL3Hr1v5HeQ9c7Ob_QZDDqEmVSa-ex6BbQxR4EW-_VtY6TFtrUGdBvJHOXgNxwt8OZOeT5qbLs7lmmELMsXwmzUEAXZokB7RUSgLSVSFxBWfOohjxxiWUjotzN8zZn6Wsf0MBbhA/s640/blogger-image-1531179139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHNhSL3Hr1v5HeQ9c7Ob_QZDDqEmVSa-ex6BbQxR4EW-_VtY6TFtrUGdBvJHOXgNxwt8OZOeT5qbLs7lmmELMsXwmzUEAXZokB7RUSgLSVSFxBWfOohjxxiWUjotzN8zZn6Wsf0MBbhA/s640/blogger-image-1531179139.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I text messaged both Melissa and our other coworker Steve (his 15th as well), and told them to join us. Being in a wheelchair that night, Melissa stayed in the back and Steve sat behind us. The performers were great and we could tell they had a fantastic time putting on the revue. I'm really glad we made it to see this. I feel like one of the last Disneyland fans that finally watched. Any other Disney parks fan would've seen this by now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOcE16t6dbdtYnzLj-AHL7y_oH952mPGhKUDKaTfVD0aMCZc7N7VlwUmMe0q3ekDgXLDf6vmjyLRejIacAVsg793AiC88F9XZVJz0LLooHbabBoUfxBEGtQ0N3Km6xKil2SjTNK7AxsQ/s640/blogger-image-653038324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOcE16t6dbdtYnzLj-AHL7y_oH952mPGhKUDKaTfVD0aMCZc7N7VlwUmMe0q3ekDgXLDf6vmjyLRejIacAVsg793AiC88F9XZVJz0LLooHbabBoUfxBEGtQ0N3Km6xKil2SjTNK7AxsQ/s640/blogger-image-653038324.jpg"></a></div><br></div>When the show concluded we said our goodbyes and made a quick stop at the shooting gallery. There was no way we would pass up free game play! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCld458gG0dj1UPml5HSMnjn-4vGCE8tGfQRPojIA2t9F1PdhKcYGnI4F-IeV4W2YyvZPJ-20S2QAroPJ3fCtylz3cbK3vNONXrP4cRbUVKEPVcl6fEwil01bgJM0cxBw6Q4qgb7jEmPQ/s640/blogger-image-1520140275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCld458gG0dj1UPml5HSMnjn-4vGCE8tGfQRPojIA2t9F1PdhKcYGnI4F-IeV4W2YyvZPJ-20S2QAroPJ3fCtylz3cbK3vNONXrP4cRbUVKEPVcl6fEwil01bgJM0cxBw6Q4qgb7jEmPQ/s640/blogger-image-1520140275.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhfTgVHAuC5QAQVEFB4HQz8dxkCWpfbu_UuBAvffYcir3EjVIFezitBIA_u84NnOVOuYur4OQae8N1OvsWNQ8Ke0dSjPdE99f8YUOz44ymOaE_oKWF_XDNmygMtOPAdl3VmmikG05vpE/s640/blogger-image-269362581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhfTgVHAuC5QAQVEFB4HQz8dxkCWpfbu_UuBAvffYcir3EjVIFezitBIA_u84NnOVOuYur4OQae8N1OvsWNQ8Ke0dSjPdE99f8YUOz44ymOaE_oKWF_XDNmygMtOPAdl3VmmikG05vpE/s640/blogger-image-269362581.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The time passed us quickly, but it is no surprise. Our night was amazing and filled with wonderful people. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKEk7-rYrA7QjysAQEu_0HscDfIXr5-2oVqz_Gb8RC8wdFSuUziHExFgBLXtIlCf89opKgfFuxTztUAHm5fsDDTeV1YK2fyuTIdHPtiM6OxFgc_wIkiNaw6iQLHbm2X_oeh2wmGLK8c4/s640/blogger-image--253681365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKEk7-rYrA7QjysAQEu_0HscDfIXr5-2oVqz_Gb8RC8wdFSuUziHExFgBLXtIlCf89opKgfFuxTztUAHm5fsDDTeV1YK2fyuTIdHPtiM6OxFgc_wIkiNaw6iQLHbm2X_oeh2wmGLK8c4/s640/blogger-image--253681365.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCP7L9oUa3wYy_W_qIVpreJLXxU8zI4m1Y6gRatFLF-K8byqgBChhP6QVYJ28VWMKjOwokG36rfQliasF9tzfmD-O9LmJq8_nIDUoJzm8CLfrs_X4j8XXqRT6giZV3ssOkbxqs8q6B7o/s640/blogger-image--893339425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCP7L9oUa3wYy_W_qIVpreJLXxU8zI4m1Y6gRatFLF-K8byqgBChhP6QVYJ28VWMKjOwokG36rfQliasF9tzfmD-O9LmJq8_nIDUoJzm8CLfrs_X4j8XXqRT6giZV3ssOkbxqs8q6B7o/s640/blogger-image--893339425.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And it's really without wonder why these people are so great. We all work towards the same goal that was started by one person. That light in the window shows us that Walt's presence is still with us. But really I think I see it in the faces of our Cast. There's the custodian wiping down Tea Cups at 3 AM, the loader at Matterhorn in 95 degree heat, parking lot attendants out on a rainy day, and of course Eric and I waking up at 3 AM to head back to work. It's been an experience that will continue to evolve and grow. I look forward to the years to come. </div><br></div> </div></div><br></div><br></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2529746916945391229.post-20805660413954781662014-09-03T14:00:00.001-07:002014-09-03T15:07:51.239-07:00Surfing Through a 10K RunI think the more we participate in runDisney events, the easier it is to wake up at 3 AM. I'm sure it helps that it's our regular wake up time for work. <div>I have to add that usually I have a little excitement the night before and I can't fall asleep quickly. This time around I had no problem sleeping. We had a long day. </div><div><br></div><div>As I mentioned, we wake up around 3 AM for work. The Friday before the run we needed to pick up our race information. So after working ten hours we arrived at the Expo near 4 PM. There was a healthy sized crowd at the Disneyland Hotel convention center. The crowd flow was great and organized. Participants are sent into the parking garage, which was decorated for the occasion, then back out again to the halls. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp_Yeu9PQ1CcwNV8z_vFGzmo424QUe-Q8VW_NFcnh8Wpl4FJdz9v78_HtL0Nq74zjHH3vWTQJO4C75eqqbC3o3Q1LOAT46VdVj9MJ6SG-bQ69WxNHB5GdAPreRGH0L1WdUBxRgW3Sx18/s640/blogger-image--1143322315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp_Yeu9PQ1CcwNV8z_vFGzmo424QUe-Q8VW_NFcnh8Wpl4FJdz9v78_HtL0Nq74zjHH3vWTQJO4C75eqqbC3o3Q1LOAT46VdVj9MJ6SG-bQ69WxNHB5GdAPreRGH0L1WdUBxRgW3Sx18/s640/blogger-image--1143322315.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It was a hot day and we were ready to get back into the convention center. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPypYPuBwraWN9SSJJFeWgTb8RVBtyUr_XVpYXrkBX4QS1yqI0rpM1uIApzBC8yPa7cNs3deUbA-jhsudwmLxUKXjg6LRoY8XBMS4_5ZAVZmEBX5DJ-t29wQnigVwiCgHs2tL27koYWs/s640/blogger-image-26656005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPypYPuBwraWN9SSJJFeWgTb8RVBtyUr_XVpYXrkBX4QS1yqI0rpM1uIApzBC8yPa7cNs3deUbA-jhsudwmLxUKXjg6LRoY8XBMS4_5ZAVZmEBX5DJ-t29wQnigVwiCgHs2tL27koYWs/s640/blogger-image-26656005.jpg"></a></div>Eric and I didn't buy anything this time around. We did browse a few booths for men's active wear. The fashion was dedicated to women with character themed skirts and headwear. Don't these vendors know that men also wear clothes? We even wore clothes to the event to prove this. </div><div><br></div><div>We were eager to get home. After a quick stop in the Official Merchandise store, we left. Eric and I had to make the same trek back to the car through a very hot Downtown Disney. I was crossing my fingers that the weather during the race wouldn't be as hot and humid as last year. </div><div><br></div><div>Getting back to the start of our story, before the break of dawn. It almost seemed like we were one of the first to arrive. Getting into the structure was so easy. I don't think we had seen this before. As it turns out, we had forgotten that both the 5K and 10K took place at the same time last year. This year they had been separated, a good thing. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6Q_Lw2LG9qAcKAWfA9k6FRwAna38ZTCIHOomS2xC_MJVmVgI5PT8tYcKRpuWUrC6eyzhS-OV6T9-iJS-NxfW8UZ7TrIhuZDc9aOU23uD21MeTPBCaEFgjaHAGDUks3vc6M22VfprsTE/s640/blogger-image--891905621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6Q_Lw2LG9qAcKAWfA9k6FRwAna38ZTCIHOomS2xC_MJVmVgI5PT8tYcKRpuWUrC6eyzhS-OV6T9-iJS-NxfW8UZ7TrIhuZDc9aOU23uD21MeTPBCaEFgjaHAGDUks3vc6M22VfprsTE/s640/blogger-image--891905621.jpg"></a></div>Here you can see we are ready to take on the world. (Translation : Take on the slope that dips under the hotel tram drop off....hate that part of the course)</div><div>I want to mention there was a slight, cool breeze happening!! No humidity like last year! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceCOMTLQ1Z8qOop-9AHsZ0FZNnBlDw_i4ofJZ7rTdfjzhm3EQ6WKW23QD6PMTQbmg210pKv5a0RlrXpK1KreQQ8vG3YCU61jTdxKO5uPkEF_NpbdWuabn7uUYYA-PIecWfLlIUYRpw3A/s640/blogger-image--739916401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceCOMTLQ1Z8qOop-9AHsZ0FZNnBlDw_i4ofJZ7rTdfjzhm3EQ6WKW23QD6PMTQbmg210pKv5a0RlrXpK1KreQQ8vG3YCU61jTdxKO5uPkEF_NpbdWuabn7uUYYA-PIecWfLlIUYRpw3A/s640/blogger-image--739916401.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As the participants gather with anticipation, all of our attention is locked on one individual. Kronk! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgG6Mx8tpDdyOCtnXAjY6dbm-j9KPD7diJTnLEu_aaZo9VICJceZW6fFAOxr2P7QYKC64C8lX_4c78aeDbQfKiAIlfJwfQPjYad2c_eZK3WzISzhisFThmPf3kr5M0R41CBCbEbqoAOU/s640/blogger-image-854534671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgG6Mx8tpDdyOCtnXAjY6dbm-j9KPD7diJTnLEu_aaZo9VICJceZW6fFAOxr2P7QYKC64C8lX_4c78aeDbQfKiAIlfJwfQPjYad2c_eZK3WzISzhisFThmPf3kr5M0R41CBCbEbqoAOU/s640/blogger-image-854534671.jpg"></a></div>This was the best costume we had seen that day. This guy even had Izma vocals and music from the film, Emperor's New Groove. I'm not sure how he dealt with wind resistance, but everyone loved it. Here's one more full body shot where Izma is shown. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivLG2I_PlIPO8B0Y2dEzcZe5W66xY5MMExJNlqqrU4kSDYuJcuUy9Fyqz8-eR06K1omrid7iatp8i5j-EXs9eQhdPRH0ZX9JQIPpiqSkQyqf129XSFwqZSzQzFoVjSKFiEBIruhQW6Q0/s640/blogger-image-1171806785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivLG2I_PlIPO8B0Y2dEzcZe5W66xY5MMExJNlqqrU4kSDYuJcuUy9Fyqz8-eR06K1omrid7iatp8i5j-EXs9eQhdPRH0ZX9JQIPpiqSkQyqf129XSFwqZSzQzFoVjSKFiEBIruhQW6Q0/s640/blogger-image-1171806785.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The route was the same as last year and that was a relief. It's great to know what you're in for so that you can prepare for the "ups and downs". </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTUlic2zMPejQAMDaC9npRfkDU_b2VZGyowksPCtvk8_s1gYet6BgCTESz8aQqiwVxJJGPTpH9EHtl0O32LOC7FPr7iWeop5VDG48W3zZznkd0XwMBYrFqsm6nhi45byTzAvXVrIdOb4/s640/blogger-image--1221854523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTUlic2zMPejQAMDaC9npRfkDU_b2VZGyowksPCtvk8_s1gYet6BgCTESz8aQqiwVxJJGPTpH9EHtl0O32LOC7FPr7iWeop5VDG48W3zZznkd0XwMBYrFqsm6nhi45byTzAvXVrIdOb4/s640/blogger-image--1221854523.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbp0rBq04_57l461G9_2TVU9vWO-WwOv4YDnnhg4oXkz_MJ3jhBzFfC3a84suuFa1S_QT4xTek2AIe6Ot0iVXtOQWInD4U2A-FuDaAmNZJUqppmV2OZnbjcQbpalSINmG8xztvfBA7kI/s640/blogger-image--290141113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbp0rBq04_57l461G9_2TVU9vWO-WwOv4YDnnhg4oXkz_MJ3jhBzFfC3a84suuFa1S_QT4xTek2AIe6Ot0iVXtOQWInD4U2A-FuDaAmNZJUqppmV2OZnbjcQbpalSINmG8xztvfBA7kI/s640/blogger-image--290141113.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As Eric and I made our way through the course, we kept an 11 minute per mile pace. We do enjoy character photo ops, but we didn't really see anyone that caught our eye. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwJCEk3kh7FQoKHCH-ixLaGqL_hmDkUrFz-G6U2rBntXibfPXSctHKHk04zYngUrYuAnmAVq7iMlPJ5WgnZt9-x3yH5YNGCRzmZiNOHrcjh5-ROuxkz7XQJJfQdMnXD2AkR7gyFlWS0A/s640/blogger-image-588539930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwJCEk3kh7FQoKHCH-ixLaGqL_hmDkUrFz-G6U2rBntXibfPXSctHKHk04zYngUrYuAnmAVq7iMlPJ5WgnZt9-x3yH5YNGCRzmZiNOHrcjh5-ROuxkz7XQJJfQdMnXD2AkR7gyFlWS0A/s640/blogger-image-588539930.jpg"></a></div>Apparently we were fine with photos of just ourselves! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnF5LC6yf421qzDt4KS_FHaC1UUZna1py9djPKbCUyXOKxbY6dAqtoe9vB3GxOL7kL3JiGpUzrLnzA55BTXSaAvnFEpRk8v4KWWiLeBGEJ4e76uMIwg0DGzXk8lG4ftpZVIIaM0BcGwV8/s640/blogger-image-1817664654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnF5LC6yf421qzDt4KS_FHaC1UUZna1py9djPKbCUyXOKxbY6dAqtoe9vB3GxOL7kL3JiGpUzrLnzA55BTXSaAvnFEpRk8v4KWWiLeBGEJ4e76uMIwg0DGzXk8lG4ftpZVIIaM0BcGwV8/s640/blogger-image-1817664654.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eric used to drive this trolley through Toontown, during his attractions days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The theme of Stitch/Polynesian/Retro Elvis was falling flat. I don't think I even saw Lilo out along the route. "Elvis" Stitch was near the river in Frontierland, but at that point we didn't feel like waiting in the queue. Running along the Rivers of America meant that we were almost through with this 10K! </span></div></div><div><br></div><div>Both Eric and I paid homage to our friend Miley-chan, as we ran past the Pirates of the Carribean attraction. It was at that spot where Miley fell during the 2014 Tinkerbell Half. But, I think we promised not to tell anyone. </div><div><br></div><div>We wound our way through Downtown Disney. Once we hit the Tortilla Joe's restaurant, that's when I knew it was almost over. This race had gone by quickly. I think it's my favorite length of a run event because it's all in good fun. There wasn't a moment where I had to negotiate with myself to keep pushing forward. I can recall whistling at one point, but I forget what melody I used. </div><div><br></div><div>And look! They even gave us medals! We finished in 1 hour and 8 minutes. That's about 11 minutes shorter than last year's 10K, not bad! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN6G2DTKt6SoNeCwWvvYBbRBd50TZi_USsxVP7atYbzMllaBgyEIzdhErB_00UXXg4x5nKVU1nm3ioWPQJVvkF2zirM6-zeGtewwZA-P0L9fwXb-4XkE70YCYlIszFKYO6OFWb9mEC6I/s640/blogger-image--122773086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN6G2DTKt6SoNeCwWvvYBbRBd50TZi_USsxVP7atYbzMllaBgyEIzdhErB_00UXXg4x5nKVU1nm3ioWPQJVvkF2zirM6-zeGtewwZA-P0L9fwXb-4XkE70YCYlIszFKYO6OFWb9mEC6I/s640/blogger-image--122773086.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I can be seen here looking very awkward and hunched over. Not my best photo at all!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_MyKgGQAxNurpLKVf37Fe5fF9CkocjfXA4a2cAZjIc8cU6xj8L7FYdRBa7NMR228Gcr1IR-x9hZHxiqo2GiaZf6TEJV7s_eknM9iOtWEMpbKYcosHWT742Btu00pMomQhF2VZb6MEPU/s640/blogger-image--610645468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_MyKgGQAxNurpLKVf37Fe5fF9CkocjfXA4a2cAZjIc8cU6xj8L7FYdRBa7NMR228Gcr1IR-x9hZHxiqo2GiaZf6TEJV7s_eknM9iOtWEMpbKYcosHWT742Btu00pMomQhF2VZb6MEPU/s640/blogger-image--610645468.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We also had a few pals running the event. Josh and Daniel joined in for the second year in a row. No one passed out and we all finished. Both Eric and I skipped the Half Marathon this year. I'm pretty sure we will run the Dumbo Challenge next Labor Day (run both the 10K and Half Marathon in one weekend). </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t0xwRmue6E-TwaiKzLMkPr7RBpAnwEpqeroXY4THA1Py6RHKpsiIzM0nCNmlqW3FZMwGpbf6BzaMxCUV_1BX8bUB9Ml9LsCMn-Zh7ZNSufJ2RhxRwwGs1BSKKpo-SFYwo7LjADY8BNs/s640/blogger-image--57132502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t0xwRmue6E-TwaiKzLMkPr7RBpAnwEpqeroXY4THA1Py6RHKpsiIzM0nCNmlqW3FZMwGpbf6BzaMxCUV_1BX8bUB9Ml9LsCMn-Zh7ZNSufJ2RhxRwwGs1BSKKpo-SFYwo7LjADY8BNs/s640/blogger-image--57132502.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzaXVoVEr_I1qMYkB_p42LSzbXmQW8hWHHQtInEXE0coBxXKclO-A2akkRkf0ljhsygDpf_PBt7TSwBiBelRZ7xYy7UrzGkw_d0dyaIt1g1qgg1B2l1tCYbWM97YhnZaXvebWI_JL52Y/s640/blogger-image--340770526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzaXVoVEr_I1qMYkB_p42LSzbXmQW8hWHHQtInEXE0coBxXKclO-A2akkRkf0ljhsygDpf_PBt7TSwBiBelRZ7xYy7UrzGkw_d0dyaIt1g1qgg1B2l1tCYbWM97YhnZaXvebWI_JL52Y/s640/blogger-image--340770526.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>For the time being, Eric has the Avenger's Half in November. I'll train with him, and then cheer him on from the sidelines. I'm going to try and see him at as many cheering locations as possible. So, I guess it's a good idea I'll be training with him!!! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875882957719339710noreply@blogger.com0