Dancing Robots Are Real in Tokyo

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!”

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. 

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?

Eric: I knew beforehand there would be sexuality involved, so I was ready to go with it. I was not intimidated at all.

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. 

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.

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.

Arthur: DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO PET THE DINOSAUR ON THE TABLE?

Eric: Of course! If one has any chance to pet a dinosaur, one must take it!

 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.

Arthur: WERE YOU UPSET THAT YOU DIDN’T USE YOUR FOOD COUPON?

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

A: DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE BACKSTAGE AREAS OF THE SHOW?

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.

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.

A: ONCE SEATED, WHAT WERE THE NEARBY GUESTS LIKE? 

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”.

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.

A: DO YOU RECALL THE BEST PART OF THE SHOW OR YOUR FAVORITE?

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.

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!

A: Why would you /or not recommend someone to go see the show?

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.

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.

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. 

We were amazed to see customers leave their bags and coats to save their tables. They'd leave blongings 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. 

And to end the post, I'm just gonna put this right here!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

                                 

Once Eric and I made it through Epcot, to catch the Monorail, we figured we'd reach Magic Kingdom by 4:15 PM. Our tickets, which we had to purchase, were valid from 4:00 PM through Midnight. Unfortunately our plan was thrown off completely. The Monorail from Epcot to Magic Kingdom had broken down, and had been for at least 10 minutes. After waiting a while we decided to take a resort bus to The Wilderness Lodge. Eric and I would then need to catch a different bus to finally arrive at the park for the party. It felt just as lengthy as it sounds. While waiting at The Wilderness Lodge, we sat there for what seemed an eternity, but was probably 20 minutes. The buses seemed very spaced out for our entire trip. 

Of course I knew we would arrive, but I figured since we had to pay for this ticketed event, we were losing money each minute we were late. We both were excited to arrive. I just had to get a photo with the event cast members. Their costumes are just so bizarre and "loud". The male version could be slightly toned down, but it is a party after all. These two cast members filter out guest not wearing party wristbands. When the cast was given the "go ahead", they would usher non-party guests to the main entry. Even the doors to the Main St. shops are shut to avoid receiving new shoppers. 

I took the reigns of the schedule and hoped it didn't annoy Eric. The attractions would be accessible throughout the trip, but the shows, parades, and fireworks were special to this event. One of my first goals was to avoid hunger during the party. I've never been a fan of the food offered at Magic Kingdom, but it's always fun to hear the silly jokes from Sonny Ecplise at the Starlight Lounge.

We had some good ole American burgers, veggie for me. After we ate, there was a little time during normal operating hours. We visited the new Storybook Circus area. This area hadn't been completed during our trip in 2012. The Disney characters had some nicely themed outfits for the circus. 

Goofy was taking a break from riding his motorbike in the Cage of Doom! We also rode the newly designed Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

As Eric and I moved through the park, toward the western end, we both noticed a crowd awaiting the parade. Although our tickets were good at 4 PM, the party officially started at 7 PM. It was only 6:30 PM and people already were grabbing spots! I think Eric would have rather waited to see what spot we could grab around 7:30, but he knew I didn't want to miss this. We took a spot on Main St. This area is that picturesque spot most people seek. It is also the section of the route most people incorrectly think is the one place to watch. Truthfully, I wanted to watch the parade with this image as the background (i.e. Garlands, wreaths, old looking buildings).

Once the party kicked off, it began to snow onto the parade route. Various versions of holiday favorites started to play and the street became filled with guests. It was a huge crowd! The mob was full of late arrivals and some guests being shown the door. I looked over at Eric. As it snowed on him I thought of a moment where we sat on a frozen street in Pasadena, awaiting the arrival of the Rose Parade. Here was his expression on this day. 

Disneyland is so much more strict about crowd control. The parade was getting close (we could hear the music) and the street was still full of people. It didn't help that a short street show, where guests joined in the dancing, had just finished. Where the park was strict was when cast members, clothed in those outfits mentioned earlier, were checking guests for wristbands. I didn't see it happen, but it must be quite a scene when someone is asked to leave from the viewing area.  

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime parade

Snow White and her prince. 

Duffy the bear couldn't care less that he was in a parade. I think my sofa's throw pillow at home was more animated. 

There is no debating that the parade was festive. Maybe I'm just too big a fan of Disneyland's Christmas parade because I felt this one wasn't as good. However; I did enjoy the different ways Winter, Candy, Santa's Workshop, and Christmas scenes were presented. They did have a great deal more of toy soldiers than Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom has a musical band of them plus marching soldiers. 

As Eric was guessing, I would need to watch the second parade showing. Side note: I have been watching the Disney Parks Christmas Day special since I was around 8 years old. It's primarily filmed at Disney World, so I wasn't going to pass up this chance to see their version twice. 

We moved our position to the park's central hub. We would be waiting for their castle "projection" show and stay at that spot for Holiday Wishes (fireworks). The projection show, Celebrate the Magic,  started around 9:15 PM and we were both impressed. It looked like the technology had improved from the first incarnation of this show, which we saw in 2011. The images seemed to have more depth. I think the best part was "Let it Go" from Frozen. You can see Elsa projected here. 

                     

Quickly after this show, the fireworks began. I could see the average, once a decade visitor loving this show. It is entertaining, but there was something dull about the music. Eric made a good point that projecting silhouettes of snowflakes onto the castle aren't as exciting as the grand, three dimensional projections from the previous show. But, as you can see from these few shots, fireworks themselves are enjoyable. Loud noises, explosions, and colors.....what's not to like about that?

The show ended and we shuffled over to a nearby spot on the curb. We would be front row for the second parade showing at 10:30. People were still milling about with that "What do we do next?" look on their faces. Not us. We were ready for the parade and resting our legs. 

Prince Eric & Ariel atop one of the oldest floats in Walt Disney World. (To be fair, Disneyland also has it's share of reused floats)

Although not pictured, there were a few court dancers that had a nice conversation about last night's house party. Eric and I looked at one another, and we giggled. Was there no supervisor watching these performers? I wouldn't say these little details completely ruined the parade, but a few performers didn't "have his head in the game". 

Let's take it to the positive. The music for the parade was very up beat. It wasn't full of grandiose moments but felt more like dance music. During the Candy Factory segment, the pop song "I Want Candy" was used. (Here I go again) That seemed out of place for a traditional parade. But, Santa Claus had a beautiful outfit with a lot of embroidery. (See there's positive there)

                                  

The clock was pushing toward the 11 PM hour. The majority of the park entertainment was now in the past. So it was time to grab our snicker doodle cookies and hot chocolate (all you want with party admission). The cookies were so good I made a mental promise we would grab more, but we didn't have a chance. 

                               

I look like a floating head here. Obviously the photo is too dark, but I thought the ornament was cute. 

The party's merchandise sold out quickly. From listening in on another guest's conversation (ask Eric, I do that like a professional), she was angry they were out of shirts. Well, I didn't want a party shirt, but I did want something to commemorate the occasion. As usual I do have many photos, so there's our souvenir for the party. 

                                  

To wrap the party up I want to be clear that we both did enjoy ourselves. We did see the specialty offerings, but missed out on a few holiday dance parties. I was okay missing those dance venues. I know Eric will dance anywhere so maybe he is disappointed about that. What I find hard to believe is the resorts say tickets sell out for the event. We have also been to the Halloween event and it was just as crowded. 

I can't imagine people attending the party as their only visit to Magic Kingdom. For Eric and I, we are accustom to crowds and can manage them just fine. If your reading this and hate crowds, still attend and try to return another day. If you followed the timeline I laid out during this post you'll see hours passed quickly. 

Luckily we still had more time to return this park and more adventures to see. And, let's face it, we had more food to eat. I always say healthy will be the route I'll take. Judging by my waist size now, I made a few turns from that "healthy road". Next time we'll visit Victoria & Albert's restaurant. That was a seven course meal and you'll hear all about our elegant meal. 

Honeymooning at Walt Disney World

For mine and Eric's honeymoon we were lucky enough to visit Disney World. Our generous family and friends sent us to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Our experience was more than amazing. Stepping into the hotel and standing in the lobby brought an overwhelming feeling of excitement. As we took all this in Eric said he was about to cry. I don't know if he actually cried, but for drama we will just say that he did.

I'm glad we have many photos because my words can't do the hotel justice. Besides this grand sight, there was an aroma of wood burning in an exotic stove mixed with earthy spices. We noticed this smell came from Boma, the restaurant very near the lobby. The music piped in was filled with African drums and chanting, perfection! I wish all of you now could hear the beautiful sounds that filled that lobby. 

This link might work..it's the soundtrack on YouTube. 

http://youtu.be/f3tKD0kELYA

Throughout the lobby are displays of various crafts and masks. The hallways and small alcoves leading to the rooms also show highlights of similar artwork. One might think they wouldn't

want to "stay in a museum", but great information was passed onto us via these displays. 

Some of you may know that most rooms or all were designed to face an animal habitat. Ours overlooked a savanna that was home to zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, and other various animals. Entering the room for the first time was full of excitement. We both knew what we were in for, and couldn't wait to see what stood outside our balcony. Here was our first glimpse. 

"WHOMP WAAAAAH!"

At that moment we didn't see any animals, but were confident that they would make themselves known.  

The rest of the room was a nice surprise as well. The entry was bigger than we had seen at other WDW hotels. That fact probably stems from usually staying at Value resorts. 

Finally a double vanity, a couple's dream!! The shower curtain was a fun, colorful touch. The coloring reminded me of the African art that is pictured above. 

Our cast discount only allowed us to book a room with a bunk bed in it, so here is Eric being silly. I think if that was not there, the space would've made a little sitting area. That is just a guess. 

We also had our own comfortable bed. To "toot our own horns", Eric and I must've had the easiest room to clean. We only had the essentials that we brought with us and I didn't want to leave a daily mess. The surrounding rooms had many people crammed into them with kids. Who knows what the housekeepers dealt with in those rooms?

Our first morning we ate breakfast at the restaurant Boma. It's an all you can eat buffet, with a heavy influence of African flavors. A nice surprise was a delivery of sparkling wine and flutes to our table. The front desk sent this over for our Honeymoon. So nice!

BOMA from above

As you see here, Eric and I had a few beverage choices. I think in the end, we were full of more liquids than food. The jungle juice, shady name, was a blend of orange and a mango.....delicious! Eric doesn't normally drink juice, but he was enjoying this. 

The food was also delicious, to say the least. For the first time I tried something called Chakalaka. The Chakalaka was a mashed/diced tomato mixed with a little spicy flavor. This side dish, along with a dish called Pap was my breakfast for a few mornings. It was an easy solution for a vegetarian breakfast. 

After breakfast we had a few visitors. And, we were able to take some great photos throughout the trip. 

The hotel grounds are so relaxing. The designers really created a place where we could unwind during the day or after visiting a busy theme park. And again, the sounds added so much to the atmosphere. 

Eric gets an award for his calves!

Outside the main lobby is a fire pit for talk and relaxation. At night there is a storyteller that shares folk stories from his native land. We didn't get a chance to see this because it usually took place while we were at a theme park. It was still nice to lounge there, when the chairs were free. In this photo, I think I'm in a child size chair. I felt massive in it!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge also has the Vacation Villas called Kidani Village, which we didn't visit. They are Disney's version of a time share resort. They all have kitchenettes and sleep approximately 6 people per room. A drawback is that housekeeping visits less. You'd need to make up your own bed for a few days. 

Check out that wedding ring people! 

How can I describe this hotel without using the word "relaxing"? I don't think I can. It is gorgeous and needs to be experienced. The unknown of the jungle or savanna brings about a mysterious feeling. What's around the corner or asleep among the trees? The references of safaris from the past even suggest an old Hollywood genre of romance. Even after being back home for almost a month, it is this hotel that we day dream about. But, it was our reality for 9 days.