Finally 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. 

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. 

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?) 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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 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).

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.  

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?

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. 

"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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

"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. 

Mt. Fuji is "center-left" in this pic

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! 

"Ohio Gozaimasu! Irashai!" the Cast Member exclaimed as we clicked through the turnstile. 

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! 

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. 

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! 

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! 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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) 

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! 

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. 

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? 

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. 

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. 

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!

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!

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. 

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. 

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!

Scientist Goofy!?! (at least that's what I've called him) 

Shiny start...then, DENIED!!!

Watch a short video of what happened to Eric and I at Disneyland. 

http://youtu.be/285EzxN3fD0

Celebrating 15 years at Disneyland

                                  

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! 

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. 

                              

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.

 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. 

                                

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. 

                                 

                                 

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.

                               

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! 

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. 

                              

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!

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.

                               

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. 

Here are Rita and myself posing with Alvin, who also worked with us in the Scheduling Department. Do you like our glowing "15" lanyards?

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. 

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! 

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. 

                                

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!

                               

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. 

                              

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)

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. 

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. 

                                     

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. 

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. 

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! 

The time passed us quickly, but it is no surprise. Our night was amazing and filled with wonderful people. 

                                 

                                 

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. 

       

Surfing Through a 10K Run

I 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. 

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. 

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. 

It was a hot day and we were ready to get back into the convention center. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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)

I want to mention there was a slight, cool breeze happening!! No humidity like last year!  

As the participants gather with anticipation, all of our attention is locked on one individual. Kronk! 

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. 

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". 

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. 

Apparently we were fine with photos of just ourselves! 

Eric used to drive this trolley through Toontown, during his attractions days.

 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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! 

I can be seen here looking very awkward and hunched over. Not my best photo at all!

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). 

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!!! 

Less Than 50 Days to Japan!

The time to fly is drawing near and I already know what I'm wearing to Tokyo Disneyland! I don't want to make it sound as though we leave in a few days. We still have six weeks. But, it's now a great deal closer than the last time I wrote about our up coming trip!

Just within the last week Eric and I have plotted out which regions of Tokyo we will see per day. To sum up the itinerary:

We arrive/land Monday evening and head to our first apartment. Travel one train stop to Disneyland and DisneySea for the next four days (most people I know had lengthy train rides to the parks). We'll then switch apartments to Shibuya on Saturday, and see the Robot Dinner Show that night in Shinjuku. Sunday morning we'll check out Japanese cosplay in Harajuku plus surrounding area. Early Monday, travel to Kyoto via bullet train to spend a day there looking at shrines and the old city. Then Tuesday through early Thursday, see more of what Tokyo has to offer. That Wednesday we will have our Ghibli Museum visit as well. We had hoped to break up the Disney Parks days, but the multi-day tickets must be used consecutively. And, we can only park hop the last two days. 

Eric and I are not at all worried about running out of activities. Although we initially thought our length of stay was good enough, it seems like we definitely will need to go back! I don't think I've been this far out from an up coming trip and already thinking about when we can go back! There have been suggestions to visit Universal Studios in Osaka as well, but we can't justify that when there's plenty to see in Tokyo. 

We did hit a slight snag, but I think we have a solution. We purchased our Tokyo Disneyland resort four day pass. As it turns out the printing process would prefer us to use "A4" paper. Using our standard size, a small portion would print on a second page. The point of why this is an issue is this: The resort wants the barcode on the ticket to be read properly by fast pass machines. Unlike the US parks, they don't exchange your e-ticket for an actual ticket stub. It being the USA, we don't use "A4" paper here. My friend in England was astounded that i'd never heard of it. What can I say? I'm a pompous American! Luckily they had examples on their site as to the preferred image and sizing of the bar code, so we'll be fine. Here's a screen grab from YouTube of some lady's ticket. Thanks for the image lady. 

Something to keep in mind if you plan a trip to Japan is the Japan Rail Pass. It is only sold outside of Japan. Many people give rave reviews regarding this, but you have to make sure it works for you. Eric and I have read that it is worth it even if you only use the bullet train for one round trip. It can also be used within Tokyo, but only used on assigned trains/rails. One negative for us is that although it's active for seven days, we won't actually need it until we have less than seven days left on our trip. There isn't a "JR Pass Activation" office near our first apartment in Edogawa and we won't have a need for it until we leave to Shibuya. 

We also have the option to pay as we ride by purchasing a train card (Suica or Pasmo). A traveller can load up those cards with money and it gets deducted with each use. There is also the option to buy a ticket each time. Of course, the cost will change depending on the distance travelled. The JR Pass seems like the best value. But, it still bothers me that even though we'll pay for that unused time, we won't activate it or have use for it until Saturday. 

It should be mentioned that there are a few tour sites, such as Japanican.com and sunrisetours.com , that have ways for travelers to get outside of Tokyo. We even used Japanican to buy the Robot Dinner Show tickets at a discount. I'd say the most confusing part of this trip planning has been all the options available to you. 

We have found some help on YouTube. I'm glad that's been around because there isn't a lot to read online. What I have found online (Blogs) are mere recounts of trips, which is fine, but I want content with real tips/issues. I hope this helps possible "trip planners" to Japan avoid some problems or with decision making. I couldn't find anyone with Tokyo Disney ticket experience either. I only found one video that showed a lady fold her e-ticket for fast pass use. Eric and I still have more plans to solidify and I look forward to getting that done. Although it sounds confusing at times, it's been fun so far.