Lou's Year In Review: 2007

[OldJJman]

..... Rather than waiting for our change, we decided to make a run for it... We left our money, arigato'd our way to the stairs, and then RAN down them. We get out to the street and all burst out laughing, before somebody goes "Where's Jeff?"... We had lost him.

 

More like DITCHED him!

 

We were devastated.

 

Oh please!!

 

Knowing that we had escaped and he had been caught and dragged back... *sigh*

 

As "I" remember it, it was more "LMAO" than "*sigh*"!

 

Eventually he emerged, 300 yen in hand. Bless the Japanese and their unwillingness to be tipped.

 

That remains a lesson I will never forget! Fortunately, I WILL get someone else on this at some point in time!

[Louise]

^ Miss you Jeff.

[cfc]

That praying mantis was the largest one I've ever seen--one pretty cool bug.

 

I discovered last year that I'm a bit of sucker for those hyper coasters (Steel Force, Steel Dragon, even Fujiyama). And curried pork cutlet at Spaland rules (as does the air-conditioned Ferris wheel).

[RCFreak]

YAY I got a shout out!! lol awesome report even with the limited amount of photos (plus I can't wait for Disney!)

[Moose]

You should blame Chris for this shot because it's of Japanese fashion.

 

[SharkTums]

Hamamatsu Station was the name of the place we watched the Bullet Trains fly by.

 

Great report. I miss Japan.

 

And that bug was terrifying.

[Louise]

Hamamatsu Station was the name of the place we watched the Bullet Trains fly by.

 

Great report. I miss Japan.

 

And that bug was terrifying.

 

HAMAMATSU!! Thank you!! I was like "Ha.... ha.... Not Hakata... Not Hirakata... Not Himeji... Ha...."

 

I miss Japan too. Roll on 20....whenever I next go. Thanks for the backup on the bug. Those things are so creepy looking. It's like those evil creepy sea creatures that I can never remember the name of (Robb might post a picture if he reads this, he always remembers). Eww eww eww.

 

Though, the mantis does get cool points for its female's mating rituals.

[TexTitan01]

Silly Chris taking photos of hott Japanese girls...that is SO typical...

 

This is a great report, Lou, makes me wish I did more trips this past summer.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

HAHAHA, that night that we sacrificed Jeff was amazing! I was laughing so hard I almost passed out. I even remember how Jeff presented the the Yen to us when he made it out, it was that funny!

 

I miss Japan so much. I have a need to go back, I'm having withdrawals hahaha.

 

Cant wait for Disney!

[Louise]

Okay, I was gonna be mean and post EVERYTHING else first, leaving TDR until last, but that would just be mean, seeing as I know this is the only reason any of you even stay with this report.

 

So, without further ado...

 

Day 1 of 4 : Tokyo DisneySea!

 

Part of me would love to sit here and go through every attraction we did and rave about it, but really there's no point. Any of you who are interested will get far more information from actually doing some research, looking at the TPR updates, and reading other peoples' trip reports. I'll just get distracted by gushing. So I'll try not to. All I'll say (apart from photo comments) is that DisneySea is not only the most incredible park I've ever been to, it's also pretty much my favourite place I've ever been to on the planet. The place just has this incredible atmosphere, and moreso than I've ever been in any other park, I just felt totally immersed in it. The theming is outstanding, the food and attractions are wonderful, the Japanese people are (as always) pleasant, polite, and efficient... God I loved the place. As much as I'm *sure* there must have been a couple of little gripes (c'mon, I always have to have something to moan about) at the time we were there, I honestly can't remember a single complaint... Except that there weren't enough varieties of popcorn.

 

Okay, trying to stop rambling. I'm so in love with this park.

 

Oh, both a rant and an anti-rant: The only thing that was sad about the four day Disney experience is that everybody split into groups on day 1 (we went from being a huge group in transit to a group of about 11 waiting at the gates to a group of 6 once we got inside) and then because we really didn't see anybody else (the place is freakin' huge!) except to maybe wander past and wave hi, it was hard to make plans for the following day! So your group on day one was kinda your group. This was what made me (and several others) glad that the weather forced us to change our itinerary, as at least we weren't all separated for the final four days. Apart from that though, it was fantastic, and I had an amazing four days. Huge shout out to Chris, Bob, Jeff, Chuck and Richard for making it so much fun!

 

Aaaaanyway.

 

 

I had kept every wristband I'd been given in Japan, and had said throughout the trip "I'll take them off when we get to Disney"... It was a few days earlier than expected, but I stuck by my word.

 

 

Even though I was sad to do so.

 

 

I love Kristen and Elissa's expressions in this picture!! And I can't tell whether Chris is yawning because we've all had like three hours sleep or whether he's gasping out of the window in awe... LOL.

 

 

Once inside the park, we basically "ran" (except I refused to actually run, much to Chris's dismay, I thought he might cry for a moment there) to get fastpasses for Tower. We had to wait a few minutes for them, but not long, and we were astounded at the length of the line as we left it. Tokyo is Fastpass crazy, it was mad that at some attractions the line for Fastpasses was longer than the line for the actual attraction! They move fast though, to be fair. I don't actually remember what we did first after that... Journey (amazing)? 20,000 Leagues (amazing and retro)? The crazy simulator with the phallic symbolism?

 

 

Mmmmm, Tower. And check out that crowd... They're all there for Chip n' Dale's Cool Service! I'm certain that Elissa approves. And of course, being Japan, everybody in the crowd treats each other with respect, enjoys the show, and then calmly move on.

 

 

And there are Chip n' Dale, squirting the crowd with fire hoses. This was all kinds of awesome. Gotta love the people with umbrellas.

 

 

We likey.

 

 

Chris, this smile looks so FORCED!!

 

 

I love the old cars, trams, and horse-drawn carriages that many of the Disney parks have. This is in the American Waterfront part of the park, which has a cruise liner and all kinds of big band New York type stuff, which I think I have some pictures of from Day 3 or 4.

 

 

I don't remember which attraction this was attached to, but Chuck, Bob and Jeff obviously had to sit it out.

 

 

We had a lovely three-course meal at Magellans, which was hidden away in the rock caves. One thing I love about having plenty of time at Disney (or any resort for that matter) is having time to sit down and chill out over a meal instead of just grabbing fast food. Can't remember what my starter was, but I do know I only ate half my chicken because they kept appearing with this bottomless bread basket with like six different kinds of rolls which were sooooo good. It just became funny because every time we'd finish a piece, they'd be back with more baskets and we'd be choosing a different kind of bread!

 

 

I honestly don't remember whose dessert the previous one was, Chris's maybe? Think this one was mine! Yum.

 

 

Okay, no, not Chris's.... Jeff, did you have creme brulée?!?!

 

 

More crowds for a parade with literal floats!! I loved this, even though the boys mocked me for waving at Pluto. He could see me, damn it!!!

 

And seriously, WTF!! Mickey, Minnie, the chipmunks, Goofy, etc, all get damn cool floats: A unicorn, a castle, a dragon... And Pluto is atop a freaking FROG?! GAH!!! LOL at Donald getting stuck in the middle of the lake though.

 

 

Mermaid Lagoon! I was seriously impressed with this area and had no idea it existed until we arrived. Bob and I decided to get ice cream and wait outside while the others went in to the Little Mermaid show. After about half an hour we had finished and went to see if we'd missed them leaving as they had been so long and there was a performance "due to start" as we had arrived... Turns out they were still sitting there waiting, so we ended up joining them. It was actually pretty damn cool, even though it was a bit odd, being so truncated and all, and some of the effects (awesome as they were) were strange-looking... Like the guy who appeared to be, umm, rather too friendly with Sebastian... Who yes Bob, is a crab. Not a lobster. Damn it!!

 

 

I loved these jellyfish! Every single part of this area is themed themed themed. The ceiling, floors, every inch of wall... I'm constantly amazed by Disney.

 

 

Bad photography, but you can see the cool effects and lighting on the floor and ceiling.

 

 

Outside, we bumped into Robb, Elissa, Dave, Joey and a couple of others. Kristen's hat is awesome. Though Elissa's ears were better. I *almost* wish I'd bought those instead of the ones I bought... Next time.

 

 

Mysterious Island, with Mount Prometheus. Home to Journey of the Centre of the Earth, which obviously makes it my favourite fake mountain ever... Somewhere, Jahan is crying. Well, assuming he's recovered from the explosion caused by the Matterhorn thread.

 

Journey requires some mention: I was really curious about this ride, as it seemed to combine so many different aspects of different attractions (and ride systems) that I love, and I had heard such different things. It gets pretty much universally good reviews, but some people had told me it was their favourite attraction of all time, others had said it was great but not worth too many re-rides, and still others had said they thought it was good but vastly overrated. I personally do not think it's overrated, it's one of the few times ever that something has been built up so much for me and yet has not been anticlimactic. And I never got bored of it. But I don't know *why* I like it, it's just awesome because... It just is! I noticed something different in every seat and every time I rode, I love the acceleration and the drop, the crystal thingies are gorgeous, the lava monster is frighteningly realistic, there are parts that startle you, even the queue is gorgeous. The whole area around the entrance is beautifully done too, huge cavernous walkways. Fabulous. I miss Journey.

 

 

Meditteranean Harbour area. Disney always does lighting well but I thought the lighting at DisneySea was particularly good.

 

 

Can you tell that I really REALLY love this park?

 

 

A sub that doesn't involve Nemo. Such nostalgia!!!

 

 

A couple of hours before closing, we camped out to watch the evening show, and then headed off in pairs to grab food. At some point not long after Bob and I returned, bumping into Brian along the way, it started raining... Just slightly... And then the downpour started. That rain was HEAVY, we were literally soaked to the skin within seconds. The show was, shockingly (lol), cancelled. On the plus side though, it pretty much cleared the park. I forget the order of the rest of the evening, but I know we rode Tower again (best preshow EVER, but a meh drop sequence... at least that's what I thought the first time, it seemed better each time, though maybe that's to do with expectations... HOLD ON TO YOUR BACKPACKS!!!!!!), and at some point Chris was like "hmm, it's barely raining now, let's go and ride Aquatopia!"

 

Aquatopia: Fun but stupid. Great but pointless. Seriously, WTF. Forward, stop, spin, stop, backward, stop, spin, stop, turn, stop, forward, almost hit a rock, stop, backwards, too close to a waterfall, stop. I love it, it's so much fun, but it's just... so pointless and stupid. LOL. Chris hates me saying that. If it was at "his" Disney it'd be better... Love ya Chris.

 

Anyway, Aquatopia in the rain? NOT fun. The rain HURTS when it's coming down hard and your spinning into it.

 

After walking to the tram station, Bob eventually insisted that I take his waterproof for a while, as I only had a t-shirt and was beginning to get hypothermic. Thanks Bob!

 

 

It's hard to tell just how soaked we are... Believe me. I've never been so saturated.

 

"Chris, you look too happy! Take it again!"

 

"Muuuuuch better."

[SharkTums]

 

Love it!!!

 

Oh, and that was Chris' mouth gasping open at Disney!!!

[RCFreak]

YAY this is what I've been waiting for!

[Nrthwnd]

Must go back.

 

Must go back.

 

Have to go back.

 

[TexTitan01]

 

Love it!!!

 

Oh, and that was Chris' mouth gasping open at Disney!!!

 

Wow...was it really? This park must be really, Really, REALLY awesome

 

I HAVE to go there!

 

btw, nice TR, Lou

[cfc]

All must visit DisneySea--it should be a worldwide law (with grants to help those who can't afford it).

[dougr]

Yeah, sometimes cameras just don't do low-light justice.

I tried the "stretch contrast" setting on a photo tool program:

[thrillerman1]

It can never be emphasized enough how amazingly fantastic DisneySea is to experience! Great pics Lou!

[BarryH]

I love Tokyo DisneySea! It's like IOA on acid.

 

I remember our first day at TDLR. I kept on running into Lou's Scooby gang at TOT. First it was in the late morning in the Fastpass line. Then after the heavy rains in the evening, I saw them in the TOT line! I thought I would bump into them at TOT during the rest of the trip, but alas, it didn't happen.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

As much as I'd like to say that was me yawning...I think I was gasping, haha. And Pluto couldn't see you Lou, you had your zoom all the way out to get that shot, lol, but im sure he really wanted to to see you.

 

And I do agree with you on Aquatopia, its so random and there really isnt a point to it.

 

Also, having four days there was great, like you said because we really could just take the parks at our own pace...I think thats why we ended up spending 2 hours at Magellan's, I was stuffed after eating my lunch...I seem to remember you having an issue with what I ordered, haha.

 

Great TR, cant wait for TDL.

[pagemaster_b]

Just when you're getting to the good stuff, you stop posting updates.

 

 

I greatly enjoyed Disney Sea, including the rain. Any place that can get me to believe I'm in another place or world (or get me to forget the real world beyond the park's boundries) gets rave reviews from me. I so want to go back again!!!

 

 

I know somebody's got a better picture of you soaked than what you got, but I can't remember who.

[Moose]

THanks for bumping this (even if was to complain about Lousicle.) as i missed the update.

 

Chris is gasping at the start of this report and at the end. He really does look orgasmic in that last pic.

 

I wish i went to Japan

[gisco]

I miss you Lou!

 

I have been looking just not posting much because I have been very busy. Japan was so awesome. You reminded me of a lot of the fun times we had. A great trip with great people. I can't wait to get back to Japan this year even if it is only for a few days and doesn't include Disney.

[SharkTums]

^Oh, but perhaps almighty Elissa has worked out your days so it does!!??

 

Maybe just a couple of hours, but certainly worth it!

[Louise]

Still in Japan... Tokyo Disneyland!!

 

I love this Disneyland. I think in many ways Paris is more beautiful, and for me, the original Disneyland is the most magical (and I have been to the Magic Kingdom, several times, but the last was when I was about 13 and the others are all pushing out my memories of it), but overall this ranks pretty damn high, mostly because this whole resort is just all kinds of awesome. I've seen it described so many times as kind of a greatest hits of the Disneyland parks and I think that's fairly apt. My greatest sadness was that I didn't get to experience the Mansion as it should be: I hate Halloween and was slightly irritated by the Nightmare Before Christmas take on it, although I thought the outside theming and everything was incredible.

 

Thunder was lots of fun, loved it, though I think Paris still wins on that count. Pooh... I don't have the words to describe Pooh, what a fun ride!! Must rank in some of my top attractions ever. Anyway nobody cares about this, so onto the pictures.

 

 

The next morning. And it was STILL raining. And I was STILL loving it. It wasn't as cold this day and I had remembered to bring a hoodie (although an extremely unpractical one) with me just in case, though I didn't wear it. Rain = heaven.

 

 

After getting inside the park and buying a couple of TDR umbrellas (and almost a Mickey haemorrhoid pillow), I spotted my favourite character and made a beeline to molest him. It's kinda creepy that you can see his disembodied leg in the window display behind him.

 

 

Splash. I was way more upset about this being closed than I was about missing the credit over at DisneySea!! This picture was taken while in line to get a fastpass for something... I don't remember what our plan ended up being for this day, but knowing how long the Fastpass lines could be (don't get me wrong, they move damn quickly, but they're loooooooong), it might even have been Space Mountain.

 

 

Later on, in line for Pirates (so awesome) and after the rain had *finally* stopped, we found one of those little ears... Unfortunately, Richard in the background means you kinda lose the full effect, but I think it looks rather fetching on Jeff.

 

 

An extremely Mickey-shaped lunch. What was weird about this meal is I know that somewhere, I have an identical picture from a meal at the Magic Kingdom. And I mean identical. I swear to God even the cup is the same, the Disney stuff on the other side of it.

 

 

This picture is so funny for no reason. And somewhere in Chuck's TR is the other half of this scenario. Chuck taking a picture of me taking a picture of Chuck taking a picture of me taking a picture....

 

 

I really didn't take many pictures this day, as all of a sudden it's evening...

 

That kind of rain leads to beautiful skies and sunsets later on.

 

 

Even though the focus isn't great and my camera was on some weird setting (it has one of those little wheels that gets turned round in my pocket) I still really love this picture. Such a gorgeous sky.

 

 

So pretty!! This is right when I decided I just *HAD* to go shopping. *RIGHT NOW.* Hey, you get the urge, and what can you do! Of course, I ended up buying nothing, all of my shopping was done in huge amounts on Day Four. But anyway.

 

 

After Disneyland's castle a few weeks before, this was heavenly!! I'm not a big believed in "bigger is better", but Disneyland's castle is just kinda... well, I don't think it's exactly beautiful. This one is a stunner.

 

 

Around this time, the boys decided to go off and ride Autopia (which Jeff and I skipped in lieu of feeding our addictions and not being bored), and then Richard decided to go and put his ticket into one of those machines that might just pick you to be in the parade... The rest of us all refused, and guess whose ticket made a little fanfare noise and whose holder was converged upon by Japanese members of staff?? Yup, that would be Richard, who then got to walk behind a float clapping and singing. Fool. Obviously, even if we hadn't been planning to watch the parade (which I totally was), at that point we had to, to spot and laugh at Richard. Sadly we didn't see him. But the parade was good!

 

And hey, CHRIS!!!

 

"Happy happy happy happy Halloween, let's all celebrate!

Come and join the party like you've never seen, we can hardly wait!"

 

I can't remember the rest of the lyrics now.

 

 

I adore these electrical parades and I seriously don't think I had seen one since I was maybe eight or nine.

 

 

I found him!!! Wow, that was tough!

 

 

This float was so beautiful. As children, my little friends and I all had our own Disney movies and characters (princesses) that we loved. My friend Rachel loved Belle, so I was taking these for her.

 

 

Awwwww. *sniff*

 

 

These guys were cool, running about "scaring" the kids and doing acrobatics and stuff.

 

 

Knowing that Elissa likely wasn't watching, I at least tried to get a good picture of the boys for her... I failed, but here's Chip anyway to prove that I tried.

 

 

By this point, I was totally head over heels in love with this resort. Both parks are amazing places and I really can't wait to go back, and I know I need to stop saying that because it's getting annoying. Having been there more than 30 minutes before opening and not left until we were kicked out on both days so far, we decided to have an extra hour or two in bed the next morning, then park-hop in a chilled out fashion until we left at teatime to go to Joypolis, then do another full day on Day Four.

 

Off work for a week so have no excuse any longer... This report WILL be finished before the Europe trip!!!

[BeemerBoy]

The next morning. And it was STILL raining. And I was STILL loving it. Rain = heaven.

So I'm not the only one who minds when it rains at a Disney park? Cool. Not sure I'd go as far as saying it's heaven, but oddly, I still really enjoy it.... to an extent.

 

 

I didn't get to experience the Mansion as it should be: I hate Halloween and was slightly irritated by the Nightmare Before Christmas take on it, although I thought the outside theming and everything was incredible.

Do we share a brain, or something? I've never seen this version of it, and I certainly don't mind keeping it that way. Yes, from the pics I've seen, the theming is very well done, but there's just something that rubs me the wrong way about overhauling this classic once a year. Goths= happy about it. Me= not so much.