Some corrections: The monorail is no longer complimentary for Disney hotel guests Ambassador & Disneyland Hotels also have a pool, but it’s only open in the summer, Miracosta has the only indoor pool. You can book Chef Mickeys even if you don’t stay at the Ambassador Hotel, but reservations are very difficult. Available one month before from 9am JST
Hong Kong Disneyland also does the water thing during the summer, where they have a Pixar parade where water splashes on guests and also the castle stage show has water spraying
I don’t like the lottery system in Tokyo. It’s stressful. And I’m not a fan of keep checking my phone in Disney parks. Second problem is their food translation is a bit weird. Last Halloween I asked the cast member about the flavour of the drinks. Everyone includes the menu only mentions it’s a tapioca drink. No clues about what ingredients in there. Why don’t just write pumpkin tapioca drinks like the Japanese.
Yep not a fan of the lotteries. I honestly think they want their guests to be a little bit disappointed so they keep buying more tickets to try again and again. Literally gambling.
With all of Disneylands “after hours events” that are seemingly every single night of the year now, it also closes early very often now a days for regular guests
The American parks have dropped some of the extra perks. There’s barely any rope drop ceremony now. They even cut back on extra magic hours. It’s only for the 5 Deluxe hotels, and it’s typically only an hour in the morning. Epcot at DHS usually close at 9 now, and MK at 10 or 11. It’s never open past midnight like it was 6 to 7 years ago.
At WDW all Disney Hotel guests get early entry (but only 30mins). The Deluxe Resorts get extended evening hours at MK, EPCOT, and DHS which is only one weekday per week for 2 hours after the park closes.
@@davidnewell3717 the price difference between the cost of the nicest hotels in Tokyo Disney Resort and US parks is huge much more expensive in the US.
The Disney MGM-Studios version of Tower of Terror originally had lap bars in all but the back middle seat. It was terrifying if you were a small kid sitting next to adults as you got some real airtime.
If they would just add the stair scene to Haunted Mansion over the spiders, it'd be the best version. Another change that would be fantastic would be the Snow White ride updating to the version it was before it was removed from WDW. That ride ends so perfectly with the musical crescendo and her waking up and the getting the happy ending. Having it end with just the Queen crushing you with the boulder just.....it plain sucks. Anti-climatic.
You’re definitely my favourite Tokyo Disney TH-camr. And fantasy springs looks so pretty from the videos I’ve seen so I think it will definitely improve Tokyo Disney sea
Tokyo Disney isn’t the only park that shuts down rides early. In California Disneyland shuts down Rise of the Resistance at 10pm even if the park is open until 1 am. Even on Star Wars themed party nights..nope. Shut down at 10pm. I have also seen Toontown shut down for the night after fireworks depending on hours though that was pre-Runaway Railway so that might not be a thing anymore. Not sure. But Rise is a thing unfortunately. To avoid that problem in Tokyo, OLC should help people get home or build dorms that could house workers to work the late shift. Then the rides could stay open longer.
I totally hear you on Iksapri but I appreciated it for all those same reasons i.e. escaping the bubble for a bit, enjoying non theme park food, and restocking at a legit grocery store. Did this daily when the mid day slog hit the parks - which at these parks is about 11:30pm daily.
Hey man, enjoy your channel and appreciate all the work that goes into it. That said I would love if the channel was less negative sometimes. I get it, you’re a local and you see areas of improvement and how the park is doing less since the pandemic. But I’m betting the majority of your viewers are people from American speaking countries looking to visit the Japanese Disney parks and resort and are excited about it. We can benefit so much from the knowledge and experience you bring to the table and you do help us. Im not suggesting you shouldn’t be critical of how the parks are run, I’m just saying that a lot of us are so excited to experience Tokyo Disneyland resort and so much of it comes as a bummer for someone trying to get excited for and planning their trip. I hope this comment doesn’t come off as a negative troll or something, as it comes from a place of love. I really do appreciate all the work you put in. The broll looks fantastic and you’re scripting or outlining (or however you do) is great. Can’t wait to see your coverage of Fantasy Springs.
Cheers Peter I do appreciate all of that, I'm sure you know very well how hard it can be to get constructive criticism and it was nice of you to take the time to emphasize your good intentions. I have been feeling that I've been leaning a little too much into the negatives recently and I do want to keep a balance. If I do think that with this resort in particular people love talking about all the things they do amazingly well (plenty of them!) but this can make people's expectations too high. I've always said I want to adjust people's expectations accordingly. When I first came here a lot of things blew me away but a lot of stuff disappointed me too, and I don't want anyone to come here and be disappointed, I want them to be prepared and have an amazing time! Also the negative videos do get more views, I think because there aren't many people saying this stuff! But I don't wanna be a downer. I literally moved to Tokyo just to live near these parks. I adore them, and the majority of my videos do celebrate what makes them so great. Sorry for the essay, and genuinely thanks again. Really appreciate it.
@@8bitthemeparkI love your videos! It gives a more balanced review with the pros and cons (which not many vloggers do especially with the cons). I have watched too many videos about how Tokyo Disney parks are the best but to be honest it was underwhelming for me. Most likely due to my own expectations after watching all the stellar reviews! Don’t get me wrong, it is a good Disney park but it is not without its own flaws, your videos do highlight some of the issues that I’ve personally experienced in the park!
One thing actually, you don’t have to stay at Ambassador to get the reservation! You can get it either way, though hotel guests get priority. He comes to your table again now! But it does suck that it’s only him and not the whole gang.
you know what I always wondered why the hotels at Tokyo Disney don't have any recreation activities. I can remember going to the US Disney hotels and they would have a drawing class, or camp fire, or movie under the stars but the Japan Disney hotels seem to have none of it!
It’s probably to do with limited location/space they have and also length of holiday people can take. They don’t have much land left to expand unless they keep getting rid of car parks. WDW has or had so much space to play around with. Also, 90% of Tokyo Disney guest is Japanese and they only spend limited time at hotels as most of them only staying for 1-3 or 4 nights so basically it’s a place to sleep and a few extra perks, early entry etc so they are not looking for extra things to do at hotels.
My last visit to TDR was Winter 2006, and we had a 3-Day Ticket and I never realized that you can Park Hop on the 3rd day. I was just along for the ride wherever my parents took me that day. On the 3rd day, we went to DisneySea first to catch The Legend of Mythica (arguably the greatest daytime entertainment Disney has ever made), and the latter half to Disneyland at night, I rode Pirates of the Caribbean and watch the TDL Electrical Parade Dreamlights Christmas Edition. Moreover, it was my birthday that day, so I was the luckiest pre-teen on the planet.
@@8bitthemepark A time machine perhaps? Or convince OLC/Disney Live Entertainment to bring back quality daytime shows again at DisneySea? Bullying works LOL The Legend of Mythica was life-changing for me. An original show focuses on visual splendor, mythology, and sprinkling some Disney magic. We watched it by one of the towers of Fortress Exploration (quite fitting), and it was one of the catalysts that led me to pursue theme park design 18 years later!
“When I was a kid” …what decade was this? In the American parks, so many people “rope drop” that the odds of you getting picked to do anything is pretty slim. And having rides be no wait, and having the park to yourself… …that was a thing during the off peak seasons, like 15 years ago. The American parks are so expensive and down right miserable now, that the magic is gone. Bringing a small kid helps, because you get to relive the magic through their eyes, but if you see it through your own, well, it’s a bit depressing.
The last time I went to WDW was in 2009 and I went 6 times in the decade before that. It’s funny that people look back so fondly because I remember we’d go back after 2 years or so and there would be no new rides in any of the parks, recently they’ve added loads! Grass is always greener I guess.
@@8bitthemepark”grass is always greener” is right. So many of us look at TDR as the epitome of what Disney (OLC) has done right, so any time I watch anything negative said about it, I’m all confused, still comparing it to what I know domestically. I did go to WDW a few times in the 90s… …summer 94, spring break 96, Xmas/New Years 96/97, Xmas 99 (spent Y2K at home), Xmas/New Years 00/01… so pretty much I knew what peak season was like. Off peak now, is what spring break and summer was like then, and that’s with an extra fourth park. We went again Xmas 2001, three months after 9/11, which hit the American tourism industry hard. My family was seriously wondering whether or not we should still go. Still was the busiest time I had ever been. Each year was worst than the last. “I love seeing the decorations and lights” my mom would say… …you can’t see anything being shoulder to shoulder with everyone else. It was similar to my last visit in 2022, late January, when it was 30 degrees (F) out. Had my honeymoon in May 2005. I had never seen off peak season before. We owned the park. Everything was walk on. I ended up inheriting a ticket unfortunately, and went later that same year for, yet again, Xmas/New Years. Once again, it was the worst most busiest time I had ever seen. And that was WITH EPCOT having the Wonders of Life pavilion still open, and the new Soarin ride! Went off peak 2009, same time in May. They were closing the schools locally where I lived, and I thought that was silly because of some new thing called “swine flu.” Of course, that means all the kids were out at the malls and other public places. I joked with the people at work, telling them I would get swine flu on my trip. …I don’t know what I got, strep throat maybe? It was bad! But, everything was still more or less calm. FL schools were taking field trips, and it was a little busier because you could get in free on your birthday, and I saw sooo many people with birthday buttons. 2010 I went to EuroDisney which was a bit of a culture shock for me. I wouldn’t go back to WDW, until 2015, with my own daughter, who was free at the time, since she was two. It was definitely way much busier then before and had gotten worse every year since, as we had been going every year after that, except in 2018 and 2021. That was Disneyland. But I wanted to go to the 50th anniversary ever since I went in the 25th. I mean, in the 90s, Disney had a tight budget with the failure of EuroDisney and the building of Animal Kingdom. Now they’re insanely profitable, so the 50th most definitely would be amazing!!! …No. It was awful. So many things broken, paint chipping and faded, nickel and diming you for everything, prices. Couldn’t even have a real parade! The 25th had a special daytime parade and nighttime parade! And you can’t blame COVID, because this had to have been planned a budgeted way before the parks closure, which happened for like a minute! It was just like swine flu, in that it was a joke, only packed with people!!!
The magic isn’t gone. I have had magical experiences each of the last three times I have been. Disneyland at least, is turning things around. And all of the cast members have been SUPER nice and entertaining. Even the security guards.
@@gregg5958Yeah, I’m sorry, but being nice isn’t “magic.” It’s like how no one in the retail and service industry is allowed to not smile. I could write a book on just my last trip of all the unmagical things that happened to us. The brand was definitely tarnished by it. And you keep telling yourself excuses, because you’re a huge fan, and it’s just one thing, ok two, ok a huge list… …ok every single day has a huge list. Umm… …maybe it’s COVID? Yeah… …2022, and “maybe it’s COVID.” Freak snowstorm canceled our flight, and schools, and airport. Ok, well, can’t go back to WDW. You can’t make a last minute trip there anymore. …but you can at Universal. I honestly, am not a fan, but going there the exact same week of a continuous disappointing 50th, showed me where all the quality, maintenance, customer service, everything that once was considered the Disney standard went. They weren’t celebrating anything. Heck, their own budget was probably more tight due to Epic Universe and the effects of their own COVID related losses.
Good video, I personally think that Tokyo Disneyland has been exceedingly better operated than the American Disney parks in the 21st century but I totally agree with you about quite a few things here, especially the hours and park hopping. When I went to Disneyland in 2021, while I absolutely loved Disneyland, California Adventure for me was pretty underwhelming in comparison, so I actually only went to DCA for just two days and liked having the option to park hop to Disneyland. (Also I went during Halloween time so DCA closed early at 6:00PM.) and I was at Disneyland from 9:00AM to 11:00PM all seven days I went, so whenever I go to Tokyo Disneyland, I'll definitely be disappointed about this. I don't live in Japan, but I absolutely understand your frustration with the lack of annual passes. I haven't even been there, but I just know I'd want to visit Tokyo Disneyland all the time so I totally get your frustration. As English is the language I speak too I agree here, but I do understand why Japanese is the primary language for the resort. I just hope that as someone who knows very little Japanese that I'll still be able to have a great time and understand my way around the resort when I go. I agree that a Peoplemover would be great. One thing I'd have to disagree with you on would be the updating. I of course absolutely love that Tokyo Disneyland still has Splash Mountain, being as it was my second favorite ride at all six of the American Disney Parks only behind Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean. And I really hope this never changes, I'm sure OLC knows Splash Mountain is an absolute goldmine for them especially now that it's the only version of such a beloved Disney attraction. I also think it's great that they still have a Snow White similar to the older versions at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. Although I wouldn't mind it if they added things like more figures of the lovely Snow White herself. And I do agree with you about keeping The Haunted Mansion the same all these years, and I honestly wish they did the same with Pirates of the Caribbean. I do enjoy the films, but I would have liked if there was one location that had my favorite ride in it's complexly original form.
It’s interesting to hear a local’s perspective. That being said I’m still seething with envy. I live near Disney world and yeah I have a lot of great memories but these days they’ve really been nickeling and diming us for less and less quality experiences and perks. Would love them to take a page out of the OLCs book and make more real and immersive experiences rather than a bunch of screens.
I got pick at DCA one time to open up the start of carland area for the ride. I was by myself which is all the time. N bc i mega cool pin vest a cast member pick me.n i met these nice ppl n line so i just pick them to come alone with me n we all got ride 1st.
The price you pay for the monorail is worth the magic it provides especially compared to the US parks whose monorails are absolute trash. Disneylands doesn’t even have AC. So much of this video is reminiscing about what was a decade ago in US parks and comparing it to modern day Tokyo Disney Resort.
Oh I totally agree the price is worth it! Haha I didn’t know Disneyland’s has no AC that’s hilarious. TDR do definitely treat the monorails like a legitimate public transport and keep them in tip top condition. We recently got a new fleet too! As for comparing to what the US parks used to be… Which points did I make that are outdated?
@@sorcerermickeyfanguy6271 It didn’t really fit DisneySea. Big plastic toys in Mediterranean Harbor was weird. But after no good events for almost 5 years I miss when OLC used to go all out with their events
@@sorcerermickeyfanguy6271 Haha yeah it was great, but still not a patch on the old events. I’d suggest taking a dive into the history of events entertainment at TDR, some of it is mind blowing.
@@8bitthemepark for me personally there is a lot at Disney Springs but not much I actually enjoy doing. There’s not really any interesting stores that can’t be found at any of my local malls. While I don’t find the majority of stores interesting in Ikspiari, I realize I’m not at all the target demographic. And while there is a lot of food in DS, much of it is pricy, or pricey and not very good (I’m looking at you STK). I love the food court in Ikspiari, which has a good variety and is pretty affordable. Also you can’t beat Ippudo. I’m a boba fiend so having a Gong Cha in Ikspiari is a god send when I’m staying at TDR. Another plus for Ikspiari for me is the market and pharmacy. If I was a local I would probably never use these two locations but as a traveler it’s fantastic having them only a Resort Line ride away. Speaking for transportation, if you’re staying on site at WDW the bus system is mind numbing. It takes forever to go to or leave Disney Springs from the Disney hotels. Now a plus about DS is that it actually has a layout that feels like it was actually designed by humans and not a confusing labyrinth. It’s madness!
Thanks for all that! Totally with you in terms of the functionality of Ikspiari. When I have multi-day hotel stays it is handy having a supermarket nearby, and the fact that it's a short monorail ride away does help. Yeah this may be the difference between a local's perspective too then, because it's basically a pretty average mall. I'm quite sure the shops don't appeal to anyone really because most of them are usually empty and they close down pretty regularly. I may still be bitter about the whole place as they closed my favorite pie shop haha
PeopleMover! This, APs and park hopping. I feel the PeopleMover announcement coming any day soon with all Tomorrowland changes! People are always saying the Japan parks are so great which they are in a lot of ways but a lot of things here also suck for locals.
Sorry buddy! Was gonna make an announcement but wasn’t sure what the best way to do it would be. Alex is on holiday right now but gets back tomorrow, so we’ll be back next week! Sorry for leaving you in the dark! 🗻
I didn't know that Tokyo was all this down side smh. I guess the grass is not so greener on the other side no pun intended smh lol. But I am not a show person i sm more of a ride person..thanks for being so honest bc I was thinking something diff about overseas.
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Some corrections:
The monorail is no longer complimentary for Disney hotel guests
Ambassador & Disneyland Hotels also have a pool, but it’s only open in the summer, Miracosta has the only indoor pool.
You can book Chef Mickeys even if you don’t stay at the Ambassador Hotel, but reservations are very difficult. Available one month before from 9am JST
WDW extra hours for hotel guests are very limited now too, and only for deluxe hotel guests.
Hong Kong Disneyland also does the water thing during the summer, where they have a Pixar parade where water splashes on guests and also the castle stage show has water spraying
When I was in Disneyland last fall Rise of the Resistance closed their queue a few hours before the park closed as well
I don’t like the lottery system in Tokyo. It’s stressful. And I’m not a fan of keep checking my phone in Disney parks.
Second problem is their food translation is a bit weird. Last Halloween I asked the cast member about the flavour of the drinks. Everyone includes the menu only mentions it’s a tapioca drink. No clues about what ingredients in there. Why don’t just write pumpkin tapioca drinks like the Japanese.
Yep not a fan of the lotteries. I honestly think they want their guests to be a little bit disappointed so they keep buying more tickets to try again and again. Literally gambling.
With all of Disneylands “after hours events” that are seemingly every single night of the year now, it also closes early very often now a days for regular guests
The American parks have dropped some of the extra perks. There’s barely any rope drop ceremony now. They even cut back on extra magic hours. It’s only for the 5 Deluxe hotels, and it’s typically only an hour in the morning. Epcot at DHS usually close at 9 now, and MK at 10 or 11. It’s never open past midnight like it was 6 to 7 years ago.
It’s so sad how we waited through the pandemic to go back to our favorite places but they were never the same 😔
At WDW all Disney Hotel guests get early entry (but only 30mins). The Deluxe Resorts get extended evening hours at MK, EPCOT, and DHS which is only one weekday per week for 2 hours after the park closes.
@@davidnewell3717 the price difference between the cost of the nicest hotels in Tokyo Disney Resort and US parks is huge much more expensive in the US.
@@kevinmcdonnell377 I agree… was just clarifying what the actual current park perks are for guests staying at WDW hotels. 👍🏻
My question is...if the OLC is paying licensing rights to Disney, are TDL and TDS OFFICIALLY Disney parks?
The Disney MGM-Studios version of Tower of Terror originally had lap bars in all but the back middle seat. It was terrifying if you were a small kid sitting next to adults as you got some real airtime.
That sounds AMAZING
If they would just add the stair scene to Haunted Mansion over the spiders, it'd be the best version. Another change that would be fantastic would be the Snow White ride updating to the version it was before it was removed from WDW. That ride ends so perfectly with the musical crescendo and her waking up and the getting the happy ending. Having it end with just the Queen crushing you with the boulder just.....it plain sucks. Anti-climatic.
Just plain facts here!
You’re definitely my favourite Tokyo Disney TH-camr. And fantasy springs looks so pretty from the videos I’ve seen so I think it will definitely improve Tokyo Disney sea
Aw thanks buddy that’s made my day! Yea I’m sooo hyped for Fantasy Springs I can’t believe it’s just 4 weeks away!!!
Tokyo Disney isn’t the only park that shuts down rides early. In California Disneyland shuts down Rise of the Resistance at 10pm even if the park is open until 1 am. Even on Star Wars themed party nights..nope. Shut down at 10pm. I have also seen Toontown shut down for the night after fireworks depending on hours though that was pre-Runaway Railway so that might not be a thing anymore. Not sure. But Rise is a thing unfortunately.
To avoid that problem in Tokyo, OLC should help people get home or build dorms that could house workers to work the late shift. Then the rides could stay open longer.
I totally hear you on Iksapri but I appreciated it for all those same reasons i.e. escaping the bubble for a bit, enjoying non theme park food, and restocking at a legit grocery store. Did this daily when the mid day slog hit the parks - which at these parks is about 11:30pm daily.
I get that! When I first came on holiday here the grocery store did come in handy a few times.
Hey man, enjoy your channel and appreciate all the work that goes into it. That said I would love if the channel was less negative sometimes. I get it, you’re a local and you see areas of improvement and how the park is doing less since the pandemic. But I’m betting the majority of your viewers are people from American speaking countries looking to visit the Japanese Disney parks and resort and are excited about it. We can benefit so much from the knowledge and experience you bring to the table and you do help us. Im not suggesting you shouldn’t be critical of how the parks are run, I’m just saying that a lot of us are so excited to experience Tokyo Disneyland resort and so much of it comes as a bummer for someone trying to get excited for and planning their trip.
I hope this comment doesn’t come off as a negative troll or something, as it comes from a place of love. I really do appreciate all the work you put in. The broll looks fantastic and you’re scripting or outlining (or however you do) is great. Can’t wait to see your coverage of Fantasy Springs.
Cheers Peter I do appreciate all of that, I'm sure you know very well how hard it can be to get constructive criticism and it was nice of you to take the time to emphasize your good intentions.
I have been feeling that I've been leaning a little too much into the negatives recently and I do want to keep a balance. If I do think that with this resort in particular people love talking about all the things they do amazingly well (plenty of them!) but this can make people's expectations too high. I've always said I want to adjust people's expectations accordingly. When I first came here a lot of things blew me away but a lot of stuff disappointed me too, and I don't want anyone to come here and be disappointed, I want them to be prepared and have an amazing time!
Also the negative videos do get more views, I think because there aren't many people saying this stuff! But I don't wanna be a downer. I literally moved to Tokyo just to live near these parks. I adore them, and the majority of my videos do celebrate what makes them so great.
Sorry for the essay, and genuinely thanks again. Really appreciate it.
@@8bitthemeparkI love your videos! It gives a more balanced review with the pros and cons (which not many vloggers do especially with the cons). I have watched too many videos about how Tokyo Disney parks are the best but to be honest it was underwhelming for me. Most likely due to my own expectations after watching all the stellar reviews! Don’t get me wrong, it is a good Disney park but it is not without its own flaws, your videos do highlight some of the issues that I’ve personally experienced in the park!
One thing actually, you don’t have to stay at Ambassador to get the reservation! You can get it either way, though hotel guests get priority. He comes to your table again now!
But it does suck that it’s only him and not the whole gang.
Thanks for correcting me!
you know what I always wondered why the hotels at Tokyo Disney don't have any recreation activities. I can remember going to the US Disney hotels and they would have a drawing class, or camp fire, or movie under the stars but the Japan Disney hotels seem to have none of it!
Also true! I do try not to compare to WDW hotels though because they just have soooo much land there each hotel is basically a resort it’s crazy
TDR is just pay for your night in the hotel that’s it no extra
It’s probably to do with limited location/space they have and also length of holiday people can take.
They don’t have much land left to expand unless they keep getting rid of car parks. WDW has or had so much space to play around with.
Also, 90% of Tokyo Disney guest is Japanese and they only spend limited time at hotels as most of them only staying for 1-3 or 4 nights so basically it’s a place to sleep and a few extra perks, early entry etc so they are not looking for extra things to do at hotels.
My last visit to TDR was Winter 2006, and we had a 3-Day Ticket and I never realized that you can Park Hop on the 3rd day. I was just along for the ride wherever my parents took me that day. On the 3rd day, we went to DisneySea first to catch The Legend of Mythica (arguably the greatest daytime entertainment Disney has ever made), and the latter half to Disneyland at night, I rode Pirates of the Caribbean and watch the TDL Electrical Parade Dreamlights Christmas Edition. Moreover, it was my birthday that day, so I was the luckiest pre-teen on the planet.
Sounds very special! The things I would do to see Legend of Mythica…
@@8bitthemepark A time machine perhaps? Or convince OLC/Disney Live Entertainment to bring back quality daytime shows again at DisneySea? Bullying works LOL
The Legend of Mythica was life-changing for me. An original show focuses on visual splendor, mythology, and sprinkling some Disney magic. We watched it by one of the towers of Fortress Exploration (quite fitting), and it was one of the catalysts that led me to pursue theme park design 18 years later!
“When I was a kid” …what decade was this? In the American parks, so many people “rope drop” that the odds of you getting picked to do anything is pretty slim. And having rides be no wait, and having the park to yourself… …that was a thing during the off peak seasons, like 15 years ago. The American parks are so expensive and down right miserable now, that the magic is gone. Bringing a small kid helps, because you get to relive the magic through their eyes, but if you see it through your own, well, it’s a bit depressing.
The last time I went to WDW was in 2009 and I went 6 times in the decade before that. It’s funny that people look back so fondly because I remember we’d go back after 2 years or so and there would be no new rides in any of the parks, recently they’ve added loads! Grass is always greener I guess.
@@8bitthemepark”grass is always greener” is right. So many of us look at TDR as the epitome of what Disney (OLC) has done right, so any time I watch anything negative said about it, I’m all confused, still comparing it to what I know domestically.
I did go to WDW a few times in the 90s… …summer 94, spring break 96, Xmas/New Years 96/97, Xmas 99 (spent Y2K at home), Xmas/New Years 00/01… so pretty much I knew what peak season was like. Off peak now, is what spring break and summer was like then, and that’s with an extra fourth park.
We went again Xmas 2001, three months after 9/11, which hit the American tourism industry hard. My family was seriously wondering whether or not we should still go. Still was the busiest time I had ever been. Each year was worst than the last. “I love seeing the decorations and lights” my mom would say… …you can’t see anything being shoulder to shoulder with everyone else. It was similar to my last visit in 2022, late January, when it was 30 degrees (F) out.
Had my honeymoon in May 2005. I had never seen off peak season before. We owned the park. Everything was walk on. I ended up inheriting a ticket unfortunately, and went later that same year for, yet again, Xmas/New Years. Once again, it was the worst most busiest time I had ever seen. And that was WITH EPCOT having the Wonders of Life pavilion still open, and the new Soarin ride!
Went off peak 2009, same time in May. They were closing the schools locally where I lived, and I thought that was silly because of some new thing called “swine flu.” Of course, that means all the kids were out at the malls and other public places. I joked with the people at work, telling them I would get swine flu on my trip. …I don’t know what I got, strep throat maybe? It was bad! But, everything was still more or less calm. FL schools were taking field trips, and it was a little busier because you could get in free on your birthday, and I saw sooo many people with birthday buttons. 2010 I went to EuroDisney which was a bit of a culture shock for me. I wouldn’t go back to WDW, until 2015, with my own daughter, who was free at the time, since she was two. It was definitely way much busier then before and had gotten worse every year since, as we had been going every year after that, except in 2018 and 2021. That was Disneyland.
But I wanted to go to the 50th anniversary ever since I went in the 25th. I mean, in the 90s, Disney had a tight budget with the failure of EuroDisney and the building of Animal Kingdom. Now they’re insanely profitable, so the 50th most definitely would be amazing!!! …No. It was awful. So many things broken, paint chipping and faded, nickel and diming you for everything, prices. Couldn’t even have a real parade! The 25th had a special daytime parade and nighttime parade! And you can’t blame COVID, because this had to have been planned a budgeted way before the parks closure, which happened for like a minute! It was just like swine flu, in that it was a joke, only packed with people!!!
The magic isn’t gone. I have had magical experiences each of the last three times I have been. Disneyland at least, is turning things around. And all of the cast members have been SUPER nice and entertaining. Even the security guards.
@@gregg5958Yeah, I’m sorry, but being nice isn’t “magic.” It’s like how no one in the retail and service industry is allowed to not smile. I could write a book on just my last trip of all the unmagical things that happened to us. The brand was definitely tarnished by it. And you keep telling yourself excuses, because you’re a huge fan, and it’s just one thing, ok two, ok a huge list… …ok every single day has a huge list. Umm… …maybe it’s COVID? Yeah… …2022, and “maybe it’s COVID.”
Freak snowstorm canceled our flight, and schools, and airport. Ok, well, can’t go back to WDW. You can’t make a last minute trip there anymore. …but you can at Universal. I honestly, am not a fan, but going there the exact same week of a continuous disappointing 50th, showed me where all the quality, maintenance, customer service, everything that once was considered the Disney standard went. They weren’t celebrating anything. Heck, their own budget was probably more tight due to Epic Universe and the effects of their own COVID related losses.
Good video, I personally think that Tokyo Disneyland has been exceedingly better operated than the American Disney parks in the 21st century but I totally agree with you about quite a few things here, especially the hours and park hopping. When I went to Disneyland in 2021, while I absolutely loved Disneyland, California Adventure for me was pretty underwhelming in comparison, so I actually only went to DCA for just two days and liked having the option to park hop to Disneyland. (Also I went during Halloween time so DCA closed early at 6:00PM.) and I was at Disneyland from 9:00AM to 11:00PM all seven days I went, so whenever I go to Tokyo Disneyland, I'll definitely be disappointed about this.
I don't live in Japan, but I absolutely understand your frustration with the lack of annual passes. I haven't even been there, but I just know I'd want to visit Tokyo Disneyland all the time so I totally get your frustration. As English is the language I speak too I agree here, but I do understand why Japanese is the primary language for the resort. I just hope that as someone who knows very little Japanese that I'll still be able to have a great time and understand my way around the resort when I go. I agree that a Peoplemover would be great.
One thing I'd have to disagree with you on would be the updating. I of course absolutely love that Tokyo Disneyland still has Splash Mountain, being as it was my second favorite ride at all six of the American Disney Parks only behind Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean. And I really hope this never changes, I'm sure OLC knows Splash Mountain is an absolute goldmine for them especially now that it's the only version of such a beloved Disney attraction. I also think it's great that they still have a Snow White similar to the older versions at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. Although I wouldn't mind it if they added things like more figures of the lovely Snow White herself. And I do agree with you about keeping The Haunted Mansion the same all these years, and I honestly wish they did the same with Pirates of the Caribbean. I do enjoy the films, but I would have liked if there was one location that had my favorite ride in it's complexly original form.
No updates is a double edged sword for sure!
It’s interesting to hear a local’s perspective. That being said I’m still seething with envy. I live near Disney world and yeah I have a lot of great memories but these days they’ve really been nickeling and diming us for less and less quality experiences and perks. Would love them to take a page out of the OLCs book and make more real and immersive experiences rather than a bunch of screens.
The grass is always greener! What I wouldn't give to have 4 Disney parks, 2 Disney waterparks and soon to be 3 Universal parks so close!
Oh by the way i dont think they tive you the free monorail passes anymore for hotel guests
Oh wow you’re right. So if you stay at the Miracosta you have to pay for the monorail to get there and pay for the pool too 😂
They need to bring back Mickey's Halloween Party to Disneyland ❤
I got pick at DCA one time to open up the start of carland area for the ride. I was by myself which is all the time. N bc i mega cool pin vest a cast member pick me.n i met these nice ppl n line so i just pick them to come alone with me n we all got ride 1st.
if we couldn't park hop in Paris, nobody would ever go to the studios park! ;D
That’s so true!
The price you pay for the monorail is worth the magic it provides especially compared to the US parks whose monorails are absolute trash. Disneylands doesn’t even have AC. So much of this video is reminiscing about what was a decade ago in US parks and comparing it to modern day Tokyo Disney Resort.
Oh I totally agree the price is worth it! Haha I didn’t know Disneyland’s has no AC that’s hilarious. TDR do definitely treat the monorails like a legitimate public transport and keep them in tip top condition. We recently got a new fleet too!
As for comparing to what the US parks used to be… Which points did I make that are outdated?
God I wish we had Pixar Fest and Oogie Boogie bash here…. NSSHP would be amazing too.
I used to hate the Pixar Playtime event at DisneySea and now I’d love it haha
@@8bitthemepark Why is that?
@@sorcerermickeyfanguy6271 It didn’t really fit DisneySea. Big plastic toys in Mediterranean Harbor was weird. But after no good events for almost 5 years I miss when OLC used to go all out with their events
@@8bitthemepark I see! But they did have the epic Donald's Quacky Duck City celebration recently which was amazing!
@@sorcerermickeyfanguy6271 Haha yeah it was great, but still not a patch on the old events. I’d suggest taking a dive into the history of events entertainment at TDR, some of it is mind blowing.
I have a mile long list of complaints about Ikspiari but my god I WISH Disney Springs and especially Downtown Disney was as good as Ikspiari.
Hey Guy! That’s so funny, Disney Springs seems a million times better to me. What makes you prefer Ikspiari?
@@8bitthemepark for me personally there is a lot at Disney Springs but not much I actually enjoy doing. There’s not really any interesting stores that can’t be found at any of my local malls. While I don’t find the majority of stores interesting in Ikspiari, I realize I’m not at all the target demographic. And while there is a lot of food in DS, much of it is pricy, or pricey and not very good (I’m looking at you STK). I love the food court in Ikspiari, which has a good variety and is pretty affordable. Also you can’t beat Ippudo. I’m a boba fiend so having a Gong Cha in Ikspiari is a god send when I’m staying at TDR. Another plus for Ikspiari for me is the market and pharmacy. If I was a local I would probably never use these two locations but as a traveler it’s fantastic having them only a Resort Line ride away. Speaking for transportation, if you’re staying on site at WDW the bus system is mind numbing. It takes forever to go to or leave Disney Springs from the Disney hotels. Now a plus about DS is that it actually has a layout that feels like it was actually designed by humans and not a confusing labyrinth. It’s madness!
Thanks for all that! Totally with you in terms of the functionality of Ikspiari. When I have multi-day hotel stays it is handy having a supermarket nearby, and the fact that it's a short monorail ride away does help. Yeah this may be the difference between a local's perspective too then, because it's basically a pretty average mall. I'm quite sure the shops don't appeal to anyone really because most of them are usually empty and they close down pretty regularly. I may still be bitter about the whole place as they closed my favorite pie shop haha
I hope Disneyland Mansion come back soon. 😢 or will be in operation soon again.
PeopleMover! This, APs and park hopping. I feel the PeopleMover announcement coming any day soon with all Tomorrowland changes! People are always saying the Japan parks are so great which they are in a lot of ways but a lot of things here also suck for locals.
100% And what’s saddest is that pre-covid it was one of the best for locals 😭
What’s up with the podcast? No Rising Fun since April 12, unless Apple Podcasts has not been updating for some reason. 😢
Sorry buddy! Was gonna make an announcement but wasn’t sure what the best way to do it would be. Alex is on holiday right now but gets back tomorrow, so we’ll be back next week! Sorry for leaving you in the dark! 🗻
I didn't know that Tokyo was all this down side smh. I guess the grass is not so greener on the other side no pun intended smh lol. But I am not a show person i sm more of a ride person..thanks for being so honest bc I was thinking something diff about overseas.
Also I completely agree IKSPIARI SUUUUCKS it’s such a waste of Disney space. Restaurants are the only redeeming factor.
Right? I like that there’s still a Rainforest Cafe but everything else can go
@@8bitthemeparkI’m literally going there tomorrow 😂 the only magical/fun place in the whole overly fancy building!
@@cascas2284 Oh nice! Have a wild time! 🌴
Oh wow i did no disney didn't know them. Bc they get the best stuff n merchandise. So u guys have it better. Idk about the food lol..
Bring ppl mover back to Disneyland and captain EO
Tiana is the best princess..
#DisneyDiva