Welcome to part four of my Tokyo Disney Resort Summer Trip Report. In this report I am going to discuss Tokyo Disneyland Park, its theming, similarities and differences with the other Magic Kingdom parks, and our overall impressions.

To recap or re-read the previous posts, Part One can be read here; Part Two can be read here; and Part Three can be read here.

I warn you now, this part is especially long, and you may want to return to this when you have time!  [ Read More... ]

Hi everyone,

In this part I shall talk about the Resort's theming and layout, and our overall impressions.

First off, I just want to say that despite me previously saying I would make part three the final part, after writing it, I think we shall have to have a couple more instalments! When I was writing it got incredibly long, and I do not want to lose people’s interest. So this is part three of, probably five - but we’ll see how it goes!

If you want to catch up or re-read the previous reports, Part One can be read here, and Part Two can be read here.  [ Read More... ]

Hi all,

Just a quick update to say that this week saw the Cast Preview of Duffy the Disney Bear at Disney's California Adventure, and the Annual Passholder preview at EPCOT at WDW.

Stitch Kingdom provides us with a report on the event, with more to follow.

Ok, that's all for now. Don't forget to check my latest report (part two) from our Tokyo trip, and to check back here in the coming days to read the final part.

Dan :)

Hi all!

So here we are finally at part two of the trip report for Tokyo! In Part One I discussed the Japanese obsession with all things small, cute and Disney, and how it affects their behaviour in the parks. I am going to move on now to the other peculiarities of the Japanese Resort, including the strict regime and rules.

Japan for the most part runs on time. It is efficient and consistent in most areas including opening hours and public transport. This comes through at the Disney Parks too, but at a cost.  [ Read More... ]

Hi all,

Just a quick update. So it has been confirmed in a press release that Flynn Rider will indeed be joing Rapunzel at Christmas in Disneyland Paris. It has also be re-confirmed that they will be on the Castle Stage, despite my earlier speculation about them using the recently closed "it's a small world" post show building (so what WILL this be used for?...).

It has also been announced, rather suddenly today, that Disney's Hollywood Studios will be getting a new parade from the 16th January 2011! It will be PIXAR themed (no surprises there), and will feature characters from the PIXAR Studios including some not currently seen in WDW such as the UP and the Ratatouille characters. The current Block Party Bash will end on 1st January 2011. Although this is very cool, and it will be exciting to see a new parade hit the streets of the Studios, one cannot help but wonder WHEN the Magic Kingdom will ever get a new parade?!...

Ok, that's all for now!

Dan :)

Hi all,

Just a brief update regarding two things.

Firstly, the Disney's Entertainment Blog has reported that the photo locations for Character Meet 'n' Greets at both the Newport Bay Club Hotel and the Sequoia Lodge Hotel (both at Disneyland Paris), have moved. This is probably to ease congestion around the areas at which they were previously situated. No other changes have been noted.

Secondly, I saw pictures from a contact on Facebook, which sadly I cannot repost, showing the "premiere" of Duffy at Hong Kong Disneyland earlier this week! I had earlier reported that he was due to arrive in the US next month, but was unaware that he was coming to China, too! He was there for the Cast Member launch of the 5th Anniversary festivities at the Storybook Theatre, where the Golden Mickey's normally plays. I have heard from an inside source (thanks William!), that Duffy will start meeting his fans at HK DL around Christmas time this year. The only Disney Resort left without Duffy now will be Disneyland Paris... and I hope it stays that way!

Ok, that's it for now,

Dan :)

Today Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates it's 5th Birthday.

Hong Kong Disneyland opened on September 12th 2005, and was Disney's third Asian Park, and it's first in China.

Hong Kong Disneyland has come a long way since it's troubled start, and we look forward to all the exciting new developments that are in the works for the next 5 years.

Have a Magical day everyone!

Dan :)

Hi all,

So this week saw Stitch Kingdom post the first picture of the new Rapunzel and Flynn Rider characters to feature at Disney Parks from next month. Rapunzel and Flynn will be making appearances in the Magic Kingdom and in Disneyland from October 15th. At the Magic Kingdom it is currently expected that they will be meeting in the Fairytale Garden, where the recently evicted Belle used to have Storytime. The location is interesting because at Disneyland, they will be meeting indoors at the former Gepetto's Candy Shoppe. It recently closed for the remodel to accommodate the new characters. The reason this is interesting is that the DL location is indoors, and the MK location is outdoors. It is expected that Rapunzel will have extremely long hair that would be difficult to move. With an indoor location it allows Disney to allow certain numbers of guests in at a time, then close the door when they are done, allowing Rapunzel and the Cast Members to do what they have to do to "remove" the character. In Walt Disney World the Fairytale Garden is a very exposed location, outdoors. How they are going to handle the arrival and departure of Rapunzel after every set time will be interesting. Watch this space for further news on that one!  [ Read More... ]