Tokyo Disneyland Winter Trip Report – Part 2
This post picks up where Part 1 of our Tokyo Disney Resort Winter Trip Report left off, midday through our second day at Tokyo DisneySea. (If you care about photos, don’t miss page 2–that’s where the good ones are!)
For page 1, we’ll start with everyone’s favorite: some rambling text. Our FastPass window opened as we finished lunch, so we headed there next. This was a new-to-us version of Tower of Terror, known as “Tower of Terror: Shadow of Shiriki.” There’s little info on this version of the attraction outside of this TDR Explorer post.
Suffice to say, it’s a more intense version of the normal Tower of Terror (which is very tame in Tokyo DisneySea–this brings it on par with the U.S. versions) and a few new visual effects. It’s a nice plussing of the standard version of the attraction, and I wish it would run year-round.
Normally, the drop sequence is the most disappointing aspect of Tokyo DisneySea’s Tower of Terror. Someone once described it to me as a walk-through attraction with a drop at the end, and I think that’s perfectly apt. As a walk-through, Tower of Terror is brilliant. The level of detail is staggering. The drop is (normally) a letdown. (WOW TOM, CLEVER PUN.) This remedies that issue.
Following Tower of Terror, we met up with some friends. If there’s one constant about Disney, it’s that no matter where you go, all fans speak the same language of Disney-dorkiness. This is enough to overcome the slight language barrier. They joined us for the rest of the day…
Big Band Beat was next on our agenda, and even though we lost the lotto (I was a bit surprised it was even running given the low crowd levels), we were able to grab seats via standby with ease shortly before the show.
Photography is not normally allowed in Big Band Beat, but we previously saw a preview show during which it was allowed on our last trip, but I’ll include some of those photos now to give you an idea of what this show is like.
We only had the chance to see the Tokyo DisneySea 15th Anniversary version of Big Band Beat once on our last trip, and lost the lotto every single time, so this was only our second chance to see the new show.
I think after the first viewing, my take on the new Big Band Beat was that it was slightly better than the original. Upon seeing it again (twice) this trip, I now think the old version was slightly better. I guess I was so caught up in the hype of the new show the first time around?
In any case, both versions are exceptional. The highlight of the original remains in the new version, and that’s what matters most. The reason for my change of heart is that I think things drag slightly at the beginning in the new version.
I also prefer some of the staging in the original, most notably the light-up stairway for “Jazz Babies.”
For most people, which version of Big Band Beat is better is probably going to be close to a toss-up. This is a good thing, as there was really only one direction to go if the show was going to change dramatically in quality.
There is something to be said to have something of the same high caliber, but that’s different. Helps keep Tokyo DisneySea fresh (although I probably could watch either version of Big Band Beat all day everyday, so I’m not sure how much ‘freshness’ is necessary here.)
After leaving Big Band Beat, we briefly wandered around American Waterfront. The “Sweet Duffy” celebration has spilled out of Cape Cod into portions of this area of American Waterfront, namely at Scrooge’s Department Store and New York Deli.
The Sweet Duffy taglines are comically cute. Phrases like “Duffy brings love” and other straight-forward statements of positivity. The sentimentality of it all struck me; I can’t quite articulate why, but it just seemed weird.
Perhaps I’m too cynical, or maybe Americans are too cynical (or both), but I can’t imagine seeing signs like these in the U.S. parks.
Despite the temperature, it really was a beautiful day. I’ll take cold weather if it means skies like this and low crowd levels!
We then wandered back to Cape Cod and caught the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line to Lost River Delta.
I love transportation attractions, and the Steamer Line at Tokyo DisneySea is no exception.
There are multiple routes, each with interesting visuals, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the ultimate Disney “ambiance park.”
Since we were in the neighborhood with some time to kill until Out of Shadowland, we decided to catch Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage again. This is another attraction I notice new details on every time. Here are a few of my photos from this ride-through:
(I just discovered there’s a Nippon Express a few miles from us. Even though I have nothing to ship, I think I’m going to use them to mail some random stuff, and explain it’s in thanks for their loyal support of #TeamChandu.)
Aside from one trip during which the attraction was closed for refurbishment, we’ve done Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage at least once every single day we’ve gone to Tokyo DisneySea. I think if I had to choose between every other attraction in Tokyo DisneySea or Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage being down for refurbishment on my trip, I’d pick the former option. No joke!
We still had some extra time, and Raging Spirits only had a 10 minute wait, so we…just kidding. Even 10 minutes isn’t short enough to convince me to bother with Raging Spirits. It’s a weak attraction, but at least it looks cool, I guess.
Instead, we just spent a few minutes absorbing some of the details of Lost River Delta. Due to its location in the back of the park, this is where we spend the least amount of time. Even though we enjoy the atmosphere, attractions, and restaurants of Lost River Delta, most of our trips are quick dashes to the Single Rider line of Indiana Jones Adventure, and then right back out. This is another reason a Scandinavian port would be a welcome addition–it would be adjacent to Lost River Delta and we’d likely end up spending more time in both. On page 2, we’ll review Out of Shadowland and share photos from sunset & night!
Completely agree with you about the being ok with cold weather given the plus of low crowds and clear skies at the resort in January. We’ve been to TDR twice now, the second time in January and we were blown away by the wonderful weather (sure it was cold but it was clear with no rain and no horrid overcast skies) and how low the crowds were! I’d gladly go in January again.
Can you recommend any other food places to eat at Ikspiari? One of my daughters is a vegetarian and don’t see a lot of options that she would like in the park.
Great report Tom. My wife and I have been reading your blog for a while now, but never thought to “check-in” to thank you for posting all of this, to keep you motivated in your typing. At least not until my wife read your request to do that in part 1. Keep it up. Your readers in Phoenix thank you.
I come for the Disney but stay for the puns.
No one should stay for that reason. 😉
What was the sushi restaurant that you went to at the end?
I’m so in agreement with you in regards to Out of Shadowland! Mystic Rhythmns was just one of those wow shows and it’s been replaced by something very meh! In addition (and this is very silly cos it’s Japan!) but I liked that Mystic Rhymns did rely on Japanese narration and the movement told the story! We were actually warned when we walked in the show was not in English, which I thought weird as we hadn’t expected it to be, but we didn’t expect to need to understand it – though I think it would have probably improved the show if we could have!
Speaking of the cold in Tokyo that time of year, on our first night at Tokyo Disneyland (23 Jan) we didn’t dress for the weather and my husband lost his gloves and at the end of taking all our night photos his hands almost wouldn’t move they were so stiff from cold! However after that we just dressed for the weather (and made sure we had gloves) and it wasn’t too bad. That night was the coldest I’ve ever been I think though (we are from Australia and don’t see anywhere near as cold winters)
It’s interesting that you were warned of that–especially for Mystic Rhythms! We’ve been asked if we speak English, but it’s only ever to give us the slips of paper that explain attraction plots in English (such a nice touch).
I had never thought about it before, but now I need to see a projection show (or fantasmic-style) with Duffy slaying Maleficent’s dragon form. Based on what I’ve read (my first trip to TDR is tentatively being planned for May 2018) I’m sort of surprised this doesn’t exist at TDR already.
*drums fingers impatiently for next instalment*
Thanks for writing. I do enjoy your trip reports. I’m excited to read about the new Epcot festival that you visited after this trip.
For some perspective on how little Shadow of Shiriki info is available outside of Japanese, I didn’t realize until that TDR Explorer post dropped that I’d seen it before! I first visited Tokyo Disney Resort last year in early February and had no idea that the version of the attraction was different than usual, even as a regular reader of TDR Explorer and your site. Even knowing about it this time around (I was there in late January), I don’t think I’d have known it was a “special” version based on anything in the park itself. Anyway, it’s a fantastic attraction, I absolutely agree with you any time you talk about Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage, old vs. new Big Band Beat was a draw for me, while my husband enjoyed the new one, but slightly preferred the old one, and I’ve been enjoying this trip report very much.
The .jp Tokyo Disney Resort official site had info on it last year, but it translated poorly; I’m not sure if there’s a similar site this year or not. I’m actually surprised they don’t promote this version more. Perhaps they don’t want to dissuade older audiences or their normal target demos, so the advertising is very targeted? I dunno…
Good points all around, and now that you mention it, I do recall reading something on the official site but feeling a bit lost in translation.
Love this. Thanks for doing it. I’m so excited for my first trip this year!
I have always wanted to go to TDR. When I first started to read the blog I thought that i really should be thinking about going. Just the first two installments of this trip report have now created the NEED for me to go. Now I have to find a way to send you part of the bill for causing this issue!
You’re welcome to send the bill. Now us actually *paying* it is a different story… 😉
Hey Tom! Your reports are getting me pumped for my trip next week!! Do you happen to remember the name of that sushi place in Ikspiari?
We save all of our receipts, and I’m guessing it’s on that, but we aren’t at home right now. Message one of us early next week and we should be able to get you the info.
Great trip report, as always. I am planning for a trip to TDR in the next few years and wondering if TDR + Hong Kong and/or Shanghai Disneyland is better time spent or if it makes for a more enjoyable trip to do TDR and explore non-Disney Japan for another week. I fear that doing all three Asia Disney parks in one 7-10 day period may dull the details of the parks and leave this Disney parks commando burned out and missing the enjoyment of experiencing new Disney parks. Thoughts?
I wouldn’t do all 3 in a 10 day trip. I’d balance Disney and non-Disney elements. That’s just me, though.
Japan is amazing Michelle. Definitely worth leaving Hong Kong and Shanghai for another trip to do some non-Disney things.
Beautiful photos…especially those of the gondolas. I agree…they present a perfect setting for what I believe is the perfect Disney Park. The picture where everyone is looking at you is a lot of fun…I can picture you waving like a goofy American while snapping that shot! I think we have similar tastes when it comes to absorbing the ambience at DisneySea. It is the Number Two attraction in the entire park and I’ve broken off from our group many times just to take it all in. Definitely a feast for the senses and “pixie dust” overload is how I described my first visit! Without a doubt, the Number One attraction is Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage of course! The story, characters (#teamchandu) and music always leave me completely satisfied and generate a good amount of goose bumps! Alan Menken hit a “grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, down by 3, game 7 of the World Series” with Compass of Your Heart…in my opinion! Regarding transportation at DisneySea, yes, it is outstanding and convenient! I love the electric railway and transit steamer because they get you from one point of the park to another relatively quickly and provide incredible views, especially the railway. They are both a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the incredible ambience. We are so looking forward to our visit in June!
Compass of Your Heart is my favorite Menken song, which is really saying something given his body of work. The way that song breathes life into the attraction and sticks with you for days after riding is just something else.
Enjoy your next trip!
Thanks for the post and especially for the pictures. I’m fascinated by TDS.
I love reading the report, it makes me feel like I am back there. Even though my trip was only in July, it feels way too long ago. I agree with most of what you said except about sinbad and raging spirits. I have the exact opposite opinion as you do on those. To any readers going to TDR, I highly recommend going in Raging Spirits at night (its easy with a fast pass, one of the last fast pass lines to run out in my experience) and deciding for yourself. I truly loved that ride and went on it every day I went to Disney Sea. I love your photo with the shadows, indeed they add depth and that is a frame I havent seen shot before. Big Band Beat was so incredible, I agree it probably doesnt need newness to be exceptional. Idk if it works for others but I had the best fastpass show lotto luck when trying for the first show of the day. Just an anecdotal tip. Looking forward to the next installment.
You’re right about Raging Spirits typically being an “easy” FastPass. Thanks for sharing your opinion on Raging Spirits–not everything is for everyone, and it’s nice to have a diversity of opinions on a blog that otherwise has a fairly singular voice. 🙂
These Tokyo trip reports are great- thank you for doing them!
Would you suggest using a travel agent to book a TDR trip? I’m super confident in my Disneyland/Disney World trip planning skills, not so sure about parks in other countries…
I think it’s pretty unlikely that you’re going to find a travel agent who will book a TDR trip in the first place. Since the park is not owned by Disney, there is no commission for travel agents, meaning they would probably charge you a fee for booking the trip.
Even if you could reach such an arrangement with them, few probably have firsthand experience booking/planning. I think you’d be far better off reading the resources here and planning yourself.
Thanks for doing these excellent trip reports. Having visited Tokyo Disney for the first time last Thanksgiving, this trip report is essentially staving off my Tokyo withdrawals.
We didn’t get to catch Out of Shadowland. We lost the lottery for that or Big Band Beat every day of our four day visit so we ended up doing standby for Big Band Beat on our last day as it seemed like the better of the two.
I can definitely empathize with being lost in Ikspiari. It may as well be a maze attraction.
The lottery for Out of Shadowland is no more, and our Japanese friends indicated that it was fairly short-lived (as far as lottos for new shows go). I guess the attraction has not been especially popular after its initial ‘new-ness’ surge.
Ah. That would make sense. The day that we tried to get it was a holiday (Labour Thanksgiving) so that could explain how we would lose the lotto. Overall, we weren’t particularly upset to have missed Shadowland but decided it was worth waiting in Standby to see BBB.