Well, it's actually a new year and so much has changed in my personal life since my last post. In the midst of moving, accepting a role at Disney, and the holidays I still haven't finished writing about my Tokyo trip. While I'm very behind on posts/editing my photos, there's a lot going on behind the scenes. For now, I will finally update with the last few days of my trip to Japan. Only 3 days left!
March 21, 2017
We were eager to get back to Tokyo Disney Resort again after spending three incredible days out in the city. Although Japan has top-of-the-line public transportation, nothing can compare to Mickey-themed buses and monorails.
For instance, The Disney Resort Cruiser is by far one of my favorite offerings at TDR. Why? You've got convenience, warmth, courtesy (it's free!), and overall, it's the cutest buses you'll ever ride in. For obvious reasons, I've never seen an unhappy guest riding the bus.
It's the attention to detail that matters.
And I know what you might be thinking, "It's just a bus..." That may be true, but you are missing the point.
The Disney Resort Cruiser is the first attraction you experience at Disney. Your courtesy ride to Bayside Station sets the entire mood for the rest of your day. And I've taken buses at Disneyland Resort from the Toy Story lot, so I know from a first-hand experience that the bus is your first impression of Disney. Needless to say, I think we all avoid the Toy Story lot for a reason...
At this point, I know I am gushing, but the Cast Members are just so wonderful, too! Most times, your driver will come out to greet you aboard the bus. And every bus ride you're greeted by Mickey Mouse and your driver with such enthusiasm. You feel welcomed.
As I mentioned earlier, the Disney Resort Cruiser is so convenient! If you are staying at any of the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels, the cruisers pick up right outside, every few minutes or so. If you miss one bus, another is following behind shortly thereafter, just like their efficient Monorail service.
The Disney Resort Cruiser will take you from your hotel directly to Bayside Station, where you can depart on the Disney Resort Line Monorail to your next destination.
Like I said, aesthetics and details are exactly the reason why TDR THRIVES!
Just look at that cute little Mickey tail on the back!
I may be repeating myself, but once you arrive at Bayside Station, you will have to purchase Monorail fare. Though this is different than any other Disney Resort, I do not find this as an inconvenience because of the quality and service. Depending on the type of pass you purchase, the more days you play, the less you'll pay. Take into consideration whatever days you plan to venture outside of the Disney Resort because they also accept Suica and PASMO cards for the Disney Resort Line. Now if you're interested in just Disney, consider buying a one-day pass at ¥650, roughly $5.93. Another option would be a four-day pass that cost just about $3.20 a day. Map out your days before purchasing. You could save!
This happened to be our last ride in the Frozen Monorail before the overlay for the upcoming promotion of Nemo & Friends SeaRider. We tried to get as many photos as possible during our short ride.
Mickey with a little icy magic.
Every inch of this monorail is covered in Frozen fractals.
The operator is located in the back of the train, unlike Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Now anyone can sit in the front cabin.
Snowgies and Mount Prometheus
À la Jacobsphotopass
As I mentioned earlier, these monorails are worth the price of the ticket. They're spacious and lush.
When it's 35° F out and also raining, the Disney Resort Line is your saving grace. It's like a warm hug. Somedays you just don't want to leave.
This is actually the first time I've ever seen the topiary Mickey without any promotional statue!
We were just a week or so away from Disney Easter 2017, which is why they refrained from putting up the display so early. Although, I was secretly hoping they would put it up for us to see...
Welcome!
Now here's a view I never get sick of. On this day, we wanted to take advantage of World Bazaar's shelter during the rain.
There are so many details to see around World Bazaar, so take a moment to enjoy them! Did you know you can send letters from TDR? You can visit the stationary shop and get your very own specialty stamp on your letter!
To use these unique stamps, visit House of Greetings in World Bazaar (Tokyo Disneyland) and Il Postino Stationery in the Mediterranean Harbor (Tokyo DisneySea)
In World Bazaar, Minnie is a seamstress for Disney royalty.
Fashions for Aurora & Snow White
A dress for Miss Cinderella
A little help from some friends.
Coming in for a fitting.
Pixie couture
Love the details on Ariel's new fashion tail.
Bedazzled matching bra included.
Working on her next fabulous creation!
The window displays all around World Bazaar are definitely worth a look! These displays change seasonally, so be sure to snap a photo before they change.
Clarice is definitely a favorite around TDR.
This window is one of their default displays depending on the season, but I just adore these in-between holidays window with April, May, and June. Only in Japan will you find them represented.
With Disney Easter 2017 around the corner, some of the springtime merchandise started to appear for sale!
Those Miss Bunny headbands were an absolute hit! The moment those hit the shelves, every girl had one.
Some corners of World Bazaar don't even seem like they're Disney!
But they still carry the charm you find all around Disneyland.
And while you're there, try one of their delicious waffles! These aren't ordinary Mickey waffles, they're topped with unique favorites, and their seasonal flavors bring in large crowds. Have you ever wanted to try apple and caramel? Matcha? Strawberry and custard? This is the place!
Even the balloons here are special. That 3D Pooh is unlike any balloon we have in the US parks.
And if you hang around World Bazaar long enough, especially on rainy days, you may run into Royalty!
Speaking of royalty (and food), we headed over to Fantasyland for lunch at the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall.
This quick service location is richly themed around Alice in Wonderland's Queen of Hearts (obviously).
You'll find hearts and cards galore!
A verry merry UNbirthday cake!
Strawberry mousse
Cassis cream cake with fresh strawberries
This adorable souvenir plate or cup (below) comes with your yummy dessert for only (¥ 750 or $6.71)! I imagine Disneyland would charge you twice as much...
Yogurt mousse with another fun souvenir cup!
My dish: cheese hamburger with glaze, potatoes, and veggies. The cracker is delicious, too!
All around you'll feel like you're in the middle of a Golden Afternoon.
Even the light bulbs are themed 💡
...and the King (hooray!)
The dining hall is large and will immerse any Alice in Wonderland fan.
After lunch, the rain subsided just a little bit. Unsure if Happiness is Here would still run, we waited around Fantasyland a little bit.
I love this Pinocchio bathroom area. This water fountain (drenched in rain!) is so unique.
Since it was raining, we figured it was perfect weather to watch One Man's Dream. However, we missed out on the lottery. (ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣﹏ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣)
Also in Tomorrowland: these space-age phones!
As luck would have it, Happiness is Here did run despite the rain.
Bumble Boogie!
"You got a melody!"
Natural habitat
Even the shortened rainy day version of Happiness is Here was worth watching. The rain just makes everything a little more magical.
Shortly thereafter, we decided to try a few flavors of popcorn now that the lines were decent. Admittedly, I once waited 30 minutes in Fantasyland for milk chocolate popcorn... Here we have Pooh cranking delicious honey popcorn.
And here's my favorite: the unbeatable soy sauce popcorn. Yes, I do plan to make a separate post about JUST popcorn!
We spent the rest of the evening hiding from the rain, yet excitedly awaiting Nightfall Glow. This short but sweet parade only happens on select nights when the rain is just too much for Dreamlights. As a fan of this soundtrack, I was exhilierated when I finally heard it throughout Fantasyland that night.
I must admit that I was a bit unprepared for taking photos in rain. I would recommend bringing a rain sleeve and lens hood.
While this parade is not necessarily as spectacular as Dreamlights, I believe it has charm. The costumes alone are something to admire!
I love these jewels and illusion of flight on the Three Good Fairies float.
As you can see in the next couple of photos, the rain claimed my lens (not enough to damage!) Even though my lens glass was a bit misty, I kind of like the hazy effect.
Well, that just about wraps up our 11th day in Japan. Even though we're getting closer and closer to end of this trip, one of my favorites days is coming up. Till then!
Enjoy,
Mary! (❛▿❛✿)