Postby DisneyKaren » Wed Nov 08, 2017 8:32 am
Day 8 – Disneyland
We arrived at the special entry gate at least 1hr before park opening and found families settled on their picnic blankets, however we weren’t too far back in the queue. Cast members came out and got the crowd going, then characters came out (behind the closed gates) running along and waving. I was impressed how park-goers all just stood patiently when the gates opened, no one moved even one step forward. 15mins before general opening, the special entry gate was announced as opened and it was every man, women and child for themselves once we were through the turnstiles. I found Marie not far in and quickly tried to get in line for a photo – turns out you need to be somewhat pushy especially as the characters move and don’t follow any system. Not something we’re used to, even though I remember hearing about this at the last Disneyana meeting I attended.
While the park was still unopened to the general admission, we rode the Carousel, Snow White and Peter Pan before heading to Toon Town. I love this area and am so glad another park has included it. Although similar to Anaheim, there are enough variances which we enjoyed looking around and of course seeing all the Christmas decorations. Into Tomorrowland to get lottery tickets for the castle show – and they’re not needed! As we’d both had small breakfasts the Sweetheart Café provided some Mickey treats for us. I had a basil chicken Mickey pastry and also bought a strawberry muffin and Mickey banana & walnut muffin for snacks through the day. Wanting to explore the entire park we came across a 5min wait for Pirates so we jumped on. As the boat made an unexpected decent we both grabbed our Minnie Ears off as they threatened to fly backwards. Running into a few characters from the Jungle Book, we tried to get photos but they play up and have fun with guests so we got a couple of quickly and just had fun with them. Super Duper Jumpin Time was our first show for the day and a lot of fun. At least supercalifragilisticexpialidocious was in English, however we are both still loving the shows and aren’t fazed by them being in Japanese.
After searching out the ‘hidden’ (ok just to us) bathroom in Tomorrowland, we saw One Man’s Dream II, as there is no reservation required for the first show. At first we both thought they were taking us through the first few movies, starting with Mickey and scenery in B&W and then everything went colour before Snow White joined the stage. Randomly there was a cute It’s a Bug’s Life piece in the middle. A wonderful show, great music as always. Wandering through Fairytale Hall we read through Cinderella’s story and saw kids trying on the glass slipper (firmly attached to the ground). A glass blower in the crystal shop was designing a Mickey when we walked in – oh the skill these guys have, so amazing how they create and make it look so easy.
Back to strolling through the park we went through Critter Country and to Adventureland, checking out Tom Sawyer Island while we were there. Camp Woodchuck Kitchen for lunch I just had the fries as I wasn’t hungry having been gradually snacking on my strawberry muffin all morning. A trip on the railroad before we found a spot for the parade. Can I just say I have so much respect for the Japanese how they sit for long periods. We both had to stand up while waiting, assuring a cast member we would sit for the parade and then I struggled after the parade having been sitting for so long. My young, but injured, back doesn’t take kindly to sitting like this for too long. Happiness is Here was a great parade though and as always I took way too many photos while Lynelle videoed.
After this we found a spot for the castle show, in front of the castle in the central garden plaza – on a seat – in front of a garden. This was a great position as it meant we could sit comfortably prior and people didn’t crowd us too much, also being in front of a garden we could lift our cameras at times without disturbing others; that said, the castle seems a little more elevated giving a better view. While waiting, Lynelle headed out for her Mickey popcorn bucket, then I went out photographing in the evening light as the lights came on. Once Upon a Time was another great show, I love the castle shows – ok I love every show and parade!!!
Moving with the crowd we found a seat by the road for the Electrical Parade Dreamlights. We took turns getting dinner, I headed into Toon Town for a Mickey hand sandwich with grilled chicken from the Good Time Café – very good. Loved how they had some of the Electrical Light Parade music but added other music. The floats just kept coming, amazing. Not long afterwards we heard the fireworks were cancelled, not surprising considering the slight breeze. With all the fantastic shows and parades we weren’t disappointed about no fireworks and I’d taken so many photos, it probably wasn’t a bad thing!
We finished our first day with a cruise through the jungle and then strolling through the shops in World Bazaar.
The merchandise is different here and we enjoy seeing it however other than my Disney Store purchases I haven’t bought anything – yet. Stella Lou is looking cute and would like to help me decorate for Easter plus the Japanese Mickey & Minnie look sweet. A silly thing I enjoyed, was seeing all the different popcorn buckets; we decided rather than the map saying which flavours were available in each location, it should label the bucket. Many appeared to be ones they’d bought previously with a couple of different Easter buckets amongst all the characters.
DisneySea was amazing yesterday which I’ll post about when I get time and today we’re headed there again as it’s overcast with a chance of rain and there was more indoor things there. Although I started sneezing badly overnight I’m medicating up and heading out! Wishing I’d bought those cheap Disney face masks at Daiso.
1996: Disneyland & Epcot | 2001: EuroDisney | 2014: DLR & DLRP | 2015: WDW | 2017: DLR, Aulani, TDR | 2018: DLR | 2020: SDR & HKDL | 2023: WDW