Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Goodbye Asia - Hello Jetlag: The Disney Parks

The Asia trip is but a distant memory, but the jetlag remains. But it was such a rockin' trip that it was worth it. Any time spent with the entire family (especially with new sister Amazing Grace) is the best.

First three days were dedicated to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. On our first day we got to the park plenty early and in a typhoon to boot. We were waiting for them to let us in and start our day, but something was wrong. They weren't letting anyone pass. Half hour passed. An hour passed. I tried asking a cast member, but they either did not know what I was asking or didn't know what was going on. Then when 1.5 hours passed, I asked a lady in a blazer and she said in broken English, "Because of the typhoon, we can't open the park. But don't worry. There are two rides open if you go back around to Tomorrowland."

What?

We hurried over there and realized why no one was standing on their Main Street. Because everyone and their mothers were waiting in a 4 hour mob to ride the new Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek attraction. Fearing they would never open the park up and having felt we wasted our entire day waiting, I approached the Guest Relations window and after speaking with a woman on the phone, we were granted a special exception for a full refund. We were escorted out of the park just as Timotei runs up and says "They opened the park."

Pissed off at Disney, we left and went to the subway to take a train to the city to spend the day, but instead found commuters stranded. All subway lines were shut down.

So there we were, stuck at Disneyland. We ate lunch and Timotei and I decided that since we were stuck there, we might as well go back to the park. Anticipating a huge crowd, we hurried to the Winnie the Pooh ride and found a 20 minute wait! In fact, the walkways were pretty clear. It seems that the subways worked to our favor. No one was able to come to Disneyland! Timotei and I did everything we wanted.

The next day was Tokyo DisneySea which is amazing! This park was hit with a beauty stick and born from a swan's cologne scented fart. The rides however could be a little more engaging. They just fall a bit short after immersing you so well in the atmosphere. We also made it an adventure to seek out all the different popcorn flavors they had. We tried curry, strawberry, honey, chocolate, caramel, and (the crown jewel of them all) soy sauce and butter. They also had a plethora of churro flavors; pumpkin, lemon and honey, maple, sesame. Loved hunting for the food almost as much as the park.

Our last day at Disney was spent on a Saturday back at Disneyland. It was so packed we were only able to ride 3 rides. By midday, all lines were at 140 minutes; no joke. During this day we also saw Cirque du Soleil's "Zed" which was very cool.

Glad I completely all I wanted to do at the Tokyo Disney parks. They're truly an experience much different than the stateside parks. But I wish it didn't eat up all our time in Tokyo.

To be continued...

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Japan Bound

Oh my gog. In two days we will be headed to Japan and then Taiwan. Gone for three weeks. I have done zero planning for this trip. Really all I know that I want to do in Japan is see the Tokyo Disney Resort and Shibuya. I feel that this will just be a hint of what I want to see in Japan since I don't know what to expect really. Wish we were spending more time there, but I guess I should save some time for next time! This will not be my only visit.

When I was in New York for Ellvin Kelvin and Amazing Grace's wedding, I got a little homesick missing my friends. That was only one week. Three weeks might take its toll on my yearning for friends, but who knows. I look forward to spending time with my family. I know we will have a hugely great time.

Lots of pictures will be taken and I promise to actually post some here. So stay tuned. Will miss you!


Already homesick,

Ricky