Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

[TomGirl307]

First of all, THANK YOU to everybody here who posted questions and answers that helped me plan my trip. I knew this forum was an amazing resource, but I never knew it more than when I was actually at TDR putting it all into practice. THANK YOU!!




About TDS:

• L
• I booked the Miracosta thinking that I may never return to Japan so I wanted to make this trip as enjoyable and memorable as possible. However, before I even returned home I was checking airfare to return next year.
• Magellans was wonderful. It was our only nice, sit-down meal and it was well worth it and much appreciated. Thanks to the smarties here, I knew to ask for the Cellar Room and I was not disappointed. Same day PS for an 11:30 lunch worked out just fine.
• The stores near the entrance to the park still sell a 2-disc 5th Anniversary (last year) CD set that has the Aquasphere themes, themes for the Ports of Call and songs from selected shows. It was a good value and will be a good keepsake.

[TDR_Fan]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Wonderful comments! Sorry to hear that BraviSEAmo didn't amaze you; it's such an emotional and elegant show- definitely my favorite lagoon show. :gladsad:

And lucky you! You actually got to dine in the Wine Cellar at Magellan's? How was it? Any pictures? Details, please! :beg:

[TomGirl307]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Wonderful comments! Sorry to hear that BraviSEAmo didn't amaze you; it's such an emotional and elegant show- definitely my favorite lagoon show. :gladsad:

And lucky you! You actually got to dine in the Wine Cellar at Magellan's? How was it? Any pictures? Details, please! :beg:

BraviSEAmo is definitely nothing to sneeze at.
I'll be happy to post pictures I took in the Wine Cellar as soon as I figure out how! Any pictures posted here need to be hosted elsewhere? What's a good site to upload them to for this purpose? Can't I just copy and paste them here?

We both opted for the prix fixe meal, which included an appetizer, main course, dessert, bread and tea or coffee. The price wasn't outrageous at all, considering the chance it gave us to sit down and be served (instead of eating counter service food while sitting on concrete, waiting for a show). Portions were fairly small, as you'd expect from a fine restaurant, but we both left full. I had a shrimp and avocado something for an appetizer and seasonal fruit sherbert with fresh fruit for dessert. I ordered the pork fillet on the recommendation of the server for my main course. All were yummy. My boyfriend became obsessed w/the "round" bread that was offered to us, but I think it tasted like a regular French roll. I don't know... I'm not a huge bread eater so maybe my tongue is just not trained to notice bread greatness.

Service was great. The PS lady at the door was great, the guy who sat us gave us some background on the restaurant and showed us the way into the cellar (cool surprise for us). We were the only ones there, but 15 minutes later another couple showed up and by the time we left all the tables were filled. Service continued to be good. Our glasses were never empty, our empty plates never sat on the table for very long, and the whole staff was very gracious and accommodating. Twice, we had them offer to take a photo of us.

This was the only table service meal that we allowed ourselves (considering the show schedule), and we were not disappointed at all.

[TDR_Fan]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

BraviSEAmo is definitely nothing to sneeze at.
I'll be happy to post pictures I took in the Wine Cellar as soon as I figure out how! Any pictures posted here need to be hosted elsewhere? What's a good site to upload them to for this purpose? Can't I just copy and paste them here?

We both opted for the prix fixe meal, which included an appetizer, main course, dessert, bread and tea or coffee. The price wasn't outrageous at all, considering the chance it gave us to sit down and be served (instead of eating counter service food while sitting on concrete, waiting for a show). Portions were fairly small, as you'd expect from a fine restaurant, but we both left full. I had a shrimp and avocado something for an appetizer and seasonal fruit sherbert with fresh fruit for dessert. I ordered the pork fillet on the recommendation of the server for my main course. All were yummy. My boyfriend became obsessed w/the "round" bread that was offered to us, but I think it tasted like a regular French roll. I don't know... I'm not a huge bread eater so maybe my tongue is just not trained to notice bread greatness.

Service was great. The PS lady at the door was great, the guy who sat us gave us some background on the restaurant and showed us the way into the cellar (cool surprise for us). We were the only ones there, but 15 minutes later another couple showed up and by the time we left all the tables were filled. Service continued to be good. Our glasses were never empty, our empty plates never sat on the table for very long, and the whole staff was very gracious and accommodating. Twice, we had them offer to take a photo of us.

This was the only table service meal that we allowed ourselves (considering the show schedule), and we were not disappointed at all.

I usually use Imageshack to host my images as it does not require signing up for an account. Just upload to the site and copy the link here. Can't wait to see the pictures! And if I may ask, how did you go about asking for the Wine Cellar? I never had the courage to ask because I didn't want to seem too demanding, or worse- make a fool of myself if they didn't understand what I was talking about. :blush:

[TomGirl307]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Okay, good tip. Here it goes:







After she confirmed that 11:30 was available, I asked her if they had a cellar. She said they did, and so I requested it and said "Arigato gozimasu," and told her that if she didn't have it available that any table would be fine. She understood immediately, so it makes me think maybe she gets the request all the time? Anyhow, she was really nice about it.

[TDR_Fan]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Wow. It's so beautiful and well hidden behind the sliding bookcase. It must feel very exclusive. I hope you don't mind me asking too many questions, but how was the atmosphere in the Wine Cellar? Was it nice and quiet with the background music, or does the confined space create a more busy atmosphere? Do you just get to move in and out of the room to access other parts of the restaurant, for example- the restrooms? It must be so cool actually using the bookcase to leave and enter the room.

[Malin]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

You made a mistake by missing Star Tours as the queue is amazing.

[TomGirl307]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

It must feel very exclusive. I hope you don't mind me asking too many questions, but how was the atmosphere in the Wine Cellar? Was it nice and quiet with the background music, or does the confined space create a more busy atmosphere? Do you just get to move in and out of the room to access other parts of the restaurant, for example- the restrooms? It must be so cool actually using the bookcase to leave and enter the room.

Exclusive? I'd say it was more relaxing than anything. It was quiet when we first arrived which was awesome. Later on, as more guests arrived, it was understandably louder though not LOUD. Nobody shouting or using their outdoor voices, or anything. It never felt bustling to me, but the peacefulness of when we first arrived was not present at the end of the meal.

There may have been background music, but I can't remember any specifically. I was just happy to sit down and to be served food! The rest it afforded us was well worth the price.

Yup, you just get up and go. There was a cast member stationed at the exit to the cellar, and I don't remember having to push the button from the inside so I'm assuming that she pushed it for me when she saw me walking toward her. The bathrooms are standard bathrooms. We didn't want to disrupt anybody else's dining experience, so we didn't wander too far into other areas except to take an obligatory photo of the globe at the center of the restaurant. I'm sure you've seen a number versions of that photo already!

And the doors actually open and close quite often. There are servers coming in and out, diners entering and exiting.

[Coheteboy]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Awesome report... but I wanna see some pics!!!

[TomGirl307]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

You made a mistake by missing Star Tours as the queue is amazing.

I'll take that as fuel to go back! I can't believe all the stuff that I missed... it seems like there's way too many things to see and do that could possibly be seen and done in the 4 days they offer. Do you know if you can upgrade to a 5- or 6-day pass? Or does that require a separate admission fee?

[TomGirl307]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Awesome report... but I wanna see some pics!!!

Here are some:

I'm sure you've seen this one before


Holiday decorations


Tower of Terror










Mysterious Island


Meet & Smile


Funniest Scene in Over the Waves. I've seen videos online of other performers in this role but NONE were as hilarious as this guy


The Legend of Mythica




Mermaid Lagoon






Arabian Coast




Mediterranean Harbor


I don't know if this area is considered Mysterious Island or Mediterranean Harbor


BraviSEAmo




Candlelight Reflections

<p>
Is there anything specific you want to see pictures of? My boyfriend and I took more than 1k photos while we were there!

[TDR_Fan]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Very nice pictures! What was your favorite attraction at the park? And seeing as this was your first visit, how does the park rank in comparison to the all of the other Disney parks you've visited? Tokyo DisneySea is certainly unmatched in beauty and theming, but I feel no park can ever beat Disneyland's charm and nostalgic atmosphere.

And to answer your question regarding that photo of Explorer's Landing, it is considered a part of Mediterranean Harbor. The Renaissance/Italian theming is still continued here. In my opinion, Explorer's Landing is by far the most elaborate walkthrough attraction ever created. There is just so much detail, and it's just so awe-inspiring!

[TomGirl307]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

What was your favorite attraction at the park? And seeing as this was your first visit, how does the park rank in comparison to the all of the other Disney parks you've visited?

My favorite attraction was Tower of Terror, although after going on it 6x in one day we opted to quit in favor of venturing further.

I thought Journey to the Center of the Earth was cool, and I thought 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was really well made. I didn't know that the spotlight could be aimed, though! I'll need to play w/that on my next visit, whenever that is. I liked the Indiana Jones queue a lot. The Aquatopia ride was cute and fun, too. We went at night and it was really pretty. Storm Tracker (or whatever it's called) was clearly an older ride, but new to me! I didn't care for Raging Spirits too much but we only waited a few minutes in line so I can't really complain. Other than that, I think we just saw shows and soaked up the atmosphere.

As far as how the Disney parks rank w/me, I'd definitely say that TDS is the most beautiful, well-themed park and the one I'm most itching to return to. TDL was wonderful, also. It's hard for me to judge DL because it's nostalgic for me. And I actually really like DCA, although I'll admit it is not a blockbuster park. I did enjoy DLP very much and thought the park was beautiful. I didn't find too much to do at WDS in Paris. I wasn't too impressed w/HKDL but I loved our skipper on the Jungle Cruise and I liked their fireworks show. I initially disliked Animal Kingdom at WDW, but now I think it may be my favorite park there. I'm not a huge fan of MGM- or Pixar-studios or whatever it's called now. Epcot's World Showcase is fun for an afternoon, but I tend to skip the Innoventions area. MK is fun, of course. It'd be hard to rank them 1-11 because my experiences with them have been spread out over the past year and because they're obviously geared toward different audiences. I'd have to give it more thought. What's your opinion of them?

Responding to your post requesting Miracosta pictures, here they are:

From Room #1, Port Paradiso Partial View














From Room #2, Tuscany Partial View

[TDR_Fan]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Great pictures! Looks like you had a very lovely view. And StormRider is actually not any older than Journey to the Center of the Earth or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It was part of the opening day attraction roster. In fact, the only slightly newer attractions are Raging Spirits (opened in 2005) and Tower of Terror (opened in 2006).

[Grizzly]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

It'd be hard to rank them 1-11 because my experiences with them have been spread out over the past year and because they're obviously geared toward different audiences. I'd have to give it more thought. What's your opinion of them?

Can I chime in ?!

When I finally made it to HKDL, I thought up my "1-11 list". Came pretty easy. But like you said they all have things that the others don't, but in general my list is: Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Magic Kingdom Park, DAK, Epcot, DCA, HKDL, MGM, WDSP

[TDR_Fan]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

After giving it some thought, I would rank the 9 Disney parks I've been to in this order based on my overall experiences and preferences. My list is always changing around a bit, especially the Top 4 positions. I put Tokyo Disneyland in second place because of the outstanding condition of the park and because of the amazing attraction roster and entertainment. Pooh's Hunny Hunt and Splash Mountain are two of the best attractions in any Magic Kingdom. Theming wise, it's beat by Disneyland Paris and even Disneyland in some cases. Even so, Tokyo Disneyland is probably the best experience I've had out of the Magic Kingdoms I've visited due to several reasons, one of which is the excellent treatment by all Cast Members. Anyways, without further ado:

1. Tokyo DisneySea
2. Tokyo Disneyland
3. Disneyland Paris
4. Disneyland
5. Epcot
6. Animal Kingdom
7. Magic Kingdom
8. MGM Studios
9. California Adventure

[CheriBibi]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

I can see you didn't rank WDS... mm wonder where it would land

Seriously I was only once a TDL and was very disapointed, maybe because of the crowd it had this day but also by many other things.

The brutal change of theme between land, no transition at all. The rubber like colored floor... Nothing compare to the large patterned pavement used in any other theme parks including its neighbouring TDS. The impression that some attraction have been put in the middle of somewhere with no connection with what it is surrounded by (expemple : Dumbo) The too large, too parking like Tomorrowland (Must admit that the Star Tours and future Monster Inc exterior are amasing though)

I'm sure it deserves a visit on a less crowded day. But I'd be curious to hear more about your praising and why it beats DLP

[TDR_Fan]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

I can see you didn't rank WDS... mm wonder where it would land

Seriously I was only once a TDL and was very disapointed, maybe because of the crowd it had this day but also by many other things.

The brutal change of theme between land, no transition at all. The rubber like colored floor... Nothing compare to the large patterned pavement used in any other theme parks including its neighbouring TDS. The impression that some attraction have been put in the middle of somewhere with no connection with what it is surrounded by (expemple : Dumbo) The too large, too parking like Tomorrowland (Must admit that the Star Tours and future Monster Inc exterior are amasing though)

I'm sure it deserves a visit on a less crowded day. But I'd be curious to hear more about your praising and why it beats DLP

I admit that Tokyo Disneyland is not the most well designed of the Magic Kingdoms, but it more than makes up for that in various other ways.

First off, it is the cleanest and most well maintained of the Magic Kingdoms. Compare this to Disneyland Paris, which is just dirty and in poor condition. Disneyland Paris may be pretty and well themed, but the cast, guests, and overall state of the park and its operations are below average. These may not be a big deal to some people, but I feel they heavily effect my overall enjoyment. Secondly, I feel Tokyo Disneyland has the best attractions of the Magic Kingdoms in terms of quality and quantity. Most of the attractions are improved versions over what is found in most of the other Magic Kingdoms, especially Splash Mountain and Pooh's Hunny Hunt like I mentioned above. And though I disagree with Monsters, Inc. in Tomorrowland, I have to admit that it will be another amazing (and unique) E-ticket attraction for Tokyo Disneyland. In addition to this, I feel Tokyo Disneyland has the best parades, restaurants, and shops out of the Magic Kingdoms. The eateries are all very well themed and serve varied food throughout the park, which is more than I can say for some of the restaurants at the other Magic Kingdoms. And all the shops still sell unique merchandise that is area specific, not the generic Disney Store stuff found at most of the shops at some of the other Magic Kingdoms.

[CheriBibi]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Infos well received ! Going back to Tokyo next year, will definitely go back to check those details. Especially the table restaurants, was disapointed by DLR on that matter, very few, and all in the same areas.

[TDLFAN]

Re: Just got back from my first trip (TDS)

Seriously I was only once a TDL and was very disapointed, maybe because of the crowd it had this day but also by many other things.

I guess this compares to how disapointed I am at DLP for having the rudest guests on Earth. And they smoke everywhere too:yuck:. Too each his own.