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Hey everyone! I'm actually still here in Tokyo and the adventures at Tokyo Disney and the rest of the area are still ongoing, but I wanted to stop in and upload some pictures and tell some stories. Plus, in the orchestrating of this trip, I noticed that there's just not much information on the Tokyo Resort for us Westerners. People (including myself) are maybe turned off by the commutes through Tokyo, the language barrier, and the cost. While I'd advise you to not let the first two limit you, I realize it's still not possible for everyone to get here, so I'll do a little to help. A few of these pictures are panoramas taken on an iPhone, so forgive the quality, but expand them to see them larger and in more detail (hopefully). Tokyo Disney Resort is comparable to the Disneyland Resort in California or Universal Orlando in that it's two theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea) with a "downtown" area (here, Ikspiari), and three official resort hotels. The difference is, the two parks do not face each other. A monorail (operated as part of Tokyo's vast network of interconnected transportation systems) loops around the resort, with a stop for each park, Ikspiari, and for a number of partner hotels on the edge of the peninsula (I'm there at the Hilton Tokyo Bay). First of all, the parks are massively crowded all the time. They're so incredibly popular that they sell a separate annual pass for each park to cut down on crowds. Waits can be hours upon hours during the summer and on holidays, and the shelves of the gift shops are literally empty every night at closing. The Japanese love Disney. They sing along to the songs in every show, they laugh and scream on the rides, they hoard around characters like they're superstars, they take thousands of pictures, and through every second of it, they are ABSOLUTELY respectful, orderly, and genuine. There is absolutely zero trash on the ground, no line cutting, no graffiti, not so much as a piece of trampled chewing gum. Inside Disney and out, the Japanese are proud of their culture. The cast members are proud to be cast members, and the visitors are proud to be there. They say, "gozaimasu." Indirectly translated, it means "I'm humbled." They say this when directing you to rides and directing you off, when saying good morning, and when serving food. Cast members and visitors are just unbelievably proud, happy, honored, and welcoming. Each and every morning, crowds stretch out of the parks of people waiting in orderly, happy lines just waiting for the turnstiles to open. It's absolutely unbelievable. Wednesday mornings, looking over the crowd waiting to enter Disneyland 30 minutes before the park opens. FOR TOKYO DISNEYLAND PARK PHOTO TRIP REPORT, CLICK HERE. FOR TOKYO DISNEYSEA PHOTO TRIP REPORT, CLICK HERE.

I've re-done the DisneySea report with more pictures and more logical narration since I wrote the earlier post while I was there and just wanted to share the E-tickets as quickly as I could! Located in three posts below! CLICK HERE

The speculations that have been posted are indeed interesting, to say the least. I will camp with those that are patient, and let the process evolve. The only true facts we have, is that a LARGE area of the park has been cleared, and they are pouring footers. I know, boring post. But I like to keep my $0.02 in the bank, until I see reason to invest it.

Wow, after reading all of the posts from just the past 2 days (you guys sure talk a lot), I'm predicting a Banshee Vs. Pterodactyl dueling wing coaster. It's the epic battle that none of us thought we wanted to see....until now. That's why they need all that land and have started early.

Yes, and it's nice to be healing - which means no coasters this year.....but wait until next year when that new giant B&M double-winged, pink polka-dot, steel with wood support coaster opens at KI. I'm gonna be first in line! (might even plead my case to Mr. Q., telling him it's been 3 years since coasters for me because of surgery, so would he please let me ride it before the park officially opens?)

Some of us don't have a choice but to visit parks on the weekends. I just make the best of it, it's better than not going at all.

Medford is right, as far as I can understand. Children get a kick out of saying "Hello!" to us, because I'm sure they all take English as a second language from a young age. That said, only about 20% of people we interact with speak in English. That's not to say they don't know it, but they speak in Japanese very quickly almost like a repetitive speil. They're very good at signing things, and they're entirely friendly and accessible and understanding. Some people are excited to try out their English and say "Two? Six please!" and gesture toward the row. We've noticed that males tend to be even better - they're the ones who go out of their way to say "Hello" as kids and pre-teens, and the male employees say "Would you like the set or just sandwich?" when you order, etc. The Japanese use yen, and right now is a great time to visit. For years and years and years, Y10,000 would get you about $86. For whatever reason, Y10,000 has fallen and will now get you almost exactly $100. That actually makes math really, really simple. A full meal (usually with a drink) is usually Y900 (or $9.00). Because of that great conversion rate, everything is cheaper than it would be in America. Park tickets are really surprisingly inexpensive, but the format is very very structured. They come in 1, 2, 3, and 4 day passes. If you get a 1 or 2 day park, you pre-select which park to visit each day. If you get a 3 day ticket, then you pre-select Disneyland on day 1 and DisneySea Day 2, then you can park hop on day three. Same with a four day ticket, which I have. Four days is Y16,000, or $160. A 4-day parkhopper at Disneyland in California is probably up to $260 by now, that's really a steal. It takes a long time to get used to the denominations. I have a Y10,000 bill. Y1,000 ($10) is the smallest bill, so you have a coin for Y500 ($5) that's easy to confuse with the Y50 yen coin (which is 50 cents). It just takes a while to adjust. We did do everything a la carte. There are Fastpasses for almost everything here, and even on mild days like yesterday, they are all always sold out by the end of the day. Luckily, the massive crowds waiting outside RUSH in first thing and get a Fastpass for one of the park's two or three signature rides, then are locked out of getting another for a few hours. Even when that waiting period is over, they usually get one for the OTHER signature ride that they hadn't previously gotten, so the return times for other rides usually hover at about an hour from present. There's a great presence of Japanese language too, usually just written smaller in themed elements. In "useful" places like guide maps, bathrooms, and menus, Japanese is prominent. I've heard that the owners of the resort, the Oriental Land Company, were adamant that they wanted to build a Western park and bring American style and spirit to Tokyo. The resort had two shows about Japanese history over time, but neither lasted. People seemed to want to be immersed in a different place that was authentic. I don't know - to me, if I were on a ride that was "set" in South America, I'd still want the signs to be in English and I'd be irked if it was SO realistic that the signs were in Spanish, but I don't know... Also, its in a region of the world with many, many, many languages converging. All dialects of Japanese, Chinese, Mandarin, Korean, Cantonese, etc. Shows are entirely in Japanese with captioning in any of those above languages provided by little handheld translators. Half the time, employees bring them to you without asking because they're incredible. Honestly it's kind of a nonissue because sometimes it's fun to just watch the shows and understand what's going on without them.

^I'm going to go out on a limb and guess he'd say, "Soon".

Meanwhile, a few miles down I-4, the 3 year construction of Seven Dwarves Mine Coaster will finally be completed....and new Fantasyland will finally be complete. Yawn. Come on, Disney....you can do better. In all seriousness though, this really is an amazing addition. It's already looking incredibly impressive and has already drastically altered the former Amity area in USF. Transformers. Springfield. Potter. USF is almost like a brand new park.

But it's really not the same park. Different owner. Different management. Different people. Different times. The 2013 Kings Island is not the 1972 Kings Island nor the 1979 one. Heck, the 2013 Cedar Fair is not of the Kinzel variety, even.

For what it's worth. Awhile ago Screamscape was reporting that Knott's was getting a Giga and then it got delayed. The final rumor was a Leviathon type B&M. Perhaps when a decision was made to remove SOB, KI got bumped up in priority for the next big thing. Of course, Knott's got a new area and that could be the reason for the delay but, a contract for a coaster may have been made and the location changed to KI. Just thinking.

Wow... I saw him last weekend and just asked how he was doing. He was friendly, professional as always, and returned to his day as I did mine. I'm so oldie-lame!

How often do you go to Kings Island? I assume you go a lot, so I wouldn't waste my money, honestly.

I hope you're not planning to ride many rides if you come Saturday. Music in the Parks will be held that day plus the regular Saturday crowds and fair weather it's going to be packed to say the least.

Oh I don't actually expect an answer, but for does anyone else venture a guess based upon past information? I doubt they want to take away from the opening of Gate Keeper or any other rides that have recently opened up across their chain in recent weeks, however it seems like an August announcement, leading into season pass renewal time would be ignoring the obvious work going on in front of our eyes. However, I'm sure they'd like to build up the suspense. How long was the work on Diamondback obvious before an announcement was made? Of course, this is a different management group, which seems to be a bit more open about things, so the time table for Diamondback doesn't automatically tell us anything about the timetable for the current development. I feel sorry for the Eiffel Tower operators. On the way down last friday, she went thru her speal then asked if there were any questions. My only question was "how many times have you been asked what they're building over in the cleared lot". She smiled and said "a lot" w/ the implications that she's already getting tired of the question she can't answer.

But the fun isn't in the height alone. Yes, the first drop of The Beast is magnificent, but riding the terrain is a big part of the ride for me. There are at least five fear zones on The Beast for me. How many people have taken a first timer on The Beast and have them crap themselves in panic at the Helix? They all think they are going to sail off the side. The runaway feeling of The Beast is the kicker, the drop is just one part of the thrill.

At least in the area I live, it's all about fluoride. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/fluoridated-water Conspiracy theorists believe it causes cancer. Dentists have proven it prevents tooth decay. It is believed that bottled water does not have enough fluoride to cause cancer. I do love the irony of tooth decay & the topic at hand!

After a dueling wing rider my mind didn't read any of the other posts. THAT. WOULD. BE. EPIC. Like...really... I can't even imagine what that would be like...

There is no such thing as an improved version of Shooting Star. Terp, who loved that ride with all his cash, at least one 1971 night.

The Beast at night.

My favorite flew south for the winter about a decade ago. Of the current rides, one of the out-and-back coasters is my favorite.

I have been to Tokyo Disney Resort 3 times, each time I have made my visit I remember the goosebumps felt as I entered the parks. These parks are without a doubt the best theme parks in the world, especially Disney Sea. There is no park that can even come close, not even actual Disney Parks (because believe it or not, Tokyo Disney Resort is NOT owned by the Disney Company). I always thought about making my TR for my visits to Tokyo Disney Resort but I just did not have the time to write it, there is SO much to write about and so many things to say about each park, each section, each ride and all its details. It was impossible for me to really exert the magnificent emotions and thoughts I had for these parks into writing. A one day ticket is $64 for one park. two day is $110 three day park hopper is $141 four day park hopper is 164 It is!

^Taking one for the team!

No the track will be steel and the trains will be entirely made out of wood. Genius!

^Me too. I've been to my fair share of KI media events, and this will be my first at another park. I'm going to bed as soon as I get home from work (I purposely stayed up WAY late last night so I would be tired and ready for bed early today). I'm planning on getting up at 11:30 and leaving my house by midnight for the four hour drive to the Point. I can't wait! I'm resisting the temptation to watch the POV's so I can get the full experience for myself.

Here's the thing. New Fantasyland is absolutely stunning. It's gorgeous. No doubt about it and I'm glad to see Disney go back to that level of detail once again. My biggest issue is there just isn't much to it. Belle's Enchanted Cottage features some amazing special effects, but at the end of the day it's still just a meet and greet. Little Mermaid has an incredibly elaborate queue that builds up to a very average and ordinary ride. Storybook Circus is very well done, but it was just a re-theme of an existing area in the park. Is Disney nervous about any of this? Part of me wants to believe that maybe it is sinking in that Universal is stepping up to be a very SERIOUS competitor with them. Then again, with the arrogance and complacency that is TDO...I have my doubts. As Disney has release their quarterly results, attendance at the US Parks & Resorts have been down....but they continue to sing the praises of Cars Land and its significant impact on the Disneyland result. If Disneyland and DCA are seeing such surges in attendance, it is pretty clear that the loss of attendance is coming from Florida. With Sea World stepping up its game with Antarctica and the new projects coming on line at Universal, which are reported to be only the beginning of the expansions that are coming down the pipe in the next few years, I have to believe that TDO have to have projects forthcoming.

"If I'm gonna pay to see these things they better be real!!"

That would be BA! Too bad dueling coasters are now considered 'dangerous'.

Season Long DA!: $12 Regular Admission: $5 Season Long DA! ($12) - Same Day Admission ($5) = $7 you have to pay. You are essentially making up the difference from what you already paid earlier in the day.

Interesting discussion to be sure. The airport height restriction is likely not at issue - 7sm north would only be a problem if lebanon-warren co had an instrument approach/departure that made such an object a hazard, and that's generally considered to be within the first 500' above ground level at the approach/departure end of the airport. There's a tower nearby that reaches 1000' AGL and I have to tell you, that puppy is right up there with you... I've been looking at a Cincinnati sectional (I fly) and there are many such obstructions near KI, but none on approach/departure from the airports nearby. That doesn't mean that KI has no zoning restrictions, but they also have leverage to change zoning being one of the top income sources in Mason. As to the wishlist, I'm in the Strata camp, if it's going to be enough to draw from KD, Carowinds, Worlds of Fun, and relieve some of the congestion at CP, but it's easy enough to think they'd build a winged too. I guess we'll see what's cooking as it shapes up!

The park states that the rides are still being properly maintained. Most likely that is being done by non union mechanics. $36 per hour to work on a Roller Coaster......I picked the wrong maintenance field, lol.

The FAA, not coaster enthusiasts, regulates how high objects near airports can be. And that's that.

The same thing they did in 2009 with a generic "up and down" coaster.

The smaller bottles are so much easier to carry around the park. They are still big enough to share if need be. Just be careful when you order them online because we learned today that not all employees are aware of how that works. 30 minutes in Guest Relations later and we had cups. Not to mention the website boasts about getting your cup for 3 bucks cheaper than park price, yet there is a 6 dollar Service Charge when you order one. Well played Cedar Fair.

While this is probably the worst kept secret in the theme park world, Universal officially announced the new Diagon Alley/London expansion at USF: http://media.universalorlando.com/PressRelease/detail.aspx?id=1576

I'm interested to see what surprises they have up their sleeves for Thursday.

My parents did the whole Dave Ramsey deal a few years back. Basically, he tells you to eliminate all debt, and create a sound saving system from there. To eliminate the debt, we had to create a budget that gave us the bare minimum for things (one envelope for food, gas, bills, etc...) and then the rest would go to beating the debt. To actually combat the debt, we were told to eliminate one payment at a time. This basically means pay of your car with every spare penny you have, and once that is finished move to the next payment, ranking them in order of importance and what you could logically pay off. It worked well for us, and now the only real debt my parents have is our family van, which we got in 2008 I believe, and our house! We haven't found any real trouble yet, because he directed us to have an emergency fund at all times, and the family is getting towards being debt free after a long few years of paying things off. I, for one, am glad we found him when we did!

They are real! Real animatronic foam rubber machine thingys. Dig out a canal where the walkway is, fill it with water, put some Jurassic Park like boats in there, and I'll pay 5 bucks to ride that. Til then....ehh.

It IS a deal for season long admission. What is being said is you only get credit toward it for the amount you paid for a day admission on the day it was purchased, not later. If you pay to get in for a day, and then decide to.get the season deal, you get a discount off the season price equal to what you already paid for DA, but only for what you paid for that day. Since it wasn't offered opening day, you couldn't even buy a season admission to DA, much less get credit for credit for that day's admission.

From footings to new heights? Terp, who likes to ask questions.

Again, that is NOT the way FAA height restrictions work. http://www.kaplankirsch.com/files/Protecting%20Airports%20from%20height%20obstructions_PJK.pdf Posting of the above link does not imply endorsement of the provider of information contained therein, but rather is intended for the general elucidation of the readers of this forum. Nor is it intended that the contained information apply specifically to a particular site in Warren County, Ohio. The reader is advised to seek specific help as to his or her site as circumstances may require. No diversion from the usual professional sources for such assistance is suggested, intended or advised.

Ok, this just made my night! haha

I wouldnt feel safe,you take away mechanics who are familiar with every 'bolt and nut' to bring in mechanics who have to become familiar with new work while trying to keep riders safe.No thanks!

I would like to see a new and improved version of the Shooting Star and call it Super Nova.

No way on God's green earth they will build a wooden coaster on that particular plot of land. They're trying to make us forget Son of Beast, and if they built a woodie there, the GP would confuse it for Son of Beast, declare that it killed people, got stuck in the loop and is sinking, and therefore refuse to ride it.

True, the only facts right now are what we can see, but there are still some logical deductions that can be made. 1. Whatever it is, I would argue that a main goal will be to remove any and all memory of SOB, and the nightmare it became. Two conclusions can be drawn from this. First, it will be a major install, meaning, something large...something that is not a wild mouse. In other words, a big coaster. Second, it will not be wood, for obvious reasons. 2. Construction has started really early. The only logical conclusion to be reached from this is "big". So with those two points, the first just being logical inference, and the second a fact, we come to the same conclusion: big coaster. (most likely steel). 3. It is a fact that Banshee has been resurrected, and with the "evil phenom" writing, we just may have a name. This is the weakest of the bunch, though, IMO. 4. Cedar Fair has been in love with B & M lately, and nothing erases a history of maintence nightmares like a B & M. Hence, Gatekeeper. Intamin burned a lot of bridges lately with Cedar Point's series of unfrotuante events, the latest being the disappointing STR. 5. Kings Island is the only "flagship-esque" park in the entire chain that does not have a giga coaster. 6. B & M recently started building gigas. And so, we come to the only logical conclusion: B & M giga named Banshee. See how easy that is?

They're probably building something that is high capacity, efficient and mechanically reliable. That's what they need more than anything.

I think its odd that Tower Gardens is a smoking section? Why not make it a non-smoking section and run some water for a nice place to relax! Most of the smokers smoke wherever they darn well please anyways! That could be a great place to take a nap,read a book,etc.

Guy atop the Eiffel Tower: "Well, there's 'Son of Dirt;' and over there is Days of Dirt."

And yet I see tons of people paying for bottled water. I've never really understood that. I have probably drank less than a dozen bottled waters in my life, and those were mostly given me.