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Tag Archives: Tokyo Disneyland

May 7

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May 7, 2013 – The Attraction Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

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3D映像となった「スター・ウォーズ」の世界へようこそ。”

On May 7, 2013, the revamped version of the attraction Star Tours, now known as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue opened in Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Incorporating elements from the three prequel films, the attraction is set between the film Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. It is similar to the attractions of the same name that opened in 2011 in the American Disney parks. Guests are given a random journey once they board the ride, with the system picking one of 54 routes. This new attraction also included a new 3D element, adding to the excitement of the attraction. It was estimated that about 7 billion yen was invested in the revamp of the attraction. Like many film attractions in the park, the voyage was dubbed in Japanese, with Hiroshi Iwasaki voicing C-3PO and Toru Ohira voicing Darth Vader.

April 10

April 10, 2014 – Disney Parks Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of it’s a small world

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“It’s a world that we share, and it’s time we’re aware, it’s a small world after all!”

On April 10, 2014, celebrations kicked off to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the popular attraction it’s a small world. The attraction, first premiering at the 1964 World’s Fair, has become a staple of any park visit around the world. The celebrations began with a sing-along featured on the ABC morning show Good Morning America, with global awareness through the website SmallWorld50.com. Conversations were also held with Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who wrote the attraction’s catchy song with his brother Robert. Each park had their own way of celebrating: In Walt Disney World, guests joined the sing-along before the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, with several park performers incorporating the song in their routines; in Disneyland, Richard Sherman appeared in Main Street, leading guests in their own sing-along; Hong Kong Disneyland featured their the Hong Kong Children’s Choir singing the song in Cantonese; Tokyo Disneyland had cast members and guests sing the song in Japanese; Disneyland Paris had a special event with students from the European International School leading guests in a multi-language version of the song.

March 20

March 20, 1987 – The 3-D Film Attraction Captain EO Debuts at Tokyo Disneyland

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いいか みんな 今度こそは きちんとキメるぞ でなきゃ終わりだ”

On March 20, 1987, the 3-d film attraction opened in Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland area. It was the same film shown at Walt Disney World’s Epcot beginning in 1986, with added Japanese subtitles. The attraction closed on September 1, 1996, lasting a little over nine years, longer than Walt Disney World, but shorter than Disneyland, which ran for 11 years. After Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, Tokyo Disneyland brought the film back for a limited time engagement, replacing the MicroAdventure attraction.

March 8

March 8, 1986 – The Fantasyland Attraction Alice’s Tea Party Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

Alice's Tea Party

“Let the tea party begin!”

On March 8, 1986, the Fantasyland attraction Alice’s Tea Party opened in Tokyo Disneyland. It is similar to the Mad Tea Party attraction that opened in Disneyland in 1955. The Tokyo Disneyland attraction features the Doormouse in the center tea cup. The attraction lasts about a minute and a half, and seats up to four people per tea cup.

 

December 3

December 3, 1980 – The Groundbreaking Ceremony for Tokyo Disneyland is Held in Urayasu, Japan

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“Tokyo Disneyland remains an unfading source of pride.”

On December 3, 1980, the groundbreaking ceremony for the first international Disney theme park, Tokyo Disneyland, took place in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. After the agreement to build the park was signed in April of 1973, nine employees from the Oriental Land Company were sent to California to study Disney Park operations. Up to 150 people would travel to Disneyland to study park operations before the ceremony. A special Shinto purification ceremony known as Kiri-Nusa-San-Mai (切麻散米) was held on the site on December 3, which involves rice and salt to cleanse the land before construction. A press conference was also held, with up to 250 members of the media in attendance, adding to the expectations that this park would bring upon opening. Construction then began in January of 1981m and the park opened almost two-and-a-half years later on April 15, 1983.

September 4

September 4, 2001 – The Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull Attraction Opens in Tokyo DisneySea

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“Expect the unexpected on this temple tour!”

On September 4, 2001, the attraction The Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull opened in Tokyo Disneyland’s expansion, Tokyo DisneySea. The ride lasts about three minutes, and is located in the Lost River Delta area. The story behind the attraction is that Paco, Indy’s friend, has arraigned tours of a temple to find the Fountain of Youth, without Indy knowing. Guests board jungle vehicles that can seat about twelve people and head through the temple ruins of the Crystal Skull, a vengeful spirit.

August 24

August 24, 2012 – Goofy’s Paint ‘n’ Play House Attraction Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

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“Everyone’s efforts together are sure to result in a truly ‘toony’ room!”

On August 24, 2012, the Goofy’s Paint ‘n’ Play attraction opened in Tokyo Disneyland’s Toontown area. The attraction uses a special computer program called the Toontone Splat Master paint applicator, which gives guests the change to redecorate Goofy’s house in any manner they wish, ranging from a beach theme to a jungle theme. Guests grab the handle of the paint applicator and either push a button, turn a handle, or pull a string to make the effect work.

July 7

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July 7, 2000 – The Disney Ambassador Hotel Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

Disney Ambassador Hotel

“Amid the art deco styling are touches of magic that only a Disney Hotel can provide.”

On July 7, 2000, the Disney Ambassador Hotel opened its doors in Tokyo Disneyland. The hotel has an art deco motif, with the main lobby featuring a statue of Mickey as a 1930s movie director. There are several different themes to pick from in choosing a room, from a Donald Duck room to family room, along with the option of a suite. The hotel is also home to several restaurants, including Chef Mickey (casual dining in buffet style), the Empire Grill (California-style food), Hana (Japanese style food), Tick Tock Diner (reminiscent of a 50s diner), and the Hyperion Lounge. Weddings can also be held at the hotel, with guests able to take their vows in the Rose Chapel.

 

June 1

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June 1, 2001 – The Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights Resumes its Run

Tokyo Dream Lights

“A nighttime parade full of lights.”

On June 1, 2001, the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights resumed its run after its original closing on June 21, 1995, which was replaced at the time by Disney’s Fantillusion. The parade is Tokyo Disneyland’s version of the Main Street Electrical Parade, the popular nighttime parade that first started in Disneyland on June 17, 1972. The parade begins near the Haunted Mansion and travels past Cinderella’s Castle; it features several beloved Disney characters, including the Genie, Tinkerbell, and, of course, Mickey Mouse. Several albums of music from the parade have been released in Japan, which usually includes the sound effects and character voices from the show. On rainy nights when this parade is cancelled, a special version called “Nightfall Glow” runs, with Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck as the hosts of this mini parade. This mini parade starts in Toontown and runs through Westernland and Fantasyland.

 

July 4

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July 4, 1987 – The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Attraction Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

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“Are you brave enough to give it a try?”

On July 4, 1987, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction opened in Tokyo Disneyland’s Westernland. Based on the original 1979 attraction, and taking its cues from the Walt Disney World version, the Tokyo Disneyland version has become one of the most popular attractions in the resort, evidenced by the current use of a Fastpass. The end of the attraction is different from both American park versions, as the track makes a u-turn before heading back in front of the station to the boarding area.