6/5: Tokyo Disney (Disneyland VP Day Pt 1)
I am a broken record, my apologies for being so slow on this TR! I had 272 photos from just this day to sort through and resize, I'll blame that for taking so long. So let's get back to the TR so I can stop thinking about work for a little bit
I woke up at 7:30AM, paid my bill via the TV and also did the baggage transfer from the QR code on the TV. My card didn't work at first so you have to generate a new QR code if you need to try a different card, you can do that by going back a screen on the TV or turning it off and back on. Nice to skip the front desk.
In the form you fill out online for the baggage transfer, it will ask you the pickup time. It means when you want them to pick up your bags from your room, not the time you want your bags. Bell services called my room almost immediately after I submitted my form since I put an evening pickup time, the person who called spoke perfect English and confirmed I wanted my bags transferred immediately to my next hotel (Mira Costa) from the DLH. I'm guessing this happens a lot!
I left my room around 8:15 and was in the happy entry line for DL by 8:20. It was SO sunny! I was very glad I had my
UV umbrella as did many others. I was so happy I picked up my package the night before so I could just walk right into line from the DLH!
The park opened for happy entry at 8:45, or 15 minutes before regular opening. Being 25 minutes early, I estimate I was maybe 2/3 back in line. I couldn't really see the regular lines to know how many people were there already, but I admired the dedication of everyone waiting so long with how hot the sun was!
They started scanning everyone in at 8:45 on the dot, they take your happy entry receipt before you even scan in.
People in Japan are READY to scan their tickets, there is no hold up like in the US parks. I couldn't believe how quick it was. No ID verification or finger prints or anything helps of course, since tickets are on an honor system I imagine (unless there is some hidden facial recognition
)
I was in by 8:48, and immediately booked a free Pooh priority pass for 9:10, the first slot available for me. I then paid for a pass for Splash at 12:00. Since I did the Electrical Parade the night before, I didn't have to worry about booking that.
With my package, I had three pre-booked
attraction tickets. I did Space Mountain (3 hour time slot) and two BATB (1 hour time slot). Happy Ride with Baymax was closed during my trip or I probably would have booked that. This alleviated a lot of booking stress for me!
Now, for the free priority passes, you can book another after either two hours or after the time starts for your next pass, whichever is earlier. So I was eligible to book again at 9:10 even if I hadn't ridden Hunny Hunt yet (had until 10:10). So you definitely want to book something with an early return time so that you can book a second priority pass quickly. This is where happy entry really gives you an advantage, as it's unlikely anyone without happy entry would get such an early time for their first priority pass.
My internet (paid for T-mobile international pass) was a bit slow but usable while waiting for happy entry, but once I scanned into the parks it worked well. I do recommend having your paper ticket or a screenshot of your ticket in case you can't get internet on the way in.
Since I had two tickets for BATB I decided to do Space Mountain first. Not many people were choosing this to rope drop! While walking through the line I did an entry request to meet Mickey at 10:10. I think it's a lottery similar to the shows, so I was happy to be successful!
I was on Space Mountain by 8:58. Omg, it felt so intense! Maybe the track just felt less predictable but it was great, and I think I am getting old because I felt no need to ride it back to back, though I did really enjoy it
After I got off I could tell the regular guests had been let in as there was a rush of people going by to BATB. It was only listed as a 50 minute wait at that time. There were definitely people running lol.
I didn't get anything from the vending machines in DL but they were adorable. I haven't seen Big Hero 6 yet!
Pooh was only 8 minutes just after regular opening, so I opted to get in the standby line so I could ride at least twice!
While in line, I became eligible to make another priority pass booking at 9:10 and was able to snag Monsters Inc for 9:45. Score!
I only waited a couple minutes for Hunny Hunt and got front row, hooray! I had been avoiding watching ride throughs so I didn't really know what to expect other than the ride being trackless.
I absolutely loved this, it's one of my favorite rides in WDW but it was so much better in Tokyo. It's hard to capture how much more immersive it felt in a picture/video, the sets were so dynamic and everything felt more real!
The bouncing with Tigger scene was adorable.
The Heffalumps room was so long, lots of fun new things and then a tunnel at the end.
Overall this absolutely lived up to my expectations and the queue itself was very detailed as well. Lots of props and spots to take photos.
I was off Hunny Hunt by 9:17, and the line was SO long. It said 30 minutes and it was crazy how much it built up just in 10 or so minutes. Happy entry really is key! Space Mountain was up to 60 minutes.
So thanks to happy entry, I booked two priority passes in the first hour of park opening, as well as almost walking on Hunny Hunt and Space Mountain. 15 minutes doesn't sound like much but it really makes a difference.