Land of the Rising Mickey
Page 5 of 6

The consensus I was hearing from people was that they were going to wait two or three months for the crowds to settle down ("Dream on" was essentially my reply). But word started getting out about the park's relatively light crowds. So, about three weeks after opening day, it all changed...

This signboard at Tokyo Station is on the route to the train lines which run to the TDR. The close-up below says it all. (And remember, DisneySea does not offer an annual pass.)

From then on, the above has been a common occurrence.

The initial rush was ironic. After a few weeks of very pleasant light attendance, the park became crowded with people who can't stand crowds! 

The Role of Tragedy
Sadly, September 11th is also playing a role in pushing the TDR's numbers up...

I've spent some time at the Disneyland Resort lately. The Japanese are gone. They're simply not there. The office ladies are scared. And their absence is hitting the Disneyland Resort in the pocketbook. While at Disneyland (any Disneyland) they usually have a duel mission - meet and have their picture taken with characters and buy omiyage (souvenirs for friends, family, coworkers - everyone). Instead, they're spending their money at home where the sales of things like designer bags and expensive face cream have gone through the roof. (I'm not kidding.)

A Cast Member at one of Disneyland's candy stores, a location which has seen an especially marked reduction in its staffing, summed the situation when she said to me, "They're (the Japanese) just not here... They're what keep us alive."

The situation was painfully obvious on my recent flight from Narita (Tokyo) to San Jose. The Boeing 777 which I was on, a plane with a capacity of approximately 350 people, had 25 passengers on board. It was nice having so much of the plane to myself... but I'd trade it in a second for the good old days.

Those days will return though. The OL can't stay away from America. They love it too much. It may take some time, but they'll be back. (and it won't be a second too soon for Hawaii, too)

In the mean time, the Tokyo Disney Resort, which would be packing them anyway, will continue to do so with the greatest of ease. 

Ok, let's change gears. Again join me on a trip back through the continuum -