JTCEnt.com's TDR Nempa Blog

JTCEnt.com on YouTube!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:09:00 +0000

Well folks, I've made the plunge into YouTube. Now, besides being able to download the videos from this site, you can also view them from my YouTube page named Joe's TDR Video Site at http://www.youtube.com/user/jtcent.

To start off this new partnership, I've uploaded my two newest videos shot earlier today. They are both from the Tokyo Disneyland special event, Disney's Halloween 2007. The first is Happy Haunted Parade followed by Haunted Rockin' Street.

So check out my new YouTube page at the link above or wait a few more days to download the higher quality versions from this site! In any case, leave a comment or add it to your favorites please! Thanks and hope this works out well for everyone!

CDs: Halloween 2007 & HM Holiday Nightmare

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:42:00 +0000

The big holiday special events are coming up and it means new music is available! Disney's Halloween 2007 will contain two tracks, Disney Halloween Happy Haunted Parade and Haunted Rockin' Street. The first track is especially awaited by us at JTCEnt.com. A special friend, Rick McKee composed the music for this year's show mode during the parade. Looking forward to hearing his Disney debut.

The other CD coming out for Halloween is Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare. If rumors we received are true, this release includes all of the following!

1. Up on the Housetop
2. Scary Bells
3. Over the Graveyards
4. Old Mansion Tree
5. Wreck the Halls
6. We Wish You a Scary Christmas
7. The 13 Days of Christmas
8. God Rest You a Merry Grinning Ghosts
9. Making Christmas
10. What's This?
11. Kidnap the Sandy Claws
12. Foyer
13. Elevators
14. Elevator Exit
15. Load Zone
16. Portrait Gallery
17. Library
18. Library
19. Music Room (Harpsichord by Ed Kalnins)
19. Corridor of Doors
20. Seance Room
21. Grand Hall
22. Attic
23. Instrumental - Graveyard Final
24. Jam Band
25. Tombstone Ho Ho Ho
26. Pumpkin Solo/Quartet
27. Tea Party
28. Hearse Spirits (Vocals Only)
29. Pumpkin Chorus
30. Opera Man & Woman and Mummy
31. Ghoul Trio
32. Hitchhiker Theme
33. Unload Music

Both CD's are available at the Resort from September 12th and cost ¥2,100 each. They're available nationwide from September 19th.

Is Indiana Jones 4 Related to the TDS Attraction?

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:05:00 +0000

Now that LucasFilm has released the title of the fourth Indiana Jones film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, many film and Disney theme park fans have noticed that the name is similar to that of a local attraction.

In the Lost River Delta themed port of Tokyo DisneySea, the attraction, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull, has been thrilling guests since it opened in 2001. You gotta wonder how happy Oriental Land Company, Disney and National Panasonic (the ride sponsor) are with this "coincidental" news.

Some of the online rumors claim there is a connection and something that has been discussed behind closed doors with all the parties involved. There has been no official word if the two things are even related except for the Indiana Jones theme. As the date of the film release, May 2008, approaches, we'll see what kind of synergetic promotional campaigns are going to play out. Stay tuned.

Where is the Disney Store in Shibuya?

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:35:00 +0000

The Disney Store in Shibuya is a few minutes walk from the local train and subway stations. Click on photo for larger view. Shop is the red circle in the top center.

From JR Shibuya Station, use the Hachiko exit. You reach the popular meeting spot where the statue of Hachiko the Dog is located. In front of you is a busy intersection, in fact the busiest in the world.

A tall building with screens on the outside wall is directly on the other side of the intersection from you. That building houses a Starbucks on the ground floor and a Tsutaya video rental shop. Cross the intersection towards the Starbucks and then turn right.

Continue walking on that street for two blocks. You're in the right direction if you pass by a Seibu Department Store building. When you reach a Y-shaped intersection, the street on the left side goes uphill. Take that street, remaining on the left side. Walk about 100 feet and the Disney Store is right there.

From the Hanzomon Line subway, use exit 6-3 or 6-2, when you reach street level, turn left towards the Y-shaped intersection. From Ginza Line subway, reach Hachiko exit and follow the above instructions.

Captain Jack Due in Tokyo in July

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 13:45:00 +0000

The official Tokyo Disney Resort website now has a flash page for the Adventureland attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean. The page mentions the re-opening of the ride on July 20th, 2007 with the addition of at least one character from the hit film of the same name. The attraction will have at least one audio-animatronic of Jack Sparrow. Sources say there could be as many as XXXXXXXX Jack's throughout the ride. Other characters include Davy Jones and Captain Hector Barbossa.

The website also features themed merchandise and a special menu related to the attraction that will be available soon.

Official Site in Japanese

Tower of Terror in English

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 21:27:00 +0000

More than six months after the "Hightower Hotel" started welcoming guests, an English-language website is now available for those daring to take the special historical tours. The flash-created site features the background story for the popular freefall ride at Tokyo DisneySea. Included in the site are Strang's Notebook, Endicott's Diary and a brief Hightower biography. There is also an interactive portion that shows the front and the lobby of the possibly-cursed hotel.

Official English Site

Our TOT Show Page

Countdown Parade 2007 Preparations?

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:28:00 +0000

DeepDisney's popular Japanese-language fansite has photos (see link below) of some of the mini-floats being prepared for what appears to be this year's Countdown Parade 2007. They look like small vehicles that will be pushed by Cast Members along the parade route. Tokyo Disneyland's yearly celebrations always have the longest parade of the year. Tickets for the event were available by lottery or for guests staying at related hotels. Special passports cost ¥12,000 this year for the private party (along with 60,000 other guests) that runs from 8pm-2am that night.

There are usually a couple of days of parade previews available on the days preceding the 31st of December. However, this year the folks at OLC/Disney decided to make the preview a hard-ticket event. Tickets are current on sale for the Countdown Preview Nights events on December 28th and 29th. It costs ¥4,200 per person. We will be at the parks to provide coverage!

DeepDisney's Site: Japanese-only
Instructions: On the left-side menu, click the first dark-red-colored option. Then at the top of the new right window, there is an image with "XX TDR." To the right of that is the "archive" link, click on that. A new window appears with a calendar menu on the left side, choose the date of 12/14 for December 14th. The photos are available there. Enjoy!

New DisneySea DVD Coming Out in March

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 13:03:00 +0000

A new Tokyo DisneySea DVD tentatively titled, "On to a Sea of Celebration, Tokyo DisneySea 5th Anniversary!" will be released on March 21st, 2007. It promises to include clips on the various Park events and new shows such as "Big Band Beat" and "Legend of Mythica." It will also have scenes from the Park's newest attraction, Tower of Terror.

The DVD is available at a 25% discount price from Amazon Japan for advanced orders. You can order in English after clicking on the link to the right. Please keep in mind that this DVD is in Region 2 format. It may not play in some overseas models.

Nighttime Beats are Back!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:53:00 +0000

Last year, Tokyo DisneySea hosted a series of hard ticket music events called Bayside Beat. It seemed like it didn't go very well as most guests expected Mickey and friends to appear. Well, they only made it to one of the stages. This year, things a are a whole lot different. Both Parks will feature special nights filled with music, dance and song in the new Club Disney events.

Tokyo DisneySea will host Tokyo DisneySea Bayside Beat Returns from 7:30pm-10:30pm on January 28th-30th, 2007. Dance groups TRF and Toho Shinki will headline. Other areas of the Park will have a DJ performance as well as the regular stage shows from the 5th Anniversary events.

On February 7th-9th, Tokyo Disneyland has Super Dancin' Mania Remix. These shows will feature pop artists AAA and Cutie Mommy on stage in front of Cinderella Castle. Character will greet guests as they enter. "Disney's Magic in the Sky" fireworks show is also on tap for each night. The park is open from 7:45pm-10:45pm.

Special tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, December 13th and cost ¥4,200 each. A "wristlet" with a dangling charm will be given as a special present to all guests each night. Visit the official Japanese page.

Tower of Terror Lightning Effect Video

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 14:01:00 +0000

A friend of ours, SuperDry, has posted a link to the green lightning effect in Tokyo DisneySea's Tower of Terror attraction. The green flash and streak can be seen from outside of the building. It begins at the very top penthouse belonging to Harrison Hightower, the hotel's long-disappeared owner. Once the flash begins, it streaks towards one of the three areas where windows are broken. These just happen to be where the elevator doors open and guests inside can take a look out before they plunge down the shaft. The green lightning effect is timed so that it appears and strikes just before the elevator falls. It is a neat effect that is original to Tokyo's version of the attraction.

NOTE: The above link is directly to the video download. Windows Media Player is required for viewing.

After the 5th, What's Next?

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 06:53:00 +0000

Our friend, Malin has posed an interesting question on some of the English-language Disney fan message boards. "Tokyo Disney Sea (sic) 5th Celebrations: The Hangover!" asks what is scheduled for the Park after its 5th Anniversary events end in late May 2007. Will some shows continue or new ones start? How about modifying some existing shows? Lots of speculation abounds, join in the discussion below (registration required for posting):

MiceChat.com Boards

LaughingPlace.com Boards

An Ambassador Double-Header

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 14:15:00 +0000

A few weeks ago while walking near Waterfront Park at Tokyo DisneySea, we spotted the current Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassador Naoko Sugiyama. After talking to a guest who seemed to be a close friend, we were able to meet her and take a few photos. She was very courteous and pleasant. She even apologized thinking we had to wait long to meet her (actually, about 10 minutes). But all was well at the end when she flashed that radiant smile. Nice! Her tenure is coming to an end on January 1st, when Marika Hatori takes over the ambassadorship.

What a difference a year makes. Take a look at a press release announcement from over a year ago here. Also, we have photos and video of last January's Induction Ceremony. Enjoy!

2007 TDS Ambassador Interview

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:45:00 +0000

The January 2007 issue of Disney Fan Magazine features an interview with 2007 Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassador Candidate Marika Hatori. She was selected in October out of about 100 Cast Member applicants from around the Resort. After a few months of training in the United States and Japan, she will officially take over the title from 2006 Ambassador Naoko Sugiyama in a ceremony held at Showbase in Tomorrowland on New Year's Day. Below is an interview translated from the Japanese-language magazine.

Why would you like to be Ambassador?
It's an opportunity to meet many people. Also, we can share the joy and pleasure of Disney with them.

What kind of promotions will you do?
The main thing is to introduce the final events for Tokyo DisneySea's 5th Anniversary to the press and other media.

After being Ambassador, do you have other goals?
My goal is to be bright and friendly with others. I want to make a more attractive image of the Resort for future guests.

Who's your favorite Disney character?
Of course, Mickey and Minnie. I like all of them, but I love Piglet because of his really cute outfit.

What's your favorite Disney movie?
It is hard to pick only one. One I saw recently was Tarzan, which showcased the love of family but featured comedic scenes. That's a wonderful movie because it was fun and emotional.

When was your first visit to the Parks?
When I was a child, I lived in the U.S. so I first experienced Walt Disney World. As a junior high school student, I visited TDL many times.

Miss Hatori was born in Tokyo on May 8th, 1979. She is a graduate of Sophia (Jouchi) University, Department of Law. Her hobbies include tennis and snowboarding.

Happy Birthday Tokyo DisneySea!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 13:29:00 +0000

Today we celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea's opening. The actual festivies began on July 14th but the most anticipated part opened today. The ¥21 billion yen attraction Tower of Terror welcomed its first official guests as thousands flocked to this corner of American Waterfront. Pictured here is one of the gift items available at The Bath of Raja. It is a plush doll of the idol, Shiriki Utundu, which features prominently on the ride. This product actually doubles for a useful household item, can you guess what it is?

Back to the 5th, everyone received a special present commemorating the date. However, there were no special ceremonies or announcements for the 5th or the ride. The Park opened one hour earlier than scheduled and within 45-minutes, the FastPass distribution line reached all the way to Cape Cod and the standby line stood at 300 minutes. Guest reactions seemed positive throughout the morning.

TOT Site Translation

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 23:42:00 +0000

Some friend and I have just finished a rough translation of the official "Tower of Terror" website. Since the site is mostly in Japanese, we provide some information in English. It does not necessarily take into account the mood, nuance or special terms that have been produced for the attraction. Please remember that fact while reading this document. Here's the official site. Enjoy!

Check the links below and download the files (Acrobat PDF format):

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK

NEW YORK GLOBE TELEGRAPH

RELATIONSHIP CHART

Happy Birthday TDLEP Dreamlights!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 21:22:00 +0000

Five years ago today, June 1st, 2001, a new version of the nighttime spectacular premiered at Tokyo Disneyland. Featuring more than a million sparkling lights, the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights replaced "Disney's Fantillusion!" as the regular evening parade.

I was at the Park last night and the show still packs them in. Crowds started lining up at least an hour before along the parade route. I still get goosebumps as the music begins from the loudspeakers. Be sure to check out our show page for new video! Enjoy!

Official Tower of Terror Site Up!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 22 May 2006 12:54:00 +0000

We were right! Just as we posted back about a month ago, there is an official Tower of Terror page now. It features a Macromedia Flash presentation with an image of the hotel, then a reporter's notebook introduces the disappearance of Harrison Hightower III, the owner of the Hotel Hightower. Lightning is seen striking the hotel and the thundering reveals the cursed idol's gree eyes that may be related to the disappearance. Nifty graphics!

Since the site is only in Japanese, we provide a loose translation of the text here. Enjoy!

First Page after Hightower's image:
Beware of the curse
You must not continue ahead
You will face the same fate as I have

Get out!
This is your last chance!

Second Page while at the desk:
This is Manfred Strong, reporter for the New York Globe Telegraph.

This research notebook is a record of the cursed Hotel Hightower wrapped in the mystery of the sudden disappearance of Harrison Hightower III on New Year's Eve 1899.

Should you read this notebook, you are welcomed to join in solving this mystery.

Should you find a solution, please contact Mr. Strong of the New York Globe Telegraph.

Inside the research notebook (from top):
Hightower III is missing.

Hotel Hightower Owner

In the elevator

1899 Dec. 31

What happened here?

Cigar and cursed idol.

Hotel 1892 Hightower NY

Shiriki Utundo(?)

The words of the curse?

NOTE: "Shiriki" means to unite or come together in Swahili. Still researching "utundo."

"Legend of Mythica" Backstory

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Fri, 05 May 2006 12:46:00 +0000

One of the special events for Tokyo DisneySea's 5th Anniversary is the premiere of a new daytime harbor show called Legend of Mythica starting on July 14th. The popular Japanese message board "2Ch" recently had an anonymous posting which included a description of the new show. Below is the translated (by yours truly) text of the background story. Check out our TDS 5th Anniversary preview page for show description and information.

***The Legend of Mythica (Background)***

A long time ago, the dragon and unicorn dominated the legendary world. They walked on the rich earth, they swam freely in the neverending sea and they soared through the skies. Man and legendary creatures were united in rich harmony with the rhythm of drums. It was a time filled with joy.

However, as hostility began and the rhythm disappeared, fighting began from the humans. The creatures returned to the mythical world of Mythica. They longed for the day when they can reunite and dance joyously with mankind. A key was left behind so that the Gates of Mythica once again be opened.

After many years have passed, your favorite Disney characters and all the guests are here to make it happen.

Stitch is Milking Us!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Thu, 04 May 2006 16:49:00 +0000

During the run of the current Stitch special event at Tokyo Disneyland, they are having a sales campaign. Guests who purchase over ¥1,000 can get a stamp booklet and collect a charm present featuring one of the Lilo & Stitch characters. The first charm has Lilo on it. Guests can collect all 9 charms during 10 visits to the Park and making the minimum purchases. Stitch is featured on the 9th charm.

This particular campaign is totally geared towards the Annual Passport holders. However, they place some restrictions such as stamps and charms are only given out after 2pm daily. And only one charm/stamp per day is available. It's another way OLC is trying to drive in guests and boost attendance numbers. It also forces people to make minimum purchases for each visit.

Disney Fan Magazine Arrives! (June 2006)

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Thu, 04 May 2006 16:27:00 +0000

The latest edition of the Disney Fan magazine (June 2006) arrived a couple of weeks ago. It features Stitch on the scooping up some ice cream along the beach. Inside there is a detailed photo spread of Disney's Dreams on Parade: Movin' On! which premiered in late March. Another large spread of Porto Paradiso Water Carnival "Eterno" which ends this week at Tokyo DisneySea.

News includes announcements on Sweetheart Cafe's opening, Father's Day Gift Campaign, TDS's 5th Anniversary Welcome Cruise and a new line of Pooh merchandise available at the Parks.

There is a scene-by-scene description of the upcoming Disney on Ice: Finding Nemo shows for second half 2006. The featured song, Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride from the film Lilo & Stitch has lyrics and a songsheet included. The "Disney Fan, Me Too!" interview segment features Japanese artist/musician Koutarou Fukui.

TDL Going Old School?

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 02:43:00 +0000

One of the biggest complaints I hear from non-Japanese guests about TDL is its lack of apparel with the Park logo or name. Most of the items available for sale has a character or the generic word "Disney" displayed. However, a new line of shirts and sweaters has come out recently with the Park logo in various styles. This rainbow shirt was available at The Bebop Hop in World Bazaar along with three other designs. Over at Grand Emporium, a number of attraction t-shirts were also available.

I'll be posting updated show page of both of these stores soon on my site. They'll include pictures of the new merchandise available, like this new line of shirts. Hopefully, these products sell well enough to make more styles available soon.

Cirque du Soleil Theatre Groundbreaking

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:56:00 +0000

Like I noted the other day while taking the Disney Resort Line from Tokyo DisneySea over the Resort Gateway Station, the big walled off area in the Disney Ambassador Hotel parking lot is the site for the new Cirque du Soleil Theatre. As you can see by the photo to the right (and our News Page), the site is pretty expansive.

The new building is designed by Cirque du Soleil in collaboration with Saucier+Perrotte Architects from Montreal, Canada. It's due to house an original show in time for Tokyo Disneyland's 25th Anniversary in 2008.

TOT 1899?

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 14:21:00 +0000

Hmm, I was perusing Jim Hill's informative site and read about possible upcoming Disney projects based on internet domain names the company has reserved. I decided to do the same thing with Oriental Land Company, which owns, operates and maintains TDR. It is also in charge of promotion and marketing of the Parks here. Look what I found when I checked out their Japanese name in the WHOIS registrar: Just today, OLC registered TOT1899.jp as in "Tower of Terror 1899!". Could it be that this will become the official site for the attraction due to open officially this September 4th? Stay tuned!

The company has created special sites in the past outside of their regular official site for attractions: Pooh's Hunny Hunt opening in 2000; special events: Tokyo DisneySea's 2nd, 3rd and 4th anniversaries, and currently Lilo & Stitch's Big Panic: Find Stitch! at hulihuli.jp.

Cinderella Castle Under Wraps

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 13:56:00 +0000

It sure ruins a nice picturesque shot, doesn't it? Cinderella Castle is undergoing maintenance and renovations following the closing of the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour attraction last week. It will be covered by scaffolding for at least a few months. The entire castle perimeter, as well as The Glass Slipper gift shop, is closed off to the public. Guests trying to take a picture in the forecastle area of the Plaza have to contend with a construction wall painted by Stitch! Also, at least two cranes working there all day.

To see the last time the castle was covered this way, we have to go back to 1992. During the Park's 9th Anniversary, the special event Disney's World's Fair was performed on the other side of the Plaza near where the Partners statue stands today.

A Future Disney Composer in the Making

noreply@blogger.com (JoeInJpn) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 13:43:00 +0000

This following blog entry is not for Tokyo Disney Resort, but it is kinda related! A good friend of mine Rick McKee has composed the official theme for the Disney Music Convention 2006 titled "Celebrate the Magic!" We are honored to have the music available for download here at JTCEnt.com! Rick's inspiration has been his love for Disney theme park and show music. Many of his favorites are from TDR!

Another connection this special tune has with TDR is the fantastic duo supplying the main vocals. David Wise and Michelle Amato provide a wonderful tribute to this original McKee composition. I invite all of you to download and listen to it, as well as the accompanying video of the premiere performance. Read more about Rick, the song and the upcoming music event!