Tokyo Disneyland
Topic: My review of TOT....okay, but dissappointed!

#	Author	Message
1	WorldDisney Mon 8/27/2007 3:30a	Hey guys, As some of you know from my posts here lately, I was back at TDR and had a GREAT two days there. As ALWAYS, I tell myself I'm going to post a TR, never get there lol. But I figure I would write a little about TOT, since I was actually anticipating that the most out of all the new stuff, but yeah, wasn't exactly 'wow'd' when I got off of it. So about 5 days ago, I was back at TDS and LOVED Mythica (amazing shows and beautiful floats, classic TDS showmanship), Sinbad was fun (once again, going beyound the call of duty of revamping a ride with great new AA's, storyline and a catchy song....with still a 5-10 minute wait all day, sad.) but TOT is obviously *the* new attraction at the park. I got there at 9:05 a.m. (the EARLIEST time I have ever been at this park or TDL....ever) and by the time I made it to American Waterfront, it was already an hour wait and the the FP line was near Cape Cod. LOL, so much for 'beating the crowds' ;). Anyway, instead of waiting the 30 minutes to get a FP to come back 3 hours later, decided to just jump in the 60 min line ;). You know what was scary? It was EXACTLY 60 mins! When I boarded the elevator, it was 1 hour exactly when I stepped in line. That's just FREAKY!!!! What I liked: The actual queue and everything in it is BRILLIANT!!!!! I love the new storyline, the intricate detail of the rooms, especially the basement and yeah, how did that statue disappear?? The building and the interior is hands down the best themed TOT, no question. I guess because the storyline was completely new, it just bought new life into an attraction I rode at the two other parks that has it since 1999. TOT is easily one of my favorite attractions and generally like them all anyway, but this did a great job of creating something more grander than the other two. The scale and archetecture of the building already tells you that. When you get inside and see the beautiful paintings, the cool relics and etc, they leave nothing to want in turns of rich theming and unlike the other two hotels, the story starts from the very second you enter the courtyard. Since its dealing with one man's extravagent lifestyle and his travels in his hotel, we learn who he is and the things he's done all along the way. Very differently from the poor lost souls in the Hollywood hotel who we only know took the wrong elevator at the wrong time, nothing more. Also, although there is no Twighlight Zone references in this one, its clearly a TZ story in tone and morality which I also thought was cool too. Most TZ stories played on a strange twist of fate or an ironic sense of poetic justice with a morality tale told in the end of each story. So the story obviously do that very well. So, those were all good things and what I especially loved about the ride. What I hated: Basically the ride itself ;). Like I said, the queue is amazing, the buildup, the story, all great. But then after all that, you board and it was one of the tamest and shortest TOT experiences I ever had. Again, the special effects were great, but for some reason, the turning to ghost effect didn't seem as cool as DCA's version. The next floor when we see what happens to Hightower and the idol is fine, but its not a cool a set up as DCA's version when the people drop in the elevator and you drop too. You kind of know when the drop is coming, unlike the Calif version (the FIRST time ;)). The Florida version is very obvious, but the 5th demision room makes for a GREAT build up and cool factor IMO. But the TDS version leaves it lacking for me. And then you drop and I swear, I felt really nothing! Of course, I guess I was the only one because people were yelling and screaming all around me lol. But, it was so tame, I didn't understand why people were screaming so much? But then again, I was just in the TOT at DCA a week before and that one is VERY rough IMO, espeically compared to this one. But yeah, I guess if its your first time, ever, it does feel more scary, not for cynical, 'I done this a hunrded times already peasants, yawn' WorldDisney ;). But I think even if it was the first time I was on TOT, I still wouldn't find it all that jolting and scary like everyone around me for some reason. Also, it was so short, when I was FINALLY getting into it, it was over lol. I really got off the ride thinking, 'that's it?' I got off basically shrugging, but again, EVERYONE around me got off really excited and talking about it thrilled what they just experienced. I didn't understand why EVERYONE just loved what I thought was a pretty ho hum experience. I just racked it up to it probably being the first ride of the day, getting the adrenaline pumping in the beginning and all that. But, I got a FP around 5 to try it again and the EXACT same reaction, for me and the other guests. I thought same experience as before while others were screaming from the top of their lungs on the ride and was just purely joyed when they got off. The ride is definitely a hit there....with everyone but me for some reason. In conclusion, I LIKE the ride and like I said the queue is greatly worth it in itself, but the actual ride itself left me pretty cold, with exception of the effects on it. In one way its the best version and the worst all in one lol. TOT is a big, big hit and probably increased attendance for the park as that was the busiest I seen it in years (everything was over an hour minus poor Sinbad). Just wish I could've been entralled from beginning to end with this one like the other two.
2	Mr X Mon 8/27/2007 4:07a	Wow...harsh review. I'm going to tell all my Japanese friends. By the time I'm done, you won't even make it through immigration at Narita cause they'll have your picture behind the counter with a "do not admit" stamp slapped right across it. Have fun at "Korea Disneyland", dude, or I guess you can travel to crappy Hong Kong Disneyland since it's your only Asian choice anymore til they open Shanghai. >:(
3	WorldDisney Mon 8/27/2007 4:12a	Hey, you knew my review days ago ;). I think its pretty balanced, like I said in some ways its the BEST TOT, other ways the WORST. Its a great attraction, just waaaay too tame compared to the others IMO. But, I know the lap bar strap has a lot ot do with it (which I forgot to mention in my review), but I guess that can't be helped.
4	TDLFAN Mon 8/27/2007 4:14a	If you have been on the TOT at DCA, then you pretty much would know what to expect at TDS. Same ride is being installed at WDSP, so you know ahead of time and not be disappointed with that one as well.
5	WorldDisney Mon 8/27/2007 4:19a	Yeah, I know TOT at WDSP is exactly the same as DCA's, so another reason not to ever see that park ;D. No, like I said, I LIKE this version because the story, queue and detail is so much different from the others, that makes it worth it in itself :).
6	irishfan Mon 8/27/2007 4:23a	So basically it's the drop profile thats the weakest element at TDS?
7	leemac Mon 8/27/2007 4:27a	<<If you have been on the TOT at DCA, then you pretty much would know what to expect at TDS. Same ride is being installed at WDSP, so you know ahead of time and not be disappointed with that one as well.>> Not totally true. Otis are not the elevator provider at TDS hence the tamer experience.
8	WorldDisney Mon 8/27/2007 4:28a	Yes, definitley irishfan. If the first drop was a surprise like DCA's version at least, that would make it a little better, but you saw it coming or at least I did.
9	Mr X Mon 8/27/2007 4:38a	Is Otis the elevator provider at WDSP? Can we expect some surprises, or is it really going to be a carbon copy of the DCA one?
10	TDR_Fan Mon 8/27/2007 5:33a	Here's hoping they modify the drop sequence in the future to make it more intense and longer.

All times are Pacific Time (US)

Note: Information on the discussion boards is sometimes based on rumors or incorrect information and should not be assumed true. Messages do not necessarily reflect the opinion of LaughingPlace.com or its editors.

More messages:	1-10	11-20	21-30	31-40	41-50
	51-60	61-67

< Previous Topic

You must be a registered user to post messages.
Click here to register.
After registration you will automatically be brought back to this topic

Antenna Toppers and Accessories
Antenna Toppers of all styles including sports, holiday, animals, occupations and more. Hundreds to choose f rom.

What's on
The Latest
Miley Cyrus tour bus in fatal crash, Miley not aboard
Captain EO on the way back?
Mobile Magic Application Transforms Verizon Wireless Phones Into Electronic Tour Guides to Navigate Disney Parks
Disney Executives Swap Jobs
2009 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Sailor Mickey Mouse Plush Available Online
Disney Digital Books Expands Its Vast Library with Princess and the Frog Books
Disney Interactive Studios Starts a New Holiday Tradition with Disney's A Chrsitmas Carol Video Game
Jonas and Sonny With a Chance Video Games Invite Fans Onstage, Backstage and Beyond
Disney Cruise Line in Macy's Parade for the first time
Space Mountain preview

Click here for The Latest