Photos shot with Sony NEX-5n and iPhone 6
One of the best days of our Japan trip was the day we spent at Disneyland. Being first-timers, my sister, brother and I were all ecstatic about finally living the Disney experience. From the moment you step through the entrance until you leave at the end of the day, you can't help but be affected and filled with a childish glee. (Seriously, even the most macho-looking men were wearing Mickey Mouse ears or Monsters Inc. blankets. Otherwise, they were carrying one of the many decorated/themed popcorn buckets.) From the numerous colourful displays of characters we all know and love so well, to all of the staff dressed in costumes (regardless of their post- supervisors of rides, waitresses, cleaners…), it's easy to see why Disneyland will always stand out, and can never be considered as just another theme park.
It was here that I witnessed the hugest queues I have ever seen. Never having seen the logic in spending copious amounts of time in a queue, whether to buy the new iPhone or just for a theme park ride, our family were still amongst the many hundreds lining up on this day. I guess the queuing just became part of the experience… But, really, what is the point in Disneyland if you don't at least experience a few of the rides? I broke a personal record for the longest time spent in a queue, when my dad, brother and I lined up for nearly 2 hours for a turn on the Space Mountain ride.
In regards to the food, all I can say is, "Wow." Mickey Mouse shaped waffles and rice dishes served in Mickey Mouse or Monsters Inc. shaped containers were one thing, but the option of baked rice, curry, ramen and gyudon dishes were really, really impressive, to say the least. In terms of drinks, you were able to choose from (real) iced coffee, teas, fruit juices and grapefruit drinks. Meanwhile, in the majority of other theme parks, the only options are still hot dogs, burgers, fried foods and soft drinks…
Just one walk around any of the souvenir shops situated around the park (and they are everywhere, even in caves), but especially the main "Toy Station" shop, is enough to make you want one of everything offered. One thing I learnt this day (and was consistently reminded of throughout the remainder of the trip) was how the Japanese somehow have the ability to think of and then offer us things that we didn't even know we needed.
Despite leaving at the end of the day feeling like our feet would fall off, I'm pretty sure we didn't even cover one quarter of the grounds. There were so many other rides, shops, foods and other attractions that we didn't have the opportunity to even glance at. You know it's been a highly eventful and delightful day, though, when you leave with both your camera and phone's battery dead, bags full of souvenirs, and feeling like you could fall asleep standing up on the train ride back to the hotel.
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