Why Does Tokyo Disney Get All the Cool Stuff?

 by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 8, 2024

 

This past week was big for the Tokyo Disney Resort. Disney CEO Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, were on hand to open Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

The new themed port featured three areas based on Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan, as well as the Fantasy Springs Hotel.  

 

The Disney Parks Blog offered the following summaries of each area:

 

• Rapunzel’s Forest. “The romantic boat ride ‘Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival’ leads to the annual Lantern Festival where you can experience Rapunzel’s ‘best day ever’ as she falls in love with Flynn Rider and visits various locations featured in the Disney Animation film ‘Tangled.’”

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

• Peter Pan’s Never Land. “During your visit to the mysterious island of Never Land at Fantasy Springs, journey through Skull Rock for this eye-catching view of Peter Pan’s Never Land. This scenic view features the home of Captain Hook and his pirate ship, the Jolly Roger, moored in a large, sparkling lagoon.”

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

• Frozen Kingdom. “The guards have opened up the gates to the kingdom of Arendelle at Tokyo DisneySea. Before you enter Arendelle Castle, immerse yourself in the world of Disney Animation’s ‘Frozen’ with a view of the new Royal Banquet of Arendelle, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey and Elsa’s Ice Palace sitting high on the North Mountain.”

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Meanwhile, the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel includes two buildings – the Fantasy Chateau and the Grand Chateau.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Taking all of this in, plenty of Disney fans in the U.S. are asking: Hey, why does Tokyo Disney always seem to get the cool stuff? Indeed, that was the question many asked when Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel – the fifth Disney Hotel – opened in April 2022. Disney describes the hotel as being “full of playful designs that immerse guests in the creative imagination of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story films.”

 

At the opening of Fantasy Springs, Iger said, “I am so proud of the richly immersive experiences we’ve created together, and I look forward to the bright future ahead of us here at Tokyo Disney Resort. We’ve worked alongside Oriental Land Company for more than 40 years, and this new land exemplifies our companies’ shared commitment to excellence in everything we do.”

 

And there’s the key. The Walt Disney Company doesn’t own the Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Disneyland, five Disney-branded hotels, and Ikspiari, which is a shopping, dining and entertainment district. Instead, these are owned and operated by the Oriental Land Co, Ltd., which licenses Disney’s intellectual property.

 

By the way, the resort opened in 1983, and was Disney’s first theme park venture beyond the U.S., with DisneySea opening in September 2001.

 

The bottom line is that the Tokyo Disney Resort tends to get the cool stuff because Disney isn’t paying for it. The Oriental Land Company is, and Disney reaps the rewards via licensing. That’s a great deal for regional and international guests, as well as Disney. As for the rest of us not visiting Tokyo Disney anytime soon, we’ll have to see what lies ahead with the $17 billion plans for Walt Disney World.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

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Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel is at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

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Splash Mountain Takes Its Last Bow at the Magic Kingdom

 by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 22, 2023

 

Whenever asked what my favorite ride is at the Magic Kingdom, the answer always has been easy: Splash Mountain. But today (January 22) is the last day I can answer that way, as Splash Mountain will be officially closed on Monday (January 23) to undergo a refurbishment/retheming. It will become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure inspired by the movie The Princess and the Frog.

So, why has Splash Mountain been my favorite? I love log flume rides, and this is the most interesting one I’ve ever ridden given the length of the ride, the many twists and turns, how a story unfolds as one travels along, and of course, the major log-flume drop and splashdown that usually gets you wet. And yes, especially during hot-and-humid times in central Florida, this ride was cooling and welcome.

What’s odd is that Splash Mountain feels like it’s always been around. But Splash Mountain first opened in Disneyland on July 17, 1989, and then in Walt Disney World on July 17, 1992. There’s also a version in Tokyo Disneyland that opened on October 1, 1992. When it first opened, the 52-foot plunge was the longest flume chute in the world, according to Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia.

There’s no word yet on when Splash Mountain in Disneyland will close, and no plans exist to close the Tokyo Disneyland ride. The refurbished ride is schedule to open sometime in 2024.

My son and I took two final spins on Splash Mountain on the evening of Thursday, January 19. We enjoyed it, as always, but of course, there was a tinge of melancholy this time. When my wife and I took vacations to Disney World as our boys grew up, Splash Mountain was always a must-ride for myself and our sons (my wife could be prodded onto the ride now and then, but she’s not much for speed and big drops). So, we were leaving Splash Mountain behind.

Without getting into the debate over why Splash Mountain is being replaced, the ride will be missed. One hopes that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will provide at least half the fun and the memories.

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael novels; and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? 

 

Consider books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks at RayKeatingOnline.com or paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions at Amazon.com.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel. Signed paperbacks and/or paperbacks, hardcovers and the Kindle edition at Amazon. 

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. The latest in the series is Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Get the signed books here, or paperbacks and Kindle editions right here.

 

• The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from the Christian faith.

 

• Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  –  signed books  or at  Amazon.

 

•  Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know is available at  Amazon  in paperback or for the Kindle edition, and signed books at  www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Tokyo Disneyland to Lower Attendance Cap

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 22, 2021

 

The roller coaster ride continues for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, as COVID-19 numbers in Japan evolve once more.

  
After only raising the attendance cap on April 1, Oriental Land Co., the operator of the Tokyo Disney parks, said Monday that it will “lower the cap of the daily number of visitors to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea each from 20,000 to 5,000.” 

Courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog

The decreased capacities will remain in effect through May 11. Tokyo DisneySea will also close one hour earlier at 8 p.m. through May 11.

 

According to The Japan Times, the government of Japan is considering “quasi-emergency measures” due to COVID-19 in Urayasu, where Disneyland is located, as well as in four other cities in Chiba Prefecture, and Kyodo News reports that “the Japanese government plans to impose a fresh coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo as well as Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures on Friday.”

 

It has not been smooth sailing for the Japanese parks since their COVID-19 re-openings. Tokyo Disneyland was one of the earlier Disney parks to reopen on July 1 after their February 28, 2020 COVID closures. In September 2020, Tokyo Disneyland unveiled the largest expansion in the park’s history, a three-year-long undertaking that had already been delayed earlier in the year by COVID shutdowns. Then came January, and Tokyo Disneyland had to temporarily suspend ticket sales until February, permitting only previously ticketed guests to visit the parks in the face of fluctuating COVID numbers.  Now they are once more adjusting their guest attendance levels. 

 

Tokyo is also the location of this year’s Olympics, set to begin July 23, but postponed from last summer because of coronavirus. Foreign spectators are not permitted in the stadiums for this year’s games.  

 

In fact, there have also been calls for the Olympic games to be postponed yet again because of Japan’s changing COVID-19 numbers. CBS Sports reports that a recent Kyodo News poll found that the majority of Japanese residents, 72%, are in favor of postponing or cancelling the games in the face of a fourth wave of coronavirus.

 

According to the Kyodo News poll report, “Amid lingering concern over a fourth coronavirus wave and the slow progress of vaccination, the poll found 39.2 percent believe the postponed Olympics and Paralympics should be canceled, while 32.8 percent think they should be rescheduled. Only 24.5 percent responded that the games should be held as scheduled.”

 

As the availability of ticket sales and attendance numbers continues to change at Tokyo Disneyland, and the Japanese government initiates additional restrictions, Disneyland’s plans may need to adjust yet again. Head to the Tokyo Disneyland website for current information.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

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Limited Ticket Sales Resume at Tokyo Disneyland

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 17, 2021

 

Tokyo Disneyland has begun selling a limited number of 1-day Passports for January and February, following last week’s suspension of sales due to rising COVID numbers and under the guidance of local health authorities. 

 

Courtesy of Tokyo Disney Resort

As we reported here, ticket sales were originally suspended from January 9-February 7, with the parks limited to guests who had already purchased tickets, made reservations, or were successful in the Park Admission lottery.

 

A number of attractions, entertainment options, shops and restaurants also began operating with reduced capacities or experienced closures last week, and those reduced hours and capacities continue. “Happy Fair with Baymax,” scheduled to start January 13, was also postponed.

 

1-Day Passport tickets are now available for admissions up to February 19, 2021, and after February 20, admissions for February 20-26 will begin.  Additionally, tickets will only be available up until the parks hit capacity. According to the Tokyo Disneyland website, “Admissions to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will be limited to Guests who have purchased fixed-date tickets from the Tokyo Disney Resort Online Reservations & Tickets website or the Tokyo Disney Resort App, or Guests who were successful in the Park admission lottery.”

 

Guests may purchase up to five tickets at a time, and as local conditions change, admissions policies may need to adapt as well. Check with Tokyo Disneyland ticket sales for the current restrictions.

 

According to Tokyo Disneyland, “Information about resuming sales for Fixed Date and Time Passports (from 10:30 a.m.) and Fixed Date and Time Passports (from 12 noon) will be announced on this [Tokyo Disneyland] website as soon as it becomes available.”

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

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Tokyo Disney to Curtail Hours and Park Admissions Amidst COVID-19 Rise

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 9, 2021

 

In response to recommendations from government health officials, and amidst rising COVID-19 numbers, Oriental Land Company, the owners of Tokyo Disneyland, have cut back park hours for the remaining weeks of January by closing the parks earlier in the evening, adding that “park opening time may vary depending on the day.”

Courtesy of Tokyo Disney Resort

In addition, beginning January 9 until February 7, 2021, ticket sales have been suspended, and the number of guests admitted to the Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Parks will be limited. The Tokyo Disneyland website notes that at both Disneyland and DisneySea, “Attractions, entertainment, shops, and restaurants will operate with reduced capacity or will be closed.”

 

Guests holding current tickets will still be permitted to visit the parks, with health and safety guidelines in place. According to Tokyo Disneyland, “Based on the state of emergency announced by the Japanese government and requests from local authorities, sales of Park tickets for admissions on or after January 9 will be temporarily suspended as we set up our ticket sales system. An announcement will be made on this [Tokyo Disneyland] website when Park ticket sales become available again. Guests who have already purchased tickets, made reservations, or have been successful in the Park admission lottery at this time will be able to enter the Park.”

 

Restaurant availability may also be affected by these changes. Disney advises, “Due to the change in operating hours for restaurants, you may not be able to use your Priority Seating eligibility even if booked in advance. We will send an email to Guests who are affected by the change.” Changes to dining reservations will be impacted through at least February 7.

 

The Resort has cancelled their nightly fireworks shows as well, and the new “Happy Fair with Baymax,” originally scheduled to start January 13, will also be postponed.

 

Currently, there is a travel ban in place, preventing non-resident foreign travelers from entering Japan. Residents arriving in Japan must also undergo a two-week quarantine upon arrival, and show proof of negative COVID test results.

 

Tokyo Disneyland reopened July 1 after earlier COVID-19 closures in February, and was one of the first parks to bring back fireworks shows, parades, and traditional character meet-and-greets.

 

For up-to-date announcements on ticket sales and park closures, head to the Tokyo Disneyland webpage.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

Tokyo Disneyland To Introduce Variable Pricing Tickets for Parks

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

December 27, 2020

 

Beginning March 20, 2021, Oriental Land Co., Ltd., the owner of Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea, will introduce variable price park tickets. The new admission prices will be based on the day of the week, as well as the season.  Florida’s Disney World introduced a similar system in October of 2018.

Courtesy of Tokyo Disney Resort website

According to a release from Oriental Land Co., Ltd., the new variable pricing “will enable a more equal distribution throughout the year of guests visiting the Parks, further enhancing the Park experience for guests.”

 

Oriental Land Co., Ltd. will also begin selling “Early Entry Tickets,” which will allow guests entry to Tokyo DisneySea as early as early as 8:00 a.m.  The new tickets will be available for admissions starting February 20, 2021, and are exclusively for guests staying at a Disney hotel. (Guests using an Early Entry Ticket must also have a valid 1-Day Passport.) An extra perk of the early admission ticket is that guests will also be able to access Standby Passes before other guests are admitted to the Park.

 

For information on the new price structure, head to the Tokyo Disneyland website.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

Tokyo Disneyland Ready to Open Largest Park Expansion in Its History

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

September 19, 2020

 

In the past few months, with the focus on so many things that have not reopened, or have been cancelled, such as “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” at Disney World, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, or Disneyland (California) itself, it is sometimes easy to overlook the strides that Disney is making in forging ahead in other areas. 

 

TRON construction photo, August 2020, DisneyBizJournal

This week, we’ve not only seen video proof that Magic Kingdom’s “TRON Lightcycle Run” construction is rapidly advancing, as shown in Wednesday’s video posting  from Imagineer Zach Riddley on the installation of the first of 40 pieces for the curved wave canopy for the Upload Conduit portion of the ride, but Tokyo Disneyland (which brought back its “Light the Night” fireworks show and “Nightfall Glow” mini-parade on September 1) made a significant announcement about their park expansion. The France pavilion at Epcot is progressing nicely as well, and work continues on the Halcyon, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser-themed hotel near Hollywood Studios.

 

This week’s Tokyo Disneyland announcement brought welcome news that on September 28, Tokyo Disneyland will be officially opening the largest expansion in the park’s history. This three-year-long undertaking stretches across three of the park’s lands - Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Toontown - bringing with it new rides, restaurants, and shops. The opening had been expected in April, but was delayed due to COVID-19 shutdowns.

Among the new offerings, three primary attractions stand out. In Fantasyland, the Beauty and the Beast story will come alive in the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.  In the first ever ride-through attraction of Beauty and the Beast, guests will travel along in magical dancing tea cup vehicles through Beast’s castle, experiencing state-of-the-art animatronics and scenes and music from the movie. Maurice’s Cottage will be part of the setting in Belle’s village in Fantasyland, but the “wow” moment will undoubtedly be Beast’s nearly 100-foot tall castle reigning over the forest. 

 

In Tomorrowland, The Happy Ride with Baymax (based on Big Hero 6) will welcome guests to a rotating ride similar to Alien Swirling Saucers, while in Toontown, Minnie’s Style Studio provides a new Disney Character greeting experience. Guests will meet Minnie in the studio where she designs, creates and photographs her original clothing designs. On their way to greeting the fashion icon in her studio, visitors will get to walk through Minnie’s office and workroom. Minnie will appear in an ever-changing array of seasonal costumes that she has designed herself.

 

There will be a number of new dining opportunities debuting as well, including The Big Pop in Tomorrowland, a specialty popcorn shop with its gigantic popcorn chandelier, and a 200-seat counter service location, La Teverne de Gaston, in Fantasyland. La Teverne de Gaston  proudly displays trophies from Gaston’s many escapades, near his fireplace, of course, and serves Gaston’s favorite brew and entrees such as sausage in a croissant. Next door, LeFou's will also offer snacks and goodies for park guests, including a new-to-Tokyo Disneyland apple-caramel churro.  But if shopping is more your thing, The Village Shoppes in Fantasyland, including La Belle Librairie, Little Town Traders and Bonjour Gifts will be opening their doors for your souvenirs and treasures.

 

A 1,500-seat theatre slated as part of the expansion is expected to open at a later date. The Fantasyland Forest Theatre is the first theatre in the park, and will be home to the “Mickey’s Magical Music World” show.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Disney’s Pre-Pandemic Strategy Reflected in Down Attendance in 2019

by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 31, 2020

 

Earlier this month, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) released its annual report on global attractions attendance for 2019. While Disney obviously remained the theme parks powerhouse regarding attendance – with its various parks around the world pulling in an estimated 155.99 million guests – its overall attendance in 2019 actually declined slightly (falling by 0.8 percent) versus 2018.

This small decline in 2019 attendance actually was part of Disney’s strategy, as opposed to the 2020 phenomenon of a pandemic closing parks, and crushing attendance, revenues and profits. As noted in the TEA report, “Disney’s domestic park attendance numbers were flat overall for 2019 compared to the previous year which could be attributed to the operator emphasizing its yield strategy by prioritizing the quality of guest experience and per caps. This operating model has emerged over the last decade and will likely serve operators well moving forward, with respect to capacity limitations in parks and the continued need to stay competitive.” Or, as stated in an Associated Press story, “The flat attendance is likely due to an effort by Disney to limit entry, while charging higher prices, so that visitors have a more enjoyable experience…”

 

Here's a rundown in Disney’s 2019 attendance figures.

 

• Among amusement/theme parks in North America, Disney parks filled the top five spots, as well as number eight: 

 

1) Magic Kingdom attendance was up by 0.5 percent in 2019, registering 20,963,000 compared to 20,859,000 in 2018. 

 

2) Disneyland (California) attendance saw no growth in 2019, registering 18,666,000 in both 2019 and 2018. 

 

3) Animal Kingdom attendance was up by 1.0 percent in 2019, registering 13,888,000 compared to 13,750,000 in 2018. 

 

4) Epcot attendance was unchanged in 2019, registering 12,444,000 in both 2019 and 2018.

 

5) Hollywood Studios attendance was up by 2.0 percent in 2019, registering 11,483,000 compared to 11,258,000 in 2018. 

 

8) Disney California Adventure attendance was unchanged in 2019, registering 9,861,000 in both 2019 and 2018. 

 

• Disney World’s two water parks ranked one and two in terms of attendance among water parks in North America: 

 

1) Typhoon Lagoon attendance fell by 1.0 percent in 2019, registering 2,248,000 compared to 2,271,000 in 2018.

 

2) Blizzard Beach attendance also declined by 1.0 percent in 2019, coming in at 1,983,000 versus 2,003,000 in 2018.

 

• In the Asia-Pacific region, Disney claimed four of the top ten parks in terms of attendance:

 

1) Tokyo Disneyland attendance saw no effective growth in 2019, registering 17,910,000 compared to 17,907,000 in 2018.

 

2) Tokyo DisneySea attendance also was effectively flat in 2019, coming in at 14,650,000 versus 14,651,000 in 2018.

 

5) Shanghai Disneyland attendance was down by 5.0 percent in 2019, coming in at 11,210,000 versus 11,800,000 in 2018.

 

10) Hong Kong Disneyland attendance dropped by 15.0 percent in 2019, registering 5,695,000 versus 6,700,000 in 2018, thanks to protests against the infringement of the communist government in Beijing on the governance of Hong Kong.

 

• In Europe, Disney claimed two of the top four spots in terms of attendance:

 

1) Disneyland Paris saw attendance decline by 1.0 percent in 2019, coming in at 9,745,000 versus 9,843,000 in 2018.

 

4) Walt Disney Studios Paris also saw an attendance decline of 1.0 percent in 2019, registering 5,245,000 compared to 5,298,000 in 2018.

 

The Disney strategy of enhancing profitability by increasing prices, investing in park upgrades, and improving the guest experience wasn’t a secret, and the 2019 attendance numbers line up with this strategy. 

 

The question now is, of course, what happens to such a strategy during and after a global pandemic? Barring a complete snap back in terms of attendance once vaccines and therapeutics reach the market, it would seem that, at least for a short period of time, Disney will need to offer more price breaks and slow some capital investments until attendance, revenue and profits return to where the company and its shareholders wish to see them.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

Also, get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.