Tokyo Disney Resort announced today that the total combined attendance at Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea Park during the first half of this fiscal year (April 1 to September 30, 2014) amounted to a figure of 15,099,000 persons (a decrease of 260,000 persons or 98.3% of the attendance figure for the same period last year). Although this is the second highest figure ever recorded for the first half of a fiscal year, they probably didn't liked the "decrease" so, in 2015 Tokyo Disneyland will counter attack to Universal Studios Japan spike in attendance - due to the opening of Harry Potter Wizarding World at USJ - with a series of new events, shows, and one ( small ) attraction.
So far, TDL didn't provided a lot of information about these new events, but it seems that some of them might bring a little more traditional Japanese culture to The Happiest Place in Japan. Here is the list of the new planned events for Tokyo Disney parks in 2015:
Mermaid Lagoon Theater (4/24/15)
I've announced it to you last week, “King Triton’s Concert,” the new production at Mermaid Lagoon Theater will be themed to Disney’s The Little Mermaid. In the new show, “King Triton’s Concert,” King Triton hosts a musical concert with Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian and other familiar characters from the Disney film creating a mesmerizing world under the sea with music, songs and dynamic performance, just as in the movie. Ariel will “swim” above the audience to the beautiful music and will even “swim” down and approach guests in this lively and sensational musical show. For this show, Mermaid Lagoon Theater will be renovated with upgraded stage and lighting technology, as well as new display screens to be installed around the audience seating area.
Disney Easter (4/2 – 6/23/15)
Although Easter is more an occidental tradition than a japanese one it looks like TDR is aiming to popularize it at TDL with a new Disney Easter event that spans a way longer time than the Easter season in France or in the U.S. It all makes sense when you remember that the Japanese will take any excuse to dress up like cute critters (bunnies, in this case).
Disney Natsu Matsuri (“Summer Festival”)(7/9 – 8/31/15)
This Natsu Matsuri is probably the one which will have a distinctly Japanese spin on it. Summer is the season of festivals in Japan, so it will be interesting to see what TDL have scheduled for us here.
Disney Summer Festival (7/9 – 8/31/15)
This other one will be at Tokyo Disney Sea and will probably be more in line with the Western-flavored events and festivals usually on display at the resorts. Apparently there will be a lot of fruity new food and drink items, Latin-inspired song and dance, and a lot of chances to get wet.
Disney Tanabata Days (6/24 – 7/7/15)
Based on Japan’s Tanabata holiday which takes place on July 7, Tanabata Days will fittingly give guests a chance to fill out “wish cards” and hopefully see their wishes come true. Mickey and Minnie will also put on a daily show re-enacting the tale of literally star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi – two deities separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to meet only once a year on, you guessed it, July 7.
Stitch Encounter (Summer ’15)
The only real new attraction for 2015, Stitch Encounter will be most probably the same interactive attraction, during which young guests will be able to talk and interact with Stitch.
Tokyo Disney Electrical Parade (From 9/7/15)A new nightly parade with floats and Disney’s characters iand all the question is to know if TDL will have the same "Disney Paint the Night" parade that currently started at HKDL.
Disney Halloween (9/8 – 11/1/15)
You can't expect the same scares as in Universal Studios Japan’s annual Horror Nights, but we can count on TDR and its high production values to provide a great Halloween season.
Christmas Fantasy/Christmas Wish (11/9 – 12/25/15) + New Year’s (1/1 – 1/5/16)
Culminating on Christmas Day, this season is already anticipated to be the most romantic time to visit the park, since Christmas is a holiday for couples to spend together in Japan.
Following the Christmas events, an “Oshogatsu” (Japanese New Year) event will take place, with Japan-inspired decorations and costumes for major characters.
Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy (1/12 – 3/18/16)
Like all Disney parks in the world TDR is capitalizing on the success of Frozen in Japan and this will be a park-wide event with original decorations, show schedules and more – all themed on the world of Frozen.
Welcome, Little Princess (1/12 – 3/18/26)
Supposedly this attraction/event combo will let little girls realize their dreams of becoming a Disney princess. It’s too early to say if it will carry a separate cost to park entrance, or require reservations, but chances are that it'll be the case.
So, lots of seasonal events at Tokyo Disney Resorts for 2015, a bit like they do at DLP when no new ride is planned, and if except Stitch Encounter the most interesting thing will be indeed the King Triton Concert starting next April!
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