Stop Traffic

Whilst you wait for some Hertz transportation to take you from Town Square on Main Street U.S.A. to le Chateau, you can have a seat on a lovely bench.
As you can see, this advert is for the fantastic Hertz 'DRIVEURSELF SYSTEM' of motor vehicle transportation. Which is now available through their 'Automobile Rental'.
And be sure to recognise where the waiting stop is, look out for the bench and the sign which highlights the One-Way Transportation to Central Plaza.

Details From the West

Even walking through the corridors and the stairwells of Disney's Hotel Cheyenne in Disneyland Paris, you can see the depths of the details placed by the Imagineers. It's more Wild West than the West itself!

Fastpass Your Way

If you have visited any of the Disney theme parks before, you will be aware of the Fastpass system that is in place. It basically allows you, through use of your park ticket, to ensure that you will be able to ride or experience an attraction at a later time, with less of a wait than if you waited in line right now.

It can be a great timesaver, especially if you are with a large group of people or have small children. Fastpasses are available at all the Disney Parks worldwide, but the system in Paris is a little different. Can you notice it?Yes, you only have a half-hour amount of time to come back to your attraction compared to the hour at other theme parks. This doesn't make too much difference, but in my opinion it does mean you can be waiting a little longer in the Fastpass line than you would like.
My tip for any first-timers visiting Disneyland Paris - make sure to properly read your Fastpass time. And another unofficial tip, if you are slightly after your allocated time, they will usually allow you to ride the attraction anyway. Just be polite and apologetic.

Welcome to the Family

Another of DF'82's obsessions is dedication plaques in the Disney parks. I love to see this little piece of history in all the parks, whether it is a main plaque or a window!Once you pass through World Bazaar in Tokyo Disneyland, you are greeted with the beautiful and spacious hub area, where Cinderella's Castle is situated. You will also meet the dedication plaque to the park, and the infamous Partners statue.

The dedication plaque reads as follows:

To All Who Come To This Happy Place WELCOME

Here you will discover enchanted lands of Fantasy and Adventure, Yesterday and Tomorrow. May Tokyo Disneyland be an eternal source of Joy, Laughter, Inspiration and Imagination to the people of the world.
And may this magical kingdom be an enduring symbol of the spirit of cooperation and friendship between the great nations of Japan and the United States of America.
April 15 1983
E. Cardon Walker
Chairman of the Board,
Walt Disney Productions

Alongside the plaque is the same dedication in Japanese.
We can then look at the Partners' statue's dedication:

"Partners"
Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse
in Celebration of 15 Years of Sharing Happiness, Wonder and Inspiration, the cast of
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
presents this gift to
TOKYO DISNEYLAND
in Friendship and Appreciation
April 15, 1998

I love these pieces of history, highlighting the friendship between the Disney Parks and Company in the USA with it's 'sister' in Japan. It really highlights the Disney Family on so many levels!

Arigato Gozimaste!

Enjoying a Moment...

Today's Moment is courtesy, again, of the Teacups in Fantasyland. One of my favourite places!

You'll all be happy to know that business will officially resume here at DF'82. It's been a bit sporadic, but thank you for staying loyal!

Music to Our (Mouse) Ears

A recent visit to the Windows of Main Street U.S.A. introduced us to the All-American Sporting Goods' Store, and the story behind the Doubleday Building.Looking back to another post from January last year, we can see yet again how the Doubleday Building is definitely named after the famous Abner Doubleday and his "invention" of the sport of baseball. I wanted to re-visit this here at DF'82, to highlight the relationship between the Music Hall and the Doubleday Building.
Take Me Out To The Ballgame for sure!

Time to Visit Tokyo

Today, let's take a look at some of the last year's Tokyo Disney Times magazines!

For example, from when this princess was lucky enough to visit, the Easter edition of the magazine. Doesn't it look crazy?And the most recent magazine, the Disney Christmas edition of the Tokyo Disney Times. Sugoi!
Due to a small trip to Disneyland Paris - in the name of research, of course - DF'82 is going to take a small break for a week or so. We will be back with you on the 10th February, fresh as a daisy and ready to roll into the rest of 2011 with Disneyland Paris, Tokyo and the rest of the Disney Worlds' Hidden Treasures!