Thursday 12th April 2007
Ever the glutton for punishment, the day after arriving back from Nikko I agree to go to Disneyland.
Tim had promised Rhiannon a trip and I thought I really ought to go, just to see my girl's first trip to this gaudy wonderland. I cannot begin to explain how much of a sacrifice this is for me. I loathe the whole idea of the place. But as a mum, feel it's my duty to go through with this family day out. I certainly wouldn't entertain the idea of travelling overseas at great expense to spend several days in one of the many Disney theme parks around the world, but the Tokyo one is very close - just a short train ride away.
Enviously leaving Mum to do her own thing, I plod after a loudly excited child and quietly excited husband to Tokyo station to catch the Disney Express. Tokyo Station is huge! An absolutely massive sprawl but fairly well sign-posted. We got on the wrong train and took the slower trip to Disney, arriving at 9am. Yes, we left very early in the morning. Ugh.
Surprisingly, the entrance fee was nowhere near as expensive as I was expecting (around ¥5000) and all the rides were free of charge. Is this true of other Disneyland's? Our first stop was a tacky little café for a caffeine hit before venturing into the land of make believe.
There were more adults than children there! The Japanese adore Disney. People of all adult ages were wearing Mickey Mouse hats, scarves, ear-muffs, hair-clips: you name it, Mickey adorned it. I even found a jewellery store selling rings set with diamonds in a Mickey Mouse shape. "Propose to your beloved with a Mickey Mouse Diamond Engagement Ring. Of course you're old enough to get married…" I shudder.
So onto the various rides and whatever. Our deal is this: I'll go on things that go around and Tim will go on rides that travel up and down. Tim gets sick on roundabouts, and I get sick on everything else, but especially roller-coasters. I'm terrified of them.
Apart from the truly wild rides, I believe we went on everything Rhiannon wished for. Luckily, she's easily scared so many were off-limits. On the log-flume (I forget which character this one was based on) she insisted that I sit in the front with her, so when it was time to board I dutifully trudged to the front of the thing… and Rhiannon shot behind me with Tim. I was a good protector for her when we hit the water. I was drenched; she stayed dry. But I did notice the official photographer and forced a smile while Tim and Rhiannon pulled fabulously awful faces.
Wandering around the park, we'd occasionally see characters and princesses (with their princes, of course) walking around. I think this was Rhiannon's favourite part. At five years old, she still believes very much in this whole scenario and was completely in awe of them. A little too old to bother with the Mickey's, Donald's and so on though.
When she spotted Belle walking along, she just took off after her! This is the little girl who never leaves my hand unheld for a moment, chasing off after an actress in a big yellow dress! I was dumbstruck, and, I admit, a little jealous. Belle was lovely and, I think, a little surprised to meet a young English girl in Tokyo, so she spent some time talking to her. Meanwhile, I'm chasing along after them as they both swept down the promenade at speed, hand in hand, before Belle sat down under a tree. Spreading her dress around her she engaged a glowingly proud Rhiannon in conversation for a while, which allowed me to take a photograph and reclaim my daughter.
Tim then decided he really just had to go on a particular space-ship ride. Rhiannon was too little for it and so while Tim indulged in his own childhood moment, I had to take Rhiannon on the kiddies' roller-coaster. What a mistake. Even though it was designed for kids up to the age of five, I was petrified. Of course, I had to disguise my fear for Rhiannon but how I wish they served alcohol at Disneyland.
The only highlight for me was a 3D movie. It was fantastic! I'd love to write about it here, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who may visit. Suffice to say, if you get the chance, go and see it.
As the sun started to sink, it was time for the parade. I used up my entire memory card on photos of garishly coloured monsters, sorry - characters, for Rhiannon to put in her photograph album.
Then a few more rides and souvenirs before wearily traipsing home.
I can clearly remember: I was bored witless by 10.30am and we didn't leave the park until 9.30pm. But the other two had a wonderful day.
I haven't been back since, although Tim and Rhiannon regularly visit. Let's get it out of her system now, while we can, because there is no way I'll travel to another one.
What a strange job!
