Tokyo Disneyland

We were in Tokyo and Tokyo has a Disneyland. It just doesn't seem right to me not to bring Sonya and Clara there. The last time they were in Disneyland was 2 years ago in California. I am not sure how much Sonya remembers but Clara obviously does not.

We had thought that we were early but there were a lot of people who were much earlier than we and were already queuing up an hour before the gates open! We went on Monday. I can't imagine how bad it must have been over the weekend.

I remembered to bring Sonya's mouse ears cap that we bought in California with us. We had intended to get one for Clara at Tokyo but all the ones there were more intended for winter and would not be suitable for her to play with in the house.

The whole place was specially decorated for Christmas so there were new things that we had not seen before.

Queued for photo with Dumbo. Queued for photo with Beauty and the Beast. I think everyone spent more time queuing than playing.

Fortunately, there was the special White Holiday Parade that you still get to see without queuing.

Sonya and Clara thoroughly enjoyed it, waving frantically to all the characters that passed by :)

After the parade, anticipating the madness at lunchtime, we decided to have an early lunch to beat the crowd.

It was Toon Town after lunch.

I brought Sonya and Clara to explore Minnie's house while Justin queue for the "Meet Mickey Session".

See the line? We waited more than an hour to see Mickey!

Clara absolutely loved these chickens! She claimed that it was the best part of the whole trip for her :)

Fortunately, Mickey was really nice. He was in no rush and didn't hurry anyone (probably why it took so long!). He took photos with Sonya and Clara.

We didn't intend to get a family photo with him. He was the one who suggested it and who can turn down Mickey Mouse?

After that, it was nap time for Sonya and Clara. There was going to be another special parade later in the evening and we need both of them to nap to be able to last till then. By the time they woke up, the sun was already setting and the lights were on.

We went for dinner and Sonya has a new found interest to feed Clara.

It was still an hour away from the start of Dreamlights - the Electrical Parade but people were already reserving their spots along the walkway and we thought we do the same. Justin and Sonya sat on the ground and waited while I brought Clara around to take more photos of the beautiful lights. I had asked Sonya if she wanted to come along but she didn't.

We were all getting sleepy waiting for the parade to start...

Finally, the parade began and it was really spectacular! Sonya and Clara were even more excited than in the previous parade. They were suddenly wide awake and full of energy :)

Half an hour after the parade ended, there was a scheduled fireworks display. We decided to stay for that as well since Sonya and Clara were showing no sign of tiredness anymore.

I set up my camera on the mini-tripod to take the fireworks. I have always seen the fireworks above the castle in their advertisements and assumed that it would be there.

Unfortunately, it was no where near the castle and I had to re-position on top of a trash can. The fireworks was disappointing. It was only for a short period and nothing great.

We might be spoiled by the 4th July fireworks in Boston though.