A Very, Very Happy Birthday at Tokyo Disneyland

I decided to spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland for my birthday. My 36th birthday, if we’re counting. So I opted not to do a video for YouTube but have a day for myself. Even if I did snap photos and record videos on my phone, it was a relaxed day.

I’ve spent a few birthdays at Tokyo Disney over the years, the most notable being back in 2015 during a big earthquake. So while this birthday in 2021 wasn’t as exciting, I still had a wonderful day.

Here’s what I ate, rode, and bought during for my birthday at Tokyo Disneyland!

I Won All the Lotteries

I have the worst luck when it comes to the different lotteries at Tokyo Disneyland. But luck was in my favour on my birthday. The lottery fairies gave me Beauty and the Beast, Minnie’s Style Studio, and Mickey’s Magical Music World! So all the things I wanted, I was fortunate enough to get!

If you’re wondering “Chris, lotteries? What? Explain!” You can read my guide about the “Entry Request.”

I Ate All the Things

You know that I don’t go anywhere without eating and today wasn’t any different! I rope dropped The Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall to get my hands on the new souvenir tray and plate. Would you expect anything less?

This is my first time eating at The Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall after the revamped menu, and if I’m honest. I was not too fond of the updated hamburg dish (Salisbury steak). The hamburger was fine, but the weird hybrid baked potato with veggies, bread, and whatever else did not sit well with me. However, I’m told the chicken is vastly better, so I’ll give that a try next time!

But, that disappointment aside, the souvenir tray was worth it. I’ll forever use this to serve myself tea in the evenings at home while screaming, “Off with their heads!”

I moseyed on over to Cafe Orleans to get myself the Black Tea Smoothie that’s part of the Sadaharu AOKI collaboration at Tokyo Disneyland right now. It’s one of my favourite things at the Parks right now to get. It’s that good.

I bought myself the Apple Caramel Churro at Tomorrowland Terrace to get this adorable souvenir plate that looks like the Mickey Ice Bar! I swear the marketing team knows my weakness when it comes to merchandise.

I Rode Some of the Things

Even though the Park was quiet with a 5,000 guest cap due to the State of Emergency in Japan, I didn’t ride all the attractions. I had an internal debate if I wanted to ride everything I could, but instead, I rode my favourites like the forever classic Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.

Even though I won the lottery for Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, I rode it 3 more times near the end of the day. Mind you; the park closed at 19:00. Sometime after 16:00, the “lottery” had turned off and went into standby only. Meaning anyone could ride without entering the “Entry Request” lottery.

Naturally, I took advantage of this and rode it back to back 3 times. Why not? Once things reopen and capacity goes back to normal levels, I expect this attraction to have the longest waits in the Park. But, that may be offset with the single rider line (which hasn’t been used since it opened in September 2020).

I’m not sure how long the Park plans to use the Entry Request system for the Beauty and the Beast ride.

Wait times across the board were low all day. The screenshots above are from the official Tokyo Disney Resort app, make sure you get it because it makes your day easier! It’s available in English (I use it in Japanese out of habit).

I Watched A Thing

“Dreaming Up!” made its comeback at Tokyo Disneyland earlier last month (or was it April? Meh, whatever, I’m too lazy to look it up). This daytime parade always brings a smile to my face, and I made a point of watching it at 13:00. It’ll hold a special place in my heart since it was the last Disney parade my late Partner John and I saw together.

Did I shed a tear? Yes, and I’m not afraid to admit that.

Is the show still fabulous even though it’s heavily altered for the time being? Absolutely. Tokyo Disney Resort knows how to put on a show, and I’m not afraid to say they put on the best parades out of any Disney Park, even if I’m a bit biased.

I Bought Too Many Things

If you were in the World Bazaar around 10:13 AM, then you’d have heard a squeal come out of the clothing store. That shriek was me seeing that the famous PUNYUS collaboration t-shirt line was back in stock! Last year, the green alien mochi t-shirt sold out instantly, and I couldn’t get one. So, seeing it back in stock was a wonderful surprise.

Well, I didn’t make the same mistake as last year and bought it with zero hesitation.

If you’re wondering, “Chris, PUNYUS? Huh?” It’s a clothing line by the fabulous Naomi Watanabe, and she created a collaboration with Tokyo Disney Resort. A lot of her designs are food-inspired, and you know how much I love my food. The shirts only come in Large and 3L, and the 3L size fits me perfectly. I still have a bit of quarantine weight on me, and I’m embracing it.

But, I loved it

Overall, even though I was alone, I had a splendid time. I wanted some time to myself and not be on anyone else’s schedule. Sometimes, that’s the best way to experience theme parks. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy frolicking around with friends and boyfriends; it’s sometimes I want to take a million photos of my food and stake out the best spot to take pictures of Mickey in the “Dreaming Up!” parade.

Rarely do I do things for myself, so this is the one day I wanted to worry about me and only me. But now, it’s back to worrying about what to do for our next video on YouTube and working on more content for you all to help you plan trips!

A massive Happy Birthday to all my other Gemini’s out there, and Happy Pride! ?️‍?

If you want to learn how to celebrate your birthday at Tokyo Disneyland listen to our podcast episode on how to get a free birthday sticker!