Evaluation: Disney’s Most Romantic Journey Ever?!

Everybody is aware of that Disney is for the younger and the younger at coronary heart. A fantastic place for everybody from households to solo vacationers, with child and adult-friendly rides. However what about romance? In reviewing the DTB Archives, it seems that our recommendation about romantic spots at Walt Disney World and Disneyland revolves round eating places.

The one rides that we appear to confer with as romantic are the Carousels, Dumbo and different spinners, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Casey Jr. Circus Prepare, “it’s a small world,” Mr. Toad’s Wild Journey, House Mountain, Indiana Jones Journey, Haunted Mansion, Skyliner, and Venetian Gondolas. It’s been some time since I wrote made these posts, however I’m going to assume some made the checklist as a result of they’re in the dead of night. So not precisely a excessive bar!

Enter Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant in Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. Imagineer Daniel Jue known as it the “most romantic attraction ever constructed” by Disney and added that friends will “fall in love once more” whereas driving. Even earlier than opening, it was house to a proposal–a undertaking supervisor on Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant obtained engaged within the iconic scene. Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is the primary ever attraction based mostly on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit movie, following up the flushing success of the Tangled Bogs at Walt Disney World. So not precisely a excessive bar…occasions two!

Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is a ship trip with friends making their technique to the Kingdom of Corona’s annual lantern pageant as they relive the story of “Tangled.” The attraction is a part of the Rapunzel’s Forest space in Fantasy Springs, which additionally features a Snuggly Duckling eating location.

The attraction begins exterior, with boats floating again in direction of the doorway space after loading. The tower the place Rapunzel lives rises into view, and as boats twist across the canal, she comes into view. Rapunzel sings “When Will My Life Start” in Japanese from her tower, which could be heard from each the boat trip and the doorway space of the attraction. It’s an earworm that was caught in my head for a number of completely different days; I already was conversant in the track–however had by no means heard it in Japanese.

On the opposite aspect of the river, Flynn Rider is hiding in a cave. Maximus is sniffing the tracks of Flynn searching for him; Pascal can also be current–the little fella is a scene stealer all through that you just’ll need to preserve an eye fixed out for.

Because the gondolas enter the present constructing, friends move the “Greatest Day Ever” scene, with Rapunzel swinging by her lengthy golden hair round a tree as she laughs. Flynn leans in opposition to the tree watching, and once more, Pascal is current. From right here, there’s a quick transition scene that includes the outside of the Snuggly Duckling within the distance, with the faint sounds of piano.

Into the following scene, Rapunzel and Flynn are sitting on the roots of a giant tree round a campfire with Rapunzel’s hair wound round them. Her golden hair glows as Rapunzel sings “Therapeutic Incantation,” and Flynn appears to be like on in astonishment. Pascal appears to be like on in amazement, pantomiming that Flynn’s hand damage is healed.

The “Therapeutic Incantation” scene is a powerful and underrated one. Whereas the actions of the characters are restricted, it’s becoming for the intimate second. The sense of enchantment right here comes from the glowing of Rapunzel’s hair, and what followers of the movie know she’s completed. It’s pivotal to the plot–easy however efficient.

The subsequent scene can also be a easy one, however is likewise key for constructing as much as the “predominant occasion” of the attraction. Passing via a cave rock, the view of the Kingdom of Corona Fort comes into view. The opening of “I See the Gentle” performs, as little lanterns dot the night time sky above the fort, illuminating the night time sky and metropolis streets.

“Easy however efficient” is the secret relating to Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant, and nowhere is that more true than this scene. It jogs my memory of a modern-day ‘Streets of London’ scene from Peter Pan’s Flight. It’s not fairly that well-done or iconic, however the concept is analogous (mentioning this since I don’t suppose it actually interprets to pictures or video).

The fort view holds your eye for simply lengthy sufficient earlier than the massive wow-moment of Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant. The spectacular sight of countless glowing lanterns dancing within the night time sky encompass the boat in each route. Company slowly circle the gondola with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider aboard, as they sing “I See the Gentle.”

It’s protected to say that any Tangled attraction was sure to characteristic this scene. It’s too iconic to exclude. It’s additionally protected to say that we knew it was going to be jaw-dropping, as a result of the scene within the movie is unbelievable, and seeing that in individual can be much more spectacular. This is likely one of the huge causes I’m shocked Disney has by no means executed a Tangled trip–this scene alone may carry the entire thing. It’s like taking pictures fish in a barrel.

However, it doesn’t matter what you anticipated of the “I See the Gentle” scene or how excessive your expectations, this delivers. It’s unbelievable. The pictures and video don’t do it justice, which is nuts as a result of the pictures and video look unbelievable. Like the remainder of the trip, it’s additionally a easy scene–nothing advanced like Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey–however that by no means reduces how downright majestic that is. Typically simplicity is what works.

The important thing right here is that you’re immersed within the lantern pageant, not trying onto it as a passive present scene. You float round Rapunzel and Flynn in what’s (principally) a horseshoe configuration. It’s a 360° view that’s all-encompassing, which each makes you an energetic participant within the motion and likewise means that you can linger within the “I See the Gentle” scene loads longer. This was a superb and underrated resolution by Imagineering.

Earlier than exiting, the ruffians from the Snuggly Duckling could be seen on the fringe of the woods behind the lake. It’s a pleasant little bit of comedic aid coming down from the romance and majesty of the lantern pageant scene.

The ultimate scene takes friends into the Boathouse Workshop, showcasing wood craters, barrels, ropes, oars, and different boat stuff–a lot of which is embellished within the spirit of Tangled. There’s additionally a stunning mural on the alternative wall, and Pascal could be noticed holding a paintbrush.

Once more, a easy scene–however a good way to ‘come down’ from the wowing Lantern Pageant. This principally exists to function a thematically-fitting transition again to the load and unload space with out having an abrupt ending to the attraction. It accomplishes precisely that.

Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is a really romantic trip. However that’s a bit reductionist, as there’s extra to it than that. Interspersed among the many love story scenes are little morsels of levity and comedic aid. It comes near being a rom-com attraction, which is a good style, and one we haven’t actually seen Disney strive prior to now.

It’s a really emotional attraction, usually. We noticed folks crying on and round Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant, and it clearly made friends very pleased. It’s undoubtedly a dream come true for a technology who grew up on Tangled, and it’s actually stunning that it took so lengthy for Rapunzel and Flynn to get their very own attraction. The film–particularly the lantern scene–appear tailor made for a ship trip like this.

However is Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant essentially the most romantic trip that Disney has ever executed? The straightforward reply right here–the trail of least resistance–can be merely saying sure. You noticed my checklist above, which included Haunted Mansion and a bunch of different rides that, by most cheap accounts, will not be in the least romantic. Except you rely scaring your vital different into your embrace (date night time horror motion pictures are a factor!). I’d hazard a guess that 98% of followers who trip Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant would agree that it’s Disney’s most romantic trip ever.

I’m the two% that’s contrarian, I suppose. Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant just isn’t even my #1 most romantic trip in Tokyo DisneySea. For me personally, nothing can prime the whole bundle expertise of having fun with a Christmas date night time of catching Massive Band Beat, adopted by early dinner at Magellan’s or Ristorante di Canaletto, and concluding with a nightfall or night cruise round Mediterranean Harbor on the Venetian Gondolas–my #1 most romantic Disney trip.

These gondolas are simply a lot extra private–a canvas in your personal recollections and magic–with the romance being extra about you and your associate having fun with an indelible second and beautiful setting, and fewer about your reference to characters and a film. I even have an amazing quantity of private nostalgia for the particular state of affairs I described above; it’s one thing Sarah and I’ve executed at Tokyo DisneySea, and it’s one in all my ‘core recollections.’

After all, I used to be additionally an grownup when Tangled was launched and, whereas I’ve seen and love the film, I don’t have that highly effective emotional connection to it. Additionally, I nonetheless do suppose Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant could be very, very romantic. I don’t need to diminish that. It might simply in all probability rank as my #2 most romantic Disney trip within the park/world…however I wouldn’t argue with anybody placing it on the prime of their checklist.

In the end, not solely is Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant one of the vital romantic Disney rides ever, however it’s a powerful Fantasyland-style attraction that was much-needed within the Tokyo DisneySea roster. It’s a 5-minute lengthy boat trip that includes a number of present scenes, each indoors and out of doors. It’s already proving to be an enormous hit with friends, and sure will endure as one of the vital well-liked sights within the park for years to come back.

Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant just isn’t good. The largest factor for me is its period. Because it’s each indoors and outside, the 5-minute period feels even shorter than it’s. Whereas the period of time exterior is satisfying, I nonetheless may’ve used much more of it, floating across the tower in a fashion just like the lantern pageant scene.

It may additionally use one other scene inside. I do know the trip is all about romance and eschews battle, however a quick encounter with the ruffians earlier than the titular lantern pageant would’ve helped. Or just extra comedic aid from these and different characters, leaning into the rom-com angle. Tangled is a good movie for that, and extra humor wouldn’t have undercut the romance–it could’ve enhanced it.

With that mentioned, Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant advantages tremendously from being amongst 4 sights in Fantasy Springs, making this the uncommon new Disney land with greater than a few rides. Within the totality of the growth, it’s solely one-quarter of the brand new sights added to Tokyo DisneySea. It doesn’t have to hold the burden of the brand new land, which is necessary, as a result of Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is unquestionably not the tentpole trip. It may possibly get away with being easier and shorter, as a result of–by second tier requirements–it’s nonetheless phenomenal.

Whereas it’s debatable whether or not Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey or Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey is the #1 trip in Fantasy Springs, Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is undeniably #3. Not less than from an goal perspective, there’s actually no conceivable argument in any other case.

We’d even go a step additional, and say there’s appreciable drop-off between #1 or #2 and Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant at #3. (Ditto the drop between this and #4.) And that’s high-quality. Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant fills an necessary position within the #3 slot. And despite the fact that the trip as an entire is the clear #3, you can argue it holds essentially the most memorable single scene in any Fantasy Springs attraction.

With that mentioned, I can’t assist however take into consideration what the response to Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant would’ve been if this have been inbuilt New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom rather than the Beneath the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. When that “largest growth in Magic Kingdom historical past” opened, it was the lone trip to debut (Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare got here later). And it was completely eviscerated by followers who bemoaned that it was antiquated, low cost trying, and a number of different complaints.

Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant doesn’t have all the identical points because the Little Mermaid darkish trip, and the wow-moment of the lantern scene can overcome loads, however they’re in any other case comparable in nature. In reality, the Tangled attraction is shorter, has fewer and fewer superior Audio Animatronics, and doesn’t have as spectacular of an exterior or queue.

If Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant opened because the tentpole of a brand new land–and even by itself–at Walt Disney World, it could be the topic of scorn and criticism about Disney “cheaping out” moderately than reward. So context is unquestionably necessary, and this debuting alongside 3 different rides–two of that are all-timers–in an unbelievable new land helps loads. Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant doesn’t have as a lot stress, and people on the opposite aspect of the world can merely savor that wow-moment scene and dream.

Once more, this isn’t to decrease Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant. I’m additionally not pointing this out as my criticism of the attraction–I don’t suppose the whole lot must be a mega E-Ticket within the first place. From my perspective, Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant works–and works properly–as a result of it establishes the best temper because it brings friends into the world of Tangled. It’s principally as if Imagineers began with the lantern pageant scene and labored backwards from that, asking “how can we set the desk for this to resonate emotionally and tug on the heartstrings?” Each scene earlier than it’s in service of that, and succeeds in so doing!

The underside line is that Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is unbelievable for what it’s, a lantern pageant supply mechanism. Beginning exterior is unbelievable, and permits the panorama, and to Rapunzel’s tower to shine as friends benefit from the surroundings. There are beautiful scenes inside, earlier than even arriving on the titular lantern pageant. After which there’s that jaw-dropping scene. Wow, simply wow. There’s nonetheless loads to like about Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant–perhaps you’ll even fall in love on this actually romantic trip.

Planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort? For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Journey Planning Information! For extra specifics, our TDR Lodge Rankings & Evaluations web page covers lodging. Our Restaurant Evaluations element the place to dine & snack. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash submit. Our What to Pack for Disney submit takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. Venturing elsewhere in Japan? Seek the advice of our Final Information to Kyoto, Japan and Metropolis Information to Tokyo, Japan.

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you consider Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant? Is that this essentially the most romantic trip Imagineers have ever created? Have been you underwhelmed by simplicity of the scenes and Audio Animatronics, or suppose it really works properly as an old style darkish trip? Want it have been longer and had one other scene or two? The place does this trip rank relative to different next-gen Fantasyland sights? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even whenever you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!