Everybody is aware of that Disney is for the younger and the younger at coronary heart. A terrific 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 Practice, “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 listing 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 referred to as it the “most romantic attraction ever constructed” by Disney and added that visitors 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 Bathrooms at Walt Disney World. So not precisely a excessive bar…occasions two!
Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is a ship experience with visitors making their option to the Kingdom of Corona’s annual lantern competition 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 outdoors, 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 will be heard from each the boat experience 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 accustomed to the music–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 looking for him; Pascal can also be current–the little fella is a scene stealer all through that you just’ll wish to hold an eye fixed out for.
Because the gondolas enter the present constructing, visitors go the “Finest 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 subsequent 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 seems to be on in astonishment. Pascal seems to be 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 achieved. 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 “important occasion” of the attraction. Passing by a cave rock, the view of the Kingdom of Corona Citadel comes into view. The opening of “I See the Mild” performs, as little lanterns dot the evening sky above the fort, illuminating the evening sky and metropolis streets.
“Easy however efficient” is the secret in terms of 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 thought is analogous (mentioning this since I don’t assume it actually interprets to photographs or video).
The fort view holds your eye for simply lengthy sufficient earlier than the large wow-moment of Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant. The spectacular sight of limitless glowing lanterns dancing within the evening sky encompass the boat in each route. Friends slowly circle the gondola with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider aboard, as they sing “I See the Mild.”
It’s secure to say that any Tangled attraction was sure to function this scene. It’s too iconic to exclude. It’s additionally secure to say that we knew it was going to be jaw-dropping, as a result of the scene within the movie is unimaginable, and seeing that in particular person can be much more spectacular. This is without doubt one of the large causes I’m shocked Disney has by no means performed a Tangled experience–this scene alone may carry the entire thing. It’s like taking pictures fish in a barrel.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter what you anticipated of the “I See the Mild” scene or how excessive your expectations, this delivers. It’s unimaginable. The photographs and video don’t do it justice, which is nuts as a result of the photographs and video look unbelievable. Like the remainder of the experience, it’s additionally a easy scene–nothing complicated like Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey–however that on no account reduces how downright majestic that is. Generally simplicity is what works.
The important thing right here is that you’re immersed within the lantern competition, 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 in addition lets you linger within the “I See the Mild” scene quite a bit longer. This was an excellent and underrated determination by Imagineering.
Earlier than exiting, the ruffians from the Snuggly Duckling will 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 competition scene.
The ultimate scene takes visitors into the Boathouse Workshop, showcasing picket 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 other wall, and Pascal will 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 experience. 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 superb style, and one we haven’t actually seen Disney attempt previously.
It’s a really emotional attraction, usually. We noticed individuals crying on and round Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant, and it clearly made visitors very completely satisfied. It’s positively a dream come true for a era 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 experience like this.
However is Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant probably the most romantic experience that Disney has ever performed? The straightforward reply right here–the trail of least resistance–can be merely saying sure. You noticed my listing above, which included Haunted Mansion and a bunch of different rides that, by most affordable accounts, will not be in the least romantic. Except you depend scaring your important different into your embrace (date evening horror films are a factor!). I’d hazard a guess that 98% of followers who experience Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant would agree that it’s Disney’s most romantic experience ever.
I’m the two% that’s contrarian, I assume. Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant shouldn’t be even my #1 most romantic experience in Tokyo DisneySea. For me personally, nothing can prime the entire package deal expertise of having fun with a Christmas date evening of catching Large 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 experience.
These gondolas are simply a lot extra private–a canvas in your personal reminiscences and magic–with the romance being extra about you and your companion having fun with an indelible second and gorgeous setting, and fewer about your reference to characters and a film. I even have an incredible quantity of non-public nostalgia for the precise situation I described above; it’s one thing Sarah and I’ve performed at Tokyo DisneySea, and it’s considered one of my ‘core reminiscences.’
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 assume Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant could be very, very romantic. I don’t wish to diminish that. It could simply most likely rank as my #2 most romantic Disney experience within the park/world…however I wouldn’t argue with anybody placing it on the prime of their listing.
In the end, not solely is Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant some of the 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 experience that includes a number of present scenes, each indoors and outdoors. It’s already proving to be an enormous hit with visitors, and sure will endure as some of the in style points of interest within the park for years to return.
Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant shouldn’t be good. The most important factor for me is its length. Because it’s each indoors and open air, the 5-minute length feels even shorter than it’s. Whereas the period of time outdoors is satisfying, I nonetheless may’ve used much more of it, floating across the tower in a way just like the lantern competition scene.
It may additionally use one other scene inside. I do know the experience is all about romance and eschews battle, however a quick encounter with the ruffians earlier than the titular lantern competition would’ve helped. Or just extra comedic aid from these and different characters, leaning into the rom-com angle. Tangled is a superb movie for that, and extra humor wouldn’t have undercut the romance–it might’ve enhanced it.
With that mentioned, Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant advantages tremendously from being amongst 4 points of interest 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 points of interest added to Tokyo DisneySea. It doesn’t have to hold the load of the brand new land, which is vital, as a result of Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is unquestionably not the tentpole experience. It might 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 experience in Fantasy Springs, Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant is undeniably #3. At the very least 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 effective. Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant fills an vital position within the #3 slot. And although the experience as a complete is the clear #3, you might argue it holds probably 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 had been in-built New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom rather than the Below the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. When that “greatest growth in Magic Kingdom historical past” opened, it was the lone experience to debut (Seven Dwarfs Mine Practice got here later). And it was completely eviscerated by followers who bemoaned that it was antiquated, low-cost trying, and a bunch of different complaints.
Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant doesn’t have the entire similar points because the Little Mermaid darkish experience, and the wow-moment of the lantern scene can overcome quite a bit, 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 might be the topic of scorn and criticism about Disney “cheaping out” fairly than reward. So context is unquestionably vital, and this debuting alongside 3 different rides–two of that are all-timers–in an unimaginable new land helps quite a bit. 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 assume all the things must be a mega E-Ticket within the first place. From my perspective, Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant works–and works nicely–as a result of it establishes the fitting temper because it brings visitors into the world of Tangled. It’s principally as if Imagineers began with the lantern competition scene and labored backwards from that, asking “how will 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 competition supply mechanism. Beginning outdoors is unbelievable, and permits the panorama, and to Rapunzel’s tower to shine as visitors benefit from the surroundings. There are gorgeous scenes inside, earlier than even arriving on the titular lantern competition. After which there’s that jaw-dropping scene. Wow, simply wow. There’s nonetheless quite a bit to like about Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant–possibly you’ll even fall in love on this actually romantic experience.
Planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort? For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Journey Planning Information! For extra specifics, our TDR Resort Rankings & Opinions web page covers lodging. Our Restaurant Opinions 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 have a look at intelligent gadgets 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 probably the most romantic experience Imagineers have ever created? Had been you underwhelmed by simplicity of the scenes and Audio Animatronics, or assume it really works nicely as an old-fashioned darkish experience? Want it had been longer and had one other scene or two? The place does this experience rank relative to different next-gen Fantasyland points of interest? Do you agree or disagree with our overview? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even while you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
