CirqueCon: The Unofficial Gatherings of Cirque du Soleil Passionates

History


   

CirqueCon 2008: Tokyo


Thursday, November 6, 2008 to Sunday, November 9, 2008
Hilton Tokyo Bay | Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo, Japan

Something in the air
Calls again to those who hear
Whispers to the heart

A new creation
Born and grown in island soil
Digging deep roots there

Evoking such joy
Anticipating wonder
Hearts flutter swiftly

Souls gather again
Share the same unfolding dream
Passionates living

Discovery waits
Seizes the soul and shakes hard
Wonder falls like rain

Coming together
In the autumn of the year
Bring your umbrella!

YOKOSO!
Welcome!

For the fifth time we gather, our first time off the North American continent. It has been an extraordinary experience planning an Event in a country so far away from our home base. We continue to be amazed by the kindness of our friends at Cirque du Soleil who once again have gone above and beyond our expectations. This beautiful country holds the promise of many surprises, both big and small.

As CirqueCon reaches its quintessential event we find we have somewhat of a “core” of Cirque Passionates that will gladly follow us wherever we might choose to go. That core has changed from our first event in 2004; the faces of that first event are different from this one. In the intervening time many friendships have been made, as Passionates have bonded with others of like mind.

OUR MEMBERS - We had an extraordinarily strong showing for such a distant location: 43 on-site members with 45 paid memberships (several Passionates, though they cannot join us in Tokyo, still wish to be part of our group!), 11 hotel rooms at the Hilton Tokyo Bay coming to 45 room nights total. Our members come from one-fifth of the United States, Japan (of course!), Mexico, Canada, Australia, Germany and even Russia. WOW! We are truly humbled by the faith you have put in our small committee.

GROUP MEAL / RAINFOREST CAFÉ – One of the highlights of CirqueCon is when Cirque fans gather at a local eating establishment, enjoying a meal and getting acquainted (or re-acquainted) with each other. It’s something that brings us together as a community. This year we were fortunate to find a Tokyo location of a famous American franchise close to the Cirque Theater in the Tokyo Disney Resort! And we reserved the "Cave" room especially for us! We had...

  1. Our choice of four of the following.
    • Entree: Rice Pilaff, Dry Curry or Curry and Rice
    • Salad: Mixed Salad or Caesar Salad
    • Pasta: Meat Sauce Pasta, Tomato Sauce Penne or Cream Pasta
    • Sandwiches: Tuna Sandwich, Egg Sandwich or Ham Sandwich
  2. An assorted selection of deep-fried foods (Squid, cheese potato, white fish, and waffle potato fries)
  3. Two kinds of pizza (Tomato sauce, mushroom, olive, tomato, mixed cheese, smoke chicken, or Pepperoni)
  4. Stewed Hamburg (hamburger steak cooked with tomato sauce)
  5. Teriyaki Chicken
  6. Drinks: Oolong Tea and Orange Juice

SPECIAL CIRQUE ACTIVITIES - Our fun with Cirque du Soleil began on the afternoon of the 7th, as passionates all funneled into the ZED Theater two by two. Inside we watched a rehearsal with members from the artistic staff to explain what was going on (which wasn’t necessary – we know a flying trapeze when we see it!), but we did appreciate the time spent with us answering our questions and pandering to our curiosity about all things Cirque. Following the show, we stuck around for what is becoming a CirqueCon tradition: stepping onto the stage for an exclusive group photograph with some of the ZED cast!

TOKYO DISNEY RESORT – The Resort encompasses two Disney Theme Parks; Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The entire resort is currently celebrating Tokyo Disney Resorts 25th Anniversary. In addition, starting November 7, both parks festoon themselves in beautiful Christmas decorations; Tokyo Disneylands' "Christmas Fantasy" and DisneySEAs' "Harborside Christmas". From a shows and parades point of view, in typical Disney fashion there are lots! Tokyo Disneyland includes a daily parade as well as their version of the "Electrical Parade," with other shows and events all day long. DisneySea also has shows and events, including the daytime show, "The Legend of Mythica" and the evening spectacular, "BraviSEAmo!"

We took full advantage of our Disney neighbors by having a CirqueCon DisneySEA exploration day complete with lunch at Magellians. The atmosphere recalls the glory days of oceanic explorers, with a deeply detailed décor that screams refinement. The food is Western-style. Ricky and Rich hosted a table of 8 at 11:00am, Keith a table of 8 at Noon, and Lucy a table of 8 at 1:00pm.

OUR SCHEDULE

Friday, November 7th
Time
Location
Activity
10:00am - 11:30am
Keith & Lucy's Room - Hilton Tokyo Bay
CirqueCon Meet & Greet

With many folks arriving at all hours Thursday, we moved our signature Meet & Greet to Friday morning. It's the place where members meet old (and new) friends, receive their membership packets, and sample local foods as well as tidbits brought by other members.

2:30pm - 3:30pm
ZED Theater
ZED Special Activities

CIRQUECON BADGE REQUIRED
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY PROHIBITED

We will watch a rehearsal with members from the artistic staff to explain what's happening and to answer questions. Special surprises are also in store!

4:00pm - 6:30pm
Rainforest
Café
Ikspiari
CirqueCon Group Meal

PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED

Gather with other Cirque Passionates (in an especially reserved area) to eat, drink, and talk of our shared "passion." A perfect way to prepare for the continuing wonders to come.

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Cirque Theater
Official Show - ZED

This is what we came to see! ZED is "a living poem, a timeless evocation that draws on the Tarot and its Arcana, an imaginary world that conjures the vitality of the human condition and holds up a mirror to our true selves."

9:30pm - 10:00pm
Cirque Theater
ZED Special Group Photo

CIRQUECON BADGE REQUIRED
SHOW TICKETS REQUIRED

Following the show, stay in your seats for what is becoming a CirqueCon tradition. We will step onto the ZED stage for an exclusive group photograph of CirqueCon members with some ZED cast members!


Saturday, November 8th
Time
Location
Activity
8:30am - 10:00pm
Tokyo DisneySEA
CirqueCon Outing to Tokyo DisneySEA

Join fellow Passionates at this unique Disney park. State-of-the-art attractions to be found nowhere else in the world beckon!

11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm
Magellans @ DisneySEA
Lunch with CirqueCon at Magellans

PRE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

For those who have pre-registered, gather at Magellan's (at your reserved time) for a comfortable and luxurious lunch at the premier restaurant in Tokyo DisneySea. The atmosphere recalls the glory days of oceanic explorers, with a deeply detailed décor that screams refinement. The food is Western-style. Join Ricky and Rich for a table of 8 at 11:00am, join Keith for a table of 8 at Noon, or join Lucy for a table of 8 at 1:00pm! Seats are limited!


Sunday, November 11th
Time
Location
Activity
9:30am - 11:00am
Keith & Lucy's Room - Hilton Tokyo Bay
Our Kaffeeklatsch

Many conventions have some version of an "Onions and Roses" panel where members are encouraged to give their compliments and suggestions. This is ours! Come have a cup of tea or coffee with us. Or just stop by to say "good-bye"!

Live Passionately!