With fun attractions and lifelong memories, the Disney Parks are where dreams come true.
Around the world, there are SIX Disney Resorts, and TWELVE Different Theme Parks in each of them. With the start of it all being in California, and the most recent in Shanghai, these resorts are so diverse!
Disneyland Resort in California
Disney World Resort in Florida
Tokyo Disney Resort
Disneyland Paris Resort
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort
Generally, most people know the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, or the Walt Disney Partner Statue in Disneyland. However, the many other parks from the franchise maintain the same excitement you’ll get in the United States.
Tokyo DisneySea is unique like no other, with its vast theming on legends of the sea, and unique attractions, it’s no wonder why the park is also considered a fan favorite. Fun Fact: The park isn’t actually owned by Disney, but rather licensed by the company. The Oriental Land Company is the owner, which gives more opportunities for creativity to be advanced.
Theming:
Located in Urayusu, Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo Disney Sea is separated into 8 distinct areas. Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, and the newest addition of Fantasy Springs make up the massive park.
These themed lands are what really make the park unique, each with a distinct feature towards them.
At the center of the park is the Mysterious Island, where Mount Prometheus is prominent. Inspiration for the lands came from Jules Verne’s novel Mysterious Island. This area of the park is covered in huge rock structures, as guests can walk around bridges that circle a pool of water. Mount Prometheus is the tallest part of the land, while the volcano is rumbling at different times of the day
Being the newest addition to the park, Fantasy Springs blends in mini areas of Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan all together. The vibes give off romance and magical curiosity, as the detailed cliff structures have carved out Disney characters. There are four attractions, two restaurants, and even one luxury hotel overlooking this area of the park.
Food:
The food here is to die for and at a reasonable price too! Compared to the U.S Parks, Tokyo DisneySea’s food pricing is fair for all visitors, ranging from food stalls to high end restaurants.
One of the fan food favorites of the park is the “Green Alien Mochi.” Coming in a set of 3, these squishy rice cakes are designed to look like the aliens from Toy Story. Each has a different filling of chocolate, strawberry, and mango. What makes them so appealing is both the taste and seeing the alien’s little faces.
Additionally, many popcorn stands pop up around the park. Each stall has a different flavor and sells a special popcorn bucket too! The flavors are definitely strange, which is what makes the food here at DisneySea so unique! Garlic-shrimp, roasted beef, and curry, are just the few to name from this interesting variety.
Rides:
Although there are some similar rides to other Disney parks around the world, DisneySea definitely has some unique ones.
Journey to the Center of the Earth takes visitors on an expedition towards the center of the earth. It’s known for its beautiful scenery inside the cave and thrilling turns, making the ride well worth it!
Having the same themes, Tower of Terror and Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey combine different elements to make the experience more unique.
While being the same ride system, the story and theme are completely different. This version focuses on the story of Hotel Harrison Hightower, where it is inhabited by a cursed idol named Shiriki Utundu. Guests are taken on a tour to see the cursed idol and explore the facilities of the complex.
In Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, the story follows a similar approach to the ride in Disney World. However, it goes in more depth with its narrative, using more lifelike animatronics and special effects. This really makes the ride stand out as it feels like you’re in the story
Merchandise:
With the merchandise here, DisneySea goes all out.
The many different headwear, bags, plushies, stationery, has so much to offer. Each of the products have unique designs based on characters, such as Tangled themed ears or Minnie Mouse Kimono plushies.
Particularly, the “Duffy and Friends” franchise has their own set of merchandise too, as this special set of characters are only available to the parks in Asia.
Entertainment:
Disney Sea has many forms of entertainment as well, ranging from live shows to parades.
Their floats over the Mediterranean Harbor water house Mickey and his friends for distant meet-and-greets.
What visitors don’t want to miss out on is Believe! Sea of Dreams a nighttime spectacular over the Mediterranean Harbor water. Large boats take up the huge water space, as characters Peter Pan and Wendy guide visitors through a story of magic.
Since the show is above water, fireworks are kept to a minimum due to safety reasons. Instead, lasers, vibrant special effects, and projections are played throughout the show.
This event is one where guests don’t leave early: the joy that it brings to the families as a last day event for the park is wonderful.
Other Fun Facts:
- Guests can dress up as characters in the park
- Everyone sits down during the fireworks!
- Groups/Pairs of people can be seen matching
- Janitors and other side workers have their own mini shows as well.
Overall DisneySea seems like a good park, but what do some people from the US have to say about the park?
Although Senior Jamie Fernandez has never been to any Disney parks, he wants to explore different parks in the future, hoping to leave the country and travel the world.
When looking at Tokyo DisneySea, he was very interested.
“The park definitely looks more laid back compared to the US Parks from what I’ve seen on the internet,” said Jamie.
The food was what intrigued him the most, with the “Green Alien Mochi looking the tastiest.”
Senior Alannah Nole has been to Disney World in the US, as her favorite park is Magic Kingdom. Same with Senior Abby Bissacia, who has been to all the parks in Disney World as well.
Abby Bissacia and Alannah Nole have heard many great things about DisneySea.
“I would love to visit it, and experience the many rides they have to offer,” Abby explains. “Especially the Tangled boat ride from Fantasy Springs.”
“The entertainment at DisneySea is so cool,” Alannah says “The prices being lower are awesome as well, since the US is pretty expensive.”
Who knew that the nautical themed park would get so much love?! Next time you plan a trip, make sure to add Tokyo DisneySea to your list– you wouldn’t want to miss it.
