This amazingly unique nautical theme park located in Urayasu, Japan is a trip you wouldn't want to miss. Japan's Tokyo DisneySea offers a one-in-a-kind place for even the older fans of Disney to come and enjoy the maritime-inspired rides and attractions and be a kid once more.
What makes it unique?
Tokyo DisneySea Resort target audience
DisneySea seems like it is specially made for the grown-ups. Why is that? First, the rides are much more thrilling and extreme, compared to the numerous kid-oriented attractions at Disneyland. Second, only those of the older audience will notice and appreciate the meticulous aesthetic designs and decorations at the park. Third, some of the food is not directed for all ages. It doesn't mean that the food isn't delicious because it is! It just caters to those of a mature palate. Fourth and last, there are alcoholic beverages at this park. You won't only find the regular pint of beer as there is a wide array of alcoholic drinks available, and you can choose depending on your liking.
Inspired by more sea and water-based aesthetics and attractions
Unlike most theme parks where water-based rides are more of a special ride at the park, DisneySea subsequently has more sea and water-based attractions. You can easily notice that the park's themes are based on stories or ideas related to the ocean or any type of water, which makes the park even more exciting and adventurous.
Variety of Boat rides
There is more than one mode of transportation at the park, and boat rides are one of them. In other parks, boats are utilized as a theme for the park's rides. However, at DisneySea, not only is it just a theme for an amusement park ride, but it is also a means to go from one place to another. Other than the Disney Electric Railway and Big City Vehicles, you can take the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line for a slow but rather satisfying ride while sightseeing the fantastic views at the park.
You can also get on Venetian Gondolas and tour around the Palazzo Canals and sail under several bridges. As you set sail, the Gondoliers will ask you and the other guests to say “Ciao!” to each other and when the gondola is returning to the loading dock, they will sing a song and serenade you. If you get on the Venetian gondolas at the right time, you may even be able to witness a beautiful sunset.
Writer's Pick
One Great Adventure
The theme park offers seven Disney-inspired themes, with the leading hook of having each one radically different from the rest
Mediterranean Harbor is the first theme you will be encountering located at the entrance of the park. This depicts an Italian port town like Venice; it has Venetian gondolas and canals at the waterfront. You can see and enjoy shows that feature boats and fountains at the harbor, and the buildings of the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta.
Inspired by one of Jules Verne's publications, the Mysterious Island is one of a kind theme for the park. It is situated inside a volcano at the center of the park. Here, you will be able to go on an adventure with Captain Nemo's submarine, or you can also live out the enigmatic Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Mermaid Lagoon is where mermaids take the center spot. Based on the Little Mermaid, kids will love this area of the park. It will be like you are in a different place as you will be able to enjoy and explore the wonders of the undersea world of Ariel and its creatures.
At the next stop, you will find yourself at the Arabian Coast, which is based on the Arabian Nights from Aladdin. If you like magic, Genie is waiting for you to let you witness one of his magic shows, but if you are more inclined to the adventures of the sea, you can explore and discover with Sinbad as he sets sail.
The Lost River Delta will take you to a place you have never been before, the Central American jungle! You will have fun exploring the ancient ruins of a pyramid in The Indiana Jones Adventure ride. To take you to another level, the Raging Spirits Roller Coaster is just one stop over for you to try.
Ever wonder about the lives of fish? At Port Discovery, learn about marine life with Nemo and Dory through a simulation ride. You can also try out watercraft and traverse the waters between rocks and whirlpools.
Looking for a theme that will bring you back to the ports of the 20th century? American Waterfront is the right theme for you. This theme was depicted from the harbor towns near New York, New England and Cape Cod. You will be able to find American style shops and restaurants, as well as the S.S. Columbian Stream Liner. Here, two of the most popular rides are found; the Tower of Terror where a terrifying experience awaits you and; Toy Story Mania where you can compete against your friends at shooting games in the Toy Story world. At these rides, the lines get really long and fastpasses usually run out quickly.
Following each theme, Disney characters are available roaming around the parks to welcome you. You can take pictures and interact with them. Have fun with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Aristocrats, Cruella de Ville, Stitch, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, and so much more!
Lottery tickets for popular shows are free to try and are legendary for a reason. If you want to watch a specific show or performance at DisneySea and you don’t want to take your chances waiting in line, you can try your luck getting a lottery ticket that can be found in the lottery machine at the Mediterranean Harbor. These are free, and if you are lucky, you will be able to get a chance to watch a show. Please check to see which shows fall under this system.
Things To Take Note Of
To fully enjoy and have a great time, it is best to visit the park during off-season. Avoid visiting during holidays to steer clear from big crowds and long lines. However, if the crowd does not bother you, it would be great to visit during holidays to experience their themed shows and rides available only during peak seasons.
As numerous people will be queuing up at different rides and most especially the best selling rides, DisneySea along with the other Disney parks offer the FastPass ticket system, where the guests can get to an express lane and experience their ride at a much lesser wait time. The FastPass ticket is available to a select number of rides. Make sure to check what these are and how you will be able to get one.
You can buy tickets online to avoid queueing up outside the park. DisneySea is a great and well-known park that even though it isn't the holidays, the number of visitors is huge. Best buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines and easily get in the park without waiting too long. You can buy tickets online at the official website of Tokyo Disney Resort, at the Disney Store or on Klook, an online website where you can get the best deals.
And Tokyo DisneySea has its own original characters, the most famous of them being Duffy, an adorable bear which was originally a present from Minnie to Mickey. More and more of Duffy’s friends are revealed as the years go by, delighting fans who wish to add the cute merchandise to their collections. Make sure to grab some souvenirs you can only get at DisneySea on your way out at the numerous shops by the entrance and throughout the park!
An Experience of a Lifetime
Tokyo DisneySea gives an amazing and worthwhile adventure for everybody. The park is exhilaratingly fun-packed, and its uniqueness can spark curiosity within anyone that even though it appeals to the older audience more, the kids will still have a wonderful time. With ways to make your visit better and even more fun, you can expect a great ride. You may stay for a day or two, but the memories you made are unforgettable. From thrilling and wild rides to great food and awesome drinks, you'll definitely come back for more. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and have an experience of a lifetime.
