What We Love About Tokyo DisneySea
We have a full post and podcast that celebrates what we love about Tokyo Disneyland. It includes scores of photos and videos, plus a terrific podcast with David Zanolla and I that you will not want to miss!
You can find podcast number 79 here on Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, MyTuner, and ListenNotes. Be sure to subscribe and share with others!
Mediterranean Harbor
Here we start at the entrance of Tokyo DisneySea. There is a reason why this globe was chosen. And it has to do with a lighthouse found in another section of the park. You can see the article here.
From the entrance we step through an entrance way into Mediterranean Harbor. Note the windows above. They are all part of the Mira Costa Hotel, which stands at the entrance to this park.
You see more windows below as you enter into a large Italian courtyard.
This is the Main Street of Tokyo DisneySea. Restaurants and shops can be found all along.
You never know who you might walk into as you stroll the streets of Tokyo DisneySea.
One of the best attractions to see (and early in the morning before the lines get long) is the Venetian Gondolas. They are nestled in a canal setting reminiscent of Venice.
To see what this simple, but immersive attraction is like, check out the following video. Make sure you see the last section where the Japanese gondoliers serenade to you with Italian arias.
Fortress explorations stands across the lagoon. It sits nestled against Mount Prometheus.
One can roam in and out of this setting. You simply can get lost in it, it is so immersive.
A ship stands in the harbor. Boats are found everywhere at Tokyo DisneySea.
Fascinating exhibits are found inside. And it’s never too crowded. Be sure to take some time to check it out.
Ready to move on to our next port of call? Taking the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line is one way to get from one end of the park to another.
Mysterious Island
The focal point of Tokyo DisneySea is Mysterious Island, based on the island home of Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Here is an overview:
The queues of this land are even amazing. Here is some lava breaking out from Journey to the Center of the Earth
Board the Excavators to take you to the loading area below.
Board subterranean vehicles to take you on a thrill ride like no other in the Disney lexicon. It is a must visit attraction.
It’s always a good time to stop for a gyoza sausage bun at the Nautilus Galley. It’s a great place to take in all of Vulcania.
Entrance to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Not a perfect attraction, but one that should NOT be missed.
The queue has Nemo’s office setting, filled with maps and details.
For a more formal setting, try Vulcania restaurant.
Even their retail location, Nautilus Gifts, has a steam-punk aesthetic.
Mermaid Lagoon
Approaching Mermaid Lagoon is beautiful during the day…
…and at night as well.
But this is just a portion of Mermaid Lagoon. Look for King Triton. He will lead you to the interior portion of this attraction. If you want to be “part of their world”, this is where you must journey.
A whole experience unfolds as you descend to the depths of this attraction.
Most of the rides here are heavily re-themed carnival style attractions.
Some you will even recognize from Disney California Adventure.
Beyond this you will find Mermaid Lagoon Theater. You do not want to miss this show. It is an “over the top” experience.
A clever gift shop as you exit is in the form of a whale.
Arabian Coast
Whether it’s in carousel form or in person…
You’ll find some familiar friends…
…and you’ll find some familiar attractions done even better than they are at Magic Kingdom.
But the attraction to be seen above everything else is Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage. A detailed post/podcast can be found here, but you can also see the complete video below:
Lost River Delta
The back of the park consists of an Adventureland style setting, one themed more to Central/South America.
Excavations of a legendary archeologist can be found nearby.
Two major attractions make up Lost River Delta–but what attractions! First is Raging Spirits, a roller coaster similar to the one found in Disneyland Paris.
Step into this impressive temple as you seek to board Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull.
The theming is immersive, even beyond its Disneyland component. Indeed, the queue probably exceeds that park.
The attraction looks very similar as you board. It doesn’t include the fire found on the Disneyland version, but otherwise, every effect works, and it’s an impressive experience.
And of course, you’ll find Indy along the way.
Port Discovery
Port Discovery is Tomorrowland on water. Even a simple gift shop looks futuristically whimsical.
One of Tokyo DisneySea’s newest attractions is Nemo & Friends SeaRider. It’s housed in the Marine Life Institute.
Inside you’ll receive instruction on boarding your “fish-like” ship.
Then its off to the depths of the ocean where in a simulator much bigger than the kind in Star Tours, you see the world of Nemo and friends.
Back outside, you find the whimsical Aquatopia.
This is an attraction that should be in every Magic Kingdom park. See the video below to find out why.
Next to Horizon Bay Restaurant we can take the DisneySea Electric Railway to the American Waterfront. It’s a great way to get from the back of the park to the front.
Below is a video of your journey:
American Waterfront
American Waterfront is distinguished by the SS Columbia, set dockside of this turn-of-the-century bustling town.
Inside is the Teddy Roosevelt lounge. It’s a great place to relax and get a bite to eat. It’s decor is stunning as is the rest of the park, as seen in this overhead mural.
Dominating the skyline is The Tower of Terror.
Instead of a Twilight Zone theme, you find the exploits of Harrison Hightower.
He has ventured throughout the globe exploiting riches from every corner.
In the library we are given a hint of what can happen to someone who exploits others.
Be sure to look up at the murals in the exit gift shop to see Harrison’s image. So curious that this man looks astonishingly like Imagineer Joe Rohde 🙂
Outside are the restrooms and drinking fountain. Just to see how much theming and back story is in all of this, click on this link to see an article I wrote on Tower of Terror, Water, and Temperance.
A great way to see American Waterfront is taking a ride on the Big City Vehicles. Check out this video to see the town.
Toy Story Mania is located in found in Toyville Trolley Park. It is a stunning entrance to a very popular attraction.
The ride itself, is however, similar to the one found at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So unless you’re a big, big fan, make this a secondary choice. Still, you can check out Mr. Potato Head doing his best in Japanese, as you see in this short video:
Around the corner is the Broadway Theater. You always will find a crowd lined up for the next show.
Here inside this luxurious theater, we find Big Band Beat. Definitely worth checking out. We explain on our podcast, how to best get in.
Nearby you’ll find other shows like “Hello, New York!” which is played at the base of the SS Columbia. Here is the opening number. You can check out whether you want to see the whole of it when you visit:
And More!
There are no parades in Tokyo DisneySea, but what they do in the lagoon around Mediterranean Harbor is usually stunning, and often changing.
Here’s something that might be more familiar to you. It’s the closing moments of Fantasmic! Only this show is carried out entirely in the lagoon, rather than on an island setting. Check out the video below:
Is Tokyo Disney Resort a place are thinking of visiting? Then two things: First, check out our post and podcast on Tokyo Disneyland.
Has all this chat made you hungry for a Disney adventure? Now is the time to dream and plan for your future travels. Be sure to reach out to David Zanolla, owner and agent of of Out The Door Travel, LLC to make arrangements. There’s no cost–but it could save you a lot of time–and even money–especially when you put it in the hands of someone who really knows Disney and travel. Call today at 309-863-5469 or reach out to him via zanolla@otdtravel.com
