DisneySea is one of two parks at Tokyo Disney Resort. While Tokyo Disneyland is an homage to its American counterparts, DisneySea is a new creation oriented more towards adults. Its maritime exploration divides the park into several ports. We brave the crowds during winter holidays to check it out.
In the morning, crowds pour out of Maihama station. From here its a short walk to Tokyo Disneyland, but we transfer over to the Disney Monorail to catch a ride to DisneySea.
From the mouse-shape windows to hand straps styled like Mickey, it is clear who operates this train line.
A giant globe stands in the middle of the entrance pavilion. It kind of looks like another theme park entrance I know of.
People line up not to take pictures with their favorite character, but with these New Year displays.
It is possible to meet Disney characters, but some kids would prefer not to.
Mount Prometheus looms over the park from the Mysterious Island area. The artificial volcano is the centerpiece of DisneySea.
A marching band parades through Mediterranean Harbor, the entrance area to the park.
The Mediterranean theme wouldn’t be complete without some Venetian gondolas.
Boats make trips back and forth across the river, ferrying passengers between the various ports of call.
Our next stop is Port Discovery.
Modeled as the marina of the future, this port of call contains several attractions including Aquatopia.
After a short wait, we board one of the boats.
The boats run around the lagoon, spinning and reversing at random intervals while avoiding other riders. The attraction uses a trackless design, which allows for multiple paths and variations to provide unique experiences for each rider.
Some stands for taking pictures of Duffy merchandise, the DisneySea mascot.
Or you can load up on other Disney gear like this couple.
Crossing over the bridge to the Lost River Delta.
The area’s set design is straight out of the Indiana Jones movies. Probably because the Indiana Jones Adventure ride is here.
Rides in this area are fairly popular.
More chances to stock up on souvenirs. How about seven bunny hats for you and your friends?
Hunger leads us to the Mexican restaurant for lunch.
Enchilada-like main dish followed by cake for dessert.
After lunch we backtrack to the American Waterfront.
This section represents the northeastern coastal towns of the United States in the early 1900s.
It even has an ocean liner docked in the port area.
Electric trolleys transport passengers back and forth from the American Waterfront to Port Discovery.
Various shops and shows occupy main street.
The Tower of Terror is located here, along with a Toy Story attraction.
The sun is getting lower, better get to the other ports of call.
But first, let’s try some of this orange marmalade popcorn. My goodness this is some good popcorn.
While stuffing our faces, a staff member comes by who appears to be on cleaning duty. Instead, he proceeds to draw Donald Duck on the pavement, using water as ink.
Making our way to the Mermaid Lagoon.
Descending underground into Triton’s Kingdom. The area is mostly a giant, underwater-themed playground for children.
Of course everyone gets the chance to meet some of the characters from The Little Mermaid here.
Close by is the Arabian Coast, another port of call based on Disney’s Aladdin.
Enjoy a magic carpet ride.
Or have Abu mug you for some Orange Marmalade popcorn.
Back over to the Lost River Delta to try out the Raging Spirits ride. It has a loop!
Long line, but we cut some time off using the single rider line. Ask for it at the entrance.
Pretty dark outside after waiting in the ride’s line. Got to rush over to watch the Fantasmic! show in the Mediterranean harbor.
Lots of lights and singing. The hat is a giant LED array for some cool effects.
Heading towards the American Waterfront to find some dinner along main street.
Main street at night gives of a nice retro vibe.
We decide on deli sandwiches and hot soup for dinner.
The interior of the deli continues the American, early twentieth century look.
The pavilion in front of the ship is supposed to be a good place to view this evenings fireworks.
Fireworks pop with a Disney soundtrack accompaniment.
We stop into the Teddy Roosevelt bar on the ship for a few drinks.
A Teddy Roosevelt theme wouldn’t be complete without bears holding up the roof.
Our final stop is Mysterious Island, in the center of the park underneath Mount Prometheus. The island takes most of its inspiration from Jules Verne novels, including the attractions.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea takes you on a simulated underwater ride. The deep-sea has a lot of black lights.
Our final ride is Journey to the Center of the Earth.
We finally get to cash in our fast-pass tickets, which we got the first thing in the morning.
The set design was similar to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, but the ride was much better.
Did I mention how delicious this orange marmalade popcorn is? One more round before the park closes.
Time to leave as the park starts to play the go-home song.
DisneySea is a great compliment to Tokyo Disneyland. Really both parks are exceptional, I might even prefer them to the originals back in the States.