TOKYO DISNEYSEA

Tokyo DisneySea


Main Entrance with Aquasphere


Mediterranean Harbor with Mysterious Island in background

In the fall of 2001, Tokyo DisneySea opened next to Tokyo Disneyland (DisneySEA, DisneyLAND, get it?). DisneySea is unique to Japan. It took 13 years to build at a cost of $3 billion, and it shows. The attention to detail and the engineering that went into this place are mind-boggling.


Port Discovery at dusk


Lost River Delta (based on Indiana Jones)

Like Disneyland, DisneySea has several different regions, each with its own theme. Of course, they all have something to do with water too. Unlike Disneyland, the emphasis is less on rides, and more on scenery and restaurants, a la Epcot Center. However the rides that are there are popular enough that you'll want to make use of Disney's FastPass system for reserving your rides ahead of time. There IS a lot to see here, and the 9 hours I spent there on a winter weekday was not enough time to see everything. So of course I went back the next chance I got!


Inside the Mysterious Island (based on "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea")


Arabian Coast (based on Aladdin)

Tips:
  • Go on weekdays. Weekends are said to be extremely congested.
  • Buying tickets in advance is convenient but not necessary if you arrive early (about 1 hour before opening: check the times on the web).
  • Sprint (yes, run) to the Lost River Delta when the park opens to get FastPasses for the Indiana Jones ride. Then go immediately to the Storm Rider in Port Discovery nearby. Then take the ferry back to the Mediterranean Harbor (it shouldn't be crowded) and do some of your shopping early.
  • After 2 hours have elapsed you can get your next FastPass and should.
  • Attractions in the Arabian Coast aren't that interesting. The Little Mermaid musical is worth seeing.
  • Eat early to avoid the crowds. Restaurants at DisneySea may be a bit pricey, but I haven't been disappointed yet.

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