I wasn’t a big fan of theme parks but as soon as I walked through the turnstile of Tokyo DisneySea, it felt like stepping into a magical world. Maybe it was the Mickey Mouse train, the nautical and maritime theme, helpful and friendly DisneySea staff, polite and respectful Japanese theme park goers (you wouldn’t see anyone to cut the line). Whatever it was, Tokyo DisneySea is truly the Happiest Place on Earth.
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What makes DisneySea different from Disneyland?
Tokyo DisneySea is geared towards an older audience with rides that are more thrilling, scarier and faster compared to Tokyo Disneyland. Also, you can buy alcoholic beverages at some of the restaurants inside Tokyo DisneySea like Ristorante di Canaletto. Magellan’s, Restaurant Sakura and Horizon Bay Restaurant.
Tokyo DisneySea 7 Themed Port-of-Call Areas
Did you know that the only DisneySea in the world is in Japan? Located in Chiba Prefecture just a little outside Tokyo, this massive theme park features 7 water/sea themed areas, also known as Ports of Call – Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Mysterious Island, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Mermaid Lagoon, and Arabian Coast. You may not be a die-hard Disney fan, but trust me, there is so much to see and do in Tokyo DisneySea.
Mediterranean Harbour
Mediterranean Harbour, the entrance to Tokyo DisneySea, is designed after an Italian Port Town of the Renaissance Era. I was really surprised to see this area because of its beautiful Mediterranean architecture.
This port of call features several rides and attractions like the iconic Aquasphere, DisneySea Transit Steamer Liner, Fortress Explorations, and Venetian Gondolas. Here you will also find the only Disney hotel inside the theme park, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta. Walking further to the center of the park, you will be welcomed by DisneySea’s imposing symbol, Mount Prometheus.
Mysterious Island and Mount Prometheus
Set within the boundaries of Mount Prometheus is Mysterious Island. It is situated behind the mountains mighty walls, separated from the rest of Tokyo DisneySea. Here you will find the Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. My friends and I weren’t able to try these rides because the waiting time is about 2 hours each.
American Waterfront
American Waterfront depicts New York of the United States in the early 20th century. Two attractions dominate this port of call, which are Tower of Terror and the S.S. Columbia. It is also home to the park’s number 1 attraction based on reviews, the Toy Story Mania. We weren’t able to try this ride because the lines were crazy. Other attractions you will find here as well are Turtle Talk, DisneySea Electric Railway and Big City Vehicles.
Tower of Terror was probably the scariest ride I’ve ever tried. Aside from the fact that it was dark inside, the narration was in Japanese so we did not understand anything. We all thought it was a horror house until we were asked to sit and fasten our seat belts. I guess the multilayered freefall and being completely clueless what was happening made it super scary. Lol!
Port Discovery
The Retro-Futuristic Port Discovery is labelled as the marina of the future. This is probably Tokyo DisneySea’s version of Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Although it’s supposed to look futuristic, it didn’t look that way in my opinion. I don’t know how to explain it but its design and architecture kind of reminds me of old Hollywood movies depicting the future. Some of the attractions you will find here are Aquatopia, Nemo and Friends Searider and DisneySea Electric Railway.
Lost River Delta
The Lost River Delta, located at the far-end of Tokyo DisneySea, depicts the jungles of Central America and the Amazon forests. The star of this port of call is Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull, a high-speed indoor ride through the massive dark corridors. You will also find here the Raging Spirirts, a short but intense roller coaster ride with a 360-degree loop. I was not able to try both rides, but according to those who tried, both were super thrilling and scary.
The Mermaid Lagoon
The Mermaid Lagoon was probably my favourite in the entire park primarily because it was super Instagrammable! Just like the other themed areas in Tokyo DisneySea, its design and architecture were perfect. It’s colours were so vivid that will make you wonder why external elements do not seem to affect it at all! Some of the attractions you will find here are Ariel’s Playground, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Scuttle’s Scooters, Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster, Blowfish Balloon Race, Mermaid Lagoon Theatre, and The Whirlpool.
Tokyo DisneySea Arabian Coast
Tokyo DisneySea’s Arabian Coast is inspired by the Arabian Nights and Disney’s Aladdin Movie. This themed area was easily recognisable because of its colourful domes and minarets. And of course, the delicious smell of food cooked and served at Casbah Food Court. Some of the attractions in this massive of port of call are Caravan Carousel, Jasmine’s Flying Carpets, Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage, and The Magic Lamp Theater.
Overall Experience at Tokyo DisneySea
Although I was not able to try all rides, I definitely enjoyed this 1-day trip to Tokyo DisneySea. The attention to detail, the friendly and helpful staff, and the variety of food, made it a super memorable day. The lines were crazy but I think the rides/attractions make it worth it. If I ever get the chance to go back to Tokyo DisneySea, I will definitely purchase the 2-day Passport or take advantage of the Disney Fastpass (suspended until further notice).
Useful FAQs
What type of tickets you need?
- 1-Day Passport (7,900 yen – 9,400 yen) – this passport gives you whole day access to Tokyo DisneySea or Tokyo Disneyland
- Early Evening Passport (6,500 yen – 7,400 yen) – this special passport is only for use from 3:00 PM on weekends and holidays
- Weeknight Passport (4,500 yen – 5,400 yen) – this special passport is only for use from 5:00 PM on weekdays (excluding holidays)
- Summer 2-Day Passport (17,300 yen) – this passport is the best option if you have at least 2 consecutive days to explore Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. This is available from July 21 to August 28, 2023 only.
Where to buy tickets for Tokyo DisneySea?
You can buy tickets at the DisneySea counters, but I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online to avoid long queue. You can buy it online through the official Tokyo Disneysea website or through a third-party provider like Voyagin and Klook. These third-party providers sell advanced tickets only and do not sell same-day entrance tickets.
How to maximise your visit in Tokyo DisneySea?
- Avoid visiting during weekends, national holidays and school breaks.
- Buy tickets online.
- Download Tokyo Disney Resort app (available in Google Playstore and App Store) to see rides wait times.
- Arrive at Tokyo Disneysea before or at 7:30 AM.
- Once the park opens, present your e-ticket with QR code. No need to print this e-ticket because it can be directly scanned from your smartphone.
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