Tokyo DisneySea: the ultimate all-ages fantasy land
A visit to Tokyo DisneySea will not only excite kids, but have adults leaving on a high too.
One a kind and incredibly designed, Tokyo DisneySea sets itself apart from other Disney counterparts.The theme park is made up of seven themed “ports” of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, and American Waterfront. What’s more, Tokyo DisneySea has experiences suitable for all ages and especially designed for an older demographic.
Food and drink (alcohol included)
The park offers just under 50 dining options, ranging from uniquely flavoured popcorn stands to a full three-course experience. I made it a mission to try as many of the food stands as possible, and left with a sugar high and a full belly.
All the stalls are scattered around the park and offer not only sweet but savoury snacks. Some of them did have a longer line than others, but to me this just meant they were a must-try and I joined the queues, which never lasted more than 10 minutes (except the one for the turkey legs).
One of my favourite treats was the new churro flavour (blue pineapple) which was brought out to celebrate the opening of the ‘Soaring: Fantastic Flight’ ride, as well as the Toy Story Alien Ice Cream Mochi – a delicious Asian treat.
Tokyo DisneySea makes a point of prioritising food with a range of unique culinary experiences that are sure to satisfy both local and international visitors.
There is a wider selection of table-serviced restaurants compared to Disneyland, and Tokyo DisneySea also serves alcoholic beverages at almost every one of its food kiosks and restaurants – something its neighbouring park doesn’t offer.
Rides (that aren’t just for kids)
Tokyo DisneySea’s new Soaring: Fantastic Flight ride was an absolute hit with everyone on my trip.As the preamble to the main attraction, you are guided through what is seemingly just a gallery only to find a highly technologically advanced hologram show. The impressive pre-ride show is led by aviation expert Camellia Falco, who goes on to talk about her greatest achievement, the Dream Flyer.
The anticipation grows as you’re ushered through to the main room. You take your seat and wait for the ride to begin; the chair lifts off and you feel yourself soaring over some of the world’s most famous landscapes on Camellia’s Dream Flyer. Some of the sights experienced include Sydney Harbour, the African savanna, the Egyptian pyramids, and the Great Wall of China, and finishes with a night view of Tokyo into DisneySea – complete with fireworks!
The ride itself is a flight motion-simulator attraction that not only visually feels as though you are soaring above these landscapes, but also includes breezes and scents that match the various scenes. This attraction is a must-do when visiting DisneySea and is enjoyable for all ages.
Photo ops and unique settings
With so much to take in, visitors ought to make sure their phone and/or camera is fully charged before entering Tokyo DisneySea. The park is modelled differently to the other Disney properties, offering some truly stunning seaside locations. This means you won’t find the iconic Disney Castle, but reconstructions of beautiful ports such as those found in Venice and Portofino make for some amazing backdrops. Some of my other favourites were the pastel-coloured Mermaid Lagoon (home to the characters from The Little Mermaid) and the Arabian Coast (themed around Aladdin).
At night, the park is beautifully illuminated and finishes off with a fireworks display. Although most visitors plan a full day out at Tokyo DisneySea, there are two options available for later entry: the Starlight Passport for entry after 3pm and the After 6 Passport for entry after 6pm.
Another unique feature of the park is the chance to meet some of the rarer Disney characters, with the likes of Ariel and Captain Jack Sparrow exclusive to Tokyo DisneySea for meet-and-greet sessions around the park.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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