Royal Consort
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2012
Last month I embarked on a ‘Disney Around the World’ trip where I visited numerous Disney parks and resorts in succession. I have begun posting my trip report of each resort in the corresponding board. Opinions given within these reports are purely subjective.
Episode 1: Hong Kong Disneyland
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469028#post52469028
Episode 2: Tokyo Disney Resort
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469087#post52469087
Episode 3: Disneyland Resort Paris
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469155#post52469155
Episode 4: Disneyland Resort
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52514347#post52514347
Tokyo. Disney. Resort. Those three words conjure images of inaccessible worlds, mythic attractions and legendary shopping. It is the holy grail of Disney tourism. You know what? It’s kinda okay. Tokyo Disney Resort had been on my ‘to do’ list for years. It kept being put off for one reason or another. It was even replaced entirely by a trip to Walt Disney World once. This year I was determined to do it. I was going and no one was going to stop me.
Hotel Miracosta
From the airport we caught the bus to the resort. Each Disney resort in the world is situated somewhere ‘separate’ from the outside world. Referred to colloquially as the ‘Disney Bubble’. I’m not convinced that can be said for Tokyo Disney Resort. The world does intrude. Not helped by a flight path over Cinderella Castle probably. My emotions were being heavily regulated on the bus journey should the excitement become uncontrollable. Breathe. First stop, Disneyland Park, next stop our hotel: the Miracosta. I had practiced for days leading up to the six month advance booking date. I had this online reservation system sorted. Never in my life have I seen a hotel book out within less than a minute and I don’t think I ever will again. The view that greeted me took my breath away. We had arrived.
Check in was easy enough and we toddled off to buy park hoppers which you’re able to do as a hotel guest. Otherwise it’s one park per day for the first two days. As a relatively fit man it was exceptionally tempting to try and assist the petite cast member who was struggling with our luggage and showing us our room. As I was advised beforehand, etiquette doesn’t permit this. We had booked a room overlooking Porto Paradiso and each morning and evening I would open the window and just sit there as the music wafted in. The room was pleasant but not ornate. You’re really paying for the location and/or view. The lobby displays an impressive bronze ship sculpture adorned with the fab 5. The lobby is both intimate and intricate at the same time but does become crowded during check in and out times. Although the Bella Vista Lounge looked spectacular with a view of Mediterranean Harbour, we opted for buffet Oceano that evening. The food was delicious and, for a buffet, nicely (but not over) cooked. I’m getting ahead of myself.
The benefits of Miracosta are namely being within the DisneySea park and having a private entrance directly into Mediterranean Harbour. This makes taking time out during the day a breeze but we didn’t use this small entrance for early entry. For that we lined up at the normal turnstiles as this allows for much faster entry (similar to avoiding the Grand Californian entrance and using the normal turnstiles). The Miracosta’s exterior is impressive and I doubt I’ll ever stay in another hotel that looks even remotely as picturesque as this one.
Tokyo DisneySea
Since we arrived in the morning and had missed the first half an hour I had thrown my touring plan out for the day. That will be used tomorrow. As the running of the bulls was occurring towards Toy Story Mania (really? I mean it’s ok…but really? I thought racing to it was bad in Hollywood Studios!) we pulled Fastpasses for Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Because we had 40 mins to kill we went on a reconnoitre. Our first attraction in DisneySea? That legendary place in which no corporate soul spared any expense? ‘Whirlpool’ in Mermaid Lagoon. Yep… … epic. So after some spinning and my excitement exploring the playground area featuring Ariel’s grotto we spent some time soaking in all of DisneySea.
Mermaid Lagoon
People seem overly harsh on Mermaid Lagoon. ‘Full of kiddie rides’ they say. I see no problem with this. I have a giant grin when I’m on Dumbo and it’s a ‘kiddie ride’ but I don’t think that means it’s bad or unenjoyable. This aforementioned grin remained whilst riding the Blowfish Balloon Race (I also love The Little Mermaid so a themed area was right up my alley). Even if the rides aren't to your taste the underwater theming is still wonderful.
Mermaid Lagoon is a nice place to take some time out especially when the weather is poor or overly hot. The Mermaid theatre was closed for refurbishment while we were there but I would have loved to have caught this show. You’re unlikely to spend a large amount of time in this land but with all of DisneySea its quality over quantity.
Mysterious Island
Journey to the Centre of the Earth is located in Mysterious Island and is featured within the volcano itself. The most impressive thing about the ride is the queue. Passing rockwork you approach a set of elevators that take you down towards the depths of the earth before you exit into a cavern filled with drilling equipment and load into your vehicle. The story is simple: it’s pretty beneath the earth in this alien ecosystem until you descend too far and are confronted by a lava creature. Subsequently you have to skelter out of there, think you’re going to hit your head on rockwork as you suddenly reach the light and drop, and then get off. It seems almost too short but is impressive all the same. The amount of rockwork here is beyond comprehension. Solidified lava forming around and throughout the volcano and burrowing drills penetrating inwards from the exterior. This land looks probably as expensive as it cost; a lot. I thought Carsland had a lot of rockwork! Mysterious Island also provides a bit of respite to sit down and have a beer or a gyoza. My other half enjoyed this famed snack food but I didn’t quite get what all the fuss was about. It was warm, I wanted a Dole whip.
American Waterfront
American Waterfront should also be known unofficially as ‘Duffyland’. Duffy and ShellieMay, along with new pal Gelatoni, are everywhere and the Japanese adore them. It’s just about a requirement that you must purchase a Duffy. I’ve never liked Duffy and even I bought a Duffy. That vacant looking bear doesn’t make an ounce of sense until you’ve been to DisneySea and experienced the mass affection the stuffed toy receives. He is primarily sold at McDuck’s department store. At least Disney has been open about corporate greed in covering the shop with dollar signs. Jokes aside, American Waterfront is probably the most detailed land within the park. It features an old fashioned Broadway theatre and its own ship that has two restaurants; SS Columbia and Roosevelt Lounge. We dined that afternoon at the Roosevelt Lounge, a wood panelled lounge that instantly transports you out of Tokyo and Disney and to another time entirely. Any other day I may have stayed for hours but in a place like DisneySea where everything is themed to the nines, you just want to get out and explore. It’s catnip to a Disney enthusiast.
American Waterfront features Toy Story Mania of which we are all familiar. The exterior is the best of the lot and comes alive in the evening. The seaside carnival attraction themed area is perpetually busy and I would recommend that unless you’re going during a very quiet week, skipping Toy Story entirely is the best option.
Tower of Terror resides here with a different story and even though it looks attractive, I don’t ride things that drop. That stomach churning, head spinning, vile physical sensation I experience following dropping is not something I care to repeat for enjoyment. You people are all mad.
Port Discovery
Port Discovery reminds me of Disneyland Paris’s Discoveryland. It’s filled with gold accents and steampunk in design. Within this retro-future land you will find Stormrider. Stormrider’s concept is thus; new technology has been developed to allow a mission into the eye of a storm. Unfortunately this vehicle isn’t as stable as intended and ultimately performs the aeronautical equivalent to the Titanic. I think the gist of it was that we all died in the end. The concept is good and the cabin breaking apart is well executed. It does need updated 3D technology to feel involved in the flight simulation. I don’t really have any photos of Port Discovery and I put the blame squarely on one ride: Aquatopia. It was a very hot day and the park was operating the ‘Wet Version’. Aquatopia is nothing really like Autopia. Vehicles automatically guide themselves around a pool structure and every so often you get squirted with lots and lots of water squarely. in. the. face. Soaked. Really, soaked. The Japanese guests thought it the most hilarious thing to see a couple of Caucasians becoming drenched and smooshed in the face by water jets. You know what? We thought it was hilarious too.
Lost River Delta
A sense of being completely cut off from civilisation and covered with vegetation, Lost River Delta is an impressive land. Here lies Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull (an adaptation of Anaheim’s ride with an even MORE impressive queue and special effects). Indiana lines can get long and this is one you’re going to want to pop a Fastpass for.
The effect of a fireball being shot directly at your face is awesome. This land seems elongated as it’s located towards the back of the park but there’s very little within it. It is well worth exploration to discover the nooks and crannies. Raging Spirits is also here and a popular ride but it wasn’t something I felt the need to experience. Like Paris’s Temple of Peril, this was an ‘off the shelf’ coaster that was low on theme and in storytelling. Lost River Delta will be used a lot as a pathway traversing to Arabian Coast from American Waterfront or Port Discovery. Who would have thought that Anaheim’s Indiana could be topped?
Arabian Coast
If having a land themed to The Little Mermaid wasn’t enough, Aladdin gets his own realm with Arabian Coast. Land of mystery, of enchantment….. etc.
…and again, simply beautiful. Here you encounter what is to my mind the best Disney attraction in the world: Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage. Others have compared it to Small World and I suppose that would be its closest counterpart. Every animatronic is animated with distinct personalities. A song by Alan Menken (Compass of Your Heart) accompanies the ride and remains in your head for weeks after. The ride tells the story of Sindbad who sets sail and encounters a number of mythical creatures. The ride is long, immersive, and mesmerising. There is nothing like it elsewhere. A visit to DisneySea to JUST experience this ride would be worth it.
The land incorporates Jasmine’s Flying Carpets, a double decker carousel and a 3D Genie show in the Magic Lamp Theatre. I hadn’t a clue what they were talking about during the show but the interaction between the 3D Genie and actors was convincing. Not often you can say that about 3D! If you’re heading to DisneySea, make sure you check this show out.
Entertainment
Would you queue at 8am for a 4:45pm parade? The Japanese do. Surely I was wrong but no, I heard a guest ask a cast member who politely told them that yes, the people were waiting for the Legend of Mythica at 4:45. We deliberately picked a quiet week on the Japanese crowd calendar and our entire trip was based solely on being at Tokyo Disney Resort on these specific days. With Fastpass and a solid touring plan you can do an awful lot during a quiet mid-week day in either park but you’re going to encounter queues for everything. From popcorn to parades, to attractions and shopping, the Japanese guests form long orderly queues and seem perfectly comfortable waiting many hours for a three minute ride. I, however, would not be. We found a place approximately half an hour before Mythica began. The primary problem is that Mediterranean Harbour is a peculiar shape that makes finding a ‘good spot’ challenging for parades and Fantasmic in the evening. There will always be something that is blocked.
Legend of Mythica is an extravagant on-water parade featuring the Fab Five, kites, and water-skis. The parade lasts for about 20 minutes or so. We were lucky to catch this several days before it was due to finish and from what I can tell, it has quite a fan base.
Catchy music and theme tunes make up the soundtrack including Sea of Dreams (during which you can’t help realising you’re in frickn’ DISNEYSEA!!!) The on water version of Fantasmic is another challenge to find an appropriate viewing spot as it’s not able to be seen in the round. Every time I’ve visited Disneyland in Anaheim I’ve always missed Fantasmic as I go mid-week. The Walt Disney World version doesn’t really thrill me. In DisneySea floats and vehicles are used well to tell the same tale of Mickey vs the universe. Maleficent is inflatable (it sounds worse than it is) as are some of the characters that make their way around the harbour. It’s a great show and rates well above the WDW counterpart that’s severely in need of an update.
Prior to the parade we dined at flagship restaurant Magellan’s. A must on everyone’s list! This is located within the fortress. We were almost late as there are so many hidden rooms and towers to explore within the fortress, it’s easy to be lost! Portion sizes were small but that’s the case with any Japanese restaurant but it made up for it in flavour. The interior of Magellan’s is a sight to behold. We were shown to our table within the ‘secret’ room behind the bookcase. The secret wine cellar is lovely but doesn’t have the grand majesty of the main dining room. Get a reservation here come hell or high weather.
Final Thoughts
DisneySea is the only theme park concept that can rival the magic kingdom design. There’s no other second gate that equals or even improves on the magic kingdom. DisneySea has laid down its well-maintained gauntlet. This is a place where the Disney characters and worlds come to life just as much as they do in Disneyland Anaheim, the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Paris. The variety of unique merchandise from individual stores that sold home wares, porcelains, plush, etc. make this a destination to stock up on souvenirs. US parks, you could learn so much. I just didn’t have enough room to bring the Genie gravy boat back home!
An honourable mention to the Tokyo cast members who without a doubt made this trip such a special experience. Their courtesy, politeness and joy were not only infectious but an idea model of perfect customer service. If a cast member couldn’t speak English they made sure they got someone who could. There were even cast members who apologised for not speaking English! We were in THEIR country, we should be the ones to apologise! Each person we encountered as an asset to the resort and business.
The Oriental Land Company who own Tokyo Disney Resort have few objections to spending money and maintaining this gem of a park and it’s the Japanese audience who benefits from it. I would argue that the reason this park is so mind-boggling is because it’s not owned by the Walt Disney Company. The love the Japanese guests have for Disney transcends age and gender allowing this to be a special place for anyone willing to suspend their disbelief. Tokyo DisneySea is the best Disney park in the world. Enough said.
_____________________________
Episode 1: Hong Kong Disneyland
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469028#post52469028
Episode 2: Tokyo Disney Resort
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469087#post52469087
Episode 3: Disneyland Resort Paris
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52469155#post52469155
Episode 4: Disneyland Resort
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52514347#post52514347
Tokyo. Disney. Resort. Those three words conjure images of inaccessible worlds, mythic attractions and legendary shopping. It is the holy grail of Disney tourism. You know what? It’s kinda okay. Tokyo Disney Resort had been on my ‘to do’ list for years. It kept being put off for one reason or another. It was even replaced entirely by a trip to Walt Disney World once. This year I was determined to do it. I was going and no one was going to stop me.
Hotel Miracosta
From the airport we caught the bus to the resort. Each Disney resort in the world is situated somewhere ‘separate’ from the outside world. Referred to colloquially as the ‘Disney Bubble’. I’m not convinced that can be said for Tokyo Disney Resort. The world does intrude. Not helped by a flight path over Cinderella Castle probably. My emotions were being heavily regulated on the bus journey should the excitement become uncontrollable. Breathe. First stop, Disneyland Park, next stop our hotel: the Miracosta. I had practiced for days leading up to the six month advance booking date. I had this online reservation system sorted. Never in my life have I seen a hotel book out within less than a minute and I don’t think I ever will again. The view that greeted me took my breath away. We had arrived.
Check in was easy enough and we toddled off to buy park hoppers which you’re able to do as a hotel guest. Otherwise it’s one park per day for the first two days. As a relatively fit man it was exceptionally tempting to try and assist the petite cast member who was struggling with our luggage and showing us our room. As I was advised beforehand, etiquette doesn’t permit this. We had booked a room overlooking Porto Paradiso and each morning and evening I would open the window and just sit there as the music wafted in. The room was pleasant but not ornate. You’re really paying for the location and/or view. The lobby displays an impressive bronze ship sculpture adorned with the fab 5. The lobby is both intimate and intricate at the same time but does become crowded during check in and out times. Although the Bella Vista Lounge looked spectacular with a view of Mediterranean Harbour, we opted for buffet Oceano that evening. The food was delicious and, for a buffet, nicely (but not over) cooked. I’m getting ahead of myself.
The benefits of Miracosta are namely being within the DisneySea park and having a private entrance directly into Mediterranean Harbour. This makes taking time out during the day a breeze but we didn’t use this small entrance for early entry. For that we lined up at the normal turnstiles as this allows for much faster entry (similar to avoiding the Grand Californian entrance and using the normal turnstiles). The Miracosta’s exterior is impressive and I doubt I’ll ever stay in another hotel that looks even remotely as picturesque as this one.
Tokyo DisneySea
Since we arrived in the morning and had missed the first half an hour I had thrown my touring plan out for the day. That will be used tomorrow. As the running of the bulls was occurring towards Toy Story Mania (really? I mean it’s ok…but really? I thought racing to it was bad in Hollywood Studios!) we pulled Fastpasses for Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Because we had 40 mins to kill we went on a reconnoitre. Our first attraction in DisneySea? That legendary place in which no corporate soul spared any expense? ‘Whirlpool’ in Mermaid Lagoon. Yep… … epic. So after some spinning and my excitement exploring the playground area featuring Ariel’s grotto we spent some time soaking in all of DisneySea.
Mermaid Lagoon
People seem overly harsh on Mermaid Lagoon. ‘Full of kiddie rides’ they say. I see no problem with this. I have a giant grin when I’m on Dumbo and it’s a ‘kiddie ride’ but I don’t think that means it’s bad or unenjoyable. This aforementioned grin remained whilst riding the Blowfish Balloon Race (I also love The Little Mermaid so a themed area was right up my alley). Even if the rides aren't to your taste the underwater theming is still wonderful.
Mermaid Lagoon is a nice place to take some time out especially when the weather is poor or overly hot. The Mermaid theatre was closed for refurbishment while we were there but I would have loved to have caught this show. You’re unlikely to spend a large amount of time in this land but with all of DisneySea its quality over quantity.
Mysterious Island
Journey to the Centre of the Earth is located in Mysterious Island and is featured within the volcano itself. The most impressive thing about the ride is the queue. Passing rockwork you approach a set of elevators that take you down towards the depths of the earth before you exit into a cavern filled with drilling equipment and load into your vehicle. The story is simple: it’s pretty beneath the earth in this alien ecosystem until you descend too far and are confronted by a lava creature. Subsequently you have to skelter out of there, think you’re going to hit your head on rockwork as you suddenly reach the light and drop, and then get off. It seems almost too short but is impressive all the same. The amount of rockwork here is beyond comprehension. Solidified lava forming around and throughout the volcano and burrowing drills penetrating inwards from the exterior. This land looks probably as expensive as it cost; a lot. I thought Carsland had a lot of rockwork! Mysterious Island also provides a bit of respite to sit down and have a beer or a gyoza. My other half enjoyed this famed snack food but I didn’t quite get what all the fuss was about. It was warm, I wanted a Dole whip.
American Waterfront
American Waterfront should also be known unofficially as ‘Duffyland’. Duffy and ShellieMay, along with new pal Gelatoni, are everywhere and the Japanese adore them. It’s just about a requirement that you must purchase a Duffy. I’ve never liked Duffy and even I bought a Duffy. That vacant looking bear doesn’t make an ounce of sense until you’ve been to DisneySea and experienced the mass affection the stuffed toy receives. He is primarily sold at McDuck’s department store. At least Disney has been open about corporate greed in covering the shop with dollar signs. Jokes aside, American Waterfront is probably the most detailed land within the park. It features an old fashioned Broadway theatre and its own ship that has two restaurants; SS Columbia and Roosevelt Lounge. We dined that afternoon at the Roosevelt Lounge, a wood panelled lounge that instantly transports you out of Tokyo and Disney and to another time entirely. Any other day I may have stayed for hours but in a place like DisneySea where everything is themed to the nines, you just want to get out and explore. It’s catnip to a Disney enthusiast.
American Waterfront features Toy Story Mania of which we are all familiar. The exterior is the best of the lot and comes alive in the evening. The seaside carnival attraction themed area is perpetually busy and I would recommend that unless you’re going during a very quiet week, skipping Toy Story entirely is the best option.
Tower of Terror resides here with a different story and even though it looks attractive, I don’t ride things that drop. That stomach churning, head spinning, vile physical sensation I experience following dropping is not something I care to repeat for enjoyment. You people are all mad.
Port Discovery
Port Discovery reminds me of Disneyland Paris’s Discoveryland. It’s filled with gold accents and steampunk in design. Within this retro-future land you will find Stormrider. Stormrider’s concept is thus; new technology has been developed to allow a mission into the eye of a storm. Unfortunately this vehicle isn’t as stable as intended and ultimately performs the aeronautical equivalent to the Titanic. I think the gist of it was that we all died in the end. The concept is good and the cabin breaking apart is well executed. It does need updated 3D technology to feel involved in the flight simulation. I don’t really have any photos of Port Discovery and I put the blame squarely on one ride: Aquatopia. It was a very hot day and the park was operating the ‘Wet Version’. Aquatopia is nothing really like Autopia. Vehicles automatically guide themselves around a pool structure and every so often you get squirted with lots and lots of water squarely. in. the. face. Soaked. Really, soaked. The Japanese guests thought it the most hilarious thing to see a couple of Caucasians becoming drenched and smooshed in the face by water jets. You know what? We thought it was hilarious too.
Lost River Delta
A sense of being completely cut off from civilisation and covered with vegetation, Lost River Delta is an impressive land. Here lies Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull (an adaptation of Anaheim’s ride with an even MORE impressive queue and special effects). Indiana lines can get long and this is one you’re going to want to pop a Fastpass for.
The effect of a fireball being shot directly at your face is awesome. This land seems elongated as it’s located towards the back of the park but there’s very little within it. It is well worth exploration to discover the nooks and crannies. Raging Spirits is also here and a popular ride but it wasn’t something I felt the need to experience. Like Paris’s Temple of Peril, this was an ‘off the shelf’ coaster that was low on theme and in storytelling. Lost River Delta will be used a lot as a pathway traversing to Arabian Coast from American Waterfront or Port Discovery. Who would have thought that Anaheim’s Indiana could be topped?
Arabian Coast
If having a land themed to The Little Mermaid wasn’t enough, Aladdin gets his own realm with Arabian Coast. Land of mystery, of enchantment….. etc.
…and again, simply beautiful. Here you encounter what is to my mind the best Disney attraction in the world: Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage. Others have compared it to Small World and I suppose that would be its closest counterpart. Every animatronic is animated with distinct personalities. A song by Alan Menken (Compass of Your Heart) accompanies the ride and remains in your head for weeks after. The ride tells the story of Sindbad who sets sail and encounters a number of mythical creatures. The ride is long, immersive, and mesmerising. There is nothing like it elsewhere. A visit to DisneySea to JUST experience this ride would be worth it.
The land incorporates Jasmine’s Flying Carpets, a double decker carousel and a 3D Genie show in the Magic Lamp Theatre. I hadn’t a clue what they were talking about during the show but the interaction between the 3D Genie and actors was convincing. Not often you can say that about 3D! If you’re heading to DisneySea, make sure you check this show out.
Entertainment
Would you queue at 8am for a 4:45pm parade? The Japanese do. Surely I was wrong but no, I heard a guest ask a cast member who politely told them that yes, the people were waiting for the Legend of Mythica at 4:45. We deliberately picked a quiet week on the Japanese crowd calendar and our entire trip was based solely on being at Tokyo Disney Resort on these specific days. With Fastpass and a solid touring plan you can do an awful lot during a quiet mid-week day in either park but you’re going to encounter queues for everything. From popcorn to parades, to attractions and shopping, the Japanese guests form long orderly queues and seem perfectly comfortable waiting many hours for a three minute ride. I, however, would not be. We found a place approximately half an hour before Mythica began. The primary problem is that Mediterranean Harbour is a peculiar shape that makes finding a ‘good spot’ challenging for parades and Fantasmic in the evening. There will always be something that is blocked.
Legend of Mythica is an extravagant on-water parade featuring the Fab Five, kites, and water-skis. The parade lasts for about 20 minutes or so. We were lucky to catch this several days before it was due to finish and from what I can tell, it has quite a fan base.
Catchy music and theme tunes make up the soundtrack including Sea of Dreams (during which you can’t help realising you’re in frickn’ DISNEYSEA!!!) The on water version of Fantasmic is another challenge to find an appropriate viewing spot as it’s not able to be seen in the round. Every time I’ve visited Disneyland in Anaheim I’ve always missed Fantasmic as I go mid-week. The Walt Disney World version doesn’t really thrill me. In DisneySea floats and vehicles are used well to tell the same tale of Mickey vs the universe. Maleficent is inflatable (it sounds worse than it is) as are some of the characters that make their way around the harbour. It’s a great show and rates well above the WDW counterpart that’s severely in need of an update.
Prior to the parade we dined at flagship restaurant Magellan’s. A must on everyone’s list! This is located within the fortress. We were almost late as there are so many hidden rooms and towers to explore within the fortress, it’s easy to be lost! Portion sizes were small but that’s the case with any Japanese restaurant but it made up for it in flavour. The interior of Magellan’s is a sight to behold. We were shown to our table within the ‘secret’ room behind the bookcase. The secret wine cellar is lovely but doesn’t have the grand majesty of the main dining room. Get a reservation here come hell or high weather.
Final Thoughts
DisneySea is the only theme park concept that can rival the magic kingdom design. There’s no other second gate that equals or even improves on the magic kingdom. DisneySea has laid down its well-maintained gauntlet. This is a place where the Disney characters and worlds come to life just as much as they do in Disneyland Anaheim, the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Paris. The variety of unique merchandise from individual stores that sold home wares, porcelains, plush, etc. make this a destination to stock up on souvenirs. US parks, you could learn so much. I just didn’t have enough room to bring the Genie gravy boat back home!
An honourable mention to the Tokyo cast members who without a doubt made this trip such a special experience. Their courtesy, politeness and joy were not only infectious but an idea model of perfect customer service. If a cast member couldn’t speak English they made sure they got someone who could. There were even cast members who apologised for not speaking English! We were in THEIR country, we should be the ones to apologise! Each person we encountered as an asset to the resort and business.
The Oriental Land Company who own Tokyo Disney Resort have few objections to spending money and maintaining this gem of a park and it’s the Japanese audience who benefits from it. I would argue that the reason this park is so mind-boggling is because it’s not owned by the Walt Disney Company. The love the Japanese guests have for Disney transcends age and gender allowing this to be a special place for anyone willing to suspend their disbelief. Tokyo DisneySea is the best Disney park in the world. Enough said.
_____________________________