When Imagineers are told that budget is not a concern and their creativity is allowed to soar to unimaginable heights, you get a creation none other than Tokyo DisneySea. We have already talked about why DisneySea is the best theme park, now let’s discuss all the things you must do when you visit this one-of-a-kind creation. (And, if you haven’t checked it out already, be sure to visit our list of things you cannot miss at Tokyo Disneyland!)

Our criteria for choosing these experiences are based on following:

• Is it unique to Tokyo DisneySea?
• Is it different enough from other similar experiences in other Disney parks?
• Is the quality superior to its counterparts?

While you may not do all the things listed in one visit, you can certainly try!  Follow my ideal one-day itinerary and you are in good shape. Once you’re done, browse our best trip planning articles for Tokyo Disney Resort to kick-start your trip planning.

Attractions

1. Journey to the Center of the Earth
2. Sindbad’s Storybook Adventure
3. Aquatopia
4. Indiana Jones® Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
5. Toy Story Mania or Nemo & Friends SeaRider
6. Gondolas

If you are able to ride only one attraction during your time at Tokyo DisneySea, then make it Journey to the Center of the Earth. Located inside Mount Prometheus, this attraction sports some of the best queue theming in the park. Not only that, the experience is a mashup of dark ride storytelling and theme park thrills. Plus, who doesn’t want to be shot out of a volcano?

Often overlooked (and, as a result, it has shorter wait times) is Sindbad’s Storybook Adventure. At first glance, it looks like yet another boring boat ride. This is far from the truth. From the catchy theme song (you will have it stuck in your head for days, I guarantee) to the best animatronics you’ll find at a Disney Park, this is a perfect place to take a break from the crowd and immerse yourself in the story of Sinbad and his cute (and wildly popular) sidekick Chandu.

Aquatopia is a trackless outdoor attraction which uses the same technology as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland.  Simple and relaxing, this attraction takes you gliding across the water in your vehicle while performing simple spins and turns. Ride this during the evening to see it all lit up!

Indiana Jones® Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull is similar to the version at Disneyland Resort. The queue itself is worth waiting in line for. Use the single rider queue to bypass the long line.

Toy Story Mania is a clone from the existing versions from both US Parks. While the game part of the attraction itself is exactly the same, everything else is anything but. The outside of the attraction is simply stunning both during the day and especially during the evening. You certainly do not have to wait in line to see that. The queue inside is the best out of all the versions. If you have never experienced the attraction at the other parks, then you simply must give this a spin. Since the wait time for this gets extremely high, make this your first FastPass of the day.

Or, alternatively, if you insist on skipping Toy Story Mania! (don’t worry I get it), then you definitely want to ride their newest attraction — Nemo & Friends SeaRider. It’s a brilliant family-friendly attraction which replaced the former StormRider. Ride it multiple times and take note of what happens on-screen.

If thrill rides are not your thing, then the Gondolas are your ticket. Located in the Mediterranean Harbor, this attraction is possibly the best “boat” themed ride at either of the parks. The Gondoliers take it a step further to re-create that Venetian atmosphere. The boats go out into the harbor where you are able to take an unobstructed view of Mt. Prometheus!

Entertainment

1. Big Band Beat
2. Fantasmic!
3. Out of Shadowland
4. Seasonal Entertainment

Character shows are a huge part of the entertainment at Tokyo DisneySea. Guests love characters so much that they will wait hours for a show, just to snap that perfect picture.

Big Band Beat is arguably the best show at Tokyo Disney Resort. A live jazz band, performers, and your favourite Disney Characters performing lively music – what’s not to love?  This show uses the Lottery System to distribute tickets for the show.

While Fantasmic is at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort, seeing the version at Tokyo DisneySea is a must. It makes great use of Mediterranean Harbour, and with beautiful Mount Prometheus in the background, you cannot go wrong.

A projection heavy stage show in the Lost River Delta with live performers and singing! While this isn’t the best show in the park, it is unique to Tokyo DisneySea and is worth watching at least once — and is easy to get into as the line isn’t long. It plays at various times throughout the day.

Each season brings a number of limited time shows for guests.  These can typically be found in Mediterranean Harbour or over in the American Waterfront. From Christmas to Easter to Halloween, there is always a seasonal show happening and you simply cannot miss it!  Grab an English Park Map at the gates and check the latest show times.

Restaurants

1. New York Deli
2. Casbah Food Court
3. Oceano
4. Teddy Roosevelt Lounge
5. Ristorante di Canaletto
6. Magellan’s

Food options at Tokyo DisneySea are more than simply burgers, fries, hot dogs, and popcorn (although the popcorn is delicious!)  A variety of well-themed restaurants are available for your dining pleasure!

New York Deli is a counter service restaurant which serves delicious sandwiches in the American Waterfront. The theming is incredible along with the food offerings. The Mile High Sandwich is highly recommended!

Casbah Food Court is another counter service restaurant in the Arabian Coast. Themed after Aladdin, this restaurant is stunningly themed and has two areas for dining. One area is royalty-themed while the other is peasants-themed. Keeping to the theme, they serve Japanese-style Indian Curry.

If you’re looking for an “all-you-can-eat” affair, grabbing a bite at Sailing Day Buffet is a must.  The menu changes seasonally and offers a variety of choices to fit anyone’s taste buds. Also, who does not want to eat in a huge warehouse looking building right beside the S.S. Columbia (No judgment if you just eat the delicious soft serve and nothing else).

Teddy Roosevelt Lounge at Tokyo DisneySea is a must do!

Fancy a cocktail and a relaxing atmosphere? Then you cannot miss the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge. Located on the S.S. Columbia in the American Waterfront, this elegantly themed lounge will transport you back to an era of sophistication. It is also a perfect spot to take shelter from the crowds.

Table-service is where Tokyo DisneySea shines. Ristorante di Canaletto is an excellent choice for Italian fare and being located along the canals, you’ll get a beautiful view of the Hotel MiraCosta and the gondolas.

We talk about our favourite places to eat. Can you guess what is our top pick?

But, our absolute favourite restaurant in the park is Magellan’s. Read our full review and you’ll understand why. From theming to food to impeccable service, it’s safe to say this is the best restaurant at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Conclusion

While the list might look overwhelming, these are the best of the best! Over the course of two days, you can hit most of what we listed above and experience the best of Tokyo DisneySea.

Is there anything you would add or remove from this list? Let us know in the comments.

Start planning your trip to Tokyo Disneyland with our Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Disney Resort. It covers everything from tickets, hotels, and how to score discounts!

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Select photos provided by Duy Phan Photography.