11 Reasons Why Tokyo DisneySea is the Best Disney Park
Tokyo DisneySea opened its gates on September 4, 2001. The park is often called one of the best theme parks in the world. Here are my 11 reasons why I think Tokyo DisneySea is the best Disney theme park.
After I’ve convinced you to add this to your vacation itinerary for Japan, start your planning with our best trip planning articles for Tokyo Disney Resort (bookmark it as we’re always updating it) and then check out our 200-page ebook travel guide!
You’ll also want to read our list of 16 things not to miss at Tokyo DisneySea.
Instagrammable Food
If you’re on Instagram (you should follow us), you’ve undoubtedly seen photos of all the unique, cute, and delicious snack food options. From the deliciously adorable Green Alien Mochi to the Ukiwa Steamed Bun. There is no shortage of inventive ideas!
The seasonal offerings are what keep us going back. Each season, something new arrives (or beloved favourite returns) for us to hand over our money so we can stuff our faces.
If you’re in need of inspiration check out our top 10 Instagram accounts to follow that post about Tokyo Disney Resort.
Everything About the Magnificent Magellan’s Restaurant
Speaking of food, one of the pinnacles of Disney Dining anywhere in the world is Magellan’s Restaurant in Mysterious Island. Located at the foot of Mount Prometheus, this beautifully designed restaurant isn’t cheap but is worth every yen.
Add it to your list of restaurants on your next visit. Read our dining guide to learn more.
Cocktails at the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge
Located on the S.S. Columbia in the American Waterfront, this flawlessly themed lounge and restaurant make you feel as if you are back in a time when elegance and sophistication were the norm. This is the best place to grab a cocktail and get out of the crowds. The atmosphere and choice are unmatched.
Get there earlier in the day to avoid long lines as they do not take reservations.
Viewing Two Volcanoes from the S.S. Columbia
Speaking of the S.S. Columbia, where else can you recreate that infamous scene from Titanic?! The grand ship also houses two restaurants (S.S. Columbia Dining Room and Teddy Roosevelt Lounge), one attraction (Turtle Talk with Crush), and is the main stage for shows. It’s the perfect anchor for an amazingly well-themed port.
The deck on the ship is a great place to take in the view of not only the American Waterfront but something else pretty unique. If you time it just right (early morning is best), you can see both Mt. Prometheus and the famous Mt. Fuji. Where else can you see such a spectacular view?
Journey to the Center of the Earth
If you could only experience one ride at Tokyo DisneySea, this would be it. The queue itself is worth waiting in the standby line for at least once. The Imagineering behind this attraction is top-notch and it shows. Get your FastPass (or jump into standby) for this after Toy Story Mania! or Nemo & Friends SeaRider.
Read our guide to the best attractions and Fastpass for Tokyo DisneySea.
Painstaking Details
Mount Prometheus is not the only spot in Tokyo DisneySea which is painstakingly detailed. Every single port within this park is meticulously themed, which results in stunning photos even if you are not a professional. With this level of detail, you feel immersed in a completely different world each time you enter a different port.
If you are a fan of the detail in Carsland at California Adventure or Pandora in the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, then you’ll be in awe at Tokyo DisneySea. After my countless visits, I still discover small details.
Pure Bliss Aboard the Gondolas
Riding the Gondolas is a right of passage for anyone visiting. Photo by Satoshi.
Speaking of detail, the Gondolas are one of those “not so hidden gems” of Tokyo DisneySea. Take a relaxing ride into the Mediterranean Harbor while being serenaded, and capture that perfect unobstructed view of Mount Prometheus.
This small, yet crucial, detail brings together everything that makes the Mediterranean Harbor worthy of being your port of entry into Tokyo DisneySea. One phrase sums up this attraction: “Pure Bliss”.
Do not miss this on your next visit.
Broadway Quality Stage Show: Big Band Beat
Photo by Duy Phan Photography.
Speaking of entertainment, I just love Big Band Beat. As the curtain rises on this great show, you’re transported back to the time of swing music and big band orchestras. It’s a Broadway quality show, right inside the park! While they do have a standby line, they also have a lottery system to secure your seat so you don’t have to wait.
Other shows include their seasonal shows in the Mediterranean Harbor such as this past summers Pirates Summer Battle “Get Wet!” to Fashionable Easter in the spring. They also offer Fantasmic! in the harbor on most nights.
Duffy the Disney Bear Rules Tokyo DisneySea
The best part of all the decorations. Duffy and Gelatoni Topiary in Cape Cod. Photo by Duy Phan Photography.
To put it simply — Duffy is a rock star at Tokyo DisneySea.
Released in 2005 (and celebrated his 10th Anniversary in 2015), Duffy the Disney Bear is the poster child for Tokyo DisneySea. Cape Cod (or referred to by some as Duffyland) is the home of Duffy and Friends (ShellieMay, Gelatoni, and now StellaLou).
Duffy fans flock to Tokyo DisneySea to take advantage of all the spectacular theming around their favourite little bear. From seasonal outfits to themed desserts and even his own stage show, Duffy is here to stay.
One of the first things you notice upon entering the park is the many guests with their Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni, or StellaLou hanging off their arm or in a Disney-themed bag. It is almost to the point as if you feel you need to buy your own. Which is a slippery slope, because next thing you know you own more outfits for Duffy than you have for yourself (Not that I would know anything about that).
Duffy has had a major impact on Tokyo DisneySea and makes for a phenomenon that is best explained as “unique”. Only those that have visited Tokyo DisneySea truly understand why.
Enthusiastic Park Guests
Not only do you notice guests carrying around Duffy in his latest seasonal outfit, you notice how much guests love Disney. From custom-made Duffy costumes to school groups (of 10 or more) in coordinated outfits and amazing custom-made costumes for Halloween — guests who visit this park absolutely, without a doubt, love Disney to the nth degree, and it shows.
Not only do you notice the level of fandom, but also the organization to the chaos. The crowd levels are no joke at DisneySea. However, the level of courtesy and (seemingly natural) self-organization which most guests have makes for a lovely experience.
World Class Cast Members
These hardworking Cast Members bring everything together in a way which makes Tokyo DisneySea (as well as Tokyo Disneyland) a truly world-class theme park. Japan is famous for its outstanding customer service, and Cast Members take that aspect and amplify it. These Cast Members love what they do and it shows in the work they do “on stage” every day.
While not every one of them can speak English, they make sure everyone is well taken care of. These dedicated Cast Members are the bow on top of an already beautifully packaged theme park that is Tokyo DisneySea.
Explorer Thoughts?
What aspects of Tokyo DisneySea make you simply go “Wow!”? Let me know in the comments!
More Things to Do in Tokyo
My recommendations for things to do in and around Tokyo! Plan a day at the Hello Kitty theme park, Sanrio Puroland, and an afternoon at the popular TeamLab Planets TOKYO. Take a tour around Tokyo with the convenient hop-on and-off bus. Spend a rainy afternoon inside Japan’s largest indoor theme park, Tokyo Joyoplis, near Tokyo Disney!
More on Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort Guidebook
Are you planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including tickets, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea before you even set foot in the Parks. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time.
Get tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort
It’s vital to buy your tickets ahead of time for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Read our comprehensive guide on tickets to learn how to purchase tickets. For recommendations on SIM cards, portable Wi-Fi devices, travel insurance, cheap flights, and hotel bookings, read our travel resources page.
Learn more about Tokyo Disney Resort
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