Almost 40 years after opening its doors, Tokyo Disney Resort has announced its biggest ever expansion project. Tokyo DisneySea will gain a whole new land as part of a $2.3 billion budget.
Fantasy Springs will enchant guests in three themed areas, inspired by the much-loved Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan movies. The newest attractions, restaurants and hotel are expected to open by March 2023.
Tokyo Disney Resort was the first international off-shoot of the iconic original Disneyland in Anaheim California. The resort is split into two parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The former is similar to other Disney parks around the world, with various themed-zones, rides and attractions. DisneySea has different zones too, but they’re referred to as ports. DisneySea recreates some of the world’s most beautiful seaside locations, including a breathtaking Mediterranean harbour and a network of Venetian canals.
With two equally impressive Disney parks on offer, it is hard to know which to choose if you’re pressed for time in Tokyo. If you’re tossing up between Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea, we sent Sophie Cullen over to test out both parks. A tough job, I know. She compares the two below.
Disneyland
For someone who has never visited a Disney park anywhere in the world, I was enamoured the moment I caught sight of the blue and white spires of Cinderella’s castle.
Munching the ears off a Mickey pizza and waving wildly at the Beauty and the Beast float, my initiation into this wonderful world felt complete.
When I visited in 2018, Tokyo Disney was in the midst of the 35th birthday celebration. There were special parades, dedicated memorabilia and limited-time menus (strawberry crunch chocolates, anyone?).
But the park is practically in full celebration mode year-on-year. It sounds corny, but every day at Disneyland feels like a party. And that’s what keeps families coming back.
What Disneyland does better:
1. The true ‘Disney’ vibe
Tokyo Disneyland is modelled on other Magic Kingdom style parks such as California, Florida and Hong Kong. Cinderella’s Castle is identical to its international counterparts, and you can go on renowned Disney rides such as It’s a Small World and Splash Mountain.
If it is a classic Disney experience that you’re after, or if this is your first foray into the Disney universe, Tokyo Disneyland is the way to go.
2. Attractions for the littlies
Disneyland is ideal for toddlers and younger primary-schoolers. Many of the attractions are family-friendly; there are the storybook vibes of Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, tamer rides such as Castle Carousel and Alice’s Tea Party, and plenty of character meet-and-greets with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and friends. Walk around the lunch areas and you’ll see many a miniature Belle or Captain Hook in full costume.
3. Shows, parades and fireworks
A day at Disneyland wouldn’t be complete until it ends with a bang. Disneyland’s fireworks display cannot be rivaled.
Neither, in my opinion, can the schedule of shows and parades. I was enchanted by the One Man’s Dream II – The Magic Lives On show which uses fantastic costumes, sets and choreography to chronologically chart Walt Disney’s creations from Mickey to Moana.
The daytime parades are also a sight to behold. The 35th anniversary special Dream Up! parade has 13 floats and more than 150 performers. While you watch, be sure to sample the multiple popcorn flavours available from carts around the park. Caramel was by far my favourite, but there is also soy-sauce, honey, curry and more.
DisneySea
The newer of the two parks, DisneySea blew my mind when it came to attention to detail. Each of the seven interior worlds is constructed to feel just like the movie set, from the street lighting in the Mediterranean Harbour, to the barnacles and starfish on the ceilings of Mermaid Lagoon.
The theme park’s biggest drawcard is that it is the only Disney Sea in the world. Anywhere. If you’re an old hand when it comes to Disney, shake up your Disney experience with this Tokyo-only treat.
What Disney Sea does better:
1. Older crowds
Teenagers and kids of primary school age will appreciate the intricate wonderland that is DisneySea and its seven interior worlds. Take a Venetian-style gondola down canals in Mediterranean Harbour, a magic carpet ride on the Arabian Coast or creep yourself out after dark on Mysterious Island.
Standing in the middle of a crowd waiting for the morning show on the harbour, I noticed fewer families with prams and more teenagers and couples. A hot day in the Lost River Delta or Port Discovery warrants a cheeky beer over lunch for Mums and Dads. Unlike Disneyland, DisneySea sells alcohol onsite.
2. Thrills and spills
The main reason for this trend may well be the calibre of the rides and attractions – expect to go higher and faster at DisneySea.
The Tower of Terror long drop will make your heart skip a beat, as will the Indiana Jones Adventure. The format of shows and displays are also an exciting point of difference for DisneySea. The shows take place on the water. The first parade of the day features Disney characters dancing atop a colourful barge.
Fantasmic!, the night performance, lit up the harbour with flames, fireworks and neon. It did feel a little bit like magic as huge inflatable characters, a mirror made of rain and large-scale animated projections reflected off the water.
3. Duffy and ShellieMay
DisneySea also boasts a host of unique to the park. Teddy bears Duffy and ShellieMay famously feature in many a holiday snap at DisneySea, and can only be purchased from their onsite merchandise shop. Minnie and Mickey also wear a unique get-up different to their standard Disneyland costumes.
The Verdict
If you have younger kids and have never been to a Disneyland or Disneyworld, without a doubt pick Tokyo Disneyland.
For older families seeking high-paced thrills and spills, opt for DisneySea instead.
But why not get the best of both worlds? Go the safe option, and choose a special 2-day pass allowing you to experience both. 2-Day passes are 13,200 JPY for Adults, 11,600 JPY for Juniors aged 12 to 17 and 8600 JPY for Children aged 4 to 11.
To ensure a smooth entry to both parks, it’s better to purchase tickets online before you go. Arrive a few minutes early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.
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Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.