Visiting Tokyo Disneyland
I was less than a year old when I went to visit Tokyo Disneyland with my mother. My mother and I were both excited on a bright Tuesday morning with plans of reliving a Tokyo Disneyland experience 25 years later. Even though there are slight differences than the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Tokyo Disneyland is a go-to destination for family and friends visiting Tokyo, Japan.
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland! š° š
Concept
Well we all know about Disney, right? I mean if not, seriously come over to my house and Iāll cook for you and we can analyze the films together. But if you donāt then let me give you a crash course. Walt E. Disney was an incredible man, who I deeply admire, for succeeding to turn his dreams into a reality.
Iām so amazed that Walt Disney was able to take his imagination of drawing a rat, a disgusting, disease ridden creature, and turned it into something beautiful. Iām positive if you saw a rat in the same room as you, youād either screen and probably try to exterminate it; and thatās an absolutely normal reaction!
But do you see my point? Not only did he create his first film, Steamboat Willie, that appeared in 1928, but he eventually constructed The Magic Kingdom in 1955 in Anaheim, California. This and much more lead to Walt Disney building an empire that continues to develop even decades after his passing. Today, the Walt Disney Company is recognized the world over as one of the most dominant media conglomerates.
An aerial view of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, 1963. Taken from Wikipedia. š°š
Fast forward years later and here I am, just a simple human being, inspired by Walt Disney ready to relive all our cherished memories together again in Tokyo Disneyland. We felt the magic kingdom in the air even before arriving at the entrance.
A sense of wonder and joy can be heard from every corner as guests stop to take pictures. The park is split into seven themed lands: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Easternland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown and Tomorrowland; each with its own unique theme, rides and attractions.
Once inside Tokyo Disneyland youāll visit the World Bazaar, a rendition of an early 20th century America filled bazaar in Victorian-style streets. Up ahead youāll reach the center of the Magic Kingdom where a statue of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse in front of Cinderellaās castle. After having taken photographs together, we decided to head off towards our next destination.
A statue commemorating Walt Disney with best friend Mickey Mouse in front of the Cinderella’s Castle is located in the center of Tokyo Disneyland. š°š
Itās A Small World
During my childhood, my mother and I lived in Irvine, California. We would always visit Disneyland in Anaheim and Disneyland California Adventure for special occasions as itās only a 20 minute drive. Our favorite ride that we enjoyed repeating various times during our trips is Itās a Small World, which is where we decided to go to next.
The multicolored building of Itās a Small World building is distinguishable from a mile away. We lucky only had to spend approximately 30 minutes in queue before being able to enjoy the boat ride.
It's a Small World Ride GoPro5
Space Mountain
The next ride that we decided to visit was the famous Space Mountain, a roller coaster known for its exhilarating velocity through the darkness.
Taking a break
We decided to go to the center of Disneyland to find food and of course we did! Of course no amusement park is complete without being able to purchase delicious treats. That sweet aroma of recently cookedĀ popcornĀ and cinnamon will frequently brush the tip of your nose.
Adventureland, Tokyo Disneyland
Popcorn in Adventureland
Electrical Light Parade
As with all things Japanese, they are always on time. My mother and I always have stayed until closing just to see the electrical lightĀ paradeĀ before our very eyes. Each time I saw them as a child I marveled over how incredible the set floats glowed in the night. The catchy electronic tunes are still being played in theĀ paradeĀ over 25 years later and I couldnāt be more pleased.
Japanese waiting for a parade
Electrical Light Parade
Disney has made various remakes and reboots during the past few years. The attractions have been updated to maintain congruence of their respective franchises. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride now portrays life-size animaTronics of the characters portrayed in the films such as Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow.
During the evening it was more accessible to attend rides such as the Star Wars Star Tours: The Adventure Continues. It literally took less than three minutes for us to walk from the entrance to find seats. The ride quickly filled up but the attraction had very fluid movement for something with exceptionally high production value.
Specifically designed for Disneyland, the Maihama Station is distinguishable from other stations. Depending on where youāre staying in Tokyo, Japan, youāll have to find the most convenient metro lines to reach Tokyo Disneyland.
One of the first things to take note is the size of Tokyo Disneyland is much smaller than its California and Florida counterparts. Due to this, the duration of some of the attractions feels reduced. But youāll still be able to find the best and most essential qualities of Disneyland. In fact, Tokyoās version even has special characteristics that you wonāt find anywhere else!
During the moments I was about to get on board a ride I noticed that the mechanics of on-boarding were uncomfortable. The rides are constantly moving on a moving platform which requires guests to quickly hop inside their seat before taking off. I understand itās to keep the ride moving but itās not as safe as if the ride completely stopped to wait for passengers.
The same mechanic is present in Snow Whiteās Adventure, Peter Panās Flight, Pinocchioās Daring Journey, and the Haunted Mansion. Apart from that you must be very patient while waiting in the lines at Tokyo Disneyland. I had to wait for an hour to enjoy a handful of rides for five minutes. We noticed that there was an 8 hour line for people to see Mickey Mouse during this trip in 2018.
Later during that same week, the local Japanese news reported that Disney fans had to endure a wait time of sixteen hours just to get a picture with Mickey Mouse.
We visited during the 35th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland. Christmas ornaments and music was decorated throughout the entire park. The spirit of Christmas was very much alive.
One of the interesting aspects of Tokyo Disneyland is seeing your favorite Disney characters illustrated in anime. Many of the classic franchises will have a kawaii feel to them. Of course no amusement park is complete without being able to purchase delicious treats. That sweet aroma of recently cooked popcorn and cinnamon will frequently brush the tip of your nose.
Without a doubt the Disneyland park is organized. If you get lost youāll always find a staff members are always prepared to help assist any of the guests. Amenities like restaurants and bathrooms are close by.
There were a few unpleasant aspects that I did notice during my visit had to deal with cleanliness and the lack of recycling found within Tokyo Disneyland. Even though Japan is considered very hygienic community there werenāt any recycle bins. A few negative aspects that we encountered was the difficulty in finding plain water. We were only able to find ones with lemon flavoring in them.
Thereās a moment where you forget that youāre in Japan once inside Tokyo Disneyland even though youāre surrounded by the Japanese. Recounting all my past experiences, I can say Disneyland is almost exactly how I remembered it. Many things have changed for the better with subtle differences to the keen eye. The Disney universe maintains its magical essence even with the inclusion of the new franchises.
Disney fans will have board the monorail to enjoy certain rides and attractions like Toy Story Mania, Indiana jones and Venetian gondolas which are only located in Tokyo DisneySea.
Growing up, my mother and I have shared many fond memories viewing all the classic animations on VHS cassettes. Iām always going to be grateful for the wonderful childhood she provided for me. I hope my Tokyo Disneyland experience will help inspire you to take a trip to Tokyo and visit a happy place on Earth.
Fireworks Show šš°
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Have a wonderful day, remember to love yourself and be thankful for being alive!