On this day in 2001, Tokyo DisneySea opened its gates to the public for the first time! An international experience blending beloved Disney characters with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, Tokyo DisneySea is entirely unique in its design. The park is consistently near the top of every “Best Disney Parks in the World” rankings show-down. Here are just a few reasons why we (and Disney junkies around the globe) love this park so much:
New Versions of Old Classics
It’s no surprise that Disney replicates its most beloved rides across its parks — past and present — and TokyoSea has some great versions of the classics. Here are some of our favorite updated attractions that should be a “must” on every fan’s travel bucket list:
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Tower of Terror
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Toy Story Mania!
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Indiana Jones Adventure
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Jasmine’s Flying Carpets (modeled off Aladdin’s carpets in Magic Kingdom)
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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
The Park is Completely Immersive
While there are many similarities between the two U.S. Disney parks, Tokyo DisneySea evokes a totally different feel. While honoring the rich Japanese culture surrounding the park, Disney manages to make guests feel totally immersed in each of the park’s seven unique lands. You won’t experience attractions or landscaping like this anywhere else on earth. What other theme park allows you to ride Venetian gondolas and then be awed by an active volcano?
An Adorable Group of Characters
Mickey and Minnie will always have our hearts, and maybe that’s why we love Duffy and Friends so much. Duffy and Shellie May were initially introduced as the teddy bears of Mickey and Minnie. They can be found roaming the park alongside their adorable friends ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, and most recently — Olu.
The Food! (Do we have to say more?)
Two words: Alien. Mochi.
From specialty bread to other food offerings, the options in Tokyo DisneySea are not only delicious but adorable. Our personal favorite is Alien Mochi! Sporting the faces of the little green aliens from Toy Story, these cute dumplings are made of three different flavored rice cakes and filled with delicious cream (custard, chocolate, and strawberry).
DisneySea’s focus on food is no accident. Originally opened with the goal of appealing to a more adult audience, the park invested heavily in delivering a broad array of culinary options guaranteed to satisfy even the most discriminating foodie. The results? Loads of delectable bites at every corner!
Adorable Merchandise
The park normally offers more kawaii merch than you can stuff in a suitcase or two, and Tokyo DisneySea’s anniversary has brought even more adorable finds to the shelves. Naturally, the park’s anniversary is a good cause for a collection of memorable merchandise! The special merch line includes limited edition pins, postcards, a special nimble, and two Mickey and Minnie plush badges that have become a popular collector’s item in the U.S.
Photo of Tokyo DisneySea’s 19th Anniversary Mickey and Minnie Safari pin, courtesy of Tokyo DisneySea.
Photo of Tokyo DisneySea’s 19th Anniversary Mickey Plush Badge, courtesy of Tokyo DisneySea.
Join us in celebrating the anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea by sharing your favorite part of the park with us in the comments!
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