Tokyo Disneyland & Disney Sea

Has anyone been there before?

I've pretty much avoided it over the years because I grew up close to Disney World in Florida and went there every year. Later I moved out to the West Coast and went to Disneyland in LA and was disappointed because it just seemed like a fraction of the size. When I talk to people about Tokyo Disneyland the first thing they say is, "It's small" which means my disappointment will probably be taken up a notch...

But, alas, I'm thinking about breaking the vow and taking a trip up there. Any comments besides comments about Japanese people since that's the one area I do have experience in? I've heard that Disney Sea is actually better. I was thinking about doing a 2-day thing and hitting both parks with my girlfriend.

 

I have been to Tokyo Disneyland 3 times and really have fun there.I have never been to another disneylands so the Tokyo Disney it was look big for me... I heard too about Disney sea is better and is more good about adult people.

 

I've been to Tokyo Disney Sea and it was Fantastic! I'm no Disney fan, in fact I hate Mickey Mouse yet Disney Sea was like being is a real fantasy world. You are completely cut off from the out side world unlike Universal Studios Japan. Now that had no fantasy feeling at all. Everywhere I looked I could see the outside world.

Anyway, Disney Sea is more for adults (there's a kick ass Indiana Jones ride there!) while Disney Land is more for the kids.

Yakumo

 

I can't say what it's like for someone that grew up next to it(only been to the Orlando Disney once as a wee lad), but there were definitely more than enough things to do to keep me and my host sisters occupied all day long. It's just really fun and the atmosphere is really good, if you're going with your girlfriend you'll have a wonderful time I'm sure. I haven't been to Disney Sea, but from what I hear they're both as good as the other, kinda depending on personal preference.

If you get the chance, pick an off day though to avoid the masses.

 

Yeah, that's the key for me. In Florida it's an entire city so you can't really see anything other than Disney. In Disneyland you're right next to 7-11 and other local shops and hotels and that just kind of kills the atmosphere for me. That's what I was worried about with TDL. Sounds like Disney Sea is the way to go.

 

I have some old videos that I took in Disney Sea way back in 2005 or 2006 if you'd like to see them. That should give you an idea of how it is.

 

I am a HUGE Disney geek. I go to WDW and/or take a Disney Cruise several times a year.
DisneySea is held by most Disney Parks fans as the park for which all others are measured. It's theming and ride quality definitely outshines any of the parks in WDW as of late.
Go, you won't regret it

Some highlights:
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Indiana Jones Adventure
Raging Spirits (Looping Coaster)
Pooh's Hunny Hunt (No, seriously, because the ride tech is REALLY impressive, it's a trackless ride that has randomized patterns based on the locations of the other ride vehicles using a form of GPS technology)
Aquatopia (same ride tech but on boats)
Etc.

It's also one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world. Have fun!

Also, as far as TDL goes, it's basically a carbon copy of Magic Kingdom at WDW as far as attractions go.

I'd love to see these :thumbsup:

I don't think that's a concern. Tokyo has a resort just like WDW (although not as huge). If you look at this map you can see it's basically cut off from the outside world:

 

I went w/ the wife & kid on a holiday. Almost blue my own balls off due to frustration from crowds.

 

Did you blue yourself?

 

Well I certainly didn't prematurely blow my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run and wind up with a bit of a mess on my hands.

EDIT: Haha Freudian typo on my part, totally. Crazy morning over here.

 

Tokyo Disney Land & Sea are right next to each other. I found both to be tiny compared to the California Disney Land and Florida Disney World. I'd get a pass for both parks and go from the early morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds and collect those reservation tickets for each ride you really want to go or you'll be wasting hours on end lining up which the Japanese love to do. You can do everything in 1 day if you budget your time well but 2 days is probably safer if you have kids.

I've stayed at both of the older hotels (not the more recently constructed one) and while they're nice, not worth the money as you can get a real 4 star hotel in Tokyo (Grand Hyatt, Shangri-la) for less.

 

Worth noting, your kids will likely go through sensory overload. My biggest let down of the place was the shit food. Maybe the restaurants were okay, but you're queuing for hours for that too.

 

I prefer fuji-q highland. Go on a weekday and ride as much you can. Probably not so good for kids under 12 years.

 

The Disney hotels are only worth it if you come from outside of the Tokyo area. When I went we came from Aichi prefecture so we took the shinkansen early in the morning (I think around 7), arrived at Tokyo Disney two and a half hours later and we could just check our luggage at Disneyland, a few minutes away from the actual entrance to the park, instead of having to go to the hotel and then going to Disneyland. Saves a lot of time and hassle. I think we stayed at the Okura Hotel, lovely but undoubtedly quite expensive.

 

Do they not offer Advanced Dining Reservations like WDW? I book my ressies 6 months prior to a trip so I never have to wait to eat :thumbsup:

Also you guys have all the cool popcorn flavors

 

Who needs more popcorn flavor than salty?

 

Ugh - i've been to both more times than i care to think about.

Last year when my folks were here we decided to do the stay over and one day in Sea and one in whatevertheotheroneiscalledinjapan. It worked out quite well! IF you are staying in any of the hotels you can get in 45 minutes before anyone else so you can run get the tickets you want.

It actually works out quite well and I JUST booked again for my folks and neice for April and it's 25,000 for a four bedroom room - which is pretty good all things considered!

I had a full on dumb argument in Disney Sea one time - there was 8 of us and we went to one of the restaurants. They refused to let us move the FULLY MOVABLE tables to form one whole table and made us sit seperately. When we ignored them and move the tables together, the called security. Absolutely stupid.

 

Just one to add to the list.

 

They called security? That's kind of hilarious and sad at the same time. Were you actually escorted from the premises or did the security guys leave you be?