The Tokyo Disney Resort is only a short train ride from Tokyo station. It is a vast complex composed of a number of resort hotels and the Ikspiari shopping center. But the jewels of the resort are the two unique theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Not only are these theme parks popular with Japanese visitors, they are very popular with international visitors as well, making them the third and forth most visited theme parks in the world after Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida.
Each theme park has its own special appeal. Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney amusement park created outside the United States and, like the Disney Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in California, is based on many of the famous Walt Disney films. Yet, Tokyo Disneyland pays homage to its host country with unique parades and holiday decorations.
Tokyo DisneySea is a beautiful fantasy theme park that celebrates the Japanese love of the sea with seven different “ports of call.” There is Mystery Island, based on Jules Verne’s novels 20,000 Leagues under the Sea and Mysterious Island. Arabian Coast is a special place that celebrates the adventures of Sinbad, while Mediterranean Harbor offers you a ride in a gondola as if in the harbor at Venice. There is Mermaid Lagoon as well as Port Discovery, which offers you the chance to ride the Storm Rider into the heart of a hurricane. Lost River Delta is an Indiana Jones style adventure and American Waterfront features an elevated rail ride as well as the Tower of Terror ride that is similar to the same rides in the American parks.
Tokyo DisneySea will appeal to adults as well. The park features a number of high quality restaurants. And, unlike Tokyo Disneyland, alcoholic beverages are available. While, like Disneyland in America, Tokyo Disneyland may appeal more to children than adults, DisneySea is truly for everyone.
The best times to visit the Tokyo Disney Resort are in the spring and fall when temperatures are at their best. Winter is also a good time because of the smaller crowds.
While any time of the year is a good time to visit; the Resort and the parks are the most busy on long weekends and weekends, during school holidays and Japanese national holidays. National holidays occur mostly for mid March into early April, from the last week of July through August and the last week in December through early January.
Tickets can be bought the day you visit or in advance. Advance tickets can be purchased from travel agencies, at Disney Stores and from the Tokyo Disney Resort website. Advance tickets are good for two months or up to a year in advance, depending on the type of tickets that you purchase. You can use your Japan Rail Pass to travel to and from Tokyo.
