Imagine a Magic Kingdom that combines the best of Disney World's and Disneyland's. Then partner it with the world's best theme park, a multi-billion dollar testament to what Disney's Imagineers can create when they are not limited by risk-averse corporate oversight that values synergy over creativity.
Yes, visiting Japan is expensive. But we've done it, and written about how it can be done. With airfares from the United States routinely topping $1,000 round-trip, this isn't likely a visit you will make with the family. But as a solo traveler, or a couple? If you watch airfares and schedule your trip for the right time of year, a Tokyo Disney visit can be a once-in-a-lifetime reward either before or after you've got kids at home.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit the Tokyo Disney Resort. And we're not yet counting the upcoming US$4.5 billion expansion that will start next year. Or the world-class customer service that you will receive throughout the resort, as well as throughout all of Japan. So count those as reasons 11 and 12 to start thinking now about someday visiting the Tokyo Disney Resort.
With the Christmas season getting underway at theme parks around the world, do you wish you could see the Country Bear Christmas Special again? Or maybe see the full Country Bear Jamboree or Vacation Hoedown shows? You can. but you need to make a trip to Tokyo. All three Country Bear shows continue to play at various times during the year in Tokyo Disneyland's Country Bear Theater.
9. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
The submarine ride based on Jules Verne's classic is long gone from Florida's Magic Kingdom, but you can enjoy an even better version in Tokyo DisneySea. A dark ride themed to the journey to the bottom of the sea, this 20K offers some spectacular effects.
No one does musical boat rides better than Disney, and this might be Disney's most charming theme park attraction. Enlivened by Alan Mencken's wonderful theme song, this Sindbad will have you smiling for the rest of your stay at Tokyo DisneySea.
Simply the best TSI anywhere, Tokyo Disneyland's Tom Sawyer Island is, along with the rest of the resort, impeccably maintained. And it's great fun to watch hundreds of Japanese guests embracing this archetypically American adventure.
"Buttered or not?" is soooo boring. You'll be craving Tokyo Disney's many flavored versions long after you return home: Chocolate, strawberry, honey, milk tea, apple cinnamon, corn potage, black pepper, soy sauce, and — our favorite, the delightfully addictive curry.
5. The Shiriki Utundu and the Tower Of Terror Preshow
Tokyo DisneySea's Tower of Terror skips the Twilight Zone theme in favor of telling the story of Harrison Hightower, a pompous explorer who met his, er, downfall, by swiping the Shiriki Utundu idol. You'll hear their story in the most visually amazing preshow at any attraction, anywhere.
4. The S.S. Columbia
Enjoy one of the best meals of your life on board the full-sized S.S. Columbia, moored on the shores of the American Waterfront in Tokyo DisneySea. And if you're not in the mood for a full meal (too much popcorn during the day?), stop in the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge for a drink.
The home of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers at Tokyo DisneySea offers one of the most beautiful and engaging walk-through attractions in the world, a Renaissance citadel devoted to the emergence of science and exploration. In its heart, enter Magellan's and indulge in one of the multi-course, fixed-price gourmet menus that will change forever your expectation of how wonderful a "theme park meal" can be.
Disney's first "trackless" dark ride continues to delight visitors with its charming adventure through the Hundred Acre Wood and other moments from Winnie-the-Pooh. Forget what you might have experienced at the Magic Kingdom and at Disneyland — this is what a Pooh ride ought to be.
1. Journey to the Center of the Earth
We've written extensively about our love for Tokyo DisneySea's centerpiece, and Theme Park Insider readers have endorsed this as the world's best dark ride. One trip on this attraction, and not only will be you grateful that you found a way to visit Tokyo Disney, you'll start thinking about how you can someday visit again.
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Perhaps a Top Ten list can be made by combining Paris and Hong Kong. And that list will still pale in comparison to Tokyo.
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