The Disneyland theme park that isn’t actually Disney – with ‘better’ rides and unique snacks
THERE are six Disney resorts around the world – yet one of them isn’t actually owned by Disney.
While everyone knows of Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland Paris, there is a smaller one further afield.
Tokyo Disney Resort opened in 1983, with two parks at the resort Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which opened later in 2001.
Despite this, it isn’t actually owned by Disney.
It is instead owned by Japanese company, who pay licenses and royalties to Disney.
Tokyo Disneyland is just 115 acres, while Tokyo DisneySea is 176 acres.
This is compared to Disneyland Paris, which is 140 acres, or Disney World’s Magic Kingdom which is 142 acres.
Tokyo Disneyland has many of the well-known rides include Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain, as well as It’s A Small World and Space Mountain.
One unique ride visitors love is Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, which takes guests through the castle before being part of the famous scenes will singing along to the soundtrack.
These are spread across seven lands, all connected visa the central World Bazaar.
This includes Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Toontown and Critter Country – all of which can be visited with one park ticket.
But many people say Tokyo DisneySea is the better park, with other aquatic themed rides such as live Little Mermaid shows, Flounder-themed rollercoasters and boat spinning cups.
The park also has seven lands – American Waterfront, Mediterranean Harbour, Arabian Coast, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Port Discovery and Lost River Delta.
Another unique ride at Tokyo DisneySea is Sinbad’s Storybook Village, a dark ride with original songs inside.
And opening later this year are four new rides.
Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey will let guests singalong to the songs while boarding a boat.
And Tangled themed ride Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, another boat ride, will be inspired by the film‘s lantern scene.
A Peter Pan ride and Tinkerbell ride will also launch in June.
Day tickets can be found for as little as 7900 won, which works out to £41 – a fraction of the other Disney theme parks.
What is Tokyo Disneyland like?
The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Tokyo Disneyland - here's what she thought:
Having visited Tokyo back in 2019, I knew one day trip had to be to the Disney theme park.
One thing that stood out to me was the amazing treats – my favourite being the Toy Story mochi (sticky sweets made from rice flour) that were shaped like the green aliens.
Others included the Mickey’s Fried Chicken Pao Sandwich, with a fluffy steamed bun, as well as the Mike Wazowski Melon Bread and even Mickey shaped churros.
Even the popcorn flavours are unique, with matcha white chocolate and curry flavours.
Apart from that, I found the experience to be less overwhelming (in a good way) compared to other parks, thanks to being much smaller and easy to walk around.
I managed to go on all the classics – It’s A Small World, Space Mountain and Jungle Cruise – while enjoying walking around and taking it in.
I just wished I had made an effort to dress up more – locals really go all out!
Next year, the cheapest day ticket for Disney World will cost $119 (£95).
Tourists who have been to other Disney parks around the world have raved about the Japan version.
One said: “It’s a completely different world compared to the others.
“I had been to the one in Paris which left me speechless, but this one managed to surpass it.”
Another said: “I found the rides superior to those in the US.
“The rides seem to run better and smoother; there is more colour and more characters. Truly magical, amazing rides.
A third said: “Absolutely fantastic theme parks here. They surpass the American and French versions.”
Tourists agreed about Tokyo DisneySea too, saying: “We have been to most Disney parks, Orlando, California, Paris, but there is something about Disneysea that makes it stand out.”
Another agreed: “We have been to Disney parks in USA and Paris but this is my favorite park.”
