Bring the Kids to Tokyo DisneySea Part 1

Because I love to expose my kids to culture, DisneySea was not on my priority list. Plus, it was expensive. If not for my husband, who wanted to bring my kids to the happiest place on Earth, my kids would have missed such a must-visit attraction in Tokyo. We went there 2 days before your departure ( definitely a last-minute decision) and dealt with a rainy weather. At least it was not snowing.

Japan has Tokyo DisneyLand and Tokyo DisneySea. We opted to choose DisneySea simply because it is the one of its kind in the world. I can bring the kids to Hong Kong Disneyland. Visiting both for me will be an overkill, you can hardly see all attraction in one park alone.

A little info about Tokyo DisneySea

Inspired by legends and tales of the ocean, Tokyo DisneySea is located along Tokyo Bay in Chiba, outside Tokyo. First opened in 2001, this is the perfect theme parks for older kids or those who want to the typical Disney princesses. With kids ages 7-11, choosing DisneySea was no brainer. I haven’t been to any Disney theme park but many have said that this is the best Disney Park in the world.

DisneySea has seven themes or ports of call from Mediterranean Harbor to Mermaid Lagoon, each with different rides and attractions. If you are bringing small children, it is totally fine you’ll see later some rides that little kids can enjoy. Personally, DisneySea is for older children.

Welcome to DisneySea!

There are many direct buses in and around Tokyo that will take you to Tokyo DisneySea. We took a bus from Yokohama Station for less than an hour. Like any other destination in Japan, everything is convenient.

We arrived early and the characters greeted the crowd. Too bad, we didn’t chase them for a photo. I thought I can see them again.

The first thing that greets you is the imposing Mt. Prometheus, serving as Tokyo DisneySea’s icon.

Attractions and Rides at DisneySea

Rest assured the kids were not gloomy. They just don’t like stopping for photos. 😉

Port of Discovery: Aquatopia

Our first ride was Aquatopia. No height restrictions, even grand parents can ride. You don’t control the ride though. Water bumping, you instantly feel like a child again. I think I humiliated by husband with all my shouting. haha

Beside it is the newest attraction – Finding Nemo but the line was too long. We had our lunch at the Port of Discovery Area. They offer dining with characters but make sure you book a reservation.

Performances at Port of Discovery

Mysterious Island

Enter the volcano and go deeper into the center of the Earth. This seems like the park’s centrepiece. One of the craziest ride is this. My son, Aki and my niece took the ride and I think my son peed on his pants. haha He said it was just scary, but we are proud that he conquered it with his cousin.

Another ride for kids but my husband felt claustrophobic riding the tight-spaced”water tank” in total darkness while being “submerge” underwater. But it was Liam’s favorite ride. We rode it twice.

I love the ride that took us to mysterious creatures. Liam thought they were real! And I also thought we were really under water. During our second ride, I touched the water tank ride but it was not wet. Hmm.. I wonder how they do it.

Around Mystery Island

The iconic volcano at night

Mermaid Lagoon

Childhood flashback! If Ariel is your favorite Disney princess, then we might be of the same age. Something to look forward but I was hoping Prince Eric was roaming around the park. Those with little children will like this port of call.

Plenty of rides and play area for little kids. The main draw here is Ariel’s Theater and it was Disney magic when I saw Ariel flying above us. She was too tiny!

One of their gift shops. That eyelids and lashes move, by the way.

Ariel fans, unite!

Arabian Coast

Head here if you are bringing smaller children. There are plenty of rides that they’ll enjoy. Such as this, Jasmine’s Flying Carpet. If you are plus size like me, don’t worry. You’ll fit. 😀

My younger niece wants to bring us to Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage. It is child-friendly even for small children and one of the few attractions that allow photography ( as long as now flash). Take the ride and enjoy the gigantic puppets. Amazing.