Japan Tour Guide: Should You Visit Disneyland or DisneySea?

Every Japan tour guide has probably seen people confused about the differences between Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. And that`s okay! These two parks are indeed similar in many ways, but there`s a slew of things that you can only find in one or the other. 

Either way, both places are magical destinations for Disney lovers, young and old. That said, read on to find out about the biggest differences between Disneyland and DisneySea before you book a trip! 

Disneyland is a “Classic” experience

A good Japan tour guide will make it clear that if you`re looking for a more familiar experience, then Tokyo Disneyland is for you. The rides and attractions are as classic as they can get, as proven by how the park is divided into these sections:

• World Bazaar: A covered main street with shops and restaurants inspired by 19th-century themes.
• Adventureland: This section is home to Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise.
• Westernland: A Western-themed section featuring Big Thunder Mountain, where you could live out your American cowboy fantasies!
• Fantasyland: This is where true Disney Magic lies, featuring Cinderella’s Castle and Peter Pan’s Flight.
• Tomorrowland: A futuristic section showcasing classic attractions like Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.

Also, a good chunk of the rides in Disneyland will be family-friendly. If you have your kids with you, then this should be the place you take them to as it`s more or less a “one-size-fits-all” kind of tour.

DisneySea offers more unique, immersive attractions

If Tokyo Disneyland is a classic, familiar vibe, then DisneySea is more specialized and should cater to folks who want to see something different and more immersive. Also, the park is clearly ocean-themed as it says in the name. There are also bits of exploration and adventure themes in there for good measure.

All of the creature comforts of a typical Disney park are here. But there are specific attractions that are unique to DisneySea, such as these: 

• Mediterranean Harbor: Inspired heavily by the beautiful Italian coast, complete with gondolas and waterfront dining. 
• Mysterious Island: An area dedicated to the classic age of explorers from the 19th century, Mysterious Island is for those looking to venture into the unknown. It features the ride called Journey to the Center of the Earth. 
• Mermaid Lagoon: An undersea world based on The Little Mermaid. Try not to sing the iconic “Under the Sea” while in here! 
• Arabian Coast: This section brings the iconic film Aladdin to life with Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage.
• Lost River Delta: An “uncharted land” featuring the attraction called Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull. In it, guests are treated to a quest to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. Along the way, they dodge booby traps and “fight” supernatural foes.
• Port Discovery: A futuristic marina with Aquatopia–the “successor” to the original Motorboat Cruise and Autopia rides. 
• American Waterfront: A district designed to look like early 20th-century New York. It features the Tower of Terror ride, a drop ride that has its own storyline. 

When booking a trip here with a Japan tour guide, be aware that DisneySea offers a more tailored experience to “veterans” of Disney theme parks. If you feel like you`ve seen all there is to any Disneyland ever, then go to DisneySea for things that can only be seen here and nowhere else. 

Themed Dining and Shopping

Lastly, both Disneyland and DisneySea offer their own slew of restaurants and shopping centers. But each park will have these places unique to them. So take note of these before browsing for a Japan tour guide! 

Tokyo Disneyland:

• Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall: An Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant.
• Crystal Palace Restaurant: A buffet with various dishes.
• Shopping: Lots of character merchandise and souvenirs, especially in World Bazaar.

Tokyo DisneySea:

• Magellan’s: A fine dining restaurant with a nautical theme.
• Casbah Food Court: Offering Middle Eastern dishes on the Arabian Coast.
• Shopping: Unique items themed around the different ports and attractions.

All in all, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea each offer their own magical experiences. Whether you prefer the classic charm of Disneyland or the unique adventure of DisneySea, both parks are must-visits for anyone!