Imagine a place where children’s eyes sparkle with wonder, where beloved characters come to life, and where dreams take flight. This place exists, and it’s called Disneyland. No matter where you travel, the enchantment of Disneyland captivates young hearts, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime.
My own daughters, ages 9 and 12, are living proof of Disneyland’s magical allure. They can rattle off their top 50 favorite Disney characters and tell you their backstories in detail. It’s truly amazing! And what better way to celebrate my youngest daughter’s 9th birthday than with a trip to Tokyo Disneyland?
A Birthday Celebration in the Land of the Rising Sun
In honor of my wife’s Japanese heritage, we decided to embark on a family adventure to Tokyo, taking our girls to the legendary Tokyo Disneyland Park. We chose to visit during the week to avoid the throngs of weekend crowds, and our gamble paid off! We were able to experience six of the seven enchanting Theme Lands: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.
Tokyo Disneyland, established in 1983, holds the distinction of being the first Disney park to open its doors after the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Walt Disney himself envisioned his parks as “a happy place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life, of adventure and feel better because of it.” I couldn’t agree more!
A Journey Through Enchanted Lands
Stepping off the train at the JR Maihama Station, we were greeted by the majestic Tokyo Disney Resort, a breathtaking Victorian-style palace. This was the first theme resort in Japan, and it serves as an entertainment extension of Tokyo Disneyland. Conveniently, the Disney Resort Line monorail system allows guests to easily visit all of the Resort’s facilities, including the three enchanting Disney Hotels.
Upon entering through the pearly gates, we found ourselves transported to the early 20th century World Bazaar, a captivating blend of old-world charm and Disney magic. The sights and sounds of this whimsical place were intoxicating. We were greeted by traditional melodies, sweet aromas, and a dazzling array of merchandise, from charming toys and souvenirs to exquisite jewelry and stylish clothing. The anticipation was palpable as we prepared to enter the heart of Disneyland: Cinderella’s Castle in Fantasyland.
In the enchanting Fairy Tale Hall, we marveled at the throne room and the iconic glass slipper, symbols of Cinderella’s fairy-tale journey. Our first ride was the spine-tingling Snow White’s Adventure, a dark and immersive journey through a haunted forest, the Seven Dwarfs Mine, and the Dwarfs’ cottage. We were surprised by witches, vultures, alligators, and ghostly trees that seemed to jump out at us.
Adventures in the Wild West and Beyond
Next, we ventured into Westernland, where the Wild West came to life. We were transported to a cowboy and cowgirl paradise with attractions like the Mark Twain Riverboat, the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts, and the exhilarating Big Thunder Mountain. After a couple of hours of exploring, our feet were tired, so we took a well-deserved break at Mickey’s PhilharMagic cinema house for a 20-minute 3-D extravaganza. The special effects were astounding! We were blown away by eye-deceiving tricks, stunning visuals, and even actual wind and water sprinkles.
Back outside, we were delighted by the joyous atmosphere. We were surrounded by little girls dressed as princesses, adults proudly sporting Mickey ears, and Disneyland staff dressed in traditional kimonos and samurai outfits. It was a truly magical sight! The Dwarfs marched around while monkeys danced to Hawaiian melodies in Adventureland. After a refreshing stop at Squeezer’s Tropical Juice Bar, my daughters played in the Swiss Family Treehouse before hopping aboard the Western River Railroad for a scenic tour of the wilderness.
Delicious Dining and Thrilling Adventures
As lunch approached, we stumbled upon Minnie Mouse grooving with her Latin dance team at Theatre Orleans. The high-energy show was simply fantastic! We were all hungry, and thankfully, Tokyo Disneyland offers a wide range of delicious and nutritious dining options. Some of our favorites included Squeezer’s Tropical Juice Bar and Fresh Fruit Oasis in Adventureland, Eastside Cafe and Restaurant Hokusai with its delectable vegetable tempura (both located in the World Bazaar), and Plaza Restaurant in Tomorrowland with its enticing rice bowls. Since Hokusai had a 40-minute wait, we opted for Eastside. Being vegan and vegetarian, we simply let our host know about our dietary needs, and they were happy to accommodate our dairy-free and meat-free requirements. We enjoyed a hearty vegetable spaghetti pasta with a light side salad.
Reenergized, we raced to Tomorrowland for futuristic journeys on interactive rides like Star Tours, where R2-D2 greeted us before we boarded the spaceship. The 3-D hyper ride in a Starspeeder 1000 took us on a breathtaking journey through the Galaxy, visiting exotic biospheres like Tatooine and Naboo before a crash landing into a brave new world. This was undoubtedly the highlight of our Tokyo Disneyland experience! Next, we took a thrilling taxi ride on Monster’s, Inc. Ride & Go Seek and then rode the Grand Circuit Raceway. Unfortunately, Space Mountain was closed for renovations, but we were still having a blast!
Tips from the Rawlins Family
Our day trip to this fantasyland was absolutely magical. We had a fantastic time, and we learned a few things along the way that we would like to share:
-
Arrive early to beat the crowds.
-
Use FASTPASS as often as possible.
-
Wear comfortable clothing and running shoes to avoid discomfort.
-
Eat a big, healthy breakfast before arriving.
-
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
-
Bring a portable charger for your phone.
-
Don’t forget your camera!
Beyond the Magic: Events and More
Tokyo Disneyland offers a calendar of exciting events throughout the year, including the Disney Tanabata Days (Japanese star festival), Disney Natsu Matsuri (summer festival), Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights featuring Rapunzel, the Stitch Encounter, Disney’s Halloween, and Christmas Fantasy. There’s always something magical happening at Tokyo Disneyland!
For more information and to book your family adventure, visit www.TokyoDisneyResort.jp. You won’t be disappointed! Tanoshinde! (Have fun!)
Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And it’s true! The magic of Disneyland continues to inspire and delight generations of visitors. This isn’t just a theme park; it’s a place where dreams take flight, where families create lasting memories, and where the joy of childhood never fades.
