If you are going to visit "The happiest place on Earth," it would be well-advised to make sure that you are actually happy. We waited until our last full day in Japan to explore a version of a theme park that is no more than twenty minutes from our front door; and while we weren't exactly unhappy, we were definitely at the point in our trip when the novelties of what we initially thought were the most charming customs and unique characteristics of Japanese culture were seriously beginning to wear off. Our mental state, aggravated by an epic forced march through the bowels of Tokyo Station, followed by a sardine-can train ride, had us feeling (for the very first time) a little wistful for America - a land where dignity and restraint, minding one's manners, and respect for others are policies almost unanimously vetoed in favor of the freedom to complain...noisily...to anyone who will listen.
Don't misunderstand me, we truly loved Japan. We even loved Tokyo Disneyland. It was pretty marvelous getting the opportunity to see such a concentrated version of American culture as experienced in a foreign country. We were just a little grumpy (and maybe sneezy, sleepy, and dopey too).
Despite our grumblings, things were looking up when we got to the ticket booth and realized that we could visit both of Tokyo's Disney parks for less than the price of a one-park ticket at home. We began the day at Tokyo Disneyland where the recently-debuted "Happiness is Here" parade, as designed by our good pals, was taking place (an entire post will soon be dedicated to its awesomeness, stay tuned).
Main Street, U.S.A. |
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The Haunted Mansion It is only natural to compare each Disneyland ride to its Japanese counterpart. I was hoping to experience this ride sans the Nightmare Before Christmas layering; still, with pride I say that Anaheim's Haunted Mansion is superior - at least when it comes to the facade. A decaying Southern plantation is much more frightening than Toad Hall. Be warned, Tokyo Disneyland doesn't tolerate any hijinks; I may or may not have shut down the ride after knocking on the next "Doom Buggy" over - old habits die hard. |
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Now this is where Tokyo has California beat; Tokyo's Big Thunder seems faster, longer, and more fun. Somehow the Wild West is wilder in the far east. |
Cinderella's Castle
I hate to say it, but this waking beauty kind of puts Sleeping Beauty's
Castle to shame...I've always been more of a Cinderella fan anyway.
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Mary put together an Instagram video of our Disneyland experience.
Please don't take offense; a natural mimic, I spent our whole
two-week vacation trying to refine my impressions and received
a host of compliments on my accent.
Having hit most of the highlights of Disneyland, it was high time (according to the Mickey Mouse clock) for us to head over to Disney Sea via the monorail.
The Monorail The mickey clock, windows, and ring-handled straps almost made the monorail worth the fact that we had to pay for the ride - unheard of at Disneyland, CA. |
Built just on the other side of a seawall from the actual sea, Disney Sea is a water-themed park rather than a themed water park; each land is dedicated to an area of the world that has a connection (if only very loosely) with a large body of water. Instead of a railroad that circles the park (like Disneyland California), Disney Sea takes guests on a circular tour of the park via water taxi! Although we arrived at the the park after sundown, the incredible effort taken to create beautiful landscapes and interesting environments was quite evident.
Lost River Delta Lost River Delta is home to Indiana Jones and the roller coaster, Raging Sprits. Not wanting a raging headache, I let Mary ride it alone while I returned to The Arabian Coast for a ride that was more my speed - Jasmine's Flying Carpets. |
The American Waterfront
Perhaps, it was because we were feeling just a touch homesick that we found this area so special.
From the Queen Mary lookalike to the New England port town to the mini Atlantic City, the American Waterfront
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I will admit that it did seem odd to me to dedicate an entire day of our once-in-a-lifetime Japan adventure to a byproduct of distinctly-American culture - and maybe it was. A trip to Disneyland is a requisite stop for those visiting Southern California but what American tourist makes it a point to go all the way to Japan only to visit Disneyland? Actually, I can answer that. We spotted a few couples/families who, in all their obvious Disney dorkery, apparently devote every vacation to exploring the world's Disney theme parks. While we're not quite that dorky, we are happy to have visited Japan's "Happiest Place on Earth."
Do you think Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth? If you went all the way to Japan, would you spend a day at Disneyland?
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
Mr. Tiny
Nice pictures! I don't think we would spend a day there if we go one day to Japan. I have always asked my self why half of Disneyland Paris visitors are american.... To have also visited, Orlando and Anaheim ones, it's pretty always the same attractions!
ReplyDeleteBut it's always out of time, feeling like a child for a few hours... perhaps not the happiest place on earth, but makes you forget your problems for one day at least!
Thank you! It was odd to see a few other Americans at Disneyland. I felt like we had a valid reason to be there...but I guess they probably did too!
DeleteLove the photos and fun times! If I had enough time I'd check out Disney in Tokyo but a trip to the Ghibli Museum would be paramount ;) Looks like you guys had a blast, I explored a lot of Okinawa but can't wait to visit the Japanese mainland.
ReplyDeleteThanks! There is so much of Japan to explore. I know that we missed a lot (Mt. Fuji) and can't wait to go back!!
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