is disneysea worth going to? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

DISNEYaddict4evr

06-20-2011, 10:45 AM

I haven't been there yet, but from my research and positive remarks on this board it is most definitely worth going there, it seems 2 day is a minimum amount of time to visit the parks, but 4 would be best. I myself only have time for 2 days. Staying onsite is quiet pricey but the good neighbors hotels are just as good and half the price and come with all the same perks. I will be staying at the Grand Sheraton since it right across the street from the monorail station

ChrisFL

06-20-2011, 12:55 PM

is the earth round?

YES, DisneySEA is the crown jewel of theme parks IMO...I advise anyone who likes Disney in the slightest to visit, the place is incredible!!

vettegirl

06-20-2011, 01:32 PM

Disneysea was closed when I was there in April, but from what I saw and what I have read you better believe it's worth going to. DL itself was fun, but next time I am just going to Disneysea. It looked amazing from what I could see from DL.

DisCopper

06-20-2011, 07:05 PM

I'm in the minority here when it comes to the Tokyo parks, but here are my 2 cents:

Yes, both Parks are worth seeing. Unless I was in Tokyo for a very short time, I wouldn't miss them.

(Here's where the "minority" part comes in). I'd say that you should spend a day in each Park. AND since you're even questioning this, you might want to consider only spending one day (half in each Park). The trick with that is that you are going to have to buy full day tickets for both. I'd also carefully evaluate the crowd level expectations for that time, as you won't see much if it's very busy.

I went to Japan to see Japan, not Disney. Don't get me wrong, I love the Disney Parks, and make it to Florida about once a year (for at least a couple days). There was also no way that I would have skipped taking a look in Tokyo. However, as neat as Tokyo Disneyland is, it is very similar to the Magic Kingdom. There are a couple of dramatic differences that you have to see, but the Haunted Mansion (for example) was almost an exact clone.

DisneySea has some incredible things, but it also has a flop or two (one of the coasters, can't remember the name). Someone else called it the "crown jewel" of Disney Parks. I'd disagree with that: the Florida Parks win for me. Everyone has their favorites, though. I do agree that they need to build a DisneySea in Florida! But to be honest, we spent the morning on a very busy day at DisneySea. We saw the whole Park without really going commando.

I know other people here on the boards go to the Tokyo Parks for a week or so. I'd, honestly, get bored, and anxious to get out and see what else Tokyo has to offer (and it has more to offer than you can imagine). You can also easily get to other parts of the country by train. I just don't understand skipping all of Japan in favor of a week in Disney.

Of course, if money and time weren't a problem, I would spend a week, and then move on to see Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, etc..

adamandkate

06-21-2011, 04:42 PM

I went to Japan to see Japan, not Disney.

Thankyou for this. I think you said exactly what i was worring about. I have a new job that MAY travel to japan. But it may not. So I dont want to waste a once in a lifetime oppertunity to be sent for free! But also i dont wanna regret missing out on disney. Guess ill spend a day or two there, and experience the feel of it, rather then try to see every little detail.

danceintherain

06-23-2011, 04:24 AM

I'm in the minority here when it comes to the Tokyo parks, but here are my 2 cents:

Yes, both Parks are worth seeing. Unless I was in Tokyo for a very short time, I wouldn't miss them.

(Here's where the "minority" part comes in). I'd say that you should spend a day in each Park. AND since you're even questioning this, you might want to consider only spending one day (half in each Park). The trick with that is that you are going to have to buy full day tickets for both. I'd also carefully evaluate the crowd level expectations for that time, as you won't see much if it's very busy.

I went to Japan to see Japan, not Disney.

I know other people here on the boards go to the Tokyo Parks for a week or so. I'd, honestly, get bored, and anxious to get out and see what else Tokyo has to offer (and it has more to offer than you can imagine). You can also easily get to other parts of the country by train. I just don't understand skipping all of Japan in favor of a week in Disney.

Of course, if money and time weren't a problem, I would spend a week, and then move on to see Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, etc..

I think your opinion is perfectly valid. I am struggling with the decision to go to the Tokyo parks, and I'm only a 2 hour plane flight away. It seems a little silly to go to Japan and spend excessive time at Disney. Granted, my plan includes a few days in other places (mostly Kyoto), but we'll have a baby between 1 and 2 years old when we go (he's 11 months now), which makes it a bit more complicated. I would go for longer, but then I have to sacrifice time in other countries. At the moment, my plan is 4 days at Disney and 4 days in Kyoto.

I've made a general list of the things I want to see and do in Japan and Disney and Kyoto seem to cover the majority. If I get sick of Disney, while in Tokyo, I can always venture out into the rest of the city and see some other things.

OP: Maybe if you plan Disney at the beginning of your time in Tokyo, you can add more time there if you feel the need. If you go to Tokyo at the end of your trip, you can better gauge the things you enjoyed in the rest of Japan. For example, you may be sick of museums or shrines, and decide a few extra hours at Disney would be worth it.

DISNEYaddict4evr

06-23-2011, 10:04 AM

Thankyou for this. I think you said exactly what i was worring about. I have a new job that MAY travel to japan. But it may not. So I dont want to waste a once in a lifetime oppertunity to be sent for free! But also i dont wanna regret missing out on disney. Guess ill spend a day or two there, and experience the feel of it, rather then try to see every little detail.

Thats what did with my touring in Japan. I arrive Oct.5 and spend the 6th and 7th in TDL. Then on the 8th I head to Shinjuku for the start of my tour. with three days touring Tokyo and a few days shopping, then I head to Hakone for 2 days and Kyoto and Osaka for three. Disney is not my main reason for going to Japan, it was just a perk. My main reason for going in Anime souvenirs :rotfl:. I know I'm a dork, half my money budget is for anime and Disney souvenirs :banana:.

In short I agree that going to tokyo you should be sure to see the country and treat TDL and an added bonus to the trip, not the whole trip.

txmama

06-24-2011, 10:25 AM

IMHO, Disney Sea is the most stunning theme park I've ever seen. I love the Florida parks, and if I had the choice I'd still pick going there, but Disney Sea is incredible - definitely not to be missed! :)

Mrsjvb

06-26-2011, 02:49 PM

I used to live there so it was easy for me to see Japan on other days.

each park can be done in one day, easily. However unless you bleed Disney and your life's ambition is to hit every Walt Disney World on the planet Ueno park is a better use of finite and limited touristy resources. the Rodins just outside the Museum of Western Art alone are worth the Yen it costs to take the train... heck, Gates of Hell by and of itself is enough.

That being Said DisneySea is much nicer overall than Tokyo Disney. but do not go there expecting a WDW style park.. MUCH less emphasis on rides and much MORE on shopping and dining. It's just the culture.

Mrsjvb

06-26-2011, 03:08 PM

Thats what did with my touring in Japan. I arrive Oct.5 and spend the 6th and 7th in TDL. Then on the 8th I head to Shinjuku for the start of my tour. with three days touring Tokyo and a few days shopping, then I head to Hakone for 2 days and Kyoto and Osaka for three. Disney is not my main reason for going to Japan, it was just a perk. My main reason for going in Anime souvenirs :rotfl:. I know I'm a dork, half my money budget is for anime and Disney souvenirs :banana:.

In short I agree that going to tokyo you should be sure to see the country and treat TDL and an added bonus to the trip, not the whole trip.

Hakone is one of our favorite places to visit. be sure and get an egg at the springs...

hit up the 100 Yen stores. you might find some very good anime stuff there. but at the larger ones.

GrtWtNorth

07-02-2011, 05:01 AM

We spent 17 days in Japan, including 4 days at the Disney Parks. It was a relaxing break, but we know we could go back and spend another two weeks in Japan, without repeating anything we saw previously.

I would strongly suggest spending a full day (gate-open to fireworks finale) at Tokyo Disney Sea. It is a unique Disney park, and even the attractions repeated (like Tower of Terror) have important differences that enhence the guest experience. (Like no Twighlight Zone story line. Their story is better.) IMO, while TDL has a few unique attractions, you can skip it without too much guilt.

If time was no object and your party is motivated adults, two days at each park is enough to experience everything. (With kid nap requirements, we didn't quite see it all.)

Note: there's no denying that there is Japanese culture inside the parks. In the food especially. One thing that we found confusing and a bit frustrating was that no food was repeated at any counter service restaurant. Inside each park, there was only one place to buy burgers, one place to buy pizza, one place to buy noodles, one place to buy hot dogs, one place to buy gyoza, one place to buy sushi.... If your group is craving a variety of foods, prepare to cross the park to satisfy everyone.

corgi_monster

07-28-2011, 06:46 AM

YES, DisneySEA is the crown jewel of theme parks IMO...I advise anyone who likes Disney in the slightest to visit, the place is incredible!!

I agree 100%! The magic of DisneySea is in the details, and it's the most well executed park I've been to. This park is about seeing and experiencing more so than it is about the rides. Don't get me wrong, the rides are good, but they don't compare to Soarin' or Toy Story Midway Mania.

You can spend a full day at TDS and probably do most of the park. If you rather spend time in Tokyo, Disneyland can probably be skipped. I guess it's a little like McDonalds in Tokyo - it's a little like the American version, but with a Japanese twist. One of the best ways to understand another culture is to see how they've tweaked ours.

DISNEYaddict4evr

07-28-2011, 10:22 AM

Hakone is one of our favorite places to visit. be sure and get an egg at the springs...

hit up the 100 Yen stores. you might find some very good anime stuff there. but at the larger ones.

Thanks for the advice, I had planned to check out the hot springs, just hoping I can find my way there from the hotel I'm at ::sigh:: Kinda scary since I am going by myself and don't speak any japanese. It will definitely be an adventure :rotfl:

corgi_monster

07-28-2011, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the advice, I had planned to check out the hot springs, just hoping I can find my way there from the hotel I'm at ::sigh:: Kinda scary since I am going by myself and don't speak any japanese. It will definitely be an adventure :rotfl:

It's really easy to get to Hakone - the train leaves from Shinjuku station and you don't need to transfer. The extra money they charge for the romance car is definitely worth it! I can't remember the names of the station in Hakone, but everything is pretty straightforward and there was never a moment when we questioned where we needed to go.

Black sulfur eggs are yummy!

Arizonaboy

08-03-2011, 04:32 PM

Planning a family trip to Japan. What is the Park cost there compared to here in the states?

TreyQ3

08-03-2011, 09:04 PM

We stayed on property at the Disneyland hotel which allowed us to purchase the park hopper version starting on day 1. The cost for the 3 day pass was Y15,500 ($198USD) for each adult, Y13,500 ($172USD) for ages 12-17 and Y10,300 ($131USD) for ages 4-11.

The price for the regular 3 day pass that allows park hopping only on day 3 is Y13,800, Y12,300 and Y9,500 respectively.

The Original~Mad4mky

08-20-2011, 11:32 AM

Is DisneySea worth going to??? OMG---YES!!!!

It was the MOST amazing park ever. I'd skip TDL to go back to DisneySea. Just amazing!!

Aussie Wendy

09-17-2011, 12:05 AM

Thats what did with my touring in Japan. I arrive Oct.5 and spend the 6th and 7th in TDL. Then on the 8th I head to Shinjuku for the start of my tour. with three days touring Tokyo and a few days shopping, then I head to Hakone for 2 days and Kyoto and Osaka for three. Disney is not my main reason for going to Japan, it was just a perk. My main reason for going in Anime souvenirs :rotfl:. I know I'm a dork, half my money budget is for anime and Disney souvenirs :banana:.

In short I agree that going to tokyo you should be sure to see the country and treat TDL and an added bonus to the trip, not the whole trip.

Please post a trip report! We might be able to manage a trip to Japan next year if Jetstar keeps having special deals and what you plan to do would mirror my thoughts except maybe a bit less in Tokyo and a bit more south(nothing like having others do my research for me!!)

craftymama71

09-19-2011, 02:47 AM

YES YES YES. We went in August last year. I think we chose the hottest day to go:eek: But we had a ball. It is 'different' to the other Disney parks. You just have to experience it for yourself.

breakaway

09-20-2011, 11:26 PM

I want to go so bad.

khiguchi

10-13-2011, 10:48 AM

Hi everyone!

Short answer to the main question posted: YES! If you have the opportunity, definitely go to Tokyo DisneySea. It is an amazing experience.

I have a little about TDS in a post I wrote in my blog a while back; you are welcome to check it out and I'd be happy to chat with anyone regarding the Tokyo Disney Resort :)

http://shiawaselife.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/happy-27th-birthday-tokyo-disneyland/

ichabody

10-18-2011, 01:16 AM

We went to Tokyo Disneyland for the first time last year. We only had one day and chose Disneyland over Tokyo DisneySea...oh well, we will definitely go back someday!

Well, we loved Tokyo Disneyland...the magic is in the details. The park is crowded most days (hey, it's Tokyo!!) and so Disney spent a lot of effort enhancing the queue areas. Our favorite was Splash Mountain...the queue was unbelievable as most of the line is inside the mountain and there are so many quaint critter houses all over. The ride was fabulous...and dry!!! Japanese don't enjoy getting wet riding attractions and so the water flow is controlled. At least, that's what I heard. Big Thunder Mountain has amazing detail, and the castle and courtyard, well, it's just as impressive as the Magic Kingdom.

Our highlight of the day was one that we didn't expect to be...and that was Pooh's Hunny Hunt ride. OMGosh!!! It's the best ride there in my opinion. Get a fastpass, then get in line so you can experience this twice.

rillsung

10-18-2011, 04:19 PM

We did a week in Tokyo and spent the first 4 days at TDR. We did the first day at Tokyo Disneyland for familiarity, though it was very different. Then the second day at DisneySea and the third day at DisneySea and the 4th day was DisneySea but we hopped back to Disneyland to catch the Main Street Electrical Parade and finish what we didn't the first day. As others have said, DisneySea is the best theme park ever. They did an amazing job with the details, opposite of the original California Adventure that was built at the same time.

Then we spent the other 4 days doing Tokyo stuff :) Our trip was 5 years ago already and we always get the itch to go back to DisneySea :)

lyn9856

10-19-2011, 02:47 AM

Can't wait to go! :banana:
We have 12 nights in Tokyo leaving UK on Boxing day! Planning 4 days for the Disney parks and the rest for Tokyo itself with day trips to Hakone and Kyoto if possible depending on how we manage to negotiate the public holiday period
Lyn

marsol

10-24-2011, 10:29 PM

If you can only go to one Disney theme park in Japan, we highly recommend Tokyo Disney Sea. We were there last July and it was absolutely incredible. You can check my blog on my signature for a trip report on Disney Sea.

wingednike

10-26-2011, 10:51 AM

Yes!! Go if you have a chance.

I was in Japan for about two weeks and Disney Sea is truly a magical place. It brings out the, "Wow, awesome!" factor in a big way.

shelemm

11-09-2011, 01:32 PM

No Disney fan should miss DisneySea if they have the chance. No question about it. There is nothing else in Tokyo that is worth seeing THAT much (again, if you are a Disney fan).

DL, however, is mostly the same as MK. With one big exception: Pooh's Hunny Hunt. Aside from that one ride, you can miss TDL without a worry in the world. Now, one ride might not seem like such a great reason to spend a day in a theme park, but in the case of PHH, it is ALMOST worth it. Seriously, it's the best theme park ride in the world, and nobody will ever make one like it again. It cost too much money to build. They were insane for building it. They had the idea, and they didn't care how much it cost. How often does something like that happen?

It only takes one day to see each of the parks, so taking one day away from Tokyo for DisneySea is an easy decision for a Disney fan.

For our four days in Tokyo (seven days in Japan) , we spent two in the parks. The TDL hotels are too rich for my blood, so we stayed at the Park Lane Nishikasai which has a shuttle to the parks but is also at a subway stop, so it was easy visiting Tokyo from the hotel.

disneyworld1977

11-10-2011, 04:44 PM

I was just thinking about Tokyo DL and DisneySea. We have our 15th anniversary in 2013 and thought about doing something very nice! This is what crossed my mind. I am glad I ran across this post. Always heard DisneySea was special, and I see people still agree. I am excited about going, yet also nervous since all my traveling has been in the states. Have never been overseas, will be an adventure to say the least !! Looking forward to it though either way.

shelemm

11-11-2011, 08:57 AM

Anytime you travel outside the US, you must be prepared for a language barrier. You should assume people will not speak English. If they do, that's great, but if they don't you should look upon it as an adventure and a learning experience.

Anyhwere you go you should take one of those pocket phrase books, and look up handy phrases on the plane ride before you get there. I found I could look up and say almost anything I was likely to say with just a tiny bit of effort. It only took me a few moments for me to figure out how to say "I'd like the the front row," in Japanese before going on Journey to the Center of the Earth.

It can be frustrating, but it is a question of attitude. At one amusement park, I bought a ticket book I thought was 'unlimited access,' that I could go on all the rides ONCE. Each time I entered a ride, the ticket book would get punched with the number of the ride. What I didn't understand was that the ticket book was only good for a certain amount of points (each ride was worth a specific number of points), so that when I ran out of points I could no longer enter any of the rides. Nobody could explain this to me, and it caused a certain amount of frustration on my part. If I had a bad attitude, it could have wrecked my time there. But I finally understood and chalked it up to experience and laughed about it and added more points to my ticket book.

glendroid

01-30-2012, 03:39 AM

Its like going to Epcot. It's not your typical theme park experience. You'll not ride as many rides, but have a great time experiencing different environments that immerse you like no other.

tokyodisneydad

02-27-2012, 04:40 AM

I almost fell out of my seat when I read your question....then I realized it was a valid question for someone who hasn't experienced it. My answer is YES a very big YES!!! I hae been to every park except Paris. Disney SEA surpasses all of them by a long way. It's not because I live here either. I am originally from Georgia and once upon a time did a 6 month music internship at EPCOT. Disney SEA is in a different category to everything else. I won't go into the details here as that won't help, but if you want the details PM me before you come. It is currently the 10 year anniversary so alot of extra is going on.
Tokyo Disneyland is what the Magic Kingdom used to be...not criticizing the Florida parks, but for me alot of magic has been lost simply due to CM attitudes. OPINION please don't flame me. In addition the Pooh's Honey Hunt is the best current attraction there...ALOT different from stateside.
Oh and by the way I have been here 13 years and am in one of the parks atleast once a month, sometimes I go to Disney SEA just for lunch.

ChrisFL

02-27-2012, 10:11 AM

Harry Potter

02-28-2012, 05:09 AM

Wow, I never thought I would hear somebody ask such a thing.
Of course, Tokyo Disneysea is worth going to! It is the best theme park in the world, bar none.

I was lucky enough to make the trip to Tokyo in October, and the day after my birthday I filmed a tour of the park:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TD3P1emHM8

It's only me walking around with my camera, but at least it will give you a sense of scale of the park, as well as its greatness.

As I walking through, I kept thinking to myself OMG I cannot believe I am seeing with my own eyes the kind of detail I have admired in photos for years!
:thumbsup2