You've probably heard the hype, but DisneySea really lives up to it-and then some. We first visited in December 2023, amidst cool weather and a quieter crowd (due to lingering COVID distancing), and returned in summer 2025, when we experienced new areas, longer lines, and fresh energy all around. Here’s everything-from the Disney-themed train ride into the park, to every port, ride, show, food, and tips you’ll need.
🚆 Getting There: The Disney Train from Central Tokyo
Just like Disneyland, reaching DisneySea is easy. We took the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station-about 20‑25 minutes-and that’s where the fun really begins. Step onto the Disney Resort Line monorail, and instantly the windows are shaped like Mickey ears, with themed decor all around. It’s such a cute intro to the magic. So yes-carry your camera, because the train ride itself is picture-worthy.
❄️ December 2023 vs 🌞 Summer 2025: Two Totally Different Vibes
December 2023
Our first time at DisneySea was in December. We felt like we had the park more to ourselves thanks to social-distancing rules still in place. Wandering around was dreamy-every corner filled with stunning detail. We stuck to Mermaid Lagoon a lot because it was warm and sheltered-perfect for beating the chill. Plus we rode every ride in there before we cooled off!
Highlights:
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Journey to the Center of the Earth - my all-time favorite ride-it nearly killed me with thrill, but 10/10.
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Tower of Terror - that drop still haunts me.
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Toy Story Mania - it was so fun, and I’d even say it dethroned Buzz for me that day.
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Popcorn buckets, beauty in every turn, and random character greetings (though still socially distanced).
We even had a quirky lunch with the kids choosing a triple sandwich stack - strawberry-banana custard, roast beef, and seafood - and me sticking to a pastrami sandwich because I’m basic, hahaha.
We gushed: “Absolute banger. Best park ever. I still think Tokyo DisneySea might be my favorite park now. Sorry WDW-TDS is on another level.”
Summer 2025
Fast forward to summer-and Fantasy Springs was open (more on that in a sec). Crowds were noticeably higher. Premier Access bought us Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, which we grabbed first thing because lines were bonkers. We tried for other attractions too, but those sold out fast. Seriously-book as early as you can in the app or risk missing the big ones.
We focused on rides at Mermaid Lagoon again-lines were shorter and breeze open. Indiana Jones was new for us, too-and that was amazing. We probably rode everything in that area midday when the park was busiest.
🧭 Port-by‑Port Guide
Mediterranean Harbour
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Venetian Gondolas: serene canal ride with singing gondoliers. Total chill zone.
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Fortress Explorations: interactive Renaissance-themed play space-great to wander but not a ride.
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The first time, we just admired the architecture. In 2025, daytime shows like Sea of Dreams evening spectacular (Premier Access ~¥2,500) stole our hearts.
Mysterious Island
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Journey to the Center of the Earth: My favorite ride ever-thrilling slot-car coaster with a volcano launch. Every time I ride I nearly die-but it’s totally worth it. 10/10.
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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: unique submarine dark ride under the Atlantis-like cavern.
Lost River Delta
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Indiana Jones Adventure: we did this ride in summer 2025 and wow-it delivered big thrills in Indiana Jones style.
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Raging Spirits: only looping coaster at Tokyo DisneySea: one intense inversion around ancient ruins.
Port Discovery
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SeaRider (Nemo and Friends): simulator ride like Star Tours. Airy and fun.
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Aquatopia: fun concept but skip it if you’re short on time.
Mermaid Lagoon
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Our go-to in both trips-it’s visually stunning and warm, perfect for kids or adults needing mellow vibes.
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Rides like Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster, Scuttle’s Scooters, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Blowfish Balloon Race, and Mermaid Lagoon Theater. We did all of them in both years because lines were manageable. In the evening, the lagoon lights glowed-gorgeous.
Arabian Coast
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Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage: charming boat ride with original songs.
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Jasmine’s Flying Carpets, Magic Lamp Theater, and Caravan Carousel—fun for mid-day downtime.
American Waterfront
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Tower of Terror: still terrifying. Worth Premier Access when crowds are high.
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Toy Story Mania!: still a huge hit; in 2023 we still got a ride, but in 2025 lines were longer-we grabbed Premier Access for that too.
Fantasy Springs (opened June 6, 2024)
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This is the new super-port themed to Frozen Kingdom, Rapunzel’s Forest, and Peter Pan’s Never Land. as of April 2025, you do not need to get the Standby Pass anymore but can still purchase the Disney Premier Access (¥2,000 per ride)
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We prioritized Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure with Premier Access. It was fabulous. Then we tried for Rapunzel and Frozen-but those sold out nearly instantly.
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Entry required arriving super early, like 8:15–8:30am, and refreshing until gates opened early.
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It’s immersive and beautiful-be sure to wander Rapunzel’s forest and Frozen Kingdom if you get in.
🍴 Food & Snacks We Ate
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Churros both times- Tokyo Churros have cool seasonal fillings.
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Turkey Leg- giant and flavorful snack classic.
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Popcorn- we collected buckets: in 2023 I got the Beauty and the Beast bucket; in 2025 we picked up the new Toy Story bucket. Flavors rotate, too—so some you tried in December might be gone by summer.
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Beef in Demi-Glace Sauce with Rice, Egg, and Fried Prawns – This was one of our absolute favorites on our summer 2025 trip. Comforting, flavorful, and filling. ¥1,200 (about $8.12 USD).
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Crème Brûlée Churro – Yes, it exists. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, with that caramelized sugar top. A solid treat for ¥600 (around $4.06).
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Snacks change seasonally, so it’s always fun to try something new each visit.
🎟️ Premier Access Tips (and Standby Passes)
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Premier Access is available for major rides and shows (Peter Pan FS, Frozen, Rapunzel, Soaring, Toy Story Mania, Tower, Journey). Prices ~¥1,500 (rides) to ¥2,500 (shows).
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You can only buy one at a time, then must wait an hour (or until you use it) before buying another-even if your partner tries separately.
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For Fantasy Springs rides, a Standby Pass is required even to enter, plus Premier for quicker boarding.
In summer 2025, we booked Peter Pan early. Other Fantasy Springs passes were sold out, so be ready.
🎇 Night Shows & Character Encounters
In December 2023, character interactions were socially distanced-so no hugs, just waves. By summer 2025, it was spontaneous: characters walked around freely and came right up for pics-so fun!
The evening show Believe! Sea of Dreams in Mediterranean Harbor was stunning-water, projections, lights, music. Premier Access gave us a nice viewing spot.
Pro Tips
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DisneySea is huge-consider two days if you want to fully explore.
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Stick around the details: the architecture, themed lands, and hidden touches are incredible.
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Summer is busy-arrive early, prioritize Fantasy Springs and Premier Access, and don’t sleep on Mermaid Lagoon or Mysterious Island.
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Food rotates with seasons-popcorn flavors, snacks, mains-so be adventurous.
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Even if you’ve done every Disney park, Tokyo DisneySea is special. We left fully in awe both visits.
Whether you're planning your first trip or coming back for more magic, this guide covers all the essentials.
