Tokyo Disneyland vs Tokyo DisneySea - Which Theme Park Is for You?

Tokyo Disney Resort in Uruyasu, Chiba prefecture (yes, not exactly in Tokyo but an hour away from it!) is what many know as Tokyo Disneyland. The truth is, Disneyland is part of the greater Disney Resort along with its sibling park Tokyo DisneySea.

While Tokyo Disneyland has the name recall and the same classic touch its fellow Disney parks worldwide have, DisneySea is known for being one of a kind – both are beloved by theme park goers all over the globe.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering what’s the difference between the two. We’re here to answer just that!

Here’s everything you need to know about Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo DisneySea is a 176-acre theme park that opened in 2001. It makes up the Tokyo Disney Resort together with Disneyland. It incorporates a more nautical theme with seven theme zones or “Ports of Call” reminiscent of real harbors. It also overlooks Tokyo Bay, too —very on-brand!

Parkgoers adore DisneySea for being the only one of its kind on the planet.

Tokyo Disneyland opened in April 1983 and was the first Disney park to go international and leave the borders of the United States. It’s also the first Disney park in Asia. 

It's a whopping 110 acres, featuring familiar themed zones such as Tomorrowland and Adventureland. If you’ve been to other Disney parks around the world, you’ll know the moment you step into Tokyo Disneyland that it also proudly exemplifies the Happiest Place on Earth vibe. It also features staple rides and attractions similar to or even replicas of their counterparts worldwide. 

Tokyo Disneyland has seven themed zones, some of which are based on its global counterparts but with slight adjustments to suit the Japanese audience better. 

You’ll encounter World Bazaar first, with it being the main entry corridor. This zone is reminiscent of 20th-century America, similar to Disney World Orlando’s Main Street theme. It’s also the park’s main shopping center, so get your wallets ready for those Mickey and Minnie ears—and don’t forget the souvenirs!

Another themed zone is Fantasyland, which is the sibling to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park.  In fact, it has a nearly exact replica of Cinderella’s Castle in Florida! In Fantasyland, fairytales like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan, and more come to life through dark rides and other attractions!

Adventureland is filled with thrills, having attractions set in the Jungles of Africa, Asia, South America, and other parts of the world. It also has a complementary New Orleans-themed area, with restaurants featuring the city’s cuisine. 

Westernland is Tokyo Disneyland’s take on Frontierland, with “Old West” themes. Its standout feature is Big Thunder Mountain, a mine train roller coaster, and Rivers of America, complete with Mark Twain riverboats. Like its counterparts worldwide, Tomorrowland is the futuristic part of Tokyo Disneyland. It’s home to rides like Space Mountain and the Star Wars-themed Star Tours, which adhere to its theme. 

Toontown is Tokyo’s take on Mickey’s Toontown of other Disney parks, a small-scale recreation of Mickey Mouse’s universe. Last but not the least is the smallest of the bunch: Critter Country, home to the ride Splash Mountain. 

Tokyo DisneySea also has seven theme zones called “Ports of Call” and you’ve guessed, they’re all very nautical! Certain Ports of Call are reimagined famous harbors of the world (Italian port towns and American 20th-century harbors), while the others are based on works of fiction (such as Mermaid Lagoon and the Verne-based Mysterious Island). 

Mysterious Island is a Jules Verne-inspired section that’s home to the iconic active volcano Mount Prometheus. This port is home to two of the most popular attractions in the park, both based on Verne’s novels. Mermaid Lagoon is the turf of Ariel and her friends. This port has rides and attractions catered more towards kids, such as Ariel’s Playground, which recreates The Little Mermaid’s sets. 

Another fiction-based Post is Arabian Coast, which pulls themes from the Arabian Nights (think Aladdin and Sinbad!). While the characters there are fictional, much of the architecture is based on Arabian designs. Lost River Delta, on the other hand, is based on archaeological sites in Central America and features an Aztec Ruins where you’ll find the thrilling Indiana Jones ride. 

Port Discovery is DisneySea’s Tomorrowland, as it’s a futuristic section with sci-fi-based attractions. Here you’ll find a fictional marine life institute and the boat ride Aquatopia. 

Mediterranean Harbor is a romantic recreation of an Italian port city, complete with Venitian canals and gondolas. The Port is home to DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, which makes it seem like an actual city within a theme park. Finally, American Waterfront is reminiscent of the harbors of 20th-century New York. Here you can hop on the steam liner SS Columbia for a tour of the park. 

Itching for more unique experiences in Tokyo post-DisneySea? Here's more inspiration for an epic trip to Japan:

Much like its global counterparts, Disneyland rides make the magic of Disney films come to life. This includes Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a carousel-type ride perfect for the little ones. Another great ride for the kids is Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek, an interactive dark ride that’s only available in Tokyo. You’re in on the action in this interactive game, as you can use your flashlight to find the funny monsters.

Disneyland also offers thrill rides for older audiences, such as the global classic Space Mountain, an indoor coaster that will zip you through twists and turns at unbelievable speeds. Another adrenaline-pumping signature Disney ride is Splash Mountain, a log flume ride with a 45-degree drop. Get ready to scream, as you’ll be going at 64km/h!

In this neck of the woods, the rides are mostly suited toward teens and adults. Most attractions also creatively explore the waters, from the gondola to submarine rides. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a submarine ride based on Jules Verne’s work that explores the depths of the waters in search of lost city of Atlantis.

Journey to the Center of the Earth is a thrilling ride on a subterranean vehicle that takes you within Mount Prometheus. For a more laidback time, the Venetian Gondolas are fun to ride with the whole family!

Tokyo DisneySea still offers rides for little ones, such as the popular interactive indoor ride Toy Story Mania! It’s an entertaining mix of spinning vehicle rides and carnival/arcade games. Whirlpool in Mermaid Lagoon is a teacup ride reminiscent of the Beauty and the Beast Rides in other Disney Parks.

If you want a taste of the classic Main Street character parade with Disney characters, then Disneyland is the park for you. Dreaming Up! is Tokyo’s take on the Festival of Fantasy, where Mickey and friends show up in magical floats. 

Want to watch a spectacular Disney boat parade with Mickey and pals on floats that float on the water? Then DisneySea is for you! Catch the Time to Shine Greeting Parade and watch your favorite characters sail by. 

So should I visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea? 

If you can, both Disney parks are definitely worth visiting, despite having different rides and attractions! But if you really had to pick one... follow your heart! For the classic Disney theme park experience, Disneyland is for you. For something different and geared more towards the slightly older crowd, DisneySea is the place to be. Either way, you’ll have a spellbinding time!

You can even get BOTH tickets if you like, why not!