A day at Tokyo Disney Sea 

We walked the short distance from the Ambassador Hotel to the entrance of Tokyo Disney Sea (TDS) in short order of about 12 minutes. Being resort guests we are able to enter 15 minutes early. I know this does not sound like a lot of extra time but believe me it is helpful. We see the entry queue and start to inquire where the resort guest entry is located. With the helpfulness of the non English speaking cast members we are directed in the proper queue. The cast members are so helpful, attentive, and concerned about your experience, that they really go out of their way. 

At the appointed hour of 0745 we entered, the entry goes smoothly as there not a bazillion strollers like in the US parks. I noted that there were very few strollers being used, the kids walked. I did see one stroller which contained a Duffy bear and Shellie May bear. 

We followed the crowds as they headed to get Fast Passes (FP) for Toy Story Mania a new attraction here at TDS. We split off and made our way to get a FP for Journey to the Center of the Earth. After getting the FP we went directly to Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull,  great theming and very similar to Disneyland’s attraction. We were the only ones in our ride vehicle. 

Next we went to Raging Spirits, described as a rough coaster, we found it to be rather smooth. The ride vehicle is rather cramped and did not work well with the lack of flexibility of my replaced knee. Theming is good. This ride attracts a younger crowd. 

We then found our way to Port Discovery and the wait was short for StormRider. This is a simulation ride where you fly in a futuristic aircraft into a storm to fire a pulse to defuse the storm. Interesting and I thought the story line was well done. 

We then went and got a FP for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. 

We then queued up with our FP for Journey to the Center of the Earth. Here you load into a Captain Nemo themed mine car and start your way past crystals and creatures that inhabit the earths core. Then you have angered a rock like creature from whom you speed away plunging to the center of the earth. Again well themed and fast paced and smooth ride. I really liked the Mine Cars and the audio animatronics of the rock monster are great. 

We then went to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Here you board an underwater exploration vehicle that holds six passengers. The illusion created is you submerge to explore the underwater world. Each two person bench has a control that lets you shine a light to illuminate the various underwater features. Given t is 20,000 Leagues one must be attacked by a giant squid which is repelled by an electrical charge. 

There was a snack kiosk selling Black (for Halloween) Gyosa sausage in a steam bun. This was really good. We went to the Nautilus Galley for drinks to accompany our steam bun. 

We then found our way to Mermaid Lagoon and visited many parts of this area. It is themed for the younger set, but one should experience this area if for no other reason than the theming.  This is one of three areas where Duffy merchandise can be found. 

From there we went to the Arabian Coast, and walked into the Magic Lamp Theater for a 3-D movie and live presentation. The show is filled with illusions, live performers which coupled with a 3-D film making this a nice show. Make sure you ask for a English translation device. 

AMAZING GEOLOGICAL DETAIL

From there we walked to and then around Mediterranean Harbor. Our timing could not have been better as when we got to the American Harbor we were able to walk into the Big Band Beat show. This show is well, a big band tribute. To the music of the 1920-40’s when big bands were king. High energy with great performers. Well done and I found it most enjoyable. 

As we walked by Tower of Terror we procured a FP. Then we made out way to the SS Columbia and the observation deck.  The day was clear and we were able to see Mt. Fuji.   

Teddy Roosevelt Lounge was our lunch location. This establishment is located within the SS Columbia. This location hearkens one back to a gentleman's club from days gone by. Dark woods, portraits of Teddy, display cases with memorabilia associated with him.  A rather extensive cocktail list and a better than most selection of wine and beer. They even have Sam Adams. We split a corned beef sandwich and a seasonal parfait for dessert. I had a Kirin Stout and Lynn had a Melon Soda. Really a nice comfortable roomy not crowded location to have a very relaxing respite form the park. 

We then continued to Cape Cod area where Lynn went to the Duffy Megga Store to find Duffy Stuff. This location is known as Aunt Peg’s Village Store. It was about this time we learned of the Duffy Picture Spots. There were highlighted in Duffy’s post. We made our way all over TDS finding these and taking pictures. This activity gave us something to do until the next show. 

TDS is where Duffy, Mickey’s bear, originated. Here if one does not have an item related to Duffy with them they are really out of place. The people here are crazy for Duffy and there are only two locations which sell Duffy, Shellie May (Duffy’s female Counterpart) and Gelitoni, Duffy’s artist cat friend. You will not find Shellie May or Geltoni in any other Disney Park. 

The Mystic Rhythms Show is held at the Hangar Stage in the Last River Delta. This is an amazing show featuring live music, amazing costumes, dance and acrobatics. Very difficult to explain this high energy show, other that it is a must to see. 

We then made our way back to SS Columbia for sunset, which was ok. Not a Wyoming Sunset for sure. 

We then walked about the park taking night time pictures till we decided to have dinner at the New York Deli as we waited for Fantasmic. Lynn had a chicken ciabatta and I had a ruben sandwich. Lynn had a caramel parfait for dessert and I had a Little Green Men rice dough covered custards in a souvenir container. 

We made our way to Guest Service during this photo walkabout. At Guest Service we picked up what are referred to as “Story Papers” . These are simple cards explaining the attractions story line in English.  

Fantazmic was very good and well done here. It is performed on a floating stage in the Mediterranean Lagoon. There are several water craft stages used for various character performances. The Dragon is very Kewl. All in all well done and as enjoyable as any other Fantasmic. 

The fireworks were canceled due to wind. 

We headed back, downloaded pictures and crashed.