Tokyo Disneyland - an introduction.
Yup! Sure is, and it's every bit as " Disney" as you might expect. After all, if Tokyo Disneyland wasn't up to standard, Disney would revoke its rights and detach itself. Tokyo Disneyland is innovative and, in many ways, of a higher standard than the other Parks. The famous customer service quality that Disney so perfectly deliver is almost automatically delivered everywhere in Japan, it's part of Japanese culture. Where else in the world do shop assistants not only treat you like the president of the USA, but actually bow to you too!!? I can highly recommend a visit, you won't be disappointed with Japan, and you certainly won't be disappointed with Tokyo Disneyland. It's cleaner than any other Disney Park, and cheaper than any other Disney park (the Japanese Yen has suffered a little recently making it a better deal for outsiders). It's just slightly bigger than Disneyland in California, but otherwise is based on the same design, with one major exception. Because of occasionally inclement weather, Main Street (or " World Bazaar" , as it's called) is entirely under a Victorian style glass and wrought iron roof. All of the most popular Disney theme park attractions are featured. The park is operated under licence by a local company which was set up by some big Tokyo banks and corporations. It opened in 1983 and was an instant success with over 10 million visitors in its' first year. It's just as popular today - which is probably why you've never heard of the place! You see, why spend money advertising internationally when you have all the guests you need at home? These guests make for some busy days, like any Disney park. On the weekends and on public holidays, you may have to stand in line for half an hour or so for Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Star Tours, or The Amazing Micro Adventure. Remember, it isn't the Japanese way to walk around and eat at the same time, so there are fewer snack places than in the other parks. Nor is it the Japanese way to smoke whilst you're walking around the park, so there are designated smoking places throughout the park where you are encouraged to smoke if you need to (but nobody will tell you off for smoking elsewhere as long as it isn't in a line for an attraction, on the attraction itself, or at an inside restaurant table). There are no Disney Hotels here, but there are five Official Disney Partner Hotels nearby. They, like the park, are close to the city and on the way to the airport, so they can be busy with business and corporate functions - it's always best to book in advance.
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Original Material Copyright © 1998 - 2007 Chris Gibson. Last updated 06-April-2007.