Going to Japan? Why Tokyo Disneyland, now 35, is a must | ABS-CBN
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Going to Japan? Why Tokyo Disneyland, now 35, is a must
Going to Japan? Why Tokyo Disneyland, now 35, is a must
Miguel Dumaual,
ABS-CBN News
Published Apr 25, 2018 08:00 PM PHT
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Updated Apr 26, 2018 11:34 PM PHT

TOKYO, Japan -- Dubbed "the happiest place on Earth," Disneyland is known for its awe-inspiring attractions and grand spectacles that enchant both the young and old. With a milestone being celebrated this year at its Tokyo resort, tourists can expect a whole new level of Disney magic in the coming months.
TOKYO, Japan -- Dubbed "the happiest place on Earth," Disneyland is known for its awe-inspiring attractions and grand spectacles that enchant both the young and old. With a milestone being celebrated this year at its Tokyo resort, tourists can expect a whole new level of Disney magic in the coming months.
First opened in April 1983, Tokyo Disneyland is marking its 35th anniversary with "Happiest Celebration," a multitude of festivities that will run until March 2019. (So for Filipinos yet to plan a trip to Japan, there's still a full year to schedule a Disneyland -stop- in time for the celebration).
First opened in April 1983, Tokyo Disneyland is marking its 35th anniversary with "Happiest Celebration," a multitude of festivities that will run until March 2019. (So for Filipinos yet to plan a trip to Japan, there's still a full year to schedule a Disneyland -stop- in time for the celebration).
The Disney resort in Japan is actually composed of two parks, the other being the nautical exploration-themed DisneySea. That, too, has arresting new activities to commemmorate the anniversary.
The Disney resort in Japan is actually composed of two parks, the other being the nautical exploration-themed DisneySea. That, too, has arresting new activities to commemmorate the anniversary.
For one, the central Mediterranean Harbor, the first mini-park guests can access from the entrance, is the setting of a 12-minute show that sees Mickey Mouse and his companions on board a colorful boat. The backdrop: DisneySea's gigantic centerpiece -- a volcano called Mount Prometheus.
For one, the central Mediterranean Harbor, the first mini-park guests can access from the entrance, is the setting of a 12-minute show that sees Mickey Mouse and his companions on board a colorful boat. The backdrop: DisneySea's gigantic centerpiece -- a volcano called Mount Prometheus.
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The same lake, in the evening, transforms into a showcase of technical theatrics with Fantasmic, where Mickey battles the "Sleeping Beauty" villain Maleficent, in her dragon form. That show, lasting 20 minutes, has been a staple of the park prior to the "Happiest Celebration" launch.
The same lake, in the evening, transforms into a showcase of technical theatrics with Fantasmic, where Mickey battles the "Sleeping Beauty" villain Maleficent, in her dragon form. That show, lasting 20 minutes, has been a staple of the park prior to the "Happiest Celebration" launch.
The neighboring Disneyland Park, accessible via monorail, has equally stunning displays to mark the anniversary. Aside from updating the entrance with themed decoration, the long and wide Main Street leading to the actual park has been upgraded to become Celebration Street.
The neighboring Disneyland Park, accessible via monorail, has equally stunning displays to mark the anniversary. Aside from updating the entrance with themed decoration, the long and wide Main Street leading to the actual park has been upgraded to become Celebration Street.
At its center, guests will notice a long line, not for any ride or show, but for a turn to take a photo with the 10-meter-tall Celebration Tower, which features different iterations of Mickey from the Japanese Disneyland's many anniversaries.
At its center, guests will notice a long line, not for any ride or show, but for a turn to take a photo with the 10-meter-tall Celebration Tower, which features different iterations of Mickey from the Japanese Disneyland's many anniversaries.
Celebration Street leads to a remarakable sight of Tokyo Disneyland's centerpiece, the Cinderella Castle. The imposing structure also serves as the backrop of the anniversary parade, "Dreaming Up," on Parade Route.
Celebration Street leads to a remarakable sight of Tokyo Disneyland's centerpiece, the Cinderella Castle. The imposing structure also serves as the backrop of the anniversary parade, "Dreaming Up," on Parade Route.
First presented on April 15, the exact opening date of the park in 1983, "Dreaming Up" captivates with 13 majestic floats, each with a unique flavor. Both children and adults will surely recognize dozens of Disney characters out of the total 55 included.
First presented on April 15, the exact opening date of the park in 1983, "Dreaming Up" captivates with 13 majestic floats, each with a unique flavor. Both children and adults will surely recognize dozens of Disney characters out of the total 55 included.
Notably, making a first appearance in Disneyland for the Tokyo anniversary is Baymax, from the 2014 animated film "Big Hero 6." With the movie featuring Japan-influenced characters (Hiro Hamada) and settings (San Fransokyo), one can expect it to be a hit with Japanese park-goers.
Notably, making a first appearance in Disneyland for the Tokyo anniversary is Baymax, from the 2014 animated film "Big Hero 6." With the movie featuring Japan-influenced characters (Hiro Hamada) and settings (San Fransokyo), one can expect it to be a hit with Japanese park-goers.
This was apparent when the "Big Hero 6" float had its turn on Parade Route, when this writer toured Disneyland recently. Catching sight of Hiro atop Baymax, spectators erupted in cheers -- perhaps not only with excitement, but surprise that the duo has finally made it to the park.
This was apparent when the "Big Hero 6" float had its turn on Parade Route, when this writer toured Disneyland recently. Catching sight of Hiro atop Baymax, spectators erupted in cheers -- perhaps not only with excitement, but surprise that the duo has finally made it to the park.
Another attraction that opened on the exact anniversary date, like "Dreaming Up," is Tokyo's version of It's A Small World. After a year of renovations starting March last year, the water-based ride now includes, among its 40 Disney characters, the likes of Moana, Anna, Elsa, Merida, and Rapunzel. (Guests can also spot a Filipina child joining the chorus about world peace.)
Another attraction that opened on the exact anniversary date, like "Dreaming Up," is Tokyo's version of It's A Small World. After a year of renovations starting March last year, the water-based ride now includes, among its 40 Disney characters, the likes of Moana, Anna, Elsa, Merida, and Rapunzel. (Guests can also spot a Filipina child joining the chorus about world peace.)
And these aren't all. Still about to kick off, as part of "Happiest Celebration," is a high-tech display surrounding Cinderella Castle, and an outdoor theater "party gras" that will have guests participating. Both open in July.
And these aren't all. Still about to kick off, as part of "Happiest Celebration," is a high-tech display surrounding Cinderella Castle, and an outdoor theater "party gras" that will have guests participating. Both open in July.
With a combined fun-filled space of 291 hectares, DisneyLand and DisneySea will take more than a day to fully explore. Guests can opt to stay at one of the four-themed Disney hotels, or its partner lodgings within and around the resort.
With a combined fun-filled space of 291 hectares, DisneyLand and DisneySea will take more than a day to fully explore. Guests can opt to stay at one of the four-themed Disney hotels, or its partner lodgings within and around the resort.
A partner hotel, such as Brighton in nearby Tokyo Bay, has several perks for guests going to the parks, including complimentary shuttle, the convenience of buying tickets at the hotel, access to real-time Disney Resort information, getting to shop at a local Disney store, and an exclusive baggage delivery service.
A partner hotel, such as Brighton in nearby Tokyo Bay, has several perks for guests going to the parks, including complimentary shuttle, the convenience of buying tickets at the hotel, access to real-time Disney Resort information, getting to shop at a local Disney store, and an exclusive baggage delivery service.
Tokyo Disneyland's "Happiest Celebration" runs until March 25, 2019.
Tokyo Disneyland's "Happiest Celebration" runs until March 25, 2019.
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