Disneyland Tokyo
There is always an element of uncontrollable excitement when visiting the land of Disney. Who could blame you? - Growing up watching Disney movies, almost all of us are well rehearsed with the fairy tale novels and stories whisking our minds away into fantasy worlds where literally, anything is possible.
Coming to Tokyo - an already magical experience, I have further bolstered my fondness for Japan and I'm ready to accept the oddities of a Japan-ified Disney to make the whole experience complete.
Most people aren't aware, but the Disneyland in Tokyo has both the well known Disneyland, but curiously it attaches the smaller water park called Disneysea on the side. Obviously there are no losers when it comes to which you visit, and if you do have the luxury of extra time, then it is absolutely worth visiting both.
For all those looking for the traditional magical experience associated with Disney's classics, the Disneyland park is without a doubt the first choice. Catering for the old timers, the kids, and the whiny adolescents, it is probably a one size fits all solution to a great family experience, so long as you stay in the right frame of mind - that is, a youthful, free and unsuspecting attitude to the mystical and immersive park ahead.
One thing you'll find at Disneyland and not at Disneysea, is the infamous parade show and fireworks at the end of the night. Seeing your favourite characters come to life in song and dance is something everybody can appreciate and so is one of the highlights of the evening at the park.
Disneysea on the other hand is catering to an older demographic. Not for the feint of heart, you can expect to find the more "thrilling" rides here such as Journey to the centre of the earth, or the more cartoon friendly Toy Story Mania.
Mysterious island is where you'll find the popular ride Journey to the centre of the Earth but you'll have difficulty spotting the actual ride because all of the tracks are inside the actual mountain. Actually, the mountain was purpose built for the ride, but you'll have some difficulty noticing it's artificiality, same goes to much of the rest of the park. To that end, the park is highly successful in immersing to a whole new fantasy world.
Food is served on site from many of the outlets and you can even bring your own. I do however think that the bento box served onsite is quite bland. Don't expect good food here.
The Indiana Jones Adventure "Temple of the Crystal Skull", it's a terrifying ride which is almost entirely in the dark. The only downside (and it hardly takes away from the ride) is the narrative being entirely in Japanese. It's probably a good idea to learn a little Japanese before visiting, but that could be said of any visit to Japan.
Terrified but satisfied, it's always a good time to indulge in some ice lolly. This one in the shape of Minnie Mouse is perfect.