Tokyo Disneyland
Overview
Tokyo Disneyland is a 115-acre (47 ha) theme park located at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. Its main gate is directly adjacent to both Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station. It was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States and it opened on April 15, 1983. The park was constructed by Walt Disney Imagineering in the same style as Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida. It is owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses the theme from The Walt Disney Company. Tokyo Disneyland and its companion park, Tokyo DisneySea, are the only Disney parks not wholly or partly owned by the Walt Disney Company.
History
The idea for a Disneyland in Tokyo began in 1979 when The Oriental Land Company (OLC) approached The Walt Disney Company with the hopes of creating a new park. The two companies worked together to design and construct the park, which was completed in 1983. Tokyo Disneyland was the third Disney park to be built, following Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. It was also the first Disney park to be built outside of the United States.
Park layout and attractions
Tokyo Disneyland is divided into seven themed lands: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. Each land features its own set of attractions, dining locations, and shops.
World Bazaar
World Bazaar, the park's main entrance, is a covered shopping arcade lined with shops and restaurants. The area is designed to look like early 20th-century small-town America, and it serves as the park's main shopping area where many guests begin and end their visits.
Adventureland
Adventureland is a combination of the jungles of Africa and New Orleans. It is home to attractions such as the "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Swiss Family Treehouse," and "Jungle Cruise."
Westernland
Westernland is themed after the American Old West, and it features attractions like "Big Thunder Mountain" and the "Country Bear Theater."
Critter Country
Critter Country is home to "Splash Mountain" and "Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes."
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is based on classic Disney films and characters, featuring attractions like "Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall," "Peter Pan's Flight," and "Snow White's Adventures."
Toontown
Toontown is a suburban neighborhood where the Disney characters live, work, and play. Its main attractions include "Mickey's House and Meet Mickey" and "Minnie's House."
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland explores the themes of outer space and future technologies. It is home to attractions such as "Space Mountain," "Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters," and "Star Tours: The Adventures Continue."
Entertainment
Tokyo Disneyland offers a variety of entertainment options, including parades, fireworks, and live shows. The park's current daytime parade, "Dreaming Up!," features floats and performers from various Disney films. The park's nighttime entertainment includes the "Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights" and the "Celebrate! Tokyo Disneyland" nighttime spectacular.
Operations
Tokyo Disneyland is operated by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses the Disney name and characters from The Walt Disney Company. The park employs over 20,000 cast members, who work in a variety of roles including attractions, entertainment, and guest services.