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Going to Japan? Why Tokyo Disneyland, now 35, is a must

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Miguel Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

<p>TOKYO, Japan -- Dubbed &quot;the happiest place on Earth,&quot; 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.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/04/25/disneyland-cinederella-castle-1.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s imposing centerpiece, the Cinderella Castle. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>First opened in April 1983, Tokyo Disneyland is marking its 35th anniversary with &quot;Happiest Celebration,&quot; a multitude of festivities that will run until March 2019. (So for Filipinos yet to plan a trip to Japan, there&#x27;s still a full year to schedule a Disneyland -stop- in time for the celebration).</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneysea-mickeyminnie.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Disney icons Mickey and Minnie welcome guests during the &#x27;Happiest Celebration on the Sea&#x27; showcase. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>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.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneysea-sphere.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>DisneySea&#x27;s AquaSphere, at its entrance plaza, is a popular tourist photo spot. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>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&#x27;s gigantic centerpiece -- a volcano called Mount Prometheus.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneysea-mount-prometheus.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>The &#x27;Happiest Celebration on the Sea&#x27; will be performed thrice daily for the duration of the anniversary celebration. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The same lake, in the evening, transforms into a showcase of technical theatrics with Fantasmic, where Mickey battles the &quot;Sleeping Beauty&quot; villain Maleficent, in her dragon form. That show, lasting 20 minutes, has been a staple of the park prior to the &quot;Happiest Celebration&quot; launch.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disney-fantasmic.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Mickey Mouse battles a gigantic dragon in DisneySea&#x27;s &#x27;Fantasmic.&#x27; <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>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.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disney-resort-monorail.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>The Tokyo Disney Resort monorail has four stops, including the two major parks. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>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&#x27;s many anniversaries.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-main-street.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>World Bazaar&#x27;s Main Street will be named Celebration Street for the duration of the anniversary celebration. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Celebration Street leads to a remarakable sight of Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s centerpiece, the Cinderella Castle. The imposing structure also serves as the backrop of the anniversary parade, &quot;Dreaming Up,&quot; on Parade Route.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-parade-belle.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Belle from &#x27;Beauty and the Beast&#x27; joins the &#x27;Dreaming Up&#x27; parade. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>First presented on April 15, the exact opening date of the park in 1983, &quot;Dreaming Up&quot; 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.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-parade-peter-pan.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Peter Pan dances with Wendy in the &#x27;Dreaming Up&#x27; parade. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Notably, making a first appearance in Disneyland for the Tokyo anniversary is Baymax, from the 2014 animated film &quot;Big Hero 6.&quot; 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.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-baymax.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Baymax makes its debut in Tokyo Disneyland. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>This was apparent when the &quot;Big Hero 6&quot; 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.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-parade-princesses.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Disney Princesses share a float in the &#x27;Dreaming Up&#x27; parade.<em> © Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Another attraction that opened on the exact anniversary date, like &quot;Dreaming Up,&quot; is Tokyo&#x27;s version of It&#x27;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.)</p><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/first.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw06.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw09.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw10.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw12.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw13.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw14.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw20.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw21.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw23.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw24.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/smw26.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/second-to-the-last-in-slideshow.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div><div><img data-lazy="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/last-in-slideshow.jpg?ext=.jpg"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>After a year of renovations, Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s It&#x27;s A Small World ride re-opens in time for the park&#x27;s 35th anniversary. <cite> © Disney</cite></p></div></div></div><p>And these aren&#x27;t all. Still about to kick off, as part of &quot;Happiest Celebration,&quot; is a high-tech display surrounding Cinderella Castle, and an outdoor theater &quot;party gras&quot; that will have guests participating. Both open in July.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-cinderella-castle-2.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Cinderella Castle with light up with state-of-the-art technology starting July, in a new show for the 35th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>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.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-monorail-interior.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>The interiors of the Tokyo Disney Resort monorail are also decorated with anniversary visuals. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>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.</p><p>Tokyo Disneyland&#x27;s &quot;Happiest Celebration&quot; runs until March 25, 2019.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/04/25/disneyland-parade-mickey.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Disney icon Mickey Mouse waves during the anniversary &#x27;Dreaming Up&#x27; parade. <em>© Disney</em></figcaption></figure></div>

<p>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.</p>

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.

Going to Japan? Why Tokyo Disneyland, now 35, is a must

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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

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