Tokyo Disneyland

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The first ever Disney theme park to be constructed on foreign soil, Tokyo Disneyland has become the most visited theme park in the whole world. The most popular rides are here, along with everything you've come to expect from a Disneyland venture: magic, fun, and days of entertainment for both child and adult. 

 

Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983, lovingly based upon both the American theme parks - Disneyland and Disneyworld. Taking the most popular parts of both of these parks is just one of the reason that no one does Disney better than Japan. There is even a Tokyo Disneyland hotel called the Disney Ambassador that is modeled just like the original in Anaheim. Strangely enough, it's the only of the Disney parks that is not, technically, owned by the Disney Company – rather the characters are just licensed out to a Japanese corporation that runs the park. Even so, everything you'd expect from a Disney vacation are on display at the Tokyo Disneyland.

When it came time to expand overseas, to make another Disneyland, Japan was a great fit. Tokyo contains the world's biggest population, mixed with millions of tourists per year, so the match between Disney and Japan's largest city was destined for greatness. Now the park owns a sister property, Tokyo DisneySea, and continues to be one of the city's major tourist attractions.

Like any Disneyland, Japan's version is split four ways. Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Westernland (this park's version of Frontierland) are all on hand here, as well as Mickey's Toontown and Critter Country. These layouts don't differ much from the American institution—right down to Cinderella's Castle, most of Tokyo Disneyland is a direct replica. Which is certainly not a bad thing, but there are a few differences. For instance, Main Street U.S.A. has been given the more cosmopolitan name of World's Bazaar. The railroad that normally circles Adventureland is absent, and the Haunted House is moved to Fantasyland—the Japanese belief that ghosts can only exist in fairy tales still holds true, even in Disneyland. Japan's version diverges little outside of these cosmetic changes. You'll still find signature Disney rides like: Space Mountain, Star Tours and Splash Mountain.