After visiting Disney World in Orlando about eight times throughout my life, as well as various other Disney parks abroad, I consider myself somewhat of a Disney aficionado. But, in the healthy -- adult -- sort of way, that is – ha. That being said, visiting Tokyo a few weeks ago meant we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see what many bloggers out there claim as “the best Disney experience”, even challenging Disney World, Orlando.

On day one, we decided to tackle Tokyo Disneyland. This theme park is mirrored to what more closely can be compared to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. As you’ll see below, I’ve broken down each section of the park with “familiar attractions” – the ones we all know and love from Disney’s MK, and “unique attractions” which are, well, unique to Tokyo Disney.

Overall, I’d say Tokyo Disney was a great time, but it in no way rivals Disney’s MK (in my opinion). I felt this park was more catered to younger kids (ages 6 and below) than MK, with less pizzazz. Now, that could be because of the size difference (the Orlando park is slightly larger), making all the Tokyo kiddie rides seem more abundant. I don’t know what it is about MK that makes even adults feel like there’s something to do. Sadly, I didn’t seem to get that feeling here in Tokyo.

But stay tuned for my next post, as Tokyo Disney Sea is where the real fun is at.

Adventureland

Familiar Attractions:

• Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Swiss Family Tree House

Unique Attractions:

• The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha E Como Mail

• Western River Railroad

Westernland & Critter Country

I was a bit confused as to why Westernland and Critter Country were two different “lands” as they both seemed to have the same dynamic, i.e. Frontierland in Disney’s MK.

Familiar Attractions:

• Big Thunder Mountain (Westernland)

• Splash Mountain (Critter Country)

• Mark Twain River Boat

• Country Bear Theatre

Unique Attractions:

• Tom Sawyer Island Rafts

• Westernland Shootin’ Gallery

• Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes

Fantasyland

Unfortunately, both Haunted Mansion AND It’s a Small World were closed during our visit. Bummer.

Familiar Attractions:

• Alice’s tea party (spinning cups)

• Castle Carrousel

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• Haunted Mansion

• It’s a Small World

• Mickeys Philharmagic

• Peter Pans Flight

Unique Attractions (all for the young crew):

• Cinderella’s Fairytale Hall

• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

• Pooh’s Hunny Hunt

• Snow White’s Adventures

Tomorrowland

A new comer, Monster’s, Inc.: Ride and go Seek was really cute. Although definitely a silly, kid ride, I thought the concept was neat. You’re invited to join Mike and Sully to find Boo in a game of hide-and-seek. Each cabin is equipped with a flashlight to shine on monsters as they pop up. My only gripe is I felt like I needed to earn points for each time I lit up a monster. I guess that’s being a little competitive? It would be like riding Buzz Lightyear, and not seeing your score at the end. What’s the point? But I get it, I’m overthinking things.

Familiar Attractions:

• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

• Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters

• Space Mountain

• Stitch Encounter

Unique Attractions:

• Monster’s, Inc.: Ride and go Seek

Toontown

Toontown is a completely unique experience to Tokyo Disneyland. What I loved most about this land were the over sized, cartoon-like features of the town. Everything felt like you were inside the actual movie with Jessica Rabbit. A down side? This park is very much for little kids only.

Unique Attractions:

• Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin

• Gadgets Go Coaster

Part two: Tokyo DisneySea coming up next!