I had been waiting for this day for a long time. To be honest there was one reason I had wanted to visit Japan so bad since 2001. Tokyo DisneySea! The second theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort. The theme park out of all theme parks. The one that is said to be perfect. Was it, really? I was excited to find out. Especially because one of DisneySea's attractions is a version of the Tower of Terror, the version you only find in Japan. That is why I was here!
Disney Resort Line monorail
From Maihama Station you take the Disney Resort Line monorail to get to Disneyland or DisneySea. Like in the Universal Studios handicapped and carers from overseas have to pay the full price at the entrance gate. At guest relations you can pick up the Guest Assistance Card, that gives you and your carers access to the attractions via the exit. I really liked the scale models there, too, that guests can request to touch to get an idea of the attraction seat for example.
Disney Sea attraction's scale models
Through a passage of DisneySea's own hotel MiraCosta you enter the actual theme park.
Disney Sea entrance area
Now I knew why this theme park was said to be the perfect one. The scenery is breathtaking! A mediterranean harbor on a lake, with Mount Prometheus, a giant erupting volcano in the distance.
Mediterranean Harbor
Following the lake's shore you will suddenly find yourself on the American Waterfront. This land represents the seaboard of the northeast US in the early 20th century. Besides the massive SS Columbia, an elevated railway, you can visit Hightower Hotel.
SS Columbia
This famous hotel owned by Harrison Hightower III, an adventurer who disappeared in one of the hotel's elevators because he enraged a cursed idol from Africa.
American Waterfront
This version of the Tower of Terror definitely was a beauty from the outside. A huge building with Moorish Revival architecture. But what was wrong up on the top floor? Now and then green lightning striked the hotel, followed by screams from inside.
Mediterranean Harbor
From our Universal Studio experience I already knew that possibly getting on the ride with a disability would be hard or even impossible. I wanted to try it anway! We showed the Guest Assistance Card to the hotel staff. A friendly lady asked me all kinds of questions. Those kind of questions I don't want to hear inside a theme park. Was I able to walk unaided? Would I be able to climb stairs in case of emergency? Yes, of course (not)! She told us to come back in two hours.
Hightower Hotel and SS Columbia
When we returned another nice lady welcommed us and asked us the same questions again. Luckily she gave us access to the hotel. After the preshow in Japanese where you meet Shiriki Utundu, the cursed, green-eyed idol, you are lead to the hotel's cellar that is full of Harrison Hightower's treasures. Idols, statuaries, mummies – everything an adventurer dreams of.
Hightower Hotel
Here you board the elevator to tour the hotel. Somehow we managed to make it look like I was walking unaided while boarding. Nevertheless a nice lady came to us to apologize a thousand times. Was I able to walk unaided? Yes, Yes, Yes! She said she had to check with her boss and would return immediately. For 30 seconds nothing happend – 30 seconds that felt like an eternity. Would they actually kick us from the ride? Finally our co-riders entered the elevator and buckled up. And as the door closed and the elevator started to ascend I knew: The Hightower Hotel's elevator would plummet with me!
Hightower Hotel
I was thrilled and happy that I was able to ride but at the same time I was sad. I knew that we had been lucky and that normally I was not allowed to go on the Tower – or any other thrill ride in the theme park.
Hightower Hotel entrance
At least there was good food. At Cape Cod we had lifebelt-shaped Ukiwa Buns, warm and fluffy steamed buns stuffed with shrimp.
Ukiwa bun
This was followed by Ariel's Sea Salt ice cream Monaka. Yummy.
Ariel's Sea Salt ice cream Monaka
In the afternoon we were lucky to experience the Journey to the Center of the Earth, an adventure inspired by Jules Verne's novel where you race through Mount Prometheus.
Mysterious Island
Journey to the Center of the Earth entrance
We spent the rest of the day at Tokyo DisneySea wandering through the different marvelous themed lands.
Japanese Disney fans
Everything seemed to be perfect. And yet the Disney moment was missing – I was not able to ride.
Raging Spirits
This felt a little like being invited to a birthday party where you are not allowed to play with the other kids...at least I've been to the party! Continue here.
Mount Prometheus
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