A magical time for all
THERE is nothing like visiting Tokyo Disneyland in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
And this year, visitors to Tokyo Disneyland are in for a treat as the park has prepared a variety of new entertainment, special events and programmes for that distinctive, Disney-style experience.
Fans of the Disney film, Frozen, must not miss Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy which is ending on March 19. Tokyo Disneyland has been transformed into the world of Anna, Elsa and their friends, with snow-themed decorations around the park, and featuring a lively parade.
Also, there is a new version of the nighttime entertainment at Cinderella Castle. The castle is now the backdrop for video projections of the story of Anna and Elsa as well as scenes and music from Frozen.
Don’t miss the other regular springtime events such as Disney’s Easter event (from April 4 to June 14), where guests get to enjoy whimsical Easter-themed decor as well as join the Disney Friends to catch the Easter egg characters with bunny ears known as ‘Usatama’, who will be scattered all over the park.
The Disney Friends and Usatama will also appear in a brand new parade, which will feature the Tokyo Disneyland debut of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, the main characters from Disney’s hit film Zootopia.
Disney Tanabata Days (June 15 to July 7) is based on the Japanese ‘Star Festival’ known as Tanabata.
Here, visitors will find Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed as Hikoboshi and Orihime, the two star-crossed lovers of this festival. They will ride on rickshaws along the parade route to greet guests.
Guests can also write their wishes on wishing cards in the World Bazaar, to be hung from the grand centrepiece.
The Japanese summer festival, Natsu Matsuri, will also play out at the Disney Natsu Matsuri celebration (July 11 to Aug 21), where guests can get to have some summer fun with the Disney characters.
At the Plaza in front of the Cinderella Castle, be prepared to be sprayed with water from the unique dance floats.
Special merchandise and food items will also be available, while the sounds of traditional music and drums will help to create the perfect mood for this Japanese-style summer event.
And starting on July 11, the Electrical Parade Dreamlights nightly parade returns to Tokyo Disneyland.
The parade this year has been revamped, and will feature five new floats, including an icy castle float with Anna and Elsa from Frozen, which will be appearing for the first time.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Cinderella will be represented by two new floats – Cinderella’s pumpkin coach, and the grand ballroom with Prince Charming.
In addition, a float based on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will return after a brief absence. Enhanced with LED lighting, the renovated float will add even more colour to the park at night.
Come fall, Tokyo Disneyland will be holding a Halloween music festival (Sept 8 to Oct 31) where Disney Friends join ghosts and skeletons in entertaining guests along the parade route, with a variety of amusing and exciting musical performances.
Christmas is always extra special with the park’s Christmas Fantasy (Nov 8 to Dec 25).
The winter parade will bring to life pages from storybooks showing Disney characters having fun at Christmastime, while the 15-metre-tall Christmas tree at the centre of World Bazaar will help create Christmas cheer.
Then, it will be on to New Year clebrations from Jan 1 to Jan 5, 2018 with Mickey Mouse and his Disney Friends dressed up in kimono to welcome guests, colourful decorations at the entrances, traditional new year cuisine and merchandise featuring the next animal in the Chinese zodiac, the Dog.
For more, visit the Tokyo Disneyland website : www.tokyodisneyresort.jp