Two kinds of magic: Disney Sea and Team Lab

What’s the one place you want to go to celebrate turning a quarter of a century? Tokyo Disney Sea, no less. Not me, but Olivia, and I was happy to join her at the happiest place on earth. Tokyo Disney Sea is a little different in the sense its more adult orientated, filled with more people our age, and the best part… you can buy beer.

Matching outfits in tow, we were there bright and early and I was getting my Toy Story Mania fast pass, no matter who got in my way. We hadn’t initially intended to do so, but being the most popular ride in the park, I’d read stories of the crazy rush that ensues in the morning.

Since we had gotten there so early at around 7:20am, I figured I’d give it a go; ignoring all signs not to run, I rushed ahead when the gates opened and had our fast passes by 8:07am. Dedication or childishness, you decide.

Once that was out of the way, we headed back to the stores selling a plethora of Mickey ears, and settled on some simple ones that really cemented our cute matching outfits. Wanting to give Olivia the most embarrassing experience I could, I told staff it was her birthday (albeit the next day) and they gave her a sticker, prompting gleeful greetings from almost every cast member.

That’s the main reason I’d recommend Tokyo Disney over any other park; everyone gets SO into it. With costumes from Zootopia, ridiculous Toy Story Hamm hats favoured by high school girls, and an extortionate array of Duffy goods (a.k.a. the teddy bear designed specifically for Japan that Olivia has a raging hatred towards).

You really do feel the magic more. I even got Snow White nails for the occasion, so I was feeling the Disney magic all day, coming to a climax at the Minnie meet and greet. I swear I’m not sponsored by Disney for saying that, but if you’re reading this Walt, hit me up.

Food as always is something else in Tokyo Disney, and for the longest time I’ve wanted to try the Little Green Men mochi balls, filled with vanilla, strawberry and chocolate cream. We also ate the sickliest strawberry popcorn, a steamed bun in the shape of Sinbad’s tail, and Olivia got the Halloween special burger designed to look like Snow White’s apple.
I wanted both the Ursula and Cruella De Ville steamed buns too, but alas there’s only so much you can scoff in a day. I’ll admit though, while beer seemed like a great idea, getting out of the mid-afternoon lull in energy is even harder having drank one.

Another reason for going that weekend was it was officially Halloween season, so not only did themed foods take on a new life, but the parades and shows were themed too.
The Villians boat show was super cool, and the Fantasmic show in the evening was hands down the best I’ve ever seen at any Disney Park. We were lucky all day, with both the weather and shows.

We didn’t plan to see certain parades, but stumbled across them at the best vantage points. Due to an incoming typhoon the park was relatively quiet, meaning we’d hit all the main rides before lunch. A rarity in Disney, allowing for a relaxed afternoon of boat rides, theatrical jazz shows, and ending the evening camping out lakeside for the final firework display.

Day 2 was Olivia’s birthday, and we’d booked tickets to attend Team Lab’s Planets, an immersive space of digital artwork. We waded through water and sat in rooms with projections of koi fish and falling flowers, and walked through mirrored rooms of light and inflated spheres.

Not the most aesthetically pleasing, but my favourite had to be the black hole installation, where my ass happily sank into the room full of bean bags and I never wanted to leave.

The pictures really don’t do this place justice, and the best thing is you’re not rushed through it at all. We lay on floors and took it all it, and left fully refreshed, perfect since we were exhausted from the day before.

Sadly we only had a long weekend in Tokyo, but we managed to squeeze in so much. Dinner at the most beautiful yakitori restaurant with Zack (a former Kumamoto ALT positively thriving in Tokyo now), an evening roaming Shin Okubo eating Korean BBQ, drinking soju and thinking we’d been transported to Seoul, and a quick early morning visit to Asakusa for brunch and a few selfies sweating our tits off at Kaminarimon. I managed to catch my second ever glimpse of Mt. Fuji too, from the plane window thanks to the most adorable cabin attendants.

I always say how much I hate Tokyo, and I honestly don’t, I’ve just got to be in the right mood to deal with the hustle and bustle. Having the best travel partner in Olivia helped, and that trip reignited my love for the city again.
Until next time Tokyo, never change.