Disneyland California vs Disneyland Tokyo
The difference between Disneyland California and Disneyland Tokyo is mostly a result of the cultures of the places they are situated. When it comes to entertainment and theme parks around the world, Disneyland in California is the preferred choice of kids and young at heart around the world. It receives millions of tourists from all parts of the world who are enthralled by the rides, cartoon characters, and all the fantasy and adventure facilities around the place. However, there is another Disneyland apart from the one in California and it is situated near Tokyo, Japan. There are lots of similarities between these two parks in terms of content and rides. However, there are some differences that one feels when he gets a chance to visit both the parks. This article attempts to highlight the differences between Disneyland California and Disneyland Tokyo.
More about Disneyland California
The park at Anaheim, California, which is a brainchild of Walt Disney, was started in 1955. This is the original Disneyland. Being situated in California, Disneyland could not expand than its 85 acres as California is a highly populated area. When it comes to the shape, Disneyland at Anaheim looks like a twisted maze. Rides in California are a little faster. The entertaining shows that are held at both the parks areas are a treat for the visitors. The dancers in California do not get tourists involved in their steps.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
More about Disneyland Tokyo
Though there may be many raised eyebrows if Tokyo Disneyland were to be called as a replica of the original, the fact remains that the Disneyland at Urayasu, Chiba, Tokyo was opened as late as in 1983. The Disneyland at Tokyo, as it was designed with space at hand, is much larger and measures 115 acres. When it comes to the shape, the park in Tokyo is almost circular in shape. Coming to rides and entertainment shows, one feels that Tokyo Disneyland and California Disneyland are at par and somewhat similar. The rides in Tokyo are longer than ones in California. Unlike the dancers in Disneyland California, the dancers in Tokyo are a bit more casual and appreciate if visitors join them in dancing. Apart from this difference, there is not much of a difference in the parades that are held at both the parks. The fireworks show around main castle at both parks is really spectacular and there is nothing much to choose in terms of grandeur.
Cinderella Castle
What is the difference between Disneyland California and Disneyland Tokyo?
Both California Disneyland as well as Tokyo Disneyland are equally grand and thrilling for the tourists though they have some differences.
• Tokyo Disneyland is bigger in size (115 acres) than California Disneyland (85 acres), but it is understandable considering how hard it was for Walt Disney to expand in a crowded and congested city like California.
• California Disneyland opened in 1955 while that at Tokyo opened in 1983.
• Though rides and entertainment shows are more or less similar, the dancers in parades at Tokyo actually invite tourists to join the fun, which is not the case in California.
• Disneyland California has the Sleeping Beauty castle whereas Disneyland Tokyo has the Cinderella castle.
• Another difference lies in the shape of the two parks. While the one at Anaheim looks like a twisted maze, the park in Tokyo is almost circular in shape.
• Another difference in the layout is that the main street in Tokyo Disneyland is covered which allows the authorities to control the temperatures. But the downside is that one does not get the same feeling as one gets in Disneyland where it is an open main street.
• Haunted mansion is a unique attraction at both versions of Disneyland, but bears very little resemblance, though having similarity in concept.
• One ride that is very entertaining for small kids and which is not there in California is Pooh’s Hunny Hunt.
• Another difference is the footpath system, which is used in Tokyo to reach the rides but is not there in California.
• As far as food is concerned, the park at California has much variety than its Tokyo version, and one can get all international cuisines including all sorts of vegetarian dishes. However, one is disappointed at Tokyo Park if he is a vegetarian. The food that is offered in the Disneyland Tokyo is American and Chinese flavors mixed with Japanese cuisine. For example, Donburi dish, which is traditional Japanese, can be ordered with US flavors such as creole chicken.
• For those desirous of carrying souvenirs and gifts back home, there are lots to choose from both at Disneyland California as well as Tokyo Disneyland. However, there are more gifts based upon Mickey and friends rather than characters to impress little girls in Tokyo.
Images Courtesy:
- Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim by Cd637 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Cinderella Castle, Tokyo Disneyland by ARICAD (CC BY-SA 3.0)
