An insider’s guide to DisneySea’s latest attraction: Fantasy Springs
What to expect at Disney’s newest enchanted expansion
Tokyo DisneySea, Fantasy Springs Hotel (Image Souce: Themeparks.plus)
Source: Official DisneySea website
Just when you thought Tokyo DisneySea couldn’t get any cooler, along comes Fantasy Springs. This $2.1 billion expansion isn’t just big on budget; it’s massive on magic, too, bringing beloved stories from Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan to life.
Planning a visit? You’ll want to know the best way to snag tickets, which attractions to queue for first, and maybe a few secret tips to maximize your day. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or a newbie to the park’s charms, let’s gear up for a day of adventure in the heart of this enchanting new world.
What is Fantasy Springs?
Fantasy Springs is a brand-new section at Tokyo DisneySea, one of the theme parks located right outside Tokyo in Urayasu, Chiba. It opened its doors on June 6th, 2024—the park’s largest expansion since 2001—and has quickly become a highlight, spanning an impressive 140,000 square meters.
This area is designed like a trio of mini-parks, each one themed after some of the most cherished Disney movies: Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. In Fantasy Springs Disney, you can wander through Elsa’s icy kingdom, roam Rapunzel’s lively Corona, or soar through the skies of Neverland.
It has been constructed to pull you straight into these stories with rides, dining, and performances that are all about immersive fun and magical experiences. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or just looking for a unique adventure, Fantasy Springs is a place where those beloved stories come vividly to life.
I’m sold—how do I get tickets?
Can’t wait to explore Fantasy Springs? Here’s a quick guide to getting tickets and making the most of your visit:
Buying tickets
Online: The easiest way is to buy tickets directly from the Tokyo DisneySea Resort website. You can select specific dates and ticket types. Tickets usually go on sale 2-3 months in advance, so plan ahead.
Physical booths: If you're already in Japan, you can purchase tickets at the booths outside Tokyo DisneySea. But be warned—lines can be long, especially during peak times. It's best to buy online to avoid the wait.
Travel agencies: Some Japanese travel agencies offer package deals that bundle park tickets with hotel stays and other perks. These can be a convenient and sometimes cost-effective option.
Best times to visit
Weekdays: Aim for Tuesdays through Thursdays to avoid the weekend rush.
Off-peak seasons: Visit in January to early March (excluding holidays) and late April (avoiding Golden Week) for fewer crowds. These times also often offer milder weather.
Early mornings or evenings: Arriving at park opening (usually around 8 AM) or later in the evening can help you dodge the busiest times. The park is beautifully lit at night, adding to the magic.
Fast passes and special access
Disney Premier Access: This service allows you to reserve access to select attractions for an additional fee, helping you skip the regular lines. Purchase through the Tokyo Disney Resort app, which also gives you real-time updates on availability.
Hotel guest benefits: If you’re staying at Disney Fantasy Springs Hotel, you might get perks like early park entry or exclusive access to certain attractions. Confirm these benefits when you book your stay.
Timed entry tickets: During peak periods, you might need a timed entry ticket to access Fantasy Springs. These are usually distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the park entrance or through the app. Arrive early to secure your spot.
Bonus tips
Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App: This app is a lifesaver for real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and dining reservations. You can also use it to purchase Premier Access and check park maps.
Plan your day: Prioritize your must-see attractions and shows (we’ll cover them below), and keep an eye on wait times via the app to make the most of your time. Consider starting with the most popular rides to beat the crowds.
Consider a multi-day pass: If you want to experience both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, a multi-day pass (which can be found on the ‘park tickets’ page) offers better value and more flexibility. Plus, it gives you time to explore at a more relaxed pace.
Ready to start planning an enchanted escape? Follow these steps and plan ahead for a smooth and magical visit to Fantasy Springs—making the most of your time without getting bogged down by the crowds.
What to expect in Fantasy Springs
Source: CNN
Logistics out the way, now let’s talk about the exciting part: entering the park! When you first step into Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, you’re greeted by an entrance adorned with lush rock work covered in moss and flowers, setting the stage for the magical day ahead. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale as you explore the three areas themed around Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan.
Frozen Kingdom
Source: CNN
First up, the Frozen section—Frozen Kingdom. Picture wandering through the icy fjords of Arendelle, complete with snowy landscapes and charming Nordic architecture. The centerpiece here is Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, a six-and-a-half-minute ride that retells the story of the movie, featuring cutting-edge audio-animatronic figures that bring the characters to life with incredible realism.
Average wait-time:
Wait times for the attraction typically reach 75 minutes; hit this ride early or during parade times.
Dining and shopping:
Oaken’s OK Foods: Outdoor snacks perfect for a quick bite.
Royal Banquet of Arendelle: A quick-service restaurant offering hearty meals in a grand setting.
Elsa’s Ice Boutique: Find Frozen-themed merchandise, from plush toys to apparel.
Rapunzel’s Forest
Source: Sora News 24
Next, you’ll find yourself in Rapunzel’s Forest which features the first Tangled-themed attraction in the world. It’s a five-minute ride that takes guests through key scenes from the movie, including the romantic lantern scene that recreates the enchanting atmosphere seen in the movie.
Average wait-time:
Expect wait times of 60-90 minutes for the attraction, so consider using Disney Premier Access.
Dining and shopping:
The Snuggly Duckling: Inspired by the pub in Tangled, this quick-service spot serves burgers and a delightful frying pan-themed dessert.
Peter Pan’s Never Land
Source: Tokyo Disney Resort
Then, you step into Peter Pan’s Never Land, a whimsical world full of adventure. The area features two main attractions: Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies, a delightful ride through Pixie Hollow, and Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, a thrilling 3-D ride where you join Peter and the Lost Kids on a mission to outwit Captain Hook. The combination of physical sets and 3-D elements makes for an immersive experience that blurs the line between fantasy and reality.
Average wait-time:
This attraction combines physical sets with 3-D elements, with wait times often exceeding 90 minutes.
Dining and shopping:
Lookout Cookout: Counter-service restaurant with chicken strips and assorted snacks.
Popcorn Wagon: Features roast beef-flavored popcorn.
Neverland Treasures: A treasure trove of Peter Pan memorabilia, including pirate hats and Tinker Bell accessories.
Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel
Source: CNN
The Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel is a highlight in itself. It’s the first at Tokyo Disney Resort to feature a luxury distinction in one of its sections. The Grand Château area is made up of 56 terrace rooms with stunning theme park views and a dedicated entrance to Fantasy Springs.
The Fantasy Château, with 419 deluxe-style rooms, offers comfort that matches the iconic Tokyo Disneyland Hotel. According to the popular Disney blog, AllEars.net, room rates start at around ¥63,500 ($405) per night for the Fantasy Château and ¥300,000 ($1,917) for the Grand Château.
Hungry? The hotel features a buffet-style restaurant, a French-inspired table-service restaurant. It also boasts a lounge, and a merchandise shop that’s accessible directly from the park.
So there you have it—a glimpse into the magical world of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. From the awe-inspiring animatronics in Arendelle to the lantern-lit beauty of Rapunzel’s Forest and the adventurous spirit of Neverland, Fantasy Springs redefines what a Disney park can be.
Go on, experience the magic of Fantasy Springs for yourself
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea offers a vividly immersive experience unlike any other. This new area brings the stories of Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan to life with cinematic attractions and exquisitely detailed environments. Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Start planning your trip and securing your tickets using the insights from this guide. And remember, TokudAw can take you there!
