Today, we're touring Arabian Coast, as part of our in-depth look at Tokyo DisneySea.
Let's step inside the land, which like most Tokyo DisneySea lands, is decorated for the park's 10th anniversary this year.
Earlier this year, to celebrate the anniversary, DisneySea debuted Jasmine's Flying Carpets, a $22 million spinner ride. Why would a park spend that kind of coin on a Dumbo-clone, readers asked.
Having seen the ride - and the land in which it resides - I now can answer confidently. DisneySea spent that much money because if it had spent any less decorating the ride, it would have stood out like Betty White on an episode of TMZ. Let's take a look around, shall we?
This isn't part of any attraction or restaurant - it's just street theming.
And so is this - though immediately after I took this picture, a queue of children formed to climb on Cammie's back and get their photos taken, too.
The biggest ride in Arabian Coast is , a indoor boat ride in the tradition of It's a Small World and Epcot's Gran Fiesta Tour.
You are floating along watching Sindbad make his famous journey, as previewed here on a map in the queue.
You'll start in Sindbad's home port, then sail to Mermaid Rocks, to Rukh Island and the Cave of the Giant…
…then it's off to the Palace of the Sultan, Land of the Monkeys, Whale Straits and back home. Here's a POV:
Almost all of the major rides at DisneySea have corporate sponsors (which helps keep the park in such immaculate condition, no doubt). And there's a plaque in the exit area of each of these rides with a message from that sponsor, fitting that particular ride.
Arabian Coast's other main attraction is The Magic Lamp Theater, which, like Terminator 2:3D at the Universal parks, blends live action with a 3D movie. That mix never quite works for my eyes, but this is a cute magic show, focusing on a harried Aladdin-like sorcerer's apprentice who ultimately gets his revenge, with some help from our favorite Genie.
On the opposite end of Arabian Coast from Jasmine's Flying Carpets you'll find another kiddie ride, the two-level Caravan Carousel.
If you're hungry, try the Casbah Food Court.
You'll find curries and tandoori chicken at the counter-service stations in this spacious food court.
Snack options in Arabian Coast include Sultan's Oasis and Open Sesame.
Tomorrow, we'll visit Indiana Jones in the Lost River Delta.
Also on the tour: History, layout and introduction, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Port Discovery, American Waterfront
Sindbad's Storybook Voyage seems simply wonderful, exactly the kind of thing I wish the American parks would do more often. I will have "Compass of Your Heart" floating through my head all day today now!
Robert, these stories about your Asian Grand Tour are wonderful to read. For the 99+% of us who will never get there, thank you!
Again, the environment is stunning to the extreme, however I do wish the ride selections were more befitting of such a beautifully themed area. The boat ride is a winner, though, and the food options seem choice, so all is not lost. Besides, if you have to ride a Dumbo style, magic carpet spinner, it may as well be the prettiest one on the planet!
Gotta agree with James Rao on his comments! Plus I would love to see a Sinbad attraction like this in North America someday! Not that I find anything wrong with POTC, but swashbuckling isn't limited to the Caribbean, and this shows a very light hearted way of presenting it!
$22M, that's only a tad bit over 1.7 billion yen - sounds reasonable.
Disneysea is the best, i wish that they have the little mermaid ride because, like the arabian coast with the flying carpets, the mermaid lagoon will be more espectacular than it is.
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To the best of my recollection,I've only been on one Double-Deck carousel (SF Great America) but I love the look of them. The one here looks quite beautiful.