Mediterranean Harbor (Tokyo DisneySea)

Mediterranean Harbor
View of Mediterranean Harbor at night (December 2019)
ThemeItalian Port Cities
Attractions
Total4
Other rides3
Shows1
Tokyo DisneySea
Coordinates35°37′36″N 139°53′17″E / 35.62667°N 139.88806°E / 35.62667; 139.88806
StatusOperating
Opened4 September 2001
The Venetian Gondolas

Mediterranean Harbor is a themed area in Tokyo DisneySea, the second park in the Tokyo Disney Resort, located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo, which opened in 2001.[1] Mediterranean Harbor is the entrance "port-of-call," or hub, themed as an Italian port city named "Porto Paradiso", complete with Venetian gondolas that guests can ride. The majority of places of interest throughout the port are various shops and restaurants.[2]

Theming and layout

Mediterranean Harbor's layout differs from the entry lands of other Disney parks as it is a large "V" shape rather than the main street that leads to a hub (as found in Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A. or Disney's Hollywood Studios' Hollywood Boulevard).[3] The right path leads to Mysterious Island, while the left leads to the American Waterfront. Built into the architecture of the port is the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta. The hotel itself serves as a full-scale reproduction of the various buildings of Portofino and Venice's ports. The design choice of combining a real hotel within the theme park areas helps to further the illusion that (as either a park or hotel guest) you are in an actual city. Since the hotel is a functional building (rather than a "set facade"—the general standard in theme park designs), the effect of onlooking hotel guests that may observe the park from hotel's rooms, balconies, and terraces serve in adding a level of kinetic authenticity in passing for an authentic Italian villa for park visitors, while the hotel guest enjoys the harborside views and novelty of location.[4][5] Additionally, the Hotel MiraCosta also serves as the southern border of the park. Mediterranean Harbor also features attractions such as the Fortress Explorations, which is a meticulously themed, large-scale interactive play area for guests that features exploration-themed activities and attractions.

Attractions

Entertainment

Current

  • Tokyo DisneySea Maritime Band (2001–present)
  • Believe! Sea of Dreams (November 11, 2022–present)

Past

  • Italian Flag Squad (2001–unknown)
  • Mayor of Porto Paradiso (2001–unknown)
  • Living Statues (2001–unknown)
  • Singing Gondoliers (2001–unknown)
  • The Alchemist (2001–unknown)
  • Buccaneer Brigands (2001–unknown)
  • DisneySea Symphony (2003–2004; first anniversary)
  • BraviSEAmo! (2004–2011)
  • Meet & Smile (2006–2007; "Sea of Dreams" fifth anniversary)
  • Lido Isle Meet & Smile (2005–2006)
  • Porto Paradiso Water Carnival (2001–2004; Spring 2005 & 2006)
  • Trio Melodia (2006–2010)
  • The Legend of Mythica (2006–2014; "Sea of Dreams" fifth anniversary)
  • Disney in the Stars (2010)
  • Be Magical! (2011–2012; "Be Magical!" 10th anniversary)[7]
  • Crystal Wishes Journey (2016–2017; "Year of Wishes" 15th anniversary)
  • Fantasmic! (2011–2020)
  • Mickey and Friends Harbor Greetings Time To Shine! (2021–2022; "Time to Shine!" 20th anniversary)
  • Let's Celebrate With Color! (2023-2024; Tokyo Disney Resort 40th Anniversary "Dream-Go-Round")

Seasonal

  • Lide Isle Welcome to Spring (Spring 2012)
  • Spring Carnival Fairies Primavera (Spring 2009 & 2010)
  • Primavera: Springtime Sun (Spring 2008)
  • Spring Carnival Primavera (Spring 2007)
  • Mousequerade Dance (Halloween Season 2008–2010)
  • Candlelight Reflections (Winter Season 2005–2009; Harborside Christmas Celebration 2005–2010)
  • Christmas Wrapped in Ribbons (Harborside Christmas Celebration 2011)
  • Aladdin's Whole New World (2005)
  • Minnie's Wishing Ring (2005; "Dramatic DisneySea 2005" fourth anniversary)
  • Fantasy Springs Special Greeting (2024; Dreaming of Fantasy Springs)

Future

  • Luca's Polka Band (2026)

Restaurants and refreshments

  • Cafe Portofino
  • Zambini Brothers' Ristorante
  • Mamma Biscotti's Bakery
  • Risorante di Canaletto
  • Gondolier Snacks
  • Magellan's
  • Magellan's Lounge
  • Refrescos

Shopping

  • Valentina's Sweets
  • Emporio
  • Galleria Disney
  • Fotografica
  • Il Postino Stationery
  • Figaro's Clothiers
  • Merchant of Venice Confections
  • Venetian Carnival Market
  • Miramare
  • Piccolo Mercato
  • Splendido
  • Rimembranze
  • Bella Minni Collections

References

  1. ^ "Grand Opening Date Announced for Tokyo DisneySea Park and Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta". "Business Wire" segment. March 23, 2001.
  2. ^ Russell, Chick (May 2010) [3/12/10]. "Explore Tokyo DisneySea" (PDF). SimonSeeks (1). Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  3. ^ Pendry, Cheryl (July 16, 2009). "Tokyo DisneySea: The Most Amazing Disney Park Ever?". Passporter Theme Park and Travel Reviews. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  4. ^ "Tokyo Disneyland Hotel MiraCosta". TripAdvisor.com. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
  5. ^ Tiemann, Amy (8 October 2007). "DisneySea blends Disney imagination and Japanese style". cnet News. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  6. ^ "Tokyo Disney announces five new attractions". Theme Park Insider.
  7. ^ Publicity Department (May 20, 2010). "Tokyo DisneySea 10th Anniversary Event, "Be Magical!"". Oriental Land Co., LTD.