Whether you ’ re whisked away to Pandora or transported to the nether reaches of a galaxy far , far away , Disney has the magic touch when it comes to immersing guests in elaborately themed lands in its parks across the world . While flashier , newer lands like The World of Avatar and Galaxy ’ s Edge may take top billing nowadays , the longstanding lands that operate at a much more subdued pace are just as enthralling . Enter Mermaid Lagoon , an underrated , under-the-sea realm nestled beneath the surface in Tokyo DisneySea .
A PORT OF CALL FOR ALL AGES Geared toward kids and families , this Little Mermaid-themed port of call ( Tokyo DisneySea ’ s term for “ themed land ,” to match the park ’ s overall aquatic emphasis ) is the tamest section in the park , an opening-day attraction since Tokyo DisneySea made a splash on Sept . 4 , 2001 . Compared to the adrenalinepumping fanfare throughout the rest of the park , Mermaid Lagoon is a slower , calmer , and mostly indoor haven filled with thingamabobs for kids to explore and rides that skew more simple carnival-style , albeit with an impressive nautical facade .
merfolk , blowfish carriages , Calypso music , and seafood calzones .
Guests reach the lagoon via a cavernous entrance , fronted by a statue of King Triton on a dolphin-led carriage , carrying a screed welcoming humans to his underwater kingdom and the realm of his daughter , Ariel . From there , it ’ s a steady descent into aquatic chambers aglow in ambient hues of greens and blues , lined with seaweed , anchors , and sea critters , all designed to make guests feel part of Ariel ’ s world . Even the characters are in on the theme — in addition to the titular little mermaid , found in Ariel ’ s Greeting Grotto , Mermaid Lagoon features rare characters like Prince Eric and Max the dog , as well as Disney mainstays like Goofy and Pluto in snorkel gear .
Location : Mermaid Lagoon Entrance , Tokyo DisneySea
Difficulty : Photo by Alexander Semencic
Adults have plenty to marvel at on their own , too , such as shops , an in-the-round theater show , and a seafaring restaurant that defies counter-service expectations . True to Disney form , every facet of Mermaid Lagoon is stunningly detailed and immersive , from the hidden Mickeys that look like barnacles and the turquoisetinted interiors flanked by faux seashells , jellyfish , and seaweed spires to cave-like nooks twinkling with oceanic ephemera . Think Magic Kingdom ’ s Journey of the Little Mermaid , but expanded into its own full-blown Fantasyland .
ABOVE : The palace — and all of Mermaid Lagoon — has plenty of nautical detail and bright , pastel colors . BELOW : Find King Triton in his dolphin-led carriage at the entrance . Look closely to read his Royal Proclamation .
BECOMING PART OF THEIR WORLD Toward the back of the park , against Tokyo Bay , Mermaid Lagoon ’ s atmosphere is made to resemble King Triton ’ s Kingdom of Atlantica , marked by seashellinspired architecture , tree-lined grottos , and a soaring palace shimmering with rainbow tints . Aside from a couple of rides , a vast majority of Mermaid Lagoon is indoors , underneath the castle , lending the sensation of diving under the sea into an enchanting realm populated by