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In-Focus Portfolio 2005 ►
American pop culture at its finest |
Tokyo Disneyland opened to the public on April 15, 1983. As the first Disney
theme park outside of the United States, Tokyo Disneyland followed the established model created by Walt Disney
of high quality entertainment and excitement for children of all ages.
The Kingdom of Dreams and Magic is larger
than other Disneyland theme parks covering about
115 acres (46.5 hectares). Compare that with the
original Disneyland in Anaheim, California at 75
acres (30.4 hectares) and the Magic Kingdom in
Orlando, Florida at 105 acres (42.5 hectares).
However, Tokyo Disneyland has fewer rides than
other Disneyland theme parks. The additional
space is given over to large plazas and
circulation routes so the huge number of
visitors do not feel crowded.
During the busy summer months it's not uncommon for the park to open its doors in the morning, then have to stop
admitting visitors around noon due to reaching its maximum capacity of about 85,000 guests. The doors reopen again
around 5:00 PM after the crowds have thinned out. The park stays open until 10:00 PM on certain nights for the
Electrical Parade and fireworks. It is not uncommon for the park to host 100,000 visitors a day.
The "lands" at Tokyo Disneyland are: Critter Country, Westernland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Toontown,
Tomorrowland and World Bazaar, which is the equivalent of America's Main Street. Like all Disneyland theme parks,
the focal point landmark is the Cinderella Castle modeled after King Ludwig's medieval Neuschwanstein Castle in
Bavaria, Germany.
This In-Focus 2005 portfolio illustrates how the Japanese have
enthusiastically embraced a small piece of American popular culture
and have integrated it into their own. Mickey Mouse is as familiar to every child and adult in Japan as their own
Doraemon or Pikachu. |
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