Celebrating Disney’s Easter and 35th Anniversary at Tokyo DisneySea

Disney’s Easter usually lasts an entire season at Tokyo Disney Resort. This year, with the new 35th Anniversary festivities at Tokyo Disneyland, all of Easter was focused at Tokyo DisneySea. This nautical-inspired Park also enjoyed special décor and a commemorative water pageant for 35th Anniversary.

Parades and Shows

Tokyo DisneySea runs more parades and shows than any other Disney Park that I know. It’s truly a challenge to see the Park, experience the rides, and catch all the water parades that are held at the park-front Mediterranean Harbor. And that doesn’t include the stage shows. You’ll certainly make your step-count goals on a DisneySea day.

During Disney’s Easter season (March 27 – June 6, 2018), DisneySea has the “Fashionable Easter” parade twice daily. New also is the 35th Anniversary “Happiest Celebration on the Sea” parade, scheduled twice daily. As darkness falls, don’t miss “Fantasmic,” an impressive water spectacle staged entirely on moving boats.

That’s five parades. No wonder the first parade starts only 30 minutes after park opening.

Then, there are five showtimes each of stage shows: “Big Band Beat” and “Out of Shadowland.” Plus continuous showings of “My Friend Duffy” from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

35th Anniversary Water Pageant

Tokyo DisneySea is celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Tokyo Disney Resort. The “Happiest Celebration on the Sea” parade features Mickey and friends on one float that circles Mediterranean Harbor.

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy are wearing their 35th Anniversary costumes that match their “Dreaming Up!” parade costumes. Since this is Tokyo DisneySea, they are joined by Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni, and their newest friend, ballerina bunny StellaLou.

The performances we saw were modified due to weather, so we’re not sure what else would have been included. Many Tokyo DisneySea parades incorporate jet skis, flying kites and fireworks. Here’s video from the parade:

And the finale:

“Happiest Mickey” Statues

In honor of the 35th “Happiest Celebration,” Tokyo Disney Resort had multiple Mickey statues placed throughout the Parks. ‘Mickey marks the spot’ on the DisneySea Park map. Here are some of our favorites, complete with nicknames.

Admiral Mickey guards Mediterranean Harbor, under the watchful eye of Mount Prometheus.

Arabian Nights Mickey enjoys a drink in front of the two-story Caravan Carousel.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Gone Fishin’ Mickey is on the lookout for the next big catch in Cape Cod on the American Waterfront.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Lost River Delta Mickey takes after Indiana Jones in seeking forbidden treasures.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Hola, amigos! Sombrero Mickey greets you in front of Miguel’s Cantina. It’s so endearing that cast members use phrases like ‘Hola, amigos’ and ‘Adios’ to greet guests in Lost River Delta. They also used Italian greetings on the gondolas in Mediterranean Harbor.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Snorkeling Mickey conducts his underwater orchestra in front of Mermaid Lagoon.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

This playful Mickey gets squirted in the face by a stowaway fish. The lights of Mermaid Lagoon glow in the background. I can’t decide if this Mickey looks like more like a sailor or a gondolier.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Searching for Captain Nemo! Mickey explores near the Nautilus on Mysterious Island.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Stylishly steampunk Mickey has a giggle near “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Disney’s Easter with a 35th Anniversary Flair

Throughout the Park, there were so many decorations custom-branded with both 35th Anniversary and Easter. “Disney’s Easter 2018” decorated the entry portal with flanking 35th “Happiest Celebration” medallions and banners. Travel tip: for a less crowded experience, go on a rainy weekday.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Guests loved taking pictures with this grand egg display in Mediterranean Harbor. “Fashionable Easter” is the theme at Tokyo DisneySea. This special Easter egg commemorates the event.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

In true attention to detail, even “Fashionable Easter” umbrellas in were branded with “35.”

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

On the American Waterfront, two large Easter baskets drew crowds in front of Tower of Terror. Everyone queued patiently for their turn for a photo.

The queue was so long for this gazebo photo op, I thought it was for a character meet and greet! This photo is from the Tokyo DisneySea website.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

What amazes me is the attention to detail, and the budget TDS spent on decorations. Everything 35th and Easter can only be used during this year’s Easter season. Imagine buying new custom umbrellas for your tables and using them for only two and half months. This sure makes an impression.

Easter Egg Hunt and Park Decorations

Similar to other Disney Parks, Tokyo DisneySea had an Easter Egg hunt. Buy a map. Find all the eggs. Get a prize. These were some of the delightfully decorated eggs.

Nigel steals the show with Nemo-themed eggs next to the SeaRider attraction. See Bruce and Destiny?

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

This Saludos Amigos egg rests in Lost River Delta.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

This restaurant – now Miguel’s El Dorado Cantina – has been re-themed since the release of CoCo. It showcases beautiful art on the walls and the egg.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Mickey and Minnie eggs welcome guests at the entrance to Tokyo DisneySea.

Vibrant Easter banners color coordinate with floral blooms in Mediterranean Harbor.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Intricate eggs with stained-glass shells also dotted the Park. We found Chip and Dale, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy eggs. They glowed elegantly at night.

The Easter spirit carried on – all the way to the monorail. Monorail Pink was Easter-themed as well.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

High Fashion on the High Seas

The “Fashionable Easter” parade at Tokyo DisneySea changes slightly each year. It is always an array of color and high-energy fun. Incorporating a cast of 115 performers with Disney characters on five boats and three stages, “Fashionable Easter” is certain to lift your spirits.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Disney characters and their friends are dressed to represent each of the themed lands – or ‘ports’ – of DisneySea.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

They all sport their bunny ears on their hats.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Tokyo Disney Parks have a much bigger emphasis on female characters and sidekicks than our domestic Parks. Clarice escorts Chip and Dale. Daisy dances alongside Donald. Max boogies with Goofy.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Saludos Amigos friends play prominently in the Lost River Delta.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Duffy and pals are absolute celebrities at Tokyo DisneySea. This is the first time I’m seeing StellaLou, their newest bunny friend. She was first introduced for Easter 2017.

The boats have floral balloons that suddenly inflate to add decorative flair.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Here’s another glimpse of the parade in our video:

Tokyo DisneySea always holds a special enchantment for me. It’s the only Disney Park of its type in the world. What do you think of “Fashionable Easter: at Tokyo DisneySea? And the themed-in 35th Anniversary festivities?

A visit to Tokyo Disney Resort would not be complete without exploring the 35th “Happiest Celebration” Tokyo Disneyland. Or getting a peek at crave-worthy Tokyo Disney merchandise. And eating your way through delectable seasonal food offerings. Ready for a glimpse? Follow along as we take a closer look at the Tokyo Disney experience.

Tokyo Disneyland 35th anniversary

Gloria Hasler
Gloria Hasler is a freelance travel writer and photographer. She is a professional travel consultant, owner of Chrysalis Travel, and – together with her husband – co-founder of the Six Castles Club.