The best way to get a glimpse of the entire park is to take a cruise - and you don't have to queue for it! What it lacks is the live commentary that comes with similar rides in American theme parks, but considering that the commentary will be in Japanese...
Aboard the Disneysea Transit Steamer Line
Mid-day Show
Enroute to Mermaid Lagoon - Catering to Under-12s
And promptly fell asleep at the Mermaid Lagoon Theatre
At the Arabian Coast
Mysterious Island afar
Donald says goodbye! (shrimp float)
An anecdote on THE Disney Hospitality: I lost one glove (what was I to do with only one side?), and I scoured the entire American Waterfront at least twice. On the way out, I checked with Park Information for any found glove. Lucky me, it was dutifully found and returned by an efficient park ranger - it had taken me less than 10 minutes to realise I lost it. Thankful!
Apart from the crazy queues (nothing new, but FastPass is really a lifesaver), the Japanese commentary, it was an awesome out-of-Japan experience across different ports. It was regretful that I missed the fireworks but I'll be back! For that and the Toy Story alien dumplings!
Cost: ¥6,200/day/park (¥4,900 for students till March 15, 2013)
*More price options available
Access: JR Maihama Station (Walk or use the Disney Resort Line to get around the area) / Direct bus from Narita/Haneda Airports/other destinations
NB: Like in every train station in Japan, lockers are available in bus stations or Information Centres around attractions like Disneysea, for the storage of luggage (price varies from ¥300-¥600 depending on size and location). These lockers are life- and time-savers!
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