DisneySea, part 3

~The final ride that I went on at DisneySea was the amazing "Journey to the Center of the Earth", based on the novel of the same name by Jules Verne. Indeed, Verne was the theme of the "Mysterious Island" area (also the name of a Verne novel), which had a sort of retro-science-fiction thing going on. I know that seems like a contradiction in terms, so try to imagine a way science *might* be, rather than the way science currently *is*. A world of mad science run amok, with incredible machines dominating civilization. Actually, that sounds a lot like the real world...

^ "Journey to the Center of the Earth" is located inside of the large volcano in the center of DisneySea. The ride itself is a motion-coaster similar in style to "Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull", but this one features considerably more roller coaster effects, with sudden drops and turns. Before boarding, I read a battery of warning signs warding away those of advanced age, those with heart conditions, those with weak nerves, etc.

The animatronic effects in the ride were hilarious. Somebody had a lot of fun designing bizarre lifeforms that might populate the depths of the Earth. There were huge glowing moths, large bouncing spider-like creatures, and a ferocious, fire-breathing rock worm straight out of Dune. The best part was when the coaster actually goes briefly outside the volcano, circumnavigating the entire "Mysterious Island" area.

^ In the same area is "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", a submarine ride featuring Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to take the ride underwater, but I did manage to snap this picture from above.

Night had obviously fallen by this point, and it was almost time to go. Before leaving, I did attend an absolutely amazing show called "BraviSEAmo!", held on an artificial lake near the park entrance. It started with Mickey Mouse dancing around on a boat that goes around the lake. He addressed the audience in his trademark high-pitched (helium-infused?) voice...in Japanese! It was hilarious hearing Mickey squeak, "Meena-sama, genki des ka?" (roughly, "Everyone, are you excited?).

The show was a love story between a water spirit and a fire spirit. What was amazing was what the "spirits" were made out of. The water spirit was literally made out of water, with a giant (~20 feet tall?) fountain forming her torso, and jets of water forming her limbs and hair. I thought it was very creative, and was impressed by how something so simple as water could be seemingly sculpted into a work of art. [Note: I did not take these pictures of BraviSEAmo!; they are from the DisneySea site.]

The fire spirit was equally impressive. After the water woman rode around the lake on her boat with ethereal (and thankfully non-verbal) singing music blaring all around, a huge mechanical dragon rose out of the lake. Jets of fire began blasting all over its body, making it seemingly ignite. Dark, ominous music played as waves of heat rolled over the audience, who responded with a now-familiar chorus of "sugoi!" ("cool!"). The best part was when the volcano from the "Mysterious Island" area actually erupted with fireworks!

The fire and water spirits showed off in front of each other for a while, then synchronized their music and movements. The choreography was impressive and the mechanics must have been a nightmare. The overall effect was impressive, to say the least.

That's it from DisneySea. I hope everyone enjoyed reading about my trip and seeing the pictures I was able to take. If you're ever in Tokyo and have some time to kill...get your company to pay for a trip to DisneySea! Speaking of which, I'd like to thank my coworkers, whose hard work helped our school make the cut and win the trip. I'd also like to thank my company for creating a fun reward for my hard work. My job is very difficult, but it does have its perks. ~Oyasumi!