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Mediterranean Harbor

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AgedToPerfection
AgedToPerfection
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Mediterranean Harbor Overview

Mediterranean Harbor Overview

Like every Disney theme park, Tokyo Disney Sea (“TDS”) has the requisite retail and restaurant area in the form of Mediterranean Harbor. The anchor store, Emporio, serves as the equivalent to Main Street USA’s Emporium. One can find a mass of souvenirs, gifts, and last-minute treasures in Emporio. But another similarity to the US parks, the Emporio gets mighty busy at closing so do your shopping during the day.

Do not miss Galleria Disney, to the left of the TDS entrance. While the merchandise is pretty standard, the atmosphere will take your breath away. At first glance, the store’s walls seemed adorned simply with colorful mosaic tiles. But at closer look, you will notice that each small tile bears a Disney character’s face or some other small image. In addition, Disnified versions of famous paintings, such as Sunday In The Park With George, hang above the cash registers. It’s these details that make TDS spectacular.

After some serious shopping, we stopped by Gondolier’s Snacks for some refreshing gelato. Tantalizing flavors such as blood orange and grape stopped us in our tracks, and we had to try them. My husband consumed his blood-orange gelato in record time. I had to stop him with force in order to get a taste, which was tear-jerking sour, just the way my husband preferred. My grape gelato, with less discomfort, quenched my thirst, appeased my stomach, and refreshed my energy, all in one fell swoop.

While in Mediterranean Harbor, I learned about omiage, which means gift in Japanese. Guests spend a fortune on omiage to take back to their relatives and friends. Usually, omiage takes the form of sweets, cookies, or some other edible delicacy. Merchant of Venice Confections, along the left side of Mediterranean Harbor, is happy to oblige. Whimsical tins of individually wrapped cookies serve as the perfect souvenir gift to take to friends. We bought five tins, each adorably packaged so that the container will outlast the goodies inside. We also noticed the large figures of Goofy the Gondolier, ferrying Mickey and Minnie inside a prop gondola featured in the store window.

In the evenings, take time to stop and look at the lamp lights dotting the walkway around the lagoon. These beautiful clusters of four lamps around a larger light feature stained glass images of sea life. They create the perfect mood and lighting effect for a romantic stroll along Mediterranean Harbor.

As we left Tokyo Disney Sea in the evening, we swore that the next time we visit, we will stay at the Hotel Mira Costa, which is the hotel inside TDS. That way, the magic would linger all the way until we fell asleep and start again the next morning.

From journal Tokyo Disney Sea - Tour the Seven Ports of Call

Editor Pick

Mediterranean Harbor - Il Postino

I’ve highlighted the most popular ride (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), the most popular show (Aladdin’s Magic Lamp Theatre), but I’ve also got a review of the most popular store in Tokyo Disney Sea.

Yes, there is a most popular store, and it is not filled with cute dolls or edibles but with stationery. Il Postino, located in Mediterranean Harbor, sells paper products ranging from postcards to letter writing kits. Shaped like a small post office, Il Postino caters to the paper product-loving Japanese public. One can find all sorts of items made of paper at this crowded store.

Towards the front of the store is a wooden desk with a rubber stamp chained to it. Stamp your postcards with a unique Tokyo Disney Sea image before sending it to your friends. Or stamp your guide maps to add something extra special to your memories of the park.

A tip, do not visit this store during park closing. It seems everyone in the park will jam themselves into this little establishment. Try visiting it during the heat of the afternoon.

From journal Tokyo Disney Sea - Tour the Seven Ports of Call

Editor Pick

Mediterranean Harbor - Fortress Explorations

Mediterranean Harbor - Fortress Explorations

I have to hand it to Walt Disney Imagineering. When I first heard of the Fortress Explorations attraction, I thought, “Now, that’s not going to be too interesting.” Was I ever wrong. Kids and adults alike could spend hours searching through every nook and cranny in this rambling complex, which consists of the Fortress, Explorer’s Landing, and the Galleon docked at the front of the attraction.

Technically, Fortress Explorations is listed as a Mediterranean Harbor attraction, but you must access it once you cross over onto Mysterious Island. The most dramatic entrance is on the Mysterious Island side, closest to aqueduct that leads to Café Portofino. The Fortress front gate harkens directly from childhood memories of castles, moats and dragons. Speaking of dragons, check out the fountain in the Fortress courtyard.

As we climbed the stairs to explore the Fortress’ turrets, we came across “working” cannons. Pull the trigger and loud explosions, complete with kick, rock the cannons in mock simulation. On the roof of the Fortress, Leonardo Da Vinci seemingly has left his flying machine for some lucky guest to operate. Rooted firmly to the ground, the flying machine doesn’t actually fly, but guests can operate the wings and whirlygig rudder.

We uncovered more secrets throughout the complex, including a planetarium, a flat earth game featuring sailing ships, a pendulum, optical illusions, and more. As we descended to the waterfront, we found a playground by the docked Galleon. Guests can board the Galleon itself or opt to play in the spongy-floored playground. At the front of the complex, past the Galleon, is a prop of a funicular.

One word of caution. If you are in short supply of time, keep in mind that time passes very quickly when you play here. Explore when you have the time to devote.

Imagineers spared no detail, and for those in need of assistance in exploring this vast attraction, Cast Members provide maps of the complex so that no corner can remain unexplored. May you find a new world filled with wonder and imagination at Fortress Explorations. I did.

From journal Tokyo Disney Sea - Tour the Seven Ports of Call

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