As you pass through the entrance gates, you are greeted by a magnificent fountain with a globe at its center—a reminder of how much of Earth is covered with water. For the next 12 hours, those vast oceans are going to be our playground as we explore seven expansive areas inspired by ocean tales and legends.

First order of the day is to plan your route (or just follow this handy itinerary). The seven areas take you from Venetian canals across Mediterranean Harbor to Mermaid Lagoon and the towering volcano, right to the Arabian Coast. There is almost too much to see, but try we will!

It might seem the wrong way around, but it is a wise idea to get your souvenir shopping done first—especially if you’re a first-time visitor. The shops can get crowded as the park starts to close, so if you want to browse in peace and quiet, this is the time.

As you may know, the custom of returning from a trip with omiyage (gifts) is an important part of Japanese culture. Make sure you share your experience with friends and family, and treat yourself, too!

Another Japanese custom you are sure to spot in the park is groups wearing matching outfits—especially Disney hats and headgear. Join in the fun and find your own style before you visit the attractions!

With your souvenir shopping completed, you can leave your gifts in nearby lockers while you enjoy the park. And say goodbye to any heavy bags while you are at it.

Once you have your route down, the next thing to do is to get a FASTPASS® for the attractions you want to enjoy most. Just go to a FASTPASS® machine and insert your pack ticket with the 2D code facing up. Come back within the time frame indicated and board at your comfort. You can make arrangements on the day, and just a little planning helps you get so much more out of your visit!

Our first ride of the day is 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, in the Mysterious Island area. See you on the other side!

Now that you have your FASTPASS® rhythm down, you should be thinking one attraction ahead at all times. Before we ride the exhilarating Journey to the Center of the Earth, we can get our FASTPASS® for the first ride after lunch. The machines are easy to use and offer multilingual menus, so everything ought to be a breeze.

Countless Disney favorites are on hand at the Hello, New York! show as you approach the American Waterfront. Be sure to check the show schedule as you go through the park as there is always something going on.

The S.S. Columbia Dining Room sets the scene for a sumptuous girl’s lunch. With a Priority Seating available, you can be seated with a minimal wait after you arrive at the restaurant. You are sure to feel like a Disney princess as you enjoy the refined menu and historical atmosphere.

For thrill-seekers, the Tower of Terror is a must. Its lighting-strewn exterior and decayed, decadent décor only elude to what you will find inside. You are in for a surprise.

After the Tower of Terror, you might need to sit down and catch your breath. Luckily, the popcorn vendors in front of Liberty Landing Diner are there to help you do just that.

For a more relaxing, but no-less-enjoyable ride, head to Port Discovery and the Nemo & Friends SeaRider, where you’ll board a submersible and shrink to the size of a fish!

Nautilus Gallery, in the watery pools right beneath the softly smoldering volcano at the center of the Mysterious Island, is a great place to have a beer as you count down the hours to the evening show.

There are many seasonal shows throughout the day, but the highlight has to be Fantasmic!, a spectacular show that features Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Currently held every evening in the Mediterranean Harbor, this interplay of water, fire, lasers, and lights lasts 20 minutes and is an unforgettable story sure to be the highlight of your Tokyo DisneySea experience.

The view is good no matter your vantage point, so arrive at your leisure and enjoy the show!

We have only scratched the surface of the fun to be had at Tokyo DisneySea. There are too many attractions, restaurants, and shopping to cover in one day, and we leave the park with more than a couple of secrets left to be discovered.

Craft your own Tokyo DisneySea memories on your trip. Begin planning your visit on the official website.

See you there!