NEWS: DISNEY ANNOUNCES NEW THEME PARK IN TOKYO

Nearly 35 years ago, Disney expanded its international reach with Tokyo Disneyland, later adding Tokyo DisneySea in 2001 as a second theme park in Japan. Now, Disney and its partners in the Oriental Land Company have revealed plans for an all-new Japanese theme park that will shift the focus to its host country with new characters and attractions.

Via Kotaku, Mainichi News is reporting that the company is going to invest $2.7 billion in the new park, which will be focused on the culture of Japan and targeted to tourists visiting the country. It sounds like a similar approach to the one that was used to create Disney California Adventure. It should also be noted that all of the Disney parks in Japan are owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company, but Disney has full creative control.

Further plans for the new park will be revealed in May 2018, and the report seems to suggest that construction may begin in 2025. That would allow almost a decade for Disney Imagineers to map out the new park and its rides, as well as the ancillary attractions.

Although this new park is still several years away from fruition, Disney watchers will likely keep a close eye on it because any new rides that are built for this resort may eventually come to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Shanghai Disneyland’s popular Tron ride is already slated to come to Disney World, and we’re eager to see what comes out of Disney’s newest creations.

Are you excited about the new Disney theme park coming to Tokyo? Let us know in the comment section below!

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My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story