The Hudson River–side of McDuck’s resembles “tenements,” low-income apartments known for their fire escapes. Many historic ones still exist in NYC. A must-visit is The Tenement Museum, where guided tours offer a glimpse into everyday life in old New York.

Starting today, I’m sharing a new series comparing the real NYC streets that inspired Tokyo DisneySea’s American Waterfront. Set in 1912, it mirrors Manhattan with surprising detail, focusing on everyday life over landmarks, a reimagined parallel world.

My undisputed #1 childhood trauma at the park.
Not Haunted Mansion, not Snow White—but this. 😭

Those red glowing eyes were terrifying. The cut-out comedy and tragedy masks, combined with the deep red curtain behind them, made for an unintentionally haunting combo.

Used to be my favorite shop at Tokyo Disney!!

Disney Collection in World Bazaar (1995–2005).

Looking back, it was only around for 10 years.

I loved the elegant atmosphere, especially the beautiful crown molding—it felt upscale and refined.

It’s a shame that shops with this kind of ambiance have disappeared from the Tokyo Disney parks.

The last time I visited like 2 years ago, I asked a CM but they didn't offer it. However I saw some guests were at the wheelhouse. Maybe CMs offer to random guests, established people or celebrities.

So nice!! Do you think still happening in Anaheim??

There used to be a special wheelhouse experience on the Mark Twain Riverboat, but it ended due to rising popularity online and safety concerns.
Back in middle school, I’d collect these certificates on every solo visit. Looking back now fills me with nostalgia and gratitude for the kind cast members.

Correct!! Yeah the Venetian area (Palazzo Canal) is my favorite area at DisneySea. Always quiet and nice. And gondola is always less than 10 min wait. Please try next time :)))

Correct!! And there is one more photo from DisneySea!!

Portofino, Cinque Terre, Mediterranean Harbor—all places where reality and fantasy seem to beautifully blend.

I’ve slipped one photo of DisneySea among the four here.

All of this under the theme:
“Somewhere Between Dream and Reality.” 🌊✨

Oh! Yay DisneySea is the number one!! DCA was hmmmm, a bit meh compare to Disneyland. Original Soarin and World of Color are great tho.

Last year I visited Portofino, and this year, returning to Mediterranean Harbor felt like finally settling a long-standing comparison.

Honestly, DisneySea far surpasses the realm of just a theme park—it transcends mere reproduction.

This is Disneyland at the time of its opening, long before things like Ikspiari existed.

I was born in Urayasu, and I heard this photo was taken by my parents on a walk back then.

I doubt anyone at the time imagined it would grow into such a massive resort.

My first visit to Canaletto in 10 years.

While the menu and tableware have changed, I’m so happy the atmosphere remains just as it was when DisneySea first opened.

Perfect timing of the dishes, cheerful cast members, and beautifully presented, delicious food—it was a wonderful experience.

It was nostalgic revisiting the Oceano buffet after so long.

I was once again blown away by its stunning design—a rare late '80s to early '90s interior style for DisneySea.

Great design truly never fades.

Even the Euro/Fusion music playing felt so tasteful.

It really is beautiful. I think this is the best Disney Hotel experience in my life!!

It’s been a while! During a recent trip back to Japan, I visited DisneySea for the first time in 10 years, and staying at Hotel Miracosta was an absolute highlight.

What impressed me most was how the hotel doesn’t rely on characters—it stands proudly on its Italian design alone.

A wild cherry tree from over 20 years ago.

Though Soarin’ now stands nearby, I was relieved to hear this tree still remains.
I’ve even heard it appears in one of the paintings inside the attraction.

Time brings many wonderful changes, but some beauties remain unchanged, and that’s just as special.

Me too! That's why I love Disney :)

A spot I secretly loved long ago—a water fountain in Adventureland. I’m not sure if it’s still there, but its Latin American color palette really stood out.

The Pirates area reflects New Orleans, then subtly shifts south toward Latin America near the dining zone.

I loved the boarding gate in the old Star Tours.

The chime, the announcement, the automatic doors opening toward you, followed by the fanfare—pure excitement.

Old Tomorrowland was full of adrenaline-pumping moments. Now, it’s become much cuter and more pop-styled, but I still miss that era.

A place I love.

But after so long, reservations have moved online, and you can’t secure one in a single try—practice is a must. The interface is clunky, and booking feels like a heart-pounding event.

Back then, reservations were by phone, much easier than now. Talking to an operator felt magical.

Magellan’s Wine Cellar—"Hidden Room."

Now well-known, many request it, but for a first visit, the main hall is better.

The sealed space can lose its charm if guests are loud, and the dim lighting makes it hard to see the colors of your meal.

The Singing Gondoliers (2001–2006)—a duo I deeply appreciated back in the day.

DisneySea thrives on musicians who create its unique atmosphere, so I secretly wish they’d return, especially to Palazzo Canal.

By the way, the accordion player is still actively performing around the world! 😊🎶

Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in front of World Bazaar.

This photo was taken about 20 years ago, and even then, they were in full bloom.

This year, for the first time in 16 years, I’ll finally see Japan’s cherry blossoms again. I can’t wait! 🌸

I’d like to introduce East Corinth, the filming location of my beloved movie Beetlejuice.

A tiny village in Vermont, with barely any tourists in sight.

I couldn’t resist recreating the opening scene, so I took some shots from the car. The town remains peaceful, with many buildings unchanged.

A postcard I picked up at today’s flea market.

For a moment, I thought it was the Ghost Host—the face isn’t the same, but the vibe is eerily similar.

It’s actually an 1787 portrait of Robert Burns by Alexander Nasmyth. Burns, a Scottish poet.

I wonder if Imagineers used it as a reference… 🤔

I love the signs throughout Disney parks.

Even the smallest takeout stands showcase incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail in their design and coloring.

One standout is Cleo’s, which opened in 1996 alongside the Pinocchio renovation.

The movie’s Cleo is absolutely adorable—worth a watch

A beautiful sunset at Mickey Mouse Revue, circa 2004.

Along with Meet the World, this was one of the attractions that felt outdated less than 10 years after opening. Japan changed rapidly after the bubble era, making these attractions feel even more nostalgic.