When Fantasy Springs opens on June 6, 2024 at Tokyo DisneySea, one of the key features you can’t miss are the springs flowing with enchanted water at both Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel and the port entryway. Each has a story to tell with running water, rock formations, music and color — especially at night with beautiful lighting and special effects.
The rockwork found in the port is one of the largest ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering for any land and was based on animated movies, presenting a unique challenge for Imagineers as they worked with artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios and thought through shadows, textures and depth to bring it to life.
“Each figure boasts a unique design,” Zsolt Hormay, Creative Executive, shared. “For example, Anna and Elsa have a full body sculpted within the rock, while Rapunzel’s focuses on her head, which was intentionally adorned with flowers. The goal was to convey the story that these figures are sculpted by water and the detailing of the faces were key in accomplishing this goal.”
With many characters carved and hidden throughout, we’re sharing a sneak peek at some of our favorite details and the unique Disney Animation stories they tell.
Fantasy Springs Entryway
As soon as you approach Fantasy Springs, you’ll notice three unique rock formations representing the areas themed to the Disney Animation films “Peter Pan,” “Frozen” and “Tangled.” Not only does the rockwork include iconic characters such as Peter Pan, Anna, Elsa and Rapunzel, you can also find their popular sidekicks accompanying them. Some are easier to find than others — can you spot Tinker Bell soaring with Peter Pan?
Pocahontas
This spring begins as you step out of the entry tunnel and into the port. The rock formations of Pocahontas and Meeko canoeing are visible as a waterfall tumbles behind, giving the illusion of Pocahontas navigating the splashing waters of the river rapids. If you listen closely, you can hear the song “Just Around the Riverbend.”
Bambi
On your right is a spring themed to “Bambi.” Rockwork formations of a peaceful Bambi lying down with his mother can be seen tucked into a small cove. Other visible figures include Thumper and Flower.
Fun Fact: The spring features dripping water that depicts the pitter-patter of rain playing “Little April Showers,” the signature tune from “Bambi.”
Alice in Wonderland
Over by Fantasy Springs Hotel, the spring themed to “Alice in Wonderland” includes Alice and the Caterpillar sitting on mushrooms oozing a smoky mist. Follow the flowing river across the walkway to a series of teapots from Alice’s unbirthday party that emit a steamy mist from their spouts. Be sure to look closely for other hidden characters as the pool of water rises and lowers.
Can you find the familiar grinning smile of a mischievous cat?
Disney Princesses
This large spring highlights three different stories featuring Disney Princesses from “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” within a tall rockwork cliff. The story of “Sleeping Beauty” is depicted by Maleficent as a dragon while the falls feature the three fairies, and Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip can be seen dancing to “Once Upon A Dream.”
Cinderella
This stunning waterfall magically transforms into Cinderella’s famous dress while “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” plays in the background. Keep an eye out for her glass slipper left behind on the rocks shaped like a staircase.
Snow White
Who’s the fairest of them all in Fantasy Springs? The Magic Mirror of course! Located by Fantasy Springs Hotel, you can spot the face of the Magic Mirror behind a veil of water splashing down the rock wall. Bars of “Some Day My Prince Will Come” accompany the appearance of Snow White’s silhouette in the outline of the pool.
The Little Mermaid
Recreating the iconic “Part of Your World” scene from Disney Animation’s “The Little Mermaid,” Ariel appears poised and proud on a rock as waves splash up behind her. You might even find her friends Flounder, Sebastian and Scuttle beside her as well!
Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey from “Fantasia”
One of the most elaborate springs is located right in front of the Fantasy Springs Hotel. This magical spring outside the hotel’s lobby features Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey with Buckets and Brooms from “Fantasia” stands amid crashing waves and swirling whirlpools. Of course, music from the dramatic piece “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” fills the air.
Fantasy Springs Comes Alive at Night
At night, the magical moments become even more enchanted with lighting and special effects that allow the water to glow and bring to life various Disney Animation stories.
There’s just so much to discover in this brand-new port! Planning a visit to Fantasy Springs? Visit our complete guide to the all-new port opening at Tokyo DisneySea on June 6.
