With press previews of the new Fantasy Springs expansion at Tokyo DisneySea underway, it has domestic theme park fans feeling a bit jealous, to say the least. The four rides in the new Fantasy Springs land are visually stunning, largely opting for ride experiences that mirror the look and feel of the movies that they’re based on. From the floating lantern scene in Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival (pictured below) to Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, Walt Disney Imagineering was able to show off what they can do when acting as a contractor with a big budget. The question is: how much did Fantasy Springs cost to build?
Oriental Land Company
Tokyo Disneyland is owned by the Oriental Land Company (OLC) under a license from The Walt Disney Company. When new attractions are built, Walt Disney Imagineering effectively acts as a contractor – designing and building what the OLC requests. In that sense, the bill for a new land, attraction, experience, hotel, etc, falls at the feet of the OLC and not The Walt Disney Company. Therefore, while the design work is done by the same “firm” (WDI) stateside and internationally, many fans say that the quality of the finished product varies greatly.
Having visited the Tokyo Disney Resort before, there is no doubt that the parks are beautiful and held to a standard that oftentimes meets or exceeds domestic Disney theme parks. Tokyo DisneySea is the most beautiful Disney theme park in the world, and the Fantasy Springs expansion looks to build upon that park’s legacy. With the theme parks about to be “turbocharged” any day now (right?!), online fan discussion has turned to bringing parts of Fantasy Springs to the United States. Disney has previously said that they will invest $60 billion into the “Experiences” division, which includes theme parks, consumer products, and Disney Cruise Line.
Turbocharge!
Of that $60 billion topline Capital Expenditure investment, it was revealed that half of that amount, or $30 billion, would be invested into the theme parks, with other dollars going to “tech & maintenance” and Disney Cruise Line. Keep in mind that the $30 billion going to theme parks is set to be distributed over the next 10 years, and that Disney has not said how much of that is going to each theme park. The closest we can get to a park-by-park breakdown is a previous commitment of $17 billion to Walt Disney World over the same timeframe, and a minimum required investment of $1.9 billion for the DisneylandForward project over the next decade. Note that we expect that the total number of dollars headed to Anaheim will be much greater than $1.9 billion over the next 10 years, but that’s the minimum for our math.
Starting at $30 billion and subtracting $17 billion for Walt Disney World, and we’ll call it $3 billion for the Disneyland Resort, we have about $10 billion left for Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland. The Walt Disney Company has minority ownership interests in both of the Asia theme parks, and full ownership of Disneyland Paris. Again, we expect that the figure for the Disneyland Resort will be significantly higher than the $1.9 billion minimum or even the $3 billion estimate used in our math, but it’s a start.
How Much Did Fantasy Springs Cost to Build?
Ok, with some background out of the way for planned Capital Expenditure investments at the Disney theme parks around the world, we head back to the OLC financials to find out how much Fantasy Springs cost to build.
In a May 2019 announcement of Fantasy Springs, the OLC said that it would require an investment of roughly $250 billion yen. The value of the yen has changed over time, but at the time of the announcement, that was equal to roughly $2.3 billion USD. The OLC said that Fantasy Springs would be the largest single monetary investment to date for theme park expansion projects.
Since May 2019, a global pandemic and continuing strain on the yen have changed the cost estimate for the project. In an October 2023 press release, the OLC said that the cost of the project was estimated at $320 billion yen, or about $2.1 billion USD. So while the cost of the project in yen has fluctuated the past five years, Fantasy Springs cost just over $2 billion to build.
To put that into perspective, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are estimated to have cost about $1 billion each. Other recent projects include a reported cost of $300+ million for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at EPCOT.
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea
Fantasy Springs is located between the Arabian Coast and Lost River Delta in Tokyo DisneySea. This eighth “port” (land) is themed to a magical spring leading to a world of fantasy and consists of three areas: Frozen Kingdom, Rapunzel’s Forest, Peter Pan’s Never Land, inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “Peter Pan.” The biggest land expansion yet at Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s home to four new attractions, three quick service dining locations, a merchandise shop and a new hotel.
Frozen Kingdom
Taking place after the film’s finale, you’re invited to visit the kingdom of Arendelle, where Elsa is finally able to embrace her previously hidden powers.
Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey
Set out on a voyage by boat on Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey located in Frozen Kingdom! This family-friendly attraction features the heartwarming tale of two sisters from childhood memories with Grand Pabbie to Anna turning to ice to save Elsa. The adventure is accompanied by songs from the film including, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love Is an Open Door” and “Let It Go.”
Royal Banquet of Arendelle
For the first time in forever, Anna and Elsa have opened the gates of Arendelle Castle to dine inside! Immerse yourself in the world of “Frozen” and discover eats like “Arendelle’s Royal Set.”
Oaken’s OK Foods
Oaken, the shop keeper of Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna, has opened his doors to the hungry visitors of Frozen Kingdom! The perfect spot to grab a quick snack, you’ll find his signature offering, “Oaken’s Yoo-Hoo Bread,” here.
Rapunzel’s Forest
For those who love “Tangled,” Rapunzel’s Forest will transport you directly into the world of the Disney Animation film where Rapunzel has lived since she was a child!
Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival
For the first time ever, be transported to where the glowing lanterns gleam on Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival over in Rapunzel’s Forest. This romantic gondola journey retells the tale of Disney Animation’s “Tangled,” from Rapunzel’s tower to the moment we’ve all been waiting for, watching the sky envelope with countless lanterns to the tune of “I See the Light.”
The Snuggly Duckling
Hidden among the foliage of a massive tree that’s partially growing into the building, dine among the happily-ever-after story of the tavern’s ruffians and paintings created by Rapunzel herself. Here you can find a variety of offerings from savory dishes such as “Duckling’s Dream Cheeseburger” and those on the sweeter side like the “Sweet Ever After Dessert.”
Peter Pan’s Never Land
Join the fun-loving and adventurous Lost Kids on an epic adventure in Peter Pan’s Never Land, from Captain Hook’s pirate ship to Pixie Hollow.
Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure
An all-new adventure, this 3D escapade joins Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Lost Kids as they rescue John from Captain Hook and his band of pirates.
Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies
Shrink down to the size of a fairy and board a busy buggie to help Tinker Bell deliver packages throughout the changing seasons of Pixie Hollow. This attraction is perfect for those of all ages!
Lookout Cookout
The hideout of the Lost Kids, Lookout Cookout in Peter Pan’s Never Land was made from parts of a shipwreck that had washed ashore. Not only will you find menu items inspired by the Lost Kids, keep an eye out for what they’ve left around such as pajamas and hammocks.
Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel
Not only is Tokyo Disney Resort welcoming a new port to Tokyo DisneySea, but an all-new hotel will open too! This park-integrated hotel is located right next to Fantasy Springs and offers the unique opportunity of fully immersing yourself into the magical springs.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!