20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Submarine attraction in Maihama, Japan
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a submarine attraction at DisneySea Park in Maihama, Japan, where visitors ride in individual cabins through recreated underwater worlds. The cabins feature small windows through which animated creatures and landscapes below the ocean surface can be seen.
The attraction opened on September 4, 2001, together with the DisneySea park and was part of the Mysterious Island area from the start. Its design draws on the Jules Verne novel that appeared in the late 19th century.
The ride takes its name from the Jules Verne novel and brings Captain Nemo's underwater realm into a modern form that appeals especially to Japanese visitors. Inside the installation, a mix of European science fiction and Asian showmanship becomes apparent.
The ride lasts about 15 minutes and follows a fixed route that is accessible for wheelchair users. Visitors should be prepared for it to be somewhat dark inside with occasional light effects.
The vehicles do not move through real water but use projections and design tricks to create the illusion of a dive. This technique allows very complex and detailed scenes to be shown that would hardly be possible underwater.
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