Having visited Disney World (Florida, USA), Hong Kong Disneyland, Paris Disneyland, and most recently Tokyo Disney, I’ve noticed a theme: while the parks generally share a similar layout and many of the same rides, the real difference lies in the visitors’ behaviors.
Our visit to Tokyo Disney on a Wednesday in October, despite not being a local school holiday, was very crowded. The park was filled with young adults, couples, and groups of friends, with many of them in full Disney costumes. This combination of more mature visitors and the polite nature of Japanese people made it the most peaceful theme park experience I’ve ever had.
The entire park was spotless, and there was no line cutting. It also seemed quieter than other Disney parks. During the parade, everyone remained seated, ensuring that all could enjoy the experience. The manners and respect Japanese people show each other were truly on display here. I appreciated these cultural characteristics even more when comparing them to the usual Disney chaos of other locations. This experience was a good lesson in what can be achieved when politeness, patience, and mutual respect are prioritized by everyone.
Shifting Lenses 
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