One of the most popular rides at Tokyo DisneySea in Japan is Journey to the Center of the Earth. Located at the Mysterious Island section of the park, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a dark ride through the caverns of subterranean Earth.
Journey to the Center of the Earth Ride Video
The following video shows you some of the exterior and queue along with the full point of view of the ride. This video was created by the YouTube channel Attractions 360.
The Journey to the Center of the Earth Experience
Based on a Jules Verne novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth immerses guests in a journey underground where wonders await.
Prior to boarding the subterranean vehicles, guests take a “Terravator” to the base station a half-mile underground. Once there, guests board subterranean mining vehicles amidst warnings of increased volcanic activity. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the volcanic activity creates an earthquake, forcing a cave-in and the vehicle to divert where guests come across a giant lava monster!
Brief History of Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Journey to the Center of the Earth ride opened at Tokyo DisneySea in 2001. It uses the same type of ride system found in Epcot’s Test Track and Disney California Adventure’s Radiator Springs Racers.
Tom Thordarson was tapped as the concept designer for the ride. At the time the ride was built, it was one of Walt Disney Imagineers greatest creations.
The score for the ride was created by the late Buddy Baker who composed many Disney films along with Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion scores. It was his final Disney composition before his death in 2002.
