Your Guide to Tokyo DisneySEA’s The Leonardo Challenge at Fortress Explorations – The Romance Mission

Welcome to Fortress Explorations and the Society of Explorers and Adventurers!

“We, the S.E.A., are dedicated to the gathering of newfound knowledge. So that you may share in our endeavors, we have created Fortress Explorations. Within this citadel and on its waterfront, you can witness first-hand the progression of our explorations and research. Our quest is never-ending and it is our hope that you will return here often to embark on your own explorations of Adventure, Romance, Discovery, and Innovation.” 

-Tokyo DisneySEA 

Tokyo DisneySEA is absolutely insane for their theming and Fortress Explorations is the epitome of what SEA is all about. This is your guide to my favorite place in the park and the activity that helps you explore and discover it: The Leonardo Challenge! It’s a fun, little activity that doesn’t take too much time once you get the hang of it. However, it is entirely in Japanese so hopefully my translations and tips will help!

GETTING STARTED 

📍 Location: Inside Fortress Explorations, across from Magellan’s

Operating Hours: 12PM – dusk (check the TDR app!)

• You’ll find the entrance to the Leonardo Challenge by the staircase to the left of Magellan’s
• Cast Members will direct you to line up, then you’ll receive a challenge map (per party) when you’re at the front
  • They will only allow ONE challenge map per party so if you want your own, separate from your group, tell the Cast Member that it’s just you
  • The map will be yours to keep and take home
• App download BEFORE you get to the parks: Google Translate
• When you enter the room, you’ll watch a video and be given instructions in Japanese

HOW IT WORKS

• There are four different maps, each representing a part of the S.E.A. crest:
  • Adventure
  • Romance (we’ll be covering this map as an example)
  • Discovery
  • Innovation
• Each map will have their own starting point indicated in red with the characters スタート (sutaato, “start”) and the letter “A”
• At every step, you will complete a task or answer a question to learn where on the map you will go next. It will be noted by the letter associated with the image/answer to the task/question 
• For map translations beyond what I’m providing you, please utilize the camera feature on the Google Translate app

THE ROMANCE MISSION: TRANSLATED INSTRUCTIONS 

In order to join the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, you must complete your mission: stopping the volcano from erupting. You will need to follow the map, complete the tasks necessary, and make it to the end location. Good luck and have fun! 

Note: I translated the challenge map but also added some additional tips/info to help you along! Answers to all the tasks/questions will be at the bottom of the blog post to avoid spoilers. 

Letter A: Start

• The starting point for the Romance Mission will be outside the Fortress, near the entrance to the ship, and under the crane
• Task: Look for the red box and turn the handle three times. Once it stops, the arrow will land on an image that pairs with a letter. The letter will indicate where to go next (different every time)  on the map

Letter T: Navigation Centre

• Task: What image matches the flags on the ships? Choose the correct answer then head to the letter corresponding to it. 

Letter O: Pendulum Tower

• Task: The pendulum is swinging over a certain pattern. Choose the correct answer then head to the letter corresponding to it. 

Letter R: Illusion Room 

• Task: Which statue is painted on the wall of the illusion? Choose the correct answer then head to the letter corresponding to it. 

Letter K: Wooden Door

• Task: Press the two buttons in yellow (see diagram below) at the same time. Follow the letter that matches the image lit up (different every time)

Letter S: Outside the Fortress

• Task: What is the shape of the window on the outer fortress wall? Choose the correct answer then head to the letter corresponding to it. 

Letter I: Outside of Magellan’s 

• Task: What is hanging from the street lamps in the courtyard? Choose the correct answer then head to the letter corresponding to it. 

Letter U: Outside of Magellan’s 

• Task: Which of three is not shown on the fountain? Choose the correct answer then head to the letter corresponding to it. 

Letter M: Alchemy Laboratory – End

• This is where you will insert your map on the table and if Leonardo appears, congrats! You made it to the end of the challenge! Pull the lever on the front side of the table to stop the volcano, then get your official membership S.E.A. embossing on your map!
  • Tip: When embossing your map, use two hands to push down the handle

I hope this helps you navigate through the challenge despite the language barriers! Once you’ve completed the challenge, you’re welcome to walk around and check out the other areas your map might’ve not taken you. My favorite is the Chamber of Planets (see About Me page for a photo), which the Romance Mission unfortunately did not include. Regardless, I still love this activity and I hope you do too! Thank you so much for reading!

Stay Magical, 

Eri

ANSWERS (DO NOT READ TO AVOID SPOILERS)

• Letter I: M
• Letter O: K
• Letter R: K
• Letter S: K
• Letter T: M
• Letter U: M