Tokyo Disneyland promises a magical visit to all guests of all ages. As the first park outside the United States, Tokyo Disneyland showcases Disney magic with a Japanese twist. This is a must-visit for all tourists traveling to Japan. If you are planning your first-ever trip, this is your one-stop guide to visiting Tokyo Disneyland and making the best of your visit.
Understanding the Parks: Disneyland vs. DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland offers double the entertainment with two parks in the resort – Disneyland and DisneySea. As their name suggests, these parks are themed around land rides and water entertainment. Disneyland is home to popular Disney attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World. This theme park is suitable for families and all guests who wish to enjoy the “classic Disney experience.”
On the other hand, Tokyo DisneySea is a unique park you can find only in this resort. Built in the nautical style, this park offers thematic immersions and water rides. Some of the most popular rides of this park are Journey To the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Aquatopia. You can enjoy stunning scenery at the Mediterranean Harbour and Arabian Peninsula. DisneySea also has the latest Disney Springs-themed area. This is the first-ever Rapunzel-themed area in a Disney resort! Make sure you do not miss the Rapunzel Boat ride if you are in this area!
For all first-time visitors, we recommend you spend at least one day in each park to fully enjoy the magic of Tokyo Disney Resort.
When to Visit: Avoiding Crowds
It is essential to understand when to visit. No one wants to spend a Disney vacation waiting in long queues and pushing through crowds. Owing to its popularity, the park gets very crowded during the weekends and holidays.
It is best to visit Tokyo Disneyland on a weekday and during the off-season or less touristy months. January, February and November are the best months to visit. Not just the crowds but ticket prices and accommodation costs are also lower during these months. Avoid visiting during the months of May, June, July, September and December.
Make sure you check the crowd calendars to find the least busy days. Arrive 30 minutes to one hour before the park opens to maximize your day and beat the initial rush. This gives you a head start to riding the most popular rides with the least waiting time.
Booking Tickets and Fast Passes
One of the most important things visitors should do is book their tickets online in advance. While tickets are available at the gate, there are huge waiting lines that take one to two hours. Hence, it is convenient and hassle-free to book the entry tickets online.
If you wish to skip past the lines at the park, you can get a fast pass upgrade at the park. You must book your entry ticket in advance for the upgrade. If you are thinking of buying the ticket and getting the upgrade on the same day then prepare for waiting lines. Also, there are a limited number of Fast Passes and the more time you spend waiting to buy an entry ticket, the lesser chance of getting the pass.
Visitors who book their entry ticket online, get immediate upgrades at the park without waiting. You can enter the park as soon as it opens and use the pass to enjoy the most popular rides like Enchanted Tiki Room, Monster Inc Ride & Go Seek or Thunder Mountain, without waiting hours.
Must-Try Attractions for First-Timers
There are a few classic must-visit rides and attractions that first-time visitors can not miss. This includes:
- Pooh’s Hunny Hut – a one-of-a-kind ride you can find only in Tokyo Disneyland
- Space Mountain – a classic Disney thriller ride
- DisneySea rides like Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea which are Tokyo Disney Resort’s Signature rides.
- Tower a Terror – a spin-off on the American ride filled with intense drops and exciting backstory.
- Disney Fantasy Spring – first ever Tangled themed ride in Disneyland
Where to Eat: Dining Options in the Park
There are ample options when it comes to dining at Tokyo Disney Resort.
You can find everything from classic American dinners and quick grab-to-go stalls to traditional Japanese restaurants and buffet options. Apart from regular dine-in restaurants, you can also find fun Disney-themed snack carts all around the park.
If this is your first time in Tokyo Disney Resort, do not miss the Popcorn. It is a big deal at Tokyo Disney. You can find unique flavors that are not usually available elsewhere like soy sauce and butter, honey and strawberry, etc.
Chandu Tails’ curry-filled steamed buns are also a must-try. For a sit-down meal we recommend Magellan’s in Disney Sea.
Bringing Home the Magic: Souvenirs
A trip to Disney is incomplete without collecting some magical souvenirs and Tokyo Disney offers the most adorable and exclusive merchandise to choose from. You can find Duffy the Disney Bear and his Friends which is hugely popular in Japan, Japanese-themed Mickey and Minnie Ear, limited edition popcorn buckets are popular souvenirs available in the park.
The Tips for Smooth Visit
Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App checking waiting times, making restaurant reservations, and locating characters. Make sure you pack a portable charger in case your phone battery dies to click picks, use the app all day, and stay connected. Bring your own reusable water bottle since parks have plenty of water fountains providing you with sufficient water supply.
In Conclusion
Disneyland Tokyo is a place where dreams come true like no other. It is a place that has all the Disney tradition seasoned with a sprinkle of unique Japanese influence. Our guide will help you squeeze every last drop out of your very first visit, from timing your trip just right, factoring in the crowds, to must-try attractions and dining experiences that you can’t experience elsewhere. Whether you’re headed to Disneyland or DisneySea, prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!
