Finding Disney Magic In Japan

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Top Tips for Visiting Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Follow these top tips for visiting Disneyland and DisneySea in Tokyo for a magical trip.

Finding Disney Magic in Japan is easy with a visit to the unique Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

A Quick History of Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park to be built outside of the USA, all the way back in 1983 almost ten years before Disneyland Paris. Tokyo DisneySea followed in 2001.

It is not actually owned by Disney but by The Oriental Land Company with a license for Disney Property. It is the only park around the world not owned by Disney at all.

Top tips for visiting Disneyland and DisneySea in Tokyo

Visiting the Disney Parks

Arrive early, as in before the gates open, to get a head start on the popular attractions before the lines grow.

Check park hours before arriving as they can vary. You can also use the app to check show times and parade schedules etc.

Weekends and national holidays (especially during school breaks) tend to be more crowded, so weekdays are generally a better option for fewer crowds.

Shops tend to get more crowded in the evening so if you want to pick up a particular piece of merch be sure to do this earlier in the day.

Tokyo can be rainy, particularly in June and September. Bring an umbrella or poncho, and be prepared for occasional weather disruptions.

Attractions

Shows and parades are popular so you need to grab a spot early if you are keen to see them. Especially at popular times and busy days.

Use the Tokyo Disneyland app to check wait times, make dining reservations, and get real-time updates for show schedules and parade times.

You can also use the app to get digital FastPasses to select attractions. This gives you a set time to arrive and skip the longer queues.

Know what key attractions you want to find before visiting the parks and have a rough plan, but prepare to be flexible as crowd levels change.

Tokyo DisneySea is often considered more unique than other Disney parks, so don’t miss iconic attractions like Journey to the Center of the Earth or Tower of Terror.

Shows at Tokyo’s Disney Parks

Most shows, such as parades or stage performances, do not require separate tickets. However, some larger stage shows or seasonal shows have a fee for reserved seating. Generally, you can also queue to enter these but you aren’t guaranteed admission to see them.

Fastpass via the app may be available for certain shows which allows you to reserve a seat and skip the line. For some special shows, standby tickets may be distributed either for free or for a small fee. These can be obtained through the app or at designated locations in the park. Availability is limited, so it’s best to get there early.

For the most popular shows or events (like special holiday performances), Tokyo Disney uses a ‘lottery system’ where you enter to win reserved seats for specific shows. You can participate in the lottery via the Tokyo Disneyland app or at designated locations within the park.

 If you’re lucky, you’ll receive a ticket for that show, but it’s important to note that winning is not guaranteed. It’s recommended to enter the lottery as soon as possible after you arrive in the park.

Eating and Drinking in the Parks

One great thing about both parks in Tokyo is the food and drinks whilst amazing themed are actually a lot cheaper than the US parks.

Look at Social Media before you travel for the latest food information, particularly if vegan or you have specific dietary requirements. Offerings can change frequently.

Unfortunately, dietary restrictions or choices aren’t as widespread in Japan so it can be a little difficult to explain and not all staff speak English. However, all restaurants should be able to show a pictogram of allergens in meals.

While many staff speak basic English, it’s helpful to know some key phrases in Japanese. Signs and menus are often bilingual, but understanding basic Japanese can make the experience smoother.

Restaurants that feature vegetarian and allergen-friendly meals at the time of writing include

• Zambini Brothers’ Ristorante
• Ristorante di Canaletto
• Casbah Food Court
• Eastside Cafe
• Blue Bayou Restaurant
• Camp Woodchuck Kitchen
• Plazma Ray’s Diner

Table service restaurants can get very busy so make reservations in advance

Avoid eating at standard meal times for an easy eating experience, even at quick service areas

Take a reusable water bottle and use the water stations around the parks to stay hydrated.

Some character dining experiences, such as dinner at the Disney Ambassador Hotel dinner or character breakfasts, require reservations. You’ll need to book these in advance through the official website or app. Whilst they cost extra character meet and greets can be a great way to meet characters in a more intimate setting than queueing at the parks.

Top tips for visiting Disneyland and DisneySea in Tokyo during seasonal events

Special events like New Year’s Eve and Halloween have their own ticketed celebrations separate to the regular ticket price. Information for these gets released on the Disney website in the run-up to the event.

Halloween

Halloween at the Disney Parks in Tokyo is a unique and popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world. Running from the beginning of September to end of October the celebrations include:

• Spooky decorations including a Mickey Pumpkin
• themed day time parades
• special shows
• exclusive merchandise
• seasonal food
• themed popcorn buckets
• seasonal meet and greets with characters
• rare, themed character meet and greets such as villains etc
• nighttime ticketed events with more shows etc

On certain days during the Halloween period adults are allowed to dress up in costume in Tokyo Disneyland. Here local residents tend to go all out in elaborate costumes. If you are going to join in be sure to check the guidelines first.

Expect longer wait times and bigger crowds during this period as it is very popular.

Number One Top Tips for visiting Disneyland and DisneySea in Tokyo

The number one tip is to stay on site! Both parks in Tokyo are extremely popular and busy, queues start early and by staying in a hotel you can have early access to the parks.

This can also save you on more day ticket prices as long days allow you to see more on less tickets.

Best times to visit the Disney Parks in Tokyo

for lower crowd numbers

• mid-January to March (excluding school holidays). The weather is cool and wait times are at their shortest generally.
• end of April to the beginning of June. A little busier, but the weather is getting nice. Except during rainy, monsoon spells!
• late September to early December. Avoiding the heat of summer this time period is quieter except on themed holiday days. There is less rain in this period than before summer.

for special events

• Golden Week is from late April to early May. A popular holiday time in Japan.
• Summer is when many families visit and there are plenty of summer-themed activities and celebrations. However, if a typhoon hits the park can close.
• Halloween runs from September to October and is a very popular and themed event period. Drawing large crowds for spooky fun
• Christmas runs from mid-November to December and is one of the most magical and busiest times of the year.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is another great option for theme park magic. Based in Osaka this park has also been open since 2001. Featuring a bigger Nintendo section than its American counterparts this theme park is big on theming but also still has those Universal Thrill Rides the parks are famous for.

Other theme parks based on films in Japan include

• Ghibli Park
• Harry Potter Studio Tour
• Moomin Valley

How to book a trip to Japan?

If you are looking to book a trip to Japan from the UK then you need no Visas currently as long as you are planning to stay less than 90 days and have onward travel. Be aware of strict medication rules before visiting though.

For help booking a wonderful trip be sure to fill out my travel form. As a travel agent, I can help you book the perfect trip. You’ll soon be doing everything there is to do in Japan.