Must-read Guide to Efficiently Enjoy Tokyo Disneyland

Access from Tokyo Station to Tokyo Disneyland is as follows.
Trains tend to be extremely crowded both going and returning, so be cautious.
Additionally, there are direct buses operating to and from airports and throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area, so it may be worth considering those options depending on your destination.

Tokyo Disneyland attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year, but the following periods are particularly crowded:

Depending on the situation, entry restrictions may be implemented especially during the spring and summer vacation seasons when there is an increase in students.
Consequently, there’s a higher likelihood that wait times for attractions and parades will be longer than usual.
If possible, we recommend aiming for less crowded periods if you can adjust your schedule.

At Tokyo Disneyland, tickets come in three types, with prices varying in six tiers (excluding limited-time tickets). Here, we introduce the adult prices as of April 2024.

If you want to check the ticket prices for your desired date, you can refer to the calendar available on the official website.
Tickets for entry two months in advance are sold daily starting from 2 pm. You can purchase them from the Disney official website or app.
For example, tickets for entry from May 1st to June 30th are available for purchase starting from April 30th at 2 pm.

The opening hours for Tokyo Disneyland, as announced on the official website as of April 2024, are from 9 am to 9 pm (subject to change depending on the season).
However, in reality, the park often opens earlier depending on the crowd and the day of the week.
Here are some rough estimates:

Note: The use of Happy Entry is available 15 minutes before the specified time.

Typically, by around 8 am, there’s already a long queue forming for the park’s opening, and at the entrance, there’s time spent on baggage checks and security screening.
If you want to enter exactly at 9 am, it’s best to arrive at the park early.

Happy Entry is a complimentary benefit for guests staying at Disney hotels, allowing them to enter the park 15 minutes before regular guests.
The benefits include the ability to queue for popular attractions early, enjoy exploring and taking photos in the park with relatively fewer people, among others.
Additionally, guests can also avail themselves of the opportunity to purchase and receive Standby Pass or Premier Access ahead of others.

The Tokyo Disney Resort App is the official Disney app designed to help you navigate the parks comfortably and efficiently.
As listed, below, it offers convenient features that are essential for fully enjoying Tokyo Disneyland.
The app is easy to use; simply install it for free and register as a member.
It’s only available for smartphones, so keep in mind that it cannot be used on tablets or iPad devices.

Priority Pass is a service that allows you to enjoy select attractions with shorter wait times than usual.
You can obtain the pass for each attraction through the Tokyo Disney Resort App.
After obtaining it, you’ll ride through a designated lane at the specified time.
The service is free of charge and can be used multiple times in a day (with time restrictions), so those who want to enjoy many popular attractions should definitely use it.

Priority Seating is a service that provides priority seating at the following restaurants.
Applications can be made one month before the date of use, and if there are vacancies, you can also apply online or at the restaurant on the day of use.
Please note that although you can specify your preferred time, it does not guarantee immediate seating, as it’s not a reservation.
If you plan to have lunch or dinner at popular restaurants in Tokyo Disneyland, using this service is recommended.

Character Greetings is a service where you can take photos with popular Disney characters.
While chance encounters with characters during “Free Greetings” in the park are charming, if you want to ensure a photo opportunity, “Scheduled Greetings” are recommended.
These are mainly held between 9 am and 9 pm at the locations below.
However, please note that schedules may change unexpectedly, and entry may be required, so we recommend checking the official website on the day of your visit for the latest information.
Also, if you want to enjoy performances by Disney characters, be sure to submit entries to the shows.
Some shows may require entries to be viewed, and some may involve a lottery system, so be sure to check the details.

Think of Disney Premier Access as a paid version of the Priority Pass, which covers the following ultra-popular attractions, parades, or shows.
It allows you to specify the time for riding or viewing, making it easier to plan your day’s schedule.
It’s a significant advantage for those with limited park time or who want to see parades or shows up close.

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt is an attraction where guests embark on an adventure with Winnie the Pooh to search for honey. The ride, shaped like a honey pot, operates without rails, resulting in unpredictable movements each time.
Its charm lies in experiencing a unique sensation and immersing oneself in a space filled with surprises.
Additionally, its exterior features walls inspired by storybooks, allowing guests to relive Winnie the Pooh’s adventures as they approach the boarding area.
It’s also popular as a photo spot, and the waiting time is said to be enjoyable.

If you’re looking to enjoy thrill rides at Tokyo Disneyland, we recommend Splash Mountain.
This unique attraction, exclusive to Japan’s Disney, captures the world of the Disney film Song of the South. Its biggest allure lies in experiencing the thrill of a sudden drop at a maximum angle of 45 degrees and a descent of about 16 meters.
The exhilarating feeling of plunging down with splashes of water is unforgettable.
If you can, pay attention to the charming story featuring cute animals and the meticulous work of sound effects.

Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast is an attraction where you ride on a magic cup and journey through famous scenes from the movie Beauty and the Beast.
It faithfully recreates the world of the movie, allowing you to experience a wonderful feeling as if you’ve stepped into part of the story.
Many famous scenes appear, including the scene where Belle and the Beast dance and the scene where the kitchenware starts singing.
You’ll also be impressed by the meticulous production, which makes use of the latest technology and carefully times the playing of the beloved songs.

Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is an interactive shooting-type attraction.
You can experience a story where you become a member of the Space Rangers led by Buzz Lightyear, who is known from the movie Toy Story, and protect the peace of the universe.
Guests use the laser gun Astro Blaster installed on the space cruiser they ride to aim at targets marked with a “Z.” Since the points vary depending on the shape of the targets, it offers the charm of enjoying it like a game.
There are also hidden Mickeys and secret targets for high scores, so you won’t get bored even if you ride it repeatedly.

Big Thunder Mountain, with its minimal sensation of floating, is a popular attraction even for those who are not fond of thrill rides.
Themed around a mine shaft after the Gold Rush, its story revolves around a runaway mine train.
Its main allure lies in the exhilarating sensation of racing outdoors at speeds of up to 40km/h while feeling the wind rush past you.
Additionally, the ever-changing scenery depending on when you ride adds an interesting element, especially with the beautiful sunset or night views.
Taking breaks between rides and comparing the different landscapes is also recommended.

One of the popular attractions, Space Mountain, will be temporarily closed starting July 31, 2024, so be sure to take a note of it.
Plans are underway for a complete overhaul of the roller coaster and the surrounding area, aiming for the unveiling of its new look in 2027.
While preserving the current form and allure of the attraction, it seems that adding new capabilities and special effects will deliver an even more thrilling experience than before.
Let us eagerly await the opening, imagining the world and structure for about three years.

Many people would likely think of Mickey Churros when it comes to Disney’s food hopping gourmet.
These classic treats, with Mickey-shaped cut sections, are known for their spicy flavor and delightful chewy texture.
It’s also a convenient food to enjoy while waiting in line for attractions.
In addition to the classic cinnamon flavor, we recommend trying out other varieties that are available for a limited time. The two shops where you can purchase them are Tomorrowland Terrace and Rackety’s Raccoon Saloon.

Teriyaki Chicken Leg is a piping hot teriyaki chicken sold at the wagon-style shop, The Skipper’s Galley.
This large, juicy chicken is tender and easy to eat, making it the perfect snack to satisfy your hunger.
When biting into it heartily, the juices overflow, spreading happiness throughout your mouth.
At 600 yen per piece, the cost-effectiveness is outstanding too.
It’s perfect for sharing among family or loved ones, creating cherished memories together.

Critter Sundae is a luxurious dessert consisting of milk chocolate ice cream with a Mickey Churro sticking out.
Its charm lies in the ability to alternate between bites of churro and ice cream or even dipping the churro into the ice cream to vary the flavors.
The topping of chocolate granola flakes also adds a crunchy texture, allowing you to experience various deliciousness in one bite.
You can purchase it at the same place as the Mickey Churro, at Rackety’s Raccoon Saloon.

Chocolate Covered Rusks is a rusk coated with milk and white chocolate.
The Mickey-shaped chocolate on top of the rusk is adorable, and the taste is crisp and delicious.
The elegant packaging featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy enjoying a meal is also its appeal.
You can purchase it at World Bazaar Confectionery or Valentina’s Sweets.

Air Chocolates is a bite-sized treat consisting of Mickey-shaped wafers sandwiching air chocolate.
With its convenient size and a pack of 30, it’s perfect for sharing as souvenirs.
Pay attention to the box, which features various characters, attractions, and landscapes of the park and can even be assembled.
You can purchase it at World Bazaar Confectionery or Valentina’s Sweets.

This is a chocolate snack, Pocky, with the pretzel part shaped like Mickey.
The package features Cinderella Castle and Journey to the Center of the Earth as the background, with Mickey and Minnie depicted, surely capturing the hearts of Disney fans.
Individually wrapped, it’s convenient for sharing.
You can purchase it at World Bazaar Confectionery or Valentina’s Sweets.