Visiting Tokyo Disney? Here's what you need to know:

Thinking of making a trip to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea? Whether you're a seasoned Disney park-goer or a first time visitor, Tokyo Disney offers a magical experience like no other. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip!

Arrive Early

Tokyo Disney parks are notoriously busy, so much so that some days have even higher crowds than Christmas Day at the U.S. Disney parks. Lines start forming outside the gates well before opening, and if you arrive too late, you’ll already be facing long waits for the most popular attractions.

To beat the crowds, aim to arrive at least an hour before park opening. This is crucial, especially if you want to ride high-demand attractions like Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast or Journey to the Center of the Earth without waiting hours in line. Since Tokyo Disney no longer offers traditional FastPasses, your best strategy is to rope drop (enter as soon as the park opens) and head straight to your top-priority ride.

Additionally, purchasing Premier Access (Tokyo Disney’s version of Disney Genie) for select attractions can help cut down on wait times. But even with Premier Access, arriving early is still the best way to maximize your day and experience as much as possible before the afternoon crowds hit.

Meet Rare Characters

If you know me, you know I love meeting characters, and Tokyo Disney has some of the rarest meet and greet opportunities in the world! While you’ll still find the classic favorites like Mickey, Minnie, and the princesses, the real magic is in meeting characters you’d never see in the U.S. parks.

Some of my favorites include Thumper, Genie and Abu, and characters from The Three Caballeros. You can actually meet José Carioca and Panchito! Tokyo Disney is also known for its seasonal costumes, so even familiar characters often have a festive look depending on the time of year.

Try the Unique Snacks

Tokyo Disney’s snacks are just as popular as its rides, and lines can get surprisingly long, so plan ahead! Research what treats you want to try and where to find them to avoid wasting valuable time.

A must-try is the Alien Mochi, adorable Toy Story alien-shaped mochi filled with custard, chocolate, or strawberry. For something refreshing, grab a Minnie Ice Bar (peach or raspberry). And don’t miss the Mickey-Shaped Churro, a unique twist on the classic snack!

Since some snacks sell out, use the Tokyo Disney Resort App to check locations and grab them during off-peak hours.

Watch the Parades

Tokyo Disney’s parades are next level! Bigger, more elaborate, and full of stunning floats, rare characters, and incredible performances. Unlike in the U.S. parks, guests arrive extremely early to claim a good viewing spot, sometimes several hours in advance!

One unique thing about Tokyo Disney is that everyone sits during parades. It’s a common practice out of respect so that guests behind you can still see. This makes for a much better viewing experience and allows everyone to enjoy the magic.

These shows are truly a highlight of the park. If you can, try to catch both the daytime and nighttime parades, they’re really worth the wait!

Experience the Rides

If you’re impressed by Disney rides back home, Tokyo Disney will blow you away. The parks take technology and immersion to the next level, making every ride an unforgettable experience. Since wait times can be long, I highly recommend Disney Premier Access, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two, it’s the best way to maximize your time.

One of the absolute must-rides is Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, an incredibly immersive dark ride that feels like stepping straight into the classic movie. The animatronics are stunning, the music is perfect, and it’s unlike anything you’ll find in the U.S.

Tokyo Disneyland is home to the last remaining Splash Mountain, which is just as fun and exciting as ever, with its iconic drops and classic soundtrack.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea, Tower of Terror has a completely different storyline from the U.S. version and is just as fun—plus, the theming is very well done. Whether you’re a casual Disney fan or a veteran park goer, these rides will absolutely blow your mind and make your visit unforgettable!

Final Tips for Your Trip

To make your visit as smooth as possible, be sure to buy your tickets in advance, as they do often sell out. Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App to check wait times, make food reservations, and book Premier Access for select rides. Since you'll be using your phone a lot, make sure to bring a portable charger to keep your battery charged throughout the day. And most importantly, wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be walking a lot!

Tokyo Disney is truly a one of a kind destination, and by following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy all the magic it has to offer.

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