Entrance to the Tokyo Disneyland | Image credit: Øyvind Holmstad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Planning a trip to Tokyo in 2025? Make sure Tokyo Disneyland is at the top of your list! This magical kingdom offers an unforgettable experience filled with enchanting attractions, dazzling parades, unique treats, and immersive Disney magic. From thrilling rides and character meet-and-greets to unique popcorn flavours and Disney-themed food, this guide provides essential tips for navigating Tokyo Disneyland and making the most of your visit.
Also, check out this guide to all the unique theme parks in Japan.
The best time to visit Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland attracts hundreds of visitors each day. That number doubles on weekends and during summer holidays (mid-July to August), public holidays, Golden Week (early May), spring break (late February to early April), year-end celebrations, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year festivities.
To avoid the crowds, visit Tokyo Disneyland on weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) in early December, mid-January, and early October. Spring and autumn are also popular seasons as the weather is pleasant.
For more details, check out our guide to the best time to visit Tokyo.
How to buy Tokyo Disneyland tickets
Tickets cannot be purchased directly at the Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea venue. The four most common ways to buy advance tickets for Tokyo Disneyland include:
Through online travel companies like Klook.
Through Tokyo Disneyland’s official website.
Through the Tokyo Disney Resort App.
At convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart in Japan.
Book your stay at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel via MakeMyTrip
Top attractions and rides at Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland provides guests with a blend of classic, thrilling, and fantastical rides. While most are suitable for families, a few have specific age or height restrictions.
Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain is one of the most popular rides at Tokyo Disneyland. It is a log boat ride featuring steep drops into the water, and the usual wait time is 45 minutes to an hour.
T+L tip: Carry spare clothes because you will get wet.
Location: Critter Country
Enchanted Tale of Beauty & The Beast
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast | Image credit: Dick Thomas Johnson/Flickr
If there’s one ride you must try at Tokyo Disneyland, it has to be this one. It is a trackless ride exclusive to Tokyo, where guests board enchanting teacups and experience the film’s key scenes.
Location: Fantasyland
It’s a Small World
It is a leisurely and timeless Disneyland attraction that takes visitors on a boat journey to different parts of the world. The ride features mechanical puppet dolls in traditional costumes singing “It’s a Small World” in multiple languages.
Location: Fantasyland
Alice’s Tea Party
Alice’s Tea Party at Tokyo Disneyland | Image credit: Freddo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This is a spinning teacup ride where guests can turn the wheel to alter the speed and direction. It is the ideal ride for all age groups.
Location: Fantasyland
Book your stay at Tokyo Disneysea Hotel MiraCosta via Expedia
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean, Tokyo Disneyland | Image credit: jpellgen (@1105_jp)/Flickr
This is one of those iconic rides you will never tire of at Tokyo Disneyland. The ride features Captain Jack Sparrow and highlights famous scenes from the film Pirates of the Caribbean.
Location: Adventureland
Other essential attractions at Tokyo Disneyland
Haunted Mansion: This Tokyo Disneyland ride in Fantasyland is not for the faint-hearted. Guests will journey through a spooky Gothic mansion filled with ghosts, mischievous goblins, haunted portraits, and possessed statues. Do not ride if you are claustrophobic, nyctophobic, or suffer from motion sickness.
The Happy Ride with Baymax: Have you ever wondered what an adventure with Baymax feels like? This ride at Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland will make your dreams come true! Guests can sit behind Baymax as he whirls them around to upbeat music.
Pooh’s Honey Hunt: Guests will board a ride shaped like a honeypot and assist Winnie-the-Pooh in his quest for honey! As this highly popular attraction at Tokyo Disney Fantasyland has a typical wait time of around an hour, we suggest experiencing it earlier in the day.
The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha E Komo Mai: You will enjoy this Adventureland attraction if you adore music, animal puppets, and Stitch. Prepare to laugh heartily and join in with Stitch as he delivers the musical performance of a lifetime!
Country Bear Theater: Those who enjoyed Stitch’s performance will also have a marvellous time at the Country Bear Theatre. This Westernland attraction boasts 18 talented animatronic bears performing Country-Western music.
Big Thunder Mountain: Adventure seekers who relish a good thrill will thoroughly enjoy the Big Thunder Mountain ride in Westernland. The mine train is swift and features unexpected descents and sharp turns.
Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes: Guests can paddle a canoe and explore the rivers of America. This fun activity in Critter Country requires ample arm strength and quick reflexes.
Dumbo The Flying Elephant: Dumbo is renowned for being the only elephant that can fly. Climb onto his back to discover the skies and have the time of your life.
Must-see parades and shows at Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disney Christmas Parade | Image credit: othree/Flickr
Anyone will tell you that the parades are among the highlights of Tokyo Disneyland. Some change seasonally and centre around special events. Refer to the Tokyo Disney Resort App for the day’s parade schedule. Here’s a list of the parades currently happening at Tokyo Disneyland.
Disney Harmony in Color: This park-wide afternoon parade (starting at 1 pm) features Mickey Mouse and other iconic Disney characters. Lively performances will accompany the theme songs from your favourite Disney films throughout the 45-minute duration.
It’s a Sweetful Time: Tokyo Disneyland is hosting a new park-wide parade at 3:40 pm starting January 15. Penelope from the film Wreck-It Ralph glides around the park for approximately 35 minutes in her candy-themed float, inviting guests to sing and dance to groovy tunes.
Reach for the Stars: This park-wide nighttime parade takes place in front of Cinderella Castle at 5:55 pm. Guests can enjoy 20 minutes of stunning projections and fireworks, as well as view digital performances featuring their favourite Disney characters.
Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights: This parade is one of the main park-wide events at Tokyo Disneyland. It begins shortly after the ‘Reach for the Stars’ parade at 7:15 pm. Enjoy a unique 45-minute performance by beloved Disney characters on vibrant floats.
Jamboree Mickey! Let’s Dance: This is the ideal entertainment performance for families at Adventureland. Children can dance to rhythmic music alongside Mickey and his friends. Parents must submit an entry request via the Disney app to attend this 15-minute show at 12:40 pm, 1:55 pm, 3:10 pm, 5 pm, and 6:15 pm.
Sky Full of Stars: At 8:30 pm, this is the final park-wide performance of the night. Vibrant fireworks illuminate the night sky for approximately five minutes. The highlight of this performance is that guests can watch it from various locations within Tokyo Disneyland.
Mickey’s Magical Music World: This is a Fantasyland music and dance show by Mickey and friends. It’s more of a 25-minute theatrical performance involving music and dance aimed to attract an older audience, scheduled at 1:35 pm, 3 pm, 5:05 pm, and 6:30 pm.
Club Mouse Beat: Experience the lively performance of Mickey and other Disney characters at ‘Club Mouse’. This 25-minute Tomorrowland show (scheduled for 1:45 pm, 3:10 pm, 5:15 pm, and 6:40 pm) explores a range of entertainment styles, including hip-hop, pop, and Latin music.
Note: Parades can get cancelled due to inclement weather like heavy rains or strong winds.
Shop the best travel experiences here
Dining options at Tokyo Disneyland
Decorations at a Tokyo Disneyland restaurant | Image credit: Dennis Wong/Flickr
In addition to souvenir shops and iconic rides, Tokyo Disneyland is known for its wide range of dining options. While certain restaurants, such as the Eastside Cafe, Blue Bayou Restaurant, The Centre Street Coffeehouse, and Polynesian Terrace Restaurant, require reservations via the app, others provide counter service.
Book your stay at Disney Ambassador Hotel via MakeMyTrip
Book your stay at Disney Ambassador Hotel via Expedia
Visit the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Westernland for Japanese-style curry rice paired with deep-fried pork or chicken cutlets. The Plaza Pavilion Restaurant in Westernland offers excellent set-meal options, including rice, vegetables, and steak. We recommend stopping by the Refreshment Corner in World Bazaar for delightful finger food and fizzy drinks.
Some iconic snacks you must try in Tokyo Disneyland are:
Flavoured Popcorn, such as curry, milk chocolate, soy sauce, and butter, can be bought at popcorn stalls throughout the park.
Flavoured Churros sold parkwide.
Mickey and Minnie Ice Bar at the Fresh Fruit Oasis in Adventureland.
The Mickey Hand-Shaped Bao Bun at Huey Dewey and Louies Good Time Cafe.
Smoke Turkey Leg at Camp Woodchuck Kitchen.
Mickey’s Castella Cake at Sweetheart Cafe.
Little Green Dumplings at Plazma Ray’s Diner and Pan Galactic Pizza Port.
Insider tips for visiting Disneyland Tokyo
To avoid the crowds, arrive an hour before the park opens.
The Tokyo Disneyland app can navigate the park map, reserve priority passes, and monitor ride wait times.
To escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo Disneyland’s central area, visit quieter spots such as Tom Sawyer Island and Westernland.
Plan your Tokyo Disneyland itinerary a day or two in advance to familiarise yourself with the park map and parade schedules and to minimise wait times for rides.
You can refill your old popcorn bucket at the park rather than purchasing a new one.
You can receive a complimentary birthday sticker at Tokyo Disneyland on your birthday by notifying the staff or shopkeepers.
To purchase tickets at a reduced price, obtain the Weeknight Passport ticket. This pass permits guests to enter the park after 5 pm on weekdays.
If you visit Tokyo Disneyland during inclement weather (windy and rainy), you may experience shorter wait times for popular rides.
As ‘The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast’, ‘The Happy Ride with Baymax’, and ‘Splash Mountain’ tend to have lengthy wait times, we suggest you prioritise these rides as soon as you enter the park.
Shop for seasonal merchandise in the morning, as it tends to sell out quickly.
Reserve a hotel near Tokyo Disneyland to ensure early access.
The Disney Premier Pass is a worthwhile indulgence for popular attractions such as ‘Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Splash Mountain’.
(Feature image credit: Todd Fong/Flickr)
Related | The Ultimate Hong Kong Disneyland Guide Shared By A Local
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What can I expect at Tokyo Disneyland during winter?
Tokyo Disneyland looks enchanting during winter. Expect to see winter decorations, illumination installations, special parades, festive meals, and limited-edition merchandise at the theme park.
How to reach Tokyo Disneyland?
The easiest way to reach Tokyo Disneyland is by train. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Keiyo Line to Maihama Station. You should be there in 15 minutes. You can also ride a taxi from Tokyo Station to Tokyo Disneyland. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach and costs about JPY 5,000.
What are the opening hours at Disneyland Tokyo?
Tokyo Disneyland is open from 9 am to 10 pm. Visitors often queue up hours before the park opens to reserve ride reservations, secure prime viewing spots for parades, and get faster access to popular rides,
What are the benefits of Disney Premier Access?
A Disney Premier Access pass can be purchased on the app for an additional fee. This privilege allows guests to skip long queues, save time, and be guaranteed access to parades and popular attractions like Splash Mountain, The Happy Ride With Baymax, and The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.
What are the free things to do at Disneyland Tokyo?
There are numerous free activities at Tokyo Disneyland, such as watching parades, touring the plaza on an Omnibus, exploring themed attraction areas like Toontown, enjoying live musical performances, participating in meet-and-greet sessions with Disney characters, receiving free birthday stickers, and taking pictures of iconic statues and landmarks. Note that most rides are free at Disneyland Tokyo even if you do not have a Disney Premier Access pass. The only downside is long queues, which can be tiring and time-consuming.
How much time is required to explore Disneyland Tokyo?
It depends on your interests and schedule. A thorough park immersion, including interacting with all activities, riding major attractions, shopping for souvenirs, watching every parade, and exploring themed attractions, takes about 3-4 days. Covering 3-5 main attractions could take 6-8 hours. The earlier you arrive at the park, the more time you have to explore it at your own pace.
What are the nearby attractions of Disneyland Tokyo?
Tokyo DisneySea is right next to Tokyo Disneyland. However, purchase tickets in advance. Once you have them, ride the Disney Resort Monorail from Tokyo Disneyland Station to Tokyo DisneySea Station. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach.
What are the best hotels to stay near Disneyland Tokyo?
Staying at one of the official Disney hotels, such as Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Hotel MiraCosta, and Disney Ambassador Hotel, can enhance your experience, provide early park entries, and allow quicker access to main ride attractions. The rooms can cost between JPY 40,000 and 60,000 per night.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read Moreshe worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte. Read Less
AloJapan.com