Tokyo Disney: What to Know Before You

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Before I visited Tokyo Disney I did a lot of research to make my trip as stress-free as possible and today I’m sharing some of those tips with you! Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are each a unique Disney park, offering distinct attractions, magic, and an overall immersive experience that sets them apart from other Disney parks around the world.

Overview of Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is a magical destination located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, and is owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company. The resort is home to two enchanting theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Each park offers a unique blend of Disney magic and Japanese culture, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the theme parks, Tokyo Disney Resort boasts several Disney hotels, a shopping district, and entertainment options, making it a comprehensive vacation destination. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or a first-time visitor, Tokyo Disney Resort promises a magical adventure that you won’t soon forget.

Do you need Tokyo Disney Resort reservations?

When you buy park tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, you will purchase park tickets that have a designated date and theme park. It is important to purchase Tokyo Disney tickets in advance to ensure availability and save time. For example, if you want to go to Tokyo DisneySea on Tuesday, August 6, 2025, you will need to purchase the appropriate ticket for that park and that date. There is no park hopping between parks at Tokyo Disney Resort.

How to buy Tokyo Disney tickets

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea park tickets can be purchased using the Tokyo Disney app, which is essential for buying tickets and managing passes, or on the Tokyo Disney Resort Website. Theme park tickets go on sale two months in advance at 2 pm Japan time.

Some people report having trouble using their US credit card to purchase Tokyo Disney Resort tickets. I used my Savor One [affiliate link] credit card with no issue. If you are unable to get your credit card to work on the official Disney Resort website, Klook sells Tokyo Disney theme park tickets.

Dining

Like Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have a mix of quick service and sit-down dining options. For sit-down dining, you can make Priority Seating (Disney’s equivalent of a dining reservation) up to one month in advance for theme park locations and up to three months in advance for hotel dining locations. You can change or cancel dining reservations up to one hour before your scheduled dining time. Payment for your meal will be made at the restaurant, not in advance.

Ikspiari Shopping and Entertainment District

Nestled within Tokyo Disney Resort, Ikspiari is a bustling shopping and entertainment complex that offers a delightful array of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. With over 140 shops and eateries, Ikspiari is the perfect place to hunt for unique souvenirs, savor local cuisine, or enjoy live music and performances. Designed to resemble a charming American town, complete with its own story and history, Ikspiari provides a captivating atmosphere that enhances your overall resort experience. Whether you’re spending a day or an evening here, Ikspiari is sure to add an extra layer of magic to your visit to Tokyo Disney Resort.

Disney Hotels – how and when to make reservations

Reservations for official Tokyo Disney Resort hotels can be made four months from your check-in date beginning at 11 am Japan time. You are permitted to book up to five consecutive nights and up to three rooms may be booked at the same time. Resort vacation packages that include hotel and theme park tickets are also available. With the opening of Fantasy Springs (more on that below), booking a vacation package that includes the 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic, which allows guests to enter Fantasy Springs is a great option.

Monorails Cost Money

Unlike at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, the monorails at the Tokyo Disney Resort (the Disney Resort Line) are not free. Single ticket fares (one way) are 150 yen or around $1 (child) and 300 yen or around $2 (adult). Tickets can be purchased at each station or you can use your PASMO, Suica, and other public transportation IC card.

Happy Entry

Unlike Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort doesn’t have early entry. Instead, they have a program called Happy Entry, which allows Disney hotel guests entry into the theme parks 15 minutes earlier than non-hotel guests. Guests of Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel and
Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel get Happy Entry to Tokyo Disneyland on select days while guests of Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel, Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Disney Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta get early entry to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea on select days.rly entry to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea on select days.

DisneySea Fantasy Springs

DisneySea Fantasy Springs opened June 2, 2024, and includes Frozen Kingdom (Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey), Peter Pan’s Never Land (Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure and Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies), and Rapunzel’s Forest (Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival). Of course, there are also a variety of restaurants and shops in Fantasy Springs. There’s also the new Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

Expect to see increased crowds at the Tokyo Disney Resort throughout the rest of 2024 (and likely even into 2025) due to this new expansion. To make the experience efficient and pleasant, Disney has instituted a special entry system to visit Fantasy Springs. To enter Fantasy Springs you need a Tokyo DisneySea theme park ticket and either a Standby Pass (available free) or Disney Premier Access (available for a fee) for an eligible attraction in Fantasy Spring. Eligible attractions: Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, and Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies. Much like virtual queues in the US Disney Parks, you can expect that the Standby and Premier Access passes run out quickly.

If going to Fantasy Springs is a “must do” for you, guests of Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel can purchase the 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic pass, which allows access to Fantasy Springs, so make your hotel booking accordingly.

Disney Premier Access and Priority Pass

Tokyo Disney Resort has two express-type options for accessing certain rides: Standby Pass (available free) or Disney Premier Access (available for a fee). The Disney app is essential for managing these passes, making your visit seamless by allowing you to scan tickets, check wait times, and manage Standby Passes and Premier Access.

Once you’ve entered Disneyland or DisneySea, head to the Tokyo Disney Resort App to book Standby Passes. You’ll be given a return time to enter the queue for the ride or attraction you’ve selected a Standby Pass for.

Similar to Standby Passes, you can obtain Premier Access via the Tokyo Disney Resort App. You can purchase a Premier Access Pass which will give you a return time to enter the queue for the ride or attraction. Additional Premier Access passes can be purchased after a 60-minute waiting period or after the start time of your previous Premier Access pass (whichever is earlier).

During my trip, I used a combination of Standby and Premier Access Passes to ensure that I was able to ride all the rides that I wanted to. Premier Access Passes can add up, especially if you’re traveling with a group, however, admission prices to the Tokyo Disney theme parks are significantly cheaper than in the US, so that takes a bit of the sting out of it.

Seasonal Events and Celebrations

Throughout the year, Tokyo Disney Resort hosts a variety of seasonal events and celebrations that bring an extra dose of magic to the parks. From the spooky fun of Halloween to the festive cheer of Christmas, and the vibrant beauty of cherry blossom season, each event transforms the parks with unique decorations, themed food, and special entertainment. Visitors can look forward to dazzling parades, spectacular fireworks displays, and exclusive character meet-and-greets. These seasonal celebrations ensure that every visit to Tokyo Disney Resort is a new and exciting experience, filled with unforgettable moments and magical memories.

Language and Navigation

Navigating Tokyo Disney Resort is a breeze, even for international visitors. While Japanese is the primary language spoken, many signs and menus throughout the parks are also translated into English. This makes it easy for guests to find their way around and enjoy all the attractions and amenities. Additionally, the Tokyo Disney Resort app, available in multiple languages, provides an interactive map, real-time wait times, and show schedules. This handy tool helps guests plan their day efficiently and ensures they make the most of their visit. With these resources at your fingertips, you can focus on enjoying the magic of Tokyo Disney Resort without any language barriers.

Accessibility and Guest Services

Tokyo Disney Resort is dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all guests. The parks offer a range of services to accommodate visitors with disabilities or special needs, including wheelchair and stroller rentals, baby care centers, and first aid stations. Guests with disabilities can also benefit from priority boarding for attractions and shows, ensuring they have a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The Tokyo Disney Resort app provides detailed information on accessibility and guest services, making it easy for guests to plan their visit and take advantage of the available accommodations. With these thoughtful services, Tokyo Disney Resort ensures that every guest can experience the magic to the fullest.

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