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Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo DisneySea

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Welcome to Tokyo Disney Resort!

Important Notifications

Park Guide: Check here first!

Enjoy the Park with these basic steps. Check here for useful information before you visit, or while at the Park.

Requests from Tokyo Disney Resort

Important: Measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable time at the Parks and requests when visiting.

What's Hot

Fantasy Springs

Magical springs that lead to a world of Disney fantasy. Grand Opening on June 6, 2024!

Tokyo Disney Resort

All-inclusive, official plans with guaranteed admissions to Fantasy Springs are now available.

When choosing accommodations for your package plan, guest rooms at Disney hotels other than Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel will also be selectable.

Enjoy Park experiences more smoothly with the App!

Disney Pal-Palooza "Donald's Quacky Duck City"

From Apr. 9, 2024 through Jun. 30, 2024 - in Japanese only

Celebrating Space Mountain: The Final Ignition!

From Apr. 9, 2024 through Jul. 31, 2024 - in Japanese only

Dreaming of Fantasy Springs

Summer at Tokyo Disney Resort

From Jul. 2, 2024 through Sep. 18, 2024 - in Japanese only

New Nighttime Entertainment "Reach for the Stars"

From Sep. 20, 2024

Disney Mobile Order

Enjoy dining at the Parks even more with Disney Mobile Order!

Get more out of your visit to Tokyo Disney Resort

Enjoy the Parks even more by downloading the Tokyo Disney Resort App

Duffy and Friends (in Japanese only)

• Download wallpaper
• For Everyone's Safety and Enjoyment

• PLAN A TRIP
• WHERE TO STAY
• DISNEY CRUISE LINE
• DISNEYLAND PARIS
• ADVENTURES BY DISNEY
• HONG KONG | SHANGHAI | TOKYO

Hong Kong, Shanghai & Tokyo

• HONG KONG | Hong Kong Disneyland Park + 3 Hotels
• CHINA | Shanghai Disneyland Park + 3 Hotels
• JAPAN | Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea + 6 Hotels 

How many of Disney’s twelve different theme parks have you seen? Die-hard fans know that if you want to visit Disney’s most beautiful and innovative parks, you’ll need a passport! 

Tokyo Disney Resort is home to the 3rd and 4th most visited theme parks in the world. Many Disney experts consider Tokyo DisneySea the greatest Disney park on Earth, and Disney’s newest castle is now charming guests in the adorable Hong Kong Disneyland.  With Shanghai Disneyland’s innovative new attractions, all of Disney’s Asian international parks set a high bar for creative enchantment.

But coming out of the pandemic, visiting Japan and China has become extra tricky. When is the best time to go? Can international guests easily access the Disney parks? What kind of reservations or visas are required?

We know Japan & China.

Chris from Wishful Thinking studied abroad in China and has visited Japan many times. He recently visited all four Asian Disney parks in December 2023.

For 2024 and 2025, we’ve got up-to-date information on the international travel & visa requirements to visit Asia. Post-pandemic international travel to Japan and China has more than rebounded — it’s thriving. Now more than ever, it’s wise to start planning as early as possible. 

We’re happy to help. For free.

Thankfully, Wishful Thinking is more than merely an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We’re experts about Disney destinations around the world, and we’ve planned detailed trips to Asia for dozens of clients for more than a decade. 

As soon as you’ve got travel dates in mind, it’s smart to start planning. Asia’s Disney destinations sell out months in advance. To learn more, visit our FAQ articles below.

TOKYO DISNEY RESORT

Shanghai disneyland resort, hong kong disneyland resort, tokyo disney resort.

Updated: May, 2024

For over a decade, Chris from Wishful Thinking has made regular visits to Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea; most recently in December of 2023.

Tokyo’s Fantasy Springs expansion at DisneySea is inspiring Disney fans across the planet. 

Wondering which hotel is best? How many days for sightseeing in Tokyo? How to include visits to Kyoto, Osaka, or Universal Studios Japan? Scroll down for some expert advice.

Fantasy Springs has dramatically raised the bar. Disney’s most exciting, new, state-of-the-art attractions are inspired by Tangled, Frozen and Peter Pan. 

Now’s the time to plan your visit to the Land of the Rising Sun!

Tokyo Disney Resort | FAQ

Curious about Tokyo’s two spectacular theme parks, their five Disney-owned resort hotels, and some of the most creative Imagineering on Earth? Tokyo Disney Resort is preparing to launch Disney’s latest innovations to Tokyo DisneySea at the deeply imaginative new Fantasy Springs.  Disney fans are thrilled to finally see these sights with their own eyes. 

But when we compare it to Disneyland (in California) and Walt Disney World (in Florida), what’s different about Tokyo Disney Resort?  Let’s answer some of the most common questions:

• TIMING | When is the best time to visit Tokyo Disney Resort? How many days do I need? What holidays or days of the week should I avoid? Should I visit Disney before or after some sightseeing in Tokyo? Should I wait for the new Fantasy Springs  buzz to die down? | Get the answers ▸

• FANTASY SPRINGS | What’s required in order to experience the new Tangled, Frozen, and Peter Pan -themed areas at TokyoDisneySea? What attractions & restaurants are best? Fantasy Springs opens on June 6, 2024 — what can we expect? | Get the answers ▸

• HOTELS | What are the best hotels at Tokyo Disney Resort? The Disneyland Hotel, the Hotel MiraCosta, the Toy Story hotel, the Ambassador hotel, or the Celebration hotel? What about the other hotels along the monorail? When will the new Fantasy Springs Hotel open for bookings? | Get the answers  ▸

• TICKETS | How do I get theme park tickets for Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea?  Can I get single-day tickets without a hotel stay? Will North American credit cards work? | Get the answers ▸

• PACKAGES | Is a Package a good value? Is Fantasy Springs access guaranteed for everyone? What are Attraction Tickets? If are packages only available for one or two nights, how can I extend my stay? | Get the answers ▸

• TOURISM | What should I see & do in Tokyo? How many days do I need for sightseeing? How should I get around? What’s the most essential etiquette? | Get the answers  ▸

• TOKYO + SHANGHAI + HONG KONG | What’s the best way to visit all three Asian Disney destinations?  Which should I visit first? How many days do I really need in each location? What’s the best way to schedule this kind of trip? 

These are just the first batch of questions you’re likely to have. Thankfully, we’re experts on travel to Asia, and we’re ready to help you plan every detail of your trip — for free.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TOKYO DISNEY RESORT?

The weather’s different, the holidays are different, and the local traffic patterns are very different from North American Disney parks. You won’t want to arrive in Japan and question if you’ve timed it right. How many days do you need to see everything? Is it best to wait to visit after Fantasy Springs opens at Tokyo DisneySea?

When you think about planning your visit, keep these guidelines in mind:

You’ll probably want four days to see the parks. | If you’re a major Disney fan — like many Wishful Thinking clients — you’ll probably want at least four days to properly explore Tokyo Disney’s parks.

Tokyo Disneyland’s shows, restaurants, parades, and shops are completely unique. You’ll want to see them all. Other one-of-a-kind attractions — like their new Beauty & the Beast attraction, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek, and others — are so cool that you’ll want to ride them more than once to notice new details! 

Tokyo DisneySea is Disney’s best theme park. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the astonishing theming without getting on a single ride. Nearly all the attractions at DisneySea are unique to Tokyo; you’ll want more than one ride. Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage, The Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Nemo & Friends SeaRider are all originals. Even the Tower of Terror has an entirely unique story.  

On June 6 2024, Fantasy Springs will open at DisneySea. | As you’ll see below, entry for this new state-of-the-art land and its attractions will be limited — especially in the opening months. If seeing Fantasy Springs is a priority for you, be sure to read the next section, below.

Plan for intense jet lag. | If you’re arriving from North or South America, It isn’t wise to visit Disney immediately upon arrival. Why? Because you’ll be dealing with intense jet lag symptoms. For the first two or three days, you’ll feel like you’re sleepwalking. Your body will be saying, “Cannot do this right now. Must. Lie. Down. Immediately.” You’ll be foggy-brained and exhausted. 

Plan for Tokyo sightseeing first. | At the start of your trip, give yourself a few full days in Tokyo. Fill your itinerary with flexible sightseeing plans. Book a comfy, centrally-located hotel where you can sleep in or take mid-day breaks without fearing that you’re wasting the precious time you’re supposed to be in the parks. Save your Disney days until after your body has had some time to adjust. | See our expert tourism tips ▸

Expect massive crowds. | 38 million people live in Tokyo Disney Resort’s backyard. On Saturdays and Sundays — all year long — you’ll see an influx of local families with kids and huge groups of teenagers who crowd the parks. If there’s any way to visit during the week — at least before June — it’s a bit more chill. However, when Fantasy Springs opens, you should expect sold-out peak capacity days every day of the week until the fall. 

Prepare to wait in lines. | At Disney, there are no VIP Tours, and FastPass was discontinued. If you cannot handle waiting in queues, do not go to Tokyo. It’s that simple. The Japanese queue up for everything in Tokyo, even beyond Disney, from train stations to restrooms to ramen shops. That’s how things are in the world’s largest city.

Avoid Japan & China’s major holidays. |  The parks’ busiest periods are during  Golden Week (late April into early May), Obon (August), and the New Year (Dec 31 through early January). Hotel rates are higher throughout the country. historically Chinese New Year brings many vacationers to Japan, and Chinese tourists love Tokyo Disney Resort. The Western holidays of Christmas, Easter, & Halloween don’t bring major crowds — they do, however, bring delightful decorations to the parks.

Tokyo’s weather is similar to Washington, D.C. | Tokyo has four distinct seasons. Summer is hot and humid, fall is cooler and dry. Winter sees frigid temperatures & occasional frozen rain / snow. Spring tends to arrive a bit early, with warm sunshine and springtime showers. Tokyo’s Disney parks are designed for this weather, with more indoor queues than you’ll find in Florida or California. But even sub-zero temperatures don’t drive away crowds — guests show up in their warm winter coats & fuzzy character hats, and make it a fun day with hot cocoa and warm hugs. Extended rainy days — like during a fall typhoon — do tend to inspire the locals to stay home. 

Tell us about your travel dates & let’s start planning ▸   

WHAT IS FANTASY SPRINGS AT TOKYO DISNEYSEA?

Curious about the enchanting additions coming to Tokyo Disney Resort’s Fantasy Springs,  opening on  June 6, 2024? If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to see Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival or sail up into the sky on pirate ship with Peter Pan, get ready for an adventure like no other. Disney’s just announced all new details for Fantasy Springs, its captivating attractions, dining, and more!

WHAT IS FANTASY SPRINGS?

A whole new world of Disney magic is now welcoming guests to all-new state-of-the-art attractions, restaurants & entertainment inspired by Tangled, Frozen, and Peter Pan. The eighth themed port at Tokyo DisneySea promises a paradise of enchantment, featuring three waterfront areas: Rapunzel’s Forest, Peter Pan’s Never Land, and Frozen Kingdom.

At last — you’ll see the light! Join  Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival as you sail away on a romantic boat ride, reliving the heartwarming tale of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.  Head to The Snuggly Duckling  for a delicious meal in a brand new restaurant that’s ready to refresh all your ruffians.

Never-grow-up adventures unfold in Peter Pan’s Never Land.  Explore a swashbuckling pirate ship playground, then chow down at Lookout Cookout, the hideout for the Lost Kids.  Peter Pan hosts an all-new one-of-a-kind attraction that soars far beyond Peter Pan’s Flight. Little ones are sure to giggle as they help Tinker Bell deliver packages in Pixie Hollow on the Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies .

Frozen Kingdom beckons you into the unknown on Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey . You’ll relive the heartwarming sisters’ story and enjoy captivating views of fjord cliffs at the  Royal Banquet of Arendelle restaurant. The park’s newest snacks will tempt your tastebuds at Oaken’s OK Foods.

WHAT WILL I NEED IN ORDER TO VISIT FANTASY SPRINGS?

All guests who want to see Fantasy Springs will need a valid park ticket for Tokyo Disney Sea plus at least one of the following:

• A Standby Pass, which is essentially just like one of Disneyland / WDW’s Virtual Queues — it’s free. You’ll request one in the Tokyo Disney app on the day of your visit after you pass through the turnstiles to the park.
• Disney Premier Access — which is just like an Individual Lightning Lane — is available for purchase. You may purchase Premier Access for the top attractions inside Fantasy Springs within the app on the day of your visit after you enter the park — or — receive one as a perk of booking a specific Tokyo Disney Resort Vacation Package. As of now, the price is 2,000 JPY per attraction. View the latest updates on Premier Access ▸ 

TDR has announced that guests will only be able to obtain these entry methods after they have passed through the turnstiles. This is one reason why Early Park Entry is being restricted to Tokyo DisneySea; after June 6, only the guests of the Hotel Miracosta and the Fantasy Springs Hotel will have early park entry at DisneySea. (Disney’s said that this is subject to change.) It’s reasonable to assume that not everyone who enters Tokyo DisneySea on a given day will gain access to Fantasy Springs. (If everyone did, guests would lack a strong incentive to purchase Disney’s Premier Access for entry.)

WHAT IS THE NEW 1-DAY PASSPORT – FANTASY SPRINGS MAGIC?

It’s a new type of 1-day ticket that bundles together Tokyo DisneySea theme park entry with a Disney Premier Access pass for Fantasy Springs. It guarantees that you’ll gain entry to the land. Currently, they’re only available to those who book new type of Disney Vacation Package — although they may become available to regular ticket buyers. We’re awaiting details.

WHAT IS THE FANTASY SPRINGS HOTEL?

Built right into the perimeter of the park, the elegant new Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel brings enchanting luxury accommodations and Art Nouveau to Fantasy Springs. With rooms and restaurants that gaze directly into the land, the Fantasy Springs Restaurant will offering buffet-style dining, La Libellule serves gourmet French cuisine, and Grand Paradis Lounge offers a relaxing salon with wide open windows and one-of-a-kind views. Read on below for more info about Disney’s resort hotels.

Complete this form and we’ll keep you up to date on all the news from Tokyo ▸

WHAT ARE THE BEST HOTELS AT TOKYO DISNEY RESORT?

If this is your only chance to visit, you’ll want to be comfortable. Let’s explore the Disney resort hotels — plus the hotels along the Disney resort monorail line. And, let’s discuss why you shouldn’t stay in central Tokyo for your Disney days.

THE LAY OF THE LAND

Before you think about where to stay, let’s cover some navigational basics:

Tokyo is huge. | You can easily spend two hours traveling from one side of the city to the other. That’s why you’ll want to stay right near Tokyo Disney Resort during your theme park days. Stay in central Tokyo when you’re sightseeing.

Tokyo Disney Resort is located on the distant southeastern waterfront. | It’s about as far from central Tokyo as Disneyland is from central Los Angeles. It’s in the neighborhood of Urayasu, along the shores of Tokyo Bay. Technically, Urayasu is not in Tokyo — it’s in the neighboring Shiba prefecture. The train station nearest to Tokyo Disney Resort is Maihama .

View the location on Google Maps ▸

Traveling to Tokyo Disney Resort can be a hike. | Depending on which train you catch (and the time of day), reaching Urayasu can take 30 minutes from Tokyo Station, 35 minutes from Shinagawa Station, and 45 minutes (to an hour) from Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, and Ikebukuro Station. Like any major city, there are rush hour delays. If you’re traveling here directly from either international airport —  Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) — trains and shared shuttles are your best transfer options. The Airport Limousine Bus is arguably the easiest, most carefree way to travel, but its schedule is limited — the last departure from Narita can depart as early as 6:00 PM. 

More on traveling from HND  Airport ▸ | More on traveling from NRT Airport ▸

The resort area includes five Disney-owned hotels and six Official Hotels (aka ‘Good Neighbor’ hotels) | All but one of them are accessible along Tokyo Disney Resort’s monorail line. Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel is a quick shuttle ride away.

View the resort hotel map* ▸    * the new Toy Story Hotel is located between map markers 4 and 5

DISNEY-THEMED HOTELS AT TOKYO DISNEY RESORT

The official owner of Tokyo Disney Resort is the Oriental Land Company (OLC) , which owns and manages the following Disney-themed hotels.

HELPFUL TIP: At each link, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and you’ll be able to view a simple calendar that reveals which dates have rooms remaining and the nightly rate (in Japanese Yen) of the lowest-price available room. As of today, hotel rates and booking are only available 120 days in advance. We’ve got expert tips and advice about how to start planning now; complete this form and we’ll send you three very helpful FAQ guides. Be sure to also see our information about Disney Travel Packages below.

• Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel | Luxury / Deluxe |  Disney’s newest luxury hotel experience is divided into two areas: the Grand Chateau offers Luxury accommodations and amenities (including line-skipping privileges) , while the Fantasy Chateau is classified as a Deluxe hotel. Its three new restaurants will offer beautiful views of the park, and this hotel benefits with unique ticketed access to Fantasy Springs plus the 15-minute early park entry directly into Tokyo DisneySea. | View more details about the hotel ▸ 

• Tokyo Disneyland Hotel | Deluxe | Luxurious, classical, elegant. Similar Victorian-era design as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando, but nicer (if you can believe it) . Located just outside the monorail station entrance to Disneyland park. Some rooms feature views of Cinderella Castle; you may see fireworks in the distance. You’ll find art inspired by Alice in Wonderland, beautifully appointed rooms with subtle theme details, themed suites, and a gorgeous lobby with high-end restaurants and cafes. | View the room availability & rate calendar ▸ 

• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta | Deluxe | Ornate, sumptuous, opulent. The world’s only hotel located inside a Disney theme park. Baroque design invites you to relax within an 18th-century Italian waterfront village, inspired by Portofino and Venice. Its main façade serves as the entry point to Tokyo DisneySea’s Mediterranean Harbor. Many rooms feature water views of the park’s nightly spectacular. Its recently renovated, sophisticated rooms feature rich brocades, tapestries, and wood-carved furnishings. The stunning domed lobby features fresco paintings and entryways to a collection of delicious restaurants. | View the room availability & rate calendar ▸ 

• Disney Ambassador Hotel | Deluxe | Clever, cool, comfortable. Art deco design evokes 1920’s – 1930’s railway sleeper cars and Atlantic steamships. Although the rooms are simply appointed (on par with a Moderate-level hotel at Walt Disney World) the lobby, pools and common areas feel like a Deluxe resort. Around every corner, you’ll find extravagant details and gleaming artwork from the period. The hotel is located near the back of  Disneyland Park, but it’s a bit too far to walk. Entrances to both parks are just a few minutes away via the monorail. Dining includes a gourmet table service restaurant, a casual diner, and some of Tokyo’s only character dining, Chef Mickey’s. | View the room availability & rate calendar ▸ 

• Toy Story Hotel | Moderate | Colorful, whimsical, imaginative. Tokyo’s newest Disney-themed resort hotel, located right along the monorail line. Think: Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World / Disneyland Paris — the vibe is identical.  Lots of two-dimensional drawings and oversized toy-sized architecture. Rooms are inviting and full of clever details, like an Etch-A-Sketch TV screen and Andy’s iconic bedroom wallpaper: blue sky & white clouds. The hotel’s extensive original merch, kid-friendly play areas, and casual affordable eateries make this family-friendly hotel ideal for guests of all ages.  | View the room availability & rate calendar ▸ 

• Tokyo Celebration Hotel | Value | Fanciful, cute, casual. The only Disney-themed hotel located beyond the resort, about a 15-minute complimentary shuttle drive away. Formerly the Palm & Fountain Terrace Hotel, Oriental Land Company began to transform these hotels a few years ago by adding all-new Disney designs to its rooms, lobbies and pools.  The comfortable rooms are modestly-appointed. The amusing, brightly-colored murals and various bed configurations, however, are designed to appeal to families with young kids. Affordable nightly rates make this hotel one of the most economical lodging choices for Tokyo Disney Resort. | View the room availability & rate calendar ▸ 

TOKYO DISNEY RESORT OFFICIAL HOTELS

In addition to the hotels above, Tokyo Disney Resort also features six official hotels which are located along the resort monorail.   These are similar to what you might know in the USA as Good Neighbor Hotels. OLC doesn’t own or manage them, but they meet the resort’s high standards for cleanliness, service, and amenities. Each of them has an on-site official Tokyo Disney Resort ticket & planning desk.

Two of the hotels are owned by American brands, and are exceptionally accommodating for English-speaking travelers.

HELPFUL TIP | Unlike the Disney hotels above, these hotels may be booked up to 1 year in advance, and Wishful Thinking can set up your hotel reservation .

• Hilton Tokyo Bay | Modern, efficient, familiar. Our top choice for where to stay if you’re not in one of the Disney hotels. This large, recently renovated resort hotel feels like any upscale Hilton you might find back home, with polished marble floors and sleek, modern décor. The Front Desk staff speaks impeccable English. Standard rooms are divided into two design categories — one is more serene and classic, the other more colorful and contemporary — but you can’t go wrong here. The on-site restaurants are big — if a tad bit overpriced — with impressive menus that cater to North American, European, and Asian travelers. Best of all, the hotel’s just a quick monorail ride away from the theme parks. | Get pricing ▸

• Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay | Not currently recommended. Although the hotel formerly was on-par with the Hilton right next door, it’s now overdue for a refresh & refurbishment, and the staff at the Front Desk are not able to communicate in conversational English. After numerous visits (and client feedback) over the 2023 / 2024 travel period, we can’t recommend this hotel, unfortunately. We’ll update this if things improve over the coming year. 

CHOOSING A HOTEL IN CENTRAL TOKYO

Tokyo’s main sights aren’t near Tokyo Disney Resort. Wishful Thinking has expert tips, first-hand accounts, and we love to recommend and book hotels for our clients in Tokyo.

We’ve got hotels in the best neighborhoods. | Most Tokyo visitors have the easiest, most enjoyable visits when they stay in Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, or Ginza. These neighborhoods are all full of terrific dining, elaborate shopping, and vibrant street life.  I f we had to pick just one neighborhood, we’d probably point you toward Shinjuku. But it’s a tough call; they’re all great. Get pricing for Tokyo hotels ▸ 

You’ll want to stay near a train station. | As we explain below, Tokyo is all about train travel. If possible, select a hotel that’s within a comfortable walking distance of a big train station. 

Compare North American hotel brands vs. Japanese lodging. | If you don’t have a lot of international travel experience, try to minimize your culture shock. A North American hotel chain might be your smartest option. Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG all have properties in Tokyo, and we’ve got top recommendations within each brand. Their websites, support staff, and on-site front desk staff will work in fluent English. In the guest rooms, you’ll find familiar bed sizes and amenities. If you need to modify / cancel your booking, you’ll be able to rely on English language phone support. When you’re visiting an unfamiliar country, that can help guarantee more restful nights.

However, if you’re an adventurous, seasoned traveler and you’re drawn to unique experiences, consider staying in a  ryokan . These traditional, family-owned lodges are Japan’s most memorable accommodations, particularly in historic locales like Kyoto, Nara, or Osaka. Learn all about ryokan ▸

We have a terrific shortlist of hotels in central Tokyo. | Get pricing at one of our top hotels ▸ 

WHEN & HOW TO BOOK YOUR HOTELS FOR A TOKYO DISNEY RESORT VACATION

When should I visit? And how far in advance can I book?

It greatly depends on whether you want a simple hotel stay, a Disney Vacation Package, or if you’d simply like to visit Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea during a longer stay in Tokyo. Tap below and we’ll send you a free, informative FAQ to help you think through all these decisions.

Let’s plan your trip to Japan ▸

HOW DO I GET THEME PARK TICKETS FOR TOKYO DISNEYLAND & TOKYO DISNEYSEA?

Having trouble with North American credit cards? Wondering if you should get your theme park tickets before you arrive in Japan? Are theme park reservations required?

Learn the secure & guaranteed way to get Tokyo Disney Resort's theme park tickets

Here’s the main thing you need to know: many of Tokyo Disney Resort’s operations have changed post-pandemic.

That’s especially true of their ticket & reservation systems. Much of what we could tell you today could be different tomorrow. 

Here are the most essential updates (updated May, 2024):

If you’re an overnight guest in one of the Disney resort hotels, Disney instructs you to WAIT to buy theme park tickets through your hotel. |  As Tokyo Disney Resort explains on their helpful FAQ, all Disney resort hotel guests are guaranteed to be able to enter the parks on all their dates of stay (check-in through check-out) even if all the day’s theme park tickets are sold out for non-hotel guests.  However, you should wait to purchase your tickets for a few big reasons: one, you’ll need the type of ticket that includes early park entry. Those tickets aren’t available on the internet. Two, Disney may someday offer other types of tickets that were paused for the pandemic, namely, a park hopper ticket and a multi-day ticket. As of April 2024, only one-park-per-day tickets are being sold.

The Disney resort hotels are:

• Tokyo Disneyland Hotel
• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta
• Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel
• Disney Ambassador Hotel
• Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel
• Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel

Guests at the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel have unique access. | As of April, 2024, guests of this hotel (who are not package holders) have exclusive access to a one-day ticket that includes guaranteed Fantasy Springs entry and reduced wait times at its attractions. Learn more here. Additionally, guests in the Grand Chateau rooms receive extra line-skipping privileges .

If you’re a guest in one of the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels — the ones which are not Disney operated & themed — guests may buy tickets through the hotel. | All guests of the Hilton Tokyo Bay may purchase one-park, one-day tickets in person, in the lobby of the Hilton, even when the tickets are sold out for the general public. Wishful Thinking can book you today into the Hilton, and we highly recommend it. Start here ▸ 

You may buy advance-day tickets online, but you can’t buy tickets more than 60 days in advance. | Currently, online tickets are only valid on the date you select when you purchase them — no additional Theme Park reservations are required. As of now, there are no in-person theme park ticket sales at the parks. You MUST buy your tickets online (or through your Disney-area hotel).

Tickets do not include Genie+ — that’s not how things work in Tokyo. | Instead of FastPass or Genie+, Tokyo Disney Resort offers Premier Access, which any guest may purchase on the day of their visit within the Tokyo Disney Resort app. As of now, Premier Access is only offered on about 3 or 4 attractions per park — here’s the list of attractions and prices. It works almost identically to Individual Lightning Lane purchases at Disneyland in California. You purchase the enhancement after you scan into the park.

Many USA-based credit cards are declined because the Tokyo Disney Resort website and app rely on advanced credit card security called 3D Secure. | The 3D Secure verification is standard for Japan-based banks, but it’s a protocol that isn’t yet standard within the USA. For this reason, many USA-based credit cards will not work if you try to book a hotel or purchase tickets on the Tokyo Disney Resort site. If your card is not working, you need to get a new card. Why? Because you will need a card with this feature when you actually visit Japan. The paid features in the Tokyo Disney Resort app won’t work without one, and many other vendors in Japan require this type of authentication.

Get a card from Revolut. | We highly recommend the safe, secure, internationally-accepted debit cards & credit cards from Revolut, which specializes in international travel . Their exchange rates are tremendous, there are no international transaction fees, and you can even store online balances in multiple currencies — a great strategy if you’d like to buy JPY in advance when the USD is strong. Best of all, their cards support 3D Secure verification.

Explore debit & credit cards from Revolut ▸

Multi-day tickets are still not available. | The 2-day Passport, 3-Day Magic Passport, 5-Day Magic Passport, Annual Passport, and many other long-standing ticket categories are currently not available, and we don’t know when Tokyo Disney Resort may resume the sales of these ticket types. 

Wishful Thinking provides expert guidance & assistance for Tokyo Disney Resort. | Complete our form and we’ll send you an extremely informative, helpful FAQ, direct to your inbox.

SHOULD I BOOK A PACKAGE FOR TOKYO DISNEY RESORT?

Packages at Tokyo Disney Resort are very different from what you’ll find at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. For starters: they’re more expensive than simple hotel bookings + park tickets. You’re paying for unique perks & privileges . So are they worth it? What are the minimum / maximum number of hotel nights and theme park days? When do Tokyo Disney Resort Travel Packages become available? We’ve got all the nerdy details.

Nothing confounds international visitors more than Tokyo Disney Resort’s Disney Travel Packages.

Why? Because their offerings and restrictions are dramatically different from Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Pay attention to the details we’re sharing here; they matter tremendously.

To begin, it’s important that you recognize a few things about Tokyo Disney Resort:

• The crowds are massive. | Every day of the week. Ignore outdated information online that says that things are only busy on weekends. Not anymore. See what rope drop looks like.

• FastPass doesn’t exist anymore. | Post-pandemic, Tokyo Disney Resort replaced their FastPass system with a new benefit called Premier Access, which any guest may purchase on the day of their visit within the Tokyo Disney Resort app. As of now, Premier Access is only offered on about 3 or 4 attractions per park — here’s the list of attractions and prices. It works almost identically to Individual Lightning Lane purchases at Disneyland in California. You’re waiting in line for everything else. UNLESS you have a Disney Travel Package. 

• Tokyo Disney Resort does not offer VIP tours | This is simply not a thing at Tokyo Disney Resort. Pre-pandemic, the park offered informational tours in Japanese (similar to the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom ), but they haven’t returned.

Therefore, knowing that avoiding crowds are the MAIN thing that its guests would want, Tokyo Disney Resort offers exclusive additional line-skipping (and show / parade viewing) privileges within their Disney Travel Packages. But there are severe restrictions:

Packages are ONLY available for a one night stay or a two night stay.

• A ONE NIGHT package includes TWO DAYS of theme park tickets: Tokyo DisneySea on day one and Tokyo Disneyland on day two.
• A TWO NIGHT package includes THREE DAYS of theme park tickets: Tokyo DisneySea on day one, Disneyland on day two, and DisneySea again on day three.
• You cannot modify when you use your tickets; your first ticket MUST be used on your check-in day, and your last ticket MUST be used on your check-out day. For this reason, you will probably not want to begin any Disney Travel Package on the day you arrive in Japan. Thankfully, we’ve got expert recommendations for additional hotels in Tokyo. Get pricing ▸
• Disney will not permit any guest to purchase two tickets for the dame day — therefore, you CAN NOT simply book back-to-back packages. (That would mean you’d double up on tickets when one package’s check-out day is another package’s check-in day.)
• As of now — for stays through late 2024 — there are no packages available for longer stays. This is all there is. See our recommendations below about adding a hotel stay to your package.

Currently, package perks include extra line-skipping privileges . This is the sweet gooey center of Disney Travel Packages, and this is why Disney guests are willing to pay more for them. When you book your package, you’ll gain the ability to select from a handful of attractions that are NOT offered as part of Premier Access . Disney simply calls them Attraction Tickets, but they work essentially like a FastPass. They’re available for the ‘2nd tier’ of popular attractions, and they include:

AT TOKYO DISNEYLAND | ATTRACTION TICKETS

• Big Thunder Mountain
• Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
• Haunted Mansion
• Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek!
• Pooh’s Hunny Hunt
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

AT TOKYO DISNEYSEA | ATTRACTION TICKETS

• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
• Indiana Jones® Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• The Magic Lamp Theater
• Nemo & Friends SeaRider
• Raging Spirits
• Tower of Terror
• Turtle Talk

See more details about Attraction Tickets included in Vacation Packages ▸ 

What to choose? | When you purchase your package, you’ll make your selection as for which attractions you’d like to use for your benefit. Because the ultra-popular attractions Beauty and the Beast and Soaring; Fantastic Flight are also available via Premier Access, we suggest that you use your perks here for one of these ‘2nd tier’ attractions that are ONLY available to package holders. That’s the best way to maximize the value of your purchase. Buy Beauty & the Beast after you’ve entered Disneyland. And if you’re big into the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) , don’t miss Soaring: Fantastic Flight. The pre-show is stunning. 

Guaranteed Fantasy Springs Access | As of now, all packages for stays beyond June 6th also include guaranteed entry to the new Fantasy Springs land at Tokyo DisneySea on one of your days. We don’t know how long that benefit will be offered as a package perk, and we don’t know whether future packages might include it. But because this is currently the ONLY way to guarantee that you’ll get into Fantasy Springs, these packages are highly sought after. This also explains why they cost so much.

Most Wishful Thinking clients choose to book a package PLUS an additional hotel stay. As you can imagine, many who journey from abroad want more than a two night stay. We recommend that you obtain an additional hotel reservation — a la carte — and purchase any additional theme park tickets on-site at your Disney hotel. (As you’ll see above, ALL Disney resort hotel guests are guaranteed to be able to purchase theme park tickets for the dates of their stay even if tickets are sold out to the general public.)  Do note, however:

• Tokyo Disney Resort does NOT guarantee that if you purchase an a la carte hotel stay for the same hotel as your package that you’ll be able to remain in your same room. These decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis after you arrive at your hotel.
• If you’re in a different room type at the same hotel, Cast Members will transfer your bags for you.
• If you select to stay at a different Disney resort hotel  — including the Hilton Tokyo Bay or the Sheraton, but excluding the Celebration Hotel — Disney Cast Members will transfer your luggage for free to your next hotel. See details about the luggage delivery service ▸ 

IMPORTANT NOTE ON THE JAPANESE-LANGUAGE SITE | Package type availability and benefits differ between the Japanese-language portal of the site and the English-language portal.  Just as Disneyland has special offers for California residents and Walt Disney World has special offers for Florida residents, Tokyo Disney Resort has special offers for Japan residents. Don’t try to be sneaky and enter the name of your Japan-based lodging; if you cannot enter your legal name, permanent address, and credit card billing address using Japanese characters, you will not qualify for these packages. 

When do Tokyo Disney Resort Disney Vacation Packages become available? | Since early 2024, as the resort prepares for / promotes the new Fantasy Springs expansion, Disney’s been releasing them in monthly ‘dumps.’ Typically, Disney only provides a few days notice as to when the next release is coming, and no one knows how long this release pattern will continue.

Bookmark this page and watch for announcements ▸ 

Can an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner or a travel agent book a package for me? | No. As of now, you are literally the only person on the planet who can book a Tokyo Disney Resort Vacation Package; Disney explicitly forbids others from booking a package on your behalf, and if any agent offers to do this for you, your tickets may be invalidated.

Get our FAQ guide sent to your inbox — to learn how to actually book a package ▸ 

What CAN Wishful Thinking quote and book for me? | We’re experts on Japan and Tokyo travel, and we can quote / book all your additional hotel stays in Japan, plus guided day tours, private transportation, and phenomenal multi-night guided tours via Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions. Also, as of spring 2024, we can book a la carte hotel stays at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel — but these are not Disney Travel Packages. You’ll still need to purchase your tickets after arriving at the hotel.

Share your plans here — we’ll send free Disney tips and expert recommendations on Japan hotels & sightseeing ▸

WHAT SHOULD I SEE & DO IN TOKYO?

The world’s biggest metropolis: 20 million people live here. Thankfully, it’s also one of the most hospitable destinations for international travelers. But what are the real must-sees? And how should you get around the city?

Have you ever walked into an incredible party in full-swing and thought, “gosh, if I’d known it was going to be this cool, I would have shown up earlier!” 

That’s what it’s like to visit Japan for the first time. It’s even cooler than you imagine it’s going to be. Most North Americans have only a surface-level knowledge of Japanese cuisine, history, & culture. Research can only get you so far. You simply have to go.

Here are a few of the key things you’ll need to know as you plan your visit to Tokyo:

It’s all about the trains | Getting in a car means you’ll be sitting in traffic, not moving. Taxis & rideshares are very expensive — we’re talking $250+ USD just to get to the airport. Not worth it. Getting around Tokyo — and journeying to cities beyond — is all about train travel. There are 3 major train systems in Tokyo:

• The Japan Rail (JR) |  A nationwide rail network, kinda like Amtrak in the USA (but far, far better)
• Tokyo Metro | 9 train lines serving 179 stations
• Toei Subway | 4 train lines serving 106 stations

Taken together, they form an interconnected web of train lines that service the whole city. Thankfully, an IC (integrated circuit) payment card (like  Suica ) works for all three systems, so it doesn’t really matter which train you use. There are many major train station hubs where you can easily transfer from one train to another: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Kita-senju and Tokyo Station are the busiest.

Check out this excellent guide to Tokyo’s train systems ▸ 

Bullet trains to other cities | The JR lines also include Japan’s famous bullet trains, known by the Japanese word shinkansen . These high-speed trains are excellent and affordable and provide easy access to cities like Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Many theme park fans who visit Tokyo Disney Resort are also interested in Universal Studios Japan in the city of Osaka, which is 3+ hours away by train. 

View shinkansen routes, schedules & tickets ▸

Japan’s trains can be intimidating at first. Soon, you’ll learn that the station signs, onboard announcements, and train schedules are available in English — once you know where to look. Within a few days, you’ll wish that travel in North America was this quick, efficient, and easy to navigate!

Sightseeing: a contrast of ancient & modern | The sights of Tokyo inspire you to appreciate one of the world’s most incredible ancient cultures with a non-stop eye on the future. From Buddhist temples to high-tech shopping, you should give yourself at leas t three full days for sightseeing. Remember, you’ll be very jet-lagged, so don’t plan on overdoing it. Here are the most popular tourist sights for international visitors:

• Tokyo National Museum | An eye-popping, incredibly curated museum that traces Japan’s history from the shogun to the modern era. More ▸
• Sensō-ji Temple / Kaminari-mon Gate | Tokyo’s oldest and most spectacular temple, dating back to the year 645. More ▸
• Meiji-jingū Shrine | A beautiful, picturesque Shinto shrine within a peaceful evergreen park — one of Tokyo’s most-photographed locations. More ▸
• Ghibli Museum | A family-friendly, incredible museum devoted to the films of the legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke & many more). A must-see, especially for Disney fans. More ▸
• Shibuya Crossing & Hachikō statue |  The zig-zag pedestrian traffic crossing that you’ll recognize from countless video composites of Tokyo. You might not be familiar with the touching story of the adorable Akita who waited for his dearly-departed master here every day for ten years. More ▸
• Takeshita-dori street in Harajuku | An alley-style shopping bazaar catering to the latest youth trends. You’ll find cutting-edge fashion and the newest must-have snacks. More ▸
• Ginza | A tawny neighborhood with impressive department stores offering high-end accessories, housewares, and designer clothing. More ▸
• Kamakura | The former capital of Japan and an ideal day trip from the city. Visitors flock here to explore its beautiful ancient temples and pose in front of one of Asia’s largest Buddha statues. More ▸
• Nightlife in Shinjuku  | Among many nightlife districts, Shinjuku is especially energetic and over the top. Check out the  Mario Brothers Go-Kart experience and the must-be-seen-to-be-believed Robot Restaurant . Shinjuku Ni-Chome is where you’ll find a collection of tourist-friendly LGBTQ+ bars and dance clubs. More ▸

Learn Japanese manners and courteous phrases. | Japan is a very, very polite society. To avoid unpleasantness, it’s best to learn the most common Japanese phrases, along with the most essential etiquette:

• Payment is given & received with two hands. | When greeting a cashier, always present your cash or credit card with two hands, and do the same when receiving it back.  More ▸  
• Don’t walk & eat / drink at the same time. | Food and drink are meant to be consumed while seated indoors. Even if you place an order ‘to go,’ never eat or drink while walking. You’ll notice that there are virtually no trash cans on public street corners — and this is why. The one spot in Japan where you can probably get away with this? Inside Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea. 
• Remove your shoes in establishments, if requested. | Many traditional tea shops, restaurants, and ryokan hotels will provide slippers or sandals for you to wear upon entry. Place your shoes in the provided cubby holes and change into the footwear they provide.  More ▸
• To visit gyms, pools or onsen spas, be cautious about tattoos. | Tattoos are considered disrespectful by traditional Japanese society. If you’ve got large, elaborate tattoos, it’s possible that you may be denied entry to certain gyms, pools, or onsen spa baths. You may want to seek out a tattoo-friendly gym or onsen that has a stated tattoo-friendly policy. Learn more  ▸
• Learn important, courteous Japanese phrases. | It’s absolutely crucial to learn the Japanese words for please, thank you, hello, goodbye, etc. Here’s a great guide  ▸

This is just the beginning. We’ve got far, far more tips to share.

Wondering where to find the biggest selection of kawaii collectibles, manga , and anime merch? Wondering where to pipe up for some karaoke with the locals?  Want to try fluffy Japanese cloud pancakes, giant multi-colored cones of cotton candy, or the city’s best sushi, omakase, gyoza, ramen & more?

We’ve been to Japan many times, and we’d love to tell you.

If you plan your trip with Wishful Thinking, we can provide a shortlist of our favorite restaurants, the coolest shops, most unique bars, and the best locations to find the hot new food trends. We’ve also got lots of practical tips on how to overcome jet lag, how to set up your WiFi and phone service, how to pay for things, tipping & gratuities, and more. It’s never too early to start planning!

Let’s plan your Japan adventure ▸

Shanghai Disneyland Resort | FAQ

Do I need a visa to enter China if I want to visit Shanghai Disneyland Resort? How many days should I spend in the park? What are the best Shanghai Disneyland resort hotels?  What’s the best way to include a visit to the Great Wall of China? We’ve got answers to the most common questions below.

WHERE IS SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT LOCATED?

Shanghai Disneyland is around 11 miles from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. It’s in the Pudong District of Shanghai, just 12 miles from the city center. Most guests take the train.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SHANGHAI?

Shanghai’s weather offers four distinct seasons. Summers are sizzling, and winters can be rather chilly. The sweet spot for visiting? Spring and autumn. Here are the historical average temps.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I PLAN FOR SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT?

If you’re a major Disney fan, we recommend at least two full days in the park, plus at least two additional days for sightseeing. If this will be your first destination after flying from North America, schedule your sightseeing days first. Jet lag is going to be absolutely brutal.

IS ENGLISH IN USE AT SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND? HOW CAN I TRANSLATE ON MY PHONE?

Throughout all of China, English is used as a lingua franca for many international guests. English translations are found across Shanghai Disneyland — on signs, maps, restaurant menus, and in-park spiels. Similar to the ways you’ll hear Spanish at Disneyland or Walt Disney World — “¡Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas!” — you’ll hear English at Shanghai.

Show scripts, attractions, parades, etc., however are exclusively presented in Mandarin Chinese.

If you’re lucky enough to meet a Disney Princess, villain, or MARVEL character, they’ll speak English. Live shows typically have subtitles / supertitles projected along the proscenium with English translations. 

Disney Cast Members have very limited English that’s particular to their role. Attractions hosts will know how to say little more than “How many in your party?” The Disney Resort Hotel Front Desk agents will have much more advanced English vocabulary.Among other guests, it’s common to meet Chinese young adults and teens who speak English and are eager to practice and help. That said, communicating in English can be a challenge because…

Google Translate is blocked in China. All Google-based websites and apps — including Google search, Google Maps and Gmail — are blocked in Mainland China and will not connect to the internet.

There are a few workarounds and things you can do to prepare:

• Rely on a VPN service like Express VPN
• Download your native language(s) to your Google Translate app so it’ll work offline
• Download offline maps for any cities you plan to visit
• Consider downloading a China-based app with translation function, like Baidu

Considering that Yahoo search, Yahoo mail, and all Meta apps (including Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp ) are also blocked in China, you’ll probably need a VPN no matter what — just to simply stay in touch with folks back home! Those with Android operating systems on their cellphones typically experience extra difficulties; some folks purchase an iPhone just for their journey. 

Your real-time experience with the Shanghai Disneyland app and website can be a challenge, especially when it’s sending confirmation emails to your Gmail or Yahoo email address. The best solution is to have plan B’s for everything (like a Hotmail email address). 

WHEN & WHERE SHOULD I GET TICKETS?

It’s best if we set up your theme park tickets with your Disney resort hotel stay. See below.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY AT SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT?

There are two Disney-owned hotels. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is an upscale resort with blissfully charming Art Nouveau décor. It overlooks the beautiful Wishing Star Lake. For a more budget-friendly option, the Toy Story Hotel makes Andy’s room larger-than-life. They’ve each got their own pros & cons, which we’d love to share with you:

Get pricing and expert insights for the Shanghai Disney Resort hotels ▸ 

WHAT DINING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PARK?

Just like any other Disney park, dining is a combination of table service, quick service & kiosks. Traditional Chinese cuisine is served in the beautiful Wandering Moon Restaurant , while the Royal Banquet Hall is a must-see fine dining restaurant inside the castle. The Tangled Tree Tavern is a charming quick service spot serving international fare. Sweet treats are available at the Duffy & Friends-inspired Cookie Ann Bakery Café on Mickey Avenue.

After you book your trip , we’ll happily steer you toward the best dining options.

WHAT ARE THE PARK’S HIGHLIGHTS?

Shanghai Disneyland boasts eight unique themed lands:

Zootopia | The newest land at Shanghai Disneyland opened in December, 2023. It’s laugh-out-loud clever, visually imaginative, and fully-immersive. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit carries guests from icy-cold Tundratown through the Rainforest District and beyond, on a crime-fighting chase alongside Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde .  You can taste a raspberry-flavored Pawpsicle , pick up an oversized donut, and try on some new threads at Fashions by Fru Fru.

Mickey Avenue | Here’s the welcome mat of Shanghai Disneyland. Imagine a Disney character-infused hometown, rather than your typical Main Street, U.S.A. vibe. Pick up your “why yes, I’ve been there” apparel in Avenue M Arcade — their equivalent of the Emporium — where you’ll find a huge selection of unique Disney merchandise. 

Gardens of Imagination | A touch of calm with a dash of imagination, Gardens of Imagination is where you’ll come across the Chinese Zodiac-themed garden, a Disney twist that’s genuinely delightful. Key spots? The Storyteller Statue and the Fantasia Carousel. And, of course, there’s the Enchanted Storybook Castle — it’s the largest one that Disney’s ever built.

Fantasyland | Step into a realm brimming with classic Disney stories. The enchanting Voyage to the Crystal Grotto is a must-do. Kids (and kids at heart) adore Peter Pan’s Flight and the Hunny Pot Spin. 

Adventure Isle | Time for some adrenaline rush. Prehistoric fun meets high-stakes adventure in attractions like the Roaring Rapids and Soaring Over the Horizon. And don’t miss out on the Camp Discovery challenge trails — they’re like full on hiking adventures.

Treasure Cove | All aboard mateys for the one and only fully pirate-themed land across all Disney parks. A must-see? Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure . Widely considered the world’s best Pirates. Discover legends and lore on a real pirate ship: Siren’s Revenge. And don’t miss Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular.

Tomorrowland | Shanghai’s Tomorrowland aims to be actually futuristic. The TRON Lightcycle Power Run is a definite bucket-list item, while the Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue provides an entertaining (if familiar) alternative.

Toy Story Land | It’s time to play along with Woody, Buzz, and friends in this fun-filled setting. Ride high on Slinky Dog Spin, test your courage on Rex’s Racer , or join Woody’s Roundup. Remember to pop by Al’s Toy Barn and grab a bite at the Lotso Lunch Box.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO BEYOND THE PARK?

Although Shanghai Disneyland Resort doesn’t offer the vast outdoor recreation activities of Walt Disney World, Shanghai Disneyland’s footprint is unique — it’s the one Disney ‘castle park’ where the main thoroughfare — Mickey Avenue – is located  before the theme park’s turnstiles . In Celebration Square, the Market District and more, you’ll find ample Disney shopping, dining, and entertainment . For a quieter moment, take a stroll around Wishing Star Park to enjoy nature, views, and tranquility.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I SEE WHILE VISITING CHINA?

How much time have you got? Many North Americans only know of a handful of sights — the Great Wall of China, maybe the Forbidden City, or the Xi’an Terracotta War Soldiers. China is a gigantic country with 1/5th of the world’s population. Planning a trip here can be incredibly complicated, even for seasoned travelers. None of these must-see sights are within easy reach from Shanghai.

That’s why we highly recommend the Adventures by Disney trip through China , which includes an unforgettable visit to both Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: CHINA | 12 DAYS, 11 NIGHTS | HIGHLIGHTS:

Explore Hong Kong Discover the vibrant harbor city with an iconic skyline, world-class shops and exciting street scene.

Hong Kong Disneyland & Shanghai Disneyland Check 2 more Disney theme parks off your bucket list as you immerse yourself in Disney magic at China’s Disney theme parks.

Great Wall of China Cable Car Ride Reach new heights as you ride to Mutianyu for an amazing walk atop this iconic structure.

Victoria Peak Be awed by panoramic views of Hong Kong’s stunning skyline and harbor from the top of the mountain.

Beijing’s Ancient & Modern History Tour Walk through centuries of history as you tour this modern city with a rich past.

Beijing’s Temple of Heaven Tour this massive temple built for emperors to worship the god of heaven.

Panda Visit Get a rare peek at China’s cutest residents on a tour of Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Sichuan Opera Enjoy music, acrobatics and the classic face changing act that has delighted audiences for centuries.

Shanghai Acrobat Show Experience the excitement of this acrobatic performance and live rock show.

Lijiang River Guilin Boat Tour Cruise the Li River and take in the scenic landscapes, including the “gumdrop mountains.”

Terracotta Warriors & Horses in Xi’an Marvel at this sculpted army created to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife.

Explore Shanghai Discover the sprawling skyline, classic architecture and waterfront district of this truly international city.

Tiananmen Square Walking Tour Learn the rich history of this focal point of celebration and protest with a local guide.

Yu Garden Tour in Old Shanghai Find peace and inspiration in this 300-year-old garden sanctuary in the heart of Shanghai.

Get 2024 / 2025 dates and pricing for an Adventures by Disney trip to   China ▸ 

DO I NEED A VISA FOR PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA?

Travelers from 50+ countries — including USA, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom — can enjoy a visa-free visit to China for up to 144 hours if they’re transiting to another country. That’s 6 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you enter the country. There are specific restrictions on where you can travel in China and which ports of entry / airports you may use, so it’s very important to study the regulations. Fact check everything.

How it works: upon arrival at the immigration desk in the airport or cruise terminal, you’ll complete a simple form (in English) that includes your lodging address and the reason for your visit. It about 5 minutes to complete.  In addition to your completed form, you will need to present a departure from Shanghai travel confirmation (i.e., a cruise itinerary or a flight confirmation). It’s best to print up this document on paper and have it ready for inspection; the officials will photocopy your confirmation and return it to you. Please note that if you only have the conformation on your phone, the officials will ask you to unlock your device so they can screenshot your phone’s screen. Paper is better.

Learn more about China’s 144-hour visa-free travel policy and review the countries which qualify ▸ 

If you plan to do any sightseeing in mainland China beyond Shanghai, you will you will need a visa . Best to apply for your visa 2 to 3 months before your trip.

If you are ONLY planning to visit Shanghai (for less than 144 hours) and Hong Kong, most international travelers do not need a visa before arrival. See information under Hong Kong, below.

CHINA CONSULAR SERVICES:   For citizens of the USA ▸   |   For citizens of Canada ▸  

List of China consular service websites for other countries ▸ 

LET’S START PLANNING YOUR ASIA DISNEY TRIP

The sooner we start, the better prepared you’ll be for the adventure of a lifetime.

Start planning your trip here ▸ 

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort | FAQ

Is it easy to visit Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland in one trip? Yes, and Wishful Thinking knows just how to do it. Let’s dive into common questions about visa entry requirements , Hong Kong’s three Disney resort hotels, sightseeing in Hong Kong, how far in advance you should reserve things, and how to enjoy the brand-new Arendelle – The World of Frozen. This absolute gem of a Disney park has so many delights that aren’t well known in the USA, and it may be the easiest Disney park to visit of them all.

WHERE IS HONG KONG DISNEYLAND LOCATED?

Hong Kong comprises a peninsula and a series of islands off the coast of mainland China. Today, Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China — somewhat similar to the way that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Although the region operates under the concept of “one country, two systems,” Hong Kong has a separate government, series of freedoms, and protections which are undergoing recent changes .

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island — the same island where the international airport is located — about 45 minutes (by train) from the more-developed city areas.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN HONG KONG?

Hong Kong is a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, but summers are extra hot and humid, and winters are generally mild and dry. Here are the historical average temps. If you’re planning to visit Shanghai and Tokyo on the same trip, take note that these three destinations have dramatically different weather — that can make it tricky to pack light.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I PLAN FOR HONG KONG DISNEYLAND?

If you’re a major Disney fan, we recommend at least two full days in the park, plus at least two additional days for sightseeing. If this will be your first destination after flying from North America, schedule your sightseeing days first. Jet lag is rough.

IS ENGLISH IN USE AT HONG KONG DISNEYLAND?

Like Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland is fully bilingual. Shows, songs, parades, and attraction spiels are presented in both English and Cantonese Chinese. Disney’s own Cast Members are conversational in English, although you’ll notice British usage and vocabulary. (Hong Kong’s 150+ years as a British protectorate means that English-language education is extremely common here.) Unlike Shanghai, above, there are no internet blocks in Hong Kong for Google, Google Translate, or Meta-owned apps / websites.

Mandarin Chinese translations are offered throughout the park. 對於講普通話的人來說，您會注意到香港迪士尼樂園內有許多標誌、餐廳菜單和表演字幕.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO PLAN FOR HONG KONG DISNEYLAND?

This is tough for guests from North America to accept, but not only do you not need to worry about planning Hong Kong far in advance, you cannot plan Hong Kong many months in advance. Often times, standalone theme park tickets aren’t even on sale beyond the current month.

Hong Kong Disneyland isn’t open every day.

During less busy times of year, it’s common for the theme park to be closed for one day in the middle of the week (most often on Wednesdays). The park’s opening hours and schedule, however, aren’t typically announced more than about 6 weeks in advance. Hong Kong’s own promotions typically include an ‘Early Bird’ special for bookings that are merely 21-days in advance.

Yes, our version of a last minute booking is their version of an early bird special!

For visitors who plan to fly in from overseas, this makes planning ahead quite difficult. It’s one reason why we suggest giving yourself 4+ days in Hong Kong, allowing for flexibility on exactly which day(s) you visit Hong Kong Disneyland.

Thankfully, Wishful Thinking has expert insights to share; if you get in touch, we can tell you when your travel dates become available , book and help plan your entire Hong Kong adventure. 

Get pricing & assistance for Hong Kong Disneyland ▸  

HOW BUSY IS HONG KONG DISNEYLAND COMPARED TO WALT DISNEY WORLD OR DISNEYLAND IN CALIFORNIA?

Hong Kong Disneyland is nowhere near as busy as the American Disney parks. For that reason, it’s very easy to simply visit as a spur-of-the-moment decision. You really don’t need to plan out every little detail in advance, fight for dining reservations, or struggle to beat the crowds. If anything, your challenges stem from too few guests: the parks (and some restaurants) aren’t open every day.

SO WHEN & WHERE SHOULD I GET TICKETS?

Sold out days at Hong Kong Disneyland are extremely rare.

Currently, only 1-day tickets or 2-day tickets are on sale. You can either set up tickets with your Disney resort hotel stay, purchase them on site at the ticket window, buy them directly on Hong Kong Disneyland’s website. Hong Kong Disneyland also offers a number of add-ons, including:

• Early Park Entry | Gain access to the theme park turnstiles one hour early and enjoy select attractions in Fantasyland and Arendelle – The World of Frozen.
• Disney Premier Access | Not unlike Genie+ / Lightning Lane, this add-on enhancement typically includes ‘skip the line’ entries for 8 attractions plus two shows, including the terrific fireworks nighttime spectacular, Momentous.

Please note that — when available — guests may also purchase Premier Access on the day of their visit, within the Hong Kong Disneyland app. It’s available for specific attractions, shows, character shows and experiences, like the new Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs or the Anna & Elsa Playhouse in the Woods interactive show.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY AT HONG KONG DISNEYLAND?

Some guests stay in Hong Kong for their visit, and simply catch the train (or a taxi) out to Disneyland for the day. If you only anticipate a one-day visit to Hong Kong Disneyland — and if Disney isn’t really the reason for your visit — that may be the easiest way to go. Just buy a ticket for the day and have a great time.

Most Wishful Thinking clients, however, are big Disney fans and want the full immersive experience. If that’s what you’re wishing for, stay in a Disney hotel.

There are three Disney-owned hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland. They’re all right beside one another, along a coastline avenue about a 5-minute drive from the theme park entrance. All three properties are Deluxe-level hotels with similar levels of amenities, accommodations, and pricing. A walkway connects the three hotels to an oceanside jogging path. None of the hotels have a walking path to reach the theme parks. There are no Moderate or Value hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland resort.

Resort Hotel Transportation between the hotels and the theme park is complimentary aboard Disney’s own resort buses. Disney does not offer transportation to / from the Hong Kong Airport. (See our recommendations below.) 

Hotel bedding and amenities are nearly identical to what you’d expect at Disneyland or Walt Disney World; most rooms feature two standard queen-size beds, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and you’ll find conversational English-speaking Cast Members at the Front Desk. 

Because the location, transportation, and offerings of the three Disney hotels are nearly identical, what makes each one distinct is each hotel’s theme and design .

The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel | Looks and feels very similar to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World. Inspired by the Hotel del Coronado near San Diego, it’s a Victorian-era, elegant, classy resort hotel with a beautiful multi-story atrium. Accommodations include rooms with water views and the Kingdom Club, upscale club-level rooms with enhanced amenities and an on-site concierge. The Enchanted Garden restaurant offers an elaborate buffet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner with character dining table-side visits from Mickey, Minnie & pals. It’s a beautiful, elaborate hotel. Get pricing ▸ 

Disney Explorers Lodge | Looks and feels almost identical to the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World. With wings and guest rooms themed to different areas on the globe, you’ll encounter whimsical maps, artifacts, sights and sounds from Asia, Oceania, South America and Africa. It’s stylish and tremendously fun, as if you’re in an upscale lodge along a safari route or tropical rainforest getaway. Highly recommended. Get pricing ▸ 

Disney’s Hollywood Hotel | Looks and feels very similar to Tokyo Disney Resort’s Ambassador Hotel, but instead of a nautical / air travel theme, the hotel’s inspired by Disney Hollywood history and art deco décor. Rrecent lobby renovations (in 2023 / 2024) have added style and panache with new art, upgraded furnishings and a swanky new lounge inspired by MARVEL characters, The Archivist . You’ll find a newly-renovated buffet with terrific illustrations and paint-bucket splashes of color at Ink & Paint. Rooms are still being renovated; we recommend waiting to book this property until those room renovations are complete. 

Get pricing and expert insights for the Hong Kong Disneyland resort hotels ▸ 

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF HONG KONG DISNEYLAND?

Many first-time visitors have heard that Hong Kong is the smallest Disney theme park, but are surprised by just how much originality is found inside. This is a true gem of a park, and Disney fans are sure to be charmed.

Grizzly Gulch | You could imagine this fun, interactive land as as a cross between Frontierland and Grizzly Peak in DCA. Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars is far more fun than it looks on a map; the long lengths of its coaster tracks allows for some super fun momentum!

Mystic Manor |  Easily a contender for the title of Walt Disney Imagineering’s greatest dark ride, this fully original one-of-a-kind spook house is a whimsical, comic delight. Meet Lord Henry Mystic, a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers and his adorable, mischievous monkey, Albert. With a score by Danny Elfman and an incredibly immersive atmosphere, this is one attraction you’ll want to ride back-to-back.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle and The Iron Man Experience | Hong Kong Disneyland’s Tomorrowland features a number of MARVEL-themed attractions, restaurants & super hero character meet & greets, but these two attractions are must-sees. The former is similar to Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, but far cooler. The Iron Man Experience is a motion-simulator attraction — similar to Star Tours — that brings you on board Stark Technology transport for an exhilarating flight through the skies of Hong Kong.

Duffy & Friends Play House | You’ve heard about the Asian Disney Parks obsession with Mickey Mouse’s teddy bear, Duffy, and all his adorable friends — but here’s your chance to meet them all. 

Incredible live shows | It’s probably fair to say that Hong Kong Disneyland’s live performers are the highest caliber performing arts ensemble of any Disney park worldwide. Mickey & the Wondrous Book is an absolute must-see, featuring a terrific medley of Disney music favorites, sung by Broadway-level musical theatre performers. Hong Kong’s Festival of the Lion King has an elevated artistry that puts other parks’ versions to shame — another must-see. Moana: A Homecoming Celebration is a children’s-theatre style re-telling of the tale, with zany antics, creative props and lots of laughs. 

Arendelle – the World of Frozen | Is the park’s newest area, and it’s a visual stunner. Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is a simple, quick coaster aimed at kids (with a thrill level on par with Goofy’s Barnstormer or Gadget’s Go-Coaster). Frozen Ever After is a ‘plussed’ version of the attraction in EPCOT. Far more unique / original is the Playhouse In the Woods , an interactive show where you’ll come face-to-face with Anna & Elsa as they introduce you to the spirits of the forest. You’ll find very good Scandinavian and American cuisine at the Golden Crocus Inn . 

WHAT IS THERE TO DO BEYOND DISNEY?

Hong Kong is a fascinating, dynamic city that could easily fill two days of sightseeing fun. You’ll want to zip up to Victoria Peak for jaw-dropping city views — the topography of the region is stunning. At night, you must meander through the bustling stalls of Temple Street Night Market and sample the astonishing array of street food delicacies — the kind of flavors you simply can’t find back home. Don’t miss the chance to catch a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour. See more things to do in Hong Kong ▸ 

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SCHEDULE / COMBINE A VISIT WITH SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT?

Many of our clients ask for advice about which to do first. There’s no one obvious ‘best way’ to do this, but here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:

• Flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong are plentiful and affordable. | Typical flight time is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Wishful Thinking does not quote or book air travel, but you may find the best price if you book a multi-city / multi-destination ticket all on one carrier. (That also typically saves you money on baggage allowances.)
• Hong Kong qualifies as a “non-China” destination when you’re departing mainland China. | If you’re opting for the 144-hour visit (see above under Shanghai), Hong Kong qualifies as a next destination under the visa-waiver program.
• From most cities, there are more flights into Shanghai than Hong Kong. | That’s especially true if you’re flying from North America. 

Some folks like to plan “the best for last,” but it’s probably a bit too simplistic to say that Hong Kong Disneyland vs. Shanghai Disneyland are better or worse. They’re each absolutely lovely. (That said, Tokyo Disney Resort undeniably has the best Disney parks on earth.)

We highly recommend the Adventures by Disney trip through China , which includes an unforgettable visit to both Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland. Get pricing and dates for an Adventures by Disney trip ▸ 

DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT HONG KONG DISNEYLAND?

Unlike mainland China, most visitors do not need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Hong Kong, and most may remain within the territory anywhere from 7 days all the way up to 6 months. Check your own country’s criteria, here. 

As we note above, if you intend to visit Shanghai as well, but plan to stay in Shanghai for less than 144 hours, most international travelers will not need a visa for China before arrival. 

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REACH HONG KONG DISNEYLAND FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?

Although Disney does not offer their own transportation, the airport has plentiful taxis and ride share services for easy access to and from the Hong Kong Disneyland area. Taxi services throughout Hong Kong are restricted on where they can travel; taxis that serve Lantau Island are blue and are located in specific pickup locations. Learn more ▸ 

BRILLIANT GUIDES FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD

Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025

When is the best time to visit? How busy will it be in the theme parks?

Why should I book a hotel on-property vs. off-property?

What’s located at each  theme park? What’s a must at Disney Springs?

What rides, dining, & experiences are most popular & need reservations?

How can I combine  park tickets, dining, and hotel stays to save money?

What are realistic tips for  transportation and getting places on time?

How much do park tickets cost? Which ticket options save money?

When & where do I use the  smartphone app, Genie+ and MagicBand?

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2024 Tokyo Disneyland Planning Guide

Our 2024 Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea vacation planning guide offers info for the two Disney parks, resort hotels, and ‘downtown’ district in Japan. We have tips & tricks, where to stay, how long to visit, must-eat food & snacks, best attractions, touring plans, avoiding crowds, and other things to do. ( Updated December 26, 2023 .)

Whether you’re eager to take your first visit to Japan or make a return visit for Tokyo Disneyland’s 40th Anniversary , we are here to help you start planning! The “Dream-Go-Round” celebration is the current big event at Tokyo Disney Resort, but far from the only thing happening or on the horizon. See What’s New & Next at Tokyo Disney Resort in 2024   for a more detailed look at what else is new and coming soon.

The next blockbuster addition is Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea , which will officially open in June 2024. That blockbuster new $2 billion expansion is the eighth themed port of call at Tokyo Disneysea, and is sure to draw massive crowds upon opening. If you’re debating when to visit, you might want to hold off until Fantasy Springs opens, as it’s the biggest expansion to any existing theme park ever. 

If you do travel to Japan in the first half of the year, one consolation prize could be lower crowd levels as Japanese locals postpone visits to Tokyo Disney Resort until the new Fantasy Springs opens. We discuss the likelihood of this dynamic in  When to Visit Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea in 2024 . There’s plenty of precedent for a slower first half of 2024–it’s exactly what happened when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disney’s last colossal new land) debuted in the U.S. parks.

It’s now been over a year since Japan reopened to individual travelers. We’ve already returned to Tokyo Disney Resort to experience everything that’s new and see how the parks have changed as compared to pre-closure. Even since we were last there, a lot has changed. While Japan is still not 100% back to pre-2020 normal, it’s ‘close enough’ to the point that this should no longer matter to anyone planning a trip.

Almost all health safety policies and protocols have been abandoned. Tokyo Disney Resort has dropped all face mask rules, both indoors and outside. Most businesses in Japan have also removed plexiglass barriers and other antivirus measures. You may wonder why we’re commenting on this in a planning guide for 2024, as it’s possible this hasn’t been a daily consideration to you for a few years  at this point.

However, it wasn’t until mid-2023 when Japan downgraded COVID–the country’s reopening has been much slower than the United States. Although most official policies and protocol have been abandoned, you’ll still see plenty of face masks throughout Tokyo Disney Resort and Japan, as a whole.

The percentage of people masking regularly has dropped precipitously.  Although ~60% of Japanese still wear masks at least “sometimes” ( per the latest NHK polling ), that number is trending downward and the percentage is (ballpark) usually around one-third of people at any given time. It’s even lower in touristy places, such as theme parks.

Accordingly, you won’t be out of place if you don’t wear one. You also won’t be made to feel uncomfortable or disrespectful by not masking–it was a pretty common practice (albeit not nearly to this degree) in Japan even pre-pandemic.

More broadly, the way to think about operations at Tokyo Disney Resort is that they’re about 18-24 months behind the U.S. parks in their ‘phased reopening’ progress. This is actually the dynamic throughout Japan, not just at Tokyo Disney Resort. Staffing shortages are an ongoing issue, restaurants and retail remain closed, entertainment is reduced or modified, and more. The bottom line is that the Tokyo Disney Resort of today is still very different from the Tokyo Disney Resort of 2019.

If it’s your first visit, you probably won’t even notice this–Tokyo Disney Resort still has more (and better) entertainment than the U.S. parks. However, if you’re a repeat visitor, there are ways that the parks currently feel missing or incomplete. The good news is that this has gotten better already, and will likely continue to improve. Our hope is that things are normal again by Spring 2024.

In other positive news/updates, Tokyo Disney Resort just brought back a version of free FastPass, albeit by a different name. Check out our Guide to Priority Pass & Premier Access at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea for everything you need to know about the new line-skipping services.

We’ve spent a ton of time in Japan over the last decade-plus, and update this almost neurotically as we learn from our travels and research. This Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland Guide has been refreshed dozens of times since we first wrote it, and more will be added over time as certain parts are clarified or expanded. We are slightly obsessed fans of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.

Prior to the closure, we visited Japan multiple times per year for 7 consecutive years, including several multi-month stays. We were Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Annual Passholders (until TDR cancelled those) who have dined in almost every restaurant and stayed in most hotels at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Since 2019, things have obviously been different due to the closure–and also as a result of Annual Pass sales still be suspended, which makes it trickier for us to visit regularly. We’re currently planning our next big trip to Japan around the opening of Fantasy Springs, which will be our baby’s first visit! If you’re thinking about 2024 travel dates to Japan, you might want to consider doing the same and waiting until that’s open.

If you’re just starting to plan a trip to Japan, there’s a lot to consider. We recommend planning your time at Tokyo Disney Resort in tandem with where else you want to visit in Japan. Consult our Ultimate Tokyo, Japan City Guide for recommendations in the city. While we like Tokyo, we far prefer Kyoto.

Kyoto is our favorite city in the world, and a place that we view as essential to a trip to Japan. In our Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Japan , we offer our “sales pitch” as to why we love it so much, and cover everything you need to know for planning a visit to that wonderful city. Total, we’d recommend Disney fans allocate around two-thirds of their trip to the cities of Kyoto and Tokyo–with more time in Kyoto.

Of course, all of this assumes that you should visit Japan in the first place. Let’s backtrack and address that threshold question…

Should You Visit Japan & Tokyo Disney Resort?

If you have the means to go to Japan or can save for it as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we think you will be very satisfied with the decision to go. While there’s no question that international travel is costly, traveling to Japan might not be quite as expensive as you might think; you really should crunch the numbers before ruling out the possibility of swinging a trip to Japan. Without question, it’s worth the money for Walt Disney World regulars to visit the Japan parks.

Since we visit Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea regularly, we’ve been accused of being biased towards the Japanese parks. That isn’t true at all. We’re biased towards excellence. From maintenance to food quality to Cast Member friendliness, Tokyo Disney Resort is in a league of its own. Moreover, we have yet to encounter anyone who has told us they regretted visiting Japan. (If you want to be the first, feel free to say so in the comments.)

Without a doubt, traveling to Japan is outside comfort zones and one of the biggest things holding people back from visiting. From the long international flight to the prospect of navigating a foreign country without speaking its native language, a trip to Japan can be overwhelming. This is normal, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being anxious about traveling somewhere because it’s outside of your comfort zone.

Tokyo is a long flight to a place where English is a second language (at best). However, the Japanese are some of the universally nicest and most helpful people in the world. Once you understand the ‘system’ at one Disney theme park, you understand it at all of them, regardless of their dominant language.

In terms of the language barrier, there is not much of one at all. All signs are in English, park maps are available in English, and many attractions have dialogue in English. Even the attractions that have dialogue exclusively in Japanese mostly convey their message through visual means.

More importantly, most Cast Members either speak enough English to effectively communicate with English-speaking guests or can find someone to help you who does. Failing that, a bit of pantomime gets the job done. Verbal communication and pantomime with the first Cast Member you encounter is all you’ll need.

My social skills are poor and I can barely communicate with people in English, and I still do just fine. Irrespective of that, Cast Members in Tokyo are by far the nicest and most helpful in the world, and they will do everything they can to make your experience positive, so long as that does not involve breaking rules.

The Japanese concept of rules is different than the US concept of rules. Calling them “rules” might be a bit of a misnomer, because it some cases they’re unflexible policies. For example, you might be used to making substitutions to your meals in the US parks because of a food allergy or preference.

What’s on the menu is what’s on the menu in Japan, and attempts at substitutions or changes will typically be met with resistance or confusion. Americans are more likely to question the “why?” of a rule or policy here in the US and look at whether it really makes sense given the circumstances. In Japan, adherence to every rule/policy/procedure is universally expected, no matter how arbitrary it might seem.

Most of the time, this results in a more orderly, enjoyable experience. Only in Japan is there no line jumping, and everyone sits down for the parades! Sometimes it does have unintended consequences. We know some vegetarians who have gone to the parks and didn’t have the best of times because there were limited vegetarian options and they were unable to make substitutions because a substitution is going against established policy.

If you want to feel more comfortable before you visit, read our 101 Great Tips for Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea post, which offers a wealth of random advice that will familiarize you with a ton of ‘little things’ (and plenty of big ones) that you should know about the quirks of Tokyo Disney Resort. Our goal with that post is to help first-timers feel like they are touring the parks like locals.

With that question settled, let’s dig into planning a trip to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea…

How Many Days?

Part of answering this question requires determining how much time you can spend in Japan. If you’re traveling halfway around the world, hopefully you’re planning on seeing more than just the two Disney theme parks in Japan. In addition to these, we’d also strongly recommend spending a good amount of time in Tokyo and Kyoto at the very least.

The other part of answering this question is contingent upon whether you’re a Disney fan planning a pilgrimage to the two best Disney parks in the world, or a regular person visiting Japan who stumbled upon this post via Google. If the latter, two days is sufficient. We have itineraries below for seeing all of the highlights in a single day, and this guide is probably more than you want or need to know about Tokyo Disney Resort.

• Tokyo DisneySea 1-Day Touring Plan
• Tokyo Disneyland 1-Day Touring Plan

Those itineraries cover everything from the order you should do rides to experience them efficiently, to where you should eat, and more. Following those touring plans will help you make the most of your time in the parks and see as much as possible in only 2 days.

If you’re a diehard Disney fan wondering how many days you should spend at Tokyo Disney Resort…that’s a trick question. No number of days is enough…and that’s only a half-joke. Tokyo DisneySea is the best Disney park in the world and Tokyo Disneyland is also near the top ( second best, if you ask me ). Think of these parks as “fine moonshine.” You have to sip them slowly enough that you have a nice intoxication, because if you drink them in too quickly, you’re likely to go blind.

Hardcore Disney fans still should not overdo it, and should aim to spend no more than one-third of your trip to Japan at Tokyo Disney Resort–or a maximum of 4 days, whichever is less. Two days in each theme park might seem excessive, but we don’t think a trip to Tokyo is for the type of fan who views the parks as a collection of rides to “complete” as quickly as possible.

In our view, a balanced trip to Japan for a Disney fan includes 4 days at Tokyo Disney Resort, 3 days in Tokyo outside the parks, and 5 days in and around Kyoto. If anything, we’d be inclined to pull a day or two from the TDR and Tokyo portion of the trip to reallocate to Kyoto and other areas of the Kansai region (Osaka, Kobe, Nara, etc). Reasonable minds may vary on that, though.

These parks, DisneySea, especially, are meant to be slowed down and taken in. The best “attraction” at Tokyo DisneySea isn’t an actual attraction that you’ll find on any park map. It’s the sense of place that it has, and this is something that you’ll want to spend some time savoring.

When it comes to actual attractions, the lines can be long at both parks. These lines actually starting before the parks open, and guests running for popular attractions immediately. Tokyo Disney Resort’s main demographic is locals, and they don’t mind waiting hours in line for a single attraction because they can always come back later to see others.

When to Visit

Choosing the best time to visit is the most important aspect of planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort. We highly recommend reading our When to Visit Tokyo Disneyland in 2024 post, as that covers this essential topic in much greater detail. Everything from weather (Tokyo has extremes in both directions–it can even snow there!) to seasonal events to crowds is discussed in that post.

When picking our days to visit Tokyo Disney Resort, the first thing we consider is what season we want to visit. For subsequent trips, we wanted to see Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Pirates Summer. We’ve now visited during every season, and they’re all very well done.

Halloween and Christmas are the two most popular seasonal events at Tokyo Disney Resort, and the parks look awesome for both, with a lot of special seasonal entertainment. You can “double dip” by planning a HalloXmas Trip to Tokyo Disney Resort that coincides with both Halloween and Christmas. That’s our absolute favorite time to visit!

We have separate posts on these holidays and other seasonal events at Tokyo Disney Resort, so for more info, check out the following posts:

• Tokyo Disneyland Halloween Guide
• Tokyo DisneySea Halloween Guide
• Tokyo Disneyland Christmas Guide
• Tokyo DisneySea Christmas Guide
• Tokyo Disneyland Easter Guide
• Tokyo Disneyland Tanabata Days Guide
• Tokyo DisneySea Tanabata Days Guide
• Tokyo Disneyland Natsu Matsuri Summer Festival Guide
• Tokyo DisneySea Pirates Summer Guide

With it narrowed down to which season we wanted to see, think about crowds…

As with weather, Tokyo Disney Resort is a place of extremes when it comes to crowds. This makes it really important to choose the least-crowded dates. Once we choose the time of year we want to visit (see our ‘When to Visit’ post above for recommendations), we generally consult 2024 Crowd Calendars for Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea to pick specific date ranges within the season that are predicted to be lightly crowded.

More important than the time of year is the days of the week you visit. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are least busy Monday through Thursday. Friday is the busiest weekday, and weekends are incredibly busy. Avoid weekends no matter what time of year you visit. This will save you considerable time in lines.

If you’re researching a trip, you might have encountered photos of insane crowds that make you apprehensive about visiting. We think the crowds in Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea have taken on “urban legend” status as these photos spread.

The reality is that weekends and holidays can be insanely crowded–exactly as the photos depict. On the other hand, low-season days in the middle of the week can feel more pleasant than mid-January at Disneyland. The crowds at these parks fluctuate more than any other Disney parks in the world, which really underscores the importance of carefully choosing days to visit.

The perception of crowds always being insane at Tokyo Disneyland is totally inaccurate.

What to Pack

For any Disney trip, the things on our Unique Disney Packing List will be helpful. There’s not really anything specific to Tokyo that you will need. No voltage converter is necessary. However, there are a few things you might want to pack for the long international flight.

Sarah had trouble sleeping on our first couple of flights to Japan, so she purchased these reusable earplugs , this sleep mask , and this fancy inflatable airplane pillow (whatever pillow you get, make sure it’s inflatable–carrying a normal pillow while traveling is a hassle). Now she swears by all 3. I could sleep on a pile of hay during a death metal concert, so I don’t use earplugs or a special pillow.

If you’re visiting during the summer, things like Frogg Togg Chilly Pads will also come in handy, as will moisture wicking clothing because Japan gets really humid in June, July and August. Consult our Beating the Summer Heat at Disney post for more info. In the winter, it’s cold and can even snow in Japan, so read our Packing for Disney in Winter post for tips on visiting then.

We would caution against overpacking. This is especially true if you’re doing more in Japan than just Tokyo Disney Resort. The rail system in Tokyo is incredibly complex, with a lot of transfers. You will do a lot of walking, riding the rail, etc., and you really don’t want to be encumbered by excess baggage, especially during rush hour on the trains.

Perhaps the best advice we can give you is to pack light. Lay out everything you’re planning on taking before you pack it, and determine if you truly need it. Not if it “might come in handy, maybe,” but if you actually will use it. Don’t pack things you won’t use. If you are going to be staying in multiple hotels during your trip to Japan, we highly recommend packing cubes or compression bags (I prefer the cubes) for organization. You can read more of our “carry-on philosophy” and which types of bags we use here .

Buying Park Tickets

There are several ticket options at Tokyo Disney Resort, we discuss them in more depth in our Money-Saving Tips for Tokyo Disneyland Park Tickets post. If you are going on weekdays during non-holiday season, the easiest option is purchasing your park tickets on the day-of at the front of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. However, this isn’t without risk, as tickets can and do sell out for popular dates.

In an ideal scenario, you should buy tickets online about 30-60 days in advance of your trip (tickets are not currently sold beyond 60 days out) to avoid any issues upon arrival. To save money and buy tickets before leaving home, we recommend Klook (if they have inventory–which isn’t always the case). Not only are their tickets discounted, but it’s easier to navigate than the official (and more expensive) Tokyo Disney Resort website.

If Klook is sold out, we recommend using the official Tokyo Disney Resort Online Reservation & Tickets website or the TDR app. Fair warning: these can be difficult to use, and often have issues with credit cards issued by U.S. banks.

Failing all of that, you can wait until you arrive to purchase your park tickets. Just be warned that Tokyo Disney Resort does sell out of park tickets in advance. However, guests of monorail loop hotels (like the Sheraton and Hilton Tokyo Bay) may usually purchase tickets from their hotel’s concierge even when the parks are sold out to the general public. (This was guaranteed pre-2020, but has become much more hit or miss. Even though the Hilton no longer advertises it online, they typically  do  have tickets available.)

Where to Stay

We have stayed at 10 different hotels in and around Tokyo Disney Resort, plus Airbnb apartments. Suffice to say, we have a lot of experience at hotels in Japan, and almost all of it is positive. For our thoughts on hotel options, read our Hotel Reviews & Rankings at Tokyo Disneyland post, as that covers the topic in greater depth, and provides links to specific hotel reviews.

As for an overview, you basically have three options: off-site, on-site “official,” and on-site Disney. We’ll start by covering the Disney hotels. These are Disney’s Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel, Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Hotel MiraCosta, and Toy Story Hotel. They are all very pricey. If you have the money, consider a night or two at Hotel MiraCosta or Tokyo Disneyland Hotel. We’ve stayed at both, and they are two of the most unforgettable hotel experiences we’ve ever had.

If you’re approaching them solely from a cost-benefit or value perspective, it’s difficult to justify any of the Disney hotels. Their big advantage is location, and that’s biggest in terms of the view from your room (which can be into the park at both Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and Hotel MiraCosta) and not from access, since the on-site official hotels are also located on the monorail loop and also have theme park views in some cases.

Is it worth potentially $200-300/night more than the official hotels for that view into the park? Probably not, unless money is no issue or you’re viewing this as a once in a lifetime trip.

As for the on-site official hotels, these are hotels that are on the monorail loop, and typically offer large, Western accommodations, and are moderately priced given the circumstances. Many compare very favorably to a Walt Disney World Deluxe hotel. Large, nice rooms. Cinderella Castle or ocean views. Location on the monorail loop. All for $130-180/night, most of the time. (Prices do spike for these hotels certain times of year and at the last minute, so book early.)

Finally, there are the off-site hotels, which we do not recommend. There’s nothing wrong with a lot of the off-site hotels, but they are a more unknown quantity with rooms that will typically skew towards small, Japanese accommodations. Plus, many of the ones closest to Tokyo Disney Resort are overpriced considering what they offer.

There’s also the element of getting to and from the parks on public transportation, which can be a real hassle. Public transportation is also utilized by business people and students around the same time you’ll be heading to the parks, making it chaotic.

If you must stay off-site because the on-site hotels or full, or because you’re on a tight budget, we highly recommend doing an Airbnb rental instead…

We have a post that discusses our Tips for Using Airbnb in case you’re unfamiliar with the service. We’ve used it numerous times in Japan, near Tokyo Disney Resort as well as in Kyoto and Osaka. We typically use it on Friday and Saturday nights near Tokyo Disney Resorts, as hotel rates typically skyrocket for those nights.

When we are traveling throughout Japan but aren’t at Tokyo Disney Resort, we prefer Airbnb to booking hotels because it gives us the option for a much larger room, usually an entire apartment. Japanese hotel rooms (that are not Western chains) tend to be very small, and using Airbnb is the best way to avoid this issue.

Plus, the price is usually cheaper than a hotel room, and Airbnb hosts often include free MiFi so you can use the internet on the go. We’ve had some fun experiences staying at unique Airbnb locations throughout Japan, too. (The photo above is from an Airbnb we rented in Japan that was converted from a bar downstairs.)

Attraction Strategy

Even if you go at a less-busy time of year, we recommend arriving at either park 30 minutes before it opens for your first couple of days. There will already be a long line (or lines) to get inside when you get there, so don’t be alarmed. Once you get inside, walk briskly (or run lightly) for your first ride of the day.

This is covered in the strategy guides above, but it’s good to reiterate. Once you knock out the main headliners, you can take the ‘sleep in and go late’ approach, on subsequent days if you so desire–but your first day in each park you should arrive prior to opening.

We’ve already written extensive attraction guides for both parks, so there’s no point in rehashing those here. Those guides contain strategy as well as reviews of the attractions. There will be very few attractions you’ll want to skip in Tokyo DisneySea, perhaps more in Tokyo Disneyland (where there are more clones). Here are those guides:

• Tokyo Disneyland Strategy & Ride Guide
• Tokyo DisneySea Strategy & Ride Guide

Refurbishments are common at Tokyo Disney Resort, so make sure you consult the 2024 Tokyo Disney Resort Refurbishment Calendar before booking. It’s good for about 6 months out, so it may not be of much help. Much like the US Disney Parks Blog, Tokyo has an official Parks Blog where info on seasonal happenings and other stuff is posted.

Where to Eat

Dining at Tokyo Disney Resort is a huge topic unto itself, and this guide is already getting really long, so this will just cover the basics. First, for specific restaurants, make sure to check out our Tokyo Disney Resort Restaurant Reviews .

We have individual reviews from every Tokyo Disney Resort restaurant, plus restaurant rankings for both parks. We’ve eaten at every single restaurant in the parks, plus many in the hotels and Ikspiari, so that should help.

Snacking should be a big part of your trip. The cost of this can quickly add up, but it’s an integral part of the Tokyo experience. We have posts on Awesome Tokyo Disneyland Snacks and Awesome Tokyo DisneySea Snacks that you can check out to get some ideas. Tokyo Disney Resort has some crazy popcorn flavors, and they’re definitely worth trying so you can form your own opinion.

We also like stopping for full meals. In our experience, Tokyo Disneyland is the place to do counter service and Tokyo DisneySea is the place to do table service (its counter service options are also good, though). Both parks have some really amazing restaurants that are experiences in themselves.

The Tokyo parks have a reputation for small portion sizes and high prices, but that’s hit or miss. Portions can be small, but they aren’t always. We think prices are comparable to the US parks for counter service meals (for similar portion sizes and quality), and table service is cheaper at Tokyo Disney Resort. There’s no tipping (and it’s a strict rule–they won’t let you tip) in Japan, which plays a part in the price differences.

If you do plan on doing table service, know that restaurants often are fully booked in advance. Unfortunately, the only way to make dining reservations is through the Tokyo Disney Resort website (in Japanese) or by emailing the hotel if you are staying at a Disney-owned hotel.

As mentioned above, substitutions are not a ‘thing’ in Tokyo, nor is accommodating those with special dietary needs or preferences. If you are a vegetarian, dining in the Tokyo parks will be a challenge, as there are limited vegetarian menus. If you have other restrictions or preferences, you may have an even more difficult time.

Neither of us are vegetarians so we have no first hand experience in this regard, but we’ve heard stories from others. Fortunately, Tokyo Disney Resort has a list of restaurants that can accommodate guests with special dietary needs. Here it is for Tokyo Disneyland , and for Tokyo DisneySea . If you are a vegetarian, the buffets are your best option, but vegetarian options at counter service restaurants are starting to become more common.

Merchandise at Tokyo Disney Resort is very different from what you’ll find at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Instead of items with the park logos or attraction names, most items at Tokyo Disney Resort are character-themed or kawaii. Depending upon who you ask, Tokyo either has the best or worst merchandise of any Disney destination in the world.

Our Guide to Tokyo Disneyland Merchandise gives you an idea of what to expect so that you can plan accordingly and adjust your expectations and budget. It’s worth noting that in the last few years, Tokyo has increased the amount of logo merchandise and either things appealing to broader tastes. We’ve found ourselves “embracing the kawaii” of Tokyo Disney Resort’s merchandise more and more, but it’s definitely an acquired taste that isn’t for everyone.

On your arrival or departure day, consider visiting Ikspiari, which is a dining, shopping, and entertainment complex located within walking distance of Tokyo Disneyland, the JR Maihama railway station, and with its own monorail station. It’s Japan’s take on the Downtown Disney concept.

Ikspiari has over 150 restaurants and retail shops, the highlights of which we cover in our Shopping Guide to Ikspiari at Tokyo Disney Resort . Note that while we referred to Ikspiari as Tokyo Disney Resort’s twist on Downtown Disney, it is decidedly not Disney. Oriental Land Company purposefully developed Ikspiari without Disney branding to avoid paying licensing fees.

For those who are big into shopping and want to do some of that in Japan, we’d encourage you to do so in Tokyo proper. Literally every major train or subway station in Tokyo has an above or underground labyrinth of retail and dining. Highlights can be found in the chic storefronts of Ginza and Roppongi Hills, and the otaku items of Asakusa and Harajuku.

However, none of these places will be as compelling for Disney fans as Nakano Broadway, which is full of second-hand stores that cater to collectors and geeks, including Disney fans! We visit Nakano Broadway frequently to buy great Tokyo Disney Resort collectibles. For more info & tips, see our Shopping Guide to Nakano Broadway on our non-Disney blog, TravelCaffeine.com .

Flights & Transportation

Flights to Tokyo from the United States are 10+ hours, which is a lot of time in the air. Fortunately, the larger planes used for these flights are much more comfortable than your normal planes used for domestic flights. Complimentary in-flight entertainment (including the latest movies and television shows) also makes things easier.

If you know your travel dates and have no flexibility as to when you travel, we recommend ITA Software to search for flights. ITA is the best way to find the lowest prices on airfare for set dates of travel. Either HND or NRT will work as arrival airports. HND is located closer to the city center, whereas NRT is (slightly) closer to Tokyo Disney Resort, but farther from downtown.

If you’re in the preliminary stages of researching your flight, use fare alerts on Airfarewatchdog.com . You can set some parameters for the alerts here (although not as many as I’d like) and receive email updates when they deem prices to be low.

Airfare prices are always changing and are highly dependent upon city of origin, time of year, etc., but with round-trip airfare out of Los Angeles to Tokyo regularly in the <$600 range, your complete airfare package should cost under $1,000/person if you put effort into choosing the right times to travel. If you’re booking at the last minute or don’t do any work to find deals, the sky is the limit on the upper end of airfare pricing.

If you are looking for a way to get more bang for your buck, you can use it to add stopovers to visit multiple locations. We cover this in our “ How to Visit 3 Disney Destinations on 1 Airfare ” post. It might seem complicated at first, but it is well worth reading that post and figuring it out. That post covers how to incorporate Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort into a single trip.

That covers airfare. Now for using ground transportation in Japan…

Out of all of the cities in the world we’ve visited, Tokyo has by far the most complicated transportation network. This should come as no surprise, as it’s the world’s largest city. However, improvements to Google Maps since we’ve started visiting have made this a breeze. (Google now has crowd predictions for trains at different times of day, and recommends certain ones to take!)

To get from either Tokyo airport to Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s relatively easy. You just take the Airport Limousine Bus, which you catch outside the airport after purchasing your ticket near the exit at a desk or the ticketing machine. It’s more expensive than public transit, but easier and direct. Note that while this bus runs regularly, its schedule generally stops around 5 p.m. Here’s the full schedule to TDR from Narita . If your flight arrives into Tokyo after 4 p.m., you should probably look at other options.

If you’re getting in really late, the easiest alternative is a taxi. These are waiting outside the airport and easy to find. The downside is price. Our understanding is that the cost of a taxi to a Tokyo Disney Resort area hotel from Narita is $200.

The cheapest alternative is to use public transportation. It’s intimidating at first, as Japan’s public transportation system is very complex, but we ultimately have had no issues and it’s a relatively straightforward route from the airports to Tokyo Disney Resort. Just use Google Maps.

Getting around Tokyo Disney Resort, you’ll want to take the monorail. It costs money, but it’s efficient, reliable, and clean. (That all might sound bizarre to Walt Disney World fans…especially the “reliable” part!) There are also Resort Cruisers, which are buses, that are free of charge. Just pay the minor fee for the monorail unless you have a large party. It’s fun and totally worth it. Walking is also an option, although it can be convoluted to get to Tokyo DisneySea.

Phone/Internet

There are three good options for this: renting a SIM card, renting a pocket WiFi/MiFi, or using your carrier as normal. We now use T-Mobile and simply use that as there’s no additional charge to use our data in Japan. It runs a bit slower, but we’ve found it perfectly usable for regular internet browsing. It’s becoming more common for cellular providers to offer international day passes that are comparably priced to MiFi, so check out that.

Renting a SIM card is a great option for some people, but we really liked the MiFi rental for our trips prior to switching to T-Mobile. For those unfamiliar with the device, it’s basically a pocket WiFi hotspot, providing you with unlimited LTE internet. MiFi/Pocket WiFi rental is pretty easy. You simply choose how many days you want to rent, how many devices, and specify at which airport you’ll want to pick it up. Here’s a relatively inexpensive and reliable option for MiFi rental .

We recommend renting one MiFi per person in your group, so you can communicate if you separate. If you will not–under any circumstances–separate, just get one MiFi. A single MiFi can handle a few phones on it simultaneously. We highly recommend renting in advance of your trip. If you wait until you arrive and simply pick one up from the shops at the airport or at a convenience store, prices are higher and data is typically limited.

While the internet can sometimes be spotty in Tokyo DisneySea, the MiFi overall is really reliable. We’ve used it regularly for iMessage for communicating with one another, email, Dropbox, and even uploading to YouTube. Most importantly, having the MiFi gave us the ability to use Google Maps on our phones for public transportation, and this was a huge lifesaver.

There is no publicly-available WiFi internet at Tokyo Disney Resort, except at the entrance to each park. Free public WiFi is uncommon in Japan. (By contrast, it’s very common in Hong Kong, if you’re going to both.)

Money/Credit Cards

Tokyo Disney Resort (and most Japanese retailers) accepts standard US magnetic strip credit cards, or chipped credit cards. Chipped cards aren’t required. With the parks, Tokyo Disney Resort accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. (If you’re trying to pre-book something online, you’ll need a credit card issued in Japan or a Mastercard. Even then, it can be a painful process.)

If you need an ATM, there are two at Tokyo Disney Resort that accept American Visa debit cards. One is in the basement of Ikspiari near the food court, and the other is in the lobby of the Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel Club Resort (pictured above). If you’re staying at one of the official hotels on the monorail loop, the second location is going to be far more convenient to you. Typically, you do not need to carry cash at Tokyo Disney Resort, but you might need it in the city of Tokyo.

Other Resources

For general travel advice to Japan, we have another blog: TravelCaffeine.com , where we share our non-Disney experiences. We have written extensively about our favorite city in the world: Kyoto, Japan on TravelCaffeine . Kyoto has something for everyone, and offers a lot in terms of Japanese culture and history. As mentioned above, our Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Japan also provides a wealth of planning information.

If you’re also visiting the Hong Kong or Shanghai parks, make sure to consult our Hong Kong Disneyland Trip Planning Guide and our Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide . There’s a lot more you’ll need to know for those visits!

There’s a lot more we could include in this guide, but this is already the longest post on the blog to date, so let’s cut it off there. We will definitely add to this based on common questions, and I’m more than happy to offer assistance and advice in the comments if you have questions. Want to see more photos or read about Tokyo Disney Resort in agonizing detail? Check out our Tokyo Disney Resort Trip Report from our very first visit to Japan over a decade ago, when we too were newbies!

Your Thoughts

Planning a trip to Japan is a lot of work, but it’s ultimately well worth the effort! Hopefully this guide provides a good jumping off point. If you’ve visited Tokyo Disney Resort, do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Hi and sorry for reaching out but I thought I’d ask the experts since I cannot find information anywhere else. I apologize for sharing my luxury problems with you but here we go. I have two hotel bookings overlapping (Miracosta 2 nights and fantasy springs 1 night). I had booked the Miracosta first, then later jumped on Fantasy Springs – so the first night is doubly booked. In the booking system, I cannot cancel the first night of the two night booking – I would have to cancel the entire booking which would leave me in need of the second night. I tried calling but cannot get through ever. I don’t see any other solution then keeping both bookings, which would suck as I would be blocking an empty room in Miracosta that I assume somebody would desperately want. On top, I worry that if I only check in into Fantasy Springs for the first night, they would assume a no show for the Miracosta booking and cancel it altogether, leaving me with no room for the second night. Any thoughts?

I’m always asking questions. Thanks for having this guide! We aren’t buying tickets until next spring, but I’m trying to make sure I understand everything we need to do and when.

I’m interested in buying our tickets through Klook, like you recommended. On their website, it says, “This ticket can be used to enter the Park only if it is displayed on a smartphone (printed tickets are not accepted).When entering the Park, Guests must each have their own ticket displayed on their smartphones. Please scan the code on your ticket onto the ticket reader at the Main Entrance.”

Does that mean each guest needs to have their own phone to use the tickets? My daughter doesn’t have her own phone yet. I actually don’t have a smart phone either but do have the Disney app on an iPod. My husband & son both have smart phones. So, my husband, son, and I should be able to scan in on our own devices. Can one of us just pass my daughter the phone after scanning in so she can use her ticket? The writing made it sound like we each need our own phone, but that can’t be accurate, right?

That’s not accurate. That might be a best practice given to them by Tokyo Disney Resort for the sake of efficiency in entering the parks, but it’s not something that’s strictly enforced. At least, not that I’ve seen.

Definitely have Japan and Disneyland Tokyo on our bucket list ! Great information here for future planning !

What’s a reasonable estimate for a moderate vacation budget (using public transport/monorail and staying at on site official hotels for Disney, and using air bnb for the rest of the trip) for a 2week trip for 2 adults to Japan including 4 days at their Disney parks and the rest of our time split between Tokyo and Kyoto??

Your baby’s first vist? OMG…your baby – and you, have some great times ahead! Congratulations!

When you stay for 4 days, do you generally stay in a Disney Hotel, and if so, do you ever buy the package? They are only for 2 nights and 3 day tickets max, and if I’d like to stay in a Disney Hotel for longer than that (4 nights, ideally), what are my best options? Given that I’d like to arrive and check in to a disney hotel on night 1, and then enter the park the NEXT morning, have I already given up my first Early Entrance the day before?

Hello Tom My daughter has a severe peanut and tree nut allergy which requires us to review the ingredients list when eating anything in the parks. Through watching some videos on YouTube, it looks like the menu’s are written in Japanese and English, but do you know if the ingredients lists are also available in English? With as often as you’ve visited, I’m hoping you might have some insight on this. Thank you

We had such a great time! We went at the first of October. We used your guide for hope to navigate the park some. It was just my husband and I and we were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. We thought it was awesome it was Disneys 40th also. Doing Beauty and the beast was solid advice. We waited 30 minutes. When we left the ride it was. 2.5 hour wait. We understood going that there were going to be a lot of people. We just enjoyed ourselves so much and didn’t let the lines bother us. So many details in each ride. They do a good job of moving the lines so you’re not just standing. We will be going back at some point. Thank you so much for your tips and tricks it was very helpful..

We visited in August 2023 and, regarding masks, I would offer the following observation: -At Disney, I’d guess less than 10% of guests were wearing masks. Cast was probably 70%. -Outside of Disney, and in general across Tokyo, I’d guess 20% of people were wearing masks.

I felt the parks were 80-90% “back to normal” in terms of food, entertainment, and attractions. This was compared to my pre-pandemic visit.

It’s absolutely still worth a visit, especially with the current exchange rate. Hands down the best Disney resort on the planet in every imaginable way. Tokyo Disney Resort will RUIN you for all other Disney resorts.

This needs to edited, there are no tickets sold on-site anymore and haven’t been since the pandemic. That advice could ruin someone’s vacation.

The tickets pictured in that section of the guide were purchased at the front gate of Tokyo Disneyland last November.

At the time, that was our best option because Klook was sold out and the TDR site was not accepting US issued credit cards. I’m not really sure how I should edit that section–it gives people an overview of options with the top recommendation being to buy in advance online.

@Tom, did you stay at a hotel? My guess is that’s how you bought them on-site. Tickets are available for hotel guests, but unless I totally missed something there are still no ticket booths open to the public at the parks. There are a variety of other ways to purchase tickets: The official site, Klook, travel agents, Japanese convenience stores, I think some Disney stores might also have ways to purchase them again.

We did stay in Hilton Tokyo Bay, but they only had single day tickets available for purchase–not evening passes. We bought those on the afternoon-of at the east ticket booth. You are correct that the machines aren’t selling tickets right now, but the window is also staffed and we bought our tickets via a Cast Member at that.

Hey Tom and Sarah congrats on the big news. What time do you think my parents need to arrive at Disney Sea by on a midweek evening in order to ride Soaring, Sinbad, and Indy in that order with time left over to ride 1 or 2 of Aquatopia, Gondolas, E-train or Transit Ferry? Do you think 4-5pm? Will there be premier access available at that later time to shorten the Soaring wait time? Also being that they are in their late 70s do you think Journey is any harder on the body than Indy if they were able to potentially incorporate that ride too? Thanks and best wishes.

I just wanted to thank you for all this valuable information. You are the fist blog I have found that provides me with very useful and concrete information. Thank you so much! I’ll be reading all of them! We leave March 6th 2024 and not including fly time we will be doing 2 days in Tokyo, 2 in Kyoto (probably to your dismay lol), 2 in Osaka, 3 in Disney, then 2 more in Tokyo. I would have ended with Disney but we would have to do the parks on a weekend then which I know wouldn’t be as good.

I am looking to rent a car when I arrive in Narita at 230pm, drive out to explore Hakone for 2 days, and return the car at Tokyo Disneyland. Do you know which car rental companies have desks at both areas?

Hi there, we are heading to Tokyo in late September with two kids under 6, our flight lands at Haneda around 10. 30pm. I am tossing between whether we should head straight to a hotel in central Tokyo or start our trip in Disneyland. we have 12 full days between Tokyo, Koyoto and Osaka (return flight from Osaka) Would you consider doing Disneyland and Disneysea at the beginning of the trip, or after a couple of days in Tokyo?

I would recommend not starting in Tokyo Disneyland. You’ll be tired and a bit jetlagged after the flight and I think it’s harder to deal with that in Disney than outside of it. We flew in and out of Tokyo, so put Kyoto in the middle and TDL at the end and that worked really well for us (as much as we loved everything else, TDL was still the highlight of the trip for us so ending on that note was good). It also allowed us to use our JR pass around Tokyo and for the Shinkansen both ways. That said, flying from Osaka, I’d put it TDL in the the middle

Any recommendations on the weekday evening tickets? Will we miss out anything that’s only available during the day?

Is there VIP tours available for Disneyland Tokyo or DisneySea?

Hi we have 2 and a half days to spend at the disney resorts in Tokyo. We will be staying onsite and have visited WDW and Disneyland numerous times. My kids are 13 & 15. Do you recommend the extra half day to be spent at Disney sea? We will be doing on day at each park and will be buying a package with some attraction tickets to reduce the wait. We are semi Disney fanatics.. LOL.

You are so Awesome! Thank you for this most valuable guide. I did have a question about traveling with a mobility scooter, being “Pooh Size”, senior, and solo. Is transportation available?

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Japan Adventures by Disney Guided Tour

Discover Japan, the island nation that embodies its ancient culture while embracing the modern world. From an isolated mountain village to Tokyo, the capital city where sacred shrines stand in the shadow of skyscrapers, you’ll become immersed in the people and customs of this proud country on an amazing Adventures by Disney family vacation.

Japan Trip Highlights

Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, Tokyo – 10 Days / 9 Nights

Rickshaw Tour Tour Kyoto’s Arashiyama district and the Bamboo Forest in a traditional rickshaw.

Kyoto Dinner and Show Feast in an elegant setting and meet a Maiko—an apprentice geisha.

Origami Crane Folding in Hiroshima Celebrate peace and fold a unique paper crane, then add it to the museum’s collection.

Bento Box-Making Make an authentic Japanese bento box at a local cooking school—then enjoy your delectable creation.

Hozugawa River Boat Ride Take in the enchanting scenery that surrounds you on an exhilarating ride on the Hozugawa River.

Sumo Experience & Museum Discover the ancient sport of sumo wrestling and see a live demonstration.

Shirakawa-go Village Visit this serene, traditional mountain village that provides a rare look at life in pre-modern Japan.

Rural Japan Bike Ride Enjoy a leisurely bike through the farms and rice fields of Japan’s scenic countryside.

Happo-en Gardens & Tea House Experience a matcha tea ceremony in this Zen-inspired garden setting.

Shinto Shrines & Buddhist Temples Learn the history of some of Japan’s iconic shrines and temples.

Taiko Drumming Keep the beat as you learn to play taiko, a Japanese tradition that dates back centuries.

Japan Adventures by Disney Departures

2024 Season Japan Dates

June 16, 2024 – June 25, 2024 June 23, 2024 – July 2, 2024 June 30, 2024 – July 9, 2024 July 7, 2024 – July 16, 2024 July 14, 2024 – July 23, 2024 July 21, 2024 – July 30, 2024 July 28, 2024 – August 6, 2024 August 4, 2024 – August 13, 2024 August 11, 2024 – August 20, 2024 August 18, 2024 – August 27, 2024 September 8, 2024 – September 17, 2024 – Adult Exclusive September 22, 2024 – October 1, 2024 October 6, 2024 – October 15, 2024 – Adult Exclusive October 20, 2024 – October 29, 2024

2025 Season Japan Dates

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Japan Adventures by Disney Trip Overview

Accommodations Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

The Peninsula Tokyo

Flights Arrive: Kansai International Airport (KIX) OR Osaka International Airport (ITM)

Return: Narita International Airport (NRT) OR Haneda International Airport (HND)

Meals 9 Breakfasts

Age Minimum Age: 5 / Adult Exclusive: +18

Suggested Age: 6+

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Why Disney fans will travel all the way to Japan for Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea

• Tokyo Disneyland feels familiar with notable differences.
• Tokyo DisneySea feels foreign in the best way.
• There is no Disney Genie+ at Tokyo Disney Resort.

If you ever want to experience pure joy, go to Tokyo Disney Resort.

More specifically, The Happy Ride with Baymax at Tokyo Disneyland.

It may operate like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree at Disney California Adventure or Alien Swirling Saucers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios , but the vibe is truly one-of-a-kind.

Cast members sing and dance in sync with the infectiously bubbly music. Fellow guests of all ages bop along while waiting patiently in line and wave their arms as the ride spins them around like kids who’ve had too much candy. You can’t help but feel happy. 

“I want our guests to feel transported and to kind of escape from the daily grind. And I think that's what really Tokyo Disney Resort, the entire resort, does best,” Daniel Jue with Walt Disney Imagineering said ahead of Thursday’s opening of Fantasy Springs, the resort’s largest expansion since the opening of Tokyo DisneySea.

Disneyland may be the happiest place on Earth, but Tokyo Disney Resort is right up there. That’s just one of the reasons why Disney fans will fly across the world to visit its two parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Here’s what travelers should know before they go.

A new Fantasyland? See inside Tokyo DisneySea’s new Fantasy Springs

Tokyo Disneyland feels familiar

Tokyo Disneyland feels very much like the original Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida, with some notable differences.

There are numerous rides unique to the location, like The Happy Ride with Baymax and the wildly popular Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast , which swirls and sways like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway through beloved scenes from “Beauty and the Beast” on trackless oversized dishes. The park is getting a totally new Space Mountain , expected to open in 2027. And it still has Splash Mountain , as Tokyo Disney Resort is owned by Oriental Land Company, which licenses from and partners with Disney.

Instead of Main Street U.S.A., guests enter the park through the glass-canopied World Bazaar. Instead of Frontierland, there's Westernland. The park’s Cinderella Castle may look like the one at Disney World, but guests can walk right through its upper chambers into Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall and throne room. The park also has a Toontown like Disneyland, whereas Disney World’s Mickey’s Toontown Fair closed years ago for New Fantasyland . Guests may also notice the Japan section of “ it’s a small world ” is larger than at other parks.

Tokyo DisneySea feels foreign in the best way

As Jasmine and Aladdin sang, Tokyo DisneySea is like “a whole new world.” Instead of lands, the park is organized into ports like American Waterfront, which looks like a coastal New England town, and Mermaid Lagoon, an indoor port, which makes fans of “The Little Mermaid” feel like they’re under the sea. 

The park’s newest port, Fantasy Springs, opened Thursday. It features four new, location-exclusive attractions including the world’s only “Tangled”-theme ride, as well as Captain Hook’s ship, multiple restaurants, and stunning Disney-inspired rockwork fans will want to take time to explore. There’s also an adjacent Fantasy Springs Hotel overlooking the port with its own park entrance, like Disney’s Grand Californian with Disney California Adventure.

In the middle of Tokyo DisneySea, there’s a towering mountain, Mount Prometheus, and a large lagoon. One of the park's most popular and unique rides, Journey to the Center of the Earth , takes guests deep into the mountain, where unusual creatures await in the darkness. Nearby, guests can still ride 20000 Leagues Under the Sea , which closed at both Disney World and Disneyland years ago. At night, guests gather around the lagoon for the Believe! Sea of Dreams spectacular show.

There is no Genie+

There's no Disney Genie+ at Tokyo Disney Resort, but there are ways to cut waits for fees and for free.

Guests staying at the resort’s hotels can get a head start with Happy Entry . Instead of 30 minutes of early entry like at Disney World and Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort hotel guests get into the parks 15 minutes early through dedicated entrance lanes. That may not sound like much, but when you see the massive lines that form outside park gates early each morning, you’ll see what a difference 15 minutes make. 

Instead of Individual Lightning Lanes, guests can purchase Premier Access for the parks’ most popular attractions. That lets them into shorter lines at designated times. Each one has a separate à la carte fee. Guests can also purchase Premier Access for reserved seating for parades and nighttime spectaculars. 

Currently, Tokyo Disney Resort is also offering 40th Anniversary Priority Passes that work like Disney World and Disneyland’s old Fast Passes, granting access to shorter lines at select attractions and other experiences for free. Guests can request one pass at a time, pending availability on the resort’s free app.

The park app is also needed for free Entry Requests to Tokyo Disney Resort’s stage shows. These shows offer seating on a lottery basis rather than first-come, first-served.

During certain times of the year, a free Standby Pass may also be required to enter certain shops with high-demand, limited-edition merchandise. 

Nearly everything is in Japanese

Guests who don’t understand Japanese will want to download a free app like Google Translate to read menu ingredients and ask for directions. Some cast members speak English, but unlike at Disney World and Disneyland, there are no paper park maps. There are only digital maps on the app.

Most rides are also in Japanese, but you can get the gist of what’s going on from other audio and visual cues, even on attractions like Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage , which has no equivalent in the U.S.

The food is almost too cute to eat

From custard-filled mochi that looks like the aliens from “Toy Story” to sandwiches made with fluffy white buns shaped like Mickey Mouse’s gloves to rice molded into Baymax sitting in a plate of curry, the food is almost too cute to eat at Tokyo Disney Resort. Don’t miss the many flavors of popcorn, like Matcha White Chocolate and the new Roast Beef, as well as the elaborately themed popcorn buckets and themed vending machines with both hot and cold drinks, depending on the season.

Guests with food allergies may want to bring a notecard indicating the allergy in Japanese to show at park eateries. Vegetarians may find fewer options than at Disney World and Disneyland. Picky eaters should note substitutions or modifications may not be allowed, particularly with set menu items.

Everything is cheaper

Flying to Japan is expensive, but nearly everything else is cheaper at Tokyo Disney Resort, including park tickets, food, and souvenirs like Mouse ear headbands, which are about half the price of those at Disney World and Disneyland. The favorable dollar-to-yen exchange rate also helps. 

Disney fans will want to arrive with extra space in their luggage or a spare bag for the haul they’ll bring back home.

There’s no shame in Disney adulting

“I have this hypothesis that what so connects our guests here is that it is a place where they can be who they want to be,” Imagineering’s Jue said. “It’s OK to dance to the parades here. It's OK to walk around with a teddy bear here.”

And they do. Duffy the Disney Bear and his friends are a big deal. Not only do they have a whole show at Tokyo DisneySea, Duffy and Friends’ Wonderful Friendship , but there are numerous pint-sized photo opps for Duffy and friends plushies and tons of themed merchandise. 

“I do think that we provide something very emotional that is necessary for our guests ... in a very safe place where you are not judged,” Jue said. “That's why they like their Duffys. Duffy does not judge them. Duffy accepts them for who they are.”

C ast members are magical

Cast members are the magic at any Disney destination, but they're especially effusive at Tokyo Disneyland. With exuberant smiles, they'll often enthusiastically wave with both hands. 

Make sure to wave back.

The reporter on this story received access to the resort from Disney. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .