A Day in Tokyo Disneyland
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Heading to Tokyo, especially with the kiddos? Tokyo Disneyland is likely right at the top of your must-visit list! We've all heard about the enchantment this theme park offers, a magical experience that's fun for everyone. Drawing from my own experience, I've got some handy tips to share. Despite not being a big Disney fan before, becoming a mom changed my perspective, as I watched many Disney movies growing up.
Getting There:
There are several ways to reach the park:
Hop on the train, take the JR Keiyo Line or Musashino Line and get off to Maihama Station, conveniently connected to the park entrance.
Catch one of the buses departing from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station.
Drive by car; there's plenty of parking available.
Option 1 is the most popular, and that's what we did!
Buying Tickets:
You can buy Tokyo Disneyland tickets online from:
Tokyo Disneyland Website: Some international credit cards may not work here.
Klook: We used this to buy tickets (1-Day Passport) a few days before our visit. I highly recommend!
Our Experience
We visited Tokyo Disneyland on a Friday, starting our journey from Tokyo Station. The 15-minute ride wasn't too bad for a commute. However, we were surprised to see so many people already lining up at 8:30 AM. We managed to find some benches where we could enjoy our breakfast before joining the queue. Despite the park not opening until 9 AM, there was already quite a crowd, but thankfully, the line moved quickly.
We lined up twice – first for security check at the entrance, then to scan our tickets/QR code. Thankfully, we scanned QR codes with our phones instead of printing them.
Since it was packed and kept walking forward, we realized we forgot to grab a rental stroller for our daughter, which was located right in front of the entrance. Nevertheless, we hadn't planned on going on many rides, especially with our daughter who was still a bit scared. We only went on the Alice's Tea Party and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Her cousins enjoyed other attractions though. And surprisingly, she did well without her stroller! After the rides, we simply shopped for souvenirs, grabbed snacks and anything interesting we came across.
And when we were tired, we had lunch at Crystal Palace Restaurant. They had a buffet-style with delicious food. Personally, I couldn't resist the adorable desserts! Right outside the restaurant, we found a good spot with others, and waited for the Disney parade “Harmony in Color” to start. It was a great experience, where everyone sat with or without their mats. The parade was amazing, with colorful floats and popular characters such as Moana, Tinkerbell, Rapunzel, and Mickey & Friends. Watching my daughter's reaction upon seeing disney characters made us sooo happy!
Overall, our experience at Tokyo Disneyland was truly memorable, although I must say, we certainly got our steps in — about 22,000 steps that day! But it's a super fun place, whether you love Disney or simply want a great day. Tokyo Disneyland is a must-visit for everyone. I'm already looking forward to returning, not only to experience Disneyland again but also to visit and enjoy DisneySea too.
Tips for a Magical Visit
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Download the App: Before even setting foot in Japan, make sure to download the Tokyo Disneyland app and register an account. You'll need it once you're inside the park. This app helps you check ride wait times, view maps and show schedules, and reserve Fast Passes for a smoother park experience.
Stroller for Kids: Kids' strollers available for rent at Tokyo Disneyland if you don't bring your own.
Stay Hydrated and Energized: Remember to drink water and eat snacks/meals to stay energized at Tokyo Disneyland, a big park with much to explore - which means plenty of walking.
Bring a Portable Charger: Taking lots of photos and videos can use up your phone's battery fast. Remember to bring a portable charger with you. If you forget, no worries—Tokyo Disneyland has mobile battery services in the park too.
Bring Sunscreen: Don't forget sunscreen! Even in the spring, when it's still chilly and windy, sun protection is essential especially since you'll be spending a lot of time walking around in an open park.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Go for comfy shoes! You'll be walking a lot, so prioritize comfort.
Wishing you lots of magical times at Disneyland!
