
Make your dreams come true and spend a perfect day at Tokyo Disneyland with our guide to tickets, rides, hotels, the parade and more.
Visiting Tokyo Disneyland sounds fun (and it is!) but it can be extremely stressful if you don’t plan ahead – especially since everyone’s flocking to Japan right now. The crowds are massive, the lines are long, and coveted items get snapped up quickly. But fret not, we took a trip there and lived to tell the tale. Here are our nifty tips for a smooth experience at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Everything you need to know about Tokyo Disneyland

1. Snag those tickets early
Everyone’s a Disney fan these days. And the last thing you want is to be disappointed on vacation. So mark your cals: Tokyo Disney Resort releases tickets for purchase about eight to 10 weeks prior; make sure you get them in advance on the official site or via Klook.
2. Plan your day like a pro
We get it, this one’s obvious. But time is of the essence when you’re at Tokyo Disneyland. The park officially opens at 9am; however, you can start queuing at the entrance an hour ahead to hit the rides immediately. While you wait, get familiar with rides in the vicinity so you waste as little time as possible. If restaurants are open for reservations, book them in advance – that’ll cut down on waiting time and make your experience less exhausting.
We started off with Beauty & The Beast and made our way through the park in a clockwise direction. As you’re strolling through, keep an eye on the timings and make a beeline for the ride you want if the wait time is short.

3. The Tokyo Disney Resort app is an absolute lifesaver
Trust me, you’ll be very lost without it. At a glance, the app offers you real-time updates on the wait for attractions, dining options and even stores. It’s a fantastic way to map out your day ‘cause there’s no time to waste. We love how it also informs you about any ride or show suspensions. It definitely came in handy during our visit!
Pro tip: Keep tabs on this site to get an estimated number of visitors – it’s pretty accurate from our encounter. Plus, it ensures you don’t get stuck in human traffic and end up ruining your Tokyo Disneyland experience.

4. Splurge to skip the line
Gone are the days of fast passes. Instead, pay to jump the queue with Disney Premiere Access. The catch? It’s currently only available for a few rides and you have to physically be in the park to activate the passes. Prices hover around JPY 2,000 (slightly under S$20) per ride, so it can be a costly affair if you’re planning to do this for multiple rides.
Pro tip: Beauty & the Beast and Journey to the Centre of the Earth were the most valuable for us. These rides can have a waiting time of two to three hours, especially on weekends or public holidays. And no one wants to spend that much time in line.
5. Got the munchies? Feast on Disney-themed treats

We spotted lots of food carts for churros, mochi, turkey legs and popcorn. When you get peckish, just grab a bite as you walk around the park. Our favourites were the Toy Story alien mochi bites and curry-flavoured popcorn. You can also purchase a popcorn bucket and refill it at a fairly affordable price for snacks on the go.
Oh, and staying hydrated at Disneyland doesn’t have to be expensive. If sugary drinks aren’t your thing, there are multiple water coolers scattered across the park, so you can get your H2O fill at zero cost. Depending on your budget and palate, you can also get decent food for about $10. But if you’re looking to splurge, reserve a table at any of the fine dining restaurants or partner hotels nearby.
6. Stay past sunset for the magnificent parade and brilliant fireworks

Disney’s night parades and fireworks displays are a stunning sight to behold. If you want to enjoy the shows with little worry, we recommend reserving a front row spot at least an hour ahead. That way, you’ll have a comfortable space to sit instead of squeezing with the crowds. Tip: pack a small picnic shawl or mat so you don’t have to sit on the floor.
You’ll find all the parade and fireworks timings in the app. Depending on the weather, advance announcements will be made if anything gets rescheduled or cancelled. Don’t want to miss out on these spectacular shows? Avoid visiting on rainy days or during winter as they usually come with a higher chance of cancellations.
7. Shop up a storm at the end of the day
Unless you have a passion for carrying huge bags, it’s wise to shop right before you leave the park. Most merchandise stores are located at the entrances and don’t close till late, so you won’t miss out. This also saves you the nightmare of having to lug things around.
Keep a lookout for limited edition merch as they’re only available during certain months of the year. 2023 marks Tokyo Disneyland’s 40th anniversary, which means you’ll spot lots of special items. Tip: visit around Halloween or Christmas ‘cos that’s when they have the best headbands! Tokyo Disneyland’s website does a fantastic job of sharing what’s available, so feel free to browse around for an idea of what you want to get.
Our best buys? The Mickey hand soap and photo frame (both from the 40th anniversary collection). We also spotted Mickey-shaped pasta, as well as cute waffle makers to spruce up your home.
8. Stay at Tokyo Disney Resort for the ultimate magical experience

For a fully immersive vacay, book a stay at one of the Disney hotels. You’ve got plenty to choose from according to your budget and preferences. Of course, the iconic Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is a winner. It’s right by the park’s entrance, and perks include guaranteed admission. Plus, you get to live your Disney dreams in rooms set to themes like Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast.
For more options, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta is nearer to the water-themed park; the colourful Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel is for fans of the hit movie; Disney Ambassador Hotel brings to mind the glamorous golden age of Hollywood in the 1930s; and Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel offers a casual resort stay for families.
As for us, we stayed further afield – about 20 minutes away – and ended up paying $100 on average for a one-way cab ride (oh, the horror). That’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re making plans.
Now you have everything you need to make the most of your Tokyo Disneyland experience!