Japan: A Complete Guide to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are two fascinating theme parks that are absolutely worth visiting during your stay in Tokyo. I’ve put together this complete guide with several tips to help you plan your visit.

Buying Tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

I recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid any surprises when you arrive. There are several ways to get them:

• • Klook: The last few times we’ve visited either park, we had issues paying with our credit cards, so we bought our tickets through Klook, a very reliable ticket platform. Once purchased, you can scan the ticket QR code directly in the Disneyland app without any problems.
  • Official Disney website: You can also buy tickets on the official Tokyo Disney Resort website. Besides ticket sales, you’ll also find information about prices, opening hours, and special offers.
  • Authorized ticket agencies: Some agencies specialize in Disneyland tickets, but I recommend using either Klook or the official website to avoid paying extra fees.
  • Park ticket booths: This is also an option, but I don’t recommend it. You’ll likely have to wait in line to buy your tickets and then queue again to enter the park. If you’re visiting on a weekend, tickets may even sell out.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea vary depending on several factors, including the visitor’s age, ticket type, and visit date. Here’s a general overview of the typical price ranges:

1. 1. 1. 1-Day Passport
         • Adult (18+): 7,900 yen – 10,900 yen (€52 to €70)
         • Junior (ages 12-17): 6,600 yen – 9,000 yen (€42 to €58)
         • Children (ages 4-11): 4,700 yen – 5,600 yen (€30 to €36)
      2. Early Evening Passport: This ticket allows you to enjoy Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea from 3:00 PM on weekends and public holidays.
         • Adult (18+): from 6,500 yen to 8,700 yen (€42 to €55)
         • Junior (ages 12-17): 5,300 yen – 7,200 yen (€34 to €46)
         • Children (ages 4-11): 3,800 yen – 4,400 yen (€25 to €28)
      3. Weeknight Passport: Available from 5:00 PM on weekdays (excluding public holidays).
         • Adult (18+): 4,500 yen – 6,200 yen (€29 to €40)
         • Junior (ages 12-17): 4,500 yen – 6,200 yen (€29 to €40)
         • Children (ages 4-11): 4,500 yen – 6,200 yen (€29 to €40)

Please note that prices may change over time and vary depending on the season. Special promotions and vacation packages that include park tickets, accommodation, and additional benefits may also be available. For the latest ticket prices and offers, visit the official Tokyo Disney Resort website.

Additional Park Passes – Standby Pass & Disney Premier Access

On busy days, the parks may introduce special passes that allow you to reserve a time slot for selected attractions. There are two types:

• • Disney Premier Access (DPA): is a paid service, with prices usually ranging from ¥1,500 to ¥2,000 (€8–€12).
  • Standby Pass: is free and is used to access certain shops and experiences when available, although it is not always offered.

These passes can only be obtained after the park opens and once your ticket has been scanned. Here’s how:

1. 1. Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App (iPhone / Android) and create an account.
   2. Scan your park tickets into the app. I recommend doing this before entering the park so everything is quicker.
   3. Select either Standby Pass or Disney Premier Access from the main menu.
   4. Choose your attraction and select one of the available time slots.
   5. That’s it! Simply head to the attraction during your assigned time window.

Important! You can only apply for a Standby Pass once every two hours, so it’s best to have a list of priorities. For example, if you choose an attraction at 9:10 AM, you’ll be able to book another one at 11:10 AM. Then another at 1:10 PM, and so on until they run out.

Which of the Two Parks Is Better?

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea each offer a completely different experience. Tokyo Disneyland embodies the classic Disney spirit, featuring beloved attractions such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “It’s a Small World,” the iconic Cinderella Castle, and Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! It’s the ideal choice for anyone looking for a traditional Disney experience.

On the other hand, Tokyo DisneySea is known for its innovative and immersive attractions, such as “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Tower of Terror.” The park has a more sophisticated atmosphere, with themed lands such as Mediterranean Harbor and Arabian Coast creating a truly unique setting, while also featuring the Toy Story area. In addition, a brand-new land, Fantasy Springs, opened in June 2024, featuring areas inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan.

My recommendation is that if it’s your first visit and you’d like to experience the classic Disney magic, you should visit Disneyland. If you’re looking for a different experience from other Disney parks, such as Disneyland Paris, then DisneySea is the better choice (just keep in mind that it doesn’t have a castle—but it does have Arendelle!).

How to Access Fantasy Springs, the New Area at Tokyo DisneySea

Fantasy Springs opened at Tokyo DisneySea on June 6, 2024, and is the largest expansion in the history of Tokyo Disney Resort. It features themed areas dedicated exclusively to Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan, along with four attractions, exclusive merchandise, new themed restaurants, and a brand-new hotel.

To reduce waiting times even further, you can also choose one of these two options, although they are naturally more expensive:

• • Stay at the Fantasy Springs Hotel, as you’ll receive early entry to Tokyo DisneySea the following day, allowing you to enter the park 15 minutes before guests with regular admission.
  • Disney Vacation Package: Guests staying at any Tokyo Disney Resort hotel can purchase a Disney Vacation Package, which includes guaranteed access to Fantasy Springs with the 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic ticket.

My recommendation, if you’re not staying at one of the hotels, is to arrive very early and queue before the park opens. As soon as you’re inside, open the Tokyo Disney Resort App and purchase any available Disney Premier Access for the Frozen attraction while heading straight to the queue for Rapunzel. These are the Disney Premier Access attractions currently available in Fantasy Springs:

• • Disney Premier Access:
    • Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey – ¥2,000 per person (€12)
    • Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival – ¥2,000 per person (€12)
    • Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure – ¥2,000 per person (€12)

How to Get to and Return from Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea

Getting to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea is easy, as they are conveniently located just outside Tokyo:

• • Train: The most popular and efficient way to get there is by taking the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station (15 minutes, ¥220), which is located right next to the parks. The journey is quick and hassle-free.
    • If you’re visiting DisneySea, once you arrive at Maihama, exit through the South Exit and head to Resort Gateway Station to take the Disney Resort Line monorail (9 minutes, ¥260).
  • Bus: Some hotels in Tokyo offer shuttle bus services to the Disney parks, and there are also buses departing from locations such as Shinjuku and Tokyo Station, although this option is generally more expensive.

For the return trip, simply follow the same route back, with the train remaining the most convenient option.

What to Do at Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland offers a wide variety of attractions. I highly recommend the following:

• • Cinderella Castle
  • Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast
  • The Happy Ride with Baymax
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
  • Monsters Inc. Ride and Seek!
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pooh’s Hunny Hunt
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • It’s a Small World
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Space Mountain

Be sure to check the Disney app to see which shows are available on the day of your visit, as they change depending on the season. The parades and fireworks are simply spectacular. You can also check the schedules for the character meet-and-greets to meet your favorite Disney characters!

What to Do at Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo DisneySea stands out for its unique and innovative attractions. The park’s nautical theme creates an atmosphere unlike any other, with intricately themed areas such as Mediterranean Harbor, Arabian Coast, and Mysterious Island. These are my favorite attractions:

• • Toy Story Mania
  • Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey – New
  • Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival – New
  • Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure – New
  • Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies – New
  • Soaring: Fantastic Flight
  • Tower of Terror
  • Ariel’s Playground – Mermaid Lagoon Theater
  • Indiana Jones Adventure
  • Nemo & Friends Sea Rider
  • Raging Spirits
  • 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
  • Journey to the Center of the Earth

Just like at Tokyo Disneyland, meeting Disney characters is one of the highlights of the experience, giving you the opportunity to interact with your favorite Disney characters.

Restaurants

Both parks offer a wide variety of dining options. From quick-service food stands to full-service themed restaurants, you’ll find everything from Japanese specialties to international favorites. It’s a good idea to make reservations for table-service restaurants in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly. Also, be sure to try the seasonal and character-themed food and snacks—they’re fantastic! You can view them on the official website.

Fun Facts

• Merchandise: In my opinion, these two parks offer the best merchandise of any Disneyland in the world. Every new season brings brand-new products, and locals literally rush to get them. Take a look at the official website if there’s a specific souvenir you’re interested in, as seasonal items sell out quickly!
• Popcorn Buckets: To enjoy the full Tokyo Disneyland experience, I highly recommend buying a themed popcorn bucket, which you can refill with different popcorn flavors (even curry!) throughout the day. New bucket designs are released regularly, and they’re incredibly hard to resist…

Hotels Near Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

Here are some hotel options near the parks. However, if you’re staying in Tokyo, you’ll also have convenient transportation to the parks, as I explained above.

1. 1. 1. Tokyo Disney Resort Hotels: The most convenient option is to stay at one of the official Tokyo Disney Resort hotels. These include:
         1. 1. The luxurious Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, overlooking the park with a fairytale atmosphere. Rates generally range from €300 to €600 per night, depending on the season and room type.
            2. There’s also the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, located inside DisneySea, offering themed rooms and park views. It’s also a luxury hotel, with rates typically ranging from €350 to €700 per night.
            3. The Toy Story Hotel also opened recently if you’d like to check it out, with prices generally ranging from €300 to €500 per night.
            4. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel, which offers a convenient location and rates ranging from €150 to €350 per night.
            5. Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel, which opened in June 2024 and is divided into two sections: Grand Chateau (“Luxury”) and Fantasy Chateau (“Deluxe”).
      2. Hilton Tokyo Bay: This luxury hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the parks. It offers a variety of dining options and comfortable rooms. It also often provides complimentary shuttle service to the parks. Rates generally range from €180 to €350 per night.
      3. Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel: This upscale hotel is known for its elegance and comfort. It features an impressive swimming pool and a selection of restaurants. It’s just a short shuttle bus ride from the parks. Rates generally range from €200 to €400 per night.
      4. Hotel MyStays Maihama: For a more budget-friendly option, consider Hotel MyStays Maihama. It offers clean, comfortable rooms and is just a short shuttle bus ride from the parks. Rates range from €100 to €250 per night.
      5. Mitsui Garden Hotel Prana Tokyo Bay: This hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere and comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. It features modern rooms and an on-site restaurant. Rates range from €100 to €200 per night.
      6. APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari: This hotel is located a short train ride from the parks and is an affordable option, with rates generally ranging from €80 to €150 per night. It offers modern rooms and a wide range of amenities.

Travel Insurance

For this type of trip, I always purchase travel insurance with IATI for extra peace of mind in case anything happens. We once had an unexpected incident in Japan, and it turned out to be incredibly helpful. We usually choose either the “IATI Basic” or “IATI Standard” plan, although depending on your destination, you may want to consider the “Star” or “Backpacker” plan instead.

You can also add or purchase trip cancellation insurance. The “IATI Premium Cancellation” option has been specifically designed to cover cancellation costs for flights, accommodation, excursions, and other travel expenses, up to a limit of €6,000, if you’re unable to travel for any of the reasons covered by the policy.

By clicking this link, you can purchase any IATI travel insurance policy with a 5% discount: https://www.iatiseguros.com?r=81717716852618.

Money While Traveling – N26 Card

Japan uses the Japanese Yen (¥), and as a rough guide, ¥100 is approximately €0.55. We used our credit card to pay for everything throughout this trip and didn’t have any issues.

I got this card for a trip to Iceland, and since then it has worked perfectly on every trip I’ve taken. Over the past few years I’ve traveled to Japan and several other countries that don’t use the euro, and I got tired of paying exchange fees at airports or currency exchange offices, the approximately 3% fee my bank charged for every card purchase, or the fees for withdrawing cash… So I started looking for a solution because, even though the percentage seems small, those fees really add up.

Since then, I pay for everything while traveling with the N26 prepaid card. You can order it through this link. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• • I opened the account free of charge, and you can withdraw cash for free from ATMs in Spain and throughout the Eurozone, as long as they are contactless-enabled.
  • If you’d like the physical card, you can order it for €10.
  • Adding money to the card is very easy, as it’s done via bank transfer.
  • Some important things to keep in mind while traveling with this card:
    
    • • You can pay in any currency other than euros. N26 does not charge foreign transaction fees, even when another currency is involved. The exchange rate applied is the one provided by Mastercard.
      • If you have a standard N26 account and want to withdraw cash from an ATM outside Europe, you’ll pay a 1.7% foreign exchange fee (but no ATM withdrawal fee). With an N26 You or Metal account, this fee is waived. I personally use the Standard account.

Every payment I’ve made in countries using a currency other than the euro has been converted at an excellent exchange rate (in this case, Visa’s exchange rate is applied). I compared it regularly with online currency converters, and the rate they used was actually even better than the one shown online.

If you have any questions about this, feel free to send me an email and I’ll be happy to help. The process is really very simple. Here’s the link again: N26.