Help with Tokyo Disney

[KrzyKtty]

Hi. My family carved out some time for Tokyo Disney during our trip at the end of June. We will be at Disneyland Tokyo for half a day on June 30th, and a full day at DisneySea on July 1st. I am estimating we will arrive at Disneyland at around 1 or 2 in the afternoon; sadly we can't get there any earlier, because we are taking the train from Kyoto that morning.

I doubt we will waste our time on sit down restaurants due to the limited time we have to experience the parks. However, are their any restaurants or quick service locations, or special foods that we shouldn't miss? What are your recommendations to handling the parks? I thought we would really concentrate first and foremost on rides that are unique to Tokyo, and that we can't see here. Maybe throw in Haunted Mansion and Pirates if we have time. I have heard that lines there can be crazy, so I want to be realistic about what we can do. I thought it would be best to concentrate on things that I can't ride 6 hours from my home. But are there rides that might share the name, and concept, but are so much better than the one in FL we should try for?

My children have never seen the Electrical Parade, so should we prioritize buying the Premier pass for the parade if any are available over Belle? Or just camp a spot later? I am honestly not sure what will be available the first day getting there so late.

 

[KrzyKtty]

We will have a full day in DisneySea. Thoughts on that park? What to hit first if we wanted to concentrate first on unique rides/experiences?

 

[Asa]

IMHO, for DisneySea, the must do ride is "Journey to the centre of the world". It uses Test Track/Radiator Springs Racers technology but to a much better effect. I have not done "Tower of Terror" but it is recommended by lots of people.

For Disneyland, I have not tried "Beauty and the Beast" but it is supposed to be amazing. Other must do rides include "Pooh's Honey Hunt" and "Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek".

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

If you have limited time, focusing on Japan-exclusive attractions is a good idea. But there are several "classic" attractions which are arguably the best in the world in Japan.

• Splash Mountain (soon to be the only remaining in the world, better than the currently open Disneyland version)
• Haunted Mansion (has the original bride)
• Pirates of the Caribbean (has none of the PC changes)

 

[SplashJacket]

If you have limited time, focusing on Japan-exclusive attractions is a good idea. But there are several "classic" attractions which are arguably the best in the world in Japan.

• Splash Mountain (soon to be the only remaining in the world, better than the currently open Disneyland version)
• Haunted Mansion (has the original bride)
• Pirates of the Caribbean (has none of the PC changes)

To me, Splash is easily the best in the world, even before WDW's closed, and definitely worth doing, especially since it will be exclusive soon.

On the other hand, Haunted Mansion is honestly the worst.

PotC, I'd put second to last ahead of WDW.

The parade, Dreamlights is an absolute must! BatB is an obvious must-do.

DisneySea has Journey to the Center of the Earth, a night show, 20,000 Leagues, a different Indiana Jones, a bizarrely interesting Nemo Ride, Gondollas, and an entirely new take on the Tower of Terror, Soarin' with different dressing, and a lot of random entertainment.

There's a lottery in each park where you can get a showing to one of the major production shows, both are worth doing. Disneyland Park's is great, but DisneySea's Big Band Beat is exceptional. But whether you get it is up to a free lottery, but definitely try for both.

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

FYI Big Band Beat is still running the pandemic-lite version.

 

[Rush]

Prioritize these rides for TDL:

1. Pooh's Hunny Hunt
2. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast (I'd suggest purchasing a PA)
3. Splash Mountain
4. Monsters Inc. Hide and Go Seek

For DS, make sure to hit the park exclusives:
1. Journey to The Center of Earth
2. Tower of Terror (A unique iteration)
3. 20K Leagues Under the Sea
4. Sinbad's Storybook Voyage

You could ride Indiana Jones Adventure as it's excellent, but I would prioritize time to exploring the park's endless details. Skip on Soarin and Toy Story Mania as despite their amazing facades and queues, they're near identical copies of the rides found in the US parks.

For the food, i would suggest snacking your way through the day!

 

[SplashJacket]

4. Sinbad's Storybook Voyage

I always forget Sinbad since it was closed when we were there, but absolutely a must do!

In terms of maximizing your day, definitely skip Soarin’ and Toy Story mania, because their lines are astronomical despite for all intents and purposes having the exact same ride experience.

Also, I recommend doing either doing the transportation boats around the park, or taking the elevated tram either from or to American Waterfront. Both really highlight the park’s grandeur and attention to detail.

 

[KrzyKtty]

Thank you so much for the help. Sadly, I might have to skip on Tower because my daughter is terrified of that ride. Even at ten, the mere thought of it terrifies her.

I am so excited for the trip

 

[SplashJacket]

Thank you so much for the help. Sadly, I might have to skip on Tower because my daughter is terrified of that ride. Even at ten, the mere thought of it terrifies her.

I am so excited for the trip

If it’s worth anything, the ToT there is tamer and not themed to be as spooky.

 

[tanc]

It's a Small World is another ride that I argue is the best version in the world. The Tokyo version is just beautiful and puts the US parks to shame with their presentation of it.

POTC is under an extensive refurbishment, no one knows if the auction scene is still in it or not (We'll know very soon though).

As stated, Splash and Haunted Mansion are also unique since they are unaltered and function properly. Despite the dumb recent bride change which I think has more to do with Story Beyond and hopefully is removed soon.

If I were you, I would heavily focus on Tokyo exclusive rides and then check out rides that are in other parks.

 

[KrzyKtty]

If it’s worth anything, the ToT there is tamer and not themed to be as spooky.

For her it's the dropping

 

[fradz]

I'll try to add some more info rather than repeating all the good advice already above.

- From your Kyoto shinkansen, you can drop your luggage either at the welcome center at Maihama station if you are staying at a Disney or partner hotel, or in the lockers closeby to the station (limited availability though...)
- Be aware that Tokyo Disney Resort is, like Anaheim, a locals-heavy park. This means that it will get busy on your dates.
- The good news is that most locals rope-drop Soarin' or TSM in DisneySea. If you skip those, you get to ride Journey to the Center of the Earth & IJA (in that order) with low wait times
- Be in front of the park at least 45min before opening.
- Definitely do IJA, even if you've been to Anaheim. Also, try to attend a show, they are really great plus you get to sit down & relax.
- For what it's worth, I actually prefer the ToT in Paris & Orlando than in Tokyo... So IMO you're not missing out that much.

Some of my best memories at TDR are: my first time riding their Soarin' (including the beautiful pre-show), a nighttime ride on Jungle Cruise, my first time seeing Big Band Beat, my first ride on Splash (absolutely a must-do there), the boat ride around the park at sunset.

I think you approach the resort differently on your first visit and after a few visits. Just be sure to not feel pressured to ride a lot of things, especially in DisneySea, and take the time to have fun. You will be able to do the 3-4 rides you really want for each park, don't stress, be there early. Sinbad's wait time is like 15 min at most, 20K under the sea never more than 40, you'll be fine

 

[OzAn]

For DS, make sure to hit the park exclusives:
1. Journey to The Center of Earth
2. Tower of Terror (A unique iteration)
3. 20K Leagues Under the Sea
4. Sinbad's Storybook Voyage

Raging Spirit and Nemo & Friends Searider are also exclusive for DS too.
But despite its really inviting grand facade, do not waste anytime on Raging Spirit as it is one of the most boring and uninspired coaster built by Disney.

The Nemo Searider I thought would be really kiddy but end up quite enjoying it. It is Star Tours but Nemo version, but the concept of being shrunk into a fish was quite cute for what it's worth. Don't have to get out of one's way to do it, but still worth a ride if you have a child and have time.

Jungle Cruise is better in TDL than the US ones with a cool unique internal section that is very beautiful at night, so should prioritize it too if time allows.

I'll try to add some more info rather than repeating all the good advice already above.

- From your Kyoto shinkansen, you can drop your luggage either at the welcome center at Maihama station if you are staying at a Disney or partner hotel, or in the lockers closeby to the station (limited availability though...)
- Be aware that Tokyo Disney Resort is, like Anaheim, a locals-heavy park. This means that it will get busy on your dates.
- The good news is that most locals rope-drop Soarin' or TSM in DisneySea. If you skip those, you get to ride Journey to the Center of the Earth & IJA (in that order) with low wait times
- Be in front of the park at least 45min before opening.
- Definitely do IJA, even if you've been to Anaheim. Also, try to attend a show, they are really great plus you get to sit down & relax.
- For what it's worth, I actually prefer the ToT in Paris & Orlando than in Tokyo... So IMO you're not missing out that much.

I would say be in front of the park at least one hour before opening. The last time I went they already let guests in 45 min before official opening time. Even at an one hour before opening there is already a huge line to get into the park. Plus I like using that early arrival time to just run through the plan of attack for the day again whilst lining to get in.

 

[fradz]

I would say be in front of the park at least one hour before opening. The last time I went they already let guests in 45 min before official opening time. Even at an one hour before opening there is already a huge line to get into the park. Plus I like using that early arrival time to just run through the plan of attack for the day again whilst lining to get in.

Yes 45 min is a minimum, I always arrived around 1h beforehand in low season and there were not that many people in front.

 

[Robbiem]

Prioritize these rides for TDL:

1. Pooh's Hunny Hunt
2. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast (I'd suggest purchasing a PA)
3. Splash Mountain
4. Monsters Inc. Hide and Go Seek

For DS, make sure to hit the park exclusives:
1. Journey to The Center of Earth
2. Tower of Terror (A unique iteration)
3. 20K Leagues Under the Sea
4. Sinbad's Storybook Voyage

You could ride Indiana Jones Adventure as it's excellent, but I would prioritize time to exploring the park's endless details. Skip on Soarin and Toy Story Mania as despite their amazing facades and queues, they're near identical copies of the rides found in the US parks.

For the food, i would suggest snacking your way through the day!

I’d agree with this list for the main attractions.

In Disneyland Pooh is an amazing ride, I’ve not been since covid so can’t comment on the new beauty and the beast area but it looks amazing. The electric parade is great as well. Small world is always nice and if you have time the country bears in Japanese is fun there is a strange stich version of the tiki room. Some rides like pooh and monsters can have much lower wait times at the end of the day

In Disneysea definitely ride sindbad and Journey to the center of the earth , try and make time for some of the smaller rides as well. The gondola is a fun ride and I love aquatopia and the electric railway. The boats are fun transport as well and change routes through the day.

For food there are amazing snacks everywhere (the famous sausuage gyoza and curry popcorn) but there are fun quick serve / cafeteria as well.

In Disneyland if you try the country bear restaurant (good Japanese curry rice) or the ramen joint in adventureland (this may have a huge queue). Pan galactic pizza is fun but don’t expect western pizza (we liked it)

In Disneysea we loved the nautilus galley (Chinese) and the arabian food court, check out the special in the cookout by indiana jones for good value as well.

If you are staying on site or want cheaper food there is a supermarket in the shopping centre basement and a convenience store (combini) by the station if you want to save park time and eat at your hotel.

Hope you have a great time

 

[amjt660]

Raging Spirit and Nemo & Friends Searider are also exclusive for DS too.
But despite its really inviting grand facade, do not waste anytime on Raging Spirit as it is one of the most boring and uninspired coaster built by Disney.

I agree with your assessment of Raging Spirit and would not waste time on it
But to say it is exclusive may not be correct
I thought I rode a very similar ride in DLP

I agree with at least 1 hour before opening and be prepare to either run or avoid the stampede
The semi controlled "no running" rule at the North American parks does not exist at the Asian parks.

I am hoping to return to TDR in November - I have not been since 2016 - looking forward to the BatB ride in particular.


Max

 

[Soleurs]

I agree with at least 1 hour before opening and be prepare to either run or avoid the stampede
The semi controlled "no running" rule at the North American parks does not exist at the Asian parks.

Opening dash has been all but eliminated since COVID, probably one of the best changes in guest behavior. You really only see it on big days like merchandise and new shows. For the most part everyone will walk or speedwalk to their destination.

 

[KrzyKtty]

I'll try to add some more info rather than repeating all the good advice already above.

- From your Kyoto shinkansen, you can drop your luggage either at the welcome center at Maihama station if you are staying at a Disney or partner hotel, or in the lockers closeby to the station (limited availability though...)
- Be aware that Tokyo Disney Resort is, like Anaheim, a locals-heavy park. This means that it will get busy on your dates.
- The good news is that most locals rope-drop Soarin' or TSM in DisneySea. If you skip those, you get to ride Journey to the Center of the Earth & IJA (in that order) with low wait times
- Be in front of the park at least 45min before opening.
- Definitely do IJA, even if you've been to Anaheim. Also, try to attend a show, they are really great plus you get to sit down & relax.
- For what it's worth, I actually prefer the ToT in Paris & Orlando than in Tokyo... So IMO you're not missing out that much.

Some of my best memories at TDR are: my first time riding their Soarin' (including the beautiful pre-show), a nighttime ride on Jungle Cruise, my first time seeing Big Band Beat, my first ride on Splash (absolutely a must-do there), the boat ride around the park at sunset.

I think you approach the resort differently on your first visit and after a few visits. Just be sure to not feel pressured to ride a lot of things, especially in DisneySea, and take the time to have fun. You will be able to do the 3-4 rides you really want for each park, don't stress, be there early. Sinbad's wait time is like 15 min at most, 20K under the sea never more than 40, you'll be fine

Thank you. This post is a lifesaver!

 

[KrzyKtty]

Raging Spirit and Nemo & Friends Searider are also exclusive for DS too.
But despite its really inviting grand facade, do not waste anytime on Raging Spirit as it is one of the most boring and uninspired coaster built by Disney.

The Nemo Searider I thought would be really kiddy but end up quite enjoying it. It is Star Tours but Nemo version, but the concept of being shrunk into a fish was quite cute for what it's worth. Don't have to get out of one's way to do it, but still worth a ride if you have a child and have time.

Jungle Cruise is better in TDL than the US ones with a cool unique internal section that is very beautiful at night, so should prioritize it too if time allows.


I would say be in front of the park at least one hour before opening. The last time I went they already let guests in 45 min before official opening time. Even at an one hour before opening there is already a huge line to get into the park. Plus I like using that early arrival time to just run through the plan of attack for the day again whilst lining to get in.

I would love to do Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion if we can. However, our Disneyland day is only a half day. If I take the 7am train, my best guess is I could be at the park by 10:30-11. So I am trying to be realistic about what we might be able to accomplish getting there so late.