Tokyo DisneySea Top 10 Tips

1.  Plan Ahead: This is the best advice for maximizing your time and fun at DisneySea. The park is spread out over many theme areas, so read ahead and decide what you want to do. See if there are boarding restrictions that will exclude some family members, or a FastPass option to reserve tickets in advance. Is there a special restaurant where you want to eat? You may not be able to stick to your plan completely, but if you have a good idea of what to expect, you can be sure that you do not miss something you had your heart set upon.

   

   DisneySea Gondola

2. Involve Your Family: DisneySea is divided into seven very different theme areas, so involve your family in a discussion so everyone has a chance to do something of interest. Do you want to focus on exploring one or two areas, or do a quick tour to see them all? Kids that actively decide what to do may be less inclined to run off in tangents when there is a goal in mind.
3. Travel Inside the Park: The theme areas are joined by paths so you can walk completely around the park. However, there are several ride options that also get you from one point to another, such as the Transit Steamer and Big City Vehicles. This is a fun way to see the park from a different perspective and can give tired legs a rest. These rides are smooth and suitable for the whole family, so consider using them when traveling to a new area.

   

   Disney Sea Mermaid Lagoon

4. Watch a Show: DisneySea has several different show options, including fireworks and live stage performances. Mediterranean Harbor is the site of a daytime and nighttime show held on watercraft; both shows are dazzling displays of dancing, music, and special effects. The top quality costumes and performers in all of the live shows are memorable. Shows area also a good chance to sit back and relax, so plan on attending at least one during your visit.

   Donald Duck mingling with the crowd

5. Plan for Weather: Japanese weather can change quickly, especially in the spring and summer. Hot humid days can shift quickly to pouring rain, and nights can be deceptively cool. Bring layers to protect against both the sun and chill, and plan on drinking plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. Have a few indoor ideas in case it rains or feels too hot outside.
6. Meals: If you are spending a full day of exploring, enjoy a meal at one of the DisneySea restaurants. It is good to look over the options and plan where to have your major meals. You can get a wide variety of snacks from wagons throughout the park, but sit-down restaurants tend to be grouped by theme. Organize your trip so that you are near that area for lunch or dinner rather than having to travel the whole way across the park for a special menu. There are often very long lines, so make reservations with Preferred Seating if that option is available.

   Vulcania Restaurant DisneySea

    

7. Money: It is good to bring enough cash for the day, because many of the shops and restaurants only take cash, though some do accept Visa, MasterCard, and other credit cards. There are ATMs in the park, but depending on the machine, may only accept Japanese bank cards. If you need to exchange money or cash traveler’s checks, you can do so at Guest Relations. For more information on the money policy at DisneySea, refer to: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/tds/guest/in/atm/index.html
8. Guest Relations: There is a lot to do at DisneySea, so is good to be aware of Guest Relations to the immediate right of the main park entrance. Find out about the day’s shows and special events, exchange money, or upgrade your park passport. This is the place to go if you have any questions, as there is usually an English-speaking staff member present. Guest Relations is also the location of Lost and Found.

   Disneysea entrance

    

9. English Support: Most guests have no problem getting around DisneySea despite the fact that the dominant language is Japanese. However, if you have questions or problems, look for a staff member with a gold Mickey Mouse head pin that says “English.” If you do not get an English map at the gate, be sure to stop by Guest Relations and pick one up. Many signs are conveniently written in English and Japanese, and all restaurant and wagon menus have both.
10. Souvenirs and Gifts: There are many shopping options, and even if you are not planing on a major purchase, it can be fun to browse in the stores to see the murals and details related to the theme area. Not only are there standard Disney souvenirs, but many products unique to DisneySea. Consider one of the customized gifts for something completely original such as the leather goods at Lost River Outfitters.

Here is a great video of Fantasmic Tokyo DisneySea Nighttime Show