Here are JapaneseSearch.com ‘s top 10 travel tips for Tokyo Disneyland which will save you time, money and energy when visiting this wonderful place!
1. Plan your trip ahead: There is a lot to see and do at Tokyo Disneyland, so the odds are you will never take it all in during one trip. Therefore it is good to read ahead about what attractions and shows are available, and get a general idea of where they are located in the park. Confirm if they need reservations or if you can get a FastPass so that you do not arrive and find that you can not enter. Be flexible and willing to change along the way, but with good preparation you will not miss a part that you had your heart set upon.
2. Using FastPass: Some of the most popular attractions at the park have an entry option called FastPass that helps reduce your wait. Next to the standby waiting area there is a ticket machine. Insert your Passport ticket and the machine will print a boarding time period on it. You can then leave and do something else until then. Enter using the shorter “FastPass Line.” Be aware that each ticket is only good for one person, so a whole family should get passes for all members to ride together. Your Passport may only be stamped with one attraction per time period, so you may have to wait before getting a FastPass to a different ride. This ticket does not guarantee boarding, but is a method to help reduce long waiting lines. Planning ahead can help you get the most use of this feature.
Lilo and Stitch @ Tokyo Disneyland
3. Stay in a Tokyo Disney Resort hotel: Especially if you are planning more than one day at the parks, consider staying in one of the resort hotels. There are usually good package deals, including perks such as baggage transfer and shuttle services. Another good reason, particularly if you have children, is so you can return to your hotel room in the afternoon when the crowds are at their peak and relax for a few hours. Then you can go back to the park for the fireworks and evening events feeling refreshed and recharged. As well as the Disney Resort hotels, there are some partner hotels that offer packages and benefits, so look for these when planning your trip.
Disney Hotel @ Tokyo Disney Resort @ Maihama
4. Bring some food and drinks: Meals at Tokyo Disneyland may be more reasonable than many other theme parks, but they are still quite expensive. Lines for popular places can be just as long as for attractions, with a 15 minute wait for popcorn or ice cream. Of course it is fun to try a few treats at the park, but for a quick bite to renew your energy, take along something like a granola bar or fruit and some bottled water that you can have along the way. Grabbing a bento box from a convenience store outside the park is also a great idea!
5. Follow safety advice: This may seem obvious, but getting even a simple injury because you did not fasten your seat best can make a fun day miserable. It is also good to know that some staff members can speak English. If they do, they wear a gold Mickey Mouse pin that says “English.”
6. Photography rules: If you would like some good photographs of your visit, be aware that there are many rules governing the use of cameras and video equipment in the park. Tripods are not allowed anywhere. Some rides prohibit using a flash, and others ban cameras completely. Crowds are always present in the park, so it is almost impossible to get a picture without someone in it. So instead of making your family wait for a shot that is clear, try incorporating people and crowds into the composition.
Entrance @ Tokyo Disney Resort @ Maihama
7. Be polite: Remember you are a guest in a foreign country. It may be frustrating to deal with cultural differences and language barriers. Instead of getting angry, try to go with the flow. Restaurants have English language on the menu, but it is a good idea to point to the item you want when asking for it to prevent mistakes. Not all staff members speak English, but will do their best to gesture instructions for rides. Once you board, most attractions are narrated in Japanese, but you can still enjoy the scenes and amazing animatronics. Japanese tend to have a different view of personal space, so a person standing uncomfortably close to you in line is probably unaware that you have different expectations. If you are very tall, it is polite to sit or move slightly back for parades and shows so you do not obscure the view of people behind you. Using basic courtesy will make the experience more pleasant for everyone.
Snow White at Tokyo Disneyland
8. Main Street House: This is the park’s version of an information center, so you can ask questions, make reservations, and get specific information related to issues for guests with special needs. For example, there are lists of wheelchair-accessible places, and explanations of which restaurants have facilities for special diets. Lost and Found is also located here. To the left of the entrance of World Bazaar as you enter the park, Main Street House also has maps in English.
Donald Duck @ Tokio Disneyland
9. Take in at least one show or parade: Tokyo Disneyland has multiple live musical shows per day, plus a daytime and nighttime parade, that are fun for the entire family. These events rotate seasonally, and all feature incredible costumes, wonderful music and dancing. Be sure to plan for at least one of these events during your visit, and make reservations ahead of time if needed.
Tokyo Disneyland show
10. Shopping: If you would like some good souvenirs, there are many shops throughout the park. Be aware that they do not all have the same products. So if you like a ride in one theme area, check out the shops near it for the related merchandise.
We hope you enjoyed out Top 10 travel tips for Tokyo Disneyland to make your trip fun and experience the uniqueness of a Western theme park in Japan!
