Going to Disneyland Tokyo during your Japan family holiday sounds amazing, especially when you have kids. Seeing iconic Disney and Pixar characters brought to life while surrounded by vibrant Japanese culture is a one-of-a-kind experience.
With super fun rides, spellbinding attractions, and mouthwatering foods, you'll really feel the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth!
Here's a list of things you should add to your plans to make sure your visit is unforgettable.
10 Things You Shouldn't Miss at Tokyo Disneyland
1. Go on exclusive theme park rides
While the theme park offers many classic Disney rides, it also has unique ones that you won't find anywhere else in the world! There's Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! where you can hop aboard a security carriage and join Boo and the monsters for an exciting game of hide and seek.
You can also witness the fairytale love story of Belle and the Beast as it unfolds on the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ride. Here, you'll sit on a giant serving dish that dances along to the music as beautifully realistic scenes of the story are shown.
And if you're a thrill seeker, then you should definitely try classic rides like Splash Mountain, the famous log fume ride that sets off on a gentle cruise before a stomach-churning drop down a 16-meter waterfall.
You can download the Tokyo Disney Resort priority pass app to make sure you don't miss out on the best rides!
2. Marvel at famous attractions
The dream trip would not be complete without stopping by other fun attractions in Tokyo Disneyland. You can visit Cinderella's Fairytale Hall and be in awe of the various paintings, dioramas, and artworks displayed in her castle.
You can even view the throne and her iconic glass slipper! Then there's Goofy's Paint 'n' Play House, where you can channel your inner artist and help Goofy redecorate his room using special Toontone Splat Master paint applicators.
3. Meet your favourite Disney characters
You can't go to a Disney park without saying hello to a character or two! Mickey Mouse greets you at the main entrance while other characters roam freely around the seven themed lands.
You can find Peter Pan at World Bazaar, Captain Jack Sparrow at Adventureland, Woody and Jessie at Westernland, Pocahontas at Critter Country, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Fantasyland, Donald and Daisy at Toontown, Darth Vader at Tomorrowland—and more!
For an even more extraordinary time, drop by Minnie's Style Studio, where you can see Minnie Mouse's fashion design workroom before entering the studio for a photo op! Just make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes because all that exploring will take a while.
4. Experience an interactive theatre
You can also try interactive theatres that keep kids engaged, like the Stitch Monitoring Station in Tomorrowland, where visitors will be able to talk to Stitch over a large screen. The animated character shows real-time facial expressions, sings, and dances along to songs—armed with good vibes and his ukulele, of course! Stitch randomly picks guests to chat with, so the whole family can join in on the fun.
5. Tour the park aboard the Omnibus
The Omnibus is an old-fashioned double-decker bus that offers a relaxing open-air ride around the central hub and Cinderella Castle. The drive lets you enjoy an unobstructed view of the other themed lands while listening to the tour guide narrate interesting things about the park (in Japanese). The Omnibus does not run during parades or castle shows, though, so that's another thing to take note of.
6. Watch colourful parades
You'll get mesmerised by an explosion of colours during the Disney Harmony in Color parade, which features several legendary characters from Disney and Pixar films.
The vibrant show showcases themes of adventure, courage, family bonds, and friendship told through lively music and magnificent floats. It runs for 45 minutes, but you'll be wishing for it to go longer!
7. Try Disney-themed food
Other than the thrill of rides and childhood nostalgia from meeting your favourite characters, Tokyo Disneyland also draws tourists for its selection of delicious cuisines—from Japanese food to Western favorites.
Churros are a crowd favourite here (even for the fussy eater), with several options, like lightsaber churros, available in different areas around the park.
There are also Mike Wazowski buns and mochi shaped like the aliens from Toy Story. Oh, and it's Mickey-shaped food heaven—churros, ice cream, waffles, burgers, nuggets, teriyaki buns—the works!
8. Witness the iconic fireworks show
Don't miss the chance to see stunning fireworks light up the night sky, giving you more dream-filled moments to remember from your Japan family trip. The firework display happens to the tune of the 40th anniversary theme song and a variety of Disney songs, making the five-minute show all the more magical.
9. Stay in hotels with a Disney motif
There are plenty of hotels near Tokyo Disneyland, but if you're dedicated to getting the full experience, you can stay at those that have Disney-themed motifs. There's the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, where all rooms feature designs of Disney characters like Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast.
You can also check out the newly opened Toy Story Hotel, which was purposely designed to make guests feel as if they are shrunk to toy size. Talk about full immersion!
10. Get souvenirs to remember your trip
Tokyo Disneyland is lined with department stores that offer uniquely designed merchandise you can't find anywhere else—apparel, bags, plush dolls, stationery, and homeware, you name it! You can get matching outfits to wear throughout the family adventure, which is convenient for locating each other in crowds! Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is also a hit among kids—it's a beauty salon where they can get a stylish hairstyle, a Disney Princess makeover, and of course, a shimmering dress to wear at the theme park. Note: Not sure how this is related to souvenirs. Kindly clarify or add something else for here.
You'll surely be exhausted after all these activities, but the joy of bonding with your family will make it worth it. One thing's for sure, Tokyo Disneyland is a must-see if you're looking for an unforgettable Japan travel experience. Just beware, you'll probably never want to leave!
Written by: Kimberly John Bautista