If you jump into a Facebook group with any mention of taking a baby to Disney ( even if you aren’t asking “Should I take a baby to TOKYO DISNEYLAND?” type advice? ) you’ll get lots of , usually unwanted, “helpful advice” such as ” … they wont even remember it? … what a waste of money!… you won’t be able to ride any of the rides…. sounds like so much fuss for nothing! But, although I can only speak for the Japanese Disneyland.. I believe the opposite and I think, if you’re already in T0kyo, it would be a beautiful opportunity wasted not to! So, from someone who has been visiting Tokyo Disneyland since my youngest was 5-6 months and my big girl was 2, here is why I think Tokyo with a little, little one is always a good idea.
SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! THEY ARE FREE !
Unlike other Disneyland’s around the world, at Tokyo Disney, children are completely free until they are 4 years old! I used to take my two, on my own, and I would only pay for my own ticket – take my own snacks and treats ( as that is also allowed) and the whole day would cost me only a little over 7000 yen. For all 3 of us!
SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! THEY CAN RIDE MORE THAN 59 % OF THE RIDES (AND ONCE THEY CAN SIT UNASSISTED, THEY CAN RIDE MORE THAN 73% !!)
Disneysea has more rides geared towards bigger “kids” (although there are still lots of baby friendly options, see my Disneysea with Kids post here. ) The attractions are always changing so to make sure you are up to date see the fantastic Tokyo Disneyland website here for all of the latest attraction information and temporary closure updates etc.
SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS OR BUY YOUR OWN BABY FOOD!! As I mentioned above, Disney in Tokyo totally welcome you bring your own snacks – if you’ve read this Tokyo birthday post of mine you’ll see that I even took a cake for my daughter’s birthday with grandparents. It wouldn’t go advertising all of your home-brought snacks and treats openly but the staff don’t mind if they are in your bags upon entry. (If anyone gives you a hard time you could always tell them its for eating in the picnic area just outside the gates later.) The baby centre is next to the Monster Inc ride just near the main entrance. They also have boiled water available. There is also a microwave oven but you’ll need to bring your own microwave proof containers for heating. There is also a picnic area just outside the front gates. You can reenter the park anytime – just keep a hold of your tickets or get a stamp from the door staff. SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! THERE ARE MORE THAN 24 LOCATIONS ( MANY WITH MULTIPLE CHANGE TABLES) TO CHANGE BABY WITHIN THE PARK! Whether you are using the Tokyo Disney Resort app or website ( or a good old paper map) these change tables are all very easy to find in all corners of all of the lands. This picture was taken by @tokyodisneystyle at Tokyo DisneySea. SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! BABIES DON’T CARE IF YOU SKIP THE LINES WITH A BIG QUEUE! Trust me, big kids have their own lists of must dos. Babies go with the flow and have no idea that the Winnie the Pooh ride is around the corner from where you’re standing but there is no way you’re going to line up for 45 minutes… You get to orchestrate the day – including changing the plans, going home early, sitting inside a restaurant for an hour because everyone is tired, etc… Take advantage of it while you can. SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! JAPAN IS SAFE ENOUGH TO ABANDON YOUR STROLLER WHILE YOU EXPLORE! Of course, I recommend taking a small handbag or backpack for valuables but, you know how , with a baby your stroller is always packed high as if you’re running away from home, you can just park it in one little spot and adventure for a little bit and then wander for a second and come back to collect it before you move on to your next spot. It is really hard to describe how safe this is until you’ve been to Disneyland in Japan and seen it first hand but you see strollers lined up all day with balloons and toys inside – just waiting for their owner’s return. If this idea is not something you’re comfortable with, you can place your items in a coin locker just outside of the park entrance. You can also courier you items back to your accommodation ( to arrive the next day) so that you can travel back on the train almost hands free. SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! IT’S ALL SO VISUAL! You know how even little tiny babies love the aquarium because the colours and the movement catch their attention right away? Well, Disney is like that plus fireworks (literally!) and rainbows. Even if you don’t ride on a single thing? Your baby not only doesn’t care but they are also none-the-wiser! I know it’s not for everyone but I LOVED wearing my little boy in a forward facing baby carrier and just soaking up the whole Disney vibe. We would then make sure we sat down at the FRONT of the parade line ( our favourite spot is across the road from Tomorrowland Terrace) from around 40 minutes from the parade starts. Then we would set up our little picnic rug and have a mini picnic while we wait. ( See my blog post here on what to pack when visiting Disney with kids.) Why the front row of the parade? Because the characters can then give you hi-five and really interact with the children. It’s so special. Other little visual AND tactile spots can also be found in Toon Town. There is a little baby-focus play area and the character houses are all set up to touch and feel as well as look at. SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! THE STAFF HAVE YOU COVERED IF YOU FORGET SOMETHING! At the baby centre you can purchase wipes, diapers/nappies, sunscreen, a rain cover for your stroller etc. Strollers are also available to rent within the park. Please note that strollers are not available for children younger than 7 months of age so please be sure to bring your own for newborns below this age. The staff are just so kind so make sure to ask if you need assistance at all. They have heard all the requests and you’re not the first person to take a baby to Disneyland so don’t worry. SHOULD I TAKE A BABY TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND? YES! BABIES KEEP THE PACE SLOW … IN THE BEST WAY My husband and I are Disney crazy. One of our first getaway dates was a full day at Disneyland followed by Disneysea. We NEVER sat down. We NEVER watched a parade. We NEVER stopped running. With kids, it totally changed that pace completely ( of course.) And we were surprised at how much fun it was to stop and take in the details. Everything is Disney-themed ! The lamp posts, the icecream cones , the door handles! Walking slowly meant that we actually stopped and watched the street performers (often disguised as cleaners) and we both LOVE people watching and .. as Japan is Disney crazy… the people watching here is like no other!!
If you would like to read all of my Disneyland with Kids tips see my very detailed post here. For all of my baby related purchases in Japan see my post here. If you’re looking for accommodation near Disneyland, you’ll enjoy my post here.
