I have two very very detailed blog posts on each of the Tokyo Disney Resort parks – but I wanted to make a quick checklist for Parents. I talk about the rides that my kids find to be scary, the attractions that aren’t too much fun if you don’t understand Japanese, how to tell when the parks will be busy etc…
(See here for my tips on Tokyo Disneyland with kids, and for Tokyo DisneySea with kids here.
If you have limited time and can’t decide between Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea read my tips and ways to compare here.
But here is just the packing information. (I write in a LOT more detail about why I have included each item in the posts listed above.)
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel or make a purchase using one of my links – at no additional charge to you.
BEFORE YOU BOOK DISNEY TICKETS!
Use the calendar on the official Tokyo Disney Resort website. The reason? Some days close early and the calendar on the site will tell you the open and closing hours for each day.
The upside to a long day ? More time in the park
The upside to a shorter day? Less people book for days where they park closes earlier (and earlier means around 6:30pm.) This can be handy if you are visiting with young children who won’t last longer than this time anyway.
Here are my tips on buying tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea.
*Please note that park entry tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea are NOT included in your hotel price like in some other Disney parks around the world. You will need to buy Tokyo Disney Park tickets separately (I explain how here) or, if you are staying in an official Tokyo Disney Hotel, you can purchase while you check-in for your stay. The exception? If you’ve purchased some sort of vacation package. *
Snacks & Drinks
Even if you plan on buying meals – it is fine to take your own snacks.
Nothing that resembles a meal such as a bento or fast food is allowed in, though. Bags are checked on the way into the parks.
It’s ok to take in water.
If you have extreme allergies and need to bring in your own food, best to come with a note from your doctor.
*Please note that I have heard from diabetic friends that there aren’t a lot of diet drink or low sugar options at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea so please make sure you bring in options from the convenience stores or supermarkets nearby. If anyone at the gate asks questions about food items you can explain or show a doctor’s certificate.
I speak more about managing with allergies in general in Japan here.
Can I take in a water bottle to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea?
Yes. A drink bottle from home or a bottle of water from a vending machine etc is fine. Just no glass or cans and no alcohol.
Portable Wifi &/or Esim
There is no free wifi inside of Tokyo DisneySea or Tokyo Disneyland. This means that, if you don’t have internet already organised ahead of time you won’t be able to book premier or anniversary fast passes for rides or make use of the app functions (including the map). I like the company Japan Wireless for pocket wifi – and I have a discount link for 25% off (this is an affiliate link where I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.) Japan Wireless also have an option now for esims so you also don’t need to pick up or return a box at all – you just pay on their site and receive a QR code and off you go! Please use their “e-sims supported phones list” before making a purchase – the list is easily found on their homepage. Click here for a 10% discount on your esim using my affiliate link.
Stroller or Baby Carriers
It is possible to rent strollers for 1000 yen.
Here I speak about which strollers to bring to Japan (and which types not to bring) – I even have pictures of the exact strollers from home we have used at both disney parks over the years.
Entertainment for Kids
Things for kids to play with when waiting for rides. Stickers and bubbles is what we have.
This is my kids drawing pictures while we sit in the theatre and wait for the Tokyo Disney show at the Showbase Theatre in Tomorrowland . I wrote more about it in my Tokyo Disneyland post here.
A spare set of clothing for each child
We almost always do a full clothing change in the middle of the day.
Layers or roll up blankets for the evenings
Ziplock bags
I like to have a few of these in case my kids don’t finish their disney food (for us – it’s usually for some pieces of the long skinny margerita pizzas at Zambini Bros in Disneysea. I heat them up in the microwave for the kids to eat as a final disney snacks before bed.)
A picnic mat/ leisure mat
These can be purchased at a convenience store, baby shop or 100 yen store. Sounds silly but you’ll need it for the parades.
Phone charger packs
Extra phone charger packs.These are NOT for sale anywhere in the park. Correction. There are now charging spots that rent out battery packs within both parks. You are asked to download an app at one of the battery pack rental stations and then can return it to one of many spots in or outside the parks (the app works out the final price, depending on how long you’ve used their device.)
–Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Depending on the season. of course.
I always try to use Australian sunscreens but if I have to buy Japanese brands. These are the two I personally like (they are lovely and light – the bottles are too small for my liking though.)
What do I do with my bags while I’m on rides at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea?
You keep your bags with you for all rides at Tokyo Disney Parks (the design of all rides is thought out so well. Bags are either stored in baskets in front of you, under you or at your feet.)
What bags do I take to Tokyo Disneysea and Tokyo Disneyland?
Up until my kids were 7-8 years old, my husband and I took turns with a backpack or had a backpack each (when we had strollers it was kind of easier because we would just shove so much underneath the stroller.) But once they hit those bigger ages, I take my handbag that can also be a backpack and the kids each have a backpack but I keep it minimal so it’s nice and light (they are basically just sharing the load for me and I also want the bags to be light so they can be squished up at their feet on rides etc.)
Medication
If you are bringing medication into Japan from overseas- you will need to check first which medication is allowed in Japan.
Neck fans when it’s hot.
We bought ours at Yodobashi Camera in Shibuya.
WHICH HANDBAG DO I TAKE TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND OR DISNEYSEA?
I’m not an affiliate or anything (although they are welcome to send me a free bag anytime if they want to!!!) but I love my Vestiri bag for getting around Japan – including at Disneyland. I love how it can be a shoulder bag or a backpack. I own two now! I have the Bella in Black and the XL Bella in Brown.
WHAT NOT TO PACK FOR TOKYO DISNEYLAND AND TOKYO DISNEYSEA
– Alcohol
– Adult costumes or Disney cosplay or Masks ( kids are fine in little Disney outfits) – with the exception of the Halloween season
– Scooters, trikes or those ride-on push along bikes. Wagon strollers are also not allowed inside Tokyo Disney Parks (I speak more about the types of strollers best for Japan here. )
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel or make a purchase using one of my links – at no additional charge to you.
*Please note that park entry tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea are NOT included in your hotel price like in some other Disney parks around the world. You will need to buy Tokyo Disney Park tickets separately (I explain how here) or, if you are staying in an official Tokyo Disney Hotel, you can purchase while you check-in for your stay. The exception? If you’ve purchased some sort of vacation package. *
