2026 UPDATE: The Fantasy Springs section of Tokyo Disneysea is the newest and most popular section at Tokyo Disneysea.
This means the ride lines can be long so here is my advice regarding the rides inside Fantasy Springs:
– Don’t promise children that they will DEFINITELY get on any of the rides here (just keep an eye on the app and read here how the fast pass system works before you arrive at Tokyo Disneysea.) Then, when you do get fast passes for one or more – tell them how lucky you are (definitely don’t just line up though – the lines get as long as 3 hours. That’s crazy and no fun for anyone.)
-If you do get on the rides here by locking in fast passes first thing – read my Fantasy Springs guide here for which times to try instead.
Here is my ONE DAY STRATEGY for how to make the most of your time at Tokyo Disneysea – it’s exactly what we do as we LOVE rides but hate waiting.
We have visited Tokyo Disneysea more than 28 times now! I’m so excited to share with you what we do and how to get the most out of the day with kids.
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.
WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR TOKYO DISNEYSEA?
I recommend buying tickets directly for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea directly via the Tokyo Disney Resort app. However, some people find that the site won’t accept their overseas credit card ( I know, as it’s happened to me a LOT!). So the next best option, in my opinion, is to book via Klook.Click here to book Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea via Klook. Klook send you an email with a QR code – scan that code into your Tokyo Disney Resort app and you’re good to go (go into the Tokyo Disney App to show your ticket for scanning at the disney gate. Remember to scan everyone from your group onto the same app on the one phone – that way you are able to apply for the fast passes and show lotteries as a group and can ride and sit together etc.) I have written here how the fast passes etc work at Tokyo Disney Parks in Japan.
If you buy Tokyo Disney tickets on Klook, you can just scan them in to the app using this QR code – like I did here.
Make sure you put all tickets for your group onto the app – onto the same one phone in the same one app.* That way you will get to put in fast passes and show tickets and food orders as a group.
**If you have a large group, you might want to split into two or three groups and load onto 2-3 phones instead. The reason? Large groups of 10 people+ could make it harder to win lottery tickets for shows (I explain the system here) and get some fast passes during busy times – so it depends how much you value moving as one large group.
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 other 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. *
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.
If you haven’t visited Tokyo Disney Sea for the past few years, one major change is the way that fast passes work.
There are currently two kinds of fast passes. I have gone into how the Tokyo Disney Premier Pass and 40th Anniversary Priority Passes work here.
Tickets for these fast passes cannot be purchased until you are physically standing in the park using the Tokyo Disney Resort App.
Tokyo DisneySea is a whole other Disneyland within the Tokyo Disney Resort. This unique-to-Japan theme park is ocean-themed and – instead of being based around a castle- is based around a giant volcano and lake. Tokyo DisneySea is also a magical place to spend a full and magical day with young kids and toddlers.
Disneyland was so successful in Japan that the resort decided to add a whole new park. Japanese die-hard Disney patrons were interviewed and surveyed extensively in order to find out just what they would like to find in additional Tokyo Disneyland option. The answers? They found that many Disney-goers wanted to feel like they were on an overseas holiday and have the opportunity for more thrilling rides. It is no accident that the park also feels very romantic and a lot like stepping straight onto a movie set. It is aimed at couples first and everyone else after that.
Tokyo Disneysea with kids is also truly spectacular. And I would love to share with you what we do to make the most of the day and our precious time at Disneysea!
My family are Disney traditionalists so prefer DisneyLAND over SEA. But we still love both (and my kids love it more here when they feel like some thrill rides.)
However, there are so many cool things about this newer park and some sections are even better for small children (even though DisneySea was originally designed with teens and couples in mind.). However, now that my kids are a bit bigger -they do love the more thrilling ride options at Tokyo DisneySea – especially Journey to the Centre of the Earth and the Raging Spirits loop de loop rollercoaster.
Can’t decide which park is best for you? I break down all of the differences between Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea here.
If you live near Disneyland in another part of the world, DisneySea is a once off, only-in-Japan deal so it’s worth a visit.
I’ve heard some other parents talk about how Disneyland (and DisneySea) can be wasted on small children as they won’t remember it but, personally, I couldn’t disagree more.
My children have been attending since they were 5 months & 2 years old. I have written here that I still believe it is worth it to take our baby to the Tokyo Disney Parks as there is still so much that you can do together.
They really believe in the magic and that makes it magical for the whole family.
They have loved every minute of it and I think it’s such a good (and very full!) day out.
Another reason to take children? Their Disney tickets are free until they are 4 years old ! (woop woop woop!!)
WHAT TO DO AFTER PURCHASING TOKYO DISNEYLAND OR TOKYO DISNEYSEA TICKETS?
I like to print out the confirmation and then scan them straight into the Tokyo Disney Resort app using the QR code on the tickets. I also take the printed copy with us in case there are any issues (we have never had any – so maybe I’m just a worry wart!)
PLEASE NOTE : there is no such things as “pin-trading” at Tokyo Disney Resort (either park) and US Disney Gift Cards also cannot be used. The Tokyo Disney parks are owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses intellectual property from The Walt Disney Company – but it is a separate company. There is also no such thing as a Disney Nanny at Tokyo Disney. I suppose you could hire your own babysitter in Tokyo but you would also need to pay for their Disney ticket.
Did you know that these are crowd prediction calendars that can tell you which days will be the least busy ?
I show you how to read crowd prediction calendars for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea here.
Although I wouldn’t really advise going to Disneysea in a blizzard or anything like that but we have found that a little bit of rain is actually a good thing as it can keep other people away so that’s more space in lines for you!
Summer is actually harder than Winter as the Japanese Summer is so hot and muggy.
Did you know you can check the official Tokyo DisneySea website (click on the calendar icon and then the date) to see which rides will be closed on the day you are visiting? This is a great way to manage expectations for young children to avoid disappointment. I then ask my kids to choose 2-3 rides that are at the top of their wishlist and try to prioritize those throughout the day. Best to check again the morning of for the most current information.
PLEASE NOTE ( JUST TO KEEP EXPECTATIONS IN CHECK ) AN ” AVERAGE CROWD” AT A TOKYO DISNEY PARK OFTEN LOOKS A LOT LIKE A BUSY DAY AT ONE OF THE US PARKS (BUT THE SYSTEMS DO WORK AND IT IS AN ORGANISED CHAOS.)
Once you’ve chosen your day (using the crowd prediction calendar as a guide) I highly, highly recommend buying tickets ahead of time.
It IS possible to buy them on the day ( as long as the park isn’t sold out, of course!) – however, the ticket gates don’t open until the park does – so you’ll already be held up on your Disney day.
And once you’ve chosen your dates? See my post here on where to buy tickets to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea.
WHERE TO EAT AT TOKYO DISNEYSEA WITH KIDS?
We pretty much NEVER make restaurant reservations ahead of time for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea restaurants (as there are actually more restaurants that don’t take reservations and plenty of places to grab food whenever- and using the app you don’t need to wait either – so that it doesn’t interrupt your ride times at all.) HOWEVER, if you would like to make a reservation, jump on the official Tokyo Disney Resort website exactly one month (10am on the day one month ahead) before your park day.
*One exception that you may want to book if you are vegan and want a proper sit down dinner. I recommend booking the 8000 yen plant-based course at restaurant Magellan.
*The S.S. Columbia Dining Room also has a 3 course vegan Chef’s Course option until Oct 31, 2026. Reservations are a must.
Although we don’t make reservations for the restaurants, we do use the app to preorder our food 5-15 mins ahead of time so that we can just collect our food without having to wait.
* OUR FAVOURITE*.
Zambini Bros (no reservations required, pre-order your food on the app while you’re walking there)
There are 3-4 vegan options on the menu here.
As a family we ALWAYS stop for Italian food at Zambini Brothers’ Ristorante (in front of Soarin’ in the Mediterranean Harbor section.) This restaurant is our favourite at Tokyo Disneysea.
The food here is so good. We especially like the long skinny margerita pizzas here. These are vegetarian. Last time we ordered so many that I put some in a ziplock bag* and we heated it up at the microwave back at our hotel later. *Another reason why I recommend packing ziplock bags in my what to pack for Japan recommendations here.
This restaurant also offers red or white wine.
Vegan options at Zambini Bros in Tokyo Disneysea are a “Chilled Tomato, Soy Milk & Potato Soup” (sold July 1-Sept 14, 2026) and the permanent menu item Spaghetti with Vegetable Sauce and the Special Dietary Menu Vegetable Stew (this last one isn’t listed on the menu but they can do it for you if you ask for it.)
The low-allergen menu is vegetable stew with rice or vegetable curry with rice (neither contain wheat, buckwheat, eggs, dairy products or peanuts.)
Use the app to try for a standby pass to this restaurant or preorder food s ahead in order to avoid having to line up. Meal options include spaghetti and meatballs, tomato and basil long pizzas, minestrone soup with mickey shaped croutons. They also sell the Little Green Man alien dessert mochi.
Stop for a curry at Casbah Food Court in the Arabian Coast area (no reservations required)
This is the least junkie foodie food that we’ve managed to find inside Tokyo DisneySea and we also liked it as the eating area is right on the large courtyard so kids have lots of space to run and play while grown-ups eat.
If you are looking for Vegan food at Tokyo DisneySea* I recommend Casbah Food Court’s Indian Vegetable Curry with Naan Bread. The cup salad is also vegan. *Vegan options on menus at Tokyo Disneysea are now marked with a plant based symbol! This is new and this is great!
After dining here go to ride the Sinbad ride – it’s a bit like It’s a Small World and almost never has a wait time longer than 10 mins.
Try these Tokyo Disney Resort icypoles / popsicles !
They taste really good!
Gluten free Popcorn at Tokyo Disneysea
Many of my gluten free readers said they found the white chocolate popcorn and the turkey leg to be gluten free (please ask and use google translate for the ingredients before ordering though.) See here for a full list of where to find all of the popcorn buckets sold at Tokyo Disneysea (updated daily) included a list of all of the popcorn flavours and exactly where to find them.
Vegan Popcorn Flavours at Tokyo Disneysea
Please ask as you purchase incase there have been any recipe changes BUT the following flavours at Tokyo Disneysea are vegan:
-Caramel
-Corn Potage
-Salted Popcorn
-White Chocolate
-Black Pepper
See here for a full list of where to find all of the popcorn buckets sold at Tokyo Disneysea (updated daily) included a list of all of the popcorn flavours and exactly where to find them.
Fried Chicken, Burgers, Sandwiches, Fries (no reservations required)
Just next to the Tower of Terror (next to the large ship) is a counter service restaurant called Dockside Diner. They sell fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, sausages, fries, cup salads.
We quite like eating at the Cape Cod Cook-Off restaurant (reservations required if you want to watch the show while you eat. If just eating – no reservation required)
There is an outdoor and indoor area. Lots of seating. Order using the app so that you can pick up your food whenever you’re ready and not have to wait.
This is at Cape Cod Cook-Off at Tokyo Disneysea. This is the notification we received when the food was ready. When it was ready the app told us which counter to go to in the bottom of the picture. And, at the very bottom, you can see the times to collect.
This is also a great place to fill up family drink bottles.
In the same building is a Mickey, Minnie and Duffy show (prior reservations required.)
It’s a Mickey, Minnie and Duffy show that consists of 3 -4 scenes over and over. My children love this so much and so we grab drinks and mickey-shaped chicken nuggets and chill out for a bit in the afternoon. You can reserve or purchase tickets to this show online here on the official website or on the Tokyo Disney Resort app. Tickets can be reserved one month in advance.
If you have allergies or are gluten free
If you are gluten free and plan to dine at Tokyo Disneysea, then I recommend ordering the low allergen meal at Restaurant Sakura. Also, Restaurant Sakura introduced a new vegan meal at Tokyo Disneysea starting July 1, 2026. It is an Assorted Tempura on Rice. See pictures and details here. The new menu item is also an excellent choice for those looking for Halal options at Tokyo Disneysea.
You can make reservations up to one month in advance here – or on the app in the park /website on the day (if seats are available) starting from 9am or in person at the restaurant on the day from 10am. The vegetable tempura is an excellent choice for those looking for Halal options at Tokyo Disneysea.
Miguel’s El Dorado Cantina
Near the Indian Jones’s area – is a restaurant that has some vegan options – it’s called Miguel’s El Dorado Cantina. They sell a Tortilla Sandwich (chili beans, cabbage, guacamole, multi-grain salad, corn chips), corn chips with avocado dip, mixed greens and a special dietary menu vegetable stew with rice (scroll down to the bottom of this restaurants’s menu on the app for this final option.)
They also sell vegan mickey shaped cinnamon churros.
Not vegan but they sell these Duffy cream sandwiches (a warning : they aren’t ice-cream inside – much to our disappointment – it’s cream like the filling of a English biscuit.) But they are so cute.
Top left is a Gyoza Dog (this is a steamed meat bun- this menu item is particularly popular with high school and uni aged boys – I saw some boys with a tray full of them. They are similar to a Niku-man , if you’ve ever had one of those in Japan before.)
Bottom right is the Duffy Caramel Cream Sandwich.
Cafe Portofino
And there is a plant-based dish at Cafe Portofino in the Mediterranean Harbor area.
There are currently 3 new vegan drinks at Tokyo Disneysea as a part of the 25th Sparkling jubilee menu. They are all light blue and are all non-alcoholic.
Fine Dining (requires a reservation)
Magellan is the “fine dining” restaurant option at Tokyo Disneysea and it requires reservations.
Fine Dining (reservations required)
Ristorante di Canaletto
The S.S. Columbia Dining Room
The S.S. Columbia Dining Room also has a 3 course vegan Chef’s Course option until Oct 31, 2026. Reservations are a must.
See other non-vegan menu options for the S.S. Columbia dining room here too.
See here for my guide on what to pack when visiting Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea.
So, which items are not allowed at Tokyo Disneysea?
– Alcohol ( although you can purchase alcohol inside of Tokyo Disneysea )
Extra tip: there is an old school cocktail bar called “The Teddy Roosevelt Lounge” inside the big ship the S.S Columbia, just incase Mummy needs a French Martini in front of a fireplace. *
*Please note that the seating maximum is 1 hour and 2 drinks max, per person.
– 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 style strollers are also not allowed.
– Selfie sticks & drones & camera stands
WHEN TO ARRIVE AT TOKYO DISNEYSEA?
YOU NEED TO ARRIVE EARLY! (especially when visiting with kids if you like riding lots of rides) I speak more about it here.
I see instagram stories or TikTok’s once a week of someone showing a massive line (in fact, many very orderly lines) of people outside of both of the Tokyo Disneys and the person taking the footage is like “oh no! What have we done?! It’s so busy today! Ew!” But what these people don’t realize is … the Japanese Disneys are different to those in other parts of the world. You want to be in these lines. The lines are orderly and organized. Someone will always comment on these types of videos saying “we walked in at 10am and there were no lines at all!!” – but that’s the way for the whole time after opening at Tokyo Disney Parks.
You want to be in those morning lines because then you can get on that first ride without having to wait. Then you won’t miss out on the free fast passes at the times that suit your family or show reservations- both of these options can only be done on the app once you are in the park.
That friend who boasted about strolling in at 10 or 11am have already kind of messed up their chances to have a full day with less waiting time once they are inside…..
By being in those lines, you are already ahead of the game for a better day out at the Tokyo Disney Parks.
The long lines at the start are normal. They look like that every day -even on “empty” days.
We like to arrive at Tokyo DisneySea approximately 1 hour before opening time. We eat a convenience store breakfast in the line, apply sunscreen, plan what we want to do first and what everyone in the family wants to ride on most.
The opening hours change depending on the day and time of year so check out the calendar on the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website.
See here for my article on peak/rush hour train times in Japan.
Need a coffee at 7am in the Disney area?
Go to the lobby of the Hilton Tokyo Bay. They have a coffee shop in the lobby called Bean By The Bay. It is open from 7am-10pm.
There is also a Starbucks at Maihama Station that opens at 7am.
WHERE TO BUY FOOD TO EAT WHILE WAITING FOR THE DISNEY GATES TO OPEN?
If you’re in the disney area and shopping at Ikspiari Shopping Complex next to Tokyo Disneyland (opposite Maihama Station) you could always buy some breakfast bentos for the next day at Seijo Ishii supermarket for the next day (You can’t take bentos or wraps like this into the parks but you can eat them in the line before you go in.). Seijo Ishii supermarkets also stock gluten free bread. *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.” You need to purchase these the day before as Seijo Ishii at Ikspiari is open 10am- 11pm.
I have more pictures and details on how to find Seijo Ishii here and other items you can buy there in my Disney Area with Kids blog post here.
You can use google translate while you’re there but to give you an idea of what is on offer:
Top shelf:
Tuna & Spring Onion Sushi Handrolls, Ham & Egg Sandwiches, Cooked Shrimp & Brocolli Sandwiches, Mixed Veg Sandwiches, Colourful Veg Sandwiches ± a range of salads (sorry I can’t read the labels in the pic)
＊Dressings for salads are sold seperately – get the sesame dressing . Trust me!
Second shelf; Corn & Locally Sourced Colourful Veg Salad, Locally Sourced Green Veg Salad (sold out in this pic), Vermicelli Salad made with Okinawaーgrown Mozuku Seaweed, Burdock Root, Carrot, Sesame Mayo Salad, Crab & Quinoa Coleslaw Salad, (Can’t read this one in the pic- sorry!), Seafood Pasta Salad, (Can’t read the rest of the salad labels here -sorry!)
Second from bottom shelf:
Green & Yellow Veg Duck Salad, Quinoa & Walnut Ingredient Grain Salad, Chicken & Quinoa Salad with Olive Oil Dressing, （can’t see the other salad labels here – sorry!)
Bottom shelf:
Taco Meat Tortilla Wraps, Mixed Tortilla Wrap Pack with Ham & Egg and Cheese & Chicken, Yakiniku Beef & Root Veg Tortilla Wraps, Shrimp Fresh Spring Rolls with Coriander, Steamed Chicken & Egg Salad Spring Rolls, Salmon & Cheese Spring Rolls with Coriander, Shrimp & Steamed Chicken Spring Rolls, Smoked Salmon ＆Avocado Spring Rolls, Potato Salad.
There is also a McDonalds on the same floor as Seijo Ishii – but it doesn’t open until 8am.
Please note that there are no Starbucks stores inside Tokyo DisneySea. You will need to go to Ikspiari near Tokyo Disneyland before you enter if Starbucks is what you want.
There is a Starbucks inside the Ikspiari Complex but there is also a Starbucks right next to the exit of Maihama Station. Exit the train gates for Tokyo Disneyland and look to the left (it shares a wall with the station building. Open 7am-10pm
Exit at Maihama Station. Look left. It shares a wall with the station building.
I speak more about Ikspiari and the general Disney area here.
Vegan options at Japanese Starbucks include:
(Always need to double check in case they have changed the recipe at all, of course)
-the Sugar Donut
-the Mushroom Keema Curry Hot Tortilla
-the Banana Rice Flour Muffin
-the Blueberry Bagel Sandwich
If you are coming via Tokyo Disneyland, there is a convenience store just opposite the main entrance to Disneyland – just inside the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel. It is called “Looking Glass Gifts.”
Actually.. before you enter the park
There is the Disney Train to travel from Maihama Station (Tokyo Disneyland Station) to Tokyo Disney Sea. It’s so cute – even down to the train grips – so have the camera ready. It really adds to the excitement.
Make a plan
Please note : the term “rope drop” doesn’t mean anything to Japanese Disney-goers or to staff members.
Many people ask me what I do exactly as soon as I enter Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea (and, how I make the most of the fast pass system) – I’ve written a blog post on step by step what we do here.
Soarin’ is still one of the most popular rides at Tokyo Disneysea as it is still one of the newer attractions. If you are very keen to ride then I recommend heading to that ride first ( and expect to still wait in line for a while.)
I recommend having a game plan so make sure you have the map handy on the Tokyo Disney Resort App and also take note of the showtimes and try your luck at those which are luck of the draw lottery style ticketing.
We base our “attack” (disney geeks, right here!!) on the events that are time dependent.
*Note: I believe it isn’t worth paying for a premier pass for a parade spot – just turn up at least 30 minutes to your desired spot ahead of time (you have to arrive 30 mins ahead of time even if you’ve paid for a spot anyway.
We base our “attack” (disney geeks, right here!!) on the events that are time dependent.
We try to base rides and meals around show times – even better if you can eat outside of traditional meal times as Japanese people rarely budge on this. Eat at 11am then again at 3pm – the restaurants don’t clsoe between meal times or anything. This way you avoid the lunch rush.
See what rides are temporarily closed for the day on the Tokyo DisneySea website closures page here.
If you have a true Toy Story fan, I recommend going to the Toy Story ride as soon as possible – the line gets long really quickly and it is probably in one of the furthest spots from the park entrance. Otherwise, it’s a good option to purchase a ride for and skip the queues completely.
We then head to either the beautiful double decker carousel (which is such a good idea as the lines are never really that long because there are so many ride-on animals) or straight for the Mermaid’s Lagoon.
The Mermaid’s Lagoon is such a fantastic area for little ones. It has almost all of the kiddie rides all in one gigantic cave with an indoor playground and explorative play area. It is undercover so it doesn’t matter what the weather is like. There is also a small splash section here for little children during the warmer months (so have a change of clothes ready if you think your children will love this.)
Please note that I’ve written a whole separate article on the newest section of Tokyo Disneysea called “Fantasy Springs” here.
- Caravan Carousel
- Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure
- Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster ( for 3 years +)
- Blowfish Balloon Race
- The Whirlpool
- Jasmine’s Flying Carpets
- Aquatopia (while you’re waiting in the line here – there is a HIDDEN MICKEY on one of the blue posters seen from the line here… hint: blue background, white mickey.) During Summer months, there is a “splash me!” vehicle you can choose before boarding this ride to help you cool down. I have a picture of my drenched kids after this ride just below this text.
*Please note that Aquatopia is closing Sept 14, 2026. - The Nemo ride
- Scuttles Scooters
- The Toy Story ride – warning. This ride has a long wait time (if it’s a priority – go here first!)
- Journey to the Center of the Earth (for bigger kids as this is a thrill ride)
- Indiana Jones (for bigger kids as this is a thrill ride)
- Raging Spirits (for bigger kids as this is a thrill ride)
- The Tower of Terror (for bigger kids as this is a thrill ride)
My kids also get a kick out of getting a 1st ride sticker for some of the bigger rides – these are sometimes handed out by ride staff.
Which Tokyo Disneysea ride do we all agree is rubbish?
20,000 leagues under the sea. I warned you. It’s just boring.
other than that though….
My kiddies adore DisneySea so much.
The only part that disappoints them is the fact that there are no parades. (But my kids are particularly nutty for parades.) The major shows are all performed on and around the lake in the middle of the park.
These shows are spectacular and great fun but my kids miss the interaction with the parade characters when they are up close and in their faces.
At night there is a night show in the middle of the lake. It’s called “Believe” Sea of Dreams!”
Many people love this show. I find it a bit underwhelming with kids compared to the day shows or the night show against the castle at Tokyo Disneyland – mostly because I find it hard to get a spot where kids can see easily (everything feels far away.). This show includes projections agains buildings, fireworks from barges on the lake etc. Many people put it on par with the World of Color show at Disney in the US.
Mind you, there are fantastic shows around the base of the large ship and DisneySea has more “impromptu” shows (park cleaners that suddenly become magicians etc.)
I’ve heard Disneysea is a massive park. How do we get from one end to the other with children?
It is! (Hence all my advice about bringing or renting a stroller.) One way to get from one end of Tokyo Disneysea to the other is to:
1) take the Electric Railway. It runs between the American Waterfront (from just next to the Delancey Catering Hot Dog Van and the New York Deli restaurant) and Port Discovery (behind the Horizon Bay Restaurant.)
2) take the Disneysea Transit Steamer Line between the Lost River Delta area (near Miguel’s El Dorado Cantina) to the Meditteranean Harbour (from the docks near the Zambini Brothers restaurant)
Both of these transportation options go one way (and you wait for the next one if you wanted to also take a return trip) – so this means all belongings go with you – including strollers.
They run all the time so there isn’t a need to look at a timetable or anything.
Please note that the Transit Steamer Line stops when there is a water show on (or about to begin.)
DO TOKYO DISNEY PARKS HAVE A CHILD SWAP RIDE SYSTEM?
Yes. They do ! In Tokyo it is called the Rider Switch system. This is great if you have a baby with you or kids that don’t meet the height requirements for a certain ride. There is no need to prebook or anything – just let the staff members know you will be using Rider Switch while you are in the line.
The rides with a Rider Switch System at Tokyo Disneysea are:
-Indiana Jones
-Raging Spirits
-Tower of Terror
A unique souvenir idea: Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea Exclusive Gatchapon Toys
There are 5 Gatcha machines in the disney parks in Tokyo. Each cost 500 yen. The toys inside are all Tokyo Disney Resort themed for the rides! This is such a cute and unique little gift!
In Tokyo Disneyland the machines can be found in Treasure Comet in Tomorrowland, Adventureland Bazaar and inside the Toon Town 5 & 2 store.
Within Tokyo Disneysea they are inside the Tower of Terror Memorabilia Store and the souvenir shop inside Mermaid Lagoon.
On busy days you can use the Tokyo Disney Resort app to reserve a time to use the machines. You will need cash but there are change machines nearby if you only have notes.
You don’t know which one you’re going to get. We got the Baymax.
Here is more information on the Rider Switch system at Tokyo Disney Parks.
The good news is that there are many many more rides that you CAN still jump onto (waddle onto) but here is the list of no-nos.
- Tower of Terror
- Indiana Jones
- Raging Spirits
- Journey to the Centre of the Earth
- Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster
- Nemo & Friends Sea RiderAlso, did you know that you can request a Guest Assistance Card if you’re pregnant and can’t stand in line for a long period of time? Unfortunately, this doesn’t speed up the waiting process (so don’t even think about packing that watermelon to shove under your shirt, ok?) but it does mean that the staff will escort you to a place where you can sit while you wait. I have included link to this pregnancy section of the Tokyo Disney Resort website here.
- Turtle Talk (this is located inside that big S.S Columbia Ship near the Tower of Terror)
- The Magic Lamp Theater (although some people still say they like this without understanding. It’s a lot of talking though.)
Take the Disney Transit Steam Liner
Ariel’s Playground
From a grown-up perspective it’s not the most exciting section – but my kids love Ariel’s Playground.
The playground is an under-the-sea type Jungle Gym with a boat to climb on and caves to explore. My family love it because of all the different activities. My hubby and I love it because there is also no wait time.
It’s a beautiful little kid-friendly oasis from all the queues while visiting Tokyo Disneysea.
Search for Ariel’s hidden cave
Ask the staff for a map of Ariel’s playground and explore the caves until you find the statue of Prince Eric. It took us a few visits to find it (him?) and my little girl was over the moon to discover this little secret nook. We’ve kept the map and my kids love looking through it all the time at home too.
Mermaid or Pirate Themed. It’s a great little quiet space with no line.
My daughter played the Little Mermaid in her school play right after this visit so this visit was particularly special for us.
Cuddle a Character
Meeting characters is something that I love WAY more than DisneyLAND. At DisneySea, in order to meet a character you don’t just need to just be “lucky” enough that they appear at the right time (although there still are characters wandering around the park here too.) There is a section near the Indiana Jones ride where visitors can line up to meet their favourite character – just like you would queue for a ride. A professional photographer can be found at each booth but they don’t mind if you just ask for a photo with your own camera/phone either.
At the gift shop next to the Indiana Jones ride you can also buy an autograph book and ask the characters to sign them for you.
The same autograph book is also sold at Bon Voyage, the Tokyo Disney Resort gift shop on the walkway between Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland.
It’s easiest to meet Toy Story characters outside of the Toy Story Mania ride.
The Aladdin & Little Mermaid characters (roaming around the park) are kept exclusively for DisneySea.
Look who we also bumped into! Chip and Dale!
And the Incredible Family a few times too ( we have also “met” them at Tokyo Disneyland. )
Visit Captain Hook’s Pirate Ship Playground inside Fantasy Springs.
I have more pictures and info here.
Carnival Corral play area
The Carnival Corral Play Area doesn’t have any lines. It’s just a play area with some old school-style arcade games and clown mirrors. My two are just as excited by this as they are by the rides next door. Little play spots like this that don’t cost additional money and also don’t get overly crowded are just one of the reasons it’s so lovely to visit Tokyo Disneysea with kids.
Operate model ships in Fortress Exploration
There is a small (mostly indoor) climbing and exploration section in the Mediterranean Harbor Land area. It’s good for a little run around while you wait for a show to begin or someone else in your group to finish up on a ride etc.
We had a lot of rain in the evening while at Tokyo Disneysea with kids last summer and they loved operating the model boats and driving them into the fake storms (100 yen for a few minutes each.)
Stop for a drink at a vending machine
There is also an arena set up for some shows outside The Tower of Terror at Tokyo Disneysea.
For after Disneysea, I have some gluten free restaurant suggestions in the Ikspiari shopping complex, just outside of Tokyo Disneyland.
Take the Disney Resort Liner to get here.
If it rains or is really hot, it’s good to know which rides you can wait for and stay dry or in the shade when doing Tokyo Disney Sea with kids.
And at Disneysea ..
The whole Mermaid’s Lagoon section is undercover. You could spend so much time in there completely dry !
Other attractions undercover or the line is under cover at Tokyo DisneySea are:
Tower of Terror ( partly, if the line isn’t too long)
Fortress Explorations
Turtle Talk * not much fun if you don’t speak Japanese
Toy Story Mania ( partly, if the line isn’t too long)
Nemo & Friends
Indiana Jones ( partly, if the line isn’t too long). *extra tip- there is a HIDDEN MICKEY on one of the stone walls while you are in the line for Indiana Jones ride. Hint- it’s right near the entrance.)
Caravan Carousel
Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage (this is a family favourite – the wait time is always less than 10 mins so we ride it many times. It’s a bit like “It’s a Small World”)
The Magic Lamp Theater
My little guy adores this Chandu stuffed toy ( Chandu is a character from the Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage ride)
These Baymax glasses are for sale at Tokyo Disneysea’s gift shop called Nautilis Gifts – near the entrance to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Apply for the lottery for “Dance the Globe” at Tokyo Disneysea
This is a show with Mickey and other characters as well as Disney princesses. Held just outside of the Tower of Terror.
People watch: the matching outfits
There is this “thing” in the Disney Resort where couples and often large groups of Disney visitors will all dress-up the same. It will usually be a disney-inspired costume. It’s part of the whole day itself.
Tokyo Walker Magazine (May Edition) showed just how much this disney-inspired dressing is serious business.
People watch: the hard core fans
Fully-grown Adults are serious fans in this country. I once saw a woman (on her own) setting up her toys to watch the parade, a university-age student burst into tears when meeting Donald for the first time because she had waited for this moment all her life and a women who was so devoted to her collectables that she had her entire bag covered with them.
People watch: the popcorn lines
The lines for popcorn are often as long as some rides! There are different flavours available in different areas of the park and many people are keen to either try them all or keep refilling their popcorn buckets all day long. It’s a sight to see. Curry popcorn anyone? How about Soy Sauce flavour then?
Please ask as you purchase incase there have been any recipe changes BUT the following flavours at Tokyo Disneysea are vegan:
-Caramel
-Corn Potage
-Salted Popcorn
-White Chocolate
-Black Pepper
See here for a full list of where to find all of the popcorn buckets sold at Tokyo Disneysea (updated daily) included a list of all of the popcorn flavours and exactly where to find them.
Take a Gondola ride to the middle of the “sea” at Disneysea
The line for this can be long EXCEPT for just after the parades on the water (because the gondola is on hold when the water shows are on, of course.) So, if you don’t like the shows – go for the gondola ride entrance and wait there instead.
Try on all the hats
Try them on. Take pictures. The shops and stalls aren’t bothered.
As an adult I enjoy Disney from a business model perspective too. How on earth do they manage to make everyone feel like they are constantly having fun and getting their money’s worth?
I also love that there are no corners cut when it comes to detail. Every rubbish bin matches it’s section of disney. The water fountains too!
Example: this was my husband’s coffee stirrer. You can’t help but appreciate these little tidbits.
Duffy is a reasonably new disney character. He is , apparently Mickey’s teddybear …? I think?
This special teddybear is for sale in some other Disney’s around the world but in Japan, Duffy has a cult following. In Japan, Duffy is only for sale in Tokyo DisneySea and the Duffy gift stores are wall-to-wall with Duffy fans.
I have to admit that my family also love the teddybear too and even have become properly Japanese and invested in the Duffy bag/backpack.
Lina Bell and Olu Mel
Only for sale at Tokyo Disneysea
Post yourself a postcard with a limited edition Tokyo Disney Sea postage stamp
Postino Stationery (just inside Disneysea) sells postcards and stamps. There is a postbox just outside of the shop (the stamps only work if posted while inside Tokyo Disney Sea.
Explore the fountains and rockwork at Fantasy Springs
This is an area to explore that requires no waiting at all. Many people remember to check out the disney characters carved into the rocks at the Fantasy Springs entrance but many forget there are more around near the Fantasy Springs gift shop.
Be careful what you promise…
More than other Disney resorts in the world, the Tokyo parks are geared as much for adults as for children. That means that you can get caught out (speaking from experience!!) by promising your child a toy at the end of the day. There aren’t really many toys in the gift shops. There are lots of Disney themed homewares and keyrings etc, but even the plush toys are often limited-time-only “Mickey in a Santa Costume” or “Anniversary Edition Donald.”
I’m assuming that this is because the Disney Stores are such big business in Japan and the ordinary standard soft toys can be purchased easily.
Perhaps consider buying a small toy ahead of time and keeping it for the end of the day instead?
I’ve done this before ( had some little Mickey and Minnie figurines in my bag ) and it worked out well for us.
I think that the popcorn containers from Disney make fantastic gifts (although you will need to fill them with clothing to make it worth your while shoving it into the suitcase.) Each popcorn stand sells different kinds of containers ( I mean, different characters and shapes etc.) In Japan, collecting these babies is SERIOUS business. They are all produced for a limited time only – which is a genius idea when it comes to producing a sense of urgency when it comes to sales.
See here for a full list of where to find all of the popcorn buckets sold at Tokyo Disneysea (updated daily) included a list of all of the popcorn flavours and exactly where to find them.
The two pictured below were purchased at DisneySea. The popcorn buckets weren’t cheap – around 2500 yen each – BUT if you buy them to use right away – and you want popcorn refill several times over at Disney…. the refills are very cheap… but you still need to buy the bucket first.
They are adorable and make for beautiful keepsakes.
On a weekend or a movie night – I buy a bag of popcorn or microwave popcorn and the kids bring the containers out again and sit it on their laps throughout the whole film.
The newest popcorn buckets are Toy Story. They are sold at the popcorn stands near Aquatopia, Indiana Jones and one just at the end of the bridge on the American Waterfront . See here for a full list of where to find all of the popcorn buckets sold at Tokyo Disneysea (updated daily) included a list of all of the popcorn flavours and exactly where to find them.
The most beautiful changing rooms for babies are at Tokyo Disneysea!
Oh and these are the diaper/ nappy changing rooms near the Mermaid’s Lagoon. So beautiful right? There are also private breastfeeding rooms here too.
Beautiful photo courtesy of @tokyodisneystyle
If you stay until the end of the night – there is a night show in the middle of the lake. It’s called “Believe” Sea of Dreams!” (I speak about this a bit above too but….) We like it and it’s very disney magical HOWEVER I do find this show VERY hard with small kids. You see, everyone needs to watch from around the lake. That means everyone is standing. No kids allowed on shoulders so it is hard for them to see. There are projections on the buildings and some fireworks so even if they can’t see everything it’s still nice. But, I must admit, that it breaks my heart when kids can’t see the whole thing.
Is there are prayer room at Tokyo Disneysea?
There is a quiet room – used for prayer by many Muslim guests. It is located just near the exit (right next to the giant blue spinning world globe.)
TOKYO DISNEYSEA
1-13 MAIHAMA, URAYASU, CHIBA
千葉県舞浜1-13
SEE WEBSITE AS OPENING HOURS VARY
TOKYO DISNEY RESORT WEBSITE
Here is an extra tip if you have to leave Tokyo Disney Sea early and are exploring the Disney area or staying at a hotel near Disney or are going back into Tokyo via Maihama Station…….. at the end of the day, if the weather is nice (so nice that they aren’t cancelled) you can see the Tokyo Disneyland fireworks from Maihama Station at 8:30pm each night.
Many of the hotels near Tokyo Disney have complimentary shuttles back to the hotel from just outside of the Tokyo Disney Parks.
With luggage, I wouldn’t rely on using coin lockers next to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea – they fill up first thing in the morning. Best to have your hotel store your luggage and go back for it later.
Please do let me know if you visit Tokyo Disneysea with kids, please do let me know if you found my tips to be helpful!
Read here to see exactly what I pack for a day at Tokyo Disney with kids.
If you are returning to the city via taxi or a rental car –did you know that there is a drive-thru Starbucks on the way back in to Tokyo? I’ve written about it here.
What to read before driving in Japan
The Japan Automobile Federation has a detailed guide on road safety in Japan here.
Here is the link to the National Police Agency’s Traffic Safety Guidelines in Japan.
And here is the National Police Agency’s brochure for international drivers in Japan.
And here are my personal tips for driving in Japan.
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.
LOOKING FOR WHERE TO BUY DIAPERS / NAPPIES IN THE TOKYO DISNEY AREA?
If it’s the day you’re visiting Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea, I recommend buying them inside the Baby Centre inside the Disney Parks.
However, if you’re looking for places to purchase nappies outside of the parks, I recommend going to Tomods Drugstore on the second floor of the Ikspiari complex outside of Tokyo Disneyland (opens at 10am) or at Drug Seims Drugstore in Urayasu which is 5 mins in a cab, approx 900 yen, from Tokyo Disneyland (opens at 8am.) Seijo Ishii supermarket at Ikspiari also sells some nappies/diapers – even some of the largest sizes (open from 10am-10:30pm.)
The Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel gift shop “Sunset Sundries” also sells small packs of nappies (you don’t need to be a guest to shop here.) This hotel is on the non-disney side of the Ikspiari Complex – just walk the length of the complex to get there – past the Disney store and Cinema and it’s right there. Open 6am-midnight. This is closer to Tokyo DisneyLAND than it is to Tokyo Disneysea.
I’ve written in detail about the Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel here.
Top row: Cold Forehead Patches for Kids with Fevers, Mosquito Deterrent Mickey and Mickey Stickers, Cold Wet Wipes for Staying Cool, -3 Degrees Cool Wipes (these are only sold in summer)
Middle Row: Hand Sanitiser, Cold Forehead Patches for Kids with Fevers, Cold Towels for Necks (keep necks cool for up to 1 hour), Cold wipes for staying cool, Blotting Sheets (for sweat), Instant Icepack, Travel Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Soaps, Cleansers and Moisturizers .
