Tokyo Disney Resort Travel Guide

Discover everything you need to know to explore Tokyo Disney Resort, from must-visit attractions and outdoor adventures to food and drink and cultural customs.


Introduction to Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is a magical world of fun and amusement that sits in Chiba prefecture, in Japan’s Kanto region. It is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, offering a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment.

The resort is made up of two themed parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Each park provides guests with endless entertainment options, including rides, shows, shopping, and dining. With so much to do, it’s no surprise that Tokyo Disney Resort attracts millions of visitors every year.

List of Places to Visit in Tokyo Disney Resort

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort, here are some of the must-visit attractions and places to see:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tokyo Disneyland: Tokyo Disneyland is the first Disney theme park built outside of the United States. It features classic Disney attractions, such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, and is a must-visit destination for Disney lovers.

  • Tokyo DisneySea: Tokyo DisneySea is the world’s only Disney theme park themed around the ocean. It boasts seven themed ports of call, each with its unique attractions and dining options.

  • Kabuki Theater: The Kabuki Theater, located in Tokyo Disneyland’s World Bazaar, is a great spot to experience traditional Japanese culture, including music, dance, and costumes.

Natural Attractions of Tokyo Disney Resort: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fantasyland Forest Theatre: The Fantasyland Forest Theatre is an open-air theater that hosts various stage performances, including Disney musicals and live-action shows, in the midst of the beautiful forest setting.

  • Electric Railway: Tokyo Disney Resort’s Electric Railway takes you on a scenic ride through the parks and offers fabulous views of Tokyo’s skyline.

  • Mediterranean Harbor: Located in Tokyo DisneySea, Mediterranean Harbor is a beautiful waterfront area that boasts stunning views of the harbor and landscape. It is home to the park’s centerpiece, the giant “Aquatopia” spinning ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tokyo Disney Resort

If you are looking for some outdoor activities in Tokyo Disney Resort, hiking and biking are excellent options. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails:

  • Ikspiari Hiking Trail: This trail is perfect for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Tokyo Disney Resort. The looped trail takes you through lush forests, picturesque waterfalls, and pleasant streams.

  • Jogging Trail: For fitness enthusiasts, there is a 2.7 km jogging trail that passes through both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, offering a unique jogging experience with a magical view.

Best Things to Do in Tokyo Disney Resort: Activities and Tours

Tokyo Disney Resort has many entertaining activities that you can enjoy during your visit. Here are some of the best things to do in Tokyo Disney Resort:

  • Meet and Greet Disney Characters: Meeting your favorite Disney characters is always a great experience at Tokyo Disney Resort. You can get up close and personal with Mickey and friends to take selfies and get autographs.

  • Disney Parade: There are several parades throughout the day at Tokyo Disney Resort. Be sure to catch the floats and performers with your camera for some unforgettable memories.

  • Nighttime Spectacular: Tokyo Disney Resort’s nightly shows are breathtaking, with stunning light displays, fireworks, and music that will leave you mesmerized.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tokyo Disney Resort

If you have an entire week to explore Tokyo Disney Resort, here is a suggested itinerary that you can follow:

Day Activities
Day 1 Start your trip with Tokyo Disneyland
Day 2 Explore Tokyo DisneySea and its seven themed ports of call
Day 3 Visit the nearby Tokyo Disney Resort partner hotels and shopping malls
Day 4 Relax and unwind with a day trip to the nearby Tokyo Bay area
Day 5 Go hiking and biking through the Ikspiari Hike Trail
Day 6 Experience Japanese culture at the Kabuki Theatre and other cultural exhibits
Day 7 End your trip with the Nighttime Spectacular show at Tokyo Disneyland

Food and Drink Scene of Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort has an extensive food and drink scene that will satisfy your cravings. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pizza Spring Rolls: Found in Tokyo Disneyland, these crispy spring rolls are filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, providing a delicious gourmet twist on classic pizza.

  • Gyoza Dog: Located in Tokyo DisneySea, this mouth-watering dish is made up of a steaming hot dog, wrapped in a crisp gyoza skin and stuffed with a savory pork dumpling filling.

Local Beverages

  • Mickey-shaped soda: This delightful drink can be found in both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. It comes in a cute souvenir cup, and the bubbly drink itself comes in various fruity flavors.

  • Draft Beer: Tokyo Disney Resort has plenty of draft beer outlets throughout the parks, offering local brews for beer lovers.

Where to Stay in Tokyo Disney Resort: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are numerous accommodation options to choose from in Tokyo Disney Resort to fit any budget or preference. Here are some of the best options:

  • Tokyo Disneyland Hotel: It is the only hotel located inside Tokyo Disneyland and provides easy access to the park. The hotel has an elegant Victorian-style façade and various room options.

  • Hilton Tokyo Bay: This hotel is located near Tokyo DisneySea and offers spectacular views of Tokyo Bay, with spacious rooms and excellent amenities.

  • Tokyo Bay LaLa Resort Hotel: This leisure resort hotel is located only 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Disneyland and offers various relaxation facilities like spa, spacious rooms, and excellent amenities.

What to Buy in Tokyo Disney Resort: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip to Tokyo Disney Resort would be complete without buying some souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Here are some options:

  • Minnie Ear Headbands: You can find various versions of this iconic headband at stores throughout Tokyo Disney Resort.

  • Plush Toys and Keychains: Tokyo Disney Resort has plenty of plush toys themed after your favorite Disney characters.

Local Culture and Customs of Tokyo Disney Resort

Before your visit, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local customs and culture of Tokyo Disney Resort. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Queuing: Japanese culture places a high value on orderliness and politeness, so respectful queuing is critical, meaning no cutting or saving places when lines may take longer than usual, as in most popular attractions.

  • Language: While many Tokyo Disney Resort cast members speak English, it is helpful to learn basic Japanese phrases before your trip to make your communication smoother.

Best Time to Visit Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is busy throughout the year. Still, there are some peak seasons when it gets particularly crowded, such as during Hanami (Cherry Blossom season) from late March to early April, Golden Week (early May), and Obon (mid-August). Also, days around New Year’s (late December – early January) are also considered a peak season as many Japanese travel for the holidays.

Off-season are the best times to visit and enjoy Tokyo Disney Resort without the crowds, and the best days to visit the parks are supposed to be Wednesdays and Thursdays, when the lines are shorter.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tokyo Disney Resort

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to follow during your visit to Tokyo Disney Resort:

Do:

  • Be Respectful: Japanese culture places a high value on politeness and respectfulness, so always be respectful to other guests and cast members.

  • Pack Plenty of Sunscreen: The sun can be harsh during the summer months, so be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected.

Don’t:

  • Don’t Smoke: Smoking is prohibited in most areas of the park, so be sure to abide by the designated smoking areas.

  • Don’t Bring Outside Food and Drinks: Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside Tokyo Disney Resort, so make sure you dispose of any items before entering.

Safety and Health

The safety of visitors is a top priority at Tokyo Disney Resort. Here is some information to stay safe and healthy during your visit:

Safety in Tokyo Disney Resort

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: With all the walking you will do, make sure you wear comfortable shoes to avoid sore feet and legs.

  • Follow the Rules: For your safety and that of others, always follow the park’s guidelines and rules.

Health in Tokyo Disney Resort

  • Stay Hydrated: Always stay hydrated, especially during hot weather, to avoid dehydration.

  • Bring Medications: Bring all necessary medications with you and make sure you have your prescriptions in your possession, just in case. There are medical facilities located throughout the park for any emergency medical attention required.

Getting to Tokyo Disney Resort: Transportation Options and Logistics

Transportation to Tokyo Disney Resort is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Tokyo Disney Resort

  • Narita International Airport: This is the primary airport for Tokyo Disney Resort and is located approximately 45 minutes away.

  • Haneda International Airport: Haneda International Airport is smaller and closer to Tokyo Disney Resort, approximately 20 minutes away by train or bus.

Bus Stations Near Tokyo Disney Resort

  • Tokyo Station: Tokyo Station provides convenient connections to Disneyland and DisneySea by bus.

  • Maihama Station: Maihama Station is the nearest train station to Tokyo Disney Resort, with many connecting buses to the parks.

Other Options

  • Taxis: There are taxis available from Narita International Airport and most train stations.

  • Rental Car: Renting a car can be a convenient option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Tokyo Disney Resort

Getting around Tokyo Disney Resort is relatively easy, and here are the best ways to do it:

  • Walking: Most areas of the park are readily accessible on foot, and walking is also a great way of experiencing the park and exploring hidden corners.

  • Disney Resort Line: The Disney Resort Line is a monorail that runs around Tokyo Disney Resort, providing convenient transportation between the parks, hotels, and other attractions.

Where to Go Next from Tokyo Disney Resort: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tokyo Disney Resort is surrounded by numerous destinations and excursion options. Here are some of the best:

  • Tokyo: The capital of Japan, Tokyo, is a short train ride away and offers an endless list of attractions to explore, including Odaiba, Shibuya, and Asakusa.

  • Yokohama: Located south of Tokyo, Yokohama is a vibrant port city that provides excellent shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

Conclusion

Tokyo Disney Resort is a magical world of fun and entertainment that offers something unique for everyone. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder the resort attracts millions of visitors every year. No matter what activities you choose, remember that Japan’s culture values respectfulness and politeness, so be a good and considerate guest at all times. Enjoy your trip!

Tokyo Disney Resort Tokyo Disney Resort Fans posing at the entrance Fans posing at the entrance Map of the Tokyo Disney Resort Map of the Tokyo Disney Resort Disney Resort Line Disney Resort Line Tokyo Disneyland main entrance Tokyo Disneyland main entrance Mount Prometheus, Tokyo DisneySea Mount Prometheus, Tokyo DisneySea