This information to Tokyo Disneyland points of interest comprises brief critiques and ranking for each trip and present within the park, plus line-skipping suggestions for Japan’s equal of the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland. For those who’re planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort, this can be a nice useful resource when figuring out what to do and skip. (Up to date September 16, 2024.)
This itemizing of trip critiques coupled with our 1-Day Tokyo Disneyland Itinerary is an effective way to sort out a day within the park. That’s very true provided that the park’s main enlargement, that includes Magnificence and the Beast and Huge Hero 6 additions, has now opened. Even earlier than that, Tokyo Disneyland had a fully stacked trip roster together with distinctive seasonal leisure. All of meaning troublesome selections should be made, particularly if you happen to solely have a single day at TDL.
The excellent news is that, not like Tokyo DisneySea (see our separate Tokyo DisneySea Attraction Information for extra about that park), a lot of what you encounter at Tokyo Disneyland can be acquainted. Very acquainted. Throughout its preliminary development, components of Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom had been cherry-picked and duplicated in Tokyo Disneyland. A lot of that is obvious right this moment, although nearly each addition subsequent to the park’s opening in 1983 has been distinctive. Tokyo Disneyland isn’t practically as distinctive as Tokyo DisneySea, but it surely’s nonetheless superior.
Tokyo Disneyland is arguably one of the best Disney fort park on the planet. That is largely as a result of high quality of upkeep, wonderful Solid Members, superior eating choices and unimaginable snacks choices, and some flagship points of interest (Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, and Monsters Inc. Experience & Go Search) that redefine the Disney darkish trip expertise.
One factor to notice is that you simply’ll must obtain the Tokyo Disney Resort app earlier than visiting so as to save time and have a extra environment friendly day at Tokyo Disneyland. The app is now accessible in English, and is the way you’ll be a part of present lotteries, get hold of standby passes, make restaurant reservations or cellular orders–in addition to buy paid FastPass or get hold of free FastPass.
Technically, it isn’t known as FastPass anymore. The non secular successors to free FastPass are Premier Entry and Precedence Go. See our Information to (Free) Precedence Go & (Paid) Premier Entry at Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea for eligible points of interest, costs, and tips on how to make these line-skipping ride-reservations.
Because it exists right this moment, Tokyo Disneyland is a little bit of a “Bizarro Magic Kingdom,” with sure points of the park mirroring components of current day Magic Kingdom. We hope this doesn’t downplay simply how wonderful and distinctive Tokyo Disneyland is, because it’s really a particular park. (It’s my second favourite theme park on the planet, so it’s definitely rather more than a Magic Kingdom knock-off!)
Like Tokyo DisneySea, leisure is very in style at Tokyo Disneyland, with Japanese followers placing their mats down for parades and exhibits over an hour prematurely in lots of circumstances. Traces may also be fairly lengthy, as Tokyo Disneyland is among the high 5 theme parks on the planet when it comes to annual attendance. Due to this, it will likely be a problem to expertise all the high points of interest in a single day.
The similarities between many points of interest in Tokyo Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom/Disneyland make our method to this information a bit troublesome. On the one hand, we suspect hardcore Disney followers who’ve the time will need to expertise as a lot as attainable to notice the variations, nonetheless minor, between varied variations of the points of interest. Alternatively, reasonable followers possible received’t care, and even hardcore followers with restricted time are higher served spending that point at Tokyo DisneySea.
With that out of the best way, listed below are our critiques & rankings for each attraction and main piece of leisure at Tokyo Disneyland…
Prime Tokyo Disneyland Points of interest
Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast (10/10) – Friends enter Beast’s Fortress for among the finest fashionable darkish rides in Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast, which retells the story of the animated masterpiece. The preshow into the fort foyer with a grand staircase and two balconies overlooking friends. This serves as an introduction for Belle and Beast to at least one one other, and our entry level into their story.
From there, friends enterprise deeper into the fort whereas winding by way of elaborate and ornate queue, which is house to some unimaginable results. Lumière, Cogsworth, Chip, Mrs. Potts, Sultan, and others all make appearances. The load space for the ride-through portion of the Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is within the fort’s kitchen. Fittingly, friends board magical cups that “dance” in rhythm to the well-known music from Magnificence and the Beast, as they take friends glide by way of scenes depicting the story of the animated movie.
Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is a superb attraction and one which has really grown on us each extra with every repeat trip. Even after over a half-dozen ride-throughs, we’re nonetheless noticing and marveling at new options and results. Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is worthy of its mega E-Ticket standing and is within the higher echelon of all points of interest on the planet. The Audio Animatronics are unimaginable, the staging is usually improbable, and there are a number of wonderful results and ‘how did they do this’ moments.
Not solely that, but it surely’s a meaty attraction, with a compelling queue and pre-show, and a prolonged ride-through portion. It must be your #1 precedence trip at Tokyo Disneyland, and also you would possibly even need to do it greater than as soon as. It’s the uncommon attraction we suggest buying Premier Entry to expertise, with very first thing within the morning or proper after Dreamlights being one of the best instances to trip. For extra pictures & commentary, see our Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast trip overview.
Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights (10/10) – Dreamlights is a nighttime gentle parade a la SpectroMagic and the Important Avenue Electrical Parade. This takes the sunshine parade idea to the subsequent stage, and provides a few revolutionary floats to the combo, making Important Avenue Electrical Parade look antiquated by comparability.
Dreamlights combines an important soundtrack with some plussed variations of the usual floats stateside friends are used to, after which throws some really astonishing floats into the combo. Dreamlights is our favourite Disney parade, wherever ever. It’s unimaginable. Stake out a spot about forty-five minutes to an hour (relying upon crowds) earlier than the parade for one of the best view. Take a look at Dreamlights: Disney’s Finest Evening Parade for extra pictures & suggestions.
Disney Concord in Shade Parade (9.5/10) – Tokyo Disneyland’s fortieth anniversary parade, Concord in Shade is a blockbuster daytime parade with some lavish and huge floats. Themed to a “harmonious world of colours,” the parade options the Disney mates who showcase themes of journey, braveness, household bonds and friendship with colourful flower petals. The characters’ goals and needs develop into vibrant with colours, and invite friends on a journey to a world of concord.
We’re not usually too massive on daytime parades, however we love this one. It’s excessive power and vibrant with out being cheesy, and likewise featured some nice designs. Plus, the soundtrack could be very catchy, albeit a bit bubbly (it really works nicely). For Disney followers, there have been additionally little Easter Eggs scattered on the floats. Stake out a spot 30-60 minutes prematurely.
Mickey’s Magical Music World (8.5/10) – One other addition to Fantasyland Forest subsequent door to Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast, that is Tokyo Disneyland’s montage musical stage present. This authentic present options Mickey Mouse and mates in a dwell efficiency of music and dance that makes full use of the theater’s large-scale stage units and results.
For those who’ve seen one of many montage musicals aboard Disney Cruise Line or within the different worldwide parks (or the now-extinct Mickey and the Magical Map at Disneyland), you need to get the final concept. We expect this can be a better-staged model of these, but it surely’s nonetheless the identical concept. In case your time is proscribed, watching this most likely shouldn’t be a high precedence–however it is extremely good.
The Pleased Experience with Baymax (?/10) – The official description is as follows: “Expertise this wild musical trip developed by the younger inventor Hiro Hamada. As up-tempo music performs, this trip is certain to make everybody pleased.” That doesn’t actually let you know a lot. If truth be told, this can be a flat trip, just like the teacups or Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.
Seeing the hour-long posted wait instances and large crowds gathered to observe the Pleased Experience with Baymax, you is perhaps satisfied in any other case. And it’s true that there’s one thing particular–a sure je ne sais quoi concerning the attraction. It has kinetic power, and the “routines” carried out by onlookers transforms and elevates the attraction. Kind of like how the Jungle Cruise skippers make that into one thing totally different utterly. However sufficient to justify ready 60+ minutes? We don’t suppose so. Whereas that is nearly unimaginable to attain, we’re inclined to suggest standing outdoors the attraction for 10 minutes or so partake within the power and expertise, quite than really using. To every their very own, although. (If pressured to attain, I’d give it 7/10.)
Monsters Inc. Experience & Go Search (10/10) – Interactive darkish trip wherein friends use flashlights to set off results and reveal monsters. Together with Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, that is the flagship attraction at Tokyo Disneyland. Reactions to Experience & Go Search have been considerably combined, however we completely like it and think about it in the identical caliber as Hunny Hunt. Its Audio Animatronics are superior and lifelike (nicely, assuming an enormous blue monster is one way or the other “lifelike”), with very fluid motions. Units are immersive and embody a ton of element.
The interactive twist of showing monsters and different results by shining a flashlight on them is enjoyable (it’s elective) and provides to the re-rideability of the attraction, as you possible won’t see all of it on one ride-through. The Monsters, Inc. darkish trip at Disney California Journey doesn’t maintain a candle to this. Monsters Inc. Experience & Go Search affords free Precedence Go, and it’s an excellent use of that–we normally decide it second.
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (10/10) – Trackless darkish trip by way of the world of Winnie the Pooh. That is the gold normal for Fantasyland darkish rides–you’ll by no means take a look at the remainder the identical after Hunny Hunt. The trackless trip system is vital, however so are the good scenes and different results. Hunny Hunt’s trip automobiles dance with each other and have interaction their environments in a means that provides an unimaginable quantity of immersion.
From the automobiles “gathering” round for storytime to bouncing with Tigger to spinning in Pooh’s dream with Heffalumps, you’re feeling like an precise participant on this extremely imaginative trip. Apart from that each characteristic Pooh, on no account is that this akin to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. We suggest doing Pooh’s Hunny Hunt by way of standby at rope drop/park opening, and likewise getting Precedence Go for it together with your #1 or #2 choice.
Haunted Mansion (10/10) — The Haunted Mansion is a slow-moving darkish trip that’s house to 999 pleased haunts which are dying to satisfy you. Within the Haunted Mansion, the ghosts are the extra jovial, singing sort (this isn’t a “Homicide Home”). That is mainly the Walt Disney World model of the Haunted Mansion, with out the current enhancements and with a pair totally different results. The narration is in Japanese, however the visuals (and your reminiscence, if you happen to’ve visited different Disney theme parks) are all you actually need.
Haunted Mansion is situated in Fantasyland, supposedly as a result of ghost tales are “fantasy” in Japan. I believe that’s a handy excuse, and the truth is that there wasn’t a greater spot for it with out retooling it (a la Phantom Manor in Paris’ Frontierland). Regardless, it’s in style, however has Precedence Go. In our expertise, it’s among the many final points of interest to expire of Precedence Go, so wait till they’re all gone for all the things else, then seize a Haunted Mansion Precedence Go. Failing that, traces are shorter at evening.
Pirates of the Caribbean (10/10) — Pirates of the Caribbean is a boat-ride again in time to the times when pirates dominated the Caribbean. The points of interest options Audio Animatronics pirates, together with Captain Jack Sparrow, participating in swashbuckling mayhem. That is barely shorter than the Disneyland model of the trip, but it surely contains each scene current at Disneyland (together with its personal Blue Bayou restaurant). Its excessive capability plus relative lack of recognition in Tokyo make this one thing you are able to do each time.
Western River Railroad (9/10) – Railroad trip departing Adventureland and taking friends by way of Westernland and Critter Nation earlier than returning to Adventureland. In contrast to different Disney theme parks, this railroad doesn’t circle the perimeter of the park. As a substitute, it’s a loop departing from and returning to Adventureland. Whereas it could’t be used as transportation between lands, it affords stunning views of points of interest and scenes, together with Primeval World, alongside the best way. Do that each time.
Jungle Cruise (8.5/10) — Jungle Cruise is a ship trip by way of the rivers of Adventureland that encounters hippos, lions, and piranhas, amongst different animals and natives, alongside the best way. Usually, the true spotlight right here is the continuous zingers of the skippers who pilot the boats. This holds true in Japan, besides the expertise is fully in Japanese. The skipper’s mannerisms are all the time a hoot, and most of the punchlines are at related factors and have related cadence as their US counterparts, so if you happen to’re accustomed to Jungle Cruise, you’ll nonetheless “get” components of it. Don’t get discouraged by the “no English” factor right here, as Jungle Cruise would possibly simply be extra enjoyable when you may’t perceive it. Jungle Cruise obtained new results just lately, however its reputation has as soon as once more died down, that means you are able to do this each time.
Splash Mountain (10/10) — Splash Mountain is a log flume trip that encompasses a story from Disney’s Tune of the South movie, and climaxes with an enormous drop into the briar patch. That thrill plus nice Audio Animatronics-driven present scenes make it an all-around winner. It’s much like the Walt Disney World model, however superior in a lot of methods. First, the attraction queue goes proper into the within of the mountain, with particulars alongside the best way (my favourite of which is Brer Owl, who talks to friends as they wait).
The present scenes are additionally much like Walt Disney World, however with delicate (and generally excessive) variations. Undoubtedly do Splash Mountain, even if you happen to’re largely skipping “related” points of interest. Splash Mountain is the third hottest attraction at Tokyo Disneyland when the climate is sweet, however wait instances are decrease very first thing within the morning or as soon as the solar goes down. You may as well buy Premier Entry, which is beneficial if you wish to do it noon.
Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad (8.5/10) — Huge Thunder Mountain a curler coaster themed as a runaway mine prepare on a trip by way of the barren panorama of the Outdated West. Cling onto your hats and glasses, as a result of Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad is “the wildest trip within the wilderness!” Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad is similar to the Magic Kingdom model, with some minor beauty variations. It is among the hottest points of interest at Tokyo Disneyland, and whereas it does provide Precedence Go, we suggest utilizing that on repeat visits to Monsters Inc. Experience & Go Search or Hunny Hunt as an alternative of this. For those who aren’t utilizing Precedence Go, go right here instantly after Hunny Hunt, very first thing within the morning for a minimal wait.
‘it’s a small world’ (9/10) — ‘it’s a small world’ is the enduring attraction that includes the youngsters of the world and that tune…in Japanese! Until you reside beneath a rock, you’re accustomed to it. Traces are by no means all that lengthy, it’s good for friends of all ages, and is a calming boat trip.
Nation Bear Jamboree (9.5/10) — A stage present that includes Audio Animatronics singing bears from the South. Have you ever ever puzzled what’s higher than stereotypical bears from the American South performing in English? Those self same bears who additionally communicate Japanese! It makes them extra cultured. For those who’re the politically appropriate sort who’s offended by a number of wry and off-color jokes by singing bears as they lovingly parody stereotypical Southern tradition, you’ll love Nation Bear Jamboree in Tokyo Disneyland…since you received’t have the ability to perceive these jokes!
In all seriousness, Nation Bear Jamboree is a must-do for us although we don’t perceive all the dialogue as a result of its upkeep is impeccable, and its pre-show and post-show are full of superior artifacts. Bonus factors if you happen to go to through the summer season or Christmas season, as you’ll be handled to the seasonal exhibits, Trip Jamboree or Jingle Bell Jamboree. We love Jingle Bell Jamboree and we additionally love Nation Bear Trip Jamboree.
Mark Twain Riverboat (7/10) – A ship trip across the Rivers of America, passing by way of Westernland and Critter Nation. It’s an important ambiance trip with some wonderful views. Sundown and evening cruises aboard the Mark Twain are particularly superior.
Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes (7/10) – Visitor-paddled canoe trip across the Rivers of America led by energetic Solid Members. It’s an important communal expertise and provides you a little bit of a exercise. Good strategy to justify extra snacking. Nice views, too.
Roger Rabbit’s Automobile Toon Spin (9/10) – Roger Rabbit’s Automobile Toon Spin takes friends aboard a darkish trip voyage into Toontown in interactive automobiles that friends can spin. It is a direct clone (or near it) of the Disneyland model, however this model appears significantly better. Traces can get lengthy for Automobile Toon Spin. If you wish to do Automobile Toon Spin, think about doing it after Hunny Hunt within the morning or within the final two hours of the night.
Star Excursions: The Adventures Proceed (9.5/10) – Star Excursions is a flight-motion simulator into the Star Wars world with digital 3-D video, Audio Animatronics characters, and in-vehicle results. Star Excursions options a number of storylines, with some 64 totally different expertise mixtures. The substance of the trip itself is similar to the US parks, however the queue is kind of totally different. The best factor concerning the Star Excursions queue in Tokyo Disneyland was positively the hitchhiking droids, a reference to Haunted Mansion.
Goofy’s Paint ‘n’ Play Home (6.5/10) – Interactive screen-based home that you simply use digital paint sprayers to repaint. We thought this attraction was pretty lame and missing in responsiveness, however we aren’t the audience. Youngsters might very nicely like it as a result of they’ll see the results of their paint-spraying on the home. In case you have youngsters, do it regardless of our rating–we might very nicely be incorrect right here.
The Enchanted Tiki Room: Sew Presents “Aloha E Komo Mai!” (6.5/10) – A musical serenade from Audio Animatronics birds and Sew in a theater-in-the-round. This combines two issues that historical past would inform us are a recipe for catastrophe: a modernized Tiki Room and a Sew Audio-Animatronics determine. In any case, Below New Administration was a dud and Sew’s Nice Escape is a dud. But, one way or the other, it isn’t terrible. It’s not fairly nearly as good as the unique, but it surely’s distinctive, and it’s good to have variations within the points of interest from park to park. That is fully in Japanese, however there are closed caption gadgets for the English model. After watching it as soon as with the closed caption system, I’ve since watched with out. I really feel it distracts from the music and visuals of the present, and plot isn’t vital, anyway. Do that each time.
The Relaxation
Cinderella’s Fairytale Corridor (5/10) – It is a walk-through attraction in Cinderella Fortress with some neat photograph ops, however it could develop actually lengthy (30-60 minutes) traces. These traces transfer slowly and it’s crowded inside with different friends attempting to get their pictures subsequent to actually all the things.
Alice’s Tea Celebration (5/10) — A enjoyable and iconic diversion, though nothing particular.
Sew Encounter (4/10) – This changed Captain EO and is an attraction English-speakers ought to skip. It’s much like Turtle Discuss, however with Sew, and fully in Japanese. We did this twice, and each instances the Japanese youngsters within the viewers appeared too shy to work together, making for a clumsy expertise.
Fortress Carrousel (4.5/10) — Backyard selection carousel situated behind Cinderella Fortress.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant (6/10) — The favored basic spinner trip situated behind Cinderella Fortress in Fantasyland. It’s a basic and ceremony of passage for all youngsters, however due to new lighting and brief waits, it’s now a enjoyable night-time attraction for friends of all ages.
Gadget’s Go Coaster (4/10) – Means too brief; beneficial just for young children who can’t do different coasters. Appears near similar to the Disneyland model, however we’re not consultants on kiddie coasters.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic (9/10) – A 3D montage movie of Disney animation cleverly tied along with Donald Duck. Kids of the 90s are certain to like this movie, however actually, anybody ought to get pleasure from it. The narration is in Japanese, however the present is in any other case similar to the US model (save for some shows within the pre-show holding space), so you may safely skip it. (Regardless of the numerical rating, that is in “the remainder” as a result of there’s actually no purpose to spend time on it in Japan.)
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey (6/10) — Respectable darkish trip based mostly on Pinocchio. Very dated, however charming. An identical to the Disneyland model, besides in Japanese. Do it earlier than midday or after sundown for the shortest traces.
Snow White’s Adventures (5.5/10) — A dated journey by way of the story of Snow White offered considerably totally different than the Disneyland model. A cute attraction in case you have the time. Do it earlier than midday or after sundown for the shortest traces.
Tremendous-Duper Jumpin’ Time (4/10) – A high-energy present aimed toward youngsters that’s–fairly actually–simply characters leaping round.
Swiss Household Robinson Treehouse (7/10) — Enjoyable treehouse that may be shortly explored as a pleasant change of tempo from doing rides. It affords an important view of Cinderella Fortress, and by no means has a line.
Tom Sawyer Island (7/10) — A whole island play space for youths that harkens again to a bygone space. It’s rather well executed, and an important place for youths to blow off power. Adults might benefit from the tranquility of the island, too. Onerous to think about that you simply’re in probably the most populated metropolis on the planet right here.
This leaves out roaming atmospheric performers just like the Tokyo Disneyland Band, seasonal leisure, character meet & greets, and the dinner exhibits in Polynesian Terrace and the Diamond Horseshoe, but it surely’s all the vital, year-round points of interest. In case you have the time, attempt to do each attraction, but when not, you’re most likely superb skipping the points of interest which are near-clones to Magic Kingdom or Disneyland!
Planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort? For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Journey Planning Information! For extra specifics, our TDR Resort Rankings & Evaluations web page covers lodging. Our Restaurant Evaluations element the place to dine & snack. To save cash on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash publish. Our What to Pack for Disney publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. Venturing elsewhere in Japan? Seek the advice of our Final Information to Kyoto, Japan and Metropolis Information to Tokyo, Japan.
Your Ideas…
This publish is a piece in progress as a part of our Tokyo Disney Resort journey planning collection, so what different questions do you’ve gotten about Tokyo Disneyland? For those who’ve been, which points of interest are your favorites? Which of them do you skip? Do you agree or disagree with our rankings? For those who haven’t visited Tokyo Disneyland but, which points of interest are you most enthusiastic about? Listening to from you is half the enjoyable, so please share your questions and ideas within the feedback!
