Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka!
Tokyo Disneyland is celebrating 35th anniversary in 2018.
I have been waiting for this celebration for the past 5 years, since I visit Disneyland once every 5 years.
In fact, while waiting, I bought and read 5 “strategy books” to learn about how to maximize my stay in Tokyo Disneyland.
Thanks to these tips I learned from the books, I was able to ride all attractions I wanted, and did not have to wait long to eat.
In this article, I will these tips and advise for those who love Tokyo Disneyland just like I do!
Local tells 10 Tips for Tokyo Disneyland!Useful Information for Foreign Tourists!
Tip #1:Purchase your ticket in advance
The waiting line at your favorite attractions will get longer and longer, as you wait to purchase your park ticket at the ticket booth which will have a line of its own.In order to save time, I recommend you purchase your park ticket in advance.
If you stay at any of the Disneyland Official hotels (Disney Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea MiraCosta, Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel), you can purchase your Park ticket inside your hotel.
If you would like to purchase your Park ticket online in advance, you may do so through Voyagin:here
Another option for you is to purchase an online ticket on Tokyo Disneyland official website:here
Tip #2:Take Advantage of Happy 15 Entry
If you stay at one of the official Disney Hotels, you can enter Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disney Sea 15 minutes before the official opening time of Tokyo Disneyland. Though it is only 15 minutes, this makes a world of difference as it can shorten your waiting time at your favorite attraction and ride.
As for me, thanks to Happy 15 Entry, I was able to ride Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blaster twice without waiting in line (one of which times, I used a FASTPASS)!!
The entrance for those with Happy 15 Entry is different from that for the general public.
You will be informed by the hotel staff of the exact location when you get your entrance ticket.
Be warned that you cannot use Happy 15 Entry system on the day of your check-in (though it seems that you will be able to after January 7 of 2019).
Tip #3:Utilize your FASTPASS wisely!!
FASTPASS is a must system to take advantage of in order to maximize your stay at Tokyo Disneyland. However, there are some rules to remember.
Once you obtain FASTPASS, you cannot get another one for 2 hours (or 1 hour during off-peak time).
Therefore, it is recommended that you get your FASTPASS whenever you can.
First thing in the morning, you get a FASTPAS for either of the followings:
- Pooh’s Honey Hunt
- Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek
- Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
Then, you will go directly to one of the following rides before you are allowed to get your next FASTPASS.
These popular rides might have a short line if it is early in the morning, therefore, you might not need a FASTPASS.
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Space Mountain
Using this method, I was able to ride Splash Mountain without obtaining a FASTPAS and my wait was only for 5 minutes (its average waiting time especially during the peak hours is around 70-120 minutes).
I was so happy that I even took a celebratory photo with the “5 minutes wait” signage.
It is a must that you obtain only the necessary FASTPASS but as soon and wisely as you can.
Tip #4: Do not take a FASTPASS for attractions without long lines
As mentioned previously, once you get your FASTPASS, you cannot get another one for a certain period of time.(1-2 hours.)There are some attractions that it is more efficient to just be in a line than going though getting a FASTPASS.
For example, there are some times where the waiting time for Haunted Mansion is as short as 20-30 minutes.
In time as such, it is simply more efficient just to be in that line than getting the FASTPASS and losing your chance of getting another one for 1-2 hours.
Next tip is very useful for Pirates of the Caribbean fans!
Tip #5: Find Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean
During the attraction of the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jack Sparrow will come greet you three times! If you are a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean, don’t miss it!!!
Tip #6: How to get a high score in the Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
If you want to get a high score in this attraction, try to be seated at the left side facing the direction of where you are going. It is easier to shoot the targets from this seat.
There are also a few spots where a 10,000-points target appears if you shoot a 100-point target.
For example, at the last scene, where Buzz and Zerg, if you turn your cart around back to the left side, you will see little green men.
Shooting the 100-point target there will result to a 10,000-point target appearing.
So at these scenes, it is important to shoot, shoot and shoot!
Tip #7: Adjust your viewing spot for the Electrical Parade Dreamlights, depending on your purpose
If your main objective is to take pictures of your favorite Disney characters, it is best for you to view the Parade near Toontown. The guests are allowed to stand only on one side of the street, which also means that it is guaranteed that all the characters who pass by will face towards the guests.
If you want to enjoy an attraction after the Parade, the best spot for you would be near the Haunted Mansion.
If you want to go home as soon as the Parade is over, it is best to watch the Parade near the Mickey Walt statue.
Tip #8: Two restaurants you don’t have to line up too much.
Disneyland’s restaurants are all crowded.Especially during the peak hours between 11am to 1pm, there are long lines of people almost everywhere.
Though there are two restaurants that are not as crowded as others, because they are located fairly far from the main entrance where most people gather.
- Rackety’s Raccoon Saloon in Critter Country
- The Lucky Nugget Café (Westernland) – which has a 400 seating capacity
If you don’t want to be in a long line for your lunch, try one of these options!
Tip #9: You can eat what you purchased within Tokyo Disneyland at any restaurant.
I obtained this very useful information from a staff.In my case, I ate food items I bought at Pan Galactic Pizza Port in the Plazma Ray’s Diner.
This is a great piece of information, as you can eat wherever with seats if you find that your restaurant no longer has any seat.
Tip #10: Find Hidden Mickey!
There are hidden Mickey everywhere in Tokyo Disneyland, from restaurants, inside the attractions, Toontowns, etc.It is like a treasure hunt to search for these hidden Mickeys!
How many can you find?
Summary
10 Tips for Tokyo Disneyland
- Purchase your ticket in advance
- Take Advantage of Happy 15 Entry
- Utilize your FASTPASS wisely!!
- Do not take a FASTPASS for attractions without long lines
- Find Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean
- How to get a high score in the Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
- Adjust your viewing spot for the Electrical Parade Dreamlights, depending on your purpose
- Two restaurants you don’t have to line up too much
- You can eat what you purchased within Tokyo Disneyland at any restaurant
- Find Hidden Mickey!
Have a great time at Tokyo Disneyland!!
If you would like to purchase your Park ticket online in advance, you may do so through Voyagin:here
Click here for related information:
Local tells Top 5 best Restaurants at Tokyo Disneyland!
Local tells Top 10 best Rides and Attractions in Tokyo Disneyland!
