Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort (東京ディズニーリゾート) [1] in Chiba, Japan, was the first Disney theme park resort to open outside of the United States. It is by far the second most annually-visited theme park complex in the world, behind Walt Disney World Resort. It is noteworthy that it is not owned by Disney but by the Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

Culture and History

Tokyo Disney Resort consists of two theme parks. Tokyo Disneyland (東京ディズニーランド), a "Magic Kingdom" park just like all the others, was the first Disney theme park to be built on non-U.S. territory. The park opened in April 1983 (but had been finished for a few months and the company waited for better weather) and was an instant success. Tokyo Disneyland's sister park Tokyo DisneySea (東京ディズニーシー), which opened in September 2001, is a oceanic-themed park exclusive to Japan. With 13.9 million visits, Tokyo Disneyland is the third most visited theme park in the world behind Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and the original Disneyland; DisneySea follows in fourth place.

Tokyo Disney Resort also includes the Ikspiari (イクスピアリ) shopping and entertainment complex. On October 1, 2008, Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil unveiled ZED, its first permanent show in Japan, at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Tokyo Disney Resort is something different from all the other Disney parks. People are friendlier, and you forget that you are in the largest city on Earth when you are wandering, amazed at the fantastic shows and rides in both parks.

This is no Walt Disney World, in other words, it's small and can be easily tackled in about two or three days, maybe more. But whatever effort you place into coming here is well worth it.

Talk

Japanese is the primary language spoken here. However, English is also widely available, because of the presence of American and other foreign Cast Members, and Chinese and Korean are also spoken to a lesser extent.

Maps are available in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese. (If your native language is not one of these, the English map will work fine.) All the maps do a very good job of letting you know how to get around. The Japanese maps, however, are a little bit more informative. They include highlights on some of the special events going on in the park, including special food menus and merchandise, most of which can only be had for a limited amount of time. It also sorts the restaurants, shops and shows into different categories. If you know katakana, hiragana, and a little bit of kanji, this might also be a helpful resource. Nearly any park attendant should have maps available if you forget to pick one up or lose it.

Travel to Tokyo Disney Resort - Visa Requirements

Park admission

Ticket prices seem decent by Japanese standards, but in truth, visiting Tokyo Disney Resort is about as equally expensive as visiting any of the other Disney theme parks around the world. Children aged 3 and under are admitted free.

• 1-Day Passport: You can enter Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea all day long with this ticket, but not both.
  • Adult (18+) ¥5,800
  • Junior (12-17) ¥5,000
  • Child (4-11) ¥3,900
  • Senior (60+) ¥5,100

• Multi Day Passport: You can enter one park on the first day, the other park on the second day, and then you may move between the two parks (called "park-hopping") on subsequent days. If you find that you need to upgrade your ticket, you can do so simply by paying the difference; this may be done at the Welcome Center, the park ticket windows, or the hotels. These are perhaps the most economical value possible, as the price per day actually decreases with each day.

• Starlight Passport: You can use this ticket in one of the two parks from 3:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays.
  • Adult (18+) ¥4,700
  • Junior (12-17) ¥4,100
  • Child (4-11) ¥3,200

• After 6 Passport: You can use this ticket in one of the two parks from 6:00 PM on weekdays. It is sold from 5:00 PM for ¥3100 (all ages).

Flights and airtickets to Tokyo Disney Resort

Most international visitors would probably land at Narita International Airport (IATA: NRT) [2]. If you have a Mickey Mouse urge right upon landing, there are buses operated by Airport Limousine [3], albeit infrequent, that will bring you to Tokyo Disney Resort in 60-90 minutes at a cost of ¥2400 (children ¥1200). The alternative by rail is to take the Narita Express to Tokyo and transfer to the JR Keiyo Line. The ride takes 90-100 minutes, and costs ¥2570 or can be boarded free with the Japan Rail Pass.

Tokyo International Airport (IATA: HND) [4], also known as Haneda Airport, is the closest airport to Tokyo Disney Resort and mainly serves domestic flights. Haneda also has a few international flights to Seoul (Gimpo), Shanghai (Hongqiao), and Hong Kong. There are more buses [5], also operated by Airport Limousine, that run to the resort 3 to 5 times per hour. The one-way cost is ¥810 (children ¥405) and the ride takes 50-70 minutes. The rail alternative from Haneda is cheaper than the bus, but you will need to take three trains: Keikyu Express Line (from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa) or the Tokyo Monorail (from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho), JR Yamanote Line (from Shinagawa/Hamamatsucho to Tokyo), and finally JR Keiyo Line (from Tokyo to Maihama). This costs ¥690 via Keikyu, or ¥760 via the Tokyo Monorail, and will take about 1 hour.

By train

As with virtually all of Japan, the most practical way of getting to Tokyo Disney Resort is by train. Tokyo Station is the western terminus of the JR Keiyo Line, and Maihama (舞浜), which is adjacent to the park, is the sixth stop east. The ride costs ¥210 and takes about 15 minutes on an express train.

As you exit JR Maihama Station, take note of the Tokyo Disney Resort Welcome Center immediately to your left. If you will be staying at one of the Disney Hotels or the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels (see Sleep below), this is where you check in, and your luggage will be shipped straight to your room for free while you enjoy the parks. The Welcome Center is also the place to purchase park tickets, the Resort Gateway Station of the Disney Resort Line monorail (see Get around below) is located above the center, and the entrance to Ikspiari is nearby.

By car

From the Tokyo/Yokohama region, follow the coast of Tokyo Bay to Chiba, exit at the Urayasu ramp and then go out at Route 357, go straight on the road about 1km, and make a U-turn at Mihama Rittai Road (美浜立体道路). Then, just follow the signs.

Tokyo Disney Resort has ample parking spaces, but be forewarned that parking fees are astronomical. Parking at the two theme parks is ¥2,000 for passenger cars, ¥4,500 for buses, and ¥500 for motorcycles. Parking at Ikspiari* is ¥500 for the first hour and ¥250 for every additional half-hour. The three Disney Hotels charge a per-night fee for the use of their parking facilities, costing ¥1,000 per night at Disney Ambassador Hotel, and ¥1,500 per night at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta.

*A purchase of ¥3,000 or more at one Ikspiari shop/restaurant will give two hours of free parking. Seeing a movie at AMC Ikspiari will give three hours of free parking.

If you want more information about the car park and the circumstances of the surrounding streets, you can contact the Tokyo Disney Resort information line at 81-045-683-3011.

Buses to Tokyo Disney Resort

Most visitors will have little reason to travel to Tokyo Disney Resort by bus, due to the more convenient JR Keiyo Line. However, some hotels around Tokyo Disney Resort have free transportation service to the resort.

Long distance bus services come here from all over Japan, but the Shinkansen is much faster and easier to use by non-native speakers of Japanese or persons who don't understand the language.

Tours and Getting around Tokyo Disney Resort

Unlike Walt Disney World, a car is not necessary for visiting Tokyo Disney Resort. The resort has a well-developed transit system of buses and monorails.

By monorail

The four-station Disney Resort Line monorail, with its spacious interiors and Mickey Mouse-shaped windows and pull straps, travels in a counterclockwise circle around the two theme parks. The stops are, in order, Resort Gateway Station (between JR Maihama Station and Ikspiari), Tokyo Disneyland, Bayside Station (gateway to the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels), and Tokyo DisneySea.

The Passnet stored value card, which was discontinued on January 11, 2008, can be still be used on the monorail; otherwise the fares are listed in the chart below. The fare for children age 5 and under is free.

If you're going straight to Disneyland (not DisneySea) from Maihama Station, it's probably easier and faster (and best of all, free) to just walk from the station - there is an elevated walkway, about 1,090 feet long, linking the station with the park entrance.

Note that Suica and PASMO farecards cannot be used on the Disney Resort Line monorail.

By bus

The Disney Resort Cruiser is a free bus service.

• From Bayside Station on the Disney Resort Line, service is to the each of the six Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels.
• From Disney's Ambassador Hotel, service is to both theme parks.

See and Do

Tokyo Disney Resort is mostly for doing, not seeing. But of course, you can see the same Disney characters, a castle, mountains, and live performances as at other Disney Parks. The seaside does make this park a bit different from the others. And, the people-watching is great.

If you can, it is a good idea to get a map ahead of time and plan out what rides/attractions you would like to get to first. Like any other large amusement park, Tokyo Disney Resort can be quite crowded. Even on weekdays there can be a large amount of people in the park and if you want to maximize your experience, it's best to have at least an idea of what you would like to do before you get there. It may even get you on one or two more attractions. If a physical map cannot be had ahead of time, the park website is just as good, if not better.

The Parks

The two theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, complement each other. The two major symbols, Cinderella Castle at Disneyland and Mount Prometheus at DisneySea, are exactly the same height, and from Ikspiari you can see them both.

Before you reach the ticket counters, your bag will be inspected by a clerk, but you don't need to show your ID card. Generally the check is very brief, and not at all thorough. At the ticket counter, you will not need to show any ID either. While not everyone speaks English fluently, most employees understand enough to get you the basics. You will receive a receipt, your passport (ticket) and a map.

Like all the other Disney parks, Tokyo Disney Resort uses FastPass, which enables you to skip lines at the most popular attractions. If you wish to use FastPass, you need to do so before 4pm. They cover the machines afterward and then you will have no choice but to stand in the long lines.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland [6] is a "Magic Kingdom" park just like all the others. Fans of Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom may be a little bit disappointed, as the layout is nearly identical, right down to Cinderella Castle.

The seven theme lands of Tokyo Disneyland are, starting from the main entrance and going clockwise around Cinderella Castle, World Bazaar (instead of Main Street, USA), Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. With only a couple of exceptions, the attractions are essentially the same as those found everywhere else.

• Western River Railroad, (Adventureland). Unlike all the others, Tokyo Disneyland's railroad cannot be used to travel from one area of the park to another. Rather, it makes a sightseeing trip around Adventureland, Westernland, and Critter Country. 
• The Mickey Mouse Revue, (Fantasyland). This Audio-Animatronic musical show originally debuted at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 1971, and was later translated into Japanese and moved to Tokyo Disneyland. Scheduled for permanent closure on May 25, 2009. In 2011, the attraction will be replaced by Mickey's PhilharMagic, a 3-D film already in place at Walt Disney World and Hong Kong Disneyland. 

Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo DisneySea [7], which opened in 2001, is a Japan-only park with an oceanic theme. Like Tokyo Disneyland, it is arranged in a circle around a central landmark, in this case Mount Prometheus, an artificial volcano that "erupts" intermittently. Starting from the main entrance and going clockwise around Mount Prometheus, the seven theme "ports of call" are Meditterranean Harbor (a reproduction of Venice), American Waterfront (a reproduction of the Eastern Seaboard of the United States), Port Discovery (a science-themed area), Lost River Delta (a reproduction of a tropical rain forest), Arabian Coast (based on Disney's Aladdin), Mermaid Lagoon (based on Disney's The Little Mermaid) and Mysterious Island (based on the books of Jules Verne).

• Mermaid Lagoon Theatre, (Mermaid Lagoon). Live-action acrobatics and puppetry, giving an impression of being "Under The Sea". 
• StormRider, (Port Discovery). Simulator ride into the eye of a hurricane. 
• Tower of Terror, (American Waterfront). 13-story drop 
• Journey to the Center of the Earth, (Mysterious Island). Underground adventure, concluding with a terrifying plunge down Mount Prometheus! 
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, (Mysterious Island). Submarine voyage to the unknown 
• Indiana Jones Adventure, (Lost River Delta). Ride into a forbidden temple. 
• Raging Spirits, (Lost River Delta). Roller coaster with loops 
• Magic Lamp Theatre, (Arabian Coast). Live action show based on Aladdin 
• Sindbad's Storybook Voyage, (Arabian Coast). Dark boat ride 

Cirque du Soleil Theatre Tokyo

Located between Disney Ambassador Hotel and the beamway of the Disney Resort Line monorail, the theatre is home to ZED [8], Cirque du Soleil's first permanent show in Japan.

Tokyo Disney Resort souvenirs and shopping

Tokyo Disney Resort is a Disney merchandise fan's paradise. Of course, there are plenty of gift shops found within the two parks, but additional selections may be found in Ikspiari and the nearby Bon Voyage store.

The World Bazaar, Tokyo Disneyland's entrance area, is anchored by the Grand Emporium, which can be seen to your right immediately after you have entered the park. This is the largest store in the park with over 3,000 different types of merchandise.

The largest store in Tokyo DisneySea is Emporio which anchors Mediterranean Harbor. Other notable shops are McDuck's Department Store in American Waterfront and The Sleepy Whale Shoppe, Mermaid Treasures, and Kiss de Girl Fashions, three interconnecting shops in Mermaid Lagoon.

Ikspiari [9], pronounced like "experience" without the last syllable, is Japan's answer to Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney, with more than 140 stores and restaurants, and a 16-screen movie theatre. It's no surprise that there is a Disney Store here, by the way.

Bon Voyage, shaped like a giant suitcase and hatbox and conveniently located on the elevated walkway linking JR Maihama Station with Tokyo Disneyland's entrance, is the answer to the World of Disney stores in Florida and California, which essentially are Disney Stores on steroids. Inside, you'll find the grandest selection of Disney merchandise available under one roof anywhere in Japan.

Major credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Remember that American cards only allow a one charge purchase, meaning that a ¥10,000 purchase will be charged once, instead of 5,000 yen now and 5,000 yen next month. (This system allows Japanese to keep their interest low.) They will ask you (sometimes) if you want to be charged once. Say yes and the transaction will go smoothly, say no and you will double your time at the counter.

If you haven't brought enough money, there's one ATM at each park entrance (at the information desk). But only Japanese cards will work in these ATMs. At Ikspiari there is an international ATM on level 2F near "Local Motion".

Tokyo Disney Resort Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

There are several places to eat and all are listed on the map. However, the food descriptions are either not 100% accurate or there is something lost in the translation. Also, understand that portion sizes are different in Japan so don't be surprised when that large drink you ordered looks like a small to you. This combined with the normal increase in cost normally expected at an amusement park may hit your pocket book harder than expected. If you are arriving by car/bus you may consider having a cooler in the car and having a picnic. If you do decide to eat in the park scout out the restaurants before you intend on eating. This will give you a better idea of their menus and the fastest way to get there when it is time to eat.

Budget

If you want to save cash while dining, your best bet may be to stick to the many snack carts scattered all over the parks.

Mid-range

• Eastside Cafe (WorldB)
• Tomorrowland Terrace (Tom)

Splurge

There are no real "splurge" restaurants in Tokyo Disneyland, but for a better dining experence, try:

• Blue Bayou (Adv)
• Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall (Fan)
• Hokusai Restaurant (WorldB)

Tokyo Disney Resort nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Most drinks are soft drinks. However, you can also get alcoholic beverages in some places inside Tokyo DisneySea. Coca-Cola and Kirin sponsor attractions (Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, respectively) and are the main soft drinks to be found. Most Restaurants serve Coca-Cola, No Calorie (Diet) Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta though Kirin and Mets beverages may be found elsewhere.

Tokyo Disney Resort cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Tokyo Disney Resort's combined reservations number is 81-045-683-3333, and is open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (visit TimeAndDate.com to find the local time in Tokyo: [10]).

Online reservations and contact information are available at official websites.

Within the resort

There are nine hotels within the resort, all rather expensive.

Disney Hotels

• Disney Ambassador Hotel [11] Located adjacent to Ikspiari.
• Tokyo Disneyland Hotel [12] Located outside the Tokyo Disneyland entrance.
• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta [13] Located within the Mediterranean Harbor area of Tokyo DisneySea.

Official Hotels

These hotels are accessed by taking the free Disney Resort Cruiser bus service from Bayside Station on the Disney Resort Line monorail (see Get around above).

• Hilton Tokyo Bay [14]
• Hotel Okura Tokyo Bay [15]
• Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel [16]
• Sunroute Plaza Tokyo [17]
• Tokyo Bay Hotel Tokyu [18]
• Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel [19]

Outside the resort

Partner Hotels

The Tokyo Disney Resort Partner Hotels Program is made up of five hotels located in the Shin-Urayasu area right next to the resort. All of these hotels are located within walking distance of JR Shin-Urayasu Station, from which Maihama is the first stop in the direction of Tokyo Station. Complimentary shuttle service to and from the theme parks is also available.

• Hotel Emion Tokyo Bay [20]
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Prana Tokyo Bay [21]
• Oriental Hotel Tokyo Bay [22]
• Palm & Fountain Terrace Hotel [23]
• Urayasu Brighton Hotel [24]

Good Neighbor Hotels

There are 14 designated Good Neighbor Hotels [25] around Tokyo and Chiba that offer free shuttle bus transfers to and from Tokyo Disney Resort.

Get out

• Kasai Rinkai Koen (Sea Life Park) [26] is the first stop from Maihama in the direction of Tokyo Station. Essentially, this is Japan's answer to SeaWorld. There's an aquarium and a ferris wheel. The ferris wheel is the biggest in Japan (117m/385ft).

• Makuhari Messe [27] Messe is the German word for "trade fair", and that's just what to expect at this international convention center. You can get here from JR Kaihin-Makuhari Station, which is the sixth stop from Maihama in the direction of Soga Station.

• Sanrio Puroland [28] An indoor theme park centered around Hello Kitty and her friends. A must for your little princesses. You will need to take three trains to get here from Tokyo Station: JR Chuo Line (from Tokyo to Shinjuku), Keio Main Line (from Shinjuku to Chofu), and finally Keio Sagamihara Line (from Chofu to Keio Tama Center). This will cost ¥710, including the trip from Maihama to Tokyo, and take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Universal Studios Japan [29] A must for fans of Disney's American parks who also visit Universal's parks on side trips. It is located in Osaka, 2 1/2 to 3 hours from Tokyo via the Shinkansen. One-way fare is ¥14,050 via Nozomi or free via Hikari with the Japan Rail Pass. Alternatively, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines provide frequent Tokyo-Osaka service, lasting about 1 hour, using widebody aircraft.

See also

• Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
• The original Disneyland in California.
• Disneyland Resort Paris.
• Hong Kong Disneyland.

This page was last edited by James Yolkowski. Based on work by Lani Teshima, Wikitravel user(s) Huttite and Jonathan 784, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license