Planning a trip to Tokyo DisneySea? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
As a pair of theme park nerds, we knew there was no way we could visit Japan without hitting up the Disney parks. We actually ended up booking an extra day in each park because we loved it so much.
Tokyo DisneySea is, without a doubt, the most unique Disney park in the world. Based on all things nautical, this magical theme park boasts water rides, ocean-based treats, and an abundance of thrill.
From the best rides to the top tips to make your time in the park a breeze, we’ve written a handy guide to help you make the most out of your visit.
Explore this Guide
How to get Tokyo DisneySea Tickets
While you can get Tokyo DisneySea tickets via the official website, it’s pretty tricky unless your Japanese is up to scratch. We always use Get Your Guide to purchase our theme park tickets in Japan as we can keep all of the tickets in our mobile wallet.
Full day Tokyo DisneySea tickets range between ¥7,900 – ¥10,900 (£41-£58/$52-$73) depending on the time of year and demand. We always urge you to book in advance online to secure the best deal.
Park hopper only exists if you purchase a 3 or 4 day ticket. The first two days you must visit each park individually, and then on day 3 and 4 you’re able to hop between the two parks.
There’s also the option to purchase Early Evening Passports (prices starting from ¥4,500/£24/$30) that grant you entry into the park from 3pm on weekends and 5pm on weekdays. These are handy if you’re spending a limited amount of time in Japan and don’t want to spend an entire day at the Tokyo Disney Resort.
We highly recommend spending a day in each park, though if you’re visiting in the busier periods it might be worth getting an extra evening passport for each park to make sure you get to ride your favourite rides. This is what we did on a recent trip to Tokyo and we managed to get on the busier rides a couple of times.
Getting to Tokyo DisneySea
The most convenient way to reach Tokyo DisneySea is by taking the train. We recommend getting the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line to Maihama Station, the gateway to both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
The journey from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station takes approximately 15-20 minutes. From Maihama Station, you can walk to the parks or take the Disney Resort Monorail for a short ride.
If you’re staying on property, it could be more beneficial to get a bus. There are direct buses from Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport to the Tokyo Disney Resort – you can book your transport here.
Best Time of Year to go to Tokyo DisneySea
We recommend travelling to Tokyo DisneySea (and Tokyo in general) during the months of March, April, May, September and October. This is when the weather is the most pleasant – Japan gets both extremely cold in winter and very hot in summer – and the prices are more reasonable.
If you want to avoid large crowds, consider visiting during off-peak seasons. Weekdays outside of school holidays and national holidays tend to be less crowded. The park is generally quieter during the winter months, from January to early March, and in the autumn/fall months after summer holidays.
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Tokyo DisneySea Lands
Tokyo DisneySea is divided into eight distinct themed areas, known as ports or lands. These lands surround the centrepiece of the park, Mount Prometheus. These are:
Fantasy Springs
In June 2024, Tokyo DisneySea opened Fantasy Springs, a whimsical land themed around Frozen, Rapunzel, and Peter Pan. You’ll find four brand-new rides here: Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, and Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies.
Fantasy Springs is home to a variety of restaurants and merchandise locations packed with exclusive merchandise. Make sure you visit in the evening, as the land’s intricate rock work (dotted with secret images of Disney characters) comes to life with neon lighting – it’s truly magical.
Mediterranean Harbor
As the entrance and central hub of Tokyo DisneySea, Mediterranean Harbor is inspired by the coastal regions of Italy and other Mediterranean countries. Guests can enjoy boat rides, waterfront dining, and live entertainment at this port.
Mysterious Island
Located at the base of Mount Prometheus, Mysterious Island is a steampunk-inspired land with a sense of exploration and adventure. Here’s where you can ride Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
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Mermaid Lagoon
Designed for family-friendly fun, Mermaid Lagoon is inspired by Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The area is housed indoors and features colourful and whimsical architecture resembling an underwater kingdom.
Arabian Coast
Drawing inspiration from tales of the Arabian Nights, Arabian Coast immerses guests in the exotic and magical world of the Middle East. Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage is a popular boat ride in this land, showcasing the adventures of Sinbad and his adorable friend, Chandu.
Lost River Delta
A nod to the lost civilizations and jungles of Central and South America, Lost River Delta offers guests exploration and discovery. The thrilling Raging Spirits roller coaster is a highlight, and the land features an Indiana Jones-inspired adventure in the form of Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull.
Port Discovery
Port Discovery is a futuristic and technologically advanced land that celebrates the spirit of innovation and discovery. Attractions like Aquatopia and Nemo & Friends SeaRider showcase plenty of family-friendly attractions.
American Waterfront
Inspired by early 20th-century American coastal cities, American Waterfront has a nostalgic and charming atmosphere. The land features attractions like Tower of Terror, a thrilling drop ride (Loz’s favourite) and the DisneySea Electric Railway.
The Best Rides at Tokyo DisneySea
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Journey to the Center of the Earth is the second most popular ride in Tokyo DisneySea. This thrilling ride takes you deep beneath the Tokyo DisneySea park, where you’ll encounter mysterious caverns, glowing crystals, and otherworldly landscapes.
The attraction seamlessly blends cutting-edge ride technology with captivating storytelling, making it a must-visit for adrenaline seekers and fans of Jules Verne’s classic novel alike.
Brace yourself for unexpected twists and turns as you delve into the heart of the Earth on this exhilarating journey.
In the morning, you’ll need to choose between riding this first or Soaring. We usually pick this one as the queue can be as low as ten minutes first thing.
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Raging Spirits
If you’re craving a pulse-pounding adventure, Raging Spirits is the go-to attraction at DisneySea. This high-speed roller coaster is inspired by ancient ruins and archaeological discoveries, combining thrilling drops and sharp turns.
A word of warning: if you’re a tall Westerner, don’t be alarmed if you have your height measured for this one, as the seats are incredibly snug. If you’re 6’2 and under you should have no issues riding.
Tower of Tower
We think Tower of Terror is a must-ride in every Disney theme park, but the Tokyo version has a special place in our hearts. This one is themed around Harrison Hightower III, an explorer and collector who inherited his father’s hotel.
This knee-wobbling drop ride sees you zoom to the very top of the hotel before plummeting to the ground in a broken elevator. It’s so much fun and can often be one of the longest wait times, so we recommend trying to get to this ride early in the morning.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Get ready to dive deep into the ocean with 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a classic and enchanting submarine voyage inspired by Jules Verne’s timeless tale. Climb aboard a unique submarine and descend into a fun underwater world filled with colourful marine life, ancient ruins, and mysterious sea creatures.
Soaring: Fantastic Flight
Added to the park in 2021, Soaring is the ride at Tokyo DisneySea that boasts the longest lines. But the queue is SO beautiful that we almost don’t mind.
This attraction is the same as Soarin’ Around the World in Florida, flying you over iconic landscapes and landmarks. Glide through the clouds and soar over places like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal, all while enjoying the exhilarating rush of wind and scents associated with each location.
Aquatopia
Visiting Tokyo DisneySea in summer? Head to Aquatopia to cool off. This attraction is a trackless water ride that sees you spin around a course, getting wet along the way. There are two pathways to follow and it’s fun for the entire family.
Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage
We don’t like to play favourites, but Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage might just be the best ride at Tokyo DisneySea. And we’re not just saying that because we love Chandu, we promise.
Embark on a whimsical journey through the tales of Sinbad on a family-friendly boat ride takes you through vibrant and fantastical scenes, where you’ll encounter magical creatures, lush landscapes, and encounter the charming characters from Sinbad’s adventures.
The ride is a delightful mix of storytelling and lively animatronics – think of it as a relaxed version of Pirates of the Caribbean.
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The Best Food in Tokyo DisneySea
Flavoured Popcorn
There are far too many popcorn flavours available to try to count them all at Tokyo DisneySea. From milk chocolate to garlic shrimp, you could easily spend all day munching on popcorn. We urge you to try as many flavours as you can.
Pssst… We are kinda obsessed with the curry flavour available from the cart at the entrance to the Arabian Coast. It sounds strange, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Delish.
Green Alien Mochi
The Green Alien Mochi are an iconic snack that you can buy at either park in Tokyo.
Take a bite, and you’ll be met with a satisfyingly chewy texture that gives way to a burst of sweetness. The mochi is filled with vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry custard and we guarantee you won’t want to share.
Read Next: A Guide to Universal Studios Japan: Best Rides + Tips for Visiting
Donald Ukiwa Bun
Another of the most popular Tokyo DisneySea snacks is theDonald Ukiwa Bun. This pillowy bao is filled with shrimp, pork, and veggies, and looks like a life float. You can grab one at Seaside Snacks, a popular snack cart located at the very edge of Port Discovery near Cape Cod.
Gyoza Bun
Over in Nautilus Galley, the Gyoza Bun is another snack worth queuing for. Filled with pork and veggies, this gyoza/bao hybrid is ridiculously tasty. It’s a heavy snack or a (very) light lunch, but perfect for grabbing and eating quickly before hitting up your next reservation.
Mickey and Minnie Ice Bar
If you’re visiting Tokyo DisneySea in the summer months, you have to try a classic Mickey (or Minnie) Ice Bar. We got through countless ice lollies on our last trip as the weather was scorching and they were the perfect way to cool off. You can grab one in multiple locations around the park, including inside Ariel’s Playground where you’ll also find the delicious shell ice cream. The bars come in two flavours, tropical for Mickey and peach and raspberry for Minnie. Which one is the tastiest? You’ll have to try them both to find out.
Magellan’s
If you take one piece of advice from this article, make it this: book yourself a reservation at Magellan’s for the most magical experience in the Tokyo Disney Resort. Named after the legendary Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, this restaurant offers a voyage into culinary excellence.
Drawing inspiration from the diverse flavours of the Mediterranean, the menu features a tantalising array of dishes. Whether you’re indulging in the signature Magellan’s Course, featuring succulent seafood and prime cuts of meat, or savouring the delicate flavours of the Vegetarian Course, there’s something to delight every palate.
It’s pricey, but it’s certainly worth it, in our humble opinion.
Shows, Parades and Events
Like every Disney park around the world, Tokyo DisneySea boasts its fair share of parades and events throughout the day. Many of which take place around the water in front of Mount Prometheus.
In the day, we urge you to try and catch Big Band Beat at the Broadway Music Theatre in the American Waterfront area. This is a high-energy performance featuring live music and a talented cast of singers, dancers, and a big band orchestra.
The show combines elements of jazz, swing, and Broadway-style musical numbers and, of course, some of the most iconic Disney characters. You can get a free reservation on the app when you arrive in the morning – it’s first come, first serve so be quick.
The nighttime spectacular changes regularly but always contains a mix of projections, music, and decorated floats filled with iconic Disney characters. Believe! Sea of Dreams is the current iteration of Tokyo DisneySea’s evening entertainment and the one we got to see on our last trip to the park.
If watching the show is important to you, make sure to find a spot about 30-minutes before the start time. We usually try to sit on the steps to the left of Mount Prometheus, between Mediterranean Harbor and Mysterious Island, as we find this is a quieter spot with decent views.
View the current lineup of parades and shows at Tokyo DisneySea.
Top Tips For Visiting Tokyo DisneySea
Download the Tokyo DisneySea App Before You Go
Do not visit DisneySea without downloading the Tokyo Disney Resort app in advance. The official app provides real-time information on wait times, show schedules, and the Priority Pass. As well as this, you can use mobile order to avoid waiting in queues and snag tickets to shows like Big Band Beat. Download on IOS and Android.
Use the Priority Pass System (It’s Free!)
We’re still mourning the loss of the free FastPass system at Walt Disney World. But luckily Japan has its own free version called the Priority Pass which can be accessed on the app.
This means that every 120 minutes (or once you’ve used the previous ticket) you can book a special pass which allows you to skip the queue. Prioritise the popular rides – like Soaring and Journey to the Centre of the Earth – first as the number of Priority Passes are limited.
There is also a paid service available, called Disney Premier Access. This allows you to purchase a skip-the-line ticket for a specific attraction at any time. Each guest can purchase one per day and prices vary between between ¥1500 and ¥2500 (around £8-£12/$10-$15.)
We’ll be honest, we don’t think buying the Premier Access pass is worth it if you use the free system correctly. We recommend setting a timer so you know exactly when you can book your next Priority Pass.
