“dreams come true.” Tokyo Disney Resort has long been the perfect place to make that phrase a reality. It’s a wonderful space where not only children, but also adults, can have a great time. Whether you go with family, friends, or a partner, you’re sure to have an amazing experience. This time, let’s take a closer look at Tokyo Disney Resort and explore the differences between Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
For those planning to visit from Osaka or the Kansai area, I have an article that provides detailed information about the Shinkansen. Please take a look!
Where is Tokyo Disney Resort?
Although Tokyo Disney Resort has “Tokyo” in its name, it’s actually located in Chiba Prefecture, which is right next to Tokyo. However, it’s relatively easy to get to from Tokyo. Interestingly, it’s said that the resort was named “Tokyo Disney” instead of “Chiba Disney” partly because the English pronunciation of “Chiba” sounds similar to the word “chiva,” which is slang in some countries for marijuana or heroin.
Tokyo Disney Resort refers to the entire area, which includes Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and several hotels. Let’s take a look at each of these three parts in more detail.
How to Access Tokyo Disney Resort
Getting to Tokyo Disney Resort is relatively easy, with three main options: the JR Keiyo Line train, buses, and highway buses.
- Train: Taking the train is generally the cheapest option. You’ll get off at JR Maihama Station and head straight to Disneyland. However, a downside is that you may have to travel during the busy morning rush hour, which might not be ideal if you’re with small children.
- Highway Bus: Personally, I recommend this option. Highway buses are available from various locations, and you can get from Shinjuku to Tokyo Disney Resort for around 1,000 yen. Keep in mind that you can’t make a reservation for the morning buses, so it’s best to arrive early. Travel time is similar to that of the train, so if you’re looking for the most affordable option, the train may be a better choice.
Within Tokyo Disney Resort, there’s also the Disney Resort Line, a monorail that takes you around the area. A one-way ride costs 300 yen. While you can walk to Tokyo Disneyland, making the monorail unnecessary, it’s a convenient option for getting to Tokyo DisneySea. For those wanting to save money, walking is always an option. The monorail connects four stations: Bayside Station, Tokyo Disneyland Station, Tokyo DisneySea Station, and Resort Gateway Station.
Tokyo Disney Land
Let’s talk about Tokyo Disneyland. The park’s iconic symbol is Cinderella Castle, inspired by the castle in the movie Cinderella. Another famous attraction is based on Beauty and the Beast, allowing visitors to experience the enchanting world of Belle and the Beast. Tokyo Disneyland also has many thrilling rides, with Splash Mountain being one of the most popular.
While some people think Disneyland is mainly for children, it’s truly a place where adults can have just as much fun. The park offers an experience that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age.
Another major highlight of Tokyo Disneyland is its parades. The parades feature beloved Disney characters moving around the entire park, creating a magical and energetic atmosphere that leaves guests in awe. The spectacular floats, music, and performances make the parades a must-see, with a level of excitement and scale that’s truly impressive.
For information on reservations, reviews, and nearby hotels, please visit here.
Tokyo Disney Sea
Now, let’s talk about Tokyo DisneySea. As the name suggests, this Disney park is themed around the sea. You can travel to different areas by boat, and it even features the impressive S.S. Columbia, a large passenger ship. Onboard, you can dine at the restaurant, and from the front of the ship, you can enjoy sweeping views of DisneySea—and on clear days, you might even catch a beautiful sunset.
DisneySea has exciting attractions like Tower of Terror, an elevator ride that plunges up and down, and the roller coaster Journey to the Center of the Earth. Since many attractions have height restrictions, families with young children should keep this in mind. As night falls, DisneySea offers some of Tokyo’s best night views, with stunning scenery. Taking a gondola ride around the park is a soothing experience and a perfect way to relax while taking in the magical evening sights.
For information on reservations, reviews, and nearby hotels, please visit here.
What you should do in Tokyo Disney Land / Sea
Wear a headband!
When visiting Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, it’s not just about enjoying the attractions—make sure to buy a headband as soon as you enter! In Japan, both men and women enjoy wearing headbands at Disney, and they’re great for taking cute photos.
Enjoy the food!
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are famous for their churros and popcorn. One of my personal favorites is the chewy potato churros at DisneySea. Although they are a bit pricey, the quality is excellent. You can find these churros at the stand near Journey to the Center of the Earth. Definitely give it a try! Also, the giant chicken at the park is well-known, and eating a big piece of chicken has become one of my traditions.
Get a FastPass!
At Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s normal to wait 1-2 hours for popular attractions, so it’s important to plan your time efficiently. To help with this, they offer FastPasses. You can only pick up a new FastPass after using the one you already have, so make sure to use them wisely! There’s also a Premium FastPass, which costs about 2,000 yen, but it lets you skip the lines. If you plan to visit the new area, Fantasy Springs, remember that you’ll need one of these passes! For more detailed information, click here.
The Information of Hotels
As I mentioned earlier, the trains to Tokyo Disney Resort can get very crowded, making access quite challenging. Therefore, one option is to stay at a hotel near the resort beforehand. If you plan to visit Tokyo DisneySea one day and Tokyo Disneyland the next, staying at a hotel overnight is highly recommended.
Disney Hotels
There are official Disney hotels operated by the resort itself. These hotels are quite expensive and extremely popular, so early reservations are essential. However, staying at a Disney hotel offers an immersive experience filled with Disney magic, which any Disney fan would absolutely enjoy. For more details, be sure to check out the Official Website.
Hotels Around Disney
If your main goal is to visit Disneyland and DisneySea while trying to save some money, I recommend considering some hotels around the Disney Resort. I’ll introduce a few affordable options in the area that may suit your budget.
Hotels near Maihama Station are generally quite expensive, but hotels near Shin-Urayasu Station tend to be more affordable. I will introduce some options around that area as well.
Shin-Urayasu is just a short distance away from Tokyo Disney Resort and offers several reasonably priced hotels, making it a great choice for those looking to save on accommodation. These hotels often provide easy access to both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea while being much more budget-friendly compared to staying directly near the parks.
GRAND NIKKO TOKYO BAY MAIHAMA
Maihama Station
Around 200 CAD
This hotel is highly recommended. It’s very popular in Japan and is located near Maihama Station, making it extremely convenient for accessing Tokyo Disneyland. With its great location and excellent facilities, it’s an ideal choice for visitors looking to stay close to the parks while enjoying a comfortable and convenient experience.
Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel
Maihama
Around 230
This hotel is highly recommended for families. It offers spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for those visiting Tokyo Disney Resort with children. The hotel is designed to cater to families, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for everyone.
Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay
Shin Urayasu
Around 150 CAD
Although it’s a bit further from the station, staying at the Hyatt could offer a good balance between comfort and cost. The hotel provides a shuttle bus service to both Disneyland and DisneySea, so it’s a convenient option for getting to the parks. Be sure to check the shuttle bus schedule to make the most of your stay!
La’gent Hotel Tokyo Bay
Shin Urayasu
Around 130 CAD
It offers a drink bar with unlimited soft drinks, so you can enjoy refreshments throughout your stay. Even the more affordable rooms are relatively spacious, giving you plenty of room to relax.
My Stays Shin Urayasu
Shin Urayasu
Around 50 CAD
If you’re looking for great value for money, this hotel is a fantastic choice!
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
Toyosu
Around 200 CAD
This hotel is very clean and highly recommended. However, it is located a bit farther away in Toyosu.