Journal · Tokyo · Urayasu
Tokyo Disney Resort, practically: lines, restrooms, food and pacing a long day
We spent Christmas Day 2019 at Tokyo Disneyland. It was clean, orderly and less expensive inside than I expected. Here's how to plan a park day that doesn't wear you out.
Joanna and I spent Christmas Day 2019 at Tokyo Disneyland. It was crowded, as you'd expect on a holiday, and still one of the most pleasant theme-park days I've had. In my review of the resort I wrote: "Mix the world renowned service of Disney with the polite and orderly nature of Tokyo and you have a recipe for a great experience."
And of Tokyo Disneyland itself: "Amazing. Clean, orderly, and food and gifts were not as expensive as I thought."
The one tip I'd give everyone: restrooms
From the same review: "Lines for bathrooms can get long though. Don't wait until you really need to go before you hop into a line."
If you have any bladder urgency, mobility issues or medication that affects it, plan restroom stops at quiet moments, like when a parade starts or right after a meal service, rather than waiting until you need one.
Tickets and the app
- Tickets are for a specific date and park, and popular days sell out. Buy ahead on the official Tokyo Disney Resort site.
- Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app before you go. It shows wait times and is where you buy Disney Premier Access, a paid time slot for some popular rides. You can only buy it after you've entered the park, it's for that day only, and it can sell out.
- Check the official site for the current list of free entry options and accessibility services. They change.
Pacing a park day
Theme parks are some of the longest walking days of any trip, and the standing in lines is often harder than the walking.
- Arrive early, leave early, or take a midday break. If you're staying nearby, an afternoon rest at the hotel can rescue the evening.
- Sit whenever you can. Shows and parades are good chances to rest.
- Charge your phone. The app drains it fast.
- Look after your feet. Socks, blister pads, comfortable shoes you've already broken in.
Drive Medical Adjustable Folding Cane with Seat
Lines in Japan can be long: shrine stamp counters, ramen queues, bus stops in the countryside. A cane that opens into a small tripod seat means you can rest anywhere it is polite to stand.
Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh, 45W, built-in cable)
Navigation, translation and photos can drain a phone by early afternoon. A 10,000mAh bank with its own cable means one less thing to forget.
What about the rides?
Honestly, the rides weren't what made it special for me. The atmosphere, the shows, the food and the service were. If thrill rides aren't your thing (or your body's thing), Tokyo Disney is still worth a day.
The kit for this guide
Physix Gear Compression Socks (20-30 mmHg)
Long flights to Japan and 20,000-step city days are both hard on legs. Graduated compression socks are a common choice for both.
Compeed Advanced Blister Care Pads, Mixed Sizes
Hydrocolloid pads cushion a hot spot before it turns into a blister. Worth having for any city day measured in tens of thousands of steps.
Also in this guide
Opening hours, routes and rules change; check before you go.