Going to Tokyo Disneyland for the first time....

[robbalvey]

I'm going to be visiting TDL for the first time starting on Sunday evening. We'll be at the resort for 4 days. We have done quite a bit of research but we were wondering what tips people have who have been before.

Our plan is as follows:
Arrive Narita Sunday afternoon and head straight to TDL. We're purchasing the 4-day park hopper since we know that you can only park hop the last two days.

Sunday evening (peak day)
DisneySeas from 4pm - closing. We chose DisneySeas this day because we are assuming that DS would be less busy on a peak evening than TDL. Is this a correct assumption? What you would reccomend we try to ride getting to the park in the late afternoon on a weekend day? I'm assuming most Fastpasses will be sold out.

Monday (non-peak day)
Tokyo Disneyland. We'll be there well before opening. What should we hit first? I'm told get a fastpass for Pooh ASAP. Anything else? What is a good ride to hit while we are waiting for our Pooh Fastpass to become available? What are the lines for Space and Thunder like in the mornings? Any other tips?

Tuesday (non-peak day)
Park hopping between both parks! Should we hit DS before TDL? Are there certain rides at DS where it makes sense to be at the park right at opening to get Fastpasses for? (Indy, Journey, 20k, etc)

Wed (non-peak day)
Same as Tuesday - Park hopping all day!

What about rain policy? Do they close all the outdoor rides in the rain? I haven't heard of any attractions being down for rehab when we are there. Does anyone know if there is something down that isn't on the rehab schedule?

What are your favorite rides/shows/restaurants there? We want to make sure we don't miss anything cool!

Thanks again for your help!

--Robb "Who will have lots of photos and videos when I return!" Alvey

 

[FoodLover]

Lucky you! We visited Tokyo Disney this spring and had a wonderful time. I would go back in a second.

I have a lot of info and a trip report on my site -- might be useful to you.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[beachbunny]

I'm sooo envious. You'll have a great time!

The airporter bus will take you straight to TDL. Purchase tickets right after you exit customs. The bus stop is right out the door.

Japan rains a LOT! That's why main street is under a canopy. So the rain shouldn't shut anything down.

At TDL, get there at opening and RUN to Pooh. You won't regret it.

Hint: Stay away from American foods. The only exception is the waffle place off main street. They're very yummy and great for breakfast - they also sell coffee there. (And its way cheaper than the hotels.)

Try the Queen of Hearts buffet in TDL.

If you want to see Hoop de Doo (it's a dinner show in TDL), purchase tickets first thing in the morning by lining out right outside the restaurant. (The food is just so-so but the show is terrific!)

Every ride at TDS is new and absolutely increadible! You'll be amazed!

HAVE FUN!

 

[KBFinFan]

I have no tips, but I wanted to wish you a great time! Sounds so fun, I hope to go one day... can't wait to see lots of pictures and movies!

 

[beachbunny]

Oh, and I almost forgot. Food portions in Japan are very tiny. If you're used to American sized meals, then stick to the buffets - or you'll need to order two entrees.

 

[sharktums]

Awesome tips! Thanks BeachBunny! Good to hear they don't shut down anything in the rain. Also, did you visit any other parks besides Disney? We're doing about 15 other parks all over the country. Any idea if rain is an issue outside of Disney parks?

Any other tips you can think of?

Thanks again!

--Robb

 

[scrump]

WOW, I'm so jealous!

I second the Queen of Hearts restaurant, it's my favorite!

I used to live in Tokyo and went when I could. I think it's a great park, you will be amazed. Wish I was there for DisneySea, but it hadn't opened yet when I was there.

Try and do your shopping during the day, and avoid the shops at closing time. There is a souvenir buying custom in Japan, so those shops are WAR ZONES at the end of the day.

Also, not sure if it's still there, but there used to be an attraction that was very unique to Toko Disneyland, and not at any other Disney park in the world. May not be that interesting, but for novelty's sake, you may want to see what it is. It was sort of a cross between "Carousel of Progress" and their version of"The American Presidents"**.

I've heard the Little Mermaid show in DisneySea is amazing.

Also, if you're a castle fan, the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Tokyo actually has some sort of walk through/"Mystery Tour" which is neat. It's geared towards kids, but still neat.

Have fun, please give us a report!!!!!

**edited to clarify: their version of the American Presidents, as in their version of some Japanese history-related attraction. I believe it was a rotating theater.

 

[robbalvey]

^ It was called "Meet the World" and it closed a few years ago. =(

Bummer, I always wanted to check that out since I remember riding Carousel and America Sings at Disneyland.

--Robb