This touring plan covers our “perfect day” at Tokyo DisneySea (TDS), providing a single-day itinerary for the whole lot we might do in sooner or later. This consists of an environment friendly plan of assault for rides, restaurant & snacks suggestions, and most significantly, methods to decelerate and benefit from the park’s distinctive environment. (Updated February 12, 2023.)
In our Tokyo Disney Resort Trip Planning Guide we advocate a number of days at TDS if in case you have the time, so that you essentially must skip some issues in case you solely have sooner or later. Japan is a good looking nation, so we completely perceive if a day is all you allocate to Tokyo DisneySea! Nevertheless, we attempt to provide you with an opportunity to see all the park’s highlights in a single day with this Tokyo DisneySea itinerary.
This TDS touring plan has been up to date following the reopening of Japan’s border to worldwide vacationers. Although Tokyo DisneySea reopened some time in the past and pent-up demand is thru the roof, the Tokyo parks nonetheless have scaled again operations for some inexplicable purpose. As such, this itinerary may be very a lot tentative and topic to vary. We hope to have one other replace this summer season or every time issues get again to regular. Failing that, the blockbuster Fantasy Springs enlargement debuts in Spring 2024…
Since Tokyo DisneySea is a lot greater than a sequence of sights, this publish covers how we advocate having fun with the ambiance, eating places at which it’s best to dine, and naturally, sights it’s best to do. This publish continues our sequence of single-day itineraries designed to reply the incessantly requested query, “what would you do if you only had one day in ____ Disney park?”
This touring plan for Tokyo DisneySea just isn’t a strict technique information that can have you ever racing from journey to journey. While we’ve made it environment friendly so as to do as a lot in a single day at TDS as potential, there’s a lot extra to the park than the rides. If you comply with this information, you gained’t do each single attraction in Tokyo DisneySea.
The factor about racing from attraction to attraction at Tokyo DisneySea is that it completely misses the purpose of what makes the park so particular. Don’t get me improper, it has a stellar attraction lineup, however its theming “lineup” is out of this world, and rather more spectacular. It’s actually a park the place it’s best to decelerate and take it in.
As such, this information tries to discover a strategy to help you decelerate and benefit from the expertise…whereas nonetheless experiencing rather a lot. Most park technique guides focus solely on variety of sights, and completely ignore the good issues that make Disney Disney. If you’re solely after our journey rankings and opinions of every sights so you’ll be able to put collectively your individual guidelines of sights to finish, learn our complete Best Tokyo DisneySea Attractions & Ride Guide publish.
This information assumes a few issues, each of which ought to be strongly famous: first, that you simply’re visiting throughout a weekday at a moderately-crowded time of 12 months, and second, that no seasonal occasions are occurring throughout your go to. The first assumption is of the utmost significance.
Unless you’ve been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland on a significant vacation, you in all probability have by no means seen the sort of crowds the Tokyo parks get on weekends or throughout busy season. If you go to when it’s busier, you’ll wait in lengthy strains for the whole lot, together with to get into the park.
The second assumption is for the convenience of penning this information. I’d say that over half of the 12 months there’s some type of seasonal occasion occurring at Tokyo DisneySea, and most of them have some leisure value seeing. Plan to pencil this into your schedule as time permits.
If finances isn’t any situation, you’re going to wish to keep at Hotel MiraCosta in your 1-day in Tokyo DisneySea. It is the one resort on the planet that’s situated–get this–within a Disney theme park. Just as importantly, staying right here (or any of the three Disney resorts) provides you the “Happy 15” perk, which is quarter-hour of early entry into the park.
You may scoff at solely quarter-hour of early entry, however don’t underestimate its significance. If the MiraCosta is out of your finances, we advocate the Hilton Tokyo Bay (learn our resort overview), which is an official accomplice resort, and situated on the monorail loop. Make positive to guide it early or examine charges repeatedly, as costs fluctuate.
Once you get up from wherever it’s that you’re sleeping, eat breakfast, after which get began in your day…
Arrive Early – If you’re staying on the MiraCosta, you’ll wish to arrive on the particular entrance a minimum of 45 minutes earlier than official park opening. If you’re staying on the Hilton Tokyo Bay or one other non-Disney resort, you’ll want to arrive even sooner than that.
In an excellent world, you’d arrive to the turnstiles a minimum of an hour earlier than park opening…and you continue to gained’t even be on the entrance of the road!
Skip the Stars – The three hottest sights at Tokyo DisneySea are Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror, and Soaring: Fantastic Flight. There will probably be a mad sprint for this trio as soon as the turnstiles open. Seriously, it’s just like the working of the bulls, if all of the bulls had been tremendous well mannered.
All three get lengthy strains virtually immediately, and are simply not value it. Additionally, Toy Story Mania and Soaring: Fantastic Flight promote Disney Premier Access to skip the road for ¥2,000 (~$15), which is an alternate. This itinerary will probably be skipping Toy Story Mania fully and saving Soaring: Fantastic Flight for the top of the day; take into account shopping for Premier Access for one or each, although.
To begin your day, zig once they zag and head deeper into the park…
Ride Journey to the Center of the Earth – One of Disney’s greatest queues wherever results in a hybrid darkish journey and thrill journey that’s inside Mount Prometheus, Journey to the Center of the Earth is Tokyo DisneySea’s flagship attraction.
On a reasonably busy day, you may be capable of do that twice in a row earlier than a line builds. There have been instances after we’ve been in a position to do Journey to the Center of the Earth thrice and nonetheless hit cease #2 with out a lot wait. If you’re assured that you simply’ll solely wish to do Journey to the Center of the Earth as soon as, you’ll be able to try to do Soaring: Fantastic Flight first–simply know that strategy is dangerous, and may put you behind the group.
Ride Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull – This is just like the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction in Disneyland, however different-enough that you’ll want to do it.
If the posted wait is above half-hour, think about using the Single Rider line. That’s virtually unused by Japanese visitors, and could be the distinction between a digital walk-on and an extended wait. Since Indiana Jones Adventure is so deep within the park, you need to be wonderful. While in Lost River Delta, you may as well do Raging Spirits, however we don’t advocate losing your restricted time on this very brief journey.
Port Discovery – Following this, proceed over to Port Discovery. Lines for Aquatopia and Nemo & Friends SeaRider shouldn’t be dangerous many of the day, nevertheless it’s however a good suggestion to knock them out mid-morning. Both of those are non-obligatory. Aquatopia is as enjoyable to observe as it’s to journey, and SeaRider is barely okay.
Big Band Beat Lottery – Due to its recognition, Big Band Beat makes use of a (free) lottery system for seating. This is now completed through the Tokyo Disney Resort app reasonably than at a bodily in-park location. We advocate selecting a day showtime for Big Band Beat.
If you win, superior. If you don’t, take into account leaping within the standby line for the primary present about half-hour earlier than it begins. Potentially earlier in case you go to on a busy day. Big Band Beat is a must-see.
Arabian Coast Experience – Head to Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage, one of many highlights of recent Disney Imagineering. Repeat as many instances as vital.
You’ll additionally wish to discover the corridors, nooks, and crannies of the Arabian Coast whilst you’re right here. You may additionally wish to cease at Sultan’s Oasis, one among our favourite TDS snack spots. (Read our Awesome Tokyo DisneySea Snacks publish to get an thought of what different snacks you may wish to attempt all through the day.)
Lunch Options – There are a couple of completely different choices for lunch. If you’re hungry sufficient for a full meal and curry sounds good whilst you’re in Arabian Coast, take into account stopping for an early lunch at Casbah Food Court.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to proceed in the direction of the entrance of the park, stopping at Vulcania in Mysterious Island, which is a good buffeteria type Asian restaurant. This counter service restaurant is in contrast to something you will note wherever else on the planet.
Finally, there’s Magellan’s, Tokyo DisneySea’s flagship desk service restaurant and probably the most beautiful Disney restaurant on the planet. However, in case you solely a single day, that may be too time consuming. Doing two superior counter service eating places plus snacking is a greater use of your time. You’ll get to see inside Magellan’s later on this plan, anyway.
Ride 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – No matter which lunch choice you select, you’ll be close to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It can have a brief line–anticipate to attend lower than quarter-hour.
Railway to the Waterfront – Take the DisneySea Electric Railway from Port Discovery to American Waterfront, testing Toyville Trolley Park when you get there. Also spend a while exploring the beautifully-detailed land.
Transportation Time – In the afternoon, it’s time to benefit from the many transportation sights at Tokyo DisneySea. These embrace the Big City Vehicles, Venetian Gondolas, and DisneySea Transit Steamer Line.
These “slow and simple” rides could appear to be a waste of time, however they’re the essence of Tokyo DisneySea. Embrace the sights like this and completely absorb the environment of the park. Bonus factors for waving round at different park visitors, which dramatically enhances the expertise, particularly on the Big City Vehicles. (We’re not joking.)
Tokyo DisneySea Bar-Hop – No, this isn’t an itinerary for lushes, and no, it’s not a waste of time to go to bars in case you solely have a day in TDS. This two-stop bar-hop is right here as a result of it’s tough to foretell exactly while you’ll see every of the reveals and since these bars are one thing to behold.
This bar-hop consists of the Teddy Roosevelt Lounge, the best Disney bar on the planet, and one which’s themed to the exploits of the previous US president. After that, you’ll go to Magellan’s Lounge, a bar on the higher degree of the beautiful S.E.A. desk service restaurant. Make these stops even in case you solely order Coke–these locations are value seeing. Make these stops fast!
Fortress Explorations – You haven’t skilled a Disney “play area” till you’ve completed Fortress Explorations. Calling it a play space is definitely a bit insulting to it.
Venetian Gondolas Sunset Cruise – If you didn’t do the Venetian Gondolas earlier…or if you wish to journey once more, nothing beats a gondola journey at sundown with views of the sky aglow behind Mount Prometheus, returning proper because the popcorn lights of the Venice part of Mediterranean Harbor gentle up towards the deep blue nightfall sky.
Pure perfection. From right here, get pleasure from a nightfall stroll throughout the park because it begins to gentle up. (You could have to maneuver this up within the itinerary relying upon the time of sundown while you go to.)
Eat in Italy – There are a lot of nice dinner choices at Tokyo DisneySea, however it’s good to go for effectivity at this level in case you’re going to perform the whole lot. As such, an early dinner in Mediterranean Harbor is your greatest wager.
Options right here embrace Zambini Bros (pizza) and Cafe Portofino (buffeteria with pasta and extra). You can even do New York Deli in American Waterfront for a large sandwich or one thing.
Soar or Fall – At this level, you’re going to have to begin making powerful decisions. Unless you paid additional for Disney Premier Access or did it first, it’s going to be troublesome to do each Tower of Terror and Soaring: Fantastic Flight, except you skip the brand new nighttime spectacular, Believe! Sea of Dreams.
We can’t make this choice for you, however our suggestion could be to do whichever of the rides issues extra to you (our vote: Tower of Terror) at this level.
Believe! Sea of Dreams – After doing one of many headliners, stake out your spot for the brand new nighttime spectacular in Mediterranean Harbor, Believe! Sea of Dreams. Note that Disney Premier Access is offered for this, and we advocate buying it if a first-rate viewing spot is vital to you.
If not, simply watch from wherever. You may take into account watching from the bridge between Mediterranean Harbor and Mysterious Island or Fortress Explorations. Those places will make the following step extra possible.
Last Shot at Soaring: Fantastic Flight – Warning: this step could not work. On a traditional evening, Believe! Sea of Dreams will finish over slightly over an hour earlier than Tokyo DisneySea closes. If you in the fitting spot and fast, it’s best to be capable of bounce in line for Soaring: Fantastic Flight proper after it ends, when there’s a lull within the wait time.
The issues with this are two-fold. First, in case you’re not quick, you’re behind a ton of individuals with the very same thought. Second, we’ve lately run into issues with Tokyo DisneySea reducing the road for Soaring: Fantastic Flight earlier than park closing. It was the case that you might get in line till the minute the parks closed. That’s nonetheless the case for many sights, more often than not. But not all the time. So if Soaring: Fantastic Flight is absolutely vital to you, possibly do it first or splurge for Premier Access.
Time Enough at Last – The excellent news in case your plan for Soaring: Fantastic Flight fails is that you’ve free time to discover TDS. You have a couple of choices, from heading again to Lost River Delta to wandering by the skin of Mermaid Lagoon to spending the evening hours absorbing different lands.
As a lot as we love the distinctive queue, pre-show, and finale for Soaring: Fantastic Flight, I’d personally reasonably wander round Tokyo DisneySea than watch for that. To every their very own, although!
Closing Mysterious Island – This is probably the most iconic land in Tokyo DisneySea, and though you noticed it earlier within the plan, there’s one thing about wandering by way of it late at evening because the park empties. The background noises are particularly ominous, Mount Prometheus’ eruptions are particularly chilling, and the whole lot simply feels extra…mysterious.
Some of these items are going to need to be minimize or contracted relying upon how a lot time different issues take, however in case you’re in a position to do even two-thirds of the issues on the Daily Trip Blueprint, you’ve knocked out chunk of Tokyo DisneySea’s highlights. You will discover there are some massive identify sights and full areas lacking (you by no means step meals in Mermaid Lagoon!) however that’s going to occur on a 1-day go to. You’ll have a good time, regardless, in case you comply with this Tokyo DisneySea 1-day itinerary.
Planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort? For complete recommendation, the very best place to begin is our Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Trip Planning Guide! For extra specifics, our TDR Hotel Rankings & Reviews web page covers lodging. Our Restaurant Reviews element the place to dine & snack. To lower your expenses on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money publish. Our What to Pack for Disney publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. Venturing elsewhere in Japan? Consult our Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Japan and City Guide to Tokyo, Japan.
Your Thoughts…
What would you embrace in your very best day in Tokyo DisneySea? What are the must-dos for you? What concerning the sights you’d advocate skipping? If you haven’t visited TDS but, what do you propose on doing? Any questions? Hearing suggestions about your experiences is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!