What I Wish I’d Known Before Going to Tokyo Disney

After a year of planning and two weeks in Tokyo, we LEARNED A LOT! And now it’s time to share it all with you! From amazing shows, epic popcorn carts, GIANT crowds, and so many toilets, there were a LOT of things that we discovered first hand that made us go, “Gee… I wish I would’ve known about that BEFORE I got here.” Sometimes planning isn’t enough – and you just have to experience it!

[Subscribe for more Disney Food Videos!]

[Join our Newsletter]

[Social Links]

[OmarJames]

I guess most viewers on this channel are American but since you touching on customs/immigration I would add that travelers should check Japan's visa requirements before planning the trip over. Americans can arrive on "visa free" stays of up to 90 days, but many countries do not have that agreement and citizens will need to have a valid visa. Don't wanna get sent back home after that long flight....i've seen it happen

[Islandboytb]

For those concerned about the language barrier, I had the best time there and had no issues. Staff are the friendliest I have experienced at a Disney park and are well trained to assist foreigners. When they needed to communicate with us (usually when backpacks needed to be taken off or which direction to exit) they used clear hand motions. For ordering food you can point at the option you’d like on a menu. I’d recommend learning some basic Japanese, they were very appreciative and kind when we greeted and thanked them in Japanese.

[theashleighdiaries]

I just want to say thank you so much for being sensitive and kind and including information about where to find more Westernised food - Tokyo Disney is high up on my dream destination bucket list, but I have an autistic daughter with an extremely picky diet which poses major barriers to be able to travel. So many people don't include that sort of information or talk absolute trash about it, and you handled this in such a kind, sensitive manner that is so helpful!

[BrianEagen]

The trash situation with Tokyo is because of something that happened in 1995 involving sarin gas bags placed on trains and in trash cans at subway stations. After the attack, most trash cans in Tokyo and all other big cities disappeared almost overnight. The separation rules at restaurant trash cans help with recycling and separating between burnable and non-burnable trash.

[KoriDawn]

This video was quite timely. I am turning 50 next year and I am visiting Japan to celebrate such a momentous occasion. Thank for such great guidance.

[silversurferhi]

Suica digital card on your phone much easier to use. Popcorn lines over a hour on the weekends

[mnchildkel]

I just came back from there 3 weeks ago and I had the most incredible time. The cast members are so sweet and had some of the most amazing interactions with them. They love when you wave say hi. I can't wait to go back must incredible trip and experience I've ever seen ❤

[ajbriggs]

Portable wifi is a really economical and easy to use option instead of a phone plan. I pre booked online and picked up at the post office at the airport. It is returned by dropping into a post box.

[JillRhoads]

If they sell green iced tea in the vending machines in Japan...omg BUY BUY BUY! You will never go back! It tastes wonderful! Also if you are there during the summer...drink iced coffee. You will be happy you did.

[GeekNotice]

Wow, this video is a goldmine of tips for anyone planning a trip to Tokyo Disney! 😍 From epic shows to dealing with crowds and even the toilets 🚽, you covered it all!

[oryantge]

A note about Suica, they have discontinued Local Suica for the time being so tourists staying for less then three week will want to get the Welcome Suica from the airport. All tourist can get a Welcome Suica but if you are staying for a month or more you should know that it turns off automatically after 21 days, and can't be restarted. I believe this is to save all Suicas for tourists. There a shortage due to a chip or resistor shortage, not an engineer. Just saying get the Welcome Suica before you leave the airport, it will be easier then trying to get it other places because the airport is ready for tourists.

[shereadsmysteries]

I have been wanting to go to the international parks for years but it is intimidating! Not knowing much about the parks mixed with the possible language barriers and being someone who never really traveled. Thank you so much for this video!

[MyargonautsJason]

as a California native who has lived in Japan for 19 years and counting, I can't recommend the Disney parks in Tokyo, especially Disney Sea, highly enough. A few things for your USA viewers - the US has Daylight Savings Time, so half of the year the time difference with New York (EST) is 13 hours behind Tokyo and the other half it's 14 hours behind.
In addition to learning a few Japanese words, it's not a bad idea to acquaint yourself with the metric system, especially .C or centigrade for temperatures and also military time or the 24hr clock, which is widely used here. Last - the card for transport (Suica) is pronounced "sue-ee-ka". Have fun!

[BethanyGraceRudmik]

My sister and I went just this passed April. We went 10 days before Golden week and the end of Cherry blossom season and the parks were DEAD! it felt like our own park.

[animecherry]

We just went during our first trip and we had sooo much fun! It’s definitely a different experience than in the states but there’s a kind of magic that no matter where you go you can always find when in Disney. Definitely grab breakfast at Lawson or 7/11. Arrive 1 hr before parks open and bring something to sit on. Watch the nighttime parade cuz it’s just beautiful. Be prepared to wait in line for absolutely everything! Japan is definitely a line culture lol. Loved the video!

[inezkestens]

I chickened out of Tokyo Disney when I visited Japan because I arrived during Golden Week ... Which is just perfect for exploring Tokyo itself because it was very quiet as everybody was out visiting family or going on Holiday but it's not a time you want to visit Disney :p
I do have to say the Single Riders tip is true. I don't know why it was so under used. Now I traveled solo but even then in Universal a line was more than 2h and I got to ride it in under 15min. It was crazy. I do believe because parks are more of a "couple" thing in Japan they don't use them that often? But really if you can, use them. Because lines do get very crazy sometimes.

[hayleyjacinthia]

just wanted to say you actually CAN bring your own food into tokyo disney!!! i went with my family in march and we stopped at lawsons on the way each morning to grab a lunch, a snack & a drink to take with us so we didnt have to worry about reserving a table at a restaurant. you can also leave and come back to buy food outside the park & theres a convenience store at the train station just outside the park :)))

[lars]

I’ve been there a week ago. My advice: Disneyland is more for children - if u are alone or a couple and u can live without the castle, go to Disney Sea - it’s a 20 minute walk, and it has more to explore and to ride (but also almost no Disney theming except for Agrabah and Ariel). BUT if u don’t wanna ride everything u can visit both parks in a day: Disneyland took me 4 hours to walk everywhere and ride 2 smaller rides. For Disney Sea u need an hour more. Also, there r 2 single riders lines over there. The merch is boring, don’t bother, and try to go on a weekday of course. Other than that - have a good time! :-) (And bring a light jacket: sun goes down at 6 pm, and there is a coast nearby, so it can get a bit chilly/windy)

[queenatheartchannel]

Just got back from Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland yesterday. We had the best time. The shows, merch and CM’s are top tier. This video is making me miss it already! 😊 I miss the clean bathrooms, bidets, and food especially the garlic shrimp popcorn 😂 I didn’t miss my Diet Coke because their melon soda is SO GOOD!

[TheGuyerLife]

Thank you for this. Im going sometime this summer and lots of helpful things. I only have a day and plan to focus on Disney Seas mostly. So planning is essential. 😊