If you only have one day to spend at Tokyo Disneyland there is strategic way to effectively get through the park. I would recommend that if you can, have an extra day but if you can’t spare it these are the highlights! I will cover where to eat, what to ride, and what shows to make time for. 

Ready to dive on in?

If you only have one day you want to stay close onsite at a Disney Hotel. The best location would be the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel as its located right in front of the entrance. If that is out of your budget, then Tokyo Disney Celebration is a great second option! Both come with early access to the parks which is a great time to grab your FastPasses. 

FastPasses are going to be your best friend on a day trip. You also want to start your day EARLY. The more time you have at the park the more time you have to accomplish the best rides. 

The tops rides that you want to try to grab a pass for would be:

• Pooh’s Hunny Hunt
• Space Mountain 
• Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek 
• Star Tours: The Adventure Continues

I would recommend getting a fast pass for Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and then Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek. These both are really awesome and unique rides different than what you will see at the US parks. 

Depending on the day you visit you should be able to get through all four of these rides in the morning. For your afternoon rides you want to hit the following:

• Pirates of the Caribbean 
• Big Thunder Mountain 
• Haunted Mansion 

The great thing about Tokyo Disneyland is the rides are unique to the park and are different than what you will see at the other parks. 

Popcorn

One of the best parts of the park are the unique snacks! If you like popcorn this is the park for you, they have flavors ranging from curry, milk tea, strawberry, cream soda, coconut, soy sauce & butter and so much more! They also have tons of cool popcorn holders which double as great souvenirs. 

Mike Wazowski Melon Bread

Also known as Melon Pan is a sweet bread popular in Japan. You can find it in the bakeries around the park. 

Green Alien Dumplings

One of the cutest snacks in the park these little dumplings are Mochi. You can get them in three flavors custard, strawberry, and chocolate. 

Tokyo’s Dole Whip 

Located at Squeezer’s Tropical Bar in Adventureland this is Japan’s take on Dole whip. It’s basically mango soft serve but it’s really good! 

 Dreamers Lounge

Now this restaurant is not located in Tokyo Disneyland but inside the Disneyland Hotel. It was honestly one of my favorite spots to eat at! They had an amazing fish sandwich and do a great afternoon tea! I would make time to have lunch or afternoon tea here its 100% worth it! 

Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall

This is considered the most popular restaurant in the park! Waits can be extremely long, so timing here is crucial. You either want to eat very late or early dinner. If you plan out your snack time accordingly, you won’t feel like you are eating too early or late. 

Disney is an entertainment company first and foremost and their shows are always next level. There best nighttime show is the Cinderella Castle nighttime spectacular and Dreamlights. Both shows are really amazing and are worth seeing. If you aren’t a big fan of shows this is a great time to try to get on more rides as lines drastically cut down. 

If you love Disney, then you most likely love the shopping! What’s great is that ever Disney Park has their own unique apparel. The best place to shop in Tokyo Disneyland is at the World Bazaar. Think of this as their version of Main Street and while there are shops around the park the majority of items will be here. To beat crowds either go first thing in the morning or right before park closing. It’s open 30 minutes after the park closes so going right before the park closes you will hit the lull. After it can get crazy busy so plan to maximize your time. 

There is so much to cover at Tokyo Disneyland in one day but if you follow this plan you will hit most of the main things to do! Most importantly remember to have fun this is a once in a lifetime trip. 

If you have visited the parks or plan on going, make sure to drop a comment about your experience!