The real goal of this Japan trip was Tokyo Disneyland. Our younger one, Haji, is still too little to enjoy it, so grandma stepped in to watch her while the rest of us went. We’re so grateful — thanks to her, we got to enjoy the day without any worries.
| 📍 Location | Tokyo Disneyland, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan |
| 💰 Admission | 1-Day Passport: adults approx. ¥8,900 / kids (4–11) approx. ¥5,600 (varies by day) |
| ⏰ Hours | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by day — check the official site) |
| 🚗 Getting there | Walk from JR Maihama Station, or take the Disney Resort Line |
| 👶 Stroller | Stroller-friendly (rentals available) |
| ⭐ Recommended age | 4 and up |
This was our whole family’s first time at Tokyo Disneyland, and it was such a satisfying day. Every corner was a feast for the eyes, and there was so much to see. Every ride had its own distinct personality, and all the nostalgia from the Disney cartoons we grew up on came flooding back — for a moment, I felt like a kid again myself.
What struck us the moment we walked in was just how much detail goes into every corner of the park — even the pavement tiles and lamp posts are themed down to the last detail, so there were photo ops everywhere just from walking around. Seojin’s eyes lit up every time he spotted a character, and Doeun seemed brighter too, probably enjoying a rare day without worrying about her little sister.
The opening rush — crowded even if you show up early
Just as the reputation suggests, even doing the “opening rush” didn’t spare us from the crowds. We arrived 30 minutes before opening, and it still felt busy — though maybe a bit less crowded than some of the reviews we’d read beforehand. As soon as the gates opened, we rushed to the nearest rides first, then used DPA (Disney Premier Access) strategically throughout the day.
DPA is purchased through the official app, and it’s much smoother if you register your credit card in the app before you even enter the park. You reserve a time slot for a specific ride and come back then to join a much shorter line — genuinely useful for managing everyone’s energy when you’re out with a 7-year-old all day.
Beauty and the Beast — the ride we wanted to redo
Of all the rides, Beauty and the Beast stood out the most. The level of detail, the music, the storytelling — the whole thing was on another level, good enough that we considered using another DPA slot just to ride it again. Our son couldn’t stop smiling the entire time. It’s set up more like a gentle carousel-style ride that follows the story, so even kids who are nervous about rides can enjoy it without any pressure.
The water-splash log flume ride was another big hit with the kids. Getting soaked while everyone screamed and laughed together is easily one of our favorite memories from this whole trip. Even outside of summer, you get pretty wet, so we’d recommend bringing a change of clothes or a poncho.
There’s also a Winnie the Pooh-themed photo spot, set against a backdrop styled like a storybook page, where the kids happily struck peace-sign poses. Character-themed photo spots are tucked away all over the park, so hunting them down became a fun little side activity. Our son was carrying a popcorn bucket around his neck at the time — the design was so cute that other visitors kept asking to take his photo. Apparently Tokyo Disneyland rotates popcorn bucket designs by season, so spotting the limited edition for your visit is a fun little bonus.
For lunch, we had character-shaped omurice and curry at one of the park restaurants — the food was great, but the presentation was so cute our son just stared at his plate for a while before digging in. Restaurants tend to have a wait, so we’d suggest eating a little earlier than you think you need to, before everyone gets too hungry.
Cinderella Castle — the photo you can’t skip
No visit to Tokyo Disneyland is complete without a photo at Cinderella Castle. We took our family photo in front of the Partners Statue (Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse) with the castle in the background, and honestly, this spot lives up to the hype. The weather was clear too, which made the photos come out even better. We also learned on the ground that afternoon light gives you less backlighting than the morning — worth keeping in mind if you’re planning your own shot.
Tips for visiting Tokyo Disneyland with a 7-year-old
- Set up DPA before you arrive — Register your credit card in the official app ahead of time so you can book the moment you’re through the gates. Popular rides often sell out their DPA slots by mid-morning, so don’t wait around.
- The opening rush isn’t optional — Even arriving 30 minutes early, the crowds were real. If you’re traveling with a 7-year-old, timing your arrival with the opening is worth it just for the energy management alone.
- Pack a change of clothes for water rides — Log flume-style rides get you wetter than you’d expect. Bringing spare clothes or a big towel makes the rest of your day a lot more comfortable.
Our trip to Japan was short, so we had to save Tokyo DisneySea for another time — that part stung a little. Next time, we’re planning a longer itinerary that leaves room for DisneySea too. This visit also left us with a new goal: to eventually visit every Disneyland around the world. Watching our son grow up while chasing that same laughter at Disneylands everywhere else feels like more than enough reason to start planning the next trip already.
📌 More from our Japan trip
- Ueno Zoo Tokyo with Kids | Tickets, Tips & Tigers
- Sapporo with Kids: Jungle Go Animal Cafe
- Fukuoka with Kids: Marine World
📍 Getting There
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