If you’re considering choosing between these two parks (Tokyo Disneyland vs Disney Sea) in Tokyo then you’re likely trying to plan your trip to Japan and we love that for you! 

There’s so many places to visit in Tokyo! If you’re coming to this area I feel like you should add visiting Disney Tokyo to your itinerary. 

Disneyland Tokyo is cheaper than it is in the USA and you don’t need to speak Japanese to enjoy the parks here! It was more affordable for us to take our kids to the Tokyo Disney parks than to visit California or Disney World in Florida!

Why Tokyo Disney Parks?

Experiencing Disney at Tokyo is just so much more enjoyable. The rides, such as Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain, are better here in Japan. Both parks are beautiful and the detailing that went into these parks is cool to look at!  Jasmine fountain and Cinderella’s castle have beautiful tiling and were two of my favorite pieces of art!

The Mermaid Lagoon over at Tokyo DisneySea was so fun, and the Beauty and the Beast ride at Tokyo Disneyland was incredible! Both attractions are among a few others that are unique to both parks only here. 

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Food and Culture

Food at the Tokyo Disney parks is cheaper and super fun to try. The Japanese flavors infused into a lot of the snacks and foods around the park were so good! It was a cultural experience for our kids to enjoy in a playful and fun way. Trying out different foods in the Mediterranean Harbor outside of the Arabian Coast was a highlight. Tokyo Disney in my opinion has some of the best tasting unique foods. 

Friendly Environment

The people are just nice, including the friendly cast members you spend all day with in the park. The vibe is great. The Tokyo Disney Resort App comes in English, and there are English translations all over the park, making it pretty seamless to integrate. If you have a question, most of the staff will use devices to communicate with you if you need assistance.

Rides and Attractions

Most of the rides are in Japanese, but if you’re a Disney fan, you know the tunes, and it’s fun to hear them in another language. Our kids loved this; it’s a great learning experience. The Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights is amazing! There are so many Disney characters to see, and the floats are dazzling and beautiful.

At Tokyo Disney Sea, you can’t miss the unique Mysterious Island and Port Discovery. These areas are filled with thrilling rides and attractions that you won’t find at any other Disney theme parks. For instance, the Indiana Jones Adventure and Tower of Terror are must-rides for thrill-seekers.

Night Shows and Parades

The night show at Tokyo DisneySea, Sea of Dreams, is a spectacular display that you shouldn’t miss. The Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights is another must-see, featuring an array of dazzling floats and beloved Disney characters. The night show and parades are perfect for wrapping up a magical day at the parks.

Tokyo Disneyland vs Tokyo Disney Sea

When deciding between Tokyo Disneyland vs. Tokyo Disney Sea, it’s important to understand the main differences.

Tokyo Disneyland offers a classic Disney theme parks experience similar to other parks worldwide. It features many beloved classic rides and areas such as Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Main Street. The park is perfect for those who want to experience classic Disney attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World. Additionally, the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights is a spectacular event that you shouldn’t miss.

On the other hand, Tokyo DisneySea is unique and different from any other Disney park. It features themed areas such as Mysterious Island, Port Discovery, Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, and the Arabian Coast. The park offers more exclusive rides and attractions, including Indiana Jones Adventure, Tower of Terror, and the Center of the Earth. The night show at Tokyo DisneySea, Sea of Dreams, is also a must-see.

Tokyo DisneySea recently opened Fantasy Springs, featuring new rides like the Elsa and Tangled rides, adding even more magic to the park. This addition is an added bonus for those deciding between the two parks.

Recommendations

If we had to recommend one, we’d pick Tokyo DisneySea for its unique experiences and different worlds you can explore. Tokyo Disneyland is themed like other Disney parks globally. The park offers a magical experience with its popular attractions, making it a perfect choice for both young adults and families with young kids.

Useful Information

When planning your visit, remember to use your credit card for ticket purchases and expenses within the park. This can make transactions smoother and sometimes earn you rewards points. Entry tickets for the parks can be purchased online in advance, which is highly recommended to avoid long lines at the park entrance. Also, if you’re traveling with young children, both parks offer plenty of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable visit for the whole family.

Cost Breakdown

So, how much did everything cost for a family of four?

• Tokyo Disneyland: $252.90 per day
• Tokyo DisneySea: $252.90 per day
• Flights: Free with Military Space-A
• Hotel: Free with Points

We stayed for free at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay, which included a free shuttle that dropped us off at each park, making everything super easy and affordable to navigate.

Ticket Prices

Each adult ticket came out to $75.75, our teen was $62.55, and Audrey was $38.90. Total each day: $252.90, making both days $505.90. Tokyo Disneyland tickets are more affordable than you think!

Language and Integration

With minimal language barriers, you don’t need to be nervous about visiting Tokyo Disney parks. There are so many places to visit in Tokyo, and it costs as much as planning a trip to parks in the states. You might as well travel to a new country! (Girl math 😉)

Attractions for All Ages

The parks cater to all age groups. For younger children, Fantasyland and Adventureland offer classic Disney rides like It’s a Small World, Splash Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion. For older kids and adults, there are more thrilling options like Toy Story Mania and Center of the Earth. Don’t forget to check out the American Waterfront and Main Street for some great shopping and dining experiences.

Visiting the Tokyo Disney parks was a magical experience for our family. From meeting our favorite characters like Mickey Mouse to enjoying the dark rides in the whole Aladdin-based land, every moment was filled with joy and wonder. Our kids especially loved the happy ride and collecting cute souvenirs to remember the trip by.

Final Thoughts

If you can only choose between Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea, I’d pick Tokyo DisneySea for a new experience. The exclusive rides and themed areas like Mysterious Island and American Waterfront offer a unique twist on the classic Disney experience.

There are many places to visit in Tokyo, and the Tokyo Disney parks should definitely be on your list! Our Disney Tokyo adventure cost less than you’d expect, especially if you’re playing with points.

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