Tokyo Disneyland takes the best of both the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park to create a unique yet familiar experience. There are plenty of food and snacks to devour, shows to experience, and attractions to ride as many times as you can fit in.  Over the years of living in Japan, I have visited this beautiful park over 101 times. With that experience, I’ve come up with a simple step-by-step 1-day Tokyo Disneyland itinerary.

However, hitting all these points in a single day is daunting, but I’ve done my best to give you an ideal itinerary if you have only a single day at the park. If you have visited any other Magic Kingdom park, some of these points may seem odd, but trust us when they show up on the list. In other words, I think they are worth experiencing, even if it’s in other Parks.

In addition, don’t miss our 1-day itinerary for Tokyo DisneySea, too. If you enjoy this itinerary, you’ll want to see our 200-page e-book travel guide that has even more itineraries for multiple-days!

Table of Contents

• Preparation
• Morning
• Afternoon
• Evening

Preparation

In this section, I’ll tell you what to prepare ahead of time. Being prepared makes our 1-day Tokyo Disneyland itinerary easier to follow and helps your day flow better.

• Read through our packing list for a day at the park
• Check attraction wait times on the official app (Japanese only) or on the English website
• Grab yourself an English Park Map if you are staying at the Resort or download the pdf
• Grab a Japanese Today Guide at the turnstiles too (it has pictures of latest food and merchandise)
• Eat before heading to the park or have some snacks to hold you over until your first popcorn of the day
• Arrive about one hour before park opening (2 hours on weekends)
• If you have the “Happy 15” early entry, queue 30 minutes to 1 hour before your entrance time
• Grab a copy of our popular e-book travel guide to make your day immensely more simple
• Read our “When to visit Tokyo Disney Resort” guide to check attraction closures

Note: From now through sometime in 2020 (we don’t have a date yet), there is construction happening at the gates to Tokyo Disneyland. All guests are being allowed into the park 30-minutes before Park open. Happy 15 Guests are able to roam the rest of the park 15-minutes before the park opens (only Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is open). Read our post for more details.

Most importantly, remember to have fun! OK, now that you’re prepared, let’s get on with the morning!

Morning (1-Day Tokyo Disneyland Itinerary)

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland! Photo by Duy Phan Photography.

Firstly, waking up early and getting in line makes all the difference. Once those turnstiles open, it’s time to shine. In other words, get there early and you’ll set yourself up for a successful day. You’ll want to beat the crowds.

• Grab a Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! FastPass in Tomorrowland (note the return time)
• Head on over to Pooh’s Hunny Hunt in the standby line
• After your adventures with Pooh, grab yourself some Hunny Popcorn to celebrate experiencing one of the best attractions at Tokyo Disney Resort
• Single Rider for Splash Mountain
• Use your FastPass for Monsters Inc. around this time
  • You must show up for your FastPass in your time slot (otherwise you won’t be allowed to ride)
• In Westernland, grab a spot for the morning parade facing Fantasyland (in front of Critter Country)
• Have one person from your party grab FastPasses for either Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion or Space Mountain. Note the return time and adjust accordingly

You’ve conquered the morning and feeling fantastic. However, now it’s time to get some food and enjoy the afternoon at a slower pace. Read on for the next section of our 1-day Tokyo Disneyland itinerary.

Afternoon (1-Day Tokyo Disneyland Itinerary)

Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall at Tokyo Disneyland. Photo by Duy Phan Photography.

Secondly, after all, that running around in the morning, you’ll need to refuel. In other words, let’s get you something delicious to eat.

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch right after the parade at the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall, Camp Woodchuck Kitchen, or Hungry Bear Restaurant
• Claim your spot in Tomorrowland for the Dreaming Up! Parade (made its debut as part of the 35th Anniversary)
  • Anywhere along the route is a good spot and usually is not as crowded
  • After the parade, it should be time for your next FastPass
• Grab yourself a Stormtrooper Mochi or try another flavour of popcorn
• Relax by browsing the shops in the World Bazaar (see our updated merchandise list)
  • If you don’t want to carry it all day, store your purchases in a locker near the entrance to the park
• Get in line for a character greeting at the entrance to the park
• Hop aboard the Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland (near the World Bazaar).
• Try your hand at the Carnival Games and win an exclusive prize or pin
  • If it’s raining that day, you could get an exclusive rainy day pin (only available when it’s raining)

After a relaxing afternoon to re-energize, it’s time to enjoy the very best entertainment in the evening.

Evening (1-Day Tokyo Disneyland Itinerary)

Tangled float in Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights. Photo by Duy Phan Photography

Lastly, the sun has set and the weather has started to cool down. Now, it’s time to soak in Tokyo Disneyland in the evening.

• Scurry on over to Grandma Sara’s Kitchen in Critter Country for a unique dining experience and hearty food
• Claim your spot for the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights in the hub area about 60-30 minutes in advance
  • The best spot for photos is beside the Partner Statue
• Once you are finished watching the best nighttime entertainment, blast on over to Star Tours or the Jungle Cruise (it’s awesome at night)
• Watch the nighttime spectacular: Celebrate! Tokyo Disneyland
• You have a few hours left in the park; use this time to enjoy an attraction or attractions of your choice
• Enjoy the atmosphere in front of Cinderella Castle

You just conquered the Park with our 1-day Tokyo Disneyland itinerary! You’ll leave Japan feeling accomplished. Now, it’s time to get ready for your day at Tokyo DisneySea. If you enjoyed this itinerary, our 200-page e-book has ideal itineraries for multiple days to ensure you don’t miss anything at Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following this simple itinerary makes sure you get to experience the best of this wonderful park.