This guide to Tokyo Disneyland attractions contains short reviews and rating for every ride and show in the park, plus line-skipping recommendations for Japan’s equivalent of the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort, this is a great resource when determining what to do and skip. (Updated September 16, 2024.)
This listing of ride reviews coupled with our 1-Day Tokyo Disneyland Itinerary is a great way to tackle a day in the park. That’s especially true given that the park’s major expansion, featuring Beauty and the Beast and Big Hero 6 additions, has now opened. Even before that, Tokyo Disneyland had an absolutely stacked ride roster along with exceptional seasonal entertainment. All of that means difficult choices need to be made, especially if you only have a single day at TDL.
The good news is that, unlike Tokyo DisneySea (see our separate Tokyo DisneySea Attraction Guide for more about that park), much of what you encounter at Tokyo Disneyland will be familiar. Very familiar. During its initial construction, elements of Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom were cherry-picked and duplicated in Tokyo Disneyland. Much of this is apparent today, even though almost every addition subsequent to the park’s opening in 1983 has been unique. Tokyo Disneyland isn’t nearly as unique as Tokyo DisneySea, but it’s still awesome.
Tokyo Disneyland is arguably the best Disney castle park in the world. This is largely due to the quality of maintenance, amazing Cast Members, awesome dining options and incredible snacks options, and a few flagship attractions (Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, and Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek) that redefine the Disney dark ride experience.
One thing to note is that you’ll need to download the Tokyo Disney Resort app before visiting in order to save time and have a more efficient day at Tokyo Disneyland. The app is now available in English, and is how you’ll join show lotteries, obtain standby passes, make restaurant reservations or mobile orders–as well as purchase paid FastPass or obtain free FastPass.
Technically, it isn’t called FastPass anymore. The spiritual successors to free FastPass are Premier Access and Priority Pass. See our for eligible attractions, prices, and how to make these line-skipping ride-reservations.
As it exists today, Tokyo Disneyland is a bit of a “Bizarro Magic Kingdom,” with certain aspects of the park mirroring parts of present day Magic Kingdom. We hope this doesn’t downplay just how excellent and unique Tokyo Disneyland is, as it’s truly a special park. (It’s my second favorite theme park in the world, so it’s certainly much more than a Magic Kingdom knock-off!)
Like Tokyo DisneySea, entertainment is especially popular at Tokyo Disneyland, with Japanese fans putting their mats down for parades and shows over an hour in advance in many cases. Lines can also be quite long, as Tokyo Disneyland is one of the top 5 theme parks in the world in terms of annual attendance. Because of this, it will be a challenge to experience all of the top attractions in a single day.
The similarities between many attractions in Tokyo Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom/Disneyland make our approach to this guide a bit difficult. On the one hand, we suspect hardcore Disney fans who have the time will want to experience as much as possible to note the differences, however minor, between various versions of the attractions. On the other hand, moderate fans likely won’t care, and even hardcore fans with limited time are better served spending that time at Tokyo DisneySea.
With that out of the way, here are our reviews & ratings for every attraction and major piece of entertainment at Tokyo Disneyland…
Top Tokyo Disneyland Attractions
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (10/10)– Guests enter Beast’s Castle for one of the best modern dark rides in Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, which retells the story of the animated masterpiece. The preshow into the castle lobby with a grand staircase and two balconies overlooking guests. This serves as an introduction for Belle and Beast to one another, and our entry point into their story.
From there, guests venture deeper into the castle while winding through elaborate and ornate queue, which is home to some incredible effects. Lumière, Cogsworth, Chip, Mrs. Potts, Sultan, and others all make appearances. The load area for the ride-through portion of the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast is in the castle’s kitchen. Fittingly, guests board magical cups that “dance” in rhythm to the well-known music from Beauty and the Beast, as they take guests glide through scenes depicting the story of the animated film.
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast is an excellent attraction and one that has actually grown on us both more with each repeat ride. Even after over a half-dozen ride-throughs, we’re still noticing and marveling at new features and effects. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast is worthy of its mega E-Ticket status and is in the upper echelon of all attractions in the world. The Audio Animatronics are incredible, the staging is mostly fantastic, and there are a few amazing effects and ‘how did they do that’ moments.
Not only that, but it’s ameatyattraction, with a compelling queue and pre-show, and a lengthy ride-through portion. It should be your #1 priority ride at Tokyo Disneyland, and you might even want to do it more than once. It’s the rare attraction we recommend purchasing Premier Access to experience, with first thing in the morning or right after Dreamlights being the best times to ride. For more photos & commentary, see our Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ride review.
Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights (10/10) – Dreamlights is a nighttime light parade a la SpectroMagic and the Main Street Electrical Parade. This takes the light parade concept to the next level, and adds a couple of revolutionary floats to the mix, making Main Street Electrical Parade look antiquated by comparison.
Dreamlights combines a great soundtrack with some plussed versions of the standard floats stateside guests are used to, and then throws some truly astonishing floats into the mix. Dreamlights is our favorite Disney parade, anywhere ever. It’s incredible. Stake out a spot about forty-five minutes to an hour (depending upon crowds) before the parade for the best view. Check outDreamlights: Disney’s Best Night Parade for more photos & recommendations.
Disney Harmony in Color Parade (9.5/10) – Tokyo Disneyland’s 40th anniversary parade, Harmony in Color is a blockbuster daytime parade with some lavish and large floats. Themed to a “harmonious world of colors,” the parade features the Disney friends who showcase themes of adventure, courage, family bonds and friendship with colorful flower petals. The characters’ dreams and wishes become vibrant with colors, and invite guests on a journey to a world of harmony.
We’re not normally too big on daytime parades, but we love this one. It is high energy and vibrant without being tacky, and also featured some great designs. Plus, the soundtrack is very catchy, albeit a bit bubbly (it works well). For Disney fans, there were also little Easter Eggs scattered on the floats. Stake out a spot 30-60 minutes in advance.
Mickey’s Magical Music World (8.5/10)– Another addition to Fantasyland Forest next door to Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, this is Tokyo Disneyland’s montage musical stage show. This original show features Mickey Mouse and friends in a live performance of music and dance that makes full use of the theater’s large-scale stage sets and effects.
If you’ve seen one of the montage musicals aboard Disney Cruise Line or in the other international parks (or the now-extinct Mickey and the Magical Map at Disneyland), you should get the general idea. We think this is a better-staged version of those, but it’s still the same idea. If your time is limited, watching this probably shouldn’t be a top priority–but it is very good.
The Happy Ride with Baymax (?/10)– The official description is as follows: “Experience this wild musical ride developed by the young inventor Hiro Hamada. As up-tempo music plays, this ride is sure to make everyone happy.” That doesn’t really tell you much. In actuality, this is a flat ride, like the teacups or Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.
Seeing the hour-long posted wait times and huge crowds gathered to watch the Happy Ride with Baymax, you might be convinced otherwise. And it is true that there’s something special–a certain je ne sais quoi about the attraction. It has kinetic energy, and the “routines” performed by onlookers transforms and elevates the attraction. Sort of like how the Jungle Cruise skippers make that into something different completely. But enough to justify waiting 60+ minutes? We don’t think so. While this is almost impossible to score, we’re inclined to recommend standing outside the attraction for 10 minutes or so partake in the energy and experience, rather than actually riding. To each their own, though. (If forced to score, I’d give it 7/10.)
Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek (10/10) – Interactive dark ride in which guests use flashlights to trigger effects and reveal monsters. Along with Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, this is the flagship attraction at Tokyo Disneyland. Reactions to Ride & Go Seek have been somewhat mixed, but we absolutely love it and consider it in the same caliber as Hunny Hunt. Its Audio Animatronics are advanced and lifelike (well, assuming a big blue monster is somehow “lifelike”), with very fluid motions. Sets are immersive and include a ton of detail.
The interactive twist of revealing monsters and other effects by shining a flashlight on them is fun (it’s optional) and adds to the re-rideability of the attraction, as you likely will not see it all on one ride-through. The Monsters, Inc. dark ride at Disney California Adventure does not hold a candle to this. Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek offers free Priority Pass, and it’s a very good use of that–we usually pick it second.
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (10/10) – Trackless dark ride through the world of Winnie the Pooh. This is the gold standard for Fantasyland dark rides–you will never look at the rest the same after Hunny Hunt. The trackless ride system is key, but so are the great scenes and other effects. Hunny Hunt’s ride vehicles dance with one another and engage their environments in a way that adds an incredible amount of immersion.
From the vehicles “gathering” around for storytime to bouncing with Tigger to spinning in Pooh’s dream with Heffalumps, you feel like an actual participant in this highly imaginative ride. Other than that both feature Pooh, in no way is this comparable to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. We recommend doing Pooh’s Hunny Hunt via standby at rope drop/park opening, and also getting Priority Pass for it with your #1 or #2 selection.
Haunted Mansion (10/10) — The Haunted Mansion is a slow-moving dark ride that is home to 999 happy haunts that are dying to meet you. In the Haunted Mansion, the ghosts are the more jovial, singing type (this isn’t a “Murder House”). This is basically the Walt Disney World version of the Haunted Mansion, without the recent enhancements and with a couple different effects. The narration is in Japanese, but the visuals (and your memory, if you’ve visited other Disney theme parks) are all you really need.
Haunted Mansion is located in Fantasyland, supposedly because ghost stories are “fantasy” in Japan. I think that’s a convenient excuse, and the reality is that there wasn’t a better spot for it without retooling it (a la Phantom Manor in Paris’ Frontierland). Regardless, it’s popular, but has Priority Pass. In our experience, it’s among the last attractions to run out of Priority Pass, so wait until they’re all gone for everything else, then grab a Haunted Mansion Priority Pass. Failing that, lines are shorter at night.
Pirates of the Caribbean (10/10) — Pirates of the Caribbean is a boat-ride back in time to the days when pirates ruled the Caribbean. The attractions features Audio Animatronics pirates, including Captain Jack Sparrow, engaging in swashbuckling mayhem. This is slightly shorter than the Disneyland version of the ride, but it includes every scene present at Disneyland (including its own Blue Bayou restaurant). Its high capacity plus relative lack of popularity in Tokyo make this something you can do whenever.
Western River Railroad (9/10) – Railroad ride departing Adventureland and taking guests through Westernland and Critter Country before returning to Adventureland. Unlike other Disney theme parks, this railroad does not circle the perimeter of the park. Instead, it’s a loop departing from and returning to Adventureland. While it can’t be used as transportation between lands, it offers beautiful views of attractions and scenes, including Primeval World, along the way. Do this whenever.
Jungle Cruise (8.5/10) — Jungle Cruise is a boat ride through the rivers of Adventureland that encounters hippos, lions, and piranhas, among other animals and natives, along the way. Normally, the real highlight here is the non-stop zingers of the skippers who pilot the boats. This holds true in Japan, except the experience is entirely in Japanese. The skipper’s mannerisms are always a hoot, and many of the punchlines are at similar points and have similar cadence as their US counterparts, so if you’re familiar with Jungle Cruise, you’ll still “get” parts of it. Don’t get discouraged by the “no English” thing here, as Jungle Cruise might just be more fun when you can’t understand it. Jungle Cruise received new effects recently, but its popularity has once again died down, meaning you can do this whenever.
Splash Mountain (10/10) — Splash Mountain is a log flume ride that features characters originally derived from Disney’s controversial Song of the South film, and climaxes with a big drop into the briar patch. That thrill plus great Audio Animatronics-driven show scenes make it an all-around winner. Tokyo Disneyland’s Splash Mountain has always been the definitive version, but now it’s also the default version since Walt Disney World and Disneyland replaced theirs with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (due to the aforementioned controversy).
This Splash Mountain is nevertheless unique in a number of ways. First, the attraction queue goes right into the inside of the mountain, with details along the way (my favorite of which is Brer Owl, who talks to guests as they wait). The show scenes are also similar to other now extinct versions, but with some major differences and improvements.
This entire land is essentially built into and around Splash Mountain, right down to Grandma Sara’s Kitchen (we highly recommend dining here). Splash Mountain is the third most popular attraction at Tokyo Disneyland when the weather is nice, but wait times are lower first thing in the morning or once the sun goes down. You can also purchase Premier Access, which is recommended if you want to do it midday.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (8.5/10) — Big Thunder Mountain a roller coaster themed as a runaway mine train on a ride through the barren landscape of the Old West. Hang onto your hats and glasses, because Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is “the wildest ride in the wilderness!” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is very similar to the Magic Kingdom version, with some minor cosmetic differences. It is one of the most popular attractions at Tokyo Disneyland, and while it does offer Priority Pass, we recommend using that on repeat visits to Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek or Hunny Hunt instead of this. If you aren’t using Priority Pass, go here immediately after Hunny Hunt, first thing in the morning for a minimal wait.
‘it’s a small world’ (9/10) — ‘it’s a small world’ is the iconic attraction featuring the children of the world and that song…in Japanese! Unless you live under a rock, you’re familiar with it. Lines are never all that long, it’s good for guests of all ages, and is a relaxing boat ride.
Country Bear Jamboree (9.5/10) — A stage show featuring Audio Animatronics singing bears from the South. Have you ever wondered what’s better than stereotypical bears from the American South performing in English? Those same bears who also speak Japanese! It makes them more cultured. If you’re the politically correct type who is offended by a few wry and off-color jokes by singing bears as they lovingly parody stereotypical Southern culture, you will love Country Bear Jamboree in Tokyo Disneyland…because you won’t be able to understand those jokes!
In all seriousness, Country Bear Jamboree is a must-do for us even though we don’t understand all of the dialogue because its maintenance is impeccable, and its pre-show and post-show are filled with awesome artifacts. Bonus points if you visit during the summer or Christmas season, as you’ll be treated to the seasonal shows, Vacation Jamboree or Jingle Bell Jamboree. We love Jingle Bell Jamboree and we also love Country Bear Vacation Jamboree.
Mark Twain Riverboat (7/10) – A boat ride around the Rivers of America, passing through Westernland and Critter Country. It’s a great ambiance ride with some excellent views. Sunset and night cruises aboard the Mark Twain are especially awesome.
Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes (7/10) – Guest-paddled canoe ride around the Rivers of America led by energetic Cast Members. It’s a great communal experience and gives you a bit of a workout. Perfect way to justify more snacking. Great views, too.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (9/10) – Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin takes guests aboard a dark ride voyage into Toontown in interactive vehicles that guests can spin. This is a direct clone (or close to it) of the Disneyland version, but this version looks much better. Lines can get long for Car Toon Spin. If you want to do Car Toon Spin, consider doing it after Hunny Hunt in the morning or in the last two hours of the evening.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (9.5/10) – Star Tours is a flight-motion simulator into the Star Wars world with digital 3-D video, Audio Animatronics characters, and in-vehicle effects. Star Tours features multiple storylines, with some 64 different experience combinations. The substance of the ride itself is identical to the US parks, but the queue is quite different. The coolest thing about the Star Tours queue in Tokyo Disneyland was definitely the hitchhiking droids, a reference to Haunted Mansion.
Goofy’s Paint ‘n’ Play House (6.5/10) – Interactive screen-based house that you use electronic paint sprayers to repaint. We thought this attraction was fairly lame and lacking in responsiveness, but we aren’t the target audience. Kids may very well love it because they can see the result of their paint-spraying on the house. If you have kids, do it despite our score–we could very well be wrong here.
The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents “Aloha E Komo Mai!” (6.5/10) – A musical serenade from Audio Animatronics birds and Stitch in a theater-in-the-round. This combines two things that history would inform us are a recipe for disaster: a modernized Tiki Room and a Stitch Audio-Animatronics figure. After all, Under New Management was a dud and Stitch’s Great Escape is a dud. Yet, somehow, it isn’t awful. It’s not quite as good as the original, but it’s unique, and it’s nice to have variations in the attractions from park to park. This is entirely in Japanese, but there are closed caption devices for the English version. After watching it once with the closed caption device, I have since watched without. I feel it distracts from the music and visuals of the show, and plot isn’t important, anyway. Do this whenever.
The Rest
Cinderella’s Fairytale Hall (5/10) – This is a walk-through attraction in Cinderella Castle with some neat photo ops, but it can develop really long (30-60 minutes) lines. These lines move slowly and it’s crowded inside with other guests trying to get their photos next to literally everything.
Alice’s Tea Party (5/10) — A fun and iconic diversion, although nothing special.
Stitch Encounter (4/10) – This replaced Captain EO and is an attraction English-speakers should skip. It’s similar to Turtle Talk, but with Stitch, and entirely in Japanese. We did this twice, and both times the Japanese kids in the audience seemed too shy to interact, making for an awkward experience.
Castle Carrousel (4.5/10) — Garden variety carousel located behind Cinderella Castle.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant (6/10) — The popular classic spinner ride located behind Cinderella Castle in Fantasyland. It’s a classic and rite of passage for all kids, but thanks to new lighting and short waits, it’s now a fun night-time attraction for guests of all ages.
Gadget’s Go Coaster (4/10) – Way too short; recommended only for small children who can’t do other coasters. Seems close to identical to the Disneyland version, but we’re not experts on kiddie coasters.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic (9/10) – A 3D montage film of Disney animation cleverly tied together with Donald Duck. Children of the 90s are sure to love this film, but really, anyone should enjoy it. The narration is in Japanese, but the show is otherwise identical to the US version (save for some displays in the pre-show holding area), so you can safely skip it. (Despite the numerical score, this is in “the rest” because there’s really no reason to spend time on it in Japan.)
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey (6/10) — Decent dark ride based on Pinocchio. Very dated, but charming. Identical to the Disneyland version, except in Japanese. Do it before noon or after sunset for the shortest lines.
Snow White’s Adventures (5.5/10) — A dated journey through the tale of Snow White presented somewhat different than the Disneyland version. A cute attraction if you have the time. Do it before noon or after sunset for the shortest lines.
Super-Duper Jumpin’ Time (4/10) – A high-energy show aimed at kids that is–quite literally–just characters jumping around.
Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (7/10) — Fun treehouse that can be quickly explored as a nice change of pace from doing rides. It offers a great view of Cinderella Castle, and never has a line.
Tom Sawyer Island (7/10) — An entire island play area for kids that harkens back to a bygone area. It’s really well done, and a great place for kids to blow off energy. Adults may enjoy the tranquility of the island, too. Hard to imagine that you’re in the most populated city in the world here.
This leaves out roaming atmospheric performers like the Tokyo Disneyland Band, seasonal entertainment, character meet & greets, and the dinner shows in Polynesian Terrace and the Diamond Horseshoe, but it’s all of the significant, year-round attractions. If you have the time, try to do every attraction, but if not, you’re probably fine skipping the attractions that are near-clones to Magic Kingdom or Disneyland!
Planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our ! For more specifics, our page covers accommodations. Our Restaurant Reviews detail where to dine & snack. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Moneypost. Our What to Pack for Disney post takes a unique look at clever items to take. Venturing elsewhere in Japan? Consult our Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Japan and City Guide to Tokyo, Japan.
Your Thoughts…
This post is a work in progress as part of our Tokyo Disney Resort trip planning series, so what other questions do you have about Tokyo Disneyland? If you’ve been, which attractions are your favorites? Which ones do you skip? Do you agree or disagree with our ratings? If you haven’t visited Tokyo Disneyland yet, which attractions are you most excited about? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your questions and thoughts in the comments!