How to beat the entry queue at Tokyo Disneyland
The essential beginner’s guide on how to manage or skip the long entry queues to get into Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea
Tokyo DisneySea entry queue
Tokyo Disney Resort (known as TDR for short) has large entry queues into their Disney parks which can seem intimidating at first. However there are some very simple ways to manage your entrance into the Tokyo theme parks to make your Tokyo Disney Resort day work your way.
This article is all about Tokyo Disney’s entry queue – when you should join it, how long it takes – and if you can avoid it altogether.
You must buy your tickets before you arrive at Tokyo Disneyland or Sea!
You can buy Tokyo Disney tickets from the official TDR Hotels ticket desk, some partner hotels and also online on the TDR website. There are often problems using international credit cards to pay on the official TDR website. The way around this for most Australians and other international tourists is by using third party sellers. I partner with Klook who are official Tokyo Disney Resort ticket sellers.
Buy your Tokyo Disneyland tickets online at Klook here
You can also get up to 10% off many Tokyo & Japan attractions on Klook by using my exclusive discount code at checkout:
LETSGOMUMKLOOK at Klook
Klook conditions: $50 min spend, $50 max discount, 5 times use. Klook new customers can get 10% off and existing customers get 3% off. Klook exclusions list here.
This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!
Is the Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea line really that bad?
Now, about that main entry queue you’ve seen photos of which looks sooo long…don’t feel overwhelmed!
We’ve all seen the social media reels showing an incredibly long entrance queue into both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. It’s often played up as this endless-looking queue which will take all day to get to the head of to enter. The thing is, this portrayal is actually quite deceptive. These fear-mongering Tik Toks and Instagram reels may get lots of views – but it’s not telling you the real story.
Why is the Tokyo Disney Entry Queue so long?
Tokyo Disney parks are amongst the biggest – and most popular – Disney Parks in the world. They also happen to be located right next door to the most populated city in the world – over 37 million people live in Tokyo! You know where I’m going here…guess what one of their favourite things to do is? That’s right, it’s go to Disneyland. Hence, Tokyo Disney Resort is always busy – even in mid summer and the middle of winter!
The Tokyo Disney entry queue system works – and it doesn’t take nearly as long as you might think!
Luckily Japan knows exactly how to run equitable and effective queueing systems to manage crowds. You may have already experienced this with their train system. Respectful, neat lines of commuters waiting for those leaving the train to alight first, and only then taking their turn to board. Tokyo Disney is also respectful and efficient. A long, but steadily moving queue and stream of scanning guests at the entrance to get the largest number of park guests inside as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Why does the queue look so much bigger than the USA Disney parks?
The way that the Japanese system works is that the entry queue is where almost everyone going to into the park for that day is already waiting in line to enter. People will often arrive a few hours early and sit on mats, complete with friends and family.
Remember those photos and Tik Toks I talked about? Well they are usually taken of the queue before the park opens and the queue starts moving. So of course it looks like a great big queue that is going nowhere! The thing is that once the park opens the queue starts to steadily move – and it doesn’t stop until it’s completely gone – around an hour later, or mid-morning.
How long does the Tokyo Disney Resort queues take?
On busy days the entry queue extends up towards the train station
On a busy day, from start to finish the general morning opening time queue takes somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half to finish.
As a busy scenario example we have arrived at the very end of the queue right on opening time on a very busy weekend. When we arrived we met the end of the queue up on the walkway leading down from Maihama Station heading towards the Tokyo Disneyland monorail station archway entrance. It took us roughly an hour to get from the end of the queue to the entrance scan gate.
Once the general entry for the park opens at around 8:30am, those people waiting at the end of the queue will start moving (except for a few short pauses for other queues to merge), and will have entered into the parks by around 9:00am – 9:30am on average. On a busy day, 10:00am – 10:30am.
When is the best day to go to Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea?
There is no perfect answer to this question, but this rough guide usually helps:
Avoid busy days if you can. (Crowd control calendars are often not reliable):
- Avoid Weekends ❌
- Choose Weekdays ✅ (try for Tuesday, Wednesday)
- Avoid Public Holidays ❌ (especially Golden Week)
When is Golden Week 2025?
In 2025, Tokyo’s Golden Week is from Tuesday, 29th of Apr 2025 to Monday, 5th of May 2025.
Tokyo’s Golden Week is a solid week of public holidays, and so many locals love to visit Tokyo Disney! Generally, Golden Week is the week from the end of April to early May each year. It’s a great time to avoid visiting, if you can.
Is the inside of Tokyo Disney just as crowded as the queue?
No. It’s busy inside the parks for sure, but there is plenty of room for everyone. Think about it – the parks are massive inside, so everyone in that concentrated queue will be spread out throughout the park once they pass through the entrance gates.
Is it one long entry queue at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea?
The Disneyland queue directly in front of the general entrance scanning gates
Yes and no. At DisneySea it’s actually not just one queue in the forecourt but several single queues separated by hedges leading to the entrance gates at it’s two major entrances. Other queues all merge into these single file queues.
At Disneyland, several queues merge at Security then filter through to a spacious open forecourt where people queue together in front of several general entrance ticket gates.
Are the Tokyo Disney queues safe for children?
Yes. Many families queue up for the Tokyo Disney parks. The queues are not pushy. People in Japan are very polite and well-ordered, especially when it comes to queueing.
Can we bring a pull along cart to Tokyo Disneyland?
Strollers are welcome, but pull along carts or push tricycles and scooters are not allowed.
What are people sitting on in the queue?
Most people take a thin plastic sheet or mat to sit on the ground when waiting in the lines or when waiting for parades.
Where can I buy a Tokyo Disney mat?
You can purchase them in the gift stores inside the parks.
Can I take a chair to Tokyo Disney parks?
Yes. Some people take portable, fold up plastic or canvas fold out chairs for queues – you can purchase these online in my Disney Hacks store at Amazon here.
Are there lockers for suitcases & other luggage outside of the Tokyo Disney Parks?
Yes. There are storage lockers of varying sizes right up to large suitcases located at Maihama Train Station near Disneyland.
You will also find lockers at the Monorail Stations outside the parks, and lockers just inside of the parks. You will need cash to exchange or multiple 100yn coins to use them.
Are there toilets located outside of the Tokyo Disney entrance?
Yes there are accessible restrooms nearby.
There are also several vending machines to buy water and snacks. You will find some near the Monorail Stations.
Can I go early to hold a place in the line for my family or friends to join me later?
No, this is not common practice in Japan. Queue place-holding is against Tokyo Disney Resort rules and is clearly stated on their website.
Source: Tokyo Disney Website
Park guests all queue together as a group from the outset with their families and/or friends.
If you think it may not suit your group to arrive together early to queue, then please do consider queuing separately to enter the park at separate times, or arrive together later in the day to avoid the queue entirely.
Our Tokyo Disneyland Holiday Planning Facebook Group members have reported witnessing people being caught out and actually sent to the end of the line, whilst others get away with it.
Either way, queue saving is not a common occurrence in Japan. When visiting someone else’s country, it’s always common courtesy and good sense to follow local rules and customs.
Can we leave the queue to go to the restrooms or give children a short walk?
Yes. Once you have all arrived together to establish your place in the queue, there is no issue with taking short breaks away from the queue to go to the toilet etc. provided someone stays at your spot.
What if we all need to temporarily leave our spot in the queue?
If you are a single parent or carer and need to accompany your child or disabled person with no one to stay in your place, you can notify a nearby cast member of your absence from your spot. There are plenty of attendants in the entrance queue area.
I have let my kids leave the queue to go to the monorail covered area to get out of a downpour of rain until it stopped and they could return to the queue again.
Can one of us queue and enter to book passes for everyone coming later?
No. Ride pass reservations cannot be booked for others who are not in the Tokyo Disney parks.
You can only make ride pass bookings for people who are already scanned into the park gates.
When all of your party have scanned inside the park, only then can they be included on ride pass reservations.
Can I pre book ride passes in advance from outside Tokyo Disney?
You cannot book ride passes whilst in the entrance queue or from anywhere outside of the Tokyo Disney parks, other than booking a Vacation Package which allows you to reserve a selection of popular rides in advance.
You must be scanned into the park and inside the gates to start making ride pass reservations if you are entering as a day-visitor.
Will my bag be searched at the Tokyo Disney gates?
Tokyo Disneyland security gate walk through scanners
The first step to entering Tokyo Disney is going through the security area. It’s mostly all automated with walk-through scanners, however if you have a larger bag – think back pack rather than handbag or fanny pack – you will be moved off to the side table for a quick bag search. Filtering larger bag searches off to the side keeps the entrance queue moving.
Side note – I have never had food or tripods/selfie sticks confiscated during bag searches. The Japanese system appears to trust you to do the right thing in this regard.
What happens at the Tokyo Disney entrance gates?
Scanning through the Tokyo Disneyland general entrance gates
Once you have passed through security you walk a short distance to join the final short and rapid queues right at the entrance gates. It usually takes only a few minutes to get to the entrance gates and scan in. Locals barely pause at the gates. It’s like liquid pouring through a bottle! Us clueless tourists are usually just a little slower, but don’t worry – attendants are there to help you if you have any problem. Your entrance should be very quick.
Do I need a print out to scan in to the Tokyo Disney parks?
No. But it can’t hurt to take one. Park-goers are scanned in like a supermarket check out counter. All you need to do is flash your QR Code at the scanner and walk straight in.
Your QR Code can be presented by you to be scanned in several different ways.
You can take a paper print out of your QR Code from Klook or KKDay, your paper ticket code from the Disney Hotel ticket desks, or on the screen of your phone from your Tokyo Disney app or Klook App – a screen shot is also fine.
It’s important to have your ticket scanned into the app in any case so that you can book ride passes on the app once you scan into the park. You can learn how to scan your Klook or KKDay tickets into the Tokyo Disney App by watching the following video.
How do I scan my Tokyo Disney tickets into the app?
Watch our YouTube video here to learn how to scan your Tokyo Disney Klook or KKDay ticket barcodes into the Tokyo App so that you are ready to book your passes as soon as you scan into the Tokyo Disney parks.
Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here
Do children have to have their own phone to scan into Tokyo Disney?
No, children don’t have to have a separate device. The parent can stand at the gate scanner and scan for each family member as they enter, and then scan themselves in last. One device (and Disney account) is fine to use to scan the whole family through the entrance gates.
Do I need my passport to enter Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea?
Yes. There is no general passport check at the Tokyo Disney park entrances, however you should have it with you.
If there is a minor child under the age of four a passport may be useful to prove their age (so that they can get in for free).
Also, if you encounter a problem with your ticket at the gate, or have a Disabled Entry Ticket (and apply for a Disabled ride pass inside), your passport may be asked for to prove your identity.
Did you know all tourists in Japan must carry their passport with them?
An important note is that all tourists visiting Japan must carry their passport with them at all times. If you don’t, you are breaking the law.
What if I have a Tokyo Disney Disability entrance ticket?
There can also be a hold-up at the entrance gates whilst they check your proof of disability paperwork if you have purchased a Tokyo Disney Disabled entry ticket – see more about that here.
Is there a shorter queue or a separate entrance for the disabled?
No. As mentioned, there is a cheaper Disability entrance ticket available, and also a return-time disability ride system inside the parks, however there is no skip-the-line system for the entrance queue. When you finally reach the entrance gates they can open a wider gate for wheel chairs (and strollers) to pass through at the Tokyo Disney gates.
How can I skip the long Tokyo Disney entrance queue?
Get Tokyo Disney Happy Entry, or arrive well after opening time.
Spot the difference – the main queue is on the left- the DisneySea Happy Entry approach is on the right
How do I get Tokyo Disney Happy Entry?
Tokyo Disney Happy Entry tickets
Stay at a Disney Hotel. Disney prioritises it’s guests staying at official Disney properties first. Disney hotel guests are offered early, or “Happy Entry” into the parks for free. Happy Entry allows you to bypass the entire main entry queue and join a much smaller one which will open early to get you inside during the fifteen minutes prior to the official opening time. Neat, huh?
What time should I arrive for Happy Entry?
The Tokyo Disneyland Happy Entry Security entrance point is located under the monorail station
For the two main Happy Entry queues (Disneyland and DisneySea front entrances) it’s still wise to arrive about an hour earlier than the time printed on your Happy Entry paper ticket. That way you can make good use of those fifteen minutes!
Inside the Tokyo DisneySea Happy Entry waiting area one hour prior to early entry
You can always opt to arrive right on time and still stroll in a bit earlier than everyone else in the main queue. Don’t leave it too long though, because you may miss out! The Happy Entry queue eventually gets taken over by the main queue at opening time.
Is the Disney Fantasy Springs Hotel Happy Entry location different?
Yes. For the Disney Fantasy Springs Hotel Happy Entries, you can be a bit more relaxed! There are two Fantasy Springs Hotel Happy Entries, and they should both be a much less crowded. They are a much easier way to enter Fantasy Springs as you are already right there, and so will get a further head start on everyone (because they will need to get across the park from the front entrance to the Fantasy Springs entrance). You will still need to book ride passes if you are staying as an accommodation-only Fantasy Springs Hotel booking and not a Vacation Package with included ride passes.
Tokyo DisneySea Happy Entry entrance gates scanning people in
Which hotels have DisneySea Happy Entry?
Different hotels offer different park Happy Entry access – even if you have a Vacation Package. Basically, most Disney hotels offer Disneyland Happy Entry and the most expensive hotels also offer DisneySea Happy Entry. As it currently stands in late 2024 (and this can and does change), Disney Ambassador, Fantasy Springs Hotel and Disney Miracosta all offer both Tokyo Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland Happy Entries.
Even if you only book in to a Disney hotel for one night the day before your park day, it’s totally worth it to get Happy Entry and avoid the long queues and early start to get the best ride passes before everyone else.
You can learn all about Happy Entry – which hotels give you which parks, where to go and how to use it in my feature Tokyo Disney Happy Entry beginner’s guide here.
How can I skip the queue without Happy Entry?
If you aren’t staying at a Disney Hotel and would like to skip waiting in line, then you’ll need to arrive well after opening time. Eventually the queue filters through and leaves a much smaller queue behind.
Can I get avoid the Tokyo DisneySea queue by entering from the Miracosta Hotel?
No, you need to use the official park Happy Entry early entrance or main entrance until 10am when the Miracosta dedicated park entrance opens.
What time should I arrive at Tokyo Disney to avoid the queue?
DisneySea at 9am – the main queue has already cleared security.
It depends on if the day is busy or not. Usually if you arrive somewhere around 9:30am to 10:30am onwards you are clear to go through security and enter the parks fairly quickly – it will probably take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to get inside Tokyo Disney, providing the opening time queue has been fully cleared.
Why should I arrive at Tokyo Disney Parks early?
If you arrive at Tokyo Disney late – that is, mid morning onwards – there is a much higher chance of missing out on the “best” rides, as the most popular rides offer limited reservations. These are available in the form of Standby (free – Fantasy Springs only) or Premier Access (paid) and Priority Passes (free). These ride passes can only be booked once you are within the park, and are released on the Tokyo Disney App first thing in the morning from Happy Entry time until they run out.
Early entry, whether it’s via Happy Entry or the first group of main queue entrants becomes very important to secure DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs ride passes, unless you are a Vacation Package holder with pre-booked rides. Fantasy Springs is a separate area within DisneySea which is only accessible to those who hold Fantasy Springs ride passes. I have written a special ride pass booking strategy guide for Fantasy Springs here.
When do Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey ride passes usually run out?
It’s not unusual for Tokyo DisneySea to announce that all Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey ride passes have finished for the day at around 9am. Yes – right at park opening. Happy Entry snaps most of them up, leaving just a few behind for the general queue.
When do The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ride passes usually run out?
Even Tokyo Disneyland’s famous Beauty and the Beast ride passes regularly run out around mid-morning too – but at least you can still line up for the Beauty and the Beast ride, unlike the rides in Fantasy Springs. No Fantasy Springs ride pass, no enter unless you are a guest at the Fantasy Springs Hotel. If you have missed out on the morning passes, all you can do is refresh the Tokyo Disney App throughout the day in the hopes that some random Fantasy Springs rides appear – which they do occasionally! Be ready, because if they do appear they also tend to get snapped up very quickly.
Watch our Beauty & the Beast full ride video here.
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Where can I buy Klook Tokyo Disneyland Tickets online?
Buy your Klook Tokyo Disneyland tickets online here
Buy your KKDay Tokyo Disneyland tickets online here
Klook attractions promo code 2024
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Let’s Go Mum Readers get up to 10% off many Tokyo attractions on Klook using our exclusive discount promocode: LETSGOMUMKLOOK at checkout.
Buy your Klook Tokyo attractions online here
What’s the best way to get from Australia to Tokyo Disney?
We partnered with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to Japan to visit Tokyo and Tokyo Disneyland. See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Japan flights here
Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to Tokyo every day – check their website for their low Tokyo fares and frequent sales.
Tokyo Disneyland Facebook Group
Join our Tokyo Disney Facebook Group
Love all things Tokyo Disneyland, or just have more questions? Join our huge Tokyo Disney Facebook Group here!
Further reading…
6 things at Tokyo Disneyland you won’t find at other Disney Parks!
See our pick of Tokyo Disneylands best rides here.
You may also be interested in these other Disneyland holidays…
Read about our Aussie family Disneyland Park California holiday here.
Book tickets online to Walt Disney World in Orlando
If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider sharing it – we’d also love to hear about your own Disney experiences in the comments below!
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