Hey fellow family travelers! Before we jump into the top 3 rides for toddlers at Tokyo Disneyland, let do a quick recap! If you missed our last post, we survived the first leg of our trip from the Bay Area, California, to Tokyo Disney, with a detour in Seattle. Now, buckle up because it’s day 2 of our epic 16-day journey, and boy, are we buzzing with excitement! Today is all about the enchanting Disneyland Tokyo!
Pro Tip #1: First things first, let me drop a nugget of wisdom right off the bat; plan your Tokyo Disneyland visit for the day after your flight. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. After a somewhat hectic day of flying – 2 hours to Seattle and a whopping 11 hours to Haneda – we landed in the lap of luxury at our Disney Ambassador hotel. The struggle was real, but we powered through and hit the hay at 9 pm. Thanks to the magical time difference, our entire family was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed by 5 am. That’s right, 5 am! Who knew jet lag could be so beneficial?
Top 3 Rides for Toddlers at Tokyo Disneyland
Alright, fellow explorers, buckle up for Disneyland Tokyo magic! We hit the grounds around 8 am, ready to seize the day. Quick heads up, the park officially opens at 8:30 am, but our early entry privilege allowed us to waltz in at 8:15 am.
Pro tip #2: If you are staying at a Disney Hotel, take advantage of that early entry, because trust me, you want to be ahead of the game. Plan on going at least 30 minutes before the early entry time.
Alright, without further ado, here are the top 3 rides for toddlers at Tokyo Disneyland
Number 1: Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast
As soon as those magical gates swung open, we unleashed our second nugget of wisdom for the day: head straight to the Beauty and the Beast ride. Why, you ask? Well, it’s the pièce de résistance, the crown jewel, the most sought-after experience in the entire park. And as you can imagine, the wait time is no joke – consistently clocking in at a whopping 120+ minutes.
Here’s the game plan: make a beeline for Toontown, and when you spot it, take a right. But here’s the twist – don’t turn right when you first enter the park. Go straight until you hit Toontown, then make that right turn. Trust me, this little detour is the secret sauce to beating the rest of the early entry crowds and experiencing the enchantment of Beauty and the Beast without losing your entire morning to the queue.
The ride offers an immersive and enchanting experience, transporting us into the magical world of Beauty and the Beast. From the iconic characters to the detailed set design, every aspect of the attraction is crafted to bring the beloved tale to life. Disneyland Tokyo’s rendition of Beauty and the Beast brings a unique storytelling approach. The ride is not merely a recreation of scenes from the animated film; it adds its own touch, provided us with a fresh and captivating narrative experience. Even though we did not understand the Japanese being spoken, my kids had a blast immersed in their music and visuals of the ride. Its definitely the number 1 ride at Tokyo Disneyland and a must ride for all toddlers.
Number 2: The Happy Ride with BaymaxThe Baymax Big Hero Six ride is right across from the Beauty and Beast ride. Picture the classic spinning tea cup ride, inject it with adrenaline, and you’ve got Baymax on steroids. There’s a whirlwind of spinning, sudden directional changes, and all the while, the crew is dancing, clapping, and cheering. Baymax Big Hero Six strikes a balance that appeals to a broad audience, including both children and adults. While it delivers the thrill-seeking experience for us parents, it remains accessible and enjoyable for our toddlers, making it a family-friendly attraction. At the beginning, I was worried that my 3 year old would be afraid of the sudden jolting and spinning, but after about 3 seconds she was in a whole of absolute whirl of fun and excitement, leaving her grinning from ear to ear.
Number 3: Pooh’s Hunny Hunt
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt is to the left of Beauty and Beast, not to far from Baymax. It is based on the beloved Winnie the Pooh characters, creating a whimsical and friendly atmosphere. The ride’s theme, inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood, is inherently charming and appeals to the imagination of toddlers, making it a delightful experience. The ride takes toddlers on an interactive and engaging journey into the world of Winnie the Pooh. The storyline involves a quest for honey, and toddlers can follow along as the characters embark on their sweet adventure.
I know what you are thinking, they have Winnie the Pooh ride in the States, what makes Tokyo Disney’s Pooh’s Hunny Hunt a must ride?
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt in Tokyo features an innovative ride system known as trackless technology. This allows ride vehicles to move independently and freely throughout the attraction, providing a unique and dynamic experience. Pooh’s Hunny Hunt introduces a randomized and dynamic element. The trackless technology allows ride vehicles to move independently, creating a different experience with each ride. This unpredictability enhances the re-ride value and adds an element of surprise for visitors. In other words, people in different cars would be seeing different animatronic for the same scene of the ride!
As we hopped from one incredible ride to the next, we couldn’t help but appreciate the unique spin Tokyo Disneyland puts on these classics. It’s like rediscovering childhood favorites with a delightful Japanese twist.
So, there you have it – our top three must-rides for toddlers at Disneyland Tokyo. Stay tuned for more highlights, tips, and surprises from our family travel extravaganza. Until then, may your adventures be filled with laughter, magic, and lots of toddler-approved thrills! 🎢🏰✨