The best rides at Tokyo Disneyland are debated, so we share our favorite and the top ranked options, so you can make the most out of your trip.
Tokyo Disneyland, a magical theme park blending Disney’s iconic storytelling with Japanese culture and hospitality, offers plenty of attractions that cater to all ages. It is one of the best theme parks in Japan and is a must-do for Disney lovers, with both Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea being some of the best in the world.
Today, we share the best rides, detailing their locations, theming, ride types, and the age groups they suit.
Best Rides at Tokyo Disneyland
1. Splash Mountain
Based on the Disney film Song of the South, Splash Mountain takes riders through a charming Southern bayou inhabited by singing critters, ending in a thrilling five-story drop.
This is a log flume ride, with fun water effects and animatronics. Because of the final drop, we do recommend this ride for children aged 8+ or slightly younger for adventurous young thrill seekers.
- Location: Critter Country
2. Space Mountain
This high-speed ride through outer space is similar to the other Space Mountains at other Disney parks; and has the same scare level of Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom. Therefore, we suggest 10+ children ride this one.
The track plunges you through a dark, star-filled universe, complete with futuristic music and sound effects. This is an indoor ride, ideal for those colder months in Japan, and expect a few sudden drops and high speed moments.
- Location: Tomorrowland
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
This classic Disney ride brings guests into the world of pirates, complete with swashbuckling animatronics, a lively soundtrack, and scenes that feel like stepping into the movies.
The few mild drops and fun characters make this ride suitable for all ages, although it isn’t quite as exciting as our favorite ride in Shanghai Disneyland with the same name.
- Location: Adventureland
4. Big Thunder Mountain
Similar to other Big Thunder Mountain rides, this is set in a Wild West mining town. Rides enjoy a rickety train journey through caverns, canyons, and waterfalls, with a few twists and turns.
We recommend this ride for ages 7 and up, as it’s mildly thrilling but not overly intense.
- Location: Westernland
5. Haunted Mansion
Similar to the other Haunted Mansion rides, this is an Omnimover dark ride with mild scares and moments of humor. Enjoy the spooky yet whimsical mansion, complete with detailed sets and special effects.
All ages can ride this but children under 6 may find this a little spooky.
- Location: Fantasyland
6. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
I always love an Astra Blaster and the version in Tokyo is just as fun. For those newbies to a Disney park, this is an interactive shooting dark ride, where riders join Buzz Lightyear in a mission to defeat Emperor Zurg by shooting targets with laser guns.
It is suitable for all ages and is one of the most popular rides in the theme park, so get yourself here for rope drop to avoid long lines.
- Location: Tomorrowland
7. It’s a Small World
Tokyo DIsneyland is full of classic Disney rides but are always, somehow, even better. It’s a Small World is equally as annoying as it is in every other park and leaves my husband rolling his eyes each time, but it still a cute, fun ride to experience.
See the kind of creepy but cute, animatronic dolls dressed in traditional costumes from around the world, singing the iconic theme song that will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
This is a gentle boat ride, ideal for all ages.
- Location: Fantasyland
8. Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek
Inspired by the Monsters, Inc. films, this ride allows guests to play a flashlight-tag game with the characters in a beautifully themed factory. This is an interactive dark ride with animatronics and immersive storytelling, suitable for children of all ages.
- Location: Tomorrowland
9. Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is always one of my favorite rides but this version is incredible. The detailing and neon touches make the suspended dark ride even more immersive as you fly over London and Neverland aboard a pirate ship.
This ride is perfect for children of all ages, particularly magical for younger visitors.
- Location: Fantasyland
12. Pooh’s Hunny Hunt
When we first visited the Disney parks in Asia, we were shocked at how popular Winnie the Pooh was. This trackless dark ride takes you through on a calm, charming journey through Hundred Acre Wood, with Winnie the Pooh and his friends.
There is nothing particularly thrilling about this slow-paced ride but it is a nice, cozy ride for families.
- Location: Fantasyland
13. Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents “Aloha E Komo Mai!”
Ok, this is not technically a ride but a cute attraction that shouldn’t be missed during your time at Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea. A delightful blend of tropical birds and Disney’s Stitch character, this show features animatronics, music, and comedy in a Polynesian setting.
This is an indoor musical show, perfect for all ages.
- Location: Adventureland
14. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
This is a fun, thrilling simulator ride through the Star Wars universe, with randomized storylines and encounters. The 3D visuals are fun but due to the motion effects, we recommend this ride for ages 8 and up.
- Location: Tomorrowland
15. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Join Roger Rabbit for a fun adventure through Toontown with this spining dark ride. Jump in the interactive car and enjoy this understated ride at Tokyo Disneyland. This is pretty much identical to the original Disneyland ride but a fun nostalgic ride for all ages.
- Location: Toontown
16. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
This 4D cinematic experience features Donald Duck as he travels through iconic Disney films and musical numbers. Although not technically a ride, we include this as one of the best attractions in Tokyo Disneyland
- Location: Fantasyland
17. The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast
This fun ride and attraction is perfect for the whole family and one of the best rides at Tokyo Disneyland in my opinion. Step into the world of Beauty and the Beast with stunning animatronics, enchanting music, and an innovative ride system.
This is a trackless dark ride with immersive storytelling and beautiful music, creating all the Disney vibes.
- Location: Fantasyland
18. Cinderella’s Fairytale Hall
Not technically a ride but a fun walkthrough attraction, is Cinderella’s Fairytale Hall. Explore the princess castle, complete with impressive interiors and stunning mosaics as well as a display Cinderella’s Glass Slipper.
This is a great attraction for all ages, especially for fans of the Disney princesses.
- Location: Fantasyland
19. Country Bear Theater
Country Bear Theater is a quirky, fun musical revue featuring animatronic bears performing country and folk songs. This is another Indoor animatronic show ideal for all ages.
- Location: Westernland
20. Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions
I always love a Jungle Cruise and this one is no different; expect a river expedition through lush jungles filled with animatronic animals, with narration by the skipper.
However, the humorous, silly elements of the ride are lost in Japan, as the skipper speaks Japanese not English. This is still a fun, worthwhile ride to enjoy, just don’t expect the humor you may normally experience in the States.
- Location: Adventureland
Tips for Enjoying the Rides at Tokyo Disneyland
- Plan Ahead: Use the park map and smartphone app to check wait times and prioritize your must-visit attractions.
- FastPass/Disney Premier Access: Take advantage of these options for popular rides to minimize waiting time.
- Arrive Early: Start with high-demand attractions like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt or The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast. Also compare the best times to visit Tokyo Disneyland to get the quietest experience possible!
- Consider Rider Swap: If traveling with young children, Rider Swap allows one adult to wait while the other rides, then swap without waiting again.
- Know Height Restrictions: Check requirements for thrill rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.
- Enjoy at Night: Some attractions, like Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain, offer unique experiences after dark.
With its diverse array of attractions, Tokyo Disneyland ensures magical memories for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking thrills, nostalgia, or interactive fun, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Helpful Resources
Travel essentials:
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What to pack
- No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.
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