Visiting Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea is a dream come true for Disney fans, but long wait times for popular attractions can sometimes dampen the experience. Luckily, there are ways to skip the lines and maximize your time at the parks! Tokyo Disney offers several options to help you reduce your wait time, including the new Disney Premier Access system and early entry passes. Here’s everything you need to know about skip-the-line passes and how to make the most of your visit.
Skip-the-Line Passes at Tokyo Disney
Disney Premier Access (DPA)
The Disney Premier Access system offers a convenient way to reserve entry to select attractions or shows for an additional fee, allowing you to skip the standby line and enjoy priority access.
To use the service, start by downloading the Tokyo Disney Resort App before your visit. Through the app, you can purchase Premier Access for your preferred attraction or show, selecting a specific time slot that fits your schedule. Once your reservation is complete, you’ll receive a QR code, which you simply scan at the attraction entrance for seamless, expedited entry during your designated time.
Available Attractions
Tokyo Disneyland:
- Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast
- Splash Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
- Mickey’s Magical Music World (theater show)
Tokyo DisneySea:
- Soaring: Fantastic Flight
- Toy Story Mania!
- Tower of Terror
- Journey to the Center of the Earth
- Big Band Beat (theater show)
Pricing
The cost per ride or show ranges from ¥1,500–¥2,500 per person, depending on the season and popularity of the attraction. Please do not hold me to this range, as prices fluctuate frequently.
Tips
• Disney Premier Access is limited in availability, so book as early as possible on the day of your visit.
• Premier Access slots often sell out quickly for top attractions like Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast and Soaring: Fantastic Flight.
Happy Entry (Early Park Entry)
Guests staying at official Tokyo Disney Resort hotels can enjoy Happy Entry, which allows you to enter the parks 15 minutes before the official opening time. While this may not sound like much, it can make a big difference for high-demand attractions. While this isn’t actually a skip-the-line pass, it is helpful if you’re able to work a Disney hotel into your budget. I have not been able to do this during my visits and I’ve been able to get on most of the attractions I’ve wanted.
How It Works
Staying at one of the Tokyo Disney Resort Hotels, such as the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Disney Ambassador Hotel, or Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, comes with exclusive benefits that enhance your park experience. One of the biggest perks is Happy Entry, which allows hotel guests to enter the parks early through a designated entrance. By using your hotel key or park ticket, you can access these special gates and be among the first to enjoy the most popular attractions before the general crowds arrive.
This early access provides a major advantage, giving you the opportunity to experience rides like Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast or Soaring: Fantastic Flight with significantly shorter wait times. Additionally, once inside the park, you’ll have a head start on reserving Disney Premier Access through the Tokyo Disney Resort App, securing priority entry for select attractions before availability runs out.
Tips
- Arrive at the gates well before the 15-minute entry time to maximize your early access.
- Head directly to your must-ride attraction to beat the rush.
Standby Pass
The Standby Pass system, introduced during peak times, helps manage crowd levels for certain attractions by assigning specific times for guests to join the queue. While it doesn’t entirely skip the line, it reduces time spent waiting.
How It Works
Once inside the park, you can reserve a Standby Pass through the Tokyo Disney Resort App, allowing you to secure a designated time slot for an attraction. Instead of waiting in a traditional standby line, you’ll return at your assigned time and join the queue, helping to manage wait times and streamline your experience.
Available Attractions:
Standby Pass is typically used for high-demand attractions, especially during holidays and weekends. Check the app on the day of your visit for participating rides.
Tips
- Standby Passes are free but can sell out quickly, so book early in the day.
- Unlike Disney Premier Access, Standby Passes still require you to wait in a queue, but the wait is often much shorter than the regular standby line.
Single Rider Lines
For select attractions, Single Rider lines are available, offering a great way to skip long standby waits if you’re willing to ride alone. Cast Members will fill empty seats with single riders, significantly reducing your wait time.
Available Attractions:
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Splash Mountain
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
- Raging Spirits
Tips
- Let the Cast Member at the ride entrance know you’d like to use the Single Rider option.
- This is a fantastic choice for solo travelers or anyone not minding splitting up from their group temporarily.
Seasonal or Event-Specific Options
During special events or high-demand seasons, Tokyo Disney occasionally offers other skip-the-line options or packages, such as dining plans with reserved seating for shows or limited-time FastPass-style systems. Check the official Tokyo Disney Resort website or app for updates.
General Tips for Managing Lines Without Extra Costs
If you’re unable or unwilling to purchase skip-the-line options, here are some strategies to minimize wait times:
- Arrive Early: Be at the park gates 30–60 minutes before opening to get a head start on popular attractions.
- Use the App: The Tokyo Disney Resort App lets you check real-time wait times and make reservations for dining and shows.
- Plan Your Day: Start with high-demand rides early in the morning or late in the evening when lines are shorter.
- Visit During Off-Peak Times: Weekdays and non-holiday periods typically have smaller crowds.
Why Skip-the-Line Passes at Tokyo Disney Are Worth It
Tokyo Disney is famous for its incredible theming and attractions, but it’s also known for its long lines, especially for popular rides like Beauty and the Beast or Toy Story Mania. Skip-the-line passes like Disney Premier Access allow you to experience these must-do attractions without spending hours in queues, giving you more time to explore and enjoy the magic.
By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can make the most of your Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea adventure—stress-free and full of fun!