Picture this: a family adventure filled with Disney magic, comfortable accommodations, and a sprinkle of unexpected joy. This is exactly what we experienced during our recent trip to Tokyo Disneyland.
A Special Gift, A Dream Come True
Last year, a cherished family member left us a generous gift, one that was meant to be used for something truly special and fun. This gave us the perfect excuse to finally fulfill our long-held desire of staying at one of the iconic Disney hotels, even though it’s just a short drive from our home. We couldn’t wait to share this magical experience with our children, a secret we kept close to our hearts until the moment arrived.
Planning Our Disney Days
To ensure a seamless journey through the enchanting worlds of Disneyland and DisneySea, we consulted the crowd prediction calendar (find all the details on my blog post here). This helped us strategically plan our days, deciding to spend the first day at Disneyland and the second at DisneySea.
For the ultimate Disney immersion, we couldn’t resist the allure of a character room. Our choice fell upon the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, as it was the only hotel offering fully themed rooms, complete with beloved Disney characters. While we were disappointed to learn that the hotel didn’t offer a character breakfast, which we had initially hoped for, we soon realized it was a blessing in disguise. Our Disney days were jam-packed with excitement, and a leisurely breakfast would have slowed us down considerably.
The hotel offered a delightful selection of character-themed rooms, each transporting guests to a different enchanting world. There was an Alice/Queen of Hearts room, a Tinkerbell room, and a Beauty & the Beast room. We opted for the Beauty & the Beast room because our children had recently fallen in love with the movies. We felt it was a theme both girls and boys could enjoy, a decision we were happy with.
Booking Tips:
- Direct Booking: We booked our room directly through the hotel’s website. While the process involved creating an account and logging in, it proved to be a smooth experience.
- Early Entry: A special perk of staying at the Tokyo Disney Resort hotels is early park entry! Guests can enter the park 15 minutes before regular opening hours on almost all plans. Simply ask the hotel staff for a pass to enjoy this delightful advantage.
- Booking Window: Keep in mind that bookings for Tokyo Disney Official Hotels can only be made up to two months in advance.
A Welcoming Retreat
Our trip took place in January, a time when the weather could be quite chilly. Despite the cold, it turned out to be an excellent time to visit as the crowds were significantly thinner, especially during the weekdays. Unfortunately, the weather also brought a lot of rain. We were incredibly grateful to have a hotel to retreat to, escaping the elements and taking a break from the bustling park.
Recouping and Recharging
We left Disneyland around 3 pm, taking advantage of the “pass-out” system to return later, and checked into the hotel. Even without the rain, this chill-out time would have been a welcome respite. With our little ones, ages three and four, a full day at Disney tends to leave everyone feeling a bit exhausted. It was amazing to simply relax, get warm, refuel, and stretch our legs. This mid-day break proved to be a game-changer, enabling us to stay energized and enjoy the park for longer than we ever had before.
A Room Filled with Magic
The hotel’s attention to detail was simply charming! From the moment we stepped into our room, the magic of Disney unfolded. But the real highlight was the Beauty & the Beast room. We let our kids fully immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the beloved characters, allowing them to play, imagine, and truly enjoy the novelty.
We noticed that our children spent more time exploring the room, playing dress-up with their costumes, and embracing the Disney fantasy. This gave us time to reflect on the “wow” moments of the day, creating a sense of calm amidst the excitement. Watching them transform into Belle and Beast, their faces filled with joy, was a heartwarming experience.
A Family-Friendly Meal
While we enjoyed the unique culinary experiences offered inside the parks, we appreciated having a break from Disney food after two days of non-stop fun. It’s important to be honest here: the in-room dining menu prices were quite steep. However, there was a convenient store near the lobby, which saved the day!
We combined some snacks we brought from home with a delicious spaghetti bolognese, a salad, and other treats purchased from the convenience store. The hotel staff even heated up the spaghetti for us on the spot! We created our own delightful picnic in the room before heading back out to enjoy more park adventures.
To avoid any potential messes in our beautifully themed room, we cleverly used a picnic sheet that we usually use for watching parades. It worked wonderfully! We were so impressed with its ease of use and cleanup that we’re considering packing one for every hotel stay from now on.
Early Entry Advantages
The next day, we took full advantage of the extra 15 minutes of early entry for hotel guests. We had our sights set on the Toy Story ride at DisneySea, which is notorious for its long wait times, often exceeding two hours.
Even with the early entry, we had to hustle to reach the ride. The standby queue was already an hour long, which seemed crazy! Thankfully, we were able to secure a FastPass which allowed us to skip the long lines.
However, we learned a valuable lesson: arrive early, even before the 15-minute early entry to ensure you’re at the front of the hotel guest line for an even greater advantage. We wish we had known this, as we were towards the back of the group.
Making Memories
Our stay at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel was a truly unforgettable experience. It was more than just a place to sleep; it was a magical escape where we could relax, recharge, and create lasting memories. The attention to detail, the themed rooms, and the extra perks made it a special part of our Disney adventure.
If you’re considering a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort, I highly recommend adding a stay at one of the official hotels to your itinerary. It’s an experience that will leave you enchanted and wanting more!
