Everything you need to know to know about visiting Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland

Aussies can't get enough of Japan and it's not just because of the cities, scenery and food.The nation also has some of the closest Disney parks to Australia.There are in fact two Disney parks, both next to each other in Tokyo.READ MORE: Luggage mistake half of Aussies are making, and why you should stop doing itWhile they are not owned or operated by Disney but the Oriental Land Company, they do offer the authentic Disney experience.Here's everything you need to know about visiting.Tokyo Disneyland ridesTokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park outside of the USA. It opened in 1983 and attracts millions of visitors every year.It has seven themed areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country and Toontown.READ MORE: Eight free things you can do in Melbourne to give your wallet a breakIf you've been to the parks in America, it's similar to Disneyland in California, and Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.Rides and attractions includes all the favourites: Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, The Enchanted Tiki Room, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, It's a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters,It also has the beloved rollercoaster Space Mountain - but that ride is only open until the end of July 2024, when it's closing for a revamp.A lottery is now being run to get entry, as people are so desperate to ride it.READ MORE: Everything you need to do on a trip to the NSW Central CoastTokyo Disneysea attractionsThe second Disney park in Japan is Tokyo DisneySea. It opened in 2001 and is unique to Japan.The nautical themed park has eight themed lands, or 'ports of call'.They are Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Mysterious Island, and the new one, Fantasy Springs.READ MORE: New Disney ride set to openRides and attractions include Soaring: Fantastic Flight, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull, Raging Spirits: Journey to the Centre of the Earth and 2000 Leagues Under the Sea.Fantasy Springs, which opened in June 2024, has new rides and attractions only in Tokyo.They include Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey, Rapunzel's Lantern Festival and Peter Pan's Neverland Adventure.READ MORE: Regional NSW comes out on top of Aussies' favourite places to take a holidayWhat about fireworks and evening shows?A Disney theme park isn't complete without its vibrant parades and fabulous fireworks displays.At Tokyo Disneyland they include Disney's Harmony in Colour and Tokyo Disney Electrical Parade. Parades at DisneySea include Believe Sea of Dreams.Sky Full of Colours is Tokyo Disney's fireworks spectacular. and can be seen from both parks.You can also meet the characters and see theatre-style shows at both parks. For the details for each day, get the Tokyo Disneyland app.READ MORE: Locations you can visit from your favourite TV shows or moviesTell me more about Fantasy SpringsSocial media is abuzz with videos of the new land at Tokyo DisneySea, Fantasy Springs.So it is no surprise that it's proving very popular and hard to get in.On top of the normal admission ticket, you'll need to either get a free Standby Pass or buy a Disney Premier Access pass. Both are available on the Tokyo Disneyland app, which is essential for any visit.But both sell out fast, with visitors saying even when they constantly refresh the app, they can't get one.You could try staying at a Tokyo Disney hotel to get in 15 minutes before the crowds.Hotels are Disney Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel, MiraCosta Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel, Tokyo Disney Resort, Toy Story Hotel and the new Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.However, you can only book four months ahead, and rooms can go very fast.When is the best time to visit Tokyo Disney parks?Henry Hooper, Managing Director of booking platform, Klook sells tickets for the parks to Aussies.He offered tips for visiting to avoid too many people."If you can, try to plan your visit to Tokyo Disney Resort on weekdays or during off-peak seasons to avoid the crowds and get the most of your experience," he tells 9Travel."The best days to visit are usually Tuesday to Friday because these days have the lowest visitation numbers, while Mondays are generally the busiest weekday with people extending their weekend."If you want to avoid major holiday crowds, however, be sure to book your tickets outside 'Golden Week' in May, which is Japan's national week-long holiday."Food at ToykoDisneyJapan is famous for food and this is no different at the two Disney parks. Churros are a crowd favourite with several novel options like "lightsabre churros".There are even Mike Wazowski Monsters Inc buns and mochi shaped like aliens from Toy Story. You can also get the usual Mickey-shaped food, too.What tickets do I need for Tokyo Disney?You can get a one-day ticket for each of the two parks. You can buy single-day tickets on the official website. But it can be hard to navigate as it's translated from Japanese.Prices run from $72 to $86 for a one-day ticket for an adult depending on the day and time of year. Children's tickets cost from $43 to $71 depending on age. Under threes are free.You can also buy tickets for after 5pm on weekdays.READ MORE: Surprising Aussie city named in list of world's most beautiful skylineWebsite Klook also sells single tickets and passes. A single park adult ticket on there costs from $76.25, depending on which day you choose. Children's tickets cost from $45.39 to $63.55.You can only book two months ahead.On top of that, you can buy the Disney Premier Access pass. It lets you book a designated spot for some attractions with a reduced waiting time.You can buy this on the Tokyo Disney Resort App. It will also give you access to a designated viewing area for parades and shows.READ MORE: Holiday rentals that are still available for the winter school holidaysREAD MORE: Here's why summer destinations are actually the perfect winter getawayIs Tokyo Disneyland expensive?Compared with the American parks, Tokyo Disneyland is a lot cheaper.It can cost over $1000 for a couple to visit Disneyland in California, with all the added extras.READ MORE: These are the top destinations in France for Aussie travellers right nowHow long does it take to get from Tokyo to Disneyland?You can get a train from Tokyo to Maihama Station or Tokyo Disneyland StationIt takes 20 minutes from Tokyo station, from Narita airport it takes 80 airport and 50 minutes from Haneda airportCan you do both Disney parks in Japan in one day?Yes, and you can get a ticket which includes entry to both parks in one day- kind of like a 'park hopper' via Klook.