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BEST THINGS TO DO AT TOKYO DISNEYSEA WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Complete TOKYO DISNEYSEA rides list for toddlers & kids, plus all the family friendly attractions! Updated 2024

Are you planning a visit to Tokyo with kids?

Are you looking for info about the best Tokyo DisneySEA attractions and rides for toddlers and kids?

Are you wondering whether Tokyo Disney Sea is better or worse than Tokyo Disneyland for small children?

Let’s take a look and see if we can answer your questions!

Disclosure: This article, written by a real human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here

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Table of Contents

TOKYO DISNEYLAND OR TOKYO DISNEYSEA FOR TODDLERS AND KIDS?

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in yen unless otherwise stated

First up.

Our thoughts on whether Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea is better for kids?

Many Tokyo Disney Sea attractions are definitely geared for the older crowd.

There IS an EDGE to this place – the vibe and atmosphere is VERY different to Tokyo Disneyland.

You’ll also notice the presence of Disney’s shadier villain-type characters who are definitely NOT visible at the Tokyo Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth.

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Even the landscape is more harsh, with heavy stone architecture, lots of grey concrete, and a deep body of blackish water centre-stage – the Tokyo DisneySea Mediterranean Harbor. 

It’s all part of the DisneySEA illusion.

Check latest prices: Tokyo Disneysea 1 day ticket with Skip the Line through Get your Guide (Bestseller)

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BEST THINGS TO DO AT TOKYO DISNEYSEA WITH KIDS

There are hundreds and hundreds of teenagers and young adults walking about, many of them in matching outfits.

Also, the ratio of “families with young children“, to “teens with their friends“, is definitely NOT as balanced as at Disneyland.

Young adults dominate the landscape. 

BUT, don’t let that stop you visiting. 

You’ll spy hundreds of families with strollers, babies, toddlers and the under 7’s in tow, if you look in the right places.

You just need to know where to go.

There ARE plenty of things to do at Tokyo Disneysea with kids under 7, including lots of Tokyo Disney Sea rides for toddlers and kids.

Take a look below.

One day is simply not enough.

The best place to start your Tokyo Disneysea itinerary with kids is at the Mermaid Lagoon.

We’ve then listed the best kids rides at Disneysea, land by land.  


RELATED: The Best Disney Souvenirs for Super Fans of the Mouse!

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BEST TOKYO DISNEYSEA ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS

No.1: Tokyo DisneySEA Mermaid Lagoon

Firstly, bypass all the attractions of the Mediterranean Harbor and Mysterious Island, and head straight for Ariel’s Mermaid Lagoon.

THIS place is a sight no child or family member should miss.

The MERMAID LAGOON at Tokyo DisneySEA is a must do! 

In fact, Mermaid Lagoon might just be my favourite Disney ‘land’ ever, anywhere in the world.

It’s breathtakingly pretty!

You can easily spend a third, to a half of your day at Disneysea here alone!

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Best Tokyo Disneysea Rides for Toddlers 

Follow the path downhill to find the glorious sights of Ariel’s Mermaid Lagoon and Grotto.

This place is the epitome of the word, ‘magical’.

Mermaid Lagoon at Disneysea is breathtaking, AND popular for young and old.

So don’t delay.

Jump in a queue and claim your spot on ALL of these Tokyo Disney rides & show. 

TOKYO DISNEYSEA RIDES FOR TODDLERS - flounders flying fish coaster sign by jeremy thompson

Image credit: Jeremy Thompson via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.2: Best DisneySEA rides at Mermaid Lagoon DisneySea Japan

No.1: Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster

A miniature roller coaster making it’s way over a tide pool

(*Not for under 3’s)

scuttles scooters by jeremy thompson

Image credit: Jeremy Thompson via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.2: Scuttle’s Scooters

Scoot on a sand crab on this cool ride in the open air.

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No.3 The Whirlpool

Like a teacup, but a kelp cup!

Take a spin.

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No.4: Jumpin’ Jellyfish

Float up and down on a shell suspended from jellyfish

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No.5: Blowfish Balloon Race

Board a shell and join the blowfish as they race round and round, high in the sky.

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No. 6: Ariel’s Playground for Kids at Japan Disneysea 

Tokyo Disneysea Attractions don’t get much better than this walk-through indoor playground with NO waiting required.

Ariel’s playground has:

  • a cave of shadows
  • a Galleon graveyard (watch out for unexpected noises!)
  • a kelp forest
  • fishermen’s nets to clamber through
  • a starfish playpen
  • a mermaid sea spray
  • a sea dragon tunnel, and
  • Ursula’s dungeon.

The Tokyo playground is hands-on with lots of interactive elements.

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Hot tip: Be vigilant at the Mermaid Lagoon Disney Sea playground. 

While you will see lots of parents taking a break, and sitting quietly against the walls in the main cavern, there are TWO separate exits with no gates, and LOTS and LOTS of kids running about.

Ariel’s Playground is also semi-dark, and mysterious, with lots of hidden tunnels.

Designate a meeting spot before you let them run off to play.

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No.3: Mermaid Lagoon Theatre

Grab a Fast Pass for this super clever show, King Triton’s Concert, so you don’t waste precious minutes.

With real-life people, puppetry, AND vision combined, it’s a rollicking boisterous song and dance rendition of the Little Mermaid Tale in the round.

It’s my number one thing to do in Mermaid Lagoon.

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No.4: Shop for Souvenirs at DISNEYSEA Tokyo Sleepy Whale Shoppe!

Go inside the giant whale in Mermaid Lagoon to buy super cute Disney merchandise! 

Find lots of character merchandise and sweets related to the Disney film The Little Mermaid!

You can buy personalised caricatures, and silhouette cut-outs in here too.

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Buy Matching Disney Shirts & Bags!

I fell in love with the prettiest Ariel t-shirt I ever did see from one of the stores there.

If you and your family want to do as many Japanese families do, that is – dress in unison, this is an excellent place to buy a Disney t shirt for everyone in the family.

The Tokyo Disney shirts are bright AND stylish. 

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Best Tokyo Disney Resort Character T-Shirts

My kids and I LOVE the Character T shirt designs at Tokyo Disney resort.

You can buy these fun multicolor designs in these styles: 

  • Winnie the Pooh tshirt
  • Peter Pan t shirt
  • Toy Story t shirt 
  • Aladdin t shirt
  • Rapunzel t shirt
  • Little Mermaid t shirt
  • Snow White t shirt
  • Beauty and the Beast t shirt

tokyo disneysea t shirts - snow white

Image credit: K23Japan (Link to shop now)

If you are looking for the perfect Tokyo Disneysea souvenir memory, you can’t beat a tee. 

We have three designs and plan to buy more next trip!

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In each ‘land’, there are more rides and attractions for little kids.

Here’s a list of our favourites.

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No.5: DisneySEA Arabian Coast rides 

We love this beautifully designed area of Disney Sea.

The vibrancy of Arabia and the colors make us smile!

The best Disneysea rides and attractions for kids on the Arabian Coast are

  • Caravan Carousel
  • Jasmine’s Flying Carpet
  • Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage ride
  • The Magic Lamp Show

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No.1: Caravan Carousel

A two-level carousel with characters from AliBaba including The Genie, AND camels to ride.

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No.2: Jasmine’s Flying Carpet

Like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, but cuter!

The magic carpet ride at Tokyo Disneysea floats up and down, as you go round and round. 

Hot tip: If there’s no-one in the back seat to manage it, put your hand over the seat to use their controls too. 

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No.3: Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage

An animated boat ride through the waters of Arabia with Sinbad and Chandu.

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No.6: The Magic Lamp Theater 3D show

This show has with the world’s greatest magician and the hilarious Genie.

It’s hilariously good fun!

disneysea transit steamer sign pic by cory doctorow

Image credit: Cory Doctorow via Flickr CC by SA 2.0

No.7: Best Lost River Delta rides for kids

The best Disneysea rides and attractions for kids in Lost River Delta is the transit steamer boat.   

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No.1: DisneySea Transit Steamer Line

A low key steamer voyage around town.

The perfect spot to sit down and take a rest when the kids nap in their stroller

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Image credit: Nakashi via Flickr CC by SA 2.0

No.2: Meet Mickey and Friends at Greeting Trails. 

Head to Character greeting with Mickey and Friends at Greeting Trails.

It’s pot luck but you might meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse or Donald Duck! 

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No.3: Indiana Jones Adventure Ride at Tokyo Disney Sea

If you can manage to take turns looking after the kids, the Indiana Jones Adventure, Temple of the Crystal Skull is THE BEST DISNEY RIDE I’VE EVER BEEN ON!

(Take a look at our faces, bottom right) 

But it’s pretty rough and tumble, so kids need to be 117 cm tall AND strong enough to hang on.

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No.8: Best Port Discovery Rides for Kids at DisneySEA 

The best Disneysea rides for kids in Port Discovery are:

  • Aquatopia
  • Nemo and Friends Sea Rider, and
  • the Electric Railway.

Details below.

vehicle capacity aquatopia disneysea flickr

Image credit: Steven Miller via Flickr CC by 2.0

No.1: Aquatopia at Tokyo DisneySea

Join the WET queue on this wild spinning watercraft ride.

The queue is shorter and quicker AND the soaking is a tonne of fun.

You WILL get very wet but oh, how you’ll laugh!

(The wet queue is only available in warmer weather.)

Don’t miss this ride, summer or winter.

It’s a favourite.

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No.2: Nemo and Friends Sea Rider at Tokyo Disneysea

Similar to the Star Wars ride, but for younger kids, you’ll board a submersible and take a trip through the vast ocean.

It’s fast and fun!

Hot tip: Get the Fast Pass.

This is a popular ride for kids at Tokyo Disneysea.

disneysea electric railway by joel

Image Credit: Joel via Flickr CC By ND 2.0

No.3: DisneySea Electric Railway

Take an electric trolley ride on an elevated track right back to the front of the park.

There’s some top views of Disneysea from this child friendly ride. 

tokyo disney sea dining by tzuhsun hsu

Image credit: Tzuhsun Hsu via Flickr CC by SA 2.0

No.9: Disney Character Dining

Disney Character Dining is available at the Horizons Bay Restaurant.

It’s the best way to meet traditional Disney characters without queuing!

tokyo disney sea toy story ride

No.10: Best American Waterfront Rides at DisneySEA 

The best Disneysea rides for kids in the American Waterfront are:

  • Toy Story Mania
  • Toy Story Carnival Corral games arcade (free to play)
  • Big City Vehicles 

tokyo disneysea toy story mania by guillermo valin

Image credit: Guillermo via Flickr CC by ND 2.0

No.1: Toy Story Mania at Tokyo Disneysea

This is possibly THE BEST interactive ride in the world.

Toy Story Mania is excitement plus, and a fun challenge for everyone!

Put the Disneysea Toy Story ride at the top of your must-do list if you haven’t ridden it already.

Grab a fast pass for Toy Story, as the queue can be an hour long.

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Hot tip: Toy Story Games Arcade at Disneysea

As you walk into the area where Toy Story ride is, you’ll spot these FREE fun Toy Story arcade games to play and activities to do.

At the Carnival Corral, there’s:

  • Magic mirrors 
  • Blazin’ Buckaroo running game
  • Knobs to twirl on the Woody’s Wonder Wagon (moving the Toy Story characters at the funfair) 
  • Photo opportunities 

Don’t miss it!

big city vehicle ride at tokyo disney sea

No.2: Big City Vehicles

Board a early 20th century vehicle for a ride aorund the streets of New York. Choose from an open top town car, a police wagon, or a delivery truck!

Kids who love trucks and vehicles will adore this ride.

No.3: Hello New York Show

This show presented in the New York area of American Waterfront features Mickey Mouse and the Disney Friends discovering different ways to enjoy the big city.

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No.11: Best Rides at DisneySEA Mediterranean Harbor

The best Disneysea rides and shows for kids in Mediterranean Harbor are:

  • Venetian gondolas
  • Disneysea Fantasmic! 

venetian gondolas at tokyo disney sea

No.1: Venetian Gondolas

Take a ride through the canals of DisneySea on these replica gondolas captained by two charming gondola drivers, or gondoliers.

Just like in the real Venice, these strong fellows row their gondola boats through the canals of the Mediterranean Harbor using long oars to paddle and steer by hand. 

fantasmic disneysea pic by meredith p

Image Credit: Meredith P. via Flickr CC By ND 2.0

No.12: Fantasmic! show

Find yourself a good spot overlooking the Mediterranean Harbour to see this fireworks, boats, laser and music spectacular.

All the Disney characters appear in this ode to the imagination.

But Mickey is star of the show! 

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No.13: Eat the best Tokyo DisneySEA snacks!

Tokyo Disneysea is a magical place where you can eat all the Disney snack foods without expanding your frame. 

Calories don’t count at Tokyo Disneysea!

The snack menu at Tokyo Disneysea is out of this world, and most Disney snacks retail for less than ¥500 yen each so they are perfect Tokyo Disney food options for those on a budget too. 

HOT TIP: YOU MUST TRY THE LITTLE GREEN MEN MOCHI.

But don’t take our word for it. 

Add a visit to Mamma Biscottis Bakery to your Disneysea itinerary quick smart. 

Then, read our Guide to Popular Tokyo Disneysea Snacks & Children’s Set meals. 

You’ll be glad you did! 

tokyo disneysea popcorn machine by joel

Image Credit: Joel via Flickr CC By ND 2.0

No.14: Grab Tokyo Disneysea Popcorn Buckets

One of the best snacks at Disneysea is popcorn.

It’s cheap, you can eat it on the run, AND kids love it. 

You can buy it in a cardboard box, or in a limited edition refillable Tokyo Disneysea popcorn bucket. 

Different shaped Disney characters popcorn buckets can be found in different popcorn wagons.

You’ll find popcorn buckets shaped in all kinds of different Disney characters for sale at each popcorn wagon, so it’s a good idea to do your research before you go.

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Image Credit: Joel via Flickr CC By ND 2.0

Best Tokyo Disney Popcorn Flavors

There are SO MANY different popcorn flavors to try at Tokyo DisneySea too.

It’s popcorn heaven.

Want all the insider’s knowledge? 

Take a look at our guide to Disneysea Popcorn here. 

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DISNEYSEA RESTAURANTS

Click here to find the complete list of Disneysea restaurants, and current menus. 

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BEST DISNEYSEA STORES 

No.1: Fun Tokyo Disneysea Merchandise – Disney food gifts 

Valentina’s Sweets shop in the Mediterranean Harbour has the biggest selection of Disney-themed treats to take home.

Cute but tasty souvenirs they are!

No.2: Best Tokyo DisneySEA Souvenirs? DisneySEA pressed pennies!

Make a Souvenir Pressed Penny medallion for ¥100 each.

Collect all the different designs.

Find machines at:

  • the Sleepy Whale shop
  • the Agrabah Marketplace
  • The Expedition Photo Archive
  • Aunt Peg’s Village store, and
  • Galleria Disney.

 

tokyo disneysea map

BEST TOKYO DISNEYSEA TIPS 

No.1: DisneySEA Guide Map

Pick up a guide map on entry.

The Disneysea Map, the entertainment schedule “Today,” and other information on merchandise and food will help you enjoy the Park even more.

Wagons containing the maps are located either side of Passaggio MiraCosta.

You can also download the Tokyo Disneysea map here. 

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No.2: Download the Disneysea app

Plan your day and make the best use of your time for Disneysea rides by checking the wait times on the Disneysea app from iTunes.

You can also check the Park Information board at Mediterranean Harbor.

Friendly Cast Members can help you with:

  • Attraction wait times
  • FASTPASS ticketing status
  • Scheduled start times for entertainment
  • Checking heights for attractions with height restrictions

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No.3: Healthy Food at Tokyo Disneysea

Hungry for something healthy?  

There’s a Papadakis Fresh Fruit wagon in American Waterfront that sells freshly cut fruit

Image credit: Kzaral via Flickr CC by 2.0

No.4: How to visit Tokyo DisneySEA on a Budget

There’s a Japanese Convenience Store just outside the Maihama Disney train station when you arrive

(It’s on your left as you exit, heading towards Ikspiari shopping centre).

If you want to save your dollars for Disney treats later in the day, eat a big breakfast, then stock up on your drinks, Japanese snacks, and onigiri rice balls here before heading in.

 

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No.5: DISNEY Dress up Costumes for Kids

Get into the spirit of things by letting the kids dress up as their favourite Disney character or princess.

The Japanese embrace the idea of dress up strongly so your kids will fit right in.

Kids under 11 may wear full costumes all year round.

No.6: Send a postcard from Tokyo Disneysea

Send a postcard from inside Tokyo DisneySea.

Letters and postcards placed in these mailboxes will be imprinted with a special Tokyo DisneySea design and delivered to the post office.

Mailboxes are located in 11 different areas within Tokyo DisneySea.

mickey mouse mop art at tokyo disney sea by kyoko

Image Credit: Kyoko via Flickr CC BY ND 2.0

THE INSIDE SCOOP – TOKYO DISNEY SEA JAPAN 

Tokyo Disney Sea is a separate park to Tokyo Disneyland, even though visitors often call it Tokyo Disneyland Sea.

Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031, Japan
Tokyo Disneysea Opening Hours

  • Generally 8am to 10pm.  Please check Disneysea hours & opening times on the Park Operation calendar.
  • Buy your e-tickets here and print at home. No waiting in line at the gate, AND guaranteed entry!

Telephone: 0570-00-8632
Website: Click here

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Entry Fees to Tokyo Disneysea

Entry prices to Tokyo Disneyland Resort are determined by status:

  • adults
  • junior (12-17 years) and
  • child (4-11 years)

Kids 3 and under are FREE!

Buy Skip the Line Tokyo Disneysea tickets here. (Bestseller)

Single Day Passports

  • One day passports can be used for Tokyo Disneysea OR Tokyo Disneyland, but you must specify at the time of purchase.

Multiple Day Passports

  • Ticket prices are the same for Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea Park.
  • With a 2-Day Passport, you can enjoy one Park the first day and the other Park the following day.
  •  With a 3-Day or 4-Day Magic Passport, you can enjoy the privileges of a 2-Day Passport and then visit both Parks as you like on the third or fourth consecutive day.
  • Click here for current prices

2, 3, and 4 day passports must be used on consecutive days, or the tickets will be deemed invalid.

Learn from my error

I did not read this important detail when planning my itinerary in Tokyo with kids last time, so spaced the days out.

When we turned up for the second day to visit Tokyo Disney Sea, the tickets were null and void. Luckily, one of the helpful staff felt sorry for my misunderstanding, and reissued my ticket, at a cost of another $50 AUD!

Do not do as I did!

If you want to separate your visits, buy individual tickets for each park.

how to get to disneysea park

How to get to Disney Sea Theme Park in Japan

Click here for all transport options to Tokyo Disney Resort including:

  • train
  • bus and
  • car

Tokyo DisneySea Map

Toadstool Rating (by the kids) – DisneySEA theme park

DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE if you love The Little Mermaid, or are a Disney Fan.

If you’ve been to Disneyland in the USA or elsewhere before, make Disney Sea your preference.

If not, try to visit both parks (despite not being able to understand the show commentary or some of the ride commentary unless you speak Japanese).

We believe EVERYONE needs a bit of Disney Magic in their lives.

TOKYO DISNEYSEA RIDES review

Looking for more Disney Tips?

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