23 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit Tokyo Disney

If you're used to getting a park hopper ticket and doing both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in the same day in the States, you'll be surprised to see that this is discouraged at Tokyo Disney. The only way to get a park hopper is to stay at one of the three Disney resorts. Most people do one park per day — and, in fact, the two-day passport specifies that it's for one park the first day and the other park the following day — especially since there's plenty to see at each park and the lines can get pretty crazy.

These three little mochi balls are each filled with a different flavour of custard — chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry — and they were as delicious as they were adorable. Probably my favourite sweet snack at either park.

Located on the Tokyo Disney Resort property and accessible by the Disney Resort Line monorail, the Hilton Tokyo Bay is affordable and super convenient. Plus they have themed rooms if you want more of the Disney experience.

One adult ticket to one park is 6,900 yen — or $58 — compared to one adult ticket to one park at Disneyland that will cost you $99 or one adult ticket to Disney World that will cost you either $105 or $97 depending on which park you go to. If you want to do both Tokyo Disney parks, a two-day passport costs 12,400 yen ($104).

Like, lick-the-ground clean. OK, maybe not that clean, but seriously. When we were sitting on the sidewalk waiting for the electric light parade to start, someone was coming by every few minutes to take people's trash and pick up the parade route. Japan in general is quite tidy, so it's no surprise that Tokyo Disney is the cleanest theme park I've ever been to. Plus, even the soap comes out of the dispenser in a Mickey Mouse shape!

I mean, how awesome is this? Matching outfits for the win!

There are a variety of popcorn stations around both parks with all kinds of crazy (and normal) flavours like soy sauce, strawberry, chocolate, and honey that change seasonally. At each station, there is a different themed plastic popcorn bucket that you can wear conveniently like a purse and get refilled at any of the stations for a discounted price. It's a unique part of the Tokyo Disney experience, and I definitely recommend you get one of the buckets and try out a few of the flavours. (The Minnie Mouse bow one is my personal favourites!)

Since DisneySea has a huge man-made body of water at the centre of the park, there are several shows that take place on the water instead of the streets. It's great for a number of reasons, including that visitors have a clear view from pretty much anywhere in the park. The Legend of Mythica, a 25-minute daytime show, is especially bonkers — we were literally speechless watching it — think fireworks, fountains, jet skis, kites, boats, real fire, and Cirque du Soleil-level performers.

Here's another shot of The Legend of Mythica.

This blows Disneyland's parades out of the water — literally.

There are so many moving parts, it's hard to know where to look.

The Mermaid Lagoon above ground.

You'll really feel like you stepped into another world. It doesn't quite have the "Disney magic" as some of the other parks, but that doesn't mean it isn't special.

See what I mean? This is the Rageing Spirits ride at DisneySea.

Mysterious Island is the land at DisneySea that features 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Before Disneyland incorporated the castle projection video in its 60th anniversary fireworks show, Tokyo Disney had this impressive projection show. Taking place before the electric light parade, this is a must watch!