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ToggleIs October a good time to visit Tokyo Disney?
Are you still planning on when to go and wondering is October a good time to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea? The answer to this I think is both yes and no. And that is because it depends on why you are wanting to visit Tokyo Disneysea and Disneyland in October.
If you are looking for unique things to do and special events that October is a great time to visit the Tokyo parks however with these special events come crowds and no where does crowds like Disney in Japan.
Is Tokyo Disney crowded in October?
Tokyo Disney and Disneysea are renowned for being some of the busiest theme parks in the world and October happens to be one of the busiest times to visit these parks.
One of the reasons for the parks being at their busiest in the month of October is due to the Halloween season that runs throughout the whole of October.
Tokyo Disney at Halloween
Does Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea have Halloween?
Disneysea and Tokyo Disneyland both have a halloween season. In 2022 the Halloween season will run from September 15th –October 31st.
Does Tokyo Disney decorate for Halloween?
Yes Tokyo Disney does decorate for Halloween and the parks really go all out for Halloween season. Both Disneyland and Disneysea in Tokyo will have seasonal Halloween decorations, Halloween overlays and merchandise for the Halloween season.
What is Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea like at Halloween?
Tokyo Disney and Disneysea at Halloween is very special as there are many unique things to do in the parks during this period. There are unique meet and greets with the Disney villains out in force and special snacks, shopping experiences and a special Halloween Parade.
Over at the Disneysea park there is also a special water flotilla that features all of the Disney Villains that is a must see if you are visiting Disneysea in October.
Is Disneysea and Tokyo Disneyland busy at Halloween?
Disneysea and Tokyo Disneyland Weather in October
Another reason that the crowds are high during October at the Japan Disney parks is because of the near perfect weather conditions. The temperatures usually range from 15-22C during the day and the rain fall during October is relatively light for Japan being only circa 8 days of rainfall which is another reason this month in the parks are so popular.
Best things to do at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea in October
See the decorations
All the parks for great Halloween decorations but Tokyo Disney and Disneysea go all out with their decorations. There are so many photo opportunities all around the park from jack o lanterns, pumpkins and ghosts and ghouls you will be really delighted with how they dress the park for Halloween.
Eat Halloween Food
We loved the different food on offer at the Tokyo Disney parks compared to other parks in the world. And Halloween is one of the best times to try the food in Japan. For Halloween Tokyo Disney has speciality beverages as well as Halloween themed snacks.
See the Halloween Ride Overlays
As with the American parks there are special Holiday overlays to some of the Tokyo Disney rides.
For instance there is The Haunted Mansion: Holiday Nightmare which will run throughout the Halloween and Christmas season at the parks from September 14, 2022 through January 4, 2023.
Special Character Meet and Greets
One of my favourite things about Halloween at the parks, whether we are visiting Disneyland Paris at Halloween, Disneyland at Halloween or the Tokyo parks is the special meet and greets.
A favorite meet and greet for us has to be meeting Jack Skellington and Sally. But all of the villains will be out in force and are some of my favorite meet and greets to do. My personal favourites are Cruella De Vil and the Ugly Stepsisters but I love all the villains.
Buy Halloween Merchandise
Like other parks around the world Tokyo Disney will have its own special Halloween themed merchandise on sale that is exclusive to the parks.
Enjoy the Halloween Parade
At Tokyo Disney the Halloween Parade is called the Spooky “Boo!” Parade. Earlier in 2022 the parks announced that parade would have reduced dancers and an altered parade due to Covid regulations. As Japan is opening up in October it is unknown whether there will be any updates to the parade given this. We will update this section when we know more.
On top of the Spooky Boo Parade there is also the “The Villains’ Rockin’ Halloween” which puts the villains at the forefront of the celebrations.
But here’s hoping Halloween at Tokyo Disney in 2024 will be back to normal
See the Halloween Floats
While Tokyo Disneysea does not have Halloween parades or any parades for that matter it doesnt mean Halloween doesn’t get celebrated in the parks. At Disneysea there is the Halloween Harbor Greeting. This will feature classic characters on floats in Halloween costume.
See the Fireworks
At both of the parks in Tokyo parks there are viewable halloween fireworks. The show is called Night High Halloween Fireworks and they are spectacular.
Please note: these cancelled in event of high winds.
What to Wear in Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea in October Tips
Given the pleasant weather conditions in October at Tokyo Disney parks we recommend packing for warm weather but having some gear just in case it starts to rain in the parks.
Always prepare for rain
Whatever time you are visiting Disneyland in Tokyo there is always a chance of rain at Disneyland Paris. Be sure to have the appropriate supplies to make sure you are always prepared for the weather. For more information on visiting Tokyo Disneyland in the rain tips check out this post.
Always wear
Comfortable Shoes – Sneakers / Trainers / Crocs
Whenever we go to Disneyland and Disneysea – or any Disney park around the world from Disneyland California to Disneyland Paris we always rack up a hefty step count – never less than 20K steps. To fully enjoy your day you will want to be wearing your most comfortable shoes.
Although my preferred shoe for the Disney parks is always a sneaker another great option is a Croc especially at the Tokyo parks. The Tokyo parks have some water rides and given the chance of rain Crocs are a good choice for the parks.
Make your Outfits Match
One of the things we noticed when we visited Tokyo Disney during Halloween season is that many people would wear outfits that match. Whether these were overtly Disney themed or whether just in the colour combination as above.
If you want to embrace the parks like the locals then I would consider making your outfits match.
Disney Ears
We always wear ears whenever we are in the park and it is much cheaper to buy them before you go. There are lots of options for ears online – click here for ear options beyond just the standard mouse here.
Disney Caps
There are many rides that have little or no shade in the queues. Be sure to pack a cap to make sure you don’t get burnt while waiting for your favourite attraction.
Click here to shop Disney caps
Backpack
I always take a backpack into the parks with me. There are lots of things we recommend taking in your day pack for Disney. Our favourite backpacks for Disneyland are these lounge fly ones that have loads of different Disney themes.
Can I wear Costumes to Tokyo Disney?
It is a well known fact that adults can not wear costumes into the Disney parks except during special events like Halloween. However Japan has different rules to other parks across the world
Between the dates of September 14th to October 31st, 2022, guests aged 12 and over dressed in Disney Character costume will also be welcome to enter the Park.
This is different to all other parks and I have to say having witnessed this in person it is one of my favourite things about visiting Tokyo Disney in October. Guests really construct some elaborate costumes and it really enhanced our enjoyability of the day. We really wished we were wearing a costume too.
Overall
I love Halloween in both the Disney and Disneysea parks. But when it comes to a question of Disneyland vs Disneyseafor me Disneyland just clinches it because I love the classic park. However if you want something that is completely unique you should put Tokyo Disneysea at the top of your list.