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Shocking Video Puts Disney World, Disneyland California, to Shame

Disney Resort Shows the World How Its Done

This Disney Resort makes every other Disney Resort, including Disney World, look like a joke. Here’s why.

Mickey Mouse, StellaLou, and Duffy at Tokyo DisneySea
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

This Disney Resort Puts Disney World to Shame

If you think getting to Disney early means showing up at 8:30 for a 9 a.m. park opening, think again. At Tokyo Disneyland, the definition of “early” is on another level—and it’s leaving even the most dedicated Disney veterans speechless.

A viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter) captured thousands of eager fans pressed shoulder-to-shoulder outside the Tokyo Disney Resort entrance well before sunrise. The official opening time was 9 a.m.—but by 7:30 a.m., the gates were already surrounded by an ocean of guests ready to storm inside.

“Happy Entry” closest to the gates and the others piling up behind! Park opens at 9 and this was taken at 7:30! – @disneytipsguy

It’s a jaw-dropping reminder that in Japan, rope drop isn’t just a strategy—it’s practically a sport.

A whimsical, colorful façade features various geometric shapes, a playful clock with a smiling face, and numerous decorative elements in shades of pink, blue, purple, and gold. The vibrant architecture resembles a fairytale castle with intricate details and patterns, a Disneyland ride.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

What’s New at Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea may be celebrated for their jaw-dropping attractions and immaculate attention to detail, but they’re also home to some of the most competitive morning crowds of any Disney park in the world.

Fans are arriving up to two hours early in hopes of experiencing top-tier rides like The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast or Soaring: Fantastic Flight. Without Genie+ or Lightning Lane-style systems, demand is purely managed through old-fashioned standby. Once the gates open, guests rush the rides—knowing full well those wait times will balloon to three hours or more later in the day.

It’s a striking contrast to the U.S. parks, where early entry is a perk reserved for hotel guests. In Tokyo, it’s every fan for themselves.

A vibrant scene of a theme park with a red pirate ship docked in a clear blue water canal surrounded by lush green foliage. In the background, whimsical rocky hills rise under a bright blue sky.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

How to Handle the Crowds

Planning your first trip to Tokyo Disney? Here’s what you’ll want to do if you don’t want to spend your whole day in line:

  • Arrive by 7:00 a.m.: Anything later, and you’ll already be far back in the pack.

  • Stay close: Choose a Disney hotel or nearby partner hotel within walking distance so you can beat train crowds.

  • Have a ride plan: Decide before you even hit security which attraction you’re sprinting to first.

  • Use the app: The Tokyo Disney Resort app lets you mobile order food, a major time-saver once you’re in.

Mickey Mouse, wearing his iconic red trousers, yellow bow tie, and white gloves, poses with an inviting gesture in front of a pastel-colored, Victorian-style building. The setting appears bright and cheerful, with a clear day and decorative lighting at this Tokyo Disney Park.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Local Secrets You Need to Know

Veteran parkgoers in Japan swear by a few extra tricks:

  • Skip the first rush: If you’re not desperate for the hottest rides, head to shows or parades first while everyone else crowds attractions.

  • Popcorn priority: Tokyo Disney is famous for collectible buckets and specialty flavors—grab them before they sell out.

  • Late-night win: After 7 p.m., lines for major attractions shrink dramatically, giving night owls a second chance.

  • Hidden entrances: Certain partner hotels connect to less crowded security checkpoints—worth asking about when booking.

Fireworks above Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disneyland
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Why This Story Matters

This viral moment isn’t just about a long line—it’s about passion. For Japanese fans, a Disney trip isn’t casual entertainment; it’s a carefully planned experience where getting the very first ride of the day carries bragging rights.

For Disney fans abroad, it’s also a glimpse into how far the Disney community will go for magic. In the U.S., “rope drop” often feels like an insider tip. In Tokyo, it’s a way of life.

As global attendance continues to climb, don’t be surprised if some of these extreme early-bird habits begin popping up in Orlando or Anaheim during peak seasons.

mickey and minnie mouse at tokyo disneyland standing in front of the Sleeping Beauty castle.
Credit: Disney

The Bottom Line

Tokyo Disney has always had a reputation for being next-level, and this viral video proves it once again. For fans, the message is clear: if you want the magic, you’ll have to earn it—with an alarm clock set hours before sunrise.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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