Tokyo Disneyland offers the traditional type of parades that we ’ re used to in a theme park . Colorful floats , characters , and whimsical music make their way down the parade route .
But Tokyo DisneySea takes a different approach to their parades . Think of them more as shows on top of the water than traditional parades .
PARADE ETIQUETTE In Japan , there are a lot of stringent rules ( and some unwritten rules ) for parade viewing , and most Japanese citizens follow these quite closely . Familiarize yourself with these rules before visiting .
For example , when you ’ re watching a parade , the most significant rule is that if you ’ re in a sitting area , you must sit on the ground and can ’ t be on your knees or use anything to elevate you . This includes keeping cameras at eye level and removing large hats . You ’ ll notice all around the parade routes where these sitting areas are . The incredible Cast Members make it straightforward where you ’ re allowed to sit and where you can stand .
A big difference between Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort culture is the use of a leisure sheet . Guests commonly sit on these small picnic blankets during parades . No need to pack your own : Tokyo Disney Resort sells cute designs of these sheets . Just leave room in your luggage for the return trip ; these blankets are adorable , and you ’ ll want to bring yours home .
Another important rule : You are only allowed to save a spot for yourself and a few other people . That means one person in your group can ’ t reserve a place for 10 others .
TOKYO DISNEYLAND RESORT PARADES On a normal day , Tokyo Disneyland offers three different types of parades : daytime , seasonal , and nighttime . That ’ s three entirely different parades , and it ’ s possible to watch them all in a single day .
Dreaming Up ! Daytime Parade Like clockwork , Tokyo Disneyland changes its daytime parade every five years to coincide with significant anniversaries of the resort . The current daytime parade , Dreaming Up !, is another parade that you should not miss .
The theme song , of the same name , is an earworm , and I guarantee it ’ ll get stuck in your head for weeks . The bright-colored parade floats gliding down the route illuminate the sky and your mood . What makes it even more remarkable is the enthusiasm of all the performers dancing along the route .
I remember the first time I watched Dreaming Up ! when it debuted in 2018 for the 35th anniversary . The parade had big shoes to fill after my all-time-favorite parade , Happiness Is Here . I had worried that the new parade wouldn ’ t live up to the joy that Happiness Is Here gave me .
Once I heard the music , all my doubts faded away . Tokyo Disneyland knows how to put on a show . Dreaming Up ! is quintessential Tokyo Disneyland . If you can , take the time to watch this not only once but at least once a day during your visit . Parades like these make the experience at Tokyo Disney Resort unforgettable .
Sadly , Dreaming Up ! will likely be replaced in 2023 when Tokyo Disney Resort celebrates its 40th anniversary . See this parade while it ’ s still here . Once a parade is gone , it doesn ’ t come back .
ABOVE : Mary Poppins waves to the crowd in her " Jolly Holiday " outfit . PREVIOUS PAGE : Peter Pan and Wendy taking flight during the Dreaming Up ! parade is quite the spectacle . PHOTOS BY TDR EXPLORER