Tokyo Disneyland is the CLASSIC Disney park experience — the first Disney park ever built outside the US (1983), with all the iconic lands you'd expect: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Toontown. If you've got younger kids, THIS is your park. The rides skew younger than DisneySea, the queues move better, and the whole vibe is more familiar (in the best way).

What makes it special: Tokyo Disneyland nails the details. The cleanliness is OBSCENE, the cast members are the best in the world, and the food and merchandise are uniquely Japanese (popcorn flavors include curry, milk tea, and honey). The Beauty and the Beast "Enchanted Tale" ride and the new Fantasyland are world-class. Toontown is the literal best for toddlers plus little kids — Mickey's House, Goofy's playhouse, Minnie's House, all walk-in.

Kid tips:

• BUY TICKETS ONLINE in advance — entry is capped on busy days.

• Best for ALL ages, but PEAK joy at ages 3-9.

• USE Disney Premier Access for the headliner rides if waits are long.

• Toontown is the must-do area for the youngest littles — plan for at least 2 hours there.

• Stroller-friendly. Rentals available, but bring your own for naps.

• Family bathrooms with changing tables, plus a Baby Center near the entrance with microwaves and nursing rooms.

• Use Maihama Station (JR Keiyo Line). Resort Line monorail loops the parks.

• Plan a FULL day. Two days if you also want to do DisneySea.

• The Electric Parade and fireworks are MUST-SEE — stake out a spot 30 min ahead.

We pair this with Tokyo DisneySea and a stay at Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay or Hotel MiraCosta for a 3-4 day Disney getaway.