For years, Tokyo Disney Resort has been regarded as one of the most crowded theme parks in the world. Stories of long queues, pre-dawn rope drops, and hours-long waits for attractions were not just common—they were expected.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Disney parks around the world have seen dramatic fluctuations in attendance. As international travel rebounded, U.S. parks initially saw a surge—what analysts called “revenge travel”—but that momentum has started to wane. In 2023, even Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairperson Josh D’Amaro admitted to a “moderation” in guest demand after Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
Similar patterns have emerged at Disneyland Resort in California. In recent weeks, social media users have commented on notably quiet parks, with some suggesting fears about immigration enforcement—rumors that park officials have denied—may be playing a role.
A Surprising Calm at Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort, long known for its relentless crowds and sky-high guest satisfaction, is now facing a quieter reality.
Despite the start of its summer offerings (including an extra-wet version of Splash Mountain, which hasn’t been replaced by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the park), the parks have rarely looked so subdued. “TDR’s summer event offerings start today and the parks have never been quieter,” one user posted. “Annual passes here we come!”
TDR’s summer event offerings start today and the parks have never been quieter. Annual passes here we come!
TDR’s summer event offerings start today and the parks have never been quieter. Annual passes here we come! pic.twitter.com/FWUkuDcAbM
— Alex 📷 Japan Theme Park Photography (@thehappyzan) July 2, 2025
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast—one of Tokyo Disneyland’s newest and most elaborate attractions—saw a wait time of just 15 minutes as of 8 p.m. JST. Just months ago, that same ride routinely drew queues of up to 200 minutes. Even earlier in the day, guests reported only a 20-minute wait.
Though images of packed gates still circulate online, they no longer reflect the experience inside the park. Cultural differences in guest behavior can exaggerate the appearance of congestion, but wait times and visitor trends tell a different story.
According to reports, this is not an isolated dip—it’s part of a broader pattern.
Attendance Falls Behind the Competition
For two consecutive years, Tokyo Disneyland has lost its title as Japan’s most visited theme park. Universal Studios Japan surpassed it in 2022 and 2023, buoyed by aggressive expansion and the success of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. That shift, along with local economic factors, has prompted introspection from the resort’s operator, Oriental Land Company.
The company recently acknowledged the decline and is actively exploring strategies to boost numbers. Among the ideas being floated: price reductions and the return of annual passes. Tokyo Disney tickets already cost significantly less than U.S. counterparts, ranging from 7,900 yen ($55) to 10,900 yen ($76) for a single day. Still, OLC appears open to going further.
Annual passes, once a staple for local fans, were discontinued during the pandemic alongside multi-day tickets. While limited multi-day options have since returned, annual passes remain off the table. Their revival is now being considered as part of a broader plan to reinvigorate attendance.
Meanwhile, the resort has been investing heavily in its future. Tokyo DisneySea – long recognized as the best Disney park – just debuted Fantasy Springs, a multi-land expansion with areas inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Over at Tokyo Disneyland, construction is underway on a next-generation Space Mountain and a new attraction based on Wreck-It Ralph, set to replace Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
Whether these additions are enough to reverse the trend remains to be seen. For now, one of the world’s busiest Disney resorts is offering something almost unheard of: short waits and extra breathing room.
Have you noticed a change in crowds at Disney parks?
