🎢 What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is Tokyo Disney Resort's free skip-the-line service that allows guests to reserve a return time for select attractions. Launched in July 2023, it replaces the old FastPass system and is accessed exclusively through the official Tokyo Disney Resort app.
Understanding the Priority Pass System
Tokyo Disney Resort introduced the Priority Pass system on July 26, 2023, as a modern replacement for the beloved FastPass system that Disney fans had used for decades. This new system maintains the core concept of allowing guests to secure a return time for popular attractions, thereby reducing time spent waiting in standby queues and allowing for more efficient park touring.
Unlike the old paper-based FastPass system that required walking to individual attraction kiosks, Priority Pass is entirely digital and managed through the official Tokyo Disney Resort smartphone app. This means you can secure your priority access from anywhere in the park - while eating lunch, watching a show, or even waiting in another attraction's queue.
The fundamental principle remains the same: guests receive a designated time window to return to an attraction and access it through a shorter priority queue. This typically reduces wait times from potentially hours to just minutes, making Priority Pass an essential tool for maximizing your Disney experience.
For international visitors, understanding the Priority Pass system before your visit is particularly important, as it requires advance preparation including downloading the app and creating a Disney account. The system operates entirely in Japanese on the official app, though the interface is intuitive enough for non-Japanese speakers to navigate with some preparation.
Key Features of Priority Pass
- Completely Free - No additional cost beyond your park admission ticket
- App-Based Only - Requires the Tokyo Disney Resort official app; no physical kiosks
- Time-Designated - You receive a specific return time window when booking
- First-Come, First-Served - Popular attractions may run out of passes early in the day
- One at a Time - You can only hold one Priority Pass at a time (with exceptions)
- Entry Required - Must be inside the park to book Priority Passes
Priority Pass vs Disney Premier Access
Tokyo Disney Resort offers two systems for reducing wait times, and understanding the difference between them is crucial for planning your visit. Priority Pass is free, while Disney Premier Access (DPA) is a paid service that covers the most popular attractions.
| Feature | Priority Pass | Disney Premier Access (DPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | ¥1,500-2,500 per attraction |
| Attractions | Popular attractions (not top-tier) | Most popular attractions and shows |
| Booking Method | App only (after park entry) | App only (after park entry) |
| Availability | Limited daily supply, runs out | More availability, but sells out on busy days |
| Same Attraction | Once per day | Once per day |
The two systems complement each other. Priority Pass covers attractions that are popular but not the absolute most in-demand, while DPA is reserved for the headliner attractions that generate the longest wait times. For the most comprehensive skip-the-line strategy, using both systems together is recommended.
💡 When to Consider DPA
If you have "must-do" attractions like Beauty and the Beast at Disneyland or Soaring at DisneySea, purchasing DPA is often worth the cost. Wait times for these attractions regularly exceed 120 minutes, making the ¥2,000+ investment pay for itself in time savings.
Priority Pass Eligible Attractions
The list of attractions eligible for Priority Pass varies and may change seasonally or based on park operations. Below are the typical attractions available at each park.
Tokyo Disneyland Priority Pass Attractions
- Splash Mountain - The classic log flume through Critter Country; a perennial favorite with significant wait times
- Big Thunder Mountain - The thrilling runaway mine train coaster in Westernland
- Space Mountain - High-speed indoor coaster through the darkness of space in Tomorrowland
- Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters - Interactive shooting attraction where you battle Emperor Zurg
- Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! - Family-friendly hide-and-seek ride with flashlight interactivity
- Pooh's Hunny Hunt - Trackless dark ride through the Hundred Acre Wood, extremely popular with families
- Haunted Mansion - Classic doom buggy tour through the ghostly mansion
Tokyo DisneySea Priority Pass Attractions
- Tower of Terror - Thrilling drop tower with unique Tokyo-exclusive storyline
- Journey to the Center of the Earth - High-speed journey through a volcano with stunning special effects
- Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull - Intense jeep ride through an ancient temple
- Raging Spirits - Compact coaster with a 360-degree loop through ancient ruins
- Nemo & Friends SeaRider - Shrinking submarine simulator in the ocean with Nemo
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - Submarine voyage through underwater mysteries
- The Magic Lamp Theater - 3D show featuring the Genie from Aladdin
⚠️ Attraction Availability Changes
The list of Priority Pass attractions may change based on season, maintenance schedules, or park operations. Always check the official app after entering the park for the current list of available attractions and remaining time slots.
How to Get Priority Pass
Obtaining a Priority Pass requires some advance preparation and familiarity with the Tokyo Disney Resort app. Here's everything you need to do before and during your visit.
Pre-Visit Preparation
- Download the App - Install the Tokyo Disney Resort app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Search for "Tokyo Disney Resort" - it's the official app from Oriental Land Co.
- Create a Disney Account - Register for a Disney account through the app or website. This requires an email address and basic information.
- Link Your Tickets - Add your purchased tickets to the app by scanning the QR code or entering the ticket number. This can be done before your visit date.
- Enable Location Services - The app requires location access to verify you're inside the park before allowing Priority Pass bookings.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Interface - Though the app is in Japanese, spend some time learning the navigation before your visit. The Priority Pass section is labeled プライオリティパス.
Getting Priority Pass in the Park
- Enter the Park - Pass through the entrance gates; the app will recognize your entry
- Open the App - Launch the Tokyo Disney Resort app
- Navigate to Plan Tab - Tap the "Plan" (プラン) tab at the bottom of the screen
- Select Priority Pass - Choose "Get Priority Pass" (プライオリティパスを取得)
- Choose an Attraction - View available attractions and their return time slots
- Select Group Members - Choose which members of your party need the pass
- Confirm Booking - Review details and tap to confirm
💡 Pro Tip: Act Fast
Popular attractions' Priority Passes can be fully distributed within the first hour of park opening. Make obtaining your first Priority Pass your immediate priority after entering the park, even before riding any attractions.
Using Your Priority Pass
Once you've secured a Priority Pass, using it is straightforward. You'll need to return to the attraction during your designated time window and enter through the Priority Pass entrance.
Step-by-Step Usage
- Monitor Your Return Time - Keep track of your designated time window (displayed in the app)
- Head to the Attraction - Arrive at the attraction during your time window (you can arrive any time within the window)
- Find the Priority Pass Entrance - Look for signs indicating the Priority Pass or DPA entrance (separate from standby)
- Show Your Phone - Display your Priority Pass in the app to the Cast Member at the entrance
- Scan the QR Code - The Cast Member will scan your phone to validate entry
- Enjoy a Short Wait - The priority queue is significantly shorter than standby
Important Usage Rules
- Time Window is Fixed - You cannot enter before or after your designated window
- Smartphone Required - You must show the pass on your phone; screenshots may not work
- Battery Important - Keep your phone charged; a dead battery means no access
- Group Entry - All members on the pass must enter together
Priority Pass Booking Rules and Timing
Understanding the rules about when you can book your next Priority Pass is essential for maximizing the number of attractions you can experience with reduced waits.
When You Can Book Your Next Pass
After obtaining a Priority Pass, you can get another one under any of these conditions:
- After Using Your Current Pass - Once you scan in at an attraction, you can immediately book another
- After a Set Time Period - Approximately 60-120 minutes after booking (varies by day and crowd level)
- After Your Window Expires - If you don't use your pass, you can book another once your time window has passed
Daily Limits and Availability
While there's no hard limit on how many Priority Passes you can obtain in a day, practical constraints apply:
- Each attraction has a limited number of passes available daily
- Popular attractions may distribute all passes within the first 1-2 hours
- The time between bookings limits how many you can realistically obtain
- You can only hold one Priority Pass at a time (except in specific circumstances)
Strategies for Maximizing Priority Pass
Making the most of the Priority Pass system requires strategy and planning. Here are proven approaches for different types of visitors.
Before Park Opening
- Research Attractions - Identify your must-do rides and prioritize them
- Check App Status - Ensure you're logged in and tickets are linked
- Plan Your Route - Know where you'll head first after getting your Priority Pass
- Arrive Early - Be at the park entrance 30-60 minutes before opening
Immediately After Park Opening
- Get Priority Pass First - Your absolute first action should be booking a Priority Pass for your top choice
- Then Ride a Different Attraction - While waiting for your return time, join the standby queue for another attraction (lines are shortest right after opening)
- Monitor Next Booking Window - Keep track of when you can book your next pass
Throughout the Day
- Use Passes Strategically - Consider using passes quickly to unlock the ability to book more
- Book During Meal Times - Schedule return times that don't conflict with dining reservations
- Consider Show Schedules - Don't book a return time that conflicts with parades or shows you want to see
- Check Availability Regularly - Even sold-out passes sometimes become available due to cancellations
On Crowded Days
- Arrive Before Opening - On busy days, arriving 60+ minutes early is essential
- Consider DPA for Must-Dos - If an attraction is critical to you, buying DPA guarantees access
- Use Evening Hours - Crowds often thin in the final hours before closing
- Have Realistic Expectations - You may not get Priority Passes for everything on peak days
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Priority Pass can only be obtained after you've entered the park. The app uses location services to verify you're inside before allowing bookings. There is no advance reservation option for Priority Pass.
Yes, the Tokyo Disney Resort app is required for Priority Pass, and there are no physical kiosks. If you don't have a smartphone, someone in your group can book passes for the entire party using their phone. Make sure their phone is charged and has adequate data connectivity.
Yes, you can cancel a Priority Pass through the app. Once cancelled, you can immediately book a different pass. This is useful if your plans change or you realize you won't make your return time window.
Yes, every guest who wants to ride needs a Priority Pass. However, children under 4 who don't have a ticket can accompany ticketed guests without a pass (subject to ride height requirements). When booking, select all party members who need passes.
When an attraction shows "distribution ended" (発券終了), all Priority Passes for that attraction for the day have been claimed. This can happen within the first hour for the most popular rides. Once ended, you cannot get a Priority Pass for that attraction that day.
Priority Pass is the successor to FastPass at Tokyo Disney Resort. The core concept is similar (get a return time for reduced waits), but Priority Pass is entirely app-based with no physical kiosks. The old paper FastPass system no longer exists at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with preparation, technical issues can arise. Here's how to handle common problems with the Priority Pass system.
App Not Working
- Restart the App - Close completely and reopen
- Check Internet Connection - Switch between WiFi and mobile data
- Verify Location Services - Ensure location access is enabled for the app
- Update the App - Check for app updates
- Reinstall if Necessary - As a last resort, delete and reinstall
Low Battery Concerns
- Bring a Power Bank - Essential for a full day at the parks
- Reduce Screen Brightness - Conserve battery between uses
- Take Screenshots - As a backup, screenshot your Priority Pass (though scanning may still require the live app)
- Use Battery Saver Mode - Enable power-saving features on your phone
Summary: Priority Pass Essentials
Tokyo Disney Resort's Priority Pass system is a powerful, free tool for reducing wait times and maximizing your park experience. While it requires smartphone usage and some advance preparation, the time savings it provides make it essential for any visitor.
Key points to remember:
- Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app and create an account before your visit
- Priority Pass is free but limited in quantity - act quickly after park opening
- You can only hold one pass at a time, but can book another after using or after a set time period
- For must-do attractions, consider supplementing with paid Disney Premier Access
- Keep your phone charged - no phone means no Priority Pass access
With proper planning and quick action, Priority Pass can help you experience more attractions with less time spent in queues, leaving more time for the magic of Tokyo Disney Resort!