disney tourist blog shanghai disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland Review & Impressions

Counterfeit tickets. Broken rides. Food shortages. Plumbing issues. 100-degree weather so hot it softened the partially-set pavement. As compared to Disneyland’s “Black Sunday” opening day some 60 years ago, Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day was uneventful. Although there are radical differences between the launch of Walt Disney’s big, personal gamble on his park, and the one financed as a joint endeavor between the Chinese government and the corporate behemoth that is today’s Walt Disney Company, there are some parallels, too.

These parallels start before opening day, with the trailblazing done in the former orange groves of Anaheim and the unprecedented collaboration between an American corporation and the Chinese government that gave rise to Enchanted Storybook Castle among the rice paddy fields outside of Shanghai. They continue with how each project was perceived through opening day, and persistent questioning as to whether the projects were follies.

In deference to Mr. Disney, with 60 years of experience, one would expect today’s far more polished and sophisticated theme park operators to have learned a thing or two about opening new theme parks. In the intervening years, lessons have been learned in Florida and beyond. It’s not as if Bob Iger was taking loans against his personal property or having his brother make personal visits to banks to assist with funding. Conversely, to modern Disney Co.’s credit, Walt didn’t have the unique challenges of building in mainland China. Only time will tell whether Bob Iger is vindicated the way Walt Disney was 60 years ago. If early response is any indication, it seems Shanghai Disneyland will quickly vanquish criticism of the project as “Iger’s Folly.” Of course, opening day festivities can be pandemonium or peaceful without being indicative of the likelihood of long-term success.

This post offers my thoughts on the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland, with the first page focused on our opening day experience, the second offering my feelings on each individual land, and the third my overall, early analysis of the park. ( Note: it’s 5,000 words…if that’s too much, I’d recommend skipping the rest of page 1, as that’s the least interesting. ) The post is meant to provide some quick impressions while the experience is still fresh in my mind, and will do so without providing attraction spoilers.

Let’s start at the beginning: how Sarah and I ended up in China in the first place. Our desire to visit was motivated by the dorkiest reason no one outside Disney fandom would probably understand. We wanted to be part of the spectacle of opening day for a new Disney park. It’s like getting nosebleed seats to the Super Bowl–you’d have a better view of the game on an HDTV at home–but there’s a certain energy and feeling in being there. In the case of opening day at a new Disney theme park, the word “magical” seems apropos for describing the experience.

After this, we figured it’s unlikely another castle park will open in our lifetimes, so this was our last shot at being there to witness the momentous occasion, firsthand. It was this rationale that made opening day at Shanghai Disneyland a ‘Disney Bucket List’ item for us as soon as we got serious about visiting all of the Disney parks. I could go on about the rationale for our opening day visit, but it’s one of those things you either “get” without elaboration–or don’t get, and no amount of explanation will change that.

With the mentality that opening day would be some form of chaos, we approached our first visit as a chance to soak up the experience and savor whatever opening day threw at us. Sure, riding TRON Lightcycle Power Run or Voyage to the Crystal Grotto would be great, but we were most concerned with playing witness to history. (Little did we know the longest wait would actually be for turkey legs…) After all, the attractions would all be there weeks, months, and years later–and with much shorter lines–so going for opening day made little sense from that perspective.

Instead, we went because we wanted our own crazy stories that we’d be telling our grandkids decades from now about our shoes sinking into wet pavement or no working plumbing so we had to go in the bus–bad example, I’ll stop there. 😉 In the sense that the opening day experience is always–for better or worse–all about the stories, it could be said that opening day at Shanghai Disneyland is a pretty boring story.

For starters, if you’re reading this, there’s a reasonable chance that you’ve seen more of the opening day festivities than we have. The television special and grand opening ribbon cutting were both held only for invited guests and media, so no regular days guests saw these. We strongly suspected opening festivities would be for invited guests only when we saw the noon opening time before even purchasing tickets, so this was totally on us, and not a huge deal. Little touches throughout the day, and a spectacular finale more than made up for missing a ceremony. (Unless I watch a replay of that ceremony later and find out it featured a trope of Panda acrobats and was basically the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony 2.0.)

I’ll offer more details in a full trip report to follow, but after dropping off our luggage, we (Sarah, me, and our friend Mark Willard) left Shanghai Disneyland Hotel via bus for the park. Upon getting through bag check there, we got in line at the turnstiles so they could validate our electronic tickets and give us paper tickets marked “used.” From there, we were ushered away from the turnstiles to backstage holding corrals until noon. We had arrived a little over 2 hours early, expecting baggage check and the lines to get into the park to be crazy. It turned out that baggage check was a breeze and validating our tickets was also quick.

Around 11:45 a.m., the corrals started moving, and moving quickly. With no re-check of tickets, we were ushered right into the park. Removing the wait we experienced from arriving so early, the whole process of baggage check to ticket redemption to corral entry took maybe 20 minutes. I’ve had longer waits with the new security screening process at Disneyland.

Crowd control and organization were both exceptional. After years of seeing D23 make the exact same mistakes again and again, I was flabbergasted that the opening day entrance experience at a new theme park was so painless. As a blogger, I feed off of drama, panic, and hyperbole, so I suppose you could say Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day was super disappointing in at least one regard.

All of this was facilitated by a surplus of Cast Members, both local and foreign, and they were all great. (As a whole, the local Cast Members were exceptional throughout the day–cheerful, energetic, friendly, and sometimes just a bit nervous.) They were handing out buttons, stickers, and other items to guests, while gleefully shouting “have a magical day” to anyone who appeared western. (And unlike in Florida, this enthusiasm did not feel feigned.)

From there, it was time to explore! It became fairly obvious early that tickets were purposefully capped for opening day, and I’d guess the park was restricted to around 75% capacity or less. This was an incredibly savvy move, as esteemed members of the worldwide press was present for opening day. They were (mostly) conveniently gone by the time the reality of day 2 operations rolled around, when some vulnerabilities appeared.

Some attractions–Soaring (with a g) Over the Horizon, Roaring Rapids, and TRON Lightcycle Power Run–had waits that climbed above an hour early on, but most attractions had <20 minute waits until the evening hours when the shows and other minor attractions with ‘dusk’ closings had concluded for the day.

As far as anything special went, opening day buttons, and “first visitor” cards at select attractions were about it. There were also fireworks during the post show of the Ignite the Dream (this post show is emotive and perfectly fitting for the park–it’s one of my favorite experiences at Shanghai Disneyland)…but honestly, that’s about it. So much for war stories to recite to the grandkids. Oh well, I can always make something up. Not like they’ll know the difference.

On our subsequent days in the park, when the weather was hotter and crowds were significantly worse, issues started to appear. Most notably was the lack of shade and easily accessible attractions with air-conditioning. I normally take restaurant seating area photos in mid-afternoon (the trials and tribulations of Disney blogging) because this is a time when they’re emptiest. Not so at Shanghai Disneyland. I found nearly full seating areas with guests resting around tables. The breezeway through the castle was reminiscent of large exhibits at 3 a.m. during the past 24-hour parties, with bodies strewn everywhere.

Lines for everything were excessive; walk-through exhibits with 60+ minute waits were demonstrative of this. Multiple attractions broke down. This is all still a far cry from the type of chaos we expected, especially after much ado had been made guest behavior online before the park opened. (We saw a few instances of poor guest behavior–but we see a few instances per day no matter where the park; by and large, the guests were respectful, friendly, and polite.) I’d have to embellish day 2 & 3 in order for these scenes to even remotely resemble chaos. If anything, the takeaway here should be that Disney needs to work on more shade (and not waiting for trees to mature over the course of years) and air conditioned attractions in the park ASAP.

While I plan a much more thorough report once I get back home, I thought I’d offer some preliminary, land by land assessments. Most of the park has already been “revealed” via the internet, so I don’t consider anything on the next page spoilers. I will not detail or show the interiors of any attractions on page 2, but there will be photos showing the various lands, so if you want to avoid anything that might be construed as a spoiler, you may not want to continue reading…

Tom, your site is an amazing wealth of information. We leave Friday to do the Asia Disney Tour. Any planning tips that you could preview for navigating Shanghai Disneyland?

Can’t wait for the TR! Also, would you consider updating your Top 10 lists for Parks/Rides/Shows and Specatculars taking into account Shanghai? I’d love to see where it and it’s attractions compare to the others in your opinion.

Thanks for the report, Tom! As always, your trip reports are great. Have a great rest of your trip and safe travels home. Looking forward to more posts to come!

Great review! I’m really looking forward to seeing more of your photos!

Have been hanging out for this update from you – Thanks! Can’t wait to read the trip report and any strategies you have for touring the park 🙂

Thanks for the first impressions and taking the time to write during such a busy time for you. Definitely looking forward to your trip report. Congrats on such a big bucket list item!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I am really looking forward to your trip report (hopefully with all of your wonderful pictures), as I have no plans to ever visit this park.

This was so awesome to read – thanks for all of your amazing detail and humor. I doubt I’ll ever get to this new Land, but reading about your adventure was great. Thank you!

Question to any of you there. How was the Tron ride?! The videos make it look the absolute greatest thing ever!

It’s really good, but not great. More detail to follow in the trip report, but it was definitely fun!

Billions upon billions spent in Asia, and Carousel of Progress in the USA hasn’t been updated since 1993?

I’m curious, did you actually visit Shanghai Disneyland? I wouldn’t say I witnessed any more poor guest behavior at Shanghai Disneyland than I have at any of the other parks. It’s certainly not unsafe.

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Travel for Theme Park Fans

TDR Explorer

Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide

Shanghai Disneyland is the newest Disney Park and the first in Mainland China. The Park opened officially on June 16, 2016. Shanghai Disney Resort is in Pudong, Shanghai, China, and includes the theme park, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, and the Toy Story Hotel.

Over the past three years, the park has gone through rapid changes, and it’s exciting to watch it evolve. This does make for a challenge when planning a trip, though. Our updated guide gives you the latest tips, recommendations, and information to help you plan the perfect visit. I recommend getting the Lonely Planet Guide to further research if you spend time in the city. It’s worth visiting the city of Shanghai for a few days.

Since the Grand Opening, I’ve made multiple trips to the Park and have stockpiled many items to add to this guide. Many Explorers make Shanghai Disneyland part of a bigger Disney Asia Trip ( Hong Kong Disneyland & Tokyo Disney Resort ) to make it easier regarding Chinese Travel Visas (Don’t worry, I’ll explain this).

Once you’re done studying this guide, you’ll feel like you’ve visited since day one!

Table of Contents

• Chinese Travel Visa

Crowd Calendar

• Park Tickets

Disney Premier Access

Entertainment & fireworks, transportation, how to access blocked websites, before your trip, do they speak english at shanghai disneyland, is shanghai disneyland worth the visit, visa for mainland china.

I have to stress that you’ll need to understand how travel visas work for Mainland China. Otherwise, you may be denied entry into the country. While I don’t know of this happening to anyone personally, I don’t want it to happen to you. Please read this section carefully.

To visit Mainland China as a tourist, you must have an L-type visa in your passport before arrival (there are a few exceptions, which I’ll cover). Visit the nearest Chinese Embassy in your area to apply. You can read our full guide explaining this process. Some countries do not need a visa ahead of time and are granted a visa upon arrival (which I won’t list here, so check with your country of origin.)

There are two different visas you may receive upon arrival , which you don’t need to get ahead of time. These work in specific ways and, in some cases, are the better option if Shanghai is part of a larger trip. Read the links to make sure you meet the requirements and have all the proper documentation:

• 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Have your hotel reservations and flight information printed out in advance. Make sure the name on your passport matches what’s on the hotel reservation and flights. For hotel reservations, have everyone’s full name on the reservation (matching their passport). For the Disney Hotels, you may have to call (use Skype) to add additional people’s names to the reservation — they’ll e-mail you the newly updated reservation.

To get the transit visa, you must prove you are transiting through China (meaning you have a flight booked to leave China). This means you are flying from Point A to Point B (Shanghai in this case) to Point C (can be anywhere but Point A).

This is why having Shanghai Disneyland as part of a bigger trip makes it easier. You can fly into Shanghai and get the transit visa, then to Hong Kong or Tokyo.

When to Visit Shanghai Disneyland

The biggest decision to make is when to visit. You’ll have to consider public holidays, weather, and personal preferences, which affect crowd levels.

The climate in Shanghai is distinct in its seasons. This means the winters are cold and the summers are hot (similar to Japan). The summer is hot and humid (June-September), with temperatures averaging 35°C (95°F). The winter is uncomfortable (December to February), getting down to 0°C (32°F) in the evenings. Weather-wise, Autumn is mild.

Is Shanghai Disneyland Crowded?

Shanghai Disneyland saw 11.8 million visitors in 2018 , which isn’t a small number. An excellent rule of thumb is to avoid public holidays . The Park is crowded and, in some cases, reaches capacity. Chinese New Year and National Day are the biggest holidays in the country and last about a week. Even on a normal day, it’s common to see higher wait times across the board on a weekday.

Is one day enough for Shanghai Disneyland?

One day at Shanghai Disneyland isn’t enough. So how many days do you need at Shanghai Disneyland? I always recommend two full days to experience everything at the Park. Much walking is involved, so you’ll want to conserve your energy.

There’s no crowd calendar for Shanghai Disneyland, but in this section, I’ll explain the best and worst times to visit so you can avoid the crowds and have ideal weather.

Attraction Closures

Shanghai Disneyland announces ride closures approximately 15 days in advance. That does make it more difficult to plan accordingly. The best place to check is the Shanghai Disneyland website .

Best Times to Visit

Here’s what I believe are the best times to visit Shanghai Disneyland:

• March through May
• October and November

During these months you’ll have comfortable weather. While it’s a bit cooler in March, you’ll visit right after Chinese New Year, and the crowds are lighter. As for October, avoid the first week as this is National Day, but if you visit afterward, the crowds are gone.

If you don’t mind the cold, December and January are another good time to visit . The temperatures during this time get as low as 0°C (32°F).

For specific days during the week, I recommend Tuesday through Friday . Park tickets are more expensive on weekends and public holidays than weekday tickets (more on that in the ticket section). Mondays are generally busier because people want to avoid paying the higher price for a weekend ticket.

Worst Times to Visit

It’s best to avoid these major holidays if you plan on visiting Shanghai Disneyland.

• Chinese New Year (January or February)
• July and August (School Holidays)
• National Day (First week of October)

Chinese New Year (called the Spring Festival) changes yearly, usually in January or February. This is the most important celebration in China and is a family holiday. This means a lot of families visit Shanghai Disneyland during this time.

The summer holidays for most students are in July and August. Not only is the park busy, but it’s also the hottest time of the year, which is unpleasant.

National Day is another week-long holiday in China and is in the first week of October.

As a reminder, always remember to check the public holiday calendar before you decide on exact dates.

Seasonal Events

Shanghai Disneyland offers seasonal events with limited-time food, decorations, character greetings, and entertainment. The only downside is that, unlike Tokyo Disney Resort, the Park doesn’t announce event dates far in advance. It’s common to have an announcement a week or two before the event begins. It’s best to check our latest news closer to your trip.

Seasonal events typically include:

• Chinese New Year (January to the beginning of March)
• Springtime (March to June)
• Summer (June to the beginning of September)
• Halloween (End of September through October)
• Christmas  (November to January 1)

Shanghai Disneyland Park Tickets

Shanghai Disneyland offers both 1-day and 2-day Park tickets. There are two different tiers of tickets that vary in price: Standard (weekday only) and Peak (weekends and public holidays).

Here are a few options to buy your Shanghai Disneyland Park tickets:

• With your Disney Hotel reservation (easiest)
• Ticket booths on the same day (I don’t recommend this)
• Through the official Shanghai Disneyland App
• Discount Tickets through Klook

If you buy your tickets online, you’ll have to show your passport at the ticket gates on the first day (after that, you won’t need to). However, if you buy your tickets with your Disney Hotel reservation, you won’t have to show your passport at the turnstiles (this is taken care of at the hotel).

Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass

If you plan to visit the Park for quite a few days, then it’s worth considering their annual pass. There are three levels: Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Check the official website for pricing .

Shanghai Disney Resort offers two Disney Hotels — the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel  (starts at about $260 USD per night) and the Toy Story Hotel (starts at about $135 USD per night). You’re able to book hotels for six months in advance. Both hotels are fantastic and offer character greetings and restaurants.

If it’s within your budget, I recommend staying at either of these hotels. Getting to the Park from within the city isn’t the easiest, and much like Tokyo Disney Resort, you’ll want to get to the Park at least 30-60 minutes before it opens.

You’ll get a few perks by staying at the Disney Hotels:

• Guaranteed Park entry
• Free shuttles to/from the Park
• One additional FastPass
• 30-minute early entry

The 60-minute early entry is enough to justify spending extra time to stay at one of the Disney Hotels. The main entrance into the Park is unpleasant and crowded, and it takes 30 to 60 minutes to get there (depending on the crowds). Before entering the park, you must go through security first and then the ticket turnstiles.

For hotel guests’ early entry, you go through the Disneytown entrance 60 minutes before the Park opens (you enter close to Tomorrowland).

Recommendations

If you’re on a budget, then the Toy Story Hotel is a great option (not to mention your only option for a budget Disney Hotel). If you don’t mind being off-property, then here are a few recommendations:

Courtyard By Marriott Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone

• 20-minute taxi ride to the Resort from the city

The Courtyard is my top choice for an offsite hotel . It’s near Shanghai Disney Resort and offers a free shuttle to/from the Park. The only downside is that if you want to do anything in the city, you’ll have to take the free shuttle to the metro (it’s not walking distance).

Restaurants in Shanghai Disneyland Park and the hotels combine Chinese, Western, and International cuisine. These restaurants range from buffets to table and counter service. Disneytown (Shanghai’s version of Disney Springs or Downtown Disney) has a wide range of dining options, including a Starbucks.

You’ll also find various snacks throughout the Park, including theme park staples such as popcorn, ice cream, waffles, and turkey legs (which garner long lines, oddly enough).

There are a few table service restaurants at Shanghai Disney Resort:

• Royal Banquet Hall (Character Dining inside the Enchanted Storybook Castle)
• Aurora (Shanghai Disneyland Hotel)
• Lumiére’s Kitchen (Shanghai Disneyland Hotel)
• Club 33 (Only members can make reservations)

One important note is the tap water in Shanghai is not suitable for drinking (brushing your teeth with tap water is okay). You’re given free bottles of water in your hotel room. The water stations inside the Park are safe for drinking. Also, you won’t find any Coke products; it’s all Pepsi products and Pepsi Max.

Restaurant Recommendations

Here are my recommendations for the best places to eat:

• Pinocchio Village Kitchen (Pizza)
• Barbossa’s Bounty (BBQ ribs)
• Wandering Moon Restaurant (Chinese cuisine)
• Toy Box Café (Western options & cute desserts)
• Tangled Tavern (Western and Asian cuisine)
• Mickey & Pals Market Café
• Royal Banquet Hall

Both Tribal Table and Wandering Moon Restaurant  offer vegetarian options. I am not aware of any vegan-friendly options in the Park. If you have food allergies, most restaurants can accommodate you. You’ll have to consult with each restaurant individually (there’ll be a Cast Member who speaks English in most cases).

Snack Recommendations

• Remy’s Patisserie: Duffy and Friends-shaped Panna Cotta (the flavours are just okay, but super cute)
• Remy’s Patisserie: Shanghainese Pork Bun (this is one of my favourites)
• Toy Box Café: Toy Story drinks with the collectible tumblers
• Toy Box Café: Lotso Bubble Waffle
• Il Paperino: Donald’s Waffle & Soft Serve

• Check restaurant menus through the official app or website
• Save on dining by getting a meal voucher through Klook
• Make a reservation at the Royal Banquet Hall ahead of time (use Skype)
• Guests take breaks in the quick service restaurants, even during off-peak dining hours (find a table first if you can)
• If a Cast Member doesn’t speak English, there are English menus you can point at
• The water stations inside restaurants are hot or warm water (use the fountains outside for cold)
• Outside food is not allowed

I also recommend getting food allergy cards (I haven’t used this service, but I did some research and read positive things). If you have severe allergies, then the information in this Reddit thread helps.

Attractions & FastPass

Shanghai Disneyland offers some of the world’s best and most modern Disney attractions. Undoubtedly, these attractions are part of the main reason you’re making the journey to Shanghai.

In my opinion, the best rides include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, TRON Lightcyle Power Run, and Camp Discovery.

A FastPass shortens your wait time for an attraction. You’ll have to make a FastPass reservation through the official Shanghai Disneyland App or the dedicated kiosks around the Park. It’s included with your Park admission at no extra cost.

Knowing how to use the FastPass system and having a strategy can make or break your day. Read my field-tested FastPass strategy  that explains everything you need to know, including what the best rides are.

This is the paid FastPass option, which allows you to gain access to the FastPass lines for certain attractions. This is perfect if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or you don’t want to deal with long lines.  This article explains how to use Disney Premier Access .

Shanghai Disneyland offers a variety of stage shows, character greetings, a daytime parade, and a nighttime spectacular — all of which are in Mandarin. Even with the language barrier, the stories are simple enough for you to get the idea most of the time. Here’s a list of my entertainment recommendations (you see now why I say you need at least two days at the Park):

• Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light
• Mickey’s Storybook Express
• Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular
• Golden Fairytale Fanfare

The spectacular fireworks show, Ignite the Dream, is a perfect way to end your day at the park. This doesn’t rival Disney Dreams over at Disneyland Paris, but it’s marvellous for their first fireworks show. I prefer watching the show from the end of Mickey Avenue and not from the Gardens of Imagination. The reason is that the Gardens become intensely crowded and I find this unpleasant (you’re also told to sit).

Parades are a passion of mine, and while Mickey’s Storybook Express is not the best parade, the music gets you moving. A standout feature of this parade is that Mulan appears as her warrior alternate ego, Ping, and comes in riding on her trusted companion, Khan. The parade route is long, so finding a decent spot to stand is easy.

Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular is an over-the-top stage show worth watching. Even though the entire show is in Mandarin, there’s enough action that you won’t notice you have no idea what anyone is saying.

The best way to describe Tarzan is that it’s a light version of a Cirque du Soleil show.

Then one of my favourites is the Golden Fairytale Fanfare in front of the Enchanted Storybook Castle, a stage show with gorgeous costumes, music, and appearances by several Disney Characters.

Always check the official website for showtimes .

Character Greetings

Shanghai Disneyland features several Character Greetings throughout the Park, from Marvel and Star Wars characters to Duffy the Disney Bear. The outside greetings (mainly in Mickey Avenue) are quite popular and have long waits. It’s best to ask a Cast Member when a character comes out.

Disneytown is Shanghai’s version of Downtown Disney or Ikspiari at Tokyo Disney Resort. It offers a variety of shopping and restaurants, including The World of Disney Store, Starbucks, and The Cheesecake Factory.

Travel Tips

Here are tips and advice to make your time at Shanghai Disneyland less stressful and enjoyable.

• Major credit cards are accepted in stores and restaurants (kiosks are cash)
• If you need cash, the ATMs in the Resort accept most foreign cards (check with your bank)
• Arrive at the Park about 60 minutes before opening (if you aren’t staying at the Disney Hotels)
• Buy the Shanghai Disney Photo Pass in advance
• Having a Mandarin Phrasebook  will help with communication issues (also great if you don’t have access to Google)
• Mandarin and English are spoken at Shanghai Disney Resort (Hotel Cast Members & Managers usually speak a level of English)
• The language barrier isn’t too much of an issue, even though most Cast Members in the Park don’t speak English

Travelling to a foreign country comes with first-hand experiences in cultural differences. Here’s a list of a few you’ll notice during your visit:

• Portion sizes for food are similar to Western diets
• Queuing can  feel disorderly at times, so be aware guests sometimes jump the queue (cutting the line)
• It’s not uncommon for children to relieve themselves in public (with parental help)
• While there are smoking areas and signs indicating where smoking is not allowed, some guests may ignore these signs
• Unauthorized merchandise sellers exist in the Park. They likely won’t interact with you, but always buy from the stores or official kiosks in the Park

When flying into Shanghai, you land either at the Pudong International Airport (recommended) or Hongqiao International Airport. The easiest and quickest way to the Disney Hotels and the “Courtyard By Marriott Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone” hotel is by taking a taxi.

A taxi to the area is anywhere between 140 to 160 RMB ($20 to $25 USD). Only take taxis from the taxi stand at the airport (follow the signs). People will ask you if you need a taxi; ignore them and go to the taxi stand. This way, you know you’ll get a reputable taxi.

If you go with anyone who approaches you, you’ll likely be overcharged for your taxi. I was quoted 400 RMB ($60 USD) for a taxi to Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, which is a rip-off.

Have your hotel name written in Mandarin (Chinese) to show the taxi driver. Taxis will only take cash, so make sure you have some on you. There’s an HSBC ATM just outside of immigration (before you leave into the arrivals area) where you can take out cash if your card is on the Visa Plus network.

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

上海迪士尼乐园酒店申迪西路1009号 浦东新区, 上海 201205 +86-21-2099-8002

Toy Story Hotel

玩具总动员酒店申迪西路360号 浦东新区, 上海 201205 +86-21-2099-8003

上海国际旅游度假区-万怡酒店 秀浦路3999弄17号,201315 上海 +81 21 5150 9988

Metro & Maglev

Another option is the Maglev and subway, which takes about an hour to get to the Resort after a few transfers. I recommend buying the “Maglev Single Trip + Metro One-Day Pass” (55 RMB or $8 USD) right at the Maglev station (follow the signs). That way you are able to get to Shanghai Disney Resort station without having to buy extra tickets:

• Maglev from Pudong International Airport
• Transfer at Longyang Rd to Line 16 (Heading towards Dishui Lake)
• Transfer at Luoshan Rd to Line 11 and head right to “Disney Resort”
• Download the Explore Shanghai Metro App ( iOS & Android )

To get back to the airport, ask the concierge to call you a taxi. They’ll make sure you get a legitimate taxi. Ask the concierge to write down how much the trip costs. This way there is less chance of a dispute if the taxi tries to overcharge you. A taxi ride from the Disney Hotels costs about $20 USD.

Using the Internet is troublesome in Mainland China, and Shanghai Disneyland is no exception. The Great Firewall of China , as it’s known, prevents websites, apps, and services such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google, and a plethora of other sites from working while in the country. Even if you have a foreign phone, you are not exempt from this. However, iMessage and FaceTime work without any issues. If you need to communicate with others, then download WeChat for iOS or Android (it’s the most popular messaging platform in China).

Disney Hotels and Park have free Wi-Fi, but websites are blocked here, too. The official app does work on this Wi-Fi, however. To access blocked websites while on these Wi-Fi networks, you’ll need to install a VPN . I recommend Surfshark and have used it while travelling. Keep in mind that the Wi-Fi in the Park isn’t reliable and I don’t recommend relying on it.

If you’re with T-Mobile in the US, they offer an international roaming package  (you can access all your apps and websites). The only downside is it’s 2G, which means it’s incredibly slow and not ideal for sharing video and photos.

If you have an unlocked smartphone, there’s a simple way to access all your apps and websites . This 4G SIM Card works in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. I use this each time I visit Shanghai (that’s how I can post to Instagram while I’m there).

A simple list of things to do, read, or buy before your trip. This makes planning things so much smoother.

• Download the Official Shanghai Disneyland App and create your account
• Download the Metro App for iOS or Android to navigate the trains
• Save yourself money by getting discount Shanghai Disneyland Park & meal tickets
• Buy this SIM Card to get around blocked websites & apps (Great Firewall of China)
• If you need a Wi-Fi device, I recommend this one (you’ll need to use a VPN to access most sites)
• If you plan on using a VPN, install it before you get to China
• Perfect your trip to Shanghai with the Lonely Planet Guide (I love using this for research)
• Read DisneyTouristBlog’s Shanghai Guide too (it’s always good to get other opinions)
• Budget about $50 USD (320 RMB) per day in cash (get this before you go from your bank)
• If doing the transit visa, make sure your full legal name is on your hotel reservations
• Print out all hotel and airline reservations

Pro Tip: The Shanghai Disneyland Park Map and ride wait times are available through the app. If you download ahead of time, you can study the map to familiarize yourself with the Park and see wait time patterns.

Cast Members don’t widely speak English at Shanghai Disneyland. Don’t let that deter you from visiting, though. Cast Members working at the front desk at the Hotels and Guest Relations will have English-speaking staff. If you don’t speak Chinese (Mandarin), you’ll be fine at Shanghai Disneyland.

Most entertainment and shows are in Mandarin and not English. However, they’ll speak English if you give character greetings with face characters.

Undoubtedly, Shanghai Disneyland is a must-visit for any theme park fan. There’s more than enough in the Park to justify journeying to this side of the world. While the Park isn’t perfect and has its issues, it’s exciting to watch this Park grow and evolve in the short time it’s been open.

I love this Park; it holds a special place in my little Explorer’s heart. Once you visit, you’ll understand why.

A trip to China sounds intimidating, and you may hesitate to visit. By following all the advice listed here, you’ll be more than prepared when you make your trip happen! You’ll be happy you did trust me.

More on Shanghai Disneyland

Do you still want to consume more content on Shanghai Disneyland? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Here are videos, podcasts, and other resources to help you with your trip.

Trip Reports

Read and watch my firsthand experience at Shanghai Disneyland through my written trip reports and vlogs.

• Winter Trip Reports (Parts one , two , and three )
• VLOG: Christmas Trip Report (Parts one , two , and three )
• VLOG: Spring at Shanghai Disneyland (Part one and two )

Shanghai Disneyland Grand Opening 2016

I was fortunate to visit Shanghai Disneyland on its first official day on June 16, 2016. What an incredible experience! I won’t ever have the chance to do it again. I’ve documented the entire adventure for you to read, watch, or listen to:

• Initial Thoughts
• Grand Opening Trip Report (Part one , two , three , four )
• Grand Opening Podcast Episodes ( full episode & FAQ episode )
• VLOG: Shanghai Disneyland Grand Opening

Explorer Thoughts on Shanghai Disneyland?

Do you have any more tips and advice to add? Let us know in the comments!

If Shanghai Disneyland is part of a larger Disney Asia Trip, you won’t miss out on other travel guides for Tokyo Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland !

If you found this guide useful, please share it on social media to get the word out. I’ve also included gorgeous images to pin to Pinterest.

86 Comments

Thank you for this! We leave in 2 weeks! I have 2 questions: There is not yet a shuttle bus from Pudong to Disney, right? Did you feel safe taking a taxi or did you have any issues? I’ve heard some bad stories, but it seems that if you stick to the more reputable companies (apparently the turquoise and yellow taxis) and have your address written down in Chinese it should be fine? Thanks!

From what I know, there is no shuttle. I felt fine taking taxis. Just ask the airport where to get one, and you will be OK. Coming from Disney to the Airport, they will know which taxi to get for you without issue. I never felt unsafe at any point.

Yes, have your address in Mandarin and show it to them. Also make sure to ask the person who is calling the taxi for you to write down how much it is. Just lessens the chance of being over charged.

Thank you so much for reading!

Great, thank you for getting back to me so fast. 🙂

[…] us, only TDR Explorer has a strong Shanghai Disneyland Guide. You’ll find other posts via Google from mainstream sites, but they are mostly generic China […]

[…] Shanghai Disneyland […]

Hello! I had a question about the 144-hour visa, which I’m not sure if you can answer. I’m a US citizen but I live in Japan, with a work visa. If I went from Tokyo to Hong Kong, then Hong Kong to Shanghai, then Shanghai to Tokyo, would Japan count as a “third country” making me eligible for the visa? Or would it not count because I have a visa for Japan and am a resident?

Morning Sarah, I would phone the Chinese consulate in Tokyo to make sure as I am not 100% sure. But, when we went, they never asked for my resident card in Japan only my passport. So, my guess is it’s probably fine. But I would phone and ask if you want to be 100% sure.

For foreign currency: I’ve found the best way (even after fees) is to use your debit card to withdraw local currency from an ATM. Also does not require advanced planning – though to minimize fees you still want to estimate how much currency you need.

[…] Just a few notes if you’re curious. We’re flying Spring Airlines from Tokyo to Shanghai. Then the same airlines from Shanghai to Hong Kong. Followed by Hong Kong Express to Tokyo. I have a valid one-year visa for Mainland China, so I am not doing the transit visa.  […]

When using a Hong Kong SIM card, did you have to activate it while in HK? Looking at your trip report, it doesn’t look like you had a stop in HK first. I’ve heard some of the SIMs have to be activated in HK before they can be used.

[…] Shanghai Metro app that we used to figure this all out. If you plan on not having data (our planning guide covers your options) while you are there, take screenshots of the places you’d like to go and save them to your […]

The SIM card I listed here can be activated in Mainland China or Hong Kong 🙂

[…] your trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Read our full trip planning guide, Grand Opening Trip Report, and listen to our exclusive podcast episodes! Everything you need to […]

[…] more information on the Shanghai Disneyland’s food check out our dining recommendations, Royal Banquet Hall Review, and dining menu on the official […]

Just a hotel Question:- are they good with early check in’s – My Plane arrives at 9.25 am – but my check in isn’t till 15.00 – I’m heading straight to the hotel with my bags – I’d probably like a nap! what the likelihood of my room being ready/them allowing me to check in early? are Disney good for this?

Hello!! Thank u so much for this guide! I went to tokyo disneyland/sea last year and relied heavily on your comprehensive guides! Needless to say my trips to both parks was a huge success!!

Re shanghai disneyland, do they have popcorn like in tdr? I bought a cute ariel seashell bucket while at tokyo disneysea and am wondering if i should take it with me this year to shanghai.

[…] attraction and timeslot to use it, and if you miss your time the pass is invalid. Check out our Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide for Fastpass tips and our recommended […]

Hi there! Have you tried the photopass? Do you think it’s worth purchasing at Shanghai or HK Disneyland?

Oh no i booked September based on the old guide?

[…] It’s up to you to check what the requirements are for a travel visa or transit visa. I recommend reading our article about these visas and the Travel China Guide […]

[…] talked about a trip. The first was from Tom Bricker at Disney Tourist Blog and the second was from TDR Explorer. Both were quite comprehensive. That said, it was still a bit unnerving planning a trip so last […]

[…] https://tdrexplorer.com/shanghai-disneyland-planning-guide/ […]

I’m interested in taking the Ego Bus, there isn’t much information in English online. Is there a specific route that goes to the Disney hotels?

Hi, do you know what is actually happened when the park is open at 11am instead of 9am? – is it because on that day is forecasted will be very low guest coming? – what would i missed? – should i choose the dates with 9am park opened instead? Or 11am is fine?

The travel sim you recommend only lasts for 7 days. Do I need to buy 3 if going for just over 3 weeks? Or is it renewable?

Very interesting page

[…] visit Hong Kong and Shanghai then read our Hong Kong Disneyland Ultimate Trip Planning Guide and Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide for tips and […]

[…] talk all about popcorn at the Disney Parks in Asia. This includes Tokyo (naturally), Hong Kong, and Shanghai Disneyland. We’ll share our favourite — and least favourite — flavours along with our top choices in […]

[…] There’s a huge selection of festive merchandise and food too. Check out the details and pictures below. Planning your trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide. […]

Hey TDR Explorer, first off all, I love your content! Second i have questions about the Simcard you mention above. What is the size? I have a IPhone SE and need a nano simcard. Will this work?

Thank in advance!

Klook no longer has meal vouchers for SDL 🙁 STILL I am excited for my first trip in two weeks! Thanks for all of your efforts and great tips!

[…] Check out the details and pictures below. Planning your trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide. […]

[…] ? Shanghai Disneyland Travel Guide: https://tdrexplorer.com/shanghai-disneyland-planning-guide […]

[…] Planning your trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide. […]

[…] up on Chinese travel visas so you can look as happy as this once you get to Shanghai […]

[…] to Shanghai Disneyland? Read our Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide. It includes info on when to visit, where to stay, and how to buy discount tickets through Klook. […]

[…] more information on Shanghai Disneyland and when to visit, read our Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide. It includes info on when to visit, where to stay, and how to buy discount tickets through Klook. […]

I can’t wait to visit Shanghai Disneyland! I am planning a trip to Shanghai in November and I want to maximize my day in Shanghai Disneyland. Thank you for this informative tips!

Thank you for your detailed guide. I would like to ask do you have Shanghai Disneyland Map?

Hey! Love this guide. Question about the 20% food discount though…If I buy an annual pass and go to the parks with friends who only have the regular ticket. Would I be able to use the 20% discount on all of our meals at the sit down restaurants, if I’m the one paying for it?/

Hello! I’ll be heading to DisneySea at the beginning of 2020 which is how I came upon your website. Hopefully around Christmas time I’ll be heading to Shanghai Disneyland since I haven’t been there since it first opened. I do know that now you are allowed to take outside food into the park as long as it doesn’t require heating up. Also Wechat pay now supports some overseas credit cards which is super helpful not just at Disney but everywhere.

Thanks for all the great info-I have become a bit addicted to your webpage as well as youtube videos and am counting the days until I get to Tokyo for DisneySea.

Hello Chris, Thank you for your ultimate guide to the resort. I would like to plan my trip in January 2020 but there is no calendar seen in any available ticket selling platforms, even in Shanghai disneyland web site. Only december dates are seen. What can I do? I search google zero results. Thank you. Batka from Mongolia

[…] your trip to Shanghai Disneyland without extensive planning guide. Everything from what hotel to choose, how many days, and how travel visas work. Learn from my […]

[…] latest information when it’s released subscribe to the TDR Explorer mailing list. Check our Shanghai Disneyland Ultimate Trip Planning Guide 2020 for the latest advice and […]

[…] Shanghai Disneyland has been closed since January 25, 2020. This includes the Shanghai Disneyland Park, Disneytown, the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, and Wishing Star Park. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel remain open for guests. For the latest information, check the Shanghai Disneyland website and our travel guide. […]

[…] reader (aka Explorer) you’re familiar with my muses on Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Universal Studios […]

[…] Shanghai Disneyland is said to open with 20% capacity and implement strict social distancing measures, sanitization of surfaces, masks for employees and guests, temperature checks, and other early detection systems (such as the Shanghai Health QR code). Cast Members are also being trained on how to have contactless guest interaction. […]

[…] more information on Shanghai Disneyland see our comprehensive planning guide to see how the park […]

[…] Shanghai Disneyland reopened on May 11, 2020, after being closed for close to 4 months with new social distancing measures. In addition to the adorable Chip n Dale merchandise in their new dedicated store, there are also new themed snacks to try! […]

[…] episode 141, we discuss mistakes to avoid when you’re visiting Shanghai Disneyland. This makes your trip that much […]

Can you investigate why foregin countries can not set up a Shanghai Disney Resort Account. To verify and activate the account you need to receive a verification code via sms to your mobile and it seems the dont support international phone numbers !!! I am not able to set up an account and so i am also unable to book anything via the offical website. Thats a joke for such ab big international company. Are they crazy??? I am so angry never had so much trouble to set up a disney account. Shanghai Resort is the only one that not works. Do not understand what is wrong with them?

If you have a Disney account that you use for the US Disney Parks, that should work with the Shanghai Disneyland website and app. I’ve used mine from the US for years. If you don’t have US Disney account, I recommend making one then using it with the Shanghai Disneyland website.

Hi Chris. We used your very helpful TDR guide when visiting a few years back. We are now planning a trip to Shanghai DLR this summer (only time we can visit). Looking at the DL Hotel site, rooms are available for this summer but not the park tickets. Did you book the rooms first and then return to DL site to purchase tickets or can I purchase park tickets at hotel concierge at check- in (are hotel guests guaranteed park entry?)? Do you know how far in advance park tickets are released on-line for purchase? I’m also having trouble with the hotel reservation since the system doesn’t accept my legal name (last name and first & middle name listed on “first name” line when making the hotel reservation). I’m fearful that if I just list my first and last name on the DL hotel ressie (which is what the system accepts) and my legal name is first, middle, and last names on my passport, then we will be denied the 144 hour transit visa. Do you or any readers have experience with this? Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated. You also mentioned free fastpasses if staying on Disney property. Is that still valid in 2024 or has it been replaced by the pay-for Disney Premier Access Pass? Thank you for your help!

Hello Chris

could you recommend other SIM Options? The one you mentioned in your Blog is not available anymore.

+ Leave a Comment

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Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Guide — 11 Tips & Tricks To Beat the Crowd

Planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland ? So is everyone else. Don’t let the massive crowds ruin your experience at the happiest place on earth!

As a huge (read: borderline obsessed) Disney fan, Shanghai Disneyland was up there on my list of must-sees on our trip to Shanghai .

Shanghai Disneyland has 33 attractions spread across seven different themed zones including the highly raved about TRON Lightcycle Power Run — only available here!

As with just about every Disneyland in the world, we knew that crowds were inevitable and queues for rides could be unbearable.

Imagine spending your hard-earned money on a ticket and dedicating an entire day there only to spend it waiting in 100-minute long queues and covering just five or six rides. It’s like what they say, “if you fail to plan then you plan to fail.”

This is our ultimate Shanghai Disneyland guide to help you get a head start on your Disney day — a compilation of pre-trip tips , a breakdown on the Disney Fastpass , must-see attractions , suggested routes and more!

1) Plan the best time to visit

Maximise your experience at Shanghai Disneyland by picking the best possible day to visit. It’s always packed in Disneyland. But on certain days it’s really packed. If you’re not a fan of spending most of your time in queues, be sure to avoid:

Weekends: Fridays and Saturdays tend to be more packed than Sundays. If your itinerary allows, the best time to come is between Tuesday to Thursday when the crowds are more manageable. Plus, tickets are cheaper on weekdays !

National Holidays: Chinese New Year (First two weeks of February), Mid-Autumn Festival (First week of October) and National Day Golden Week (First week of October). Check the exact dates as they vary year to year.

School Holidays: China has two main school holidays you should avoid — Winter Break (January to February) and Summer Break (July to September).

2) Save Time & Money by Pre-booking Your Tickets

Pre-booking your tickets means you skip the hassle of queuing to buy tickets at the counter. One less thing to worry about! When the gates open, you want to be in the line to enter the park (not the line to purchase your tickets)!

Enjoy 8% savings by booking through Klook . A weekday ticket on the official site cost ~S$78 but we got ours on Klook at ~S$72; the weekend ticket costs ~S$112 but ~S$107 on Klook!

All you have to do is get the QR code on your phone scanned at the entrance and you’ll receive a physical ticket (which is important for getting Fastpasses! More on that later)

3) Download the Shanghai Disneyland Mobile App

The Shanghai Disneyland Mobile App will greatly enhance your visit. You’ll be able to make Disney Fastpass selections (more on that later), view estimated waiting times for rides and check timings for parades and shows. Best part, it’s free!

Upon entering the park, scan your ticket to link it to the app and you’re good to go!

4) Pack Only the Essentials

Your passport is required at the entrance of the park. Bring along sufficient cash as credit cards aren’t accepted at food kiosks. Do note that selfie sticks and tripods are strictly not allowed in Shanghai Disneyland — these will be confiscated during the security check.

Having a water bottle is essential, especially when the weather gets hot. There are free water coolers scattered around the park for you to refuel.

5) Arrive at least an hour before the gates open

Ever heard of the phrase “On Time = Late”? At Shanghai Disneyland, this couldn’t be more true. We arrived 30 minutes before opening time and already were forced to join a seemingly never-ending queue.

Note that there are two rounds of queuing before you get to enter — the security bag check and then scanning of tickets.

We recommend arriving at least an hour before the park opens. Opening hours are usually 9AM – 8PM, but differs slightly for holidays and special occasions. Check the official park calendar for exact hours before you visit.

6) Make use of Disney’s Fastpass

Disneyland’s Fastpass works differently from other theme parks where you pay a higher price for shorter queue times. Instead, Fastpasses here are free and work on a per-ride system. Here’s how it works:

2 Ways to Get a Fastpass:

(1) Via the Shanghai Disneyland App : Select “Get Fastpass” and scan the QR code on your park ticket to link it to the app. You can link up your friends’ tickets too by creating a “party” on the app and scanning their tickets. This way, you’ll get to make Fastpass bookings together. Note: You can only book a Fastpass once you’re in the park!

( 2) Via Physical Kiosks: There are no Fastpass booths in Shanghai Disneyland so if you face difficulties using the app, head to one of the Guest Services booths scattered around the park to book your FastPass. Fret not — there’s hardly any queues at these booths thanks to the app!

Note: If your Fastpass isn’t linked to the app, you’ll need to present your physical ticket in order to enter the Fastpass queue. The physical pass is also required to re-enter the park (even if it’s linked to the app).

How do I claim my Fastpass?

Head to your selected attraction at the stipulated timeslot. Simply join the Fastpass queue, scan your ticket or QR code on your app and you’re good to go!

Is there a limit to the number of Fastpass I can claim?

You can only claim a new Fastpass every hour and a half or so. Every attraction has a limited number of Fastpasses so it’s important to prioritise and plan the order of Fastpasses to redeem. The app also states when you’re eligible to claim your next Fastpass!

Rides with Fastpass:

The popular rides that tend to have the longest queues are TRON Lightcycle Power Run , Roaring Rapids and Soaring Over the Horizon but here’s a list of all the rides you can get Fastpasses for:

– TRON Lightcycle Power Run (Tomorrowland) – Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue (Tomorrowland) – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Fantasyland) – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Fantasyland) – Peter Pan’s Flight (Fantasyland) – Roaring Rapids (Adventure Isle) – Soaring Over the Horizon (Adventure Isle)

7) Must-see Attractions

With so many things to see and so little time, Shanghai Disneyland can be slightly overwhelming for a first-timer. It’s good to have a rough feel of the available attractions so you can map out your game plan for the day.

Here are the highlights for each of the seven themed zones:

Adventure Isle

Think Indiana Jones meets Wild Wild West. The main feature of Adventure Isle is the Roaring Mountain, where the Roaring Rapids and Challenge Trails are located (more below!).

(1) Roaring Rapids : A Disney favourite. Climb aboard a raft and get drifted away by the currents. Don’t underestimate the seemingly calm waters — you WILL get wet.

Photo credit: Shanghai Disneyland Resort

(2) Soaring Over the Horizon : One of the park’s most popular attractions! This ride takes you on an immersive journey over some of the world’s most iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Great Wall of China in Beijing!

(3) Camp Discovery Challenge Trails : This attraction was a fun surprise. Three unique elevated rope courses spread over the terrain of the Roaring Mountain will make you feel like you’re in a Jumanji scene. Challenge your friends to the ninja warrior-like course to see who comes out on top. A whole lotta fun for people of all ages!

Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land screams childhood memories for those of us who grew up on the franchise. The bright colours and overall positive vibes will guarantee to have you singing “you’ve got a friend in me”.

(1) Rex’s Racer : Zoom back and forth on a U-shaped track! Think Viking ship but on wheels.

(2) Slinky Dog Spin : No theme park would be complete without at least one spinning ride. Enjoy some head-spinning fun as Slinky chases his own tail!

Fantasyland

Find all the Disney classics at Fantasyland — princesses, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan themed rides!

(1) Enchanted Storybook Castle : Standing at 60m, this is the largest Disney castle ever built . Here you’ll find all the OGs — Cinderella, Snow White and more! It’s like a sorority house, but for your favourite Disney princesses.

(2) Seven Dwarfs Mine Train : This ride is an all-time favourite family-friendly rollercoaster. There aren’t any heart-dropping loops but it’s still some good old-fashioned fun.

(3) Alice in Wonderland Maze : This beautifully designed garden is unique to Shanghai Disneyland. Plus it’s a great spot to snap some Instagram shots!

(4) Peter Pan’s Flight : Escape to Never Land with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the rest of the gang! This ride features fun storytelling of the Disney classic and is targetted towards kids.

Gardens of Imagination

The Gardens of Imagination sits right in the centre of Shanghai Disneyland and is where the famous fireworks show happens!

(1) Fantasia Carousel : Immerse yourself in fairytale wonder as you climb aboard whimsical creatures on the Fantasia Carousel!

(2) Marvel Universe : Meet your favourite superheroes in the Marvel Universe. One of the many highlights — stepping into the shoes of Iron Man through virtual reality and trying out his latest tech!

(3) Gardens of the Twelve Friends : Check out your Chinese zodiac in Disney character form — you guessed it, this clever blend between traditional Chinese and Disney elements can only be found at Shanghai Disneyland!

Tomorrowland

A visit to Tomorrowland is like stepping into the future. Sleek buildings and sci-fi music give birth to a themed zone that’s literally out of this world.

(1) TRON Lightcycle Power Run : The crown jewel of Shanghai Disneyland and the envy of all other Disney parks. It’s currently the only one in the world (although headed to Walt Disney World in Orlando in 2021 ).

It’s based on the sci-fi film Tron which explores a virtual reality world known as “The Grid”. Instead of typical coaster seats, you’re leaned over on a lightcycle zooming through the circuit. Is that badass or what?

(2) Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue : Armed with pulse blasters, shoot at targets to destroy Emperor Zurg’s army and accumulate points! It’s even more fun when you’re competing with your friends to see who gets the highest score.

(3) Jet Packs : Soar through the sky and control the height at which you fly via hand-held controls!

Treasure Cove

Ahoy mateys! Sail (or walk) over to Treasure Cove to live out your dreams of exploring the seven seas.

(1) Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure : This ride was a feast for the eyes. The decor was stunning and the visual effects were breathtaking. There’s so much to see I’m pretty sure we’d spot something new if we were to take it again. 10/10 would recommend! Queue time for this ride is typically shorter compared to other popular attractions.

Mickey Avenue

Mickey Avenue is the first zone you see when you enter the park and also where most of the character meet & greets take place! Take photos and interact with your favourite Disney characters here or pick up souvenirs and candy at the various stores.

*Pro-tip: Although Mickey Avenue has the biggest souvenir shop in Shanghai Disneyland, the World Disney store located at Disneytown has the largest selection of merchandise!

8) Don’t Forget the Shows

Shows are a huge part of the Disneyland experience! Here’s a breakdown of some of the shows available:

(1) Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular (Treasure Cove) : Watch Captain Jack and his crew outsmart the naval forces through 30 minutes of comedy mixed with exciting stunts! With several timings throughout the day, this is a show not to be missed.

(2) Mickey’s Storybook Express (Gardens of Imagination, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land) : You can’t say you’ve been to Disneyland without seeing the iconic parade. Mickey’s Storybook Express happens once a day around 3:30PM — check the app for accurate show schedules. Witness your favourite characters like Mulan and Mickey Mouse himself strut through the park in true Disney celebratory style.

(3) Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration (Fantasyland) : If Frozen is your jam, then you can’t miss this. Sing along to “Let it go” and “Love is an open door” with Elsa, Anna and Kristoff!

(4) Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light (Gardens of Imagination) : What better way to end your Disney day than with a magical fireworks display? More on the best time to get a seat for the show below!

Note: All the shows are in Mandarin. Don’t worry though — they’re still incredibly entertaining even if you don’t understand the dialogue! The top-notch visuals and cast were more than enough to keep us entertained.

9) Suggested Routes for Shanghai Disneyland

Now that you have a rough idea of the rides you want to take, start planning your route for the day! This Shanghai Disneyland guide provides two recommended routes — the thrill-seeker route and the scenic route .

Both routes include Shanghai Disneyland’s must-sees, but the Thrill-Seeker Route prioritises action while the Scenic Route highlights Instagram-worthy attractions and shows.

Attractions with asterisks (*) mean Fastpasses are available!

Thrill-Seeker Route

1) Soaring Over the Horizon* (Adventure Isle) 2) Camp Discovery Challenge Trails (Adventure Isle) 3) Roaring Rapids* (Adventure Isle) 4) Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular (Treasure Cove) 5) Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Treasure Cove) 6) Seven Dwarfs Mine Train* (Fantasyland) 7) TRON Lightcycle Power Run* (Tomorrowland) 8) Mickey’s Storybook Express Parade (Around the entire park) 9) Jet Packs (Tomorrowland) 10) Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue* (Tomorrowland) 11) Rex’s Racer (Toy Story Land) 12) Ignite the Dream Fireworks Show (Gardens of Imagination)

If you have time to spare before the fireworks, catch Slinky Dog Spin or re-ride some of your favourites (hint: TRON)!

Scenic Route

1) Soaring Over the Horizon* (Adventure Isle) 2) Camp Discovery Challenge Trails (Adventure Isle) 3) Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular (Treasure Cove) 4) Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Treasure Cove) 5) Alice in Wonderland Maze (Fantasyland) 6) Enchanted Storybook Castle (Fantasyland) 7) Peter Pan’s Flight* (Fantasyland) 8) Voyage to the Crystal Grotto (Fantasyland) 9) TRON Lightcycle Power Run* (Tomorrowland) 10) Mickey’s Storybook Express Parade (Around the entire park) 11) Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue* (Tomorrowland) 12) Marvel Universe (Gardens of Imagination) 13) Fantasia Carousel (Gardens of Imagination) 14) Ignite the Dream Fireworks Show (Gardens of Imagination)

*Pro-tip: Go for the normal queue for your first ride of the day (e.g. Soaring Over the Horizon) and redeem a Fastpass for an attraction later on. The waiting time for the first ride shouldn’t be too long if you enter the park once it opens.

10) Remember to Have Lunch!

Food can be a little pricey in the park, but you can still find options for under 100RMB ! These include Stargazer Grill (Tomorrowland), Toy Box Cafe (Toy Story Land) and Tangled Tree Tavern (Fantasyland).

If you’re looking for more dining options, head over to Disneytown located right beside Shanghai Disneyland. Here you’ll find well-known restaurant chains like Food Republic, IPPUDO, The Cheesecake Factory and Wolfgang Puck.

The entrance to Disneytown from Disneyland is at the Gardens of Imagination. You can always re-enter once you’re done!

11) Save A Spot for the Fireworks Show 50 Minutes Before

I knew it was gonna be crowded, but I was not ready for the Black Friday-like mass of human bodies crammed together in a limited space. My advice: for a clear, unobstructed view, head to the Gardens of Imagination at least 50 minutes early . Grab a few snacks to munch on while you wait for the show to begin.

By 6PM, a crowd was already forming for the 8PM fireworks show. We squeezed in a couple more rides and only returned 30 minutes before. All the good spots were long gone by then and we were left scrambling for a decent view all the way back, near the beginning of Mickey Avenue!

The Ignite the Dream fireworks and lights show was still amazing though, even from afar.

(1) Disney’s Pin Trading Culture : Unknown to many, Disneyland has a culture of pin trading ! Purchase a set of pins from any gift shop and trade with cast members throughout the park.

(2) Free Stickers : Great news — you can get souvenirs for free! Approach Guest Services to ask if they have free stickers. We managed to bag a few Duffy stickers ourselves!

(3) Scavenger Hunt: Join Shanghai Disneyland’s scavenger hunt! Buy a Shanghai Disney Passport from one of the souvenir shops and collect stamps from stamp kiosks located throughout the park. Once you’ve collected all the stamps, you’ll receive a surprise gift!

Getting to Shanghai Disneyland

Public Transport: From the city centre (People’s Square station, line 8), taking the Shanghai Metro to Disney Resort station, line 11 only cost 6RMB (~S$1.16) and takes around 45 minutes.

Taxi: A cab ride from the city centre will cost you around 118RMB (~S$23) and can take up to 40 minutes depending on the traffic.

Eighth Theme Zone Coming Soon: Disney’s First-ever Zootopia Land

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

As if you need another reason to visit — Disney is opening its first-ever Zootopia theme land in Shanghai Disneyland! The film was a huge success in China, where it became the country’s number one animated feature film when it was released in 2016.

No word yet on the official opening date, but construction has already begun this year!

Getting the best out of Shanghai Disneyland

Disneyland is always a big-ticket item on the list of tourist must-dos, making it packed almost all year round. Crowds can get pretty insane, especially at rope drop (when the park opens for the day).

Pre-booking tickets online via Klook helped save us a lot of trouble and took away the unnecessary anxiety of having to purchase tickets on the spot. And it saves you money as well!

By sticking to a gameplan and utilising the strategies in this Shanghai Disneyland Guide, we managed to hit a total of 14 attractions and shows — and even re-rode some of our favourites! Let’s just say we loved TRON so much we took it three times.

Planning a trip to China? Check out our 2-Week China Itinerary — Rail Adventure Across Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou !

Have your own Shanghai Disneyland secrets or tips that you’d like to share? Comment them down below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Oct 31, 2019 at 6:10am PDT

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7 things to know before visiting Shanghai Disneyland

I've visited every Disney park on the globe and was surprised at how Disney's newest park -- Shanghai Disneyland -- is both similar and different from its brethren. Here's what you need to know before you visit the Chinese House of Mouse.

Weekend visits are more expensive

Shanghai Disneyland offers a peak/off-peak pricing model and the difference -- 575 RMB ($82) versus 399 RMB ($57)-- isn't small. However, friends in Shanghai recommended I visit on a weekend because many Chinese tourists are price-sensitive, so Monday–Thursday can be busier than weekends. At the same time, you couldn't pay me to go on a Chinese holiday .

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If you find yourself at the park during a busy time, buy FastPasses from 80RMB ($11) to one attraction or various sets based on your requirements. I would hold off buying them until you see whether you need them. I went on a Saturday and was able to ride everything I wanted to in one day using same-day FastPasses.

Shanghai Disneyland visits rely on technology

The Shanghai Disneyland app is necessary to maximize your time at the park. You can visit the park without tech but it would be much more difficult. FastPasses are most easily obtained through the app, which has up-to-date wait times and even holds your tickets.

Note that the Chinese FastPass system, while electronic, is timed more like traditional FastPasses. You can get one every two hours, even if you haven't used the first one yet. You can also get them out of time order. For instance, at 10 a.m. I got a 3 p.m. FastPass for Tron and at noon I got a 2 p.m. FastPass for Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue.

Problems could arise if you don't have a telephone number that works in China. The phone number can be U.S.-based but to even use the Wi-Fi, you need to get a passcode texted to you. I also found Alipay (like PayPal) and Didi (an Uber-like service) helpful. Alipay, in particular, is important because most of the food kiosks didn't accept credit cards.

Related: The best credit cards for entertainment spending

The park is especially social-media-friendly. Some attractions, such as the Alice in Wonderland Maze, seem designed for Insta-moments. You'll also see tourists lined up for selfies in the Gardens of Imagination, where the 12 Chinese Zodiac symbols are matched to Disney characters.

The magic is in the details

Shanghai Disneyland is stunningly beautiful. From the largest castle in the Disney realm to the Voyage to the Crystal Grotto that takes you under the storybook kingdom to the magnificent (and explorable) life-size pirate ship, every inch of Shanghai Disneyland is worth studying.

Two of my favorite "attractions" were actually more physical locations within the park. At Camp Discovery there's not only a ropes course but a trail that leads around the land. The trail is a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet or to have a snack in the shade. The Alice in Wonderland Maze captivated me for almost a half-hour, even though it's a walk-through attraction as opposed to a ride.

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The park layout is the opposite of every other Magic Kingdom

If you spend any time in Disney parks, you notice that the layouts are similar: Main Street, then the castle, Tomorrowland to the right and Adventure Isle to the left. At Shanghai Disneyland, Tomorrowland is to the left and the two Adventure-type lands are to the right. It's not a huge difference but it does feel jarring if you are used to navigating Disney parks without the aid of a map.

In addition to the backward layout, you'll also notice many marquee rides are missing. You won't find Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, It's a Small World or Jungle Cruise at Shanghai Disneyland.

The busiest rides won't be the ones you are most excited about

The three busiest rides during my visits were Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Soaring Over the Horizon and Roaring Rapids. The first two are clones of Florida attractions, so American tourists can skip them. Roaring Rapids has more animatronic features than the USA versions, but it's also a raft ride that will get you wet. In the summer you might appreciate the cool-down but during my November visit, getting wet was not high on my list.

The two must-do rides for U.S. tourists are Tron Lightcycle Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. During my visit, I easily got a same-day FastPass for Tron and the Pirates' wait never went over 15 minutes.

Tron uses technology similar to Flight of the Banshee in Animal Kingdom but instead of entering virtual reality, you drive up to 60 mph on a cycle-based coaster. Tron is popular enough that the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando is getting its own version in 2021.

Pirates, on the other hand, will be unique in the world for quite some time. Don't let the name fool you: The ride has almost nothing in common with the original version. It's much darker -- both physically darker and with a darker theme than you're used to. I would put a 4-year-old on Pirates in the USA, but this version will scare some tweens. Nonetheless, it's fantastic! I didn't think any rides could top Mystic Manor in Hong Kong but Shanghai's Pirates ride is now my favorite Disney ride worldwide.

Two rides at Shanghai Disneyland are such significant improvements over their U.S. counterparts that they shouldn't be missed. Peter Pan's Flight uses updated technology but still has a retro feel. Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue has much-improved technology so it's much easier to see when you've hit a target. I got a real kick out of Buzz because in the states I've never gotten over 150,000 points but in the Shanghai version, I scored more than 600,000 because I could see where I was aiming.

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Duffy is a really big deal

If you've never been to an Asian Disney park, you might be asking, "Who is Duffy?" Duffy the bear originated solely in merchandising but never really took off in the states. Tokyo DisneySea gave him a sailor suit and massive publicity. Hong Kong and Shanghai Disneyland also took up the Duffy character, who now has a girlfriend, ShellieMay, a bunny friend named StellaLou, and Gelatoni, a feline companion. At Shanghai Disneyland, I saw many more Duffy-clad patrons than any other character, and the line for a photo with Duffy easily topped the line for even Mickey Mouse.

Shanghai Disneyland's snack game is on point

My biggest disappointment with Disneyland Paris was the food selection, which ranged from "blah" to inedible. Fortunately, Shanghai Disneyland's culinary offerings more accurately represented what I see in other Disney parks: tasty Western favorites paired with local cuisine. Both Western meals, such as BBQ, and Chinese dishes, such as pork buns, were fresh and delicious. Favorites like pizza got both distinctly Chinese and Disney twists: crispy duck Mickey ear pizza, anyone? I couldn't, however, wrap my head around a few snack offerings, such as "corn juice with red glutenous rice and oat." I'm sure it tastes fabulous, but I won't be trying it anytime soon.

Popcorn was my favorite snack. Varieties, both sweet and savory, come in adorable purse-like containers. Unfortunately, they don't offer refills as in the states. I especially enjoyed the grilled steak popcorn with vegetables. I wasn't sure what to expect and I was surprised to find actual crispy veggies scattered through the popcorn, which tasted more like Mexican elote (grilled corn) than steak to me.

A couple of fun footnotes: The longest lines I saw for food were for turkey legs, which looked identical to the ones in the USA. And although I didn't see Mickey waffles, I did see Donald and Olaf "Waffla." I tried the Donald version and it was fine, but I would go to Toy Story Land for the bubble waffle sundae next time for my waffle fix.

Bottom line

If you're visiting China, going to a Disney park may not be on your must-do list. However, if you have kids or are a kid at heart, you won't regret carving out a day for Shanghai Disneyland. Not only does the park contain rides you'll find nowhere else, but you can also see an American icon in a uniquely Chinese way.

Want to learn more about Disney parks around the world? Check out TPG's other Disney guides…

• 8 things a first-time Disneyland Paris visitor should know
• Everything you need to know about Tokyo Disney Resort
• The best points hotels near Disney World
• TPG's Ultimate Guide to Disney World
• In the shadow of the Mouse: Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs
• 9 things families should know before visiting Disneyland
• How to save money by renting Disney Vacation Club points
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• 10 things kids will love at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii

Shanghai Disneyland Park: How to Visit and Tips

Shanghai Disneyland Park is the first Disney theme park in Chinese mainland , which blends the magic of Disney and unique cultural elements of China. Embark on a magical journey through various themed lands filled with world-class attractions and spectacular entertainment.

"Firsts" at Shanghai Disneyland Park

Adhering to the essence of a traditional "Disneyland" theme park, Shanghai Disneyland Park boasts many innovations and variations.

• Mickey Avenue: the first main entrance road at a Disney park, which is themed around Mickey Mouse and his pals.
• Enchanted Storybook Castle: the tallest and largest castle at any Disney park; the first castle that presents all the Disney princesses.
• Treasure Cove: the first pirate-themed land in a Disney park.
• Gardens of Imagination: the first land designed as a garden in a Disney park.
• Fantasia-inspired carousel: the first carousel in a Disney park that features the music and mythical creatures from the classic Disney film, Fantasia .
• The longest Disney park parade route: filled with beloved Disney characters.

Highlights You Won't Want to Miss

There are six themed lands in Shanghai Disneyland Park: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Here are some highlights of each land:

Mickey Avenue

• Hug some favorite Disney characters and take a photo with them.
• Buy gifts and collectables on Avenue M Arcade.
• Enjoy local Chinese and international food and snacks.

Gardens of Imagination

• Take a spin on the Fantasia Carousel or soar on the back of Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
• Find your Chinese Zodiac animal sign on the wall in the Garden of the Twelve Friends.
• Stroll along the charming bridges and trails.

Adventure Isle

• Explore waterfalls, ruins and dig sites at Camp Discovery.
• Travel across time and space in Soaring Over the Horizon.
• Ride a raft to venture through the heart of Adventure Isle.

Treasure Cove

• Led by Captain Jack Sparrow, attempt to steal the priceless treasure of Davy Jones and dive deep underwater to encounter mermaids and even a kraken.
• Paddle canoes to experience a Caribbean island.
• Enjoy the stage play of "Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular" at El Teatro Fandango.

Fantasyland

• Follow the Voyage to the Crystal Grotto to travel beneath the Enchanted Storybook Castle.
• Ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to wind through tunnels glowing with dazzling diamonds.
• Follow Alice through a dazzling Wonderland maze.

Tomorrowland

• Ride atop two-wheeled Lightcycles to explore a mysterious world with a fabulous setting, music, and light.
• Join a mission to help save the world with Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue.
• Fly with Jet Packs to become a space pilot and experience the thrill of flying.

You can also see shows and parades in the park. You can get a schedule of show and parade times at the park entrance.

How to See Shanghai Disneyland in One Day

It is impossible to visit all the attractions in one day, so just choose what you like and make a good plan before you going there.

Before you head off make sure you download the official Shanghai Disneyland App as it displays live standby times and has an offline map of the park.

Try to arrive at the park before 7:30am. One minute later possibly means one more hour waiting in the park.

Here is a travel route covering all top-ranked attractions and shows :

In the Morning

Upon entry at 9am, take a sharp right and power rush to the Fastpass station at Adventure Land and get your Fastpass for Soaring Over the Horizon. It is more convenient to get it on your phone.

1. Firstly, head to Tomorrowland for the TRON Lightcycle Power Run , one of the fastest coasters in the park. If you want a milder ride, go for Jet Packs.

2. Then, line up Disney Magic ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Fantasyland.

3. Afterwards, head to Treasure Cove for Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure and dive deep underwater to meet monsters and seek treasure.

4. Around 11:00, grab a Fastpast for Roaring Rapids at Adventure Isle.

5. According to the time on your Fastpast experience Soaring Over the Horizon .

Around 12:00, head to Mickey Avenue for Disney characters parade . Then take lunch in the park or at Disneytown.

In the Afternoon

1. Head to Adventure Isle for Roaring Rapids according to the designated time on your Fastpast.

2. Pick from the remaining attractions and shows.

• Recommended attractions: Explorer Canoes, Camp Discovery, and Peter Pan's Flight
• Recommended shows: "Tarzan: Call of the Jungle", "Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration", and "Golden Fairytale Fanfare"

3. When the sun sets, go onboard the Voyage to the Crystal Grotto at Fantasyland, a Disneyland Shanghai exclusive ride that features numerous sculpture gardens and takes you underneath Storybook Castle.

4. At 8:30pm, watch Disneyland Shanghai's daily fireworks show titled Ignite the Dream.

Many people choose to depart the park after the fireworks show . The waiting time declines sharply. If you still have energy and time, it is a golden time to experience more attractions.

Good to Know

1. If you don't like adventure , don't try TRON Lightcycle Power Run, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Soaring Over the Horizon

2. If you travel with kids , don't miss the attractions:

• Fantasyland: Enchanted Storybook Castle, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight, "Once Upon a Time" Adventure, Hunny Pot Spin
• Gardens of Imagination: Fantasia Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Tomorrowland: Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, Stitch Encounter

3. If you have visited Disneyland in other places and have trouble deciding what to see and do, the following attractions are unique to Shanghai Disneyland :

• Once Upon A Time Adventure: Step into the Enchanted Storybook Castle to experience the classic tale of Snow White.
• Camp Discovery: Disney's first obstacle course comes complete with a swing bridge over a waterfall and some great elevated views of the park.
• Explorer Canoes: You will work with other guests to row a canoe around the first pirate-themed Treasure Cove.

How to Avoid the Crowds

• Pick up a Disney Fastpass (see more below).
• Arrive early in the morning to queue at the entrance. Even though the park opens around 9 am, you'd better to get there before 7:30 am.
• Book accommodation in Shanghai Disneyland Hotel or Toy Story Hotel. The guests of the hotels can enter the park through a special entrance to avoid long lines.
• Avoid weekends and holidays , such as Labor Day (May 1st to 7th) and National Day (October 1st to 7th).
• Download the Shanghai Disney Resort App to see estimated attraction wait times and plan your touring route.

The Disney Fastpass

You are highly recommended to pick up a Disney Fastpass. It is very helpful to shorten your waiting times for selected attractions.

You may obtain a Fastpass at participating Guest Services locations or on the Shanghai Disney Resort Official App for no extra charge and subject to availability.

Disney Fastpass Attractions Include:

• TRON Lightcycle Power Run - Tomorrowland
• Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue - Tomorrowland
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - Fantasyland
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Fantasyland
• Peter Pan's Flight - Fantasyland
• Roaring Rapids - Adventure Isle
• Soaring Over the Horizon - Adventure Isle

How the Fastpass Works

To get a Fastpass on your mobile device:

• Step 1: After entering the Park, open the Shanghai Disney Resort App, scan your park ticket, sign in, and select "Get Fastpass".
• Step 2: Create a party in the app by linking your friends' or family's tickets, so that you can enjoy the attractions together.
• Step 3: Select the attractions you want to experience.
• Step 4: Go to the attractions you select at designated times and show your QR code on the app.

To get a Fastpass at a Disney Fastpass distribution kiosk:

• Step 1: Scan your park ticket at a Disney Fastpass distribution kiosk.
• Step 2: Select the attractions that you wish to experience.
• Step 3: Go to the attractions you select at designated times shown on the Fastpass. Show your Fastpass to the attraction staff and enjoy a minimal wait in line.

Good to Know:

1. The first thing to do when you enter the park should be to pick up a Fastpass, which are quickly snapped up. 2. It is much more energy-saving and time-saving to get the Fastpass on the Shanghai Disney Resort App. 3. You can only select one attraction for a Fastpass visit each 2 hours.

How to Get to Disneyland Park Shanghai

Shanghai Disneyland is in the core zone of Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area.

It is approximately 21 kilometers east from the center of Shanghai, 12 kilometers west from Pudong International Airport, and 30 kilometers east from the Hongqiao transport hub.

From Shanghai downtown

By metro: You can take metro Line 11 and get off the train at the terminal station: Disney Resort. On arrival, take Exit 1 and walk about 5 minutes to the park.

By bus: You can take bus Pudong 50, 51, or 52 to South Public Transit Hub in the middle of Shanghai Disney Resort. Then transfer to shuttle bus 2 or 3 to the resort, or walk for about one mile (1.6 km).

By taxi: It takes about one hour from downtown Shanghai to Disneyland by taxi, and costs about 130 yuan.

From Shanghai Pudong Airport

By metro: Take the Maglev or metro Line 2 to Longyan Road, then Line 16 to Luoshan Road, and Line 11 to Disney Resort.

By taxi: It takes about 40 minutes from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Shanghai Disney Resort and costs about 70 yuan.

From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

By metro: Take metro Line 10 at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Shanghai Jiaotong University Station, then Line 11 to Disney Resort.

By taxi: It takes about 1 hour from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Shanghai Disney Resort area and costs about 200 yuan.

Ticket Booking

Three methods to book your ticket:

1. Book on the official website: https://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/en/

2. Book on mobile app. Download the official app at https://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/en/download-shanghai-disney-mobile-app/

3. Book via phone: 400-180-0000, +86-21-3158-0000.

Ticket Prices [January 2021]

Places to stay, shop, and relax.

The Disney Resort includes two themed hotels : Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel. Shuttle buses are available between the park and hotels.

Disneytown is just outside the park. It hosts a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is free to enter.

The Wishing Star Park is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, with beautiful gardens, a walking path, and a glittering lake.

Facilities You May Need

1. Daily wheelchair/stroller rentals are available for 90 yuan. 2. ATM machines are available in the park. You can use UnionPay, Visa Card, MasterCard, etc. 3. The Baby Care Center next to "First Aid" on Mickey Avenue provides a convenient place to feed, change, and nurse your little ones. 4. Luggage Storage services are available for an additional fee. You can store any size luggage for a per-piece fee of 80 yuan per day.

Nearby Attractions

• The Bund - one of the world's most recognizable architectural symbols and the pride of Shanghai.
• Yuyuan Garden - with an exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the ancient China.
• Zhujiajiao Water Town - endowed with waterways, ancient bridges, and traditional Chinese-style residences.

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Since the Disneyland Park opened, it has become another highlight of a Shanghai tour. Travel with China Highlights to discover Shanghai in your own way.

See Shanghai Family Disneyland Tour : Create happy family memories - a whole day in Shanghai Disneyland.

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The 10 Best Reasons to Visit Shanghai Disneyland

Arthur Levine 

Shanghai Disneyland is the sixth iteration of Walt Disney's original Disneyland theme park. If you’ve been to one or more of the five other parks in the U.S., Asia, or Paris, you might wonder whether you would want to plan a visit to the mainland China Disneyland. Would the experience be unique and compelling enough to warrant the expense and effort, especially if you would have to travel a great distance?

The short answer: yes.

You would undoubtedly be highly impressed by many things about Shanghai Disneyland, especially its look, feel, and presentation (and a couple of incredibly cool new rides—more on that in a moment). It is utterly unlike any of the other Disneyland parks. That is by design. Chairman and CEO Bob Iger’s clarion call to his merry band of Imagineers was that Shanghai Disneyland should be “authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.” Mission accomplished.

By the way, if English is your primary language (and if you are reading this article, chances are that is the case), Shanghai Disneyland— and the entire city of Shanghai for that matter—is surprisingly accommodating. Most of the signs are in English as well as Mandarin. While not every employee speaks perfect English, most have at least a passing fluency. Those who don’t generally seek the assistance of a colleague who could speak well. As in any foreign country, it behooves visitors to learn some key phrases in the native language.

For a more in-depth answer as to whether you might want to consider meeting Mickey Mouse in Shanghai, let’s run down the ten top reasons to plan a visit.

Note that the following items are not necessarily the best things to do and see at the park and resort (although many of them would surely make any top-ten list). For example, among the park’s premier attractions are Soaring Over the Horizon and Roaring Rapids, neither of which are on this rundown. The former is virtually identical to the Soarin' attractions found at the U.S. parks , and the latter, while it incorporates great theming and effects, is essentially similar to other river raft rides—including Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

What follows are some of the truly unique characteristics of the China park. Indeed, these are the most compelling reasons why even seasoned Disney park fans might want to make their way to Shanghai Disneyland.

Reason 1: Ride Tron, Perhaps the World's Coolest Coaster

If you’ve seen either of Disney's Tron movies and longed to somehow enter its otherworldly video game Grid, your wish is granted. (Disney, after all, is the fairy godmother of granting wishes, right?)

The sheer scale and appearance of the show building, which dominates the Tomorrowland skyline, is majestic. After the sun sets, the changing colors of the curved wave canopy is mesmerizing as trainloads of lightcyles periodically blast outside and perform graceful arcs around the structure. The themeing is stunningly vivid and includes some entrancing elements. Riders, quite convincingly, become “Programs” (in Tron parlance), at least for a few glorious moments. 

It’s not among the world's fastest roller coasters . (Although its launch certainly feels turbo-charged and is quite zippy compared to Disney's other coasters). Tron Lightcycle Power Run, however, is a masterful blend of exhilarating thrills and absorbing storytelling. It alone just might be worth the price of admission to Shanghai Disneyland and enough of a reason to pack your bags for a trek to the park.

But, here's some wild news for those of you in the States: Soon you won’t have to pack your bags and make your way to China to ride the Tron coaster. That’s because Disney announced it would be building a second Tron coaster at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Read our  review of  Tron Lightcycle Power Run .

Reason 2: Experience the All-New Pirates Attraction

Then again, Shanghai Disneyland's version of Pirates of the Caribbean, subtitled Battle for the Sunken Treasure, could also, on its own, make a strong case for a visit.

These are not your father’s yo ho-ing Pirates. The attraction is based on the wildly popular film franchise (which, in turn, is based on the original ride—Pirates may be the ultimate meta intellectual property) and prominently features Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow along with other cinematic scalawags. Instead of the cocktail party-style concept of its predecessor, in which boatloads of passengers randomly eavesdrop on the pirately proceedings, the Shanghai ride tells a linear story.

And yo, it tells its story in grand style. The attraction is crammed with a treasure chest of things to see and experience, including a few jaw-dropping highlights. Innovative boat ride vehicles, powered by an underwater magnetic motor system, help keep passengers focused on the action and are integral to the storytelling. 

Battle for the Sunken Treasure incorporates the kind of large-screen media immersion that Universal has used to such great effect in attractions such as Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts  and  Transformers: The Ride 3D . But it also includes plenty of the dark ride elements  that Disney pioneered, including practical sets, 4D effects, and audio-animatronic characters. (Treasure’s talking robots just may be the Imagineers’ most stunning yet.) The combination of new- and old-school  E-Ticket  techniques helps make Shanghai Disneyland’s Pirates one of the world's greatest theme park rides.

Read our  review of  Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure .

Reason 3: Marvel at the Enchanted Storybook Castle

Every Disneyland park offers a castle. The largest and most elaborate one to date, Shanghai’s palace offers opportunities to explore its ornate chambers and turrets. Rather than being tied to any one princess, the Enchanted Storybook Castle pays homage to many of Disney's heroines.

But the company's original princess, Snow White, gets a special shoutout with her own walk-through attraction, Once Upon a Time Adventure. Guests climb to the upper reaches of the castle and experience the classic saga through a series of media-enhanced tableaus. According to Ali Rubinstein, an Imagineering executive producer and creative director in charge of developing the castle, Once Upon a Time features Snow White 's original 1937 footage. “But we’ve re-created it with new technology in 3D and adapted it to the characters’ Mandarin voices,” she says. “We have reimagined our heritage animation.”

Guests can also travel through the castle's caverns aboard Jungle Cruise-style boats in Voyage to the Crystal Grotto. First, riders pass a series of outdoor, fountain-enhanced scenes from films such as Mulan ,  Fantasia , and Beauty and the Beast . Then they enter the castle's darkened grotto where stories springs to life using projection mapping and other effects.

In addition to the two attractions, the enormous castle is a hubbub of other activity. A permanent stage set up in front of it is used for musical shows featuring the princesses. The park’s only full-service restaurant, the Royal Banquet Hall, is located on an upper floor. At its base is a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover salon (you have to love Disney’s Mandarin translation of the shop as “Colorful Magical Fanciful Transformation”). Guests walking through the castle can ogle the mosaic tile renderings, the stained glass windows, the chandelier, and other features of its high-ceilinged rotunda. As you'd imagine, the striking facade also serves as a centerpiece for nightly fireworks and image mapping shows.

Reason 4: Enjoy the One-of-a-Kind Shows

Among the live shows at the park is “Tarzan: Call of the Jungle.” Heeding the “distinctly Chinese” mandate, Chinese acrobats retell the boy-raised-by-apes tale in a spectacle that features impressive displays of agility. “Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular,” is presented in a tricked-out theater and includes swordplay, copious amounts of Jack Sparrow attitude (which is evident even if you don’t understand a lick of his Mandarin dialogue), and a finale that quite literally blows audiences away.

For a separate admission, you could see the complete Broadway production of “The Lion King” presented in Mandarin. It is staged in a lovely theater located in Disneytown, the resort’s shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. By the way, “Hakuna Matata” apparently needs no translation in any language.

Reason 5: Fly Over Moonlit London in the Updated Peter Pan Ride

The beloved Peter Pan’s Flight is a classic C-Ticket ride that dates back to the original Disneyland’s opening day . In Shanghai, Imagineers have expanded and updated it with additional scenes, larger ride vehicles (which still use an overhead track system to simulate flying above London and off to Neverland), new digital image mapping and other media effects, and other enhancements. Reimagined and plussed up as a D-Ticket ride, it is even more charming than its predecessors.

Reason 6: Taste the Yummy Food

Yes, you could chow down on popcorn, churros, corndogs, Mickey ice cream bars, and even turkey legs (although you’ll have to hunt down some of the States-based items to find the few locations that serve them). But 70% of the food served at Shanghai Disneyland is, well, distinctly Chinese.

Among the more lovely eateries is the Wandering Moon Teahouse (pictured). You might want to savor its Wagyu beef noodle soup which is adorned with a brown egg that has been boiled in tea. At the Tangled Tree Tavern, you could enjoy a rice dish with unidentifiable (to non-natives, anyway) mushrooms and other items. For a Westerner open to a bit of culinary adventure, there is plenty of exotic, delicious fare to sample.

Another standout eatery is Barbossa’s Bounty. Offering tasty BBQ, seafood, and other items, one of its dining rooms is adjacent to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. As at the Blue Bayou in California's Disneyland, it’s a hoot to enjoy a meal as boatloads of passengers sail past.

Reason 7: Stroll Down Mickey Avenue

Arthur Levine

Forget Main Street, U.S.A. At Shanghai Disneyland, guests enter the park by walking down Mickey Avenue. The fanciful, timeless land is vaguely themed to circa-1930s America, but has hints of Chinese influence as well. Instead of Main Street windows honoring Disney legends, there are some gags embedded in the buildings, such as a second story office advertising the services of the demolition company, B. B. Wolf & Co. Its motto: “We'll blow your house down.”

Reason 8: Take in the Unique Ambiance

To those familiar with the typical Disneyland layout, the Shanghai park can be delightfully disorienting. Lots of things are missing such as the train and its railroad stations. With the absence of Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain, the skyline is radically different. Other things are displaced, such as Dumbo and the carousel, which are located in front of the castle, and Tomorrowland, which is located to the left of the castle, instead of its usual spot on the right.

Speaking of Tomorrowland, the sleek outpost is radically different from its counterparts at any of the other parks. Ditto Fantasyland. Instead of a compact, quaint village, it is a sprawling place arranged in a circle around a body of water. The entire park, in fact, is sprawling and filled with discovery.

Reason 9: Stay at (or at Least Ogle) the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel may be the most upscale accommodations that Disney operates at any of its resorts. It’s so exclusive, the atmosphere seems almost too hushed and pristine—especially for a hotel at a theme park. But with its elegant Art Nouveau decor, it is a sight to behold.

Reason 10: Admire the Landscaping

The Chinese people, apparently, place a premium on open, green space. Shanghai Disney Resort accommodates them with plenty of lovely spots. Inside the park for example, the Gardens of Imagination offers lots of winding paths, flower beds, and benches. The huge tract of land, which resembles a well-manicured urban park, sits between the end of Mickey Avenue and the castle.

Instead of the crowded, comparatively small central hub that occupies this spot at the other Disneylands, the Gardens of Imagination provides a bit of a refuge from the theme park bustle. Like many urban parks, it includes a carousel. Featuring horses created by Chinese artists, the ride has a Fantasia theme. Elsewhere in the park, there are shaded picnic areas.

Outside the park, near the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, the resort offers the free-admission Wishing Star Park. The huge area includes lush landscaping, walking paths, a lake, a children’s playground, and an amphitheater.

Reason 10.1: Look Down at the Paving

OK, you probably wouldn't want to plan a trip across town, let alone halfway around the world just to marvel at paving treatments. But no less an authority than the late Marty Sklar proclaimed the paving among his favorite elements at the park. The former vice chairman and principal creative executive at  Walt Disney Imagineering  was in attendance at the grand opening. He said that he thought Shanghai Disneyland was “the best Disneyland park yet.” (And he should know. Sklar, who worked alongside Walt Disney, is the only company employee to have attended the opening of every Disney park.)

“The level of detail is amazing,” Sklar added, and he cited the paving as a prime example. “People may not notice it, but it helps convey the story.” It is lovely—and it sure beats the black asphalt at some regional amusement parks. For the record, Sklar also expressed his admiration for Mickey Avenue (the entire land, not just the paving), noting that it conveys a sense of fun and whimsy and is a great way to set the tone at the entrance to the park.

Reason 10.2: Visit Zootopia

Shanghai Disneyland’s eighth land, Zootopia, will offer visitors the only opportunity to experience the theme park version of the popular Disney animated film. It will include an E-ticket attraction along with entertainment, themed dining, and, of course, opportunities to shop for merchandise. Disney says that characters from the movie, including Yax the Yak, Flash the Sloth, Officer Clawhauser, Gazelle, and Chief Bogo will be represented in the new land. Zootopia, which will be located next to Fantasyland, is under construction.

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Disneyland shanghai blog — the useful disneyland shanghai guide & how to spend a day in disneyland shanghai.

Shanghai Disneyland is a world-renowned theme park located in Pudong, Shanghai, China. It is the first Disneyland resort in mainland China that opened its doors to the public on June 16, 2016. Shanghai Disneyland provides an enchanting and immersive Disney experience, blending beloved Disney characters and stories with Chinese culture. It has become a popular destination for locals and international visitors alike, attracting millions of guests each year. So, what to do in Disneyland Shanghai? Let’s check our our Disneyland Shanghai blog with the fullest Disneyland Shanghai guide and how to spend one day in Disneyland Shanghai for first-timers as below!

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• Shanghai Disneyland Admission Ticket

So, be prepared to be whisked away on extraordinary journeys through various themed lands, where world-class attractions and spellbinding entertainment will transport you to a realm of wonder and delight.

What set Shanghai Disneyland apart from other Disney parks around the world? (# disneyland shanghai blog)

While faithfully capturing the essence of a traditional “Disneyland” theme park, Shanghai Disneyland prides itself on being unique in its many variations.

Mickey Avenue: This is the first Disneyland’s main entrance area themed around the legendary Mickey Mouse and his friends.

Enchanted Storybook Castle: This is not only the tallest, largest and most interactive Disney castle in any Disney park but also the first castle to celebrate the stories of all the Disney princesses. The castle also houses a walkthrough attraction where visitors can explore the magical stories and scenes from Disney films.

Treasure Cove: This is Disneyland’s first pirate-themed land in the world. Shanghai Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction stands out as an innovative and technologically advanced version of the classic ride. It combines traditional boat ride elements with cutting-edge special effects, 3D projections, and a thrilling battle scene.

Gardens of Imagination: Shanghai Disneyland’s Gardens of Imagination is a unique land not found in other Disney parks. It combines lush gardens, whimsical topiaries, and interactive attractions, such as the Garden of the Twelve Friends, featuring Disney characters reimagined in Chinese zodiac designs.

Fantasia Carousel: For the first time in a Disney park, there is a musical carousel and creatures inspired by Disney’s classic film Fantasia.

Must-visit places of Shanghai Disneyland (# disneyland shanghai guide)

Shanghai Disneyland Park is divided into 7 themed areas: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Fantasyland, Toy Story Land and Tomorrowland. Below are the outstanding characteristics of each area.

Mickey Avenue (# disneyland shanghai blog)

Unlike other Disneyland parks that have a traditional Main Street, Shanghai Disneyland features Mickey Avenue as its entrance area. It is designed to welcome visitors and set the tone for their magical journey. The end of Mickey Avenue is the entrance to the Gardens of Imagination, one of the themed lands in Shanghai Disneyland.

Mickey Avenue is home to various character meet-and-greet locations, where you can interact with classic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip and Dale, Donald Duck, and Goofy. It provides an opportunity for visitors to take photos, get autographs, and create memorable moments with their favorite characters. Just walking on this avenue, you will feel like you are returning to your childhood with lovely cartoon characters.

Mickey Avenue is also filled with lively street performances, music, and entertainment, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. You can enjoy live shows, impromptu performances, and the overall festive ambiance as you explore the area.

Along Mickey Avenue, you’ll find a variety of dining options and retail stores. These establishments offer a range of food and beverage choices, including snacks, quick-service meals, and themed merchandise. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or pick up some Disney souvenirs for you and your dear friends.

Things you can do at Mickey Avenue:

• Interact with your favorite cartoon characters and take memorable photos
• Enjoy lively street performances
• Buy souvenirs at Avenue M Arcade
• Enjoy traditional Chinese and international cuisine with some snacks or quick-service meals

Gardens of Imagination (# disneyland shanghai guide)

Mickey Avenue leads you to the Gardens of Imagination in the center of the park. The Gardens of Imagination is divided into several distinct areas, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions.

Here are things you can enjoy at the Gardens of Imagination:

Garden of the Twelve Friends: This area showcases topiaries representing the twelve Chinese zodiac animals.

Fantasia Carousel: One of the main attractions in the Gardens of Imagination is the Fantasia Carousel. Inspired by Disney’s classic film Fantasia, this whimsical carousel takes you on a magical ride.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant: With its charming theming, interactive queue, and the thrill of “flying” on Dumbo’s back, it’s a must-visit attraction for Disney fans and families looking to create magical memories at the park.

Marvel Universe: this attraction offers fans of all ages the opportunity to experience the thrilling world of Marvel superheroes.

The most popular attractions here are Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Fantasia Carousel and Marvel Universe. You can comfortably take photos here before moving to other areas.

Fantasyland (# disneyland shanghai guide)

Fantasyland is considered the largest themed land in Shanghai Disneyland. It invites guests to step into the world of enchantment and experience the magic of Disney’s classic fairy tales.

The centerpiece of Fantasyland is the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest and most elaborate Disney castle in any Disney park. The castle serves as an iconic symbol of Shanghai Disneyland and is home to a unique walkthrough attraction that explores the stories of Disney princesses.

A visit to Shanghai Disneyland would be incomplete without exploring this area and marveling at the Enchanted Storybook Castle – the heart and soul of the park.

Here are the attractions you can attend to at Fantasyland:

Voyage to the Crystal Grotto: A boat ride that takes you on a journey through a series of scenes inspired by classic Disney animated films such as Tangled, Aladdin, Mulan, Fantasia, Beauty and the Beast, etc., accompanied by music and special effects.

Peter Pan’s Flight: Embark on a magical journey aboard a flying pirate ship that takes you to Neverland, following the adventures of Peter Pan and his friends.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A family-friendly roller coaster that takes you on a whirlwind adventure through the diamond mine, accompanied by music and scenes from Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Alice in Wonderland Maze: You can explore a whimsical maze inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, encountering iconic characters and settings from the story.

Fantasyland also offers a range of themed restaurants where you can enjoy meals inspired by Disney stories, and shops where you can purchase Disney costumes, toys, and souvenirs.

Treasure Cove

Treasure Cove is an exciting themed land of Shanghai Disneyland that immerses you in the swashbuckling world of pirates and treasures. The land is inspired by classic pirate stories and is designed to resemble a bustling pirate port in the Caribbean. It features immersive theming, including detailed architecture, rugged landscapes, and nautical elements that transport you into a world of adventure.

Here are things you can experience at Treasure Cove:

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure: This centerpiece state-of-the-art dark ride takes you on a thrilling adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow and other beloved characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The ride combines immersive storytelling, stunning special effects, and cutting-edge technology to create an unforgettable experience.

Shipwreck Shore: Shipwreck Shore is an interactive play area within Treasure Cove that allows children to unleash their inner pirates. This water play area features fountains, water cannons, and various interactive elements, providing a fun and refreshing experience for young guests.

Explorer Canoes: You can embark on a scenic canoe ride through the waters of Treasure Cove. The Explorer Canoes offer a leisurely and picturesque journey, allowing you to enjoy the immersive surroundings of the land while paddling along with fellow adventurers.

Siren’s Revenge: Boarding this genuine pirate ship allows you to immerse yourself in a lively world of pirate joyfulness and partake in spirited pirate activities.

Like other themed lands in the park, Treasure Cove also provides pirate-inspired tasty treats and meals at the restaurants and opportunities to buy pirate-themed clothing, accessories, and souvenirs at the shops in the area.

Adventure Isle

Adventure Isle is another area worth exploring at Shanghai Disneyland. It invites you to embark on thrilling expeditions and discover the wonders of an untamed island.

The land is designed to resemble a remote, uncharted island filled with ancient ruins, dense jungles, and untamed wilderness. It is inspired by exploration and discovery, drawing inspiration from various adventure stories and legends.

Here are the activities you can participate in at Adventure Isle:

Roaring Rapids: This whitewater rafting adventure takes you on a turbulent journey through treacherous rapids, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes. You may experience surprises and thrilling encounters along the way.

Soaring Over the Horizon: This is a flight simulator that takes you on a breathtaking aerial tour of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and natural wonders. The immersive experience combines stunning visuals, motion simulation, and special effects to create a memorable adventure.

Camp Discovery: This is an interactive play area within Adventure Isle that encourages you to test your skills, agility, and bravery. The area includes rope bridges, climbing structures, and challenging obstacles, allowing you to embrace your inner explorers and conquer exciting physical challenges.

Roaring Mountain: This towering volcanic mountain features a spectacular waterfall cascading down its side. While it is primarily a visual centerpiece, it adds to the immersive atmosphere of the land and creates a sense of wonder and adventure.

Happy Circle: a unique jungle gathering spot where talented Arbori musicians fill the air with tribal rhythms, and beloved animated characters from Disney classics like The Jungle Book and The Lion King make special appearances to captivate and delight you.

Toy Story Land

The land is designed to make visitors feel as if they have been shrunk down to the size of a toy, allowing them to explore the world of “Toy Story” and interact with its beloved characters.

Here are the activities you can experience at Toy Story Land:

Slinky Dog Spin: a family-friendly roller coaster where you board Slinky Dog’s back for a thrilling ride. The coaster takes riders on a journey through a colorful toy-filled landscape.

Woody’s Round-Up: a classic spinning ride featuring Sheriff Woody and his trusty horse, Bullseye. You can hop aboard the spinning barrels and enjoy a whimsical adventure.

Rex’s Racer: a high-speed race with Rex in a 20-seat roller coaster along a U-shaped roller track. Brace yourself tightly as the roller coaster accelerates back and forth, ascending higher and higher.

Tomorowland

Tomorrowland is a futuristic-themed land that offers you a glimpse into the possibilities of tomorrow, showcasing sleek architecture, metallic accents, and a vibrant color palette. It combines advanced technology, innovative attractions, and a sense of adventure.

Here are the activities you can enjoy at Tomorrowland:

TRON Lightcycle Power Run: This high-speed roller coaster takes you on a thrilling adventure through a digital world inspired by the TRON films. Riders board lightcycles and race through a neon-lit landscape, experiencing twists, turns, and exhilarating acceleration.

Jet Packs: This attraction allows you to experience the sensation of flying. You strap into a jet pack-like apparatus and control their flight as they soar through the sky, providing a unique and immersive experience.

Stitch Encounter: This is an interactive show where you can interact with the mischievous character Stitch from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. Through real-time animation and audience participation, you can engage in a comedic and interactive adventure with Stitch.

Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue: Get ready for an immersive space adventure where you jump into the spinning space cruisers, join Buzz Lightyear’s quest, and help him defeat the evil Emperor Zurg in an action-packed interactive experience.

TRON Realm, Chevrolet Digital Challenge: This is an interactive journey that combines augmented reality and physical elements. You can participate in a virtual “Tron Grid” race using digital technology and compete against others in a thrilling and immersive environment.

How to explore Shanghai Disneyland in one day? (# disneyland shanghai blog)

Shanghai Disneyland is a large park and features so many interesting things for you to explore. Therefore, exploring all of Shanghai Disneyland in one day can be exciting, fulfilling, but challenging, too. So, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Prioritize the attractions and experiences that matter most to you, and be sure to savor the moments and create lasting memories during your visit.

Before going to Disneyland, make sure you have downloaded the Shanghai Disney Resort official app so you can optimize your visit on your phone.

Arrive early: Plan to arrive at the park well before 7:30. This will give you a head start and allow you to make the most of the day. If you’re one minute late, you may have to wait another hour to enter the park.

Use the FastPass system: Take advantage of the FastPass system to minimize wait times for popular attractions. Once you enter the park, head to the FastPass distribution area for your preferred attractions and obtain FastPasses to secure a designated return time with shorter queues.

Here is a specific one-day tour of Shanghai Disneyland that Living Nomads suggests for you:

• Start with TRON Lightcycle Power Run. This popular attraction tends to have longer wait times later in the day.
• Head to Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It’s a nearby attraction, and lines are usually manageable in the morning.
• Experience Soaring Over the Horizon, located in the Adventure Isle area.
• Visit Peter Pan’s Flight, which is in the Fantasyland area.
• Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the park. Consider booking a dining reservation in advance to save time.
• After lunch, make your way to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the Fantasyland area.
• Ride Roaring Rapids for a refreshing water adventure.
• Visit Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue and put your skills to the test in this interactive attraction.
• Take a break to explore the shops, grab a snack, or enjoy some live entertainment.
• Return to Fantasyland and experience Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
• Explore the Enchanted Storybook Castle and immerse yourself in the magical world of princesses and fairy tales.
• Catch Mickey’s Storybook Express parade, if the timing aligns with your schedule.
• At 6:30 p.m., watch Shanghai Disneyland’s daily fireworks show with the theme “Ignite the Dream”.

• If time permits, enjoy additional attractions or shows based on your interests or preferences.

If you are not a fan of adventure games, Living Nomads recommends that you do not try TRON Lightcycle Power Run, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Soaring Over the Horizon.

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss these attractions:

• Fantasyland: Enchanted Storybook Castle, Winnie the Pooh Adventures, Peter Pan’s Flight, “Once Upon a Time” Adventure, Hunny Pot Spin
• Gardens of Imagination: Fantasia Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Toy Story Land: Slinky Dog Spin, Woody’s Round-Up
• Tomorrowland: Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, Stitch Encounter

Living Nomads has presented you with an extensive guide to help you make the most of your one-day exploration at Shanghai Disneyland. We truly hope that with this knowledge, your time at this enchanting park will surpass all expectations and becomes an unforgettable memory.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to

• Shanghai By Night
• Best of Shanghai Half Day Tour
• Essential Shanghai 3 Day Private Tour
• Shanghai Museum Half Day Tour
• 2 Days Shanghai Private Tour
• Modern Shanghai Private Day Tour
• Shanghai City Walking Tour
• Traditional Shanghai Private Day Tour
• Private Shanghai Classic Full Day Bike Tour
• Shanghai Disneyland Admission (90 days calendar)
• Huangpu River Cruise（Qingjiang Line）
• Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
• Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Observation Deck Ticket
• Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
• Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Ticket
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transfers
• [World Highest Skywalk] Shanghai Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Exclusive Skywalk Experience
• [Bund View·Klook Exclusive] Shanghai Magic Jungle Ticket
• Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
• Shanghai EF PARK Power Formula Park
• Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass
• Shanghai Disneyland (1 Day Admission/2 Day Admission)
• Oriental Pearl Tower
• CMHK | HK 7 Days unlimited data + 200 HK Local Mins + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data (HK Airport Pick Up)
• [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
• 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up) for Asia
• 4G Portable WiFi (Manila Delivery) for Asia
• [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G WiFi (HK Airport Pick Up) for Hong Kong/Macau/China (No Speed Limited) from Song WiFi

Read more: Shanghai travel blog — The fullest Shanghai travel guide for first-timers.

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A Tourists Guide To Shanghai Disneyland

Must-Read Tips For Out-of-Country Tourists

Having opened on June 16, 2016, the Shanghai Disney Resort is the newest outpost of the House of Mouse and the sixth Disney Park to open its doors to magic-loving guests worldwide. But, for folks who’ve never traveled to Asia before, the thought of visiting Disney in China can be daunting, to say the least. 

Luckily, as someone who’s not only been to Shanghai Disneyland but also lived in the Middle Kingdom, I’m here to ease your worries, let you know what to expect and pass along some insider tips. So, let’s get to it!

Planning Your Trip to Disneyland Shanghai

All set to plan your Shanghai Disney vacation? Before you buy those tickets for Chinese Disney World, there are some things you need to keep in mind. 

You’ll Need a Visa to Visit

To even go to China, you’ll first need to get the proper travel visa. For Americans, the easiest way is to apply for a Tourist Visa, or “L” Visa. United States citizens have a few different options, from a Single Entry visa valid for three to six months up to a Multiple Entry “L” Visa valid for up to 10 years. Each option costs $140, no matter which one you choose. 

Or, if China isn’t the only stop on your trip, you could also consider taking advantage of the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy. Think of this as a six-day stopover that allows you 144 hours of visa-free travel, with some limitations.

In order to qualify, you must be flying on to a second country after stopping in Shanghai. If you’re planning a whirlwind tour of the Disney Parks in Asia, this can be a decent option. For instance, possible itineraries include USA–Shanghai–Hong Kong–USA or USA–Shanghai–Tokyo–USA. 

However, as nice as it is to save $140 per person, you do need to use caution when utilizing the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy. As it is still relatively new, some travelers have experienced difficulties, including even being denied boarding for their flight. Plus, the visa exemption requires you to stay within the region. So, you wouldn’t be able to split your time between Beijing and Shanghai, for example. 

Whichever option you choose, be sure to bring your passport – and, if applicable, your visa – with you to Disneyland. You are required to show your documentation to gain entry to the park, and a photo of your passport won’t be sufficient. 

How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland

While Shanghai has two different international airports, the closest to Disneyland is Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), at roughly a 25-minute car ride. If Disney is the first or only thing you’re doing, this is where you should plan to fly in. 

However, if you’re also planning to check out some of the city’s cultural sights, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) might be better. Conveniently located near the heart of the metropolis, it’s just a short trip from must-see destinations like The Bund or French Concession. 

To get to Disneyland Shanghai, you have a few different options. The easiest and quickest method, at around 25 minutes, is taking a taxi. Alternatively, though it does take some setting up beforehand, you can also use DiDi, China’s main car share service (available for download in English on Google Play and the App Store ). 

Finally, you can also make like the locals and hop on the metro or the city’s Maglev train. Just keep in mind that while this is easily the cheapest way to get to Shanghai Disneyland from Pudong International (around $1 if you only take the metro), it isn’t the quickest route, clocking in at between 45 to 80 minutes. 

When to Visit Disney in China

Just like going to Disneyland or Disney World, when you decide to visit matters. Nestled along the southeastern coast of China, Shanghai gets hot and sticky in the summertime and bitterly cold in the winters, thanks to the wind blowing off the East China Sea. For milder temperatures, plan your trip during the spring and autumn months. 

You’ll also want to schedule your visit around China’s public holidays, namely Chinese New Year (called Spring Festival in the Middle Kingdom) and National Day, which is actually a multi-day soiree known as Golden Week. While Americans are accustomed to only one day of celebrations, Chinese holidays are typically days-long affairs. As such, many Chinese use the time to travel back to their hometowns and, of course, go on vacation. 

Needless to say, things can get pretty busy around that time. So, be sure to steer clear of:

• Chinese New Year – January and February
• Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) – Beginning of April
• Dragon Boat Festival – Beginning of June
• Mid-Autumn Festival – Early to mid-September
• National Day and Golden Week – First week of October

Where to Stay at the Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disneyland is home to two immersively themed hotels: the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the Toy Story Hotel. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is the resort’s flagship property and most luxurious hotel. Here you’ll find some of the Shanghai Disney Resort’s finest dining, including a Beauty and the Beast-inspired character meal at Lumiere’s Kitchen. 

If you’re traveling with kids, you can’t beat the Toy Story Hotel. Ideally situated across the street from the theme park and Disneytown, you’ll be able to make a quick retreat back to your hotel room at the end of the night.

Of course, you can also opt to stay off Disney property. Pudong is Shanghai’s business district. So, you’ll find several international hotel chains just a short ride from the theme park. During my visit to Shanghai Disney, my family and I stayed at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao and found it quite enjoyable, but there is also a Novotel and Courtyard by Marriott nearby. 

That being said, Pudong doesn’t have much to offer tourists beyond Disney. If you do opt to stay in an off-property hotel and are planning to do more in Shanghai than just Disneyland, I highly recommend moving to a more central hotel downtown for the rest of your trip. 

Shanghai Disneyland Tickets

Traveling to the other side of the globe can be expensive. Fortunately, Shanghai Disneyland tickets are pretty affordable compared to what you’d spend for a day at Walt Disney World or Disneyland in California. In general, guests can choose between either a 1-Day or 2-Day ticket. 

Similar to Disney Parks stateside, prices for Disneyland Shanghai tickets vary depending on when you visit. Additionally, a 25% discount is provided to children (ages 3-11), senior citizens (ages 65 and up) or guests with disabilities (proof of disability required). Current ticket prices include: 

• Regular Admission – Select Weekends and Most Weekdays: 435 RMB or approximately $64
• Regular Plus Admission – Select Weekdays and Weekends: 645 RMB or approximately $80
• Peak Admission – Most of the summer and select Chinese and international holidays: 659 RMB or approximately $97
• Peak Plus Admission – Select days in summer and Chinese holidays: 769 RMB or approximately $113

Things to See and Do at Disneyland Shanghai

As a vast nation with a storied history, it’s only natural that China is home to one of the largest Disney Parks, Shanghai Disneyland Park, taking second place at 963 acres. Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot to do there, from thrilling rides and stage shows to Disneytown, the resort’s take on Disney Springs and Downtown Disney . 

To really experience it all, you should plan to spend two to three full days at Shanghai Disney. However, for guests who don’t mind skipping carbon copies of Disney World and Disneyland attractions, then one day is doable. 

Personally, this was my approach. Unless you’re traveling to China specifically to go to Shanghai Disneyland or are planning to stay in the region for several days, then a day, possibly a day and a half, is enough. If you’re anything like me, there are so many incredible things to experience in the rest of the city and beyond that your time might be better spent not riding Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh for the umpteenth time.  

Can’t-Miss Disney Shanghai Attractions

So, what can you do at Chinese Disney World? Shanghai Disneyland has many strengths. It’s beautiful, uniquely Chinese design. Wide-open spaces full of wandering and expansion possibilities. However, variety isn’t one of them. 

If you’ve visited Disney World, Disneyland or any of the other international parks before, chances are you’ll find some of the attractions in the Shanghai resort a little same-y. I know I did! But don’t worry, there is still a fair amount unique to Disneyland Shanghai. They include:

Absolute Must-Sees

• Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure – Towering screens and a dark vibe make for a thrilling swashbuckling adventure you won’t soon forget; arguably the best ride at any Disney Park
• TRON Lightcycle Power Run – A motorcycle-style roller coaster (Coming soon to the Magic Kingdom !)

Unique & Fun

• Alice in Wonderland Maze – A whimsical garden inspired by the live-action film with plenty of photo opportunities
• Roaring Rapids – An exciting water raft ride that will get you drenched
• Jet Packs – A space-y carousel à la Astro Orbiter
• Voyage to the Crystal Grotto – A slow-moving boat ride past glittering fountains and Disney character sculptures

Can’t-Miss Copies with Updated Tech

• Peter Pan’s Flight – A Disney classic with an extended ending
• Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue – A Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery ride with improved visibility when aiming

But, that’s not all! From traditional Peking opera to the spectacle of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, the Chinese people love their live entertainment. So, it’s no wonder that you can find a whole slate of exciting stage shows at the Shanghai Disney Resort, like the rollicking Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular. You can even do tai chi with Chip ‘n’ Dale and Donald Duck.

Meeting Disney Characters

It wouldn’t be a trip to Disney without meeting some Disney characters . Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities at Shanghai Disney. Not only can you meet icons like Mickey and Minnie, but you can also see quintessentially Asian characters, including Duffy, his gal ShellieMay and their pals StellaLou and Gelatoni. 

If you’re fans of the Disney Princesses or Marvel characters, don’t pass up the opportunity to say hello. Since these characters tend to be native English speakers, you may find them especially chatty, making for a particularly memorable interaction. 

Shanghai Disneyland Dining

One of my absolute favorite things about traveling through China (heck, traveling anywhere) is the food. Whether you’re in the mood for Western dishes like pizza and burgers or authentic Chinese cuisine like roasted duck and noodles, you’ll find it all at Shanghai Disney. Even a classic turkey leg! The only thing missing is DOLE Whip . 

In general, restaurants inside the park tend to offer a mix of both: mostly Chinese and other Asian cuisines with a few Western options. You’ll also find some fun fusion dishes. Think pizza topped with Peking roast duck. Typically, Asian-style meals come with chopsticks and a spoon. However, if you’d prefer a fork, those are also on hand. 

With all that walking around, you’re going to want to stay hydrated. Luckily, unlike the rest of China, where it isn’t safe to drink from the tap, water fountains and water bottle refill stations are plentiful (and safe!) at Shanghai Disney. 

If you keep an eye out, you’ll even see hot water faucets. This is because water is traditionally served steaming hot in the Middle Kingdom. For all the Americans accustomed to ice water, this will come as quite a shock. Should there be a language barrier when ordering a freezing glass of H 2 O, simply ask for bīng shuǐ (bing shway). 

Don’t Forget to Wander (and Shop!)

One of the highlights of Shanghai Disneyland Park is its distinctly Chinese touches. Gone is the nostalgic Main Street, U.S.A., replaced instead with the whimsical Mickey Avenue. You’ll also find a surprising amount of open space. 

One of the favorite pastimes for folks in China is spending time outside, specifically hanging out in parks. (For a taste of the tradition, don’t miss the beautiful Fuxing Park in Shanghai’s former French Concession.) 

Naturally, China’s Disneyland has its own version. Along with the Alice in Wonderland Maze mentioned earlier, don’t miss the Garden of the Twelve Friends, a playful oasis inspired by the Chinese zodiac where the animals are played by beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Not only are these spaces great for a relaxing break, but they’re also a fun spot for taking photos, another unofficial national pastime. 

While Instagram may be banned in China, that doesn’t mean the Chinese people are social media novices. In fact, they’re pros when it comes to posing for photos. (Don’t be surprised if you see a toddler or grandma throw up a peace sign with the rest of their clan.) So, be sure to take advantage of the many social media moments sprinkled throughout the park, like the Mad Tea Party in the Alice in Wonderland Maze. 

Another thing you won’t want to skip is all of the shopping opportunities. No trip to Disney is complete without a souvenir or two. Luckily, Shanghai Disney is home to merchandise you can’t get anywhere else. Though stores can be found throughout the park, you’ll also want to pay a visit to Disneytown, the resort’s version of Disney Springs and Downtown Disney. 

Tips and Tricks for Your Shanghai Disney Adventure

Ready to book your flight to China? Before you start packing, here are some tips and tricks to help you bridge the culture gap and climb the Great Firewall. 

Be Prepared for Language Barriers

Though this is a Disney Park, you are still in China. In other words, almost everything in the park is presented in Mandarin, including the attractions. Personally, this wasn’t a problem for me. Not because I speak the language (in fact, I lived two whole years in Beijing knowing only the basics), but because most of Disney’s rides and even the shows can be appreciated through only the visuals. 

I don’t know about you, but I hardly pay attention to a ride’s narration anyway. So, chances are you’ll just tune out the talking and sit back and enjoy the show. Part of the fun of going to a Disney Park in another country is appreciating what makes it different anyway. 

As you might expect, that language barrier can also extend to cast members. Although English is required for cast members at the Shanghai Disney Resort, communication can still be challenging at times since skill levels can really vary. In general, I actually found more folks in Shanghai to have decent English as compared to Beijing. 

While pantomime and a lot of patience will work in a pinch, I highly recommend you download a translation app before you arrive. Yes, it can be clunky, awkward and time-consuming to use during a conversation, but it will help you avoid a lot of communication issues. Pleco Chinese Dictionary (available on the App Store and Google Play ) is another handy download that lets you look up Chinese characters.

Additionally, just like traveling to any other country where English isn’t the native language, doing your best to use a few words and phrases in Mandarin will get you far (and earn you points from the locals). 

Basic Mandarin Phrases to Know

• Hello – Nǐhǎo | nee how
• Thank you – Xièxiè | sh-yeh sh-yeh
• You’re welcome – Bù kèqì | boo kuh chee
• How much ? – Duō shǎo? | dwoh shauw (rhymes with cow)?
• Too expensive! – Tài guìle! | tie gway luh!
• I don’t understand – Wǒ bù dǒng | wo-ah boo dong
• Check, please! – Măi dān | my dahn

Technology Is Your Friend

From high-speed trains to QR codes, the Middle Kingdom runs on technology, and the same thing goes for Shanghai Disneyland. Whether you need to get around the park or pay for a meal, chances are you’ll need your smartphone. Along with the Shanghai Disney Resort app, there are a few different apps I suggest you download to make your trip that much easier. 

While it took a global pandemic to finally get on the QR code trend, China has been using the technology for years – and not just for restaurant menus. For a convenient way to pay for your snack or souvenir, consider downloading Alipay (available on Google Play and the App Store ). 

Previously, you had to have a Chinese bank account to take advantage of Alipay, but thanks to the new Alipay Tour Pass, the convenient payment option is now available to tourists. While you’re at it, also give a currency conversion app like XE a download. 

For a country as reliant on technology as China, getting and staying connected can be a challenge. While public wi-fi is available in parts of Shanghai, it can be next to impossible to use if you can’t receive text messages. Luckily, as long as your phone is unlocked, you should be able to use a Chinese SIM card to solve the problem. 

SIM cards can be purchased before arriving in the country for around $30 or upon your arrival for around $15 or less. Just be sure to buy a SIM card from either China Mobile or China Unicom, as these are the only providers which usually work with foreign phones. 

Last but not least, don’t go to Shanghai Disneyland without a VPN. Thanks to the Great Firewall, many Western websites are banned in China, including Google and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. The only way to scale China’s other great wall is with a VPN, which spoofs your location. 

Although there are many free VPNs out there, they don’t always work in the Middle Kingdom. Since VPNs are technically illegal in China, the government is constantly fighting to shut them down. Your best bet is to go for a paid version. My personal favorite is ExpressVPN , available for $12.95 for a month. 

Some Cultural Norms Can Be Surprising

If you’ve never been to China or Asia before, don’t be surprised if you experience a bit of a culture shock. During my two years in China, I witnessed some truly crazy things. Even if you’re only visiting for a few days, you’re bound to experience your fair share. 

Spitting is commonplace in the Middle Kingdom, especially among the older generations. So, there’s a good chance you’ll hear or see a grandma or grandpa hock a loogie while waiting in line. 

Something else that might feel familiar for some guests of Disney’s American theme parks is public bathroom breaks, particularly from children. Many parents opt to dress their little ones in the toddler version of crotchless panties (no, I’m not joking), making for an easy trip to the loo. Only in this case, the toilet may be a baggie held beneath a child’s bum. 

Speaking of toilets, going to the bathroom in China can be quite an adventure. Rather than the Western-style thrones we’re accustomed to, Chinese people prefer squat toilets (the all-natural Squatty Potty). Understandingly, these can be a bit daunting for most Americans. Fortunately, bathrooms at Shanghai Disney tend to be evenly split between the two styles. 

Ever wanted to feel like a celebrity? Just take a trip to China! Some tourists will find a lot of attention directed their way, especially if they’re Black, have blonde hair or are especially tall. Along with stares, you may even be asked for a photo. Though this can feel insulting in the moment, it’s typically only out of curiosity. So, just give a smile, snap a pic if you like and go about your day. 

Despite these few quirks, chances are you’ll have a great time interacting with your fellow guests. Though direct, folks in the Middle Kingdom are also incredibly friendly. It isn’t unheard of for someone to strike up a conversation, especially with a foreigner. After all, you’re different and interesting (and a great opportunity for them to practice their English)! 

All in all, with a little preparation, visiting Shanghai Disneyland can be downright magical. Whether you have a day to spend or two or three, you’re sure to leave with some incredible memories and just the right amount of pixie dust. 

Have you ever been to Shanghai Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! Looking to travel to Disney World or Disneyland instead? Don’t miss our discounted Disney tickets .  

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Top things to do at shanghai disneyland in china + travel tips, how to get there & more.

Planning a trip to Shanghai, China? Don't miss visiting Disneyland Shanghai!

Top Things to do at Shanghai Disneyland China + Travel Tips, How to Get There & More!

Enjoying a day or two at shanghai disneyland is one of the top things to do in shanghai ..

1. Take a photo with the Disney characters

2. Enjoy the fun and thrilling rides

3. Watch the parades and shows

4. Take IG-worthy photos

5. Eat and shop

SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND TIPS AND REMINDERS

To fully enjoy your shanghai disneyland park experience, here are some useful tips and reminders..

HOW TO GET TO SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND?

SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND HOTELS

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

• Explore Shanghai Disneyland an hour ahead of the official opening hours when you book a stay at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
• Pamper yourself with a one-of-a-kind hotel experience at the majestic themed rooms of Shanghai Disneyland
• Live out your magical dream with your favorite characters through the Selected Theme Decoration package！
• Enjoy the whimsical touches and glimpses of iconic characters, immersing you in the magic of Disney
• Experience distinctive dining experiences found in Lumiere’s Kitchen, the Ballet Café, or Bacchus Lounge
• Witness a magical tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast, as it is now live at the Walt Disney Grand Theater！

Toy Story Hotel

• Get in Shanghai Disneyland an hour ahead of the official opening hours when you book a stay at the Toy Story Hotel through Klook!
• Enter the Toy Story world in this hotel inspired by the Disney·Pixar film series, where playthings come alive
• Book your Shanghai Disneyland Resort entry ticket and have a magical day
• See the tale as old as time of Beauty and the Beast since it’s now live at the Walt Disney Grand Theater!
• Start your journey in a hassle-free way; Enjoy a private and safe transfer by car charter from airport/downtown to Shanghai Disney
• Keep the memory forever through the official photographers with a Disney PhotoPass that help you to catch every happy moment in Shanghai Disney
• Adventure is around every corner with The Launchpad, The Play Room, and more facilities for kids of all ages
• The best way to see your Toy Story pals and make memories that last a lifetime
• Enjoy the first-class service, the ultimate in comfort and distinctive playful touches in every room of the Toy Story Hotel

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Shanghai Disneyland Planning Guide

As you have probably already guessed if you’ve read my blog, I love visiting all the Disney parks around the world and Shanghai Disneyland which opened in June 2016 is no exception. Since my first visit during opening week, I have visited several more times since and finally returned to Shanghai Disneyland once again this week in October 2023 after many years of not being able to visit China – we all know what happened there! So many people have asked me various questions about the park over the years so I decided to list all the tips, tricks, help, advice and handy need-to-know (as well as up to date and current) information that I can think of in one place. I really hope that this blog will help anyone who is planning a trip to Shanghai. So here is my planning guide for Shanghai Disneyland:

You Will Need a Visa to Visit China

The majority of visitors to Mainland China will require an expensive tourist visa to enter the country for which you will have to visit the Chinese Embassy or Visa Centre where you live. However if you are transferring onto a third country (and not flying straight back to the same country that you arrived from) and hold a ticket for a confirmed onward flight, you will be eligible for the 144 Hour Visa Free transfer scheme if you hold a passport from a participating country . For example, you can use the 144 Hour Visa Free Transfer to fly from London – Shanghai – Hong Kong – London, London – Tokyo – Shanghai – London or even London – Hong Kong – Shanghai – Tokyo – London so you could easily be able to combine your visit to Shanghai Disneyland with a trip to both Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort.

When to Visit Shanghai Disneyland

In the summer months, Shanghai will be incredibly hot, humid, sweaty and uncomfortable whilst in the winter, it can get bitterly cold. The weather in Spring and Autumn is usually mild making them the most comfortable times of the year to visit. Make sure to avoid weekends, summer break and public holidays – especially the Chinese New Year period, the Mid Autumn Festival and Golden Week – as the park will be extremely crowded. You can also check the ticket prices as Shanghai Disneyland has different levels of pricing which will give you a good idea of when the park is expected to be busy.

How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is located in the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone in Pudong at the very end of Line 11 of the quick and efficient Shanghai Metro. The travel time from People’s Square in the centre of Shanghai to Disney Resort station is 45 minutes with one easy line change at Oriental Sports Center and costs 6 RMB (70p / 80c). If you are planning on using the Metro a lot whilst you are in Shanghai, it is definitely worth buying a reloadable Shanghai Public Transportation Card to make your life a lot easier. If you do not have a card then it is recommended to buy your return Metro ticket when you arrive at Disney Resort station so that you can avoid the long lines to buy tickets at the station after the park closes in the evening. Also make sure that you know what time the last train leaves Disney Resort station so that you do not miss it. If travelling from Pudong Aiport straight to Shanghai Disney Resort, a taxi is the quickest, easiest and most direct option – it should take about 40 minutes and cost approximately £10 / US$15. If using taxis during your stay, make sure to take a card from your hotel with both the hotel name and address written in Mandarin on it as most taxi drivers do not understand any English – it is a good idea to always have one of these cards with you as you never know when you might need it.

Where to Stay at Shanghai Disneyland

If you want to stay as close to the parks as you can, there are two onsite hotels – the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the Toy Story Hotel . If staying at these two hotels, you can take advantage of the one hour early entry into the park each morning through a separate entrance in Disneytown therefore avoiding the crowds at the main entrance at park opening which is a huge advantage. The full list of benefits from staying at one of the two on site hotels is listed on the Shanghai Disney Resort website. There are also hotels situated a short distance from the resort – the Meliá Shanghai Parkside is the closest walkable non-Disney hotel to the park whilst the Courtyard Marriott Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone and the Novotel Clover are both located close to Kangxin Highway Metro Station on Line 11 of the Shanghai Metro which is only one stop from Disney Resort station. It is also completely possible to stay in the city of Shanghai itself during your stay as I have done on every trip as the resort is easily accessible by the Shanghai Metro or by taxi.

How Many Days are Needed to Visit Shanghai Disneyland

I have now visited Shanghai Disneyland five times – each time only for a day and I still have not seen everything that the park has to offer and the new Zootopia land will be opening soon so I am already planning another visit in the near future. If travelling to Shanghai specifically to visit Disneyland, I would suggest allowing two to three full days to visit the park at a comfortable pace which gives you enough time to do all the rides and attractions, meet characters, see some of the shows and parades as well as leaving plenty of time to ride Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure again and again – believe me, you will want to! But also make sure to also allow for a day or two in your travel plans to explore the sights of Shanghai itself – it’s an amazing and fascinating city to visit with an incredible skyline and somewhere you have to go!

Download the Shanghai Disneyland App

Before you arrive in China, make sure to download the Shanghai Disneyland app and create an account. On the app, you will be able to book park tickets and hotels, check wait times for rides and attractions, look up show and parade times as well as book Premier Access passes once you arrive inside the park.

Buy Your Shanghai Disneyland Tickets Online Before You Arrive

At this time you can only purchase tickets in advance to visit Shanghai Disneyland as tickets are no longer sold on the day at the park entrance – you can do this from a couple of weeks beforehand or as I have done on my last few visits, the evening before whilst sitting in my hotel room. Tickets can easily be purchased on the Shanghai Disney Resort website or app though I have personally found the website easier to use when paying with an international credit card. You can only buy One-Day or Two-Day tickets so you will need to purchase extra tickets if planning on spending three or four days in the park. You will also need to enter your passport number for each ticket purchased – this is common practice in China so there is nothing to worry about. Tickets are date specific but you are able to change the date twice as long as the change is made at least two days in advance of your visit. Once you have booked your tickets, you will be able to see them listed in the “My Plans” section on the Shanghai Disneyland app. It is also possible to buy both one day and two day tickets in advance through Klook which works out slightly cheaper than buying direct through Disney. Once again, each person will need to present their passport at the turnstile to gain entry to the park. The above are affiliate links through Klook. Any tickets purchased from these links earns myself a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Arrive Early at Shanghai Disneyland

This is something that you will read everywhere and it’s true – if not staying onsite and using the early and separate park entrance benefit, it is best to arrive at Shanghai Disneyland as early as possible. Even if visiting on a quiet day, the queues to get through security and through the turnstiles and into the park when you arrive can be a sight to behold. On a busy day, I would recommend arriving at least an hour before opening time and my top tip is to make a quick stop at the Starbucks in Disneytown close to the park entrance to get a tea or a coffee to drink whilst you are waiting in line.

You Will Need Your Passport to Enter Shanghai Disneyland

When visiting Shanghai Disneyland you will need to present your passport to one of the Cast Members when you get to the turnstiles at the entrance of the park. Do not bring a photocopy or a scan/photo of your passport with you as it will not be accepted and it is also a requirement that you carry your actual passport on you at all times when in China. They will enter your passport number into the computer to find your booking, take your photo and then issue your paper ticket – it really is such an easy system to use.

Premier Access at Shanghai Disneyland

The old free Fastpass service at Shanghai Disneyland no longer exists and has been replaced by Disney Premier Access where you can pay to skip the line once at each of the following attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure – Treasure Cove Soaring Over the Horizon – Adventure Isle Roaring Rapids – Adventure Isle Challenge Trails at Camp Discovery – Adventure Isle Tron Lightcycle Power Run – Tomorrowland Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue – Tomorrowland Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Fantasyland The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Fantasyland Peter Pan’s Flight – Fantasyland Voyage to the Crystal Grotto – Fantasyland Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Gardens of Imagination Rex’s Racer – Toy Story Land Woody’s Roundup – Toy Story Land Once inside the park you can use the Shanghai Disneyland app to purchase individual Premier Access passes and there are also several different Premier Access sets that are available to buy as well. To use the Premier Access pass that you have purchased, go to the Priority Access entrance of the attraction and scan the QR code on your phone screen. At this time the Cast Member will check that the photo that was taken of you when you entered the park which is linked to your entrance ticket matches you before you can enter the line – the reason for this is to make sure the person who purchased the pass is the one who uses it as there used to be a huge problem with people buying up all of the passes for the popular rides and then reselling them inside the park at a hugely inflated price and this simple fix stopped that issue immediately.

Using the Internet at Shanghai Disneyland

There is free wifi available across the park and in Disneytown however if you have not been to Mainland China before then you may or may not know about “The Great Firewall of China”. Whilst in the country, you will not be able to access Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok or anything owned by Google as well as news sites from around the world amongst many others – the list is endless! One way to access these websites is to purchase and set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before you go. However there is no guarantee that this will work once you arrive in China as I found out on my last visit when my VPN which I had always used with no issues on every other visit would no longer work anymore. The only messaging apps that will currently work with no restrictions without a VPN whilst in China are iMessage and WeChat . On some of my trips to China, I have used the international data roaming on my iPhone to access the internet and as my connection was routed back through the UK, I could access all blocked websites. It is now also possible to purchase a travel e-SIM through Airalo which will enable you to access unrestricted data on your phone without the need for a VPN when in China. If you would like to use my referral code NIKKI8866 when signing up, you will receive $3 off your first purchase.

The Chinese Language at Shanghai Disneyland

Although it is completely possible to enjoy your trip to Shanghai Disneyland without knowing any Mandarin, it is always a good idea to learn a few useful words before you go such as Ni Hao (Hello) and Xie Xie (Thank You). All of the rides, attractions and shows are in Mandarin but I have found that this does not detract at all from your experience inside the park. Signs and menus are in English as are most announcements and some Cast Members can speak basic English – some may be better than others but they are all very friendly and will try to help you as much as they can and once inside the park I have found that the best English speakers are located at Guest Services. I would also recommend having a translation app available on your phone at all times when travelling in China as it will be very useful to have as you never know when you may need it.

The Chinese Currency and Credit Cards

The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB) and is also known as the Yuan (CNY). One of the major things that has changed in China in the last few years is that foreign credit cards are not as widely accepted as they used to be and you will have trouble using them – when I visited Shanghai earlier this year, none of my cards would work anywhere even at places that always used to accept them such as Shanghai Disneyland! However the easy solution to this is before you travel to China, make sure to download and set up Alipay which is a mobile payment app that is accepted everywhere in China which now lets you add an international credit card to your account. After struggling to pay for things on my last visit (as even cash is not as widely accepted as it used to be as many places are now mobile payment only), having Alipay available to use whilst in Shanghai made life so easy whilst I was in China – I would say this is something that is essential and that you definitely need to have when visiting.

Shopping at Shanghai Disneyland and the Package Pick-Up Service

You will inevitably end up in one of the many shops inside the park during your stay. If you do find yourself wanting to purchase everything and not wanting to carry it around with you all day, then you can use the free-of-charge Package Pick-Up service. Your shopping will then be available to collect when you leave the park at the end of the day from the desk located by the park exit. I have used this service on nearly every trip and it is so easy and convenient and guests staying at both the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel as well as the Toy Story Hotel can also have their shopping delivered directly to their hotel. If you are buying any clothing, some of the shops (such as World of Disney in Disneytown and Avenue M Arcade on Mickey Avenue) have fitting rooms so you are able to try everything on before you buy it to make sure it fits.

What to Bring With You to Shanghai Disneyland

There are a few items to bring with you to Shanghai Disneyland that will help to make your visit a little better. Comfortable Shoes You will be amazed by the sheer size of Shanghai Disneyland – most of your day will be spent walking between attractions and as everything is so spread out compared to the other parks around the world, prepare to be on your feet a lot! On my very first visit, I walked over fourteen miles in one day! Umbrella Make sure to pack an umbrella as it will be essential both for when it rains as well for much needed shade when the sun is out – you will see a lot of people doing this when you are in the park. Water Bottle Try to do your bit for the environment and bring your own water bottle as there are numerous drinking water fountains located everywhere throughout the park and do not worry as this water is safe to drink. This is truly invaluable during the summer months when staying hydrated in the hot and humid weather is essential. Powerbank There is nothing worse than your phone running low on power during the day at the park – especially if taking photos or using the Wifi which will both drain your battery incredibly quickly. Fan During the summer months, a battery-powered hand held fan will help you to stay cool. It really is a life saver.

What to Eat at Shanghai Disneyland

There are numerous restaurants at Shanghai Disneyland all offering a variety of dishes including Chinese, Asian and Western food. A full detailed list with menus can be found on the Shanghai Disney Resort website. All of the restaurants inside the park are Quick Service with the exception of the Royal Banquet Hall located inside the Enchanted Storybook Castle. One restaurant you have to visit (even just to get a cold drink or a snack) is Barbossa’s Bounty located in Treasure Cove where you can actually sit and watch the boats on Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure sail by – the detail throughout this whole restaurant is incredible. As a vegetarian there are very limited options to eat inside Shanghai Disneyland (as of October 2023) but thankfully there is a Cheesecake Factory located just outside the park in Disneytown which has a lot of meat-free options on the menu – this is also a great way to get out of the park for an hour and sit down and rest your feet in the air conditioning whilst you eat and recharge your batteries ready for the rest of the day. The CookieAnn Bakery Café located at the end of Mickey Avenue is a great place to pick up a snack whilst waiting for the parade or the fireworks whilst another must-visit on Mickey Avenue is Il Paperino for Donald Duck-shaped waffles and a look at Donald Duck’s family tree on the wall. There are two restaurants at Shanghai Disney Resort which offer Character Dining – Lumiere’s Kitchen at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the Royal Banquet Hall inside the Enchanted Storybook Castle in the park – they are both popular so making a reservation before you arrive is recommended.

Take a Break From the Park During the Day in Disneytown

Disneytown is located right next to the entrance to Shanghai Disneyland and is a great place to take a break from the park during the day. The shops that you can find include the World of Disney, Lego, Disney Home and Pandora whilst the many restaurants include the Cheesecake Factory, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen, Ippudo, Blue Frog, Donald’s Dine ‘n Delights and Starbucks. The full list is on the Shanghai Disney Resort website. To get to and from Disneytown you can use the main park entrance or the second entrance located close to the Walt Disney Theatre in Disneytown and between Mickey Avenue and Tomorrowland inside the park – this is the entrance that the on-site hotel guests use at park opening. If you truly want peace and quiet for a few minutes, walk along to Wishing Star Lake where you can find many spots to sit down and relax before heading back to the park – there is even a giant Donald Duck floating on the lake to take a selfie with! There are no re-admit handstamps – to get back into the park, you just need to present your paper ticket at the turnstiles.

Where to Watch the Parade and Fireworks at Shanghai Disneyland

The daily parade at Shanghai Disneyland is called Mickey’s Storybook Express and if you want an unobstructed view with no heads in the way, you will need to stake out a spot in plenty of time as it will get very crowded (with absolutely no personal space) just before the parade begins. The parade starts between Toy Story Land and Tomorrowland before travelling around Gardens of Imagination and past Mickey Avenue and finishing between Treasure Cove and Fantasyland. The night time show is called Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration and features fireworks as well as fountains and projections on the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Once again if you want a good view you will need to grab your spot at least an hour (if not earlier) before the show starts. My favourite place to watch the show is further back in Gardens of Imagination away from the huge crowds who stand closer to the front – if you stand by one of the fences, you can have an unobstructed view of the castle across the water which is perfect in my eyes.

Other Useful Information about Shanghai Disneyland

Contrary to some reports online, the toilets at Shanghai Disneyland are as clean as they come (cleaner than most other parks) and there are plenty of Western-style toilets as well as Chinese-style squat toilets. The Western-style toilets are usually located towards the back of the bathrooms and have a sign on the door. As most of the park guests are Chinese – you never have to queue to use the Western-style toilets. If you are a fan of Coca-Cola, then I’m sorry to inform you that Coke products are not available at Shanghai Disneyland – it’s Pepsi products instead. Instead of Main Street USA, you will find Mickey Avenue at the entrance to the park. Make sure to spend some time here looking at all the details – there are a lot everywhere you look! As much as you might be tempted to look around Mickey Avenue at park opening, leave it until the afternoon when the whole area is much quieter than earlier in the day. If you can, ride both Tron Lightcycle Power Run and Voyage to the Crystal Grotto at night as well as during the day. When lit up in the evenings, these rides are on another level. LinaBell is the character that everyone wants to see at Shanghai Disneyland however the line to meet her at Tribal Table can reach several hours so be prepared for a long wait. The LinaBell merchandise is also incredibly popular and you will see the shelves being picked clean of anything LinaBell throughout the day so if you see something you want when you arrive at the park in the morning, make sure to buy it there and then as it will not be there later. If it’s a rainy day, then there are plenty of indoor shows you can watch which are on numerous times throughout the day including Tarzan: Call of the Jungle, Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration and Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular. The only thing you need to be aware of is all of these shows are performed in Mandarin but as the shows are so visual, you do not need to understand what is being said to enjoy it. Do not miss Tai Chi with Character in Melody Garden if it is showing on the day you visit – Chip and Dale along with Donald Duck doing Tai Chi? It’s brilliant!

Visit Shanghai Disneyland With an Open Mind

I had visited every other Disney park in the world before my first visit to Shanghai Disneyland so I was naturally worried that the park was never going to live up to the stupidly high expectations that I had built up in my head. Thankfully I was blown away – nothing could have prepared me for how much I loved and still love Shanghai Disneyland to this day. Yes there were so many over-the-top sensationalist headlines about the park and guest behaviour when the park opened but in five visits, I have not seen anything of the sort happen. It makes me so incredibly angry that there are people who believe everything that is written in the press. Yes there are always going to be isolated incidents but that is the same wherever you go in the world. Please ignore what the newspapers write – I have personally never seen anyone smoking outside of one of the smoking areas, I’ve never seen any graffitti in the park or Disneytown, I have never seen anything trashed, I have not seen any litter that wasn’t immediately cleaned up like it is in every other park and I still have not seen anyone using one of the flowerbeds as a toilet! China is a fascinating and incredibly interesting place. Yes there will be many cultural differences that you have to get used to (such as very little personal space at times), but that is all part of the fun and adventure of travelling to another country. Go with an open mind and accept that some things are done a different way to what you are used to and you will have an amazing time!

My most recent visit to Shanghai Disney Resort was in October 2023. I have updated this blog with all the current information which was correct at time of publication. Pin this Blog Post on Pinterest Follow Me on Instagram Follow Me on Bloglovin’

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27 thoughts on “ Shanghai Disneyland Planning Guide ”

I’ve spent the past 6 months planning a trip to China (including a stop at Shanghai Disney!) with my husband and your blog has been without a doubt the most helpful thing I’ve found on the internet while putting this trip itinerary together. Thank you so much for all your careful details and photos. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your blog and Instagram. Thank you for the kind help you didn’t even know you’ve provided this stranger from Los Angeles. 🙂

Hi Emma. Thank you so much for your kind words – you have no idea how much they have made me smile. I absolutely love that I have been able to help you so much. If there is anything else you need to know, please ask and I’ll try to help 🙂

Hi, great blog!!! I’ve just booked my first visit to Shanghai and Hong Kong Disney and a cannot wait. I just wondered if you had any tips for getting tourist visa from the uk? Seems to be a little complex and a little scary that everything needs to be booked before you get it eek! So exciting though 🙂

Hi Lindsey. Don’t panic as the Chinese visa process is very simple and straightforward – it just sounds more complicated than it actually is. When you apply for your visa, use the Official Website and make sure to print copies of your airline tickets and hotel reservations to take with you and you’ll be absolutely fine. Let me know how you get on and how much you enjoy Shanghai and Hong Kong 😊

Nikki, thanks for sharing these great tips in detail. It’s ah-mazing! I’m planning ahead of time because I have 1 day at the park and need to maximize my stay. I’m certain you saved me alot of time. 🙂

Hi Amy. I’m so happy I could help – have a great day at Shanghai Disneyland. You will love it 🙂

was planning a short trip to Shanghai and had no idea there was a Disney there. My wife and son will be thrilled. Then I found this amazing informative site. Thank you.

Thank you David and you and your family will have a great time at Shanghai Disneyland. Go straight to Pirates of the Caribbean – it’s one the best rides ever!

Nikki thanks for sharing such a wonderful information. Can i finish up disneyland shanghai in one day if i plan to get Disney concienge service package ( premier admission + 8dpa + reserved vieweing area) ?

Hi Kobi – you can definitely get the majority of Shanghai Disneyland done by using the concierge service as you will save a lot of time by not having to line up at certain attractions (such as Soaring Over the Horizon and Tron) and the reserved parade area is a great perk as I saw how empty that area was last week when every other part of the route was extremely crowded with lots of pushing.

However if you like meeting characters, you might not be able to see them all as the lines for them last week were extremely long and slow moving.

Hi Nikki! Love how you skipped the fluff and answered the important questions. 🙂 We’ll be visiting from the US and are concerned about payment via Alipay and WeChat. Are there additional fees to pay through these services? (Excluding foreign transaction fees.) Thank you so much and we’re so excited to put your advice to use!

Hi Matt – I’m glad I could help as I always know the information that I would want to know when travelling somewhere. I have a credit card attached to my Alipay account that has no foreign transaction fees and I have never been charged anything extra to use it. I still have not used WeChat pay yet as Alipay worked so well for me when I was in Shanghai. Have a great time in China 🙂

Absolutely good information and positive. Compared what you wrote here and one other blog, she definitely put in so much of her own negatives imaginations about china and the Shanghai Disneyland in hers. Because of her I managed to get to you as I couldn’t believe some of her contradictory informations. Yours are straightforward and makes sense. Glad I found you. Thank you

Thank you and I’m so happy that you preferred my writing style – I absolutely prefer reading something that is straight forward and easy to read 🙂

Hello, i am planning a visit to Disney Shanghai and is unsure about the premier access. Would you have any idea if i get the Premier access carefree set of 8, any idea if i can use it across two / three days?

According to the Premier Access Terms and Conditions , you can use it on the day of purchase only.

Hi. Great page! Thanks for all the info. I’ve just booked tickets to SDL. Both tickets are in my name/passport number, I assume this is ok if me and my partner both bring our passports? There didn’t seem to be anywhere to enter his details as I booked for both of us. I’m sure it’s fine, but it’s been playing on my mind! Also, does Alipay need WiFi to work? Thanks!

Hi Jo – that should be fine as I know someone who used their passport number for both tickets and they did not have an issue.

As for Alipay I have to admit that I have no idea as I have mobile data in China so I have never even thought about needing a data connection/wifi for it to work.

Hi, I was in China last week and I can confirm that Alipay needed WiFi or roming/data. I used an e-sim to have data on my trip and it worked perfectly. Hope you have a nice trip.

Hi there, great blog! I’ve read a couple on SDL but yours is definitely the best! I’m wondering if they allow passouts if you are staying at the resort?

Hi KC by passouts do you mean being able to leave the park and come back later the same day? If so, everyone can do that and you do not need to be staying at the resort.

Hi, we are planning a trip to shanghai in August 2025 ,5 adults 2 children so disneyland will be a must but would like to know where best to stay as far as area as we need to be able to see some other attractions in the city without being to far from either , if we did stay in the tourist area near to disneyland is there much to see or do & if not how are the transport links to places of interest? Regards Genine.

Hi Genine – the Metro from Shanghai Disneyland into the city itself is quick, cheap and very easy – and changing lines to go to more places and to see more of the city is very straightforward.

As for where to stay: I would recommend staying close to Shanghai Disneyland on the days you are planning on visiting the park and then move hotels into the city to start your sightseeing.

This site is SUCH a great resource for planning our SDL trip! I’m trying to book multiple rooms for multiple nights at the Toy Story hotel, plus premier park passes for multiple days, but it looks like I can only book one of these things at a time — one hotel room for multiple nights, then the other, etc. — and the “Disney Dream Day” passes are only available on very few days (and not the ones we’ll need). Do you have any advice on how to book all of the pieces at once? Also, if we can’t book Premium/Dream Day packages in advance, is the Premium upgrade available to purchase once we arrive at the park? SO many questions, I know, so appreciate any tips or tricks you can share!

Hi Annie as I have only ever booked one day tickets on all of my visits and never stayed onsite, I cannot offer any advice on how to book so many different elements of your trip at the same time. However I believe you can still purchase the Premier Access bundles on the day itself as long as they are not sold out online but I have certainly purchased individual Premier Access passes once inside the park with no issues.

Hi Nikki, thank you so much for this, it’s been so helpful in de-mystifying the whole process and experience. One question I was hoping you could help me with, we’re booked to be in Shanghai 3rd week of August and mainly for a visit to Disney (from the U.K) I’ve been checking the Disney ticket booking site and the one day/two day option seems to be the one to book, as the non-designated days option doesn’t show dates until September. However, tickets don’t look like they come available until 30 days before we want to go. Does that sound right? Or is there another option I can use to guarantee tickets? Thank you so much.

Hi Adam that’s right – tickets only become available thirty days beforehand so keep an eye out for when the days that you want to go become available and you’ll be absolutely fine.

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It’s Toy Story friends’ Splash-around party! Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Toy Story at Farmer Al’s Splash-Around where water misters and pop jets provide endless refreshing fun in Disney · Pixar Toy Story Land! Prepare for a splash-around that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. The Partysaurus Rex might also make its surprise appearance!

*Offer is subject to operational adjustments. *This performance may be impacted due to inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions. For example, during poor weather including but not limited to rain, high wind, poor air quality, heavy fog and/or lightning, we will temporarily delay or cancel the show.

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Shanghai Disney Resort rings in 'happiness tourism' for scores of visitors

Chinese travelers are increasingly seeking emotional enrichment and joyful experiences, and Shanghai Disney Resort is attempting to deliver that to its guests, according to a new report.

The 2024 Shanghai Disney Resort Happiness Travel Trends Report, released on Thursday, takes the resort as a sample to look into travelers' growing desire for emotional fulfillment amid a rebound in tourism, and seeks to offer new insights into ongoing trends and changes within the tourism industry.

The report, put together by the China Tourism Academy (Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism), says Shanghai Disneyland welcomed over 13 million visitors in less than one year leading up to Dec 20, 2023 — an all-time high since its opening nearly eight years ago.

The resort's live entertainment was viewed 40.99 million times by guests in 2023, including over 10.21 million for the Mickey's Storybook Express daytime parade in particular, according to the report.

"Over the past eight years, Shanghai Disney Resort has offered high-quality entertainment experiences that blend Disney storytelling and creativity for tens of millions of guests around the world," said Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

"As we commemorate the important milestone of our eighth anniversary, we are extremely honored to be the partner of China Tourism Academy in their in-depth studies about China's happiness tourism, reaffirming our commitment to delivering happiness. And we are proud to share the best of our practices and experience with the industry through this comprehensive report to further advance the development of the industry," he said.

While families remain a vital audience seeking to strengthen bonds through travel, the report identifies the emergence of two rising guest segments — solo adult travelers and the elderly — both actively pursuing emotional value from their vacations.

In 2023, Shanghai Disney Resort's guest mix was equally split between families and solo adult parties without children. Additionally, the resort witnessed a 75 percent surge in 2023 in visits from elderly guests with 1-day and 2-day tickets compared to 2019 levels.

The resort's efforts to provide new experiences have also played a vital role in attracting guests, according to the report, with 97 percent of surveyed visitors aware of the Zootopia-themed land before arriving, and one-third citing it as a key reason for their visit.

Previously, the resort introduced its seventh themed land, the Disney-Pixar Toy Story Land, less than two years after opening.

Shanghai Disney Resort offers rotating seasonal events and celebrations on some 300 days annually, with 85 percent of guests in 2023 expressing a willingness to revisit, and the percentage of guests willing to recommend the resort to others increasing by 11 percent compared to the levels in 2019, according to the report.

The report also said consumers exhibit strong self-expression. Statistics from the report show that headwear, including headbands and hats, ranked as the top five most popular merchandise categories by sales volume in 2023.

The accessibility enabled by the resort's location and transportation has allowed it to tap into diverse markets, according to the report. The Yangtze River Delta region remained the primary source market in 2023, while visits from the Pearl River Delta region experienced the most significant year-over-year growth. Shanghai locals holding annual passes formed the highest proportion of weekday guests in spring and autumn.

Beyond detailing the resort's experience, the report also examines how Shanghai Disney Resort utilizes its practices to shape lifestyles and deliver happiness through sustainability initiatives, community outreach programs and international exchanges.

The new report builds on the 2019 Happiness Report collaboration, recognizing an opportunity to revisit the study of happiness in travel as consumer patterns evolve, said Murray King, vice-president of Public Affairs and Communications at Shanghai Disney Resort.

"Leveraging multiple research methods, including in-depth guest surveys, the 2024 report interprets Shanghai Disney Resort's practices for creating happiness and emotional value for guests amid their growing pursuit of higher fulfillment from their travels," he added.

"I believe that even as an individual guest, they can fulfill different emotional needs through diverse visit choices," said Rong Jing, director of Consumer Insight Measurement and Analytics at Shanghai Disney Resort. "The core is to excel in content, experiences, and service quality, which can subtly influence everyone and ultimately drive substantive change."

Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy, emphasized the pivotal role happiness plays in developing tourism and enabling a better life for all.

"The most crucial goal of developing tourism is to create a good life and meet people's needs for a better life, in which happiness is a vital element," Dai said.

"As a globally renowned cultural enterprise and resort operator, Disney has a successful experience. We hope to explore the 'happiness gene' in travel by studying Disney as a model, learning from their experience of creating happiness to enable more travelers to enjoy a good life."

Dai further highlighted the report's key observations, including happiness transcending gender and age barriers, the spillover effect of happiness created at Shanghai Disney Resort inspiring more industry players to adopt similar models, and its evolving capability to meet diverse happiness needs.

"We came to Disney hoping to find its gene and provide more cultural momentum for China's modernization efforts," he added.

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A Guide To Disneyland Parks Around The World

• Disneyland is a world of joy, wizardry, fantasy, and wonderful characters that should be on everyone's vacation bucket list.
• Hong Kong Disneyland is known for its impressive animatronics and convenient location near the airport.
• Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is the most popular and well-known of the Disney theme parks, with endless hotel options and a wide range of attractions and experiences.

Disneyland is a world of joy , wizardry, fantasy, and wonderful characters. Initially developed for Walt Disney's daughters, the park's design and structure reflect Disney's preference for nostalgic feelings and imagination. For most individuals, a trip to Disneyland is on their vacation bucket list. With the winter holiday approaching, a trip to Disney could make the season even more magical .

Exploring and enjoying the wonderland of Disney is something people must do at least once in their lives. To provide more information, here are the fantastic and extravagant Disneyland theme parks that exist worldwide!

UPDATE: 2023/11/04 16:37 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Disney Continues To Assert Its Brand Power Worldwide

With Disney constantly expanding across the globe, it's no shock people flock to these theme parks in droves. This article has been expanded to rank which Disney park is best, as well as tips for future visitors. Have fun, and enjoy the magic!

Related: This Medieval Castle-Turned Palace Looks Like It's Straight Out Of A Disney Fairytale

Disneyland In Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong’s Disneyland is one of the ideal locations for a fun-filled family vacation. It is one of Asia's largest and greatest Disney worlds, which attracts a bunch of visitors from all over the world. What’s more interesting is that it is convenient for people who come on vacation because it is located near the airport. Hongkong Disneyland does not only have different amusement parks and live acts as well as new additions each year. They can also keep the people captivated for the whole duration of the entertaining tour with their larger-than-life toys, fireworks, a parade of characters, and other imaginative, themed attractions.

• Known for animatronics : Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the more impressive parks regarding animatronic figures and guest experiences.

RELATED: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need To See The Best Of Disneyland (If You Only Have A Weekend)

Tokyo Disneyland, Japan

Disney World, which has seven different lands that represent various geographical places, provides guests with a multitude of possibilities to explore. It is known as the third most visited Disney theme park in the world due to the blend of Disney charm and Japanese efficiency. The park was developed to give guests a three-dimensional impression of iconic Disney movies. Additionally, one of the most popular attractions of Tokyo Disneyland is the Tower of Terror, a free-fall extreme e-ride. Overall, it is popular with adults and children, and it offers a variety of rides for people of various ages and dispositions.

• Much like Orlando : Tokyo Disneyland is one of the closer parks in terms of rides and aesthetics to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World in Florida is the second Disneyland theme park that has been built. Inside, four separate theme parks will exceed all the visitors’ expectations. The most popular among the four theme parks is Magic Kingdom, a home for the most exciting live events that include Space Mountain and the Castle of Cinderella. There are also restaurant alternatives for every style, taste, and price, from counter-service selections to casual, family-friendly restaurants to exquisite, specialty cuisine. Aside from having live acts and exquisite restaurants, the park also has Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon that cannot be missed out on by the guests.

• Guest favorite : Disney World in Orlando has repeatedly been recognized as the most popular and well-known of the theme park catalog among visitors.

Disneyland In Paris, France

Disneyland Paris offers seven themed Disney hotels and Villages Nature Paris, a multi-day two world-class theme park. It is the number one destination for guests from Europe. A Fantasyland that offers rides and has the most beautiful magic kingdom style ever built. It combines a strong blend of fun, captivating architecture, sophisticated visual design, and sheer nostalgia for which Disney is famous. Whether with family, friends, or loved ones, there's always something new to discover at Disneyland Paris.

• Absolutely gorgeous : Disneyland Paris is one of the most unique Disney parks, boasting French design, food, and special guest experiences.

RELATED: This Is Why Disneyland California Is Just As Much Fun For Adults As It Is For Kids

Disneyland in Anaheim, California

The first, oldest, and largest enchanted theme park was built by Walt Disney himself. A day is not enough to explore the park, for it has nine different themed zones. It is called a Mecca for tourists that come from around the world. Inside, it has a collection of adventurous rides and the castles of Disney characters. Disneyland is undoubtedly a magical place where youngsters and the young at heart discover that their dreams may turn out to be true.

• Where it all started : Disneyland in California is where all of this started. It's smaller but definitely worth a trip for those wanting to see the birthplace of the parks.

Shanghai Disney Resort, China

Shanghai Disneyland is a fun-filled place with lots of creativity, thrills, and adventures. It was the first Disney theme park in China and was known as the biggest international resort. Exciting live acts and the tallest theme castles can be found here. The Garden of Imagination is one of the attractive theme parks in Shanghai Disneyland, for it covers Chinese Zodiac Murals. What’s interesting in Shanghai Disneyland is that on Mickey Avenue, the guests can freely walk along and hug and take photos with Mickey and his friends. Aside from that, there is also a Disney town where guests can do the shopping and a grand theater where they can enjoy watching the performance of Lion King.

• First Disney park in China : Shanghai Disneyland was monumental for Disney and the Chinese government, later done again in Hong Kong.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, California, USA

Disney’s Hollywood Studios was Walt Disney’s 3rd theme park. During the introduction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in 2019, this Park has undergone a lot of alterations over the years and enlarged its area by 11 acres. This theme park not only provides attractions and entertainment but also educates. With Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can experience the old-time atmosphere, colorful shops, and bistros with this nostalgic feeling of the past. The guests are more indulged and looking forward to the Fantasmic, an event during the nighttime with picturesque characters, waterfront effects, lasers, and fireworks.

• Hollywood meets Disney : This park is one of the smaller ones in Disney's catalog, but it boasts plenty of live entertainment and has great food and fireworks.

RELATED: If Disneyland Is The Happiest Place On Earth, Then These Disneyland Restaurants Are Making Us The Hungriest

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA

A Disney theme park with wild creatures, exotic jungle treks, high-speed adventures, and Pandora—The World of Avatar. It has a mountain that is floating and allows guests to hover after they glide around Pandora. Their parade of characters takes place in the water where flotillas are used. One of the famous restaurants inside the park is the Flame Tree barbecue, where one-half of the chicken that has been smoked is excellent. Extravagant animal exhibits and theme park offerings are the main attractions of the place. There are many things guests may not know about Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL .

• African-themed safari : Animal Kingdom brings the exotic jungle and African culture to Orlando.

Epcot In Florida, USA

A theme park in Walt Disney that commemorates culture, community, achievements, progress, and latest innovations. Epcot is divided into four different main themed areas, namely Neighborhoods, World Celebrations, World Discovery, and World Showcase. The park has a total of 10 rides, and most of them are not involved in a moving vehicle. One of the main theme areas in Epcot provides a showcase of pavilions highlighting storytellers who describe every nation’s heritage, the enjoyable performance of a mass choir, and the appearance of celebrities re-enacting the spirit of Christmas.

• Perfect for adults : EPCOT has regularly been considered the 'adult park' within the Disney World Resort.

DisneySea In Tokyo, Japan

DisneySea is a theme park related to the stories and myths of the sea. It is located next to Tokyo Disneyland. DisneySea was made specifically for a more grown-up audience but is also suitable for all ages. The seven themed ports are the main attractions of the park, where there are large boats and water fountains. Overall, DisneySea is a completely developed conceptual park with an effective application.

• Great for nautical Disney lovers : DisneySea is a specialty park in Japan focused on water and sea life.

These are real-life places where Disney movies were made or based on .

So... Which Disney Park Is The Most Fun?

Although there are many Disney parks worldwide, the Magic Kingdom continues to bring the most people and be the "favorite." Here, guests can enjoy the massive, multi-park resort complex, with new rides and experiences being added each year. One of the nice parts about Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is that it often sees new things first. Disney tests the waters here over other parks, hence why it has such an extensive ride list, restaurant selection, and guest experience.

Disney World in Florida also offers people endless hotel options, with 20+ themed resorts nearby. It's an amazing campus of magic and themed spaces, bringing millions of visitors annually. Although Asia, Europe, and California have a park, none beat Disney World in Orlando. That's a fact!

These affordable hotels in Disney World may be worth considering.

• Best Disney Park : The Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.

• Shanghai Disney shares 'happy secrets' to inspire China's tourism sector

At the launch event for the 2024 Shanghai Disney Resort Happiness Travel Trend Report in Shanghai, a touching video compiled from random guest interviews was played. In the video, one guest said, "Going to Disneyland is like returning to my happy hometown," describing how they feel about the place that has been creating happiness and joy since its opening eight years ago.

(From right to left) Murray King, vice president of Public Affairs and Communications at Shanghai Disney Resort, Xiang Yihai, deputy director General of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, and Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, celebrate the launch of the 2024 Shanghai Disney Resort Happiness Travel Trend Report in Shanghai, June 13, 2024. Joy from Pixar's "Inside Out" makes a special appearance by their side before the China premiere of "Inside Out 2." [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

The report delves into consumers' growing desire for emotional fulfillment amid China's ongoing tourism rebound, offering insights into trends and changes within the local tourism industry.

"We are proud to share the best of our practices and experience with the industry through this comprehensive report to further advance the development of the industry," said Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

"I don't know the academic definition of 'happiness,' but I know where the sample of 'happiness' is. It's in Shanghai," said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, also known as the Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Through his observations over the years and combined with data from the report, Dai stated his belief that Shanghai Disney Resort creates and spreads happiness for people of all ages.

"More and more of China's local theme parks and enterprises are actively or unconsciously learning from Disney, as Disney leads the way in creating and spreading happiness and value," Dai added. "Take LinaBell, for example. She didn't exist before, but when she was born and materialized by Disney, everyone went crazy for her. That's because she strikes the softest part of our hearts and makes us feel we can find our true selves in Disneyland."

A family poses for a photo while enjoying the immersive experience at Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

The report, the second edition since the first Happiness Travel Trend Report released by the China Tourism Academy in 2021, notes that Shanghai Disney Resort forges strong emotional connections with generations of people worldwide, providing them with joy, mental relaxation, happiness, and fulfillment amid the continuous recovery and rebound of the global tourism industry.

"The ability to continuously create an emotional response for tens of millions of guests from such diverse backgrounds year after year is at the heart of the Disney business model and our success," said Murray King, vice president of Public Affairs and Communications of Shanghai Disney Resort. 

According to the report, Shanghai Disneyland welcomed over 13 million guests in 2023, a new record since its opening eight years ago. The report also revealed that the resort's live entertainment was viewed 41 million times by guests, while its signature daytime parade drew over 10 million guests in 2023.

Among other notable highlights, the resort continues to expand, with the opening of the world's first Zootopia land last year. Ninety-seven percent of surveyed guests were aware of Zootopia before their visit, and one-third cited it as the primary reason for their trip. In 2023, 85% of guests expressed a desire to return to the resort.

Older adults have fun at Shanghai Disneyland, indicating a new trend revealed in the 2024 Shanghai Disney Resort Happiness Travel Trend Report. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

The report found that while nuclear families remain a significant portion of Shanghai Disney Resort's guests, the proportion of childless visitors is now comparable. Furthermore, the resort's popularity among seniors has grown, with attendance by senior citizens using one-day and two-day tickets increasing by approximately 75% in 2023 compared to 2019.

The report further summarized how Shanghai Disney Resort shapes lifestyles and delivers happiness, positively impacting the local community. The resort attracts tourists from around the world, supporting Shanghai's goal of becoming a world-renowned destination and the first stop in China for inbound travelers, while also contributing to the high-quality development of China's cultural tourism industry. Beyond a tourism and entertainment hub, Shanghai Disney Resort is a crucial platform for international exchange, nurturing cultural, economic and commercial cooperation.

Frances Li, vice president of External Communications at Shanghai Disney Resort, reflected on the changes since the park's opening in 2016. Initially, visitors rushed to their favorite rides and attractions, and few dressed up during the Halloween season. Now, guests are enjoying every aspect of the park, developing their habits and companions, with many dressing up in costumes daily, beyond specific festivals.

"Guests increasingly know how to have fun here, and they have formed deeper emotional bonds with every character and cast member. They now understand what immersive experiences and storytelling are all about. This is the foundation that prompts us to constantly deliver new experiences and surprises," Li said, adding that "Happiness is truly magical."

People flock to the new Zootopia land at Shanghai Disneyland, a standout example of how Disney constantly brings fresh experiences and surprises to its guests. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

In a video played at the event, a guest described an emotional moment: "Seeing bubbles coming out from the bubble wands, walking through them, and heading towards the entrance of Zootopia, I felt like the happiest person on earth at that moment."

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• Shanghai Disney Resort and the China Tourism Academy released a report, sharing insights into the resort's "secrets" for creating happiness as it celebrates its eighth anniversary, aiming to inspire fellow tourism professionals and workers in China.