Shanghai Disneyland was the final Disney park on our global adventure (with the exception of the second park in Paris), and it delivered a truly unique and unforgettable experience. From its innovative attractions to its distinctive culinary offerings, every aspect of the park showcased a blend of Disney magic and Chinese culture.
🎟️ Planning Ahead: Tickets & Entry
To make the most of your visit, it's advisable to purchase tickets 15 to 30 days in advance through the official Shanghai Disney Resort app. Early purchases often come with discounted rates. Remember, your ticket is linked to your passport, so ensure you have it with you for verification at the entrance.
For those looking to maximize their time in the park, consider the Early Park Entry option. For a nominal additional fee, you can enter the park 90 minutes before the official opening, allowing you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
🚇 Getting There: Convenient Metro Access
Reaching Shanghai Disneyland is straightforward via the city's metro system. Line 11 takes you directly to the Disney Resort station, which is just a short walk from the park entrance. The journey is both affordable and efficient, with fares around ¥6 (less than $1).
🏋️ A Park Like No Other
Shanghai Disneyland offers a fresh take on the classic Disney park layout. Instead of the traditional Main Street U.S.A., guests are greeted by Mickey Avenue, a vibrant area filled with shops and eateries inspired by Mickey Mouse and friends.
The park's design deviates from the norm, with Tomorrowland situated to the left of the Enchanted Storybook Castle, while Adventure Isle and Treasure Cove replace the usual Adventureland and Frontierland, located to the right.
The Enchanted Storybook Castle stands as the tallest and most interactive Disney castle to date, celebrating all Disney princesses. Inside, visitors can explore various attractions, dine in royal settings, and even participate in character meet-and-greets.
🏝️ Attractions to Remember
🎢 Check out some of the rides and attractions we experienced at Disney Shanghai!
We kicked things off with Woody’s Roundup, a delightful spinning ride in Toy Story Land where guests hop into toy cars and whirl around in circles, capturing the playful essence of Woody and his friends.
Next up, Peter Pan’s Flight — always a favorite. This version felt a bit shorter than others, but still delivered the classic charm. We managed to ride it before the lines got long, which was a win, especially since the wait times for this ride in Florida are notoriously long.
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto was a serene boat ride that took us past enchanting scenes from Disney classics like Aladdin, Mulan, and The Little Mermaid. The journey culminates beneath the Enchanted Storybook Castle in a dazzling display of lights and music.
We then wandered through the Alice in Wonderland Maze, inspired by Tim Burton’s film. This whimsical labyrinth features towering hedges, quirky sculptures, and surprises around every corner, leading up to the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
Inside the castle, we explored the Once Upon a Time Adventure — an interactive walkthrough attraction that brings Disney princess stories to life through stunning visuals and immersive storytelling. It's a great option with minimal wait times.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure was a standout. This ride offers a unique experience with cutting-edge technology, including boats that can spin and move in multiple directions, immersing guests in an epic pirate adventure featuring Captain Jack Sparrow and the fearsome Kraken.
We also enjoyed Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, a classic interactive shooting game where we teamed up to defeat Emperor Zurg. It's a fun challenge we take on at every park.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh took us on a gentle journey through the Hundred Acre Wood, bringing to life beloved scenes with Pooh and friends. It's a nostalgic ride we've cherished at every Disney park.
Slinky Dog Spin was a fun, family-friendly ride where we joined Slinky Dog in a playful chase around a giant dog bowl, spinning and laughing all the way.
One of the highlights was the Marvel Universe in the Gardens of Imagination. Here, we explored Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor, virtually tried on the Iron Man suit, and encountered iconic Marvel Super Heroes like Captain America and Spider-Man. This interactive experience is a must-visit for Marvel fans of all ages.
There were other attractions we hoped to experience, but without a fast pass and with long wait times, we chose to savor the park's ambiance, indulge in delicious snacks, and simply enjoy the day. Having visited every Disney park, we're content with our choices and look forward to returning to experience what we missed. Plus, with new lands being developed worldwide, there's always more Disney magic on the horizon.
🍽️ Culinary Delights: A Taste of Shanghai
Shanghai Disneyland's food offerings are a delightful fusion of classic Disney treats and local Chinese flavors.
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Mickey Sandwich: A delightful snack featuring soft bread shaped like Mickey Mouse, filled with savory ingredients.
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Coconut Popcorn: A unique twist on a classic snack, this popcorn is infused with a sweet coconut flavor, making it a must-try.
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Peach Freeze Drink: A refreshing beverage perfect for cooling down on a hot day, offering a sweet and tangy peach flavor.
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Classic Mickey Ear Ice Cream: A timeless treat featuring vanilla ice cream coated in a rich chocolate shell, shaped like Mickey's iconic ears.
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Pizza and Beverage Dinner: For a more substantial meal, the park offers delicious pizza options paired with a variety of drinks, catering to diverse palates.
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Turkey Leg: A popular choice among visitors, the turkey leg here is notably moist and infused with Asian spices, offering a flavorful twist on the traditional version.
⚠️ Additional Tips for a Smooth Visit
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Security Checks: Be prepared for thorough security screenings upon entry. Tripods, even non-extending ones, are not permitted inside the park. However, there's a luggage check facility before security where you can store such items for a fee.
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Crowd Management: The park can get extremely crowded, especially during holidays and weekends. Personal space may be limited, so be prepared for close quarters.
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Charging Stations: Portable charging banks are available throughout the park. You can rent one at any station and return it at another, ensuring your devices stay powered throughout the day.
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Disney Premier Access: This paid service allows you to skip regular lines for certain attractions. While it offers convenience, it's essential to weigh the cost against the benefits for your visit.
Visiting Shanghai Disneyland was a fitting finale to our Disney park adventures. The park's unique blend of traditional Disney magic with Chinese cultural elements provided a fresh and memorable experience. From the innovative attractions to the delectable food offerings, every aspect of the park was thoughtfully designed to delight visitors. If you're planning a trip, taking the time to prepare and familiarize yourself with the park's layout and offerings will ensure a magical and unforgettable experience.
