Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Travel Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Do Attractions

I.Ticket Purchase and Preliminary Preparation

1.Ticket Purchase

• It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through the official website (https://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/en/tickets), Shanghai Disney Resort App, or designated channels to avoid on-site queuing. Ticket prices are divided into four categories: Regular Day (475 RMB), Special Regular Day (599 RMB), Peak Day (719 RMB), and Special Peak Day (799 RMB).

Note: Tickets are designated for specific dates and can only be used for entry on the selected date during purchase.

 

2.Download the Official APP

• Download the "Shanghai Disney Resort" APP ahead of time. After entering the park, link your ticket to the APP to view ride wait times, make show reservations, access maps, purchase FastPass ticket, and more.

3.Bring Necessary Items

• For a hassle-free entry into the Park, remember to bring the following, and head directly to the Main Entrance:

- The government credential / travel document used to purchase the tickets

- Your original ticket confirmation

If the government credential / travel document was used to purchase more than one ticket, please make sure you have all your travel party with you when entering.

• Depending on the weather, bring sunscreen, a sunhat, and a rain poncho. Shanghai has a climate with 4 distinct seasons where, depending upon the time of year, it can be very wet and humid or quite chilly. Temperatures range from winter lows of about 10˚C to summer highs above 33˚C. 
• If needed, you can also bring a power bank and a camera.

 

4.Understand Park Rules

• Items such as flammable and explosive materials, imitation weapons, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, and selfie sticks are prohibited inside the park.
• Drinking water is available inside the park, so you can bring a water bottle.

 

II. Fun at Disney 

Thrilling Attractions

Tomorrowland

• Tron Lightcycle Power Run: A roller coaster with a high level of excitement, reaching speeds of 95-100 kilometers per hour, making it one of the fastest roller coasters in Disney parks worldwide.

• Rex’s Racer: Similar to a pirate ship, with a U-shaped track exceeding 30 meters in height, offering intense feelings of weightlessness and speed. 

Fantasyland

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A roller coaster that, while not as thrilling as Tron Lightcycle Power Run, still provides surprises with sudden descents and accelerations.

 

Adventure Isle

• Roaring Rapids: A water attraction where you ride the rapids, encounter exciting elements like tail slides, and may get wet, so bring or purchase a rain poncho.

Non-Thrilling Attractions

Garden of Imagination

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A spinning attraction suitable for families, offering a gentle experience.
• Carousel: A classic carousel that becomes even more romantic when the lights are on at night.
• Marvel Universe: Interact and take photos with Marvel characters. With short wait times, it's suitable for visitors of all ages. 

Fantasyland

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Take a ride in a small car and listen to stories in a warm and cozy setting, perfect for kids and families.
• Voyage to the Crystal Grotto: A boat ride where you can admire sculptures of classic Disney stories along the way. It's recommended to ride after dark.
• Peter Pan’s Flight: Drift by enchanted skies to the second star to the right with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Never Land gang. 

Treasure Cove

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure: An indoor 5D immersive attraction with realistic scenes and a strong sense of experience, though not particularly thrilling.

 

Zootopia

• Hot Pursuit: Not thrilling but offers an excellent visual experience with naked-eye 3D and a high-speed car ride, closely replicating animated characters.

 

III. Must-Visit Attractions at Shanghai Disneyland

• Enchanted Storybook Castle

This is the tallest and largest castle among all Disneyland parks worldwide, and it is the first castle to gather all Disney Princesses. The decorative pointed top of the castle incorporates traditional Chinese elements such as golden peony flowers, auspicious clouds, and lotus flowers, reflecting a tribute to Chinese culture.

 And don't miss the fireworks show in the evening! Usually takes place at 8 PM and 9:15 PM.

Inside the castle, there are multiple interactive areas where visitors can meet Disney Princesses and experience the charm of the fairy tale world.

 

• Zootopia

This is the first theme park area inspired by "Zootopia" in Disneyland parks worldwide, officially opening on December 20, 2023. The facilities, decorations, and character interactions within the area highly replicate the scenes from the movie, making visitors feel as if they are in this mammalian metropolis.

The design details within the area are abundant. Not only the exterior of buildings and internal decorations but also the design of facilities fully consider the needs of animals of different sizes. 

The only amusement ride in the area, "Wild Chase," utilizes a trackless ride system, allowing visitors to shuttle among different landscapes such as Glacier Town, Sahara Square, and Rainforest District, experiencing thrilling adventures like sliding on ice and rushing off the track onto the streets. The queuing area is also designed with a strong storytelling element, where visitors can interact with characters like Officer Clawhauser and Chief Bogo.

Other attractions worth visiting include "Zootopia Residents' Little Theater," "Lulu Boutique," and "Jumbeaux’s Cafe."

 

• TRON Lightcycle Power Run

This is one of the fastest roller coasters in Disneyland parks worldwide and a signature amusement ride at Shanghai Disneyland. It combines the thrill of motorcycles with high-tech lighting effects, providing visitors with an unprecedented experience.

 

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure

This attraction creates a realistic pirate world for visitors through a 5D giant screen and realistic sound effects. Visitors will board a ship to enter a dark underwater cave and engage in an intense battle for treasure with pirate characters like Captain Jack Sparrow.

 

IV. Travel Tips 

• Planning Your Route

Plan your travel route ahead of time and arrange the attractions in the order of your personal interests and preferences.

Here's a suggested route without backtracking: Zootopia - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - Caribbean Island - Soarin' Over the Horizon - Roaring Rapids - Swingin' Pig - Tron Lightcycle Power Run - Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue - Mickey's Storybook Express - Jet Pack Trooper - Peter Pan's Sky Adventure - Carousel - Fireworks Show.

  

• Purchasing FastPass

Purchase FastPasses through the App. You can choose to buy single-ride FastPasses or a package. Note that the number of FastPasses available for each attraction per day is limited.

  

• Interacting with Characters

If you want to interact with characters, it's recommended to do so in the morning when the waiting time is shorter compared to the afternoon, as afternoon hours may attract annual pass holders.

 

• Watching Performances

Book ahead to watch fantastic performances such as "Mickey's Storybook Express" and "Disney Ignite the Dream - A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light." For the fireworks show, it's advisable to find a good viewing spot half an hour to an hour before the start.

 

Ⅴ. How to get to Shanghai Disneyland?

The park generally starts ticket checking and entry at 8:30 AM. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid peak crowds.

 

Available transportation options include:

• Subway: Take Subway Line 11 directly to the terminal station, Disneyland Station. Exit through Exit 1 and walk to the entrance, which is approximately 400 meters and takes about 6 minutes.

• Bus: Take Pudong Bus No. 50, 51, or 52 to the South Bus Hub Station of Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone.

• Self-drive:

1. Mickey Parking Lot

Navigation: Shanghai Disneyland Mickey Parking Lot

Fees: 100 RMB/entry before 11:30 AM, 50 RMB/entry after 11:30 AM, 10 RMB/entry after 7:00 PM

Pros: Has new energy vehicle parking spots (but limited quantity), mostly slow charging

Cons: Requires a 15-minute walk and crossing a bridge to reach the entrance

2. Disneyland P6 Parking Lot

Fees: 60 RMB/entry

There is a shuttle station at the parking lot entrance. You can take Resort Line 2 to the park entrance for 1 RMB.

Pros: Cost-effective for visitors staying for the whole day

3. Disneyland Town Parking Lot

Fees: 30 RMB/hour, 240 RMB/day

Reservation: Need to purchase parking in advance on the official App and specify the travel date and license plate number

Pros: Most convenient! Only a 5-minute walk from the entrance

Cons: High fees

4. Hotel/Homestay Parking Lot

Fees: Free

You can take the shuttle bus to and from Disneyland (most hotels/homestays provide transportation), and park your car at the hotel

 

Ⅵ. What to eat in Shanghai Disneyland (Popular food)?

A celebration of Duffy and Friends at Tribal Table: Black Truffle Beef with Egg and Rice,119 RMB 

Pinocchio Village Kitchen: Winnie the Pooh Ham and Pineapple Pizza, 109 RMB

Pinocchio Village Kitchen: Baked Kimchi Beef with Rice Cake, 99 RMB

Merlin's Magic Recipe: Winnie the Pooh Beef and Mushroom Ragout Sandwich, 68 RMB 

 

Jumbeaux’s Cafe: Pawpsicle, 45 RMB (All carts in Zootopia sell Pawpsicles)

Lotso Lunch Box: Sichuan Spicy Chicken with Potato Chips, 89 RMB 

CookieAnn Bakery Cafe: Chocolate hazelnut almond croissant, 35 RMB

The Snackin’ Kraken: Grilled Squid and Fish Ball with Sichuan Pepper Peanuts Sauce, 48 RMB