Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland’s castle is the largest in the world
Shanghai Disneyland, opened on June 16, 2016, is located in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Shanghai Disneyland’s castle is the largest Disney castle in the world, and it has the longest parade route. It also features the world’s first pirate-themed area. There are 8 theme parks: Fantasyland, Gardens of Imagination, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Disney-Pixar Toy Story Land, and Zootopia.
Table of Contents
Highlights
Mickey Avenue (Chinese name: 米奇大街)
This is the first stop at Disney, and it’s the only street in all the Disney parks that’s themed around Mickey. You can snap photos with Mickey, Donald Duck, and other characters here!
Fantasyland (梦幻世界)
Fantasyland is the biggest area in Shanghai Disneyland. It’s got the amazing “Enchanted Storybook Castle.” Every spot here is fun for all ages. You can ride the Crystal Grotto, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the Mad Hatter’s Teacups, the Alice in Wonderland Maze, Peter Pan’s Flight, Frozen: A Musical Invitation, the Old Mill Eatery, and Pinocchio’s Village Kitchen. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is the most popular ride. It takes you into a gem-filled mine where you’ll meet the singing Dwarfs!
Tomorrowland (明日世界)
This is the world of future tech. You can try the “TRON Lightcycle Power Run” coaster and feel the thrill. There’s also a “Star Wars” VR experience.
Gardens of Imagination (奇想花园)
In the Gardens of Imagination, you’ve got the Storytellers Statue, the “Mickey’s Magical Express” parade, the Twelve Friends Garden, the Fantasia Carousel, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Treasure Cove (宝藏湾)
Treasure Cove is the first pirate-themed area in any Disney park. You can check out rides like Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Explorer Canoes, and the Theater of the Sun.
Adventure Isle (探险岛)
In Adventure Isle, you can enjoy rides like Roaring Rapids, the stage show “Tarzan: Call of the Jungle,” the Explorer’s Camp, Soaring Over the Horizon, and the Tribal Feast Hall.
Disney-Pixar Toy Story Land (皮克斯玩具总动员)
This is the themed area for the animated movie “Toy Story.” You can interact with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other toys here!
Zootopia (疯狂动物城)
This is the world’s first Zootopia-themed area. The main ride here is Hot Pursuit. You hop in a trackless police car and zip through the city with Judy and Nick!
Attraction Surprises
Fireworks Show (烟花表演)
The fireworks show is definitely the highlight of a trip to Shanghai Disneyland! It usually happens every night between 8:00 and 9:15. The best spot to watch is typically in the plaza in front of the Enchanted Storybook Castle. The show mixes fireworks, flames, water screens, lasers, and projections for an amazing visual and audio experience!
Disney Parade (迪士尼花车表演)
Practical Travel Tips
- Disney water is pretty pricey, so bring your own cup. All the restaurants will give you free hot water. It’s especially nice in winter when you’re watching the fireworks—it gets really cold, and hot water helps!
- Don’t forget a portable charger. There aren’t many to rent at Disney, and your phone will definitely run out of battery by the end of the day.
- If you have a little one, you can rent a stroller. It makes things way easier.
- You’ll be doing a lot of walking at Disney, so wear comfy shoes. You’ll be super tired otherwise!
- If you’re going in summer, bring an umbrella and some sunscreen. The sun can be really strong, and it helps to be prepared for sudden rain.
- It’s a good idea to stay at a hotel with Disney shuttle service. They usually have shuttles at 6 AM and 10:30 PM. Just call the front desk to check.
- If you want a good spot for the fireworks show, get there around 7 PM. There are shows at 8:00 and 9:15 on weekends and holidays.
- If you’re going on the river rapids ride, bring a disposable raincoat. Otherwise, you’ll get soaked! (You can also buy one at the park.)
- You can’t bring a selfie stick. We had ours taken away, but you can ask other guests to take pictures for you. We did that!
- No instant hot food (like instant noodles) allowed.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Admission
- Starting November 24, 2024, the park ticket pricing will change to a six-tier structure. The regular day ticket will be 475 yuan (about 66 USD), while the highest price during peak periods will be 799 yuan (about 112 USD).
luggage Storage
- Disney official storage: Located in the Donald Duck parking lot, east of the entrance security check. The price is 90 yuan (about 13 USD) per day per locker. It’s great for visitors with a lot of luggage and is quick and convenient.
- Disney subway station storage: Located at Exit 1 of Disney station on Line 11. The price is 60 yuan (about 9 USD) per day, perfect for travelers using the subway.
How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland
By Bus
- The main bus routes to Shanghai Disneyland are Pudong Route 50, Route 51, and Route 52. These buses are the primary public transport options to Disney, connecting various points from the city to the park.
By Subway
- Take Line 11 directly to Disney Station. After exiting at Exit 1, it’s about a 400-meter walk, which takes around 6 minutes to reach the park.
How Visitors Rate the Shanghai Disneyland
Local tourists from China
I might love Captain Jack Sparrow too much because I think the Pirates of the Caribbean rides were the most amazing. Definitely sit in the front row for both the ride and the show; the experience is incredible! It was my boyfriend's birthday in September, and wearing his birthday badge got him a lot of warm wishes from the staff. He even got to interact with Captain Jack! We also high-fived during the parade, and the happiness level was through the roof!
It was a Friday, so it felt crowded, especially at night. A lot of popular rides said there were 75-minute waits, but we ended up waiting only about 50 minutes. So, don’t give up on any ride you want to try! I can't wait to visit magical Disney again!
On the Hot Pursuit ride, it suddenly stopped, and everyone had to exit. Luckily, after an hour, they fixed it, and I got to ride again through the fast pass line. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had a wait of over 70 minutes, and that was on a weekday! I can’t imagine how long it is on holidays. It’s super fun, though—I rode it twice and loved it! I wish I lived closer; I’d totally get an annual pass.
I ordered the pork ribs meal next to Pirates for 139 yuan (about 19 USD), but it wasn’t very good.
If you want to enjoy the whole day, I recommend getting there by 8:30 AM because you can really make the most of your time. Disney now allows you to bring food into the park, so don’t forget to pack some bread and water.
Disney is truly beautiful, and the castle is a great spot for photos. Today, I saw the Zootopia parade, and I heard that guests can join in the parade too!
If you don’t want to wait, you have to buy a VIP pass to skip the lines, which costs 180 yuan (about 25 USD) per person per ride. Of course, the attractions are top-notch and really great for kids, so I’ll still take my child back a few times!
