Shanghai Disneyland Tips: The Ultimate Guide!

Shanghai Disneyland’s sprawling 963 acres make it Disney’s largest singular park. What’s more, it features Disney’s fastest ride and biggest castle. Expect lots of traditional Disney attractions blended with touches of Chinese architecture and culture. Discover highlights of each of this theme park’s seven lands, as well as descriptions of Disneyland Shanghai hotels, and recommendations for where to eat within and near the park. I also compare and contrast the Shanghai offerings with other Disney parks, and provide helpful Shanghai Disneyland tips in this guide. Ready? Let’s explore Shanghai Disneyland!

This website sometimes receives compensation, hosted travel, or products related to blog posts. This article may include affiliate links at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases.

Disney Pixar Toy Story Land

Disney Pixar Toy Story Land is the smallest, but one of the most whimsically themed areas of the park. It offers just three attractions, one outdoor restaurant, and a fun retail shop named Al’s Toy Barn. Woody’s Roundup compares to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in California, with cars that swing about like a Tilt-A-Whirl to lively hoedown music. Meanwhile, Rex’s Racers will please young dare devils with its u-shaped zippy track. Slinky Dog Spin can probably be skipped — it’s just a circular ride that goes around and around while Slink “chases” his tail.

Tomorrowland

Like other Disney parks, Shanghai’s Tomorrowland focuses on all things futuristic and sci-fi. Head here to fight the Evil Emperor Zurg on the Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue or ride Jet Packs, a spinning ride reminiscent of Astro Orbiters at other Disney parks. Star Wars character meet-and-greets are also available in this land.

The star attraction in Tomorrowland is TRON Lightcycle Power Run. My family of four unanimously decided this is the best roller coaster…anywhere. Rather than sitting upright, you ride as if on a motorcycle, crouched forward and holding onto handle bars. It’s a more engaging and surprisingly comfortable way to ride. The coaster takes off with a blast of incredible speed, reaching nearly 60 miles per hour. That makes it Disney’s fastest ride yet! But it’s so smooth, I found the ride more exhilarating than scary. It’s half-outside and half-inside with stunning TRON graphics that make riders feel part of a futuristic race. For now, you can only find this attraction at Shanghai Disneyland but there are plans in the works to bring a comparable TRON coaster to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 2021.

After taking your TRON Lightcycle for a spin, you’ll exit through TRON Realm. My kids loved creating and driving their own virtual vehicles at this walk-through attraction.

Little ones may enjoy chatting with everybody’s favorite mischievous Disney alien, Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, in the Stitch Encounter. This interactive attraction is similar to Turtle Talk with Crush, found at both Epcot and Disney California Adventure.

Fantasyland

Compared to the 14 attractions at Disneyland in California and 13 attractions at Magic Kingdom in Florida, Shanghai Disneyland’s Fantasyland feels small. It’s home to just nine rides, shows, and walk-through venues. Expect favorites like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight. Instead of the dizzying Mad Tea Party, there’s a Hundred Acre Wood-themed Hunny Pot Spin. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is located here, too. And then there’s the Alice in Wonderland Maze, which reminded me of Alice’s Curious Labyrinth at Disneyland Paris.

Fantasyland’s centerpiece, the Enchanted Storybook Castle, is the grandest castle in size at any Disney theme park. Rather than belonging to any one princess in particular, this castle is dedicated to multiple Disney characters, including Tiana, Merida, Rapunzel, Elsa, Anna, Belle, Cinderella and Snow White. Wander through the Castle’s “Once Upon a Time” Adventure, which tells the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in light-up, animated scenes (in Mandarin). To dine with your favorite princesses, make reservations at the castle’s restaurant, Royal Banquet Hall.

Embark on a journey through Disney’s cinematic history aboard Voyage to the Crystal Grotto. On this boat ride, you’ll sail past intricate scenes featuring familiar characters like Mulan, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. As a finale, riders float beneath the Enchanted Storybook Castle to view a glowing “crystal” treasure. This attraction reminds me of the Storybook Land ride at Disneyland but on a larger, more fantastical scale, but without commentary by the boat’s captain.

Treasure Cove

The main attraction of the pirate-themed Treasure Cove is, of course, Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure. Even if you’ve ridden Pirates of the Caribbean many times at other Disney parks, this version will wow you. Computer generated scenes from the movie series combine with animatronics to create an amazing pirate’s lair.

Although Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular includes plenty of action and a fairly easy-to-follow plot, kids will bore easily during a lengthy introduction scene entirely in Mandarin. Still it provides an opportunity to escape the heat or cold, and rest your theme park-weary feet.

A few other attractions in the area harken to familiar Disney offerings. If you’re looking to build your arm muscles, paddle through the water in Explorer Canoes. These are similar to Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes at the original Disneyland.

Siren’s Revenge reminds me of a combination of the Sailing Ship Columbia and Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland. Although it doesn’t set sail like the Columbia, this walk-through attraction provides interactive exploration for park goers of all ages.

Meanwhile, Shipwreck Shore offers a place for children to cool off in fountains while parents relax.

Adventure Isle

Explore the wonders of the world in Adventure Isle. Soaring Over the Horizon is Shanghai Disneyland’s version of the flight motion simulator called Soarin’ Around the World, found at Disney California Adventure and Epcot.

Similar to Kali River Rapids at Disney Animal Kingdom or Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure, Roaring Rapids takes riders on a whitewater rafting adventure. The Disneyland Shanghai map warns, “You will get wet. You may get soaked.”

Camp Discovery is a more elaborate version of the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure. It encompasses a walkable scenic trail, a faux archeological dig site for kids, and Challenge Trails — the only true ropes course offered at a Disney park.

Gardens of Imagination

The circle-shaped Gardens of Imagination are unique to Shanghai Disneyland. Located smack in the center of the amusement park, this land is filled with beautiful flowers and other plants. If the park is getting crowded, your children are getting overwhelmed, or your group just needs time to rest and recuperate, this land makes a lovely place to take a breather.

Garden of the Twelve Friends is located here, featuring beautiful mosaic art representing the Disney Pixar animal representation of the Chinese Zodiac. Be sure to take a photo with your zodiac animal!

Gardens of Imagination is also a good place to meet Disney characters. It’s a must for anyone who wants to meet the head cheese, Mickey Mouse. Wander through Mickey’s Enchanted Gallery before getting your photo taken with the mouse himself at Meet Mickey. Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Captain America can also be found in this land. Additionally, young princesses may enjoy Golden Fairytale Fanfare, a musical performance featuring Disney royalty.

This area features a couple of rides normally found in Fantasyland — Dumbo the Flying Elephant and a carousel. Fantasia Carousel features the music and flying pegasus from Disney’s third feature film, Fantasia.

Mickey Avenue

Compared to Mainstreet USA in California and Florida parks, Mickey Avenue is a bit of a disappointment. It’s a much shorter stroll and offers less theming than its American counterparts. Don’t look for any horse drawn carriages or olde tyme vehicle rides here, either. You will find Mickey’s Film Festival, though, playing a loop of Disney cartoons featuring Mickey Mouse and pals.

The most exciting place on Mickey Avenue is Club 33. It’s currently the only eatery of its name offered beyond the original “secret restaurant” at Disneyland in Anaheim. You must be a club member or invited to eat at this exclusive upscale location. One way to get an invitation is to book an Adventures with Disney tour of China.

Disneytown

Shanghai’s Disneytown is comparable to Downtown Disney in California or Disney Springs in Florida. No ticket is required to visit this shopping, dining and entertainment complex. At the Walt Disney Theatre, you can purchase tickets to view a Broadway-caliber production of Beauty and the Beast Musical, but keep in mind the production is performed in Mandarin.

Of course, there are stores in Disneytown with all sorts of Disney-themed clothes, toys and souvenirs. Look for additional retailers like Build-A-Bear, SEPHORA, Swatch, Ugg, and the largest LEGO flagship store in the world. You’ll also find nearly 20 restaurants here, with both Asian and international options.

Wishing Star Park

Escape the theme park hubbub with some nature play at Wishing Star Park, also free to anyone who wants to visit. You can even view the amusement park’s fireworks at no cost from here. Located right next to Disneytown, this park features the Dragonfly Playground where kids can climb, slide, and run to their hearts’ content. Pedal boats and other small watercraft are available for rental as well on the 90+-acre Wishing Star Lake.

Dining at Shanghai Disneyland

Westerners looking for traditional theme park fare may be a bit surprised by the food at Shanghai Disneyland. Restaurants definitely cater to the tastes of Chinese visitors. Traditional food like rice bowls, Chinese noodles, and wok-fried dishes can be found at numerous venues throughout the park.

Breakfast

Rémy’s Patisserie is the only breakfast eatery we could find open in the morning inside Shanghai Disneyland Park. There you can purchase baked goods as well as savory and sweet crepes. As a gluten-free eater, I went with an odd breakfast option — a small shepherd’s pie. My daughter and I both thought a tempting parfait was made of healthy yogurt and fruit, but unfortunately it tasted more like rich whipped cream/frosting layered with very sweet jam.

Disneytown offers a few more breakfast options. You’ll find all sorts of pastries at BreadTalk bakery including doughnuts, Chinese egg tarts, croissants, and some meat-filled rolls. For soups and other traditional Shanghainese breakfast items, head to the Dining Room. At Toast Box, you can order quick service Chinese items like soups and rice bowls as well as American favorite, peanut butter toast. You can get your dose of Western coffee drinks and bakery items at Starbucks, too.

Both Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel serve breakfast as well. Choose from character buffet dining or quick grab-and-go items at either hotel.

Theme Park Snacks

Disneyland Shanghai’s snack offerings will feel quite familiar to those who have visited Disney parks in the U.S. Popcorn carts, Mickey-shaped ice cream treats, character-themed caramel apples, and churros can be found throughout the park. Unfortunately, I didn’t see many healthy offerings like fresh fruits or vegetables for sale.

Western Lunch and Dinner

If you’re looking for Western cuisine, you’ll find some lunch and dinner options both inside the park as well as in Disneytown. Inside the park, there are outdoor corndog carts in Tomorrowland and Adventure Isle. Stargazer Grill in Tomorrowland also serves Western and Asian burgers and fried chicken. In Gardens of Imagination, picky eaters may be pleased to find American hotdogs at Timothy’s Treats. Additionally, both Treasure Cove and Adventure Isle serve up theme park turkey legs. Some restaurants offer pizzas, too, but expect unusual toppings instead of the standard cheese or pepperoni. As for sit-down international dining, you can book a table at Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar or the Cheesecake Factory in Disneytown.

Crystal Jade

A renowned restaurant chain from Singapore, Crystal Jade serves an array of Shanghainese, Cantonese and Singaporean dishes in Disneytown. Their most popular menu item is their Chilli Crab, Singapore’s national dish.

The piggy- and panda-shaped dessert buns aren’t listed on the menu at Crystal Jade, but they’ll happily make them upon request. Not only are they adorable, but also they’re delicious. The dough is a pillowy cloud and the bean paste filling is sweet, but not cloyingly so.

Aurora

For a truly memorable experience, splurge on a meal at Aurora Restaurant at Disneyland Hotel. With very high-end pricing, the food may disappoint in terms of quality and refinement. Worry not, though, the restaurant makes up for it with innovative food plating, over-the-top service, and incredible views of Wishing Star Lake with the theme park in the distance. Purchase a specialty cocktail or mocktail to be treated to a showy mixology performance.

Be sure to book your meal to coincide with the sunset. Then, when Shanghai Disneyland’s fireworks start to flash and boom, join the rest of the diners at the expansive windows to take in the display.

Hotels at Shanghai Disneyland

There are just two Disney hotels at Shanghai Disneyland. Choose the very swanky, very expensive Disneyland Hotel or the more affordable, but moderately upscale Toy Story Hotel. Benefits of booking a stay onsite include Disney-themed accommodations and wonderful customer service. Hotel guests also have close access to the theme park, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park. Perhaps most important, Disney hotel guests gain early entrance to Shanghai Disneyland via a special entrance in Disneytown. Besides, staying on property allows guests to really immerse themselves in the spirit of Disney.

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

The signature hotel is Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. My family didn’t stay here, but we visited this luxurious property during our dinner at Aurora. Its palatial lobby was one of the most impressive hotel spaces I’ve ever seen. Plus, the views of the theme park from here are mind-blowing. Inspired by The Little Mermaid, the indoor mosaic-tiled King Triton Pool would lure any guest to go “under the sea” after a day at the park. If you want the ultimate Shanghai Disneyland experience and you can afford it, by all means, stay here!

Toy Story Hotel

Shanghai’s Toy Story Hotel has a less extravagant, and more playful vibe. Although there’s no swimming pool, summer visitors will be happy to find a Buzz Lightyear splash pad where kids can cool off. It’s not an inexpensive hotel by any means, but for the quality, comfort and theming — it’s a good deal when compared to similar caliber Disney hotels in the U.S. For extra space, do as we did and book adjoining rooms.

If you experience difficulties in reserving your hotel room through Shanghai Disneyland’s website (like I did), call the reservation center instead at 400-180-0000 (calls within China only) or +86-21-3158-0000.

When to Visit Shanghai Disneyland

My family visited Shanghai Disneyland on a Sunday in March and we never had to wait in line more than 15 or 20 minutes, even for the park’s most popular rides. During Chinese holidays, however, expect very large crowds. This is especially true during the two weeks of Chinese New Year (typically in January or February) and the one week celebration of Chinese National Day (October 1 – 7). Shanghai Disneyland also tends to attract large crowds in the summertime, especially on weekends. Summer in Shanghai can be quite hot and humid, too, so keep that in mind when deciding when to visit.

Language

Mandarin is the primary language spoken in attractions and during live performances at Shanghai Disneyland. Thankfully safety warnings, park signage and menus are provided in English as well. With shows and parades that feature a lot of singing, it can be fun to watch your favorite characters belting out familiar songs in a foreign tongue. In dialog-heavy performances, however, non-Mandarin speakers may find the story confusing and lose interest quickly. This is especially true of children.

Paper maps are available in multiple languages including English. Additionally, most cast members speak at least some English. As when traveling anywhere, it’s always polite to learn a few words, like hello (nǐ hǎo, pronounced “nee haow”) and thank you (xiè xiè, pronounced “sh-ye, sh-ye”). When in a pickle, pointing and impromptu sign language work just fine.

Fastpass

If your family hates waiting in line as much as mine does, you’re definitely going to want to use the Fastpass option at Shanghai Disneyland. There are no paper Fastpasses available at this theme park.

Instead, you should download the Shanghai Disney Resort Official App in advance. After entering the park, simply open the app, sign in, and then select “Get Fastpass.” It will ask you to scan the QR code on your park ticket. Create a party in the app to link your friends’ or family’s tickets. That way your whole group can enjoy popular attractions together using the same Fastpass return time. Next, select the Fastpass ride you desire and confirm your selection. To redeem, go to the Fastpass return entrance at the designated return time and show your QR code in “My Plan” on the app.

Shanghai Disneyland Fastpass Rides

• 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

Shanghai Disney Resort Official App

Not only is the Shanghai Disney Resort App essential for using Fastpasses, but also it offers plenty of other benefits. Another great time saver, you can use the app to view wait times at all attractions. The app also lists entertainment times for character meet-ups, parades, fireworks, and other live shows and events. A list of guest services will help you locate ATMs, drinking fountains, locker rentals, the Baby Care Center and more. Feeling hungry? Read through restaurant descriptions and sample menu items on the app. You can even use the app to review and purchase any PhotoPass images taken by Disney cast members.

What to Do Near Shanghai Disneyland

After exploring Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park, you may wonder if there’s anything else to do near the theme park. My family had time to burn on our last day at the park before our flight home to the U.S. We didn’t have time enough to head all the way back to Shanghai’s city center. Moreover, we didn’t have anywhere to store our luggage besides our hotel. So, we asked the concierge where we could go nearby for a few hours. He advised recommended taking a short cab ride to Shanghai Village.

This upscale outdoor outlet mall is just a few miles from the Disney Resort area. It’s owned by London’s Bicester Village and feels oh-so-very European. Go to Shanghai Village for high-end Western brands like Coach, Gucci, Armani and more. You’ll find a few Western and Chinese dining options here as well, including Costa Coffee and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. Even if you don’t buy anything, an onsite lake and beautiful grounds make it a pleasant place to wander.

How to Buy Shanghai Disneyland Tickets

Good news! Shanghai Disneyland tickets are about 45 percent less expensive than Disney Park tickets at U.S. parks!

Tickets are available for purchase up to 30 days in advance. Keep in mind that you must buy tickets for specific dates. You can save about 24 percent on second-day tickets buy bundling them with your first day purchase. Be forewarned, though, that tickets are only valid on two consecutive days.

Discounted pricing is available for seniors aged 65+ and for children. These tickets are 25 percent less expensive than the regular adult fares. In China, child pricing is typically based on height rather than age. This is good news for petite young patrons and bad news for early bloomers! Kids under 1.4 meters (or 4’7″) qualify for the lower cost tickets.

You are supposed to be able to purchase Shanghai Disneyland tickets through the official website or via the Shanghai Disney Resort Official App. I, however, experienced problems trying to book my tickets via their website. Instead, I purchased my family’s tickets in advance via Viator. Pricing via Viator is pretty much identical to buying direct from Disney, but you pay in dollars instead of yuan. Purchase your Shanghai Disneyland tickets now!

Getting to Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is located within Shanghai, but not within the city’s business and tourism center. It should take you about 45 minutes to reach the theme park in Pudong District from most city hotels. It could take much longer, however, depending on traffic and your exact location. You can purchase one-way or roundtrip transfers from a city hotel to the amusement park via Viator, but it’s less expensive to just hire a taxi. Shanghai Disneyland is closer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport than downtown, making the amusement park an easy first or last stop in Shanghai before flying elsewhere.

Save these Shanghai Disneyland Tips

For future reference, be sure to keep these tips for visiting Shanghai Disneyland. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Before you go, take a look at these tips for visiting Disneyland Paris or peruse our Theme Parks Directory.

Do you have any questions or additional Shanghai Disneyland tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: I did not receive any discounts or compensation related to this Disneyland Shanghai guide. All opinions are mine, as always.

Sharing is caring!