Dreams and Joy Await at Shanghai Disney
Shanghai Disneyland is a theme park full of dreams and joy, offering visitors endless entertainment and memories. Here's a travel guide to Shanghai Disneyland to help you better plan your trip:
Early Preparation
- Ticket Purchase: Purchase tickets in advance on the Shanghai Disney Resort official website, official app, or other officially authorized online travel platforms. Choose the right ticket type based on your time and budget, such as 1-Day Tickets or 2-Day Tickets.
- Download the Disney App: This is your essential travel companion. You can check real-time maps, ride wait times, show schedules, and reserve standby passes for popular attractions on the app.
- Understand Park Information: Before heading to Disney, familiarize yourself with the park's various themed areas, attractions, shows, and restaurants to better plan your itinerary.
- Prepare Items: Bring your ID card, portable charger, water bottle, snacks, disposable raincoat, Disney headband, tissues, cushion, sunscreen, and other necessary items. Note that Disney prohibits items such as alcoholic beverages, food requiring secondary processing, food with pungent odors, glass water bottles, selfie sticks, tripods, large items, personal transportation devices, folding stools, supplemental lighting, and knives.
Transportation Guide
- Subway: Take Subway Line 11 directly to Disney Resort Station. Exit from Exit 2, and the park is just a few minutes' walk away.
- Bus: Several bus routes, including Pudong No. 50, Pudong No. 51, and Pudong No. 52, stop at the "Shanghai Disney Resort" station. The park is a short walk from the bus stop.
- Driving: If driving, set your navigation to Shanghai Disneyland parking lot. Mickey Parking costs ¥100/entry before 11:30, ¥50/entry after 11:30, and ¥10/entry after 19:00. Toy Story Parking costs ¥240/day. Remember to book your parking space in advance.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi directly to the park is convenient and fast, but you may need to queue during peak hours.
Park Guide
- Check In Preparation: Arrive at the park early. If you have an Early Entry Pass, it is recommended to arrive at the main entrance around 7:00. If you don't have an Early Entry Pass, it is recommended to arrive around 8:00. After entering the park, link your tickets first, then draw for LinaBell purchase eligibility (you can skip this if you're not interested). Then, use the app to get Premier Access for some attractions. Currently, only Mickey's Storybook Adventure generally requires it. Choose a viewing time based on your schedule. If the time conflicts with the parade, it's recommended to choose another time slot to avoid missing important activities.
- Must-Do Attractions:
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure: This is an immersive sea adventure. Follow Captain Jack Sparrow on a treasure hunt with realistic special effects and sound. The glasses-free 3D effects make you feel like you're on the rough seas, battling alongside pirates, and experiencing an adrenaline rush.
- Roaring Rapids: Ride a raft along a winding river through a mysterious rainforest. Sometimes rapid, sometimes gentle, the journey also passes through mysterious caves, offering unknown thrills. Remember to wear a raincoat to embrace the cool splashes.
- Soaring Over the Horizon: This attraction uses advanced flight simulation technology to take you soaring over famous landmarks around the world. From the majestic Great Wall to the vast African savanna, from the romantic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious Easter Island, every scene is captivating, as if you were there.
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A roller coaster suitable for the whole family. While experiencing the thrill, you can also enjoy the cute scenes of the seven dwarfs working in the mine. Accompanied by cheerful music, the ride through the mountains is full of childlike fun.
- TRON Lightcycle Power Run: A futuristic roller coaster. Ride a cool lightcycle motorcycle and speed along the high-speed track. With flashing lights and stunning sound effects, it's like traveling to a future cyberspace and experiencing the thrill of speed.
- Must-See Shows:
- ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration: The fireworks show usually takes place at 20:00 and 21:15 and lasts about 15 minutes. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to secure a good spot. You can navigate to "ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration" for viewing locations. You can also choose to watch the fireworks next to the Gardens of Imagination porch, where the fireworks reflecting in the water offer a breathtaking view.
- Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular: This is a wonderful stage show that tells the story of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew encountering a storm at sea. The show features thrilling special effects and wonderful performances, making you feel like you're in the world of pirates.
- Mickey's Storybook Adventure: This is a brand-new musical featuring Mickey and his friends, telling a story full of fantasy and adventure. The show features wonderful music, dance, and special effects, allowing you to experience the magic of Disney.
- Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration: This is a Frozen-themed show featuring characters like Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff, who will bring you wonderful songs and performances.
- Recommended Routes:
- Less Walking Route: If you don't consider ride wait times and want to walk as little as possible, a classic route is the counterclockwise route: Roaring Rapids - Pirates of the Caribbean - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - TRON Lightcycle Power Run - Soaring Over the Horizon - Rex's Racer - The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Peter Pan's Flight.
- Family Route: If you are traveling with children, you can choose some child-friendly attractions and shows, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Fantasia Carousel, Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration, and Mickey's Storybook Adventure. The route can be adjusted according to the children's interests and time.
Food Recommendations
- Pinocchio Village Haus: This restaurant is designed like Pinocchio's father's wooden workshop. The must-try is the Mickey Mouse Pizza, and the Peking Duck Pizza is especially delicious! The seafood chow mein also has local Shanghai characteristics.
- Wandering Moon Teahouse: This restaurant is closer to the Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration venue. Because of its slightly remote location, many people don't know about it. If you want to avoid crowds, you can try this place. The warm and romantic atmosphere of the small wooden house is fantastic. Stir-fried Australian beef with rice and roasted chicken with rice are the specialties here.
- Mickey & Pals Market Cafe: Located on the right-hand side at the end of Mickey Avenue, this is usually the most crowded place. The style is varied, and there's even a dedicated area for watching cartoons, which is very interesting. They offer Shanghai steamed buns and spicy hot pot with shrimp and beef, offering a taste of China.
- Barbossa's Bounty: The atmosphere here is always fantastic, just like the Caribbean taverns. You can even see the pirate ship passing by from a corner of the restaurant, which feels very real. If you're with a group, be sure to try the Davy Jones' Island Feast, which includes all kinds of signature barbecue. If you're not with a group, the previously mentioned pork ribs with rice is highly recommended; the honey-sweet taste is unforgettable.
- Tribal Table at Lumiere's Kitchen: Come here if you want to get up close and personal with LinaBell, Duffy, and their friends! Also come here if you want roasted chicken. Try the Tribal Family Feast.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Hotels Inside the Disney Resort: Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel are full of Disney atmosphere. Staying here not only allows you to enjoy quality service but also experience priority park entry, starting your joyful time earlier. Disney elements can be seen everywhere in the hotel, making you feel like you're in a fairy tale world. It's the perfect choice for Disney fans.
- Hotels Around Disney: There are many affordable hotels and homestays around the park, some of which offer shuttle services to and from the park. Although not inside the resort, they offer great value and can meet the needs of travelers with different budgets.