1. Things to Know before You Go
Shanghai Disneyland is an enchanting and joy - filled theme park. Located in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, it is the first Disney - themed park on the Chinese mainland. Covering an area of 1.16 square kilometers, its themed zones are divided into eight major ones: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land, and Zootopia. It also features attractions such as the Enchanted Storybook Castle, Marvel Hero Headquarters, and Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue. The main entrance faces a central lake, with commercial and entertainment facilities and hotels on both sides.
Currently, Shanghai Disney Resort is not only a paradise for children but also a childhood memory for adults. Moreover, it is an excellent place for three - generation families to travel together and experience the happiness of family reunion. In such a fantasy - filled and childlike park, there are amusement facilities and shows suitable for people of all ages, allowing them to get involved in it and experience all funny programs.
2. Why is Shanghai Disneyland Park so Special?
The Disney creative team designed "Mickey Avenue" as the welcoming entrance for Shanghai Disneyland Park, thus replacing the nearly 60 - year - old design tradition of using an American town as the theme. In addition, its uniqueness is also reflected in the following aspects.
Distinctive Chinese style: The spire of the iconic "Enchanted Storybook Castle" is adorned with elements such as traditional Chinese auspicious clouds, peonies, lotuses, and magnolias, the city flower of Shanghai. The Chinese - style restaurant, Man Yue Xuan, inherits the traditional Chinese architectural style. Paying tribute to the literati and poets who have traveled across the land of China and are full of artistic creation feelings, it selects five elements - mountains, oceans, deserts, forests, and rivers - as its theme. In the "Gardens of Imagination", the Disney - iconic carousel is meticulously crafted by Chinese artisans, with 72 gorgeous colors beautifully interwoven.
A rich variety of amusement rides: There are more than 30 amusement rides in the park, including Soarin' Around the World, Roaring Rapids, Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure etc, which are suitable for tourists of different ages.
Exquisite entertainment shows: There are more than 20 entertainment shows every day, such as the parade floats and Ignite the Dream(A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light), immersing tourists in a joyous atmosphere.
Unique themed restaurants: They offer a variety of delicious foods, such as the Royal Banquet Hall in the Enchanted Storybook Castle and Captain Jack's Grill in Treasure Cove, which satisfy plenty of tourists' taste buds.
A dazzling array of shopping stores: There are stores and restaurants on both sides of the street, and the street lamps on both sides are in the shape of magnolias, the city flower of Shanghai. The "Mickey Avenue" zone features the "Steamboat Willie Fountain" in the shape of a jet boat, implying "smooth sailing".
3. How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland Park
Starting from downtown Shanghai, you can easily reach Shanghai Disneyland by subway and bus.
Subway: Take Line 11 and get off at Disneyland Station. Then exit from Gate 1 or Gate 4 and walk for 5 - 10 minutes based on the signs to enter it.
Bus: Take bus routes 50, 51 or 52 of Pudong to reach the Disneyland Park.
Parking lots: For self - driving passengers, it is recommended to park at the Disneytown Parking Lot (the closest to the park) or the Shanghai Disneyland Parking Lot. Travelers staying at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel or Toy Story Hotel can park their cars for free in the parking lot of their respective hotels.
4. Highlights of Shanghai Disneyland Park
4.1 Mickey Avenue 米奇大街
The first place you reach after entering the park is Mickey Avenue, which is also the first welcome avenue themed around Mickey and his friends among all Disney parks globally. There are shops and restaurants, together with the "Steamboat Willie Fountain" on both sides of the street. Here, you can interact with Disney characters, browse the high - aesthetic - value gift shops, and indulge in delicious desserts and ice - creams, even you can also select precious souvenirs at the "M Street Mercantile" and bring home the wonderful memories about your Disney trip to share with your relatives and friends afterwards.
4.2 Fantasyworld 梦幻世界
As a place full of fantasy and magic, Fantasyland is situated in the northern part of Shanghai Disneyland.
Entertainment projects: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan's Flight, Alice's Wonderland Maze, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Popular activities: Meeting Disney princesses at the Royal Hall
Popular show: Frozen - A Sing - Along Celebration
Food recommendation: The Royal Banquet Hall
4.3 Tomorrowland 明日世界
Tomorrowland is located in the northwest of Shanghai Disneyland, there are five amusement items which are full of a sense of futurism and technology.
Entertainment items: TRON Lightcycle Power Run (motor - style roller coaster), Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue (shooting battle), Jet Packs
Popular shows: Avengers Training Initiative, Stitch Encounter
Food recommendation: Star Terrace Restaurant (Marvel - themed)
4.4 Gardens of Imagination 奇想花园
Situated in the north of Shanghai Disneyland, it is the first garden - themed park among all Disney parks around the world. It consists of seven gardens connected by small bridges and walkways.
Entertainment items: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Fantasia Carousel
Popular activity: Golden Fairy Tale Festival
Food recommendation: Man Yue Restaurant
4.5 Treasure Cove 宝藏湾
Located in the northeast of Shanghai Disneyland, it is the first pirate - themed land in all Disneyland Parks around the world. The stage play "The Coming Storm: The Incredible Stunt Adventure of Captain Jack Sparrow." had its world premiere here.
Entertainment items: Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Explorer Canoes, Shipwreck Shore
Popular show: The Coming Storm: The Incredible Stunt Adventure of Captain Jack Sparrow
Popular activity: Meeting Captain Jack Sparrow at Sparrow's Secret Hideout
Food recommendation: Barposa barbecue
4.6 Adventure Isle 探险岛
Adventure Isle is located in the southeast of Shanghai Disneyland and adjacent to Mickey Avenue, its history is derived from legends and Disney's imagination originated from the civilization established by the "Abalone" people on this island thousands of years ago. It features landscapes such as ancient bridges, the tribal center of the Abalone people, rivers, and waterfalls.
Entertainment items: Soaring Around the World, Roaring Rapids, Trailblazer Camp
Popular activity: Meeting Nick and Judy at the Laughing Place
Food recommendation: Tribal Table
4.7 Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land 迪士尼·皮克斯玩具总动员
Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land is located in the northwest of Shanghai Disneyland and is themed around the Disney·Pixar's animated film "Toy Story".
Entertainment items: Dragon racing, Slinky Dog Spin, Woody Cowboy Carnival
Popular activity: Meeting Woody and Jessie at the Friendship Post
Food recommendation: Toy Box Feast Square
4.8 Disney • Zootopia 迪士尼•疯狂动物城
As the world's first "Zootopia"-themed area, Shanghai Disney Resort and China Eastern Airlines jointly unveiled the brand-new "Zootopia"-themed painted aircraft - "Disney • Zootopia Plane" on May 24, 2024. The exterior of the plane features a fresh and natural blue color, and the fuselage vividly depicts beloved animal characters from the movie "Zootopia", such as the fox - Nick, Officer - Judy and the sloth - Flash etc.
Entertainment item: Taking photos with Nick and Judy at Police Department of Zootopia
Popular activity: Hot Pursuit
Food recommendation: Jumbeaux's Café
5. Best Show You Can't Miss
5.1 Storm Surge: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular (Treasure Cove)
The performance is divided into a pre - show and the official show. During the pre - show, the staff members use their humorous and funny skills to warm up the atmosphere. The theme of the official show revolves around Captain Jack and those crafty pirates on an adventure of treasure - hunting. Later, they encounter a beautiful red - haired star, as well as a royal admiral and his subordinates. An exciting fight full of tension and thrilling stunts unfolds in the fierce wind and rain. Among all the shows in Shanghai Disneyland, it ranks among the most wonderful ones.
5.2 Tarzan: Call of The Jungle (Adventure Isle)
The show unfolds in chapters, telling the story of a human boy raised by apes who eventually grows into the king of the jungle. Elements such as acrobatics and musicals are added to the performance. Especially the scenes where the male and female protagonists fly in the air are highly realistic in terms of dramatic effect.
5.3 Mickey's Storybook Express Parade
As the music starts, the Disney parade floats roll out one by one from the Feast of the Lion King area. They pass through Tomorrowland and Gardens of Imagination in sequence, and finally arrive at Treasure Cove amidst the applause and cheers of the audience. Mickey and Donald Duck drive the train at the locomotive and the dreamy floats that follow afterwards are all inspired by classic Disney movies, as if the little friends who accompanied you through your growth reappear in your life. The float of "Mulan" is specially created for Shanghai Disneyland, the soldiers waving big flags and the heroic Mulan forming a domineering scene of a female hero --"taking her father's place in the army", they both look extremely valiant. The last float of "Aladdin" carries characters from different animated films, coming to everyone in a happy and lively way. The parade starts at 3:30 p.m. If you want to get a good position, it is recommended to arrive 15 - 30 minutes early and queue along the parade route.
5.4 Enchanted Storybook Castle
As an iconic building of Disneyland Park, the Enchanted Storybook Castle endows Disney stories with boundless vitality.
Besides the princess stories in the castle, the performances on the Golden Fairytale Fanfare stage are also stunning. Snow White, Princess Ariel, Princess Jasmine, Princess Merida, Queen Elsa, and Princess Anna, all dressed in exquisite gowns, come on stage one by one and dance merrily to the moving music.
Of course, the most wonderful performance comes when night falls. The long awaited Show- A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light starts precisely at 8:00 p.m. , Gorgeous fireworks, fountains, lasers, and high - altitude projections shine together, and scenes from Disney animations are presented in an extremely shocking way, all of them are indeed eye-catching and breathtaking.
6. Food & Accommodation
6.1 Recommended Restaurants
Tribal Table (Adventure Isle) 部落丰盛堂（探险岛）
The tribal turkey rice is a must - try when you come here since the huge turkey leg is quite filling. As"Adventure Isle" is the hometown of the Abalone natives, the delicious food here is served on leaf - shaped plates or bowls with Abalone decorative patterns.
Captain Jack's Grill (Treasure Cove) 巴波萨烧烤（宝藏湾）
When you see the admiral raising his hand and looking into the distance, don't leave, because this is the restaurant in Treasure Cove. The most special design of this restaurant is that it is connected to the adjacent "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction. While dining here, the tourists on the boats are also the scenery in your eyes.
Three Broomsticks (Fantasyland) 老藤树食栈（梦幻世界）
Three Broomsticks is inspired by "The Snuggly Duckling" in the Disney movie "Tangled". Here, tourists can enjoy delicious food such as roast chicken, fish and chips, and Mongolian - style beef. Most restaurants in the Disneyland Park equipped with children's meals are specially designed for kids, which is very considerate. A children's meal includes a staple food and a box of milk, and it is sold at 45 yuan, which is a 25% discount compared to the 60 - yuan set meal when the park just opened at the beginning.
Man Yue Xuan (Gardens of Imagination) 漫月轩（奇想花园）
"Man Yue Xuan", mainly serves Chinese cuisine, which is based on Chinese architectural style and adorn with symbolic signs of mountains, seas, deserts, forests and rivers, it even integrates a story themed around "Man Yue". Besides, there are also a continuous stream of snacks on the food carts that can be seen everywhere in Disney Resort.
6.2 Recommended Hotels
Two hotels in Shanghai Disneyland
-
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel
- Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is a high - end hotel within the Disney resort. During the off - season, it is around 2,000 RMB. In the peak season, it will increase to around 3,000 - 4,000 RMB. The price of Toy Story Hotel is also close to 2,000 RMB in the peak season.
Hotels near Disneyland
-
Charlotte International Hotel (Disney Branch): Located in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, about 3 kilometers away from the south gate of Disneyland, it is very convenient to travel to the airport and Disneyland. The family rooms are especially spacious and comfortable, making them suitable for accommodating the elderly and children. It provides round - trip shuttle service to Disneyland, and the room price ranges from 500 to 700 yuan.
-
Sheraton Hotel: It is an international five - star hotel, 25 kilometers away from Disneyland Park and it takes about an hour by subway, the price is around 1,000 RMB.
7. Time-saving Methods
When it comes to time - saving ways to play in Shanghai Disney Resort, I have to recommend a magical tool to reduce queuing time - the FastPass (FP). There are three locations in Shanghai Disneyland where you can obtain the FastPass, the Guest Services Center in "Fantasyland", the Guest Services Center in "Adventure Isle", and the Guest Services Center in "Tomorrowland".
There are a total of seven tourist attractions that can use the FP, which are: "Soaring Around the World" in Adventure Isle, "Roaring Rapids" in Adventure Isle, "TRON Lightcycle Power Run" in Tomorrowland, "Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue" in Tomorrowland, "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" in Fantasyland, "Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" in Fantasyland, and "Peter Pan's Flight" in Fantasyland.
It's very easy to get the FP. First, you can try to find the Disney FastPass distribution booth in the park and then scan the valid ticket of the day, select the attraction you want to play and then you can get it afterwards. When arriving at the FP waiting area of the attraction according to the specified time on the card, you can start playing soon.
In addition, the park provides stroller rental services, which is very practical for families with children. However, the strollers cannot be reserved in advance and you can find the rental point after entering the main entrance, the rental fee for a stroller is 90 RMB /day.
8. Suggested Tour Routes and Attractions
Routes covering popular attractions: Get a FastPass for Soaring Around the World → TRON Lightcycle Power Run → (Intersperse with other attractions in the Tomorrowland themed area appropriately) → Tales of Enchantment → (Intersperse with other attractions in the Fantasyland themed area appropriately) → Parade → Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure → (Intersperse with other attractions in Treasure Cove or Adventure Isle appropriately) → Other attractions → Mickey Avenue → Ignite the Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light
Thrilling routes: TRON Lightcycle Power Run → Jet Packs → Golden Fairytale Fanfare show → Seven Dwarfs Mine Train → Peter Pan's Flight → Soaring Around the World → Trailblazer Challenge → Roaring Rapids → Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure
Family - friendly routes: Tales of Enchantment → Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh → Alice's Wonderland Maze → Get a FastPass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train → Parade → Peter Pan's Flight → Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room → Frozen: A Sing - Along Celebration show → Dumbo the Flying Elephant → Fantasia Carousel → Mickey Avenue → Ignite the Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light
9. Nearby Attractions
Tianzifang (田子坊): It is evolved from the distinctive Shikumen (石库门) alleyways in Shanghai. Located in Puxi, Shanghai, it is one of the most bourgeois - style places in the city. The name was an elegant moniker given by the painter Huang Yongyu several years ago. Young people with a taste of art are sure to come here when they first arrive in Shanghai in order to experience its originality.
Yu Garden (豫园): A private garden built during the Ming Dynasty and it has long been renowned as an "urban forest" and is said to be "the most exquisite in the southeast". It is a pearl among the gardens in the south of the Yangtze River and it is honored as one of the four major cultural markets in China.
City God Temple (城隍庙): The City God Temple in Shanghai is one of the important deities widely worshiped in Chinese religious culture. It is represented by famous ministers and heroes who have rendered meritorious services to the local people. Most importantly, it is an important Taoist temple first built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1403 - 1424), with a history of nearly six hundred years.
Madame Tussaud's (杜莎夫人蜡像馆): Shanghai was selected from more than thirty candidates around the world and became the location of the sixth Madame Tussaud's wax museum globally. With seven themed exhibition areas, visitors can not only take intimate photos with over 80 lifelike wax figures of Chinese and foreign stars but also participate in interactive experiences such as singing duets with "stars", making movies, and playing basketball.
In addition to the above - mentioned popular destinations, there are also tourist attractions such as the Shanghai World Financial Center & World Trade Tower, Xujiahui Cathedral, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, they are well worth visiting.
10. The Possible Benefits of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour
Assisting you to enjoy a time-saving and convenient visit in Disneyland Park, we highly recommend you to travel with us Yes! CN Tour.
Guided tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places you visit. Therefore, joining a guided tour offers a hassle-free, enriching, and socially engaging way to explore the world. It’s an excellent choice for those who value convenience, expert insights, and the camaraderie of group travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, a guided tour can provide a memorable and rewarding experience.
What's more, our local experienced drivers will serve you wholeheartedly from the beginning you arrive in the airport of tourism destinations to the last moment you want to leave, we focus on each detail and make tailor-made itineraries based on your group size, physical conditions and budgets. What you need to do is to concentrate on the highlights in the scenic spots.
Most importantly, traveling with a group and a professional guide can provide an added sense of security, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations, our tour guides are well-prepared to handle emergencies, and being part of a group reduces the risks compared with the solo travel,so please don't hesitate to contact with us to create a more unforgettable journey.