Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland welcomed visitors in 2016 as Disney's sixth resort worldwide and its third in Asia. Nestled in the heart of China's most populous metropolis, the park makes wonder tangible with beautifully designed lands and cutting-edge rides. Use this blog guide to plan your adventure.

Shanghai Disneyland Opening Hours

Shanghai Disneyland is open every day of the year, from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM/9:30 PM. Special seasonal and holiday hours may apply.

Hours may vary; please check the latest schedule on Shanghai Disneyland Official Schedule.

Shanghai Disneyland Ticket

Shanghai Disneyland

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How to go to Shanghai Disneyland

​​1. Shanghai Metro (Recommended ✅)​​

• ​​Line 11​​: Direct access to ​​Disney Resort Station​​.
• • Key transfer stations:
  • • ​​Xuijiahui​​ (Line 11 ↔ Line 1)
    • ​​Jiangsu Road​​ (Line 11 ↔ Line 2)
    • ​​Longyang Road​​ (Line 11 ↔ Maglev/Line 2/7/16)
  • ​​Travel Time​​: ~30–50 mins from downtown (e.g., 20 mins from Pudong Airport).
  • ​​Operating Hours​​:
  • • To Disney: First train ~6:00 AM, last train ~10:30 PM (varies by station).
    • From Disney: Last train departs ~10:30 PM.
  • ​​Cost​​: ¥3–7 RMB (AU$0.6–1.5).

​​2. Taxi​

• ​​Didi (Chinese Uber)​​:
• • Use Didi app (English version available).
  • Set destination: Shanghai Disneyland.
  • ​​Cost​​: ~¥100–150 RMB (AU$20–31) from downtown (e.g., People’s Square).

​​3. Airport Transfers​​

• ​​From Pudong Airport (PVG)​​:
• • ​​Metro​​: Line 2 → Guanglan Road → Transfer to Line 2 extension → Line 11 (total ~40 mins).
  • ​​Taxi​​: ~¥50 RMB (AU$10), 20 mins.
• ​​From Hongqiao Airport (SHA)​​:
• • ​​Metro​​: Line 10 → Hongqiao Railway Station → Line 11 (total ~60 mins).

​​4. Shuttle Buses​​

• ​​Disney Resort Buses (Available for some hotels)​​:
• • Free shuttles between ​​Disney hotels​​, Disneytown, and park entrances.
• ​​Public Buses​​:
• • Routes: Pudong 50, 51, 52 (connect to metro stations).
  • ​​Cost​​: ¥2 RMB (AU$0.4).

​​5. Driving & Parking​​

• ​​Parking Lots​​:
• • ​​Standard​​: ¥100 RMB/day (AU$21).
  • ​​Premium​​ (near entrance): ¥240 RMB/day (AU$50).

Best time to go to Shanghai Disneyland

Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official

Target ​​weekdays in April, May, September, or October​​ for the optimal mix of low crowds, pleasant weather, and full park operations. Always verify hours on the official calendar before booking! 

Things to do at Shanghai Disneyland

Soarin’ Over the Horizon​

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official

A cutting-edge 4D flight simulation that immerses guests in breathtaking global landscapes. Renowned for its hyper-realistic effects and advanced technology, this is the most sought-after attraction at Shanghai Disneyland.​

• ​​Best Seats​​: ​​Gate 2, Row 1, Seats 1–6​​ (optimal viewing angle).
• ​​Wait Times​​: ​​Averages 120+ minutes​​; consistently long queues from park open to close.
• ​​Pro Tip​​: Ride ​​late evening​​ if arriving after park opening.
• ​​Nearby Attractions​​: Pair with Roaring Rapids (water ride) or Adventure Trails (exploration course).
• ​​Height Requirement​​: 102 cm (3'4").

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure​

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​

A premium boat ride featuring groundbreaking 5D cinematic technology. Guests journey underwater to discover lost treasures in a hyper-realistic recreation of swashbuckling adventures.

• Universally ranked as the #1 boat attraction among all Disney/Universal parks worldwide
• High popularity with relatively efficient boarding speed
• The only Shanghai Disney ride worth re-riding multiple times

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train​

​

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​

A family roller coaster weaving through mountain tunnels, past waterfalls and gem mines before arriving at the dwarfs' cottage. Scenic fairy-tale vignettes fill transition moments.

• Essential "starter" coaster experience
• Near Winnie the Pooh and other Fantasyland highlights
• Height Requirement: 122 cm (48")

TRON Lightcycle Power Run​

​

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​

Shanghai's signature motorbike-style coaster launching riders at 100 km/h through neon-lit grids.

• Without Early Park Entry: Ride immediately at opening (go counter-clockwise while crowds head to Soarin')
• Nearby: Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue & Rex's Racer
• Height Requirement: 122 cm (48")
  Note: Seats accommodate riders as short as 97 cm with adult

Roaring Rapids​

Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​​

Whitewater rafting adventure through mountain caves with guaranteed splashes.

• 💦 Rent raincoats inside park (¥10 ≈ $2.10 AUD cash only)
• Choose seats farther from loading area = less soaking
• Ideal for families with children
• Height Requirement: 107 cm (42")

What to eat at Shanghai Disneyland

Mickey & Pals Market Café

Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​​

Location​​: Main exit of Mickey Avenue, opposite Fantasia Carousel
​​Highlights​​: Adjacent to parade route

A Mickey-themed eatery featuring decor celebrating Disney’s iconic characters – including a panoramic character mural and framed character sketches. While ideal for parade viewing (outdoor seating faces procession route), the food offers little Disney flair. Menu revolves around generic rice/noodle sets (only Mickey-shaped boiled eggs nod to theme). ​​

Recommendation​​: Only dine here for parade sightlines.

​​Wandering Moon Restaurant

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​

Location​​: Fantasy Garden near Treasure Cove
​​Highlights​​: Imperial Chinese architecture / Mulan-inspired elements

A serene garden restaurant themed after a fictional Chinese poet. Its Jiangnan-style courtyards rank among the park’s most beautiful settings. Themed zones mirror China’s geography, with an "Adventure Isle-adjacent Gobi Desert" section seamlessly blending into nearby exploration aesthetics.

​​Menu​​: Partnered with Master Kong – expect signature beef noodles (identical to supermarket version) and Peking duck sets. A newly added skewer counter (西北烧烤) serves grilled meat and beer (open until 2pm; winter availability unconfirmed). ​​

Verdict​​: Prioritize ambiance over cuisine.

Lumière’s Kitchen​

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​

Location​​: Next to Roaring Rapids (Adventure Isle)
​​Highlights​​: Turkey leg rice bowl / "Three Delicacies" veggie rice

A rustic wilderness-themed spot serving Adventure Isle’s coveted ​​turkey leg as a full set meal​​ (leg + multigrain rice + greens + drink) for ¥18 more than the standalone snack. Its nutty ​​multigrain rice​​ (¥10/serving) outshines standard park rice. ​​

Tips​​:

• Ideal for small groups (one set feeds two).
• Top first-visit dining pick for unique local flavor.

​​Barbossa’s Bounty​

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​

Location​​: Near El Teatro Fandango (Treasure Cove)
​​Highlights​​: Pork rib rice / immersive pirate ambiance

Home of viral pork rib rice (¥110/set), this Pirates-integrated restaurant lets diners watch ride boats drift past while eating. Part seating overlooks Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, creating a unique "diners-as-sight" experience.

​​Verdict​​: Must-try for first-timers despite premium pricing.

​​Pinocchio Village Kitchen​

Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official​​

Location​​: Across from "Voyage to the Crystal Grotto" (Fantasyland)
​​Highlights​​: Mickey-shaped pizza

An Italian village-themed spot lined with Pinocchio story murals. Exclusive seller of ​​Instagram-famous Mickey-shaped pizzas​​ (avoid spicy chicken – excessively hot). Outshines greasy ribs/chicken for photo ops.

​​Verdict​​: Optimal for family photos; story murals entertain kids.

​​Tangled Tree Tavern​

​Source from Shanghai Disneyland Official

​Location​​: Near "Frozen: Sing-Along Celebration" (Fantasyland)
​​Highlights​​: Rapunzel/Eugene-themed design

Faithful recreation of the Snuggly Duckling pub from Tangled, complete with wanted posters, royal crest tableware, and Rapunzel’s tower views. Menu features fried-food combos (decent but forgettable). ​​

Verdict​​: Only worthwhile for Rapunzel superfans due to remote location.

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Shanghai Disneyland Map

Source from Disney Official Website

Top Attractions at Shanghai Disneyland

Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue​

​​Location​​: Tomorrowland
Interactive dark ride where guests join Buzz Lightyear's mission to defeat Emperor Zurg. Armed with laser cannons, riders score points by hitting targets throughout cosmic battlegrounds.
​​Key Features​​:

• Dual-spin vehicle control (rotate 360° for better aim)
• Real-time scoring system with competitive "Galactic Hero" tier (250,000+ points)
• Mandarin audio with English subtitles
  

​​Alice in Wonderland Maze​

​

​​Location​​: Fantasyland (near Seven Dwarfs Mine Train)
Walkthrough labyrinth featuring oversized flowers, distorted rooms, and iconic scenes from the 1951 film. Culminates at the Queen of Hearts' castle with photo ops.
​​Unique Shanghai Elements​​:

• "Drink Me" bottle light projections altering path appearances
• Cheshire Cat's vanishing/reappearing hologram
• Hidden White Rabbit doors triggered by motion sensors
  ​​Strategy​​:
• Best experienced post-sunset for enhanced lighting effects
• Average visit time: 15-20 minutes
• ​​Xiaohongshu Tip​​: Pink tunnel staircase = ultimate selfie spot

​​Rex's Racer​

​​Location​​: Toy Story Land
​​Family roller coaster themed to Toy Story's timid dinosaur. Features 25-meter drops and sudden accelerations mimicking Rex's gameplay.
​​Technical Specs​​:

• Height Requirement: ​​97 cm​​ (3'2") – lowest thrill-ride threshold in park
• Single Rider Line reduces waits by 60%
• Near-constant operation (rare closures)
  ​​Design Quirk​​:
• Trixie the Triceratops figure at ride exit moves/reacts to riders (exclusive to Shanghai)
  ​​Ideal For​​: Young thrill-seekers transitioning from gentle rides

​​Zootopia Land

​

​​Location​​: New expansion between Adventure Isle and Tomorrowland
​​Flagship Attraction​​: ​​Zootopia Hot Pursuit​​

• ​​Ride System​​: Trackless motion-base vehicles with randomized paths
• ​​Plot​​: Join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in chasing weasel thieves through Tundratown, Sahara Square, and Rainforest District
• ​​Tech Innovation​​:
• • Facial recognition adapts scenes to rider expressions
  • Heat-sensitive seats in "Tundratown" segment
    ​​District Highlights​​:
• ​​Savanna Central Food Market​​: Try giraffe-shaped bao (Limited Time)
• ​​Officer Training Academy​​: Interactive crime-solving game
• ​​Clawhauser's Patrol Car​​: Photo-op with talking Cheetah

Shanghai Disneyland Firework Timing

Time reference:

Under normal circumstances, the fireworks display at Shanghai Disneyland takes place during the two time periods of 8:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. 

During specific festivals, such as the Spring Festival, there will be special editions of fireworks shows, such as "Spring Festival Celebration: Your Home". 

Please note that the specific time is subject to the official release. It is recommended to check in advance.

Hotels Near Shanghai Disneyland