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The Insider’s Guide To
Shanghai Disneyland
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There is a saying that the sun never sets on a Disney castle.
With parks spanning the globe, one is always open somewhere in the world. And in Shanghai, we are fortunate enough to have the newest Disney theme park located right in our backyard!
Shanghai Disneyland is the third Disney park in Asia, and boasts the largest castle out of all the parks worldwide. In its first year, this Mainland China attraction welcomed over 11 million Guests through the gates---surpassing expectations.
If you haven’t yet visited this beautiful destination, now is the time. Read on for some tips and tricks to experience the magic of the Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
PURCHASE TICKETS
RESERVE RIDES
Shanghai Disneyland App
Most people who have visited a Disney park know about the FastPass system—you can walk up to most popular attractions, insert your park ticket, and receive a FastPass with a designated return time to shorten your wait.
But did you know that you can now make FastPass reservations with your phone?
The Shanghai Disneyland App allows you to select your rides ahead of time—so skip the line and enjoy more time at the most magical place on earth!
AVOID THE CROWDS
The best advice I can give you is to avoid the summer months and the Chinese holidays.
The lines can be hours long (though you can still purchase front of line access for a price). But outside of those times, the park can be very accessible if you go during the week.
I have been in September, October, and December midweek and have experienced little to no wait on most rides.
PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES
Shanghai Disneyland PhotoPass
Disney parks around the world offer an amazing photography service called PhotoPass.
PhotoPass Cast Members are stationed strategically throughout the park to capture your Disney memories. You can purchase photos a la carte, or you can receive unlimited photos with a special ticket package at an exceptional value.
This even includes your ride photos—so as a keepsake, it is totally worth it.
EXPERIENCE BROADWAY’S MOST POPULAR SHOWS
Disney Theatrical Productions creates some of the most popular and spectacular shows on Broadway.
Disney’s The Lion King has enjoyed a 20-year run in New York City. For a fraction of the Broadway price tag, you can enjoy Disney Theatrical Productions in Mandarin for the first time worldwide.
While The Lion King recently closed (and was excellent, even in Mandarin), next year Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will open its doors in Disney town. Don’t miss it!
ENJOY TEA TIME
If you have only visited Disneyland Park, you are missing out on half the Disney experience!
Head across the lake to the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and grab a drink, or better yet, enjoy high tea for two at the Bacchus Lounge.
TRY A MINNIE BAR
The Mickey Mouse Premium Bar is an ice cream treat known across Disney Parks worldwide.
However, the Minnie Bar is not available in the State-side parks, so take advantage of this unique (and delicious!) treat while in China!
CAN’T BE MISSED ATTRACTIONS
When you first arrive to the park, make a beeline for either TRON Light cycle Power Run or Pirates of the Caribbean—two of the most popular attractions in the park.
Make a FastPass reservation ahead of time for one and book it to the other first thing to avoid waiting in a long line (unless you are going mid-week as mentioned above).
CLUB 33
The original Club 33 is an exclusive members-only club started by Walt Disney in the 1960s in Disneyland.
Club 33 has now expanded to parks across the world, and you might notice an unobtrusive “33” sign tucked away behind Il Papino on Mickey Avenue. It is still a members-only establishment with a multi-year waiting list and a $50,000+ price tag to join, but it’s worth a photo-op if you find it!
Follow these tips and you will be sure to get the most out of your Shanghai Disneyland experience!
