1. Introduction
This May, my friend and I went on an impromptu 5D4N trip to Shanghai. Having conquered Disney World together in Orlando back in 2019, Shanghai Disneyland naturally was at the top of our must-visit list. It felt only right to relive the magic together, this time with a touch of Chinese flair.
Shanghai Disneyland is home to the world’s first — and currently only — Zootopia-themed land, which opened in December 2023. Beyond that, I loved how the park seamlessly weaves in elements of Chinese culture. From highlighting Mulan’s appearances in the parades to unique local treats like hawthorn-flavoured (a Chinese herb) ice cream at Zootopia, it was just amazing!
Overall, I was genuinely impressed with my experience there. Whether you’re travelling with friends, bringing your family, or exploring with a bigger group, Shanghai Disneyland is a must-see stop, where Disney magic meets Shanghai charm.
2. Planning the Trip to Shanghai Disneyland
We only booked our trip a week before flying — a truly impromptu getaway! Luckily, everything came together quite smoothly. We managed to secure our flights, hotel, and even Shanghai Disneyland tickets through Trip.com. We chose to visit on a Monday with hopes that the weekday crowd would be more manageable.
That morning, we booked a Didi taxi at 7 a.m. from our hotel in central Shanghai, aiming to reach Disneyland just before opening time. However, due to heavier-than-expected traffic, we arrived around 8:30 a.m. instead. Thankfully, the crowd was still very manageable — we only queued briefly before collecting our tickets and entering the park.
Tip 1: If you’re planning to beat the morning rush, leave earlier than you think you need to. Hopefully you’ll have better luck than we did!
Tip 2: Also, if you’re a foreigner, do bring your passport and queue at the foreigner line to enter the park. Locals use their national ID for park entry, so they join a different queue.
3. First Impressions & Atmosphere
As we entered, the colorful Minnie flower bed and the iconic Disney castle greeted us — the same magical welcome you can expect at any Disneyland. This time, we even bought some cute headbands beforehand to join in the fun of most park-goers here.
The excitement of everyone at the park was such a stark contrast to my usual 8:30 a.m. office routine. That’s when I confirmed that the Disney magic is real. I couldn’t wait to dive deeper and explore the rest of the place.
4. Top Attractions & Rides in Shanghai Disneyland (and How I Experienced Them)
Zootopia
We kicked off our adventure with Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, diving straight into the world’s first full Zootopia-themed land. The moment we stepped in, it felt as though the city of Zootopia had come to life — bustling, colorful, and full of energy. For a moment, it really felt like we were part of the crowd of animals hurrying through the city streets.
We decided to tackle Hot Pursuit first since it’s one of the park’s most highly rated rides. Thankfully we did because wait time jumped to nearly two hours in the afternoon whereas we only queued for about 45 minutes. The ride was really a feast for the eyes. We were racing through Zootopia as rookie police officers in a thrilling chase scene, and everything was just built to so much detail it made my jaw drop.
Afterward, we took our time exploring every little corner of the city. We couldn’t resist trying the hawthorn-flavoured paw ice cream — a quirky local twist that was surprisingly refreshing. It was the perfect treat to cool down and soak in the playful atmosphere.
Tip: Make sure to return to Zootopia in the evening. The entire city lights up, and it feels even more magical after dark.
Fantasyland
Next, we made our way to the massive Enchanted Storybook Castle in Fantasyland — the largest Disney castle ever built. Standing before it felt surreal. The castle was not only grand but also incredibly detailed. From timeless classics like Snow White and Cinderella to modern icons like Elsa and Anna, you’ll definitely spot your favorite princess somewhere within its walls.
My favorite was by no coincidence, Mulan! I’ve watched the movie countless times and can probably quote entire scenes from memory. “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” are two songs I could easily keep on repeat for hours because of this movie. And so, seeing her and other characters like Mushu and her black horse represented so beautifully throughout Shanghai Disneyland was such a special moment.
We continued our princess journey with the Voyage to the Crystal Grotto. It was a wonderfully immersive boat ride that sails past scenes featuring beloved Disney princesses. Every detail was pure magic — even under the blazing sun. My favorite parts were spotting Mulan’s life-sized horse, Khan and Rapunzel’s glowing lanterns, both of which looked stunning up close. It was one of those rides that is great for feasting your eyes while you rest your legs in the boat.
Adventure Isle
For a bit of adventure, we headed over to Adventure Isle and rode Soaring Over the Horizon. No pictures here since we were busy soaring high HAHA. The sweeping 3D views of famous landmarks around the world made me felt like I was truly flying. It was an experience that’s both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.
Tip: If you have motion sickness like me, do remember to pop in a motion sickness pill beforehand.
Toy Story Land
We then had an absolute blast in Toy Story Land, which also happens to be home to one of my favorite Disney characters — the cute green alien! There’s just something about them that I love — their simplicity, optimism, and carefree spirit. Maybe that’s why they’ve always resonated with me; as we grow older, that kind of carefree joy feels harder to hold onto. The little alien reminds me that sometimes, life really can be as simple and joyful as you choose to make it.
The playful energy of Toy Story Land was infectious. Everywhere you looked, the colors popped and the details made you feel like you’d shrunk down to toy size in Andy’s backyard. There were fun rides like Slinky Dog Spin, Rex’s Racer, and the Alien Swirling Saucers, along with carnival-style game booths that kept the theme alive. It was cheerful, lighthearted, and just the kind of place that makes you grin without even realizing it.
Tomorrowland
Finally, we made our way to Tomorrowland for the epic TRON Lightcycle Power Run. Honestly, I had no idea what TRON was before this — but after the ride, I’m officially a fan. This high-speed, futuristic coaster was absolutely thrilling, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the park’s most popular attractions.
What made it so special was the ride design — you actually lean forward on a lightcycle, just like you’re riding a real motorbike. That extra element made the entire experience feel ten times more immersive and realistic. Anyone looking for an adrenaline rush must, must, must try this ride!
We were really lucky too — we only queued for about 45 minutes, and the line moved quickly thanks to how well-organized and efficient the ride operations were. There was this part of the queue where they placed us right before the riders officially zoomed off. It was as if we participated in the countdown before the zoom off with them, and that was so fun. Before we knew it, it was our turn again, and we were on the Lightcycle racing through the glowing grid!
Fantasyland (again)
As the evening drew to a close and we started counting down to the fireworks show, we decided to squeeze in one last ride — the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. We almost skipped it since we’d already ridden it at Orlando’s Magic Kingdom, but I’m so glad we didn’t! It was just as fun the second time around, with its cheerful music and singing ‘HI-HO’ with the dwarfs as they clinked their axes to the jewels up the ride.
By the time we were done (queue was around 45 minutes for this too), it was nearly 9 p.m., and we really cut it close. We had to speed-walk — or rather, half-run — back to the central area to catch the fireworks. Our feet were exhausted from the full day of walking and queuing, but the excitement of seeing the night sky light up above the Enchanted Storybook Castle made it all worth it.
Quick Tips for Visitors:
- Plan your route using the park map or app to minimize time wasted walking in circles.
- Prioritize high-demand rides like Zootopia: Hot Pursuit and TRON early in the day.
- Bring some light snacks that can fuel you and keep you occupied while queuing (we brought some shelled nuts to keep our fingers busy as we munch) — it will really help to keep your energy up for the full day.
Attractions I skipped:
Since we only had one day at Shanghai Disneyland, we inevitably had to skip a few rides that weren’t at the top of our priority list. Most of the ones we missed were in Toy Story Land — as much as I love the theme, many of those rides would’ve set off my motion-sickness alarm in no time. So, I decided it was wiser to admire them from a safe distance!
We also skipped the Alice in Wonderland Maze, though we still managed to get a great view of it from above. The intricate design and vibrant details looked so charming though — so I would still recommend it if you’re an Alice in Wonderland fan.
5. Food, Snacks & Where to Eat
Finally… FOOOOOOOD!!!
This is honestly the next most exciting part of Disneyland for me (right after the rides, of course). There were so many food options that it was hard to choose, but since our main priority was still the attractions, we didn’t make any big detours for meals.
Pinocchio Village Kitchen
We had just finished The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride when lunchtime rolled around, so we headed over to Pinocchio Village Kitchen. They served the cutest themed dishes — from Winnie the Pooh pizzas to noodles topped with a Winnie-shaped hard-boiled egg. It’s these little details that make Disneyland so magical; every meal feels like part of the Disney experience. Furthermore, the food tasted so good and was so very reasonably priced despite it being in the park.
However, as a huge fan of the Toy Story aliens, I have to confess something embarrassing — I didn’t do my homework and totally missed the Alien Pizza at Lotso Lunch Box! We only discovered it after finishing our Winnie pizza, and yes, I’m still slightly haunted by that food regret 🙁
So, here’s my tip: check out the full list of dining options here before your visit to Shanghai Disneyland to avoid missing out on any must-try treats.
Other options? Consider Disneytown!
If you prefer having more options, don’t forget to explore Disneytown which is located right next to the park. You’ll find popular local spots like Coucou and Xiang Zi Kuan, plus coffee favourites such as Manner Coffee and Ah Ma Handmade. Grabbing a handmade drink and strolling around Disneyland adds such a nice local touch to the whole experience.
While exploring the park, we also enjoyed some snacks while taking short breaks to rest our legs. One of our pit stops was Timothy’s Treats, where we happily munched away at a very delicious hotdog bun and tacos while people-watching. There are plenty of other adorable snack spots too — like Jumbeaux’s Café in Zootopia, which sells the iconic animal-sized popsicle straight out of the movie. So, definitely save some room in your tummy for these cute themed treats!
Oh, and here’s another budget-friendly tip: bring your own water bottle. There are refill stations conveniently located around the park, which was a lifesaver for someone like me who can’t go five minutes without water. And speaking of comfort — the toilets were spotless! Honestly, if I had the time, I might’ve done a little “toilet tour” across the different lands just to admire how clean they all were.
6. The Magic Moments
Mickey’s Storybook Express Parade
One of my favourite moments of the entire day has to be seeing Mulan during the Mickey’s Storybook Express parade. Having her as one of the main highlights was something unique to the Shanghai park, and I actually got goosebumps watching Mulan and her soldiers march past us. It truly felt like the movie had come to life right before my eyes — powerful, graceful, and utterly magical.
Funny thing — we almost missed the parade entirely because we were still at the TRON Lightcycle Power Run. Luckily, just as we exited Tomorrowland, we saw the parade already in full swing and rushed over just in time to catch Mulan’s segment. So here’s a tip: check the parade timings in advance on the official schedule to avoid missing out (or catching it halfway like we did!).
ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration
Of course, no Disneyland visit is complete without the fireworks show that wraps up the day with a spectacular bang. I absolutely loved how the projections on the Enchanted Storybook Castle synced perfectly with the fireworks display — it was such a stunning combination of music, lights, and emotion. My favourite part was definitely the Avengers EDM segment, when Thor and the Hulk literally powered the fireworks with their hammer and punch. It was such an epic finale — and definitely something you don’t want to miss!
Collecting Exclusive Shanghai Disneyland stickers
Another magical moment that’s exclusive to Shanghai Disneyland is collecting their exclusive stickers. All you have to do is approach any Disney staff member and politely ask if they have any. In Mandarin, you can say, “你好，请问你有贴纸吗？(Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn nǐ yǒu tiēzhǐ ma?)”. This means “Hi, may I ask if you have any stickers?”. Literally anyone working in the park might have them — from stall vendors to ride operators and even cleaners.
I probably made at least 25 to 30 attempts throughout the day asking for stickers (a true test of courage for my introvert self ). When we were leaving the park through the gift shop, I made one last attempt. I approached this very cheerful staff member at the entrance. He smiled and said enthusiastically, “Oh Princess (公主), I don’t have any more stickers with me — please try the front desk instead!”
It just made me so pleasantly surprised yet so warm inside. That simple moment perfectly summed up what Disney magic is all about — going the extra mile to make every guest feel special.
7. Practical Tips for Future Visitors
Here are some tips that I feel will be helpful:
🗓️ Best time to visit:
Avoid major Chinese holidays and weekends if possible. We went on a Monday, and the crowd was much more manageable than expected — shorter queues, and a more relaxed pace overall.
📱 Use the Disney App:
Download the Shanghai Disney Resort app to plan your route, check live wait times, show schedules, and even order food. It’s a total lifesaver for navigating the park efficiently.
👕 Dress & pack smart:
Dress comfortably for the weather and pack light. You’ll be walking a lot, so wear good shoes and bring just the essentials for a fun, fuss-free day.
🚗 Plan your arrival:
Decide how you’ll get to the park and plan your arrival time early. You can read more about transport options to Shanghai Disneyland here.
🎟️ Consider Disney Premier Access:
If you’d like to skip some of the longer queues, consider purchasing the Disney Premier Access Pass — especially during peak periods.
📋 Do your homework:
Before your trip, check out the “Know Before You Go” page on the Shanghai Disneyland website. It’s a super handy guide with park rules, dining info, and other useful details.
8. Final Thoughts
All in all, I’d say Shanghai Disneyland is a must on your itinerary if you’re visiting Shanghai. If you have extra days to spare, consider staying at either the Shanghai Disneyland Resort or the Toy Story Hotel for a more immersive experience. Waking up just minutes away from all the magic is truly something special. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or even going solo, this is one destination that guarantees laughter, excitement, and countless photo-worthy moments. I’m already dreaming about my next visit — hopefully with a little more time, and a much bigger appetite so I can finally try that Alien Pizza and other unique local treats!
