Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland opened June 16, 2016, as Disney's second theme park in China (after Hong Kong Disneyland) and fourth theme park resort outside the United States. Disney owns 43 percent of the park, with the remainder held by the Shanghai government, through a holding company. The park features Disney's largest theme park castle and an 11-acre "Gardens of Inspiration" at the hub of the park, in front of that castle. Read Laurie Niles' two-part trip report.

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Rides

Top recommendations

  1. Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure ★ ★ ★
    All-new version inspired by the 'Pirates' movies more than the original Disneyland ride, featuring a new ride system with spinning boats, as well as projection mapping and screens to accompany the traditional animatronics and practical effects.
  2. Tron Lightcycle Power Run
    A 3,169-foot, 59-mph Vekoma launch coaster that takes riders into "The Grid" from the Tron films. Height requirement: 48 inches
  3. Soaring Over the Horizon
    Shanghai's installtion of the "Soarin' Around the World" flying theater shows. Height requirement: 40 inches
  4. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
    "Snow White"-themed family roller coaster located in Fantasyland. Height requirement: 38 inches
  5. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
    A boat ride through and around Shanghai's Enchanted Storybook Castle in Fantasyland
  6. Roaring Rapids
    A river rapids ride in Adventure Isle. Height requirement: 42 inches
  7. Camp Discovery
    Themed play area in Adventure Isle

Other attractions include Fantasia Carousel and Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Gardens of Imagination; Alice in Wonderland Maze, Hunny Pot Spin, and the Peter Pan's Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh dark rides in Fantasyland; Explorer Canoes and the Shipwreck Shore and Siren's Revenge playgrounds in Treasure Cove; the Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue interactive dark ride and Jet Packs spinner in Tomorrowland; the Intamin surfrider halfpipe coaster Rex's Racers, the Slinky Dog Spin caterpillar, and Woody's Round-Up spinner in Toy Story Land.

Next up is Disney's first theme park land dedicated to Zootopia, which is now under construction.

Shows

Top recommendations

  1. Eye of the Storm - Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular ★ ★
    A Pirates-themed live stunt show in Treasure Cove

The park's parade is Mickey's Storybook Express. Other shows include Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration and Once Upon a Time Adventure in Fantasyland; Stitch Encounter, Avengers Training Initiative, and Club Destin-E in Tomorrowland.

Celebrating the park's fifth anniversary, "Year of Magical Surprises" is the nighttime spectacular on the Enchanted Storybook Castle, while Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration is Disney's first castle spectacular to feature Marvel characters. There's also Mickey's Storybook Adventure in Disneytown's Walt Disney Grand Theatre.

Dining

Restaurants in Shanghai Disneyland include Il Paparino, Remy's Patisserie, and Mickey and Pals Market Cafe on Mickey Avenue; Wandering Moon Teahouse in Gardens of Imagination; Barbossa's Bounty in Treasure Cove; A Celebration of Duffy and Friends at Tribal Table in Adventure Isle; Stargazer Grill in Tomorrowland; and Pinocchio's Village Kitchen, Tangled Tree Tavern, the Royal Banquet Hall character meal in Fantasyland.

Map

The Shanghai Disney Resort is located about 30 minutes from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. By rail, take Metro Line 11 to Terminal Station Disney Resort and walk through the Disneytown shopping and entertainment district to the park.