[2025 Shanghai Shopping Mall] Travel Guide for DISNEY (Updated Jun)

8 Days in Shanghai – A Magical Journey Through Culture, Food, and Fun We spent 8 unforgettable days exploring the vibrant city of Shanghai. From historical landmarks to modern marvels, the city offered something new every day. 📍Itinerary Overview Each day was packed with sightseeing, delicious food, and stunning photo spots. Highlights included The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Disneyland, and the breathtaking nighttime views of Lujiazui. 🎆Sightseeing Route & Must-Visit Attractions We started with the iconic Bund and Yu Garden, then explored the trendy streets of Xintiandi and Tianzifang. Shanghai Disneyland was a magical full-day adventure, perfect for couples and families alike. 🚖Transportation Getting around was easy thanks to the efficient metro system. We also used Didi (Chinese Uber) for convenience. 📸Photo Spots Don’t miss the lanterns at Yuyuan Old Street, the futuristic skyline from the Bund, and the colorful ceilings of Disneytown. 🦐Local Cuisine We tried everything from juicy Xiao Long Bao to restaurant. The street food in the night markets was also a treat! Accommodation We stayed at SSAW Hotel Shanghai Hongkou for 8 nights. The breakfast was delicious with a wide variety of choices. The room was clean and cozy. Overall, it was a comfortable and pleasant stay Tips • Get a local eSIM for maps and translation. • Book popular attractions like Disneyland in advance. • Use Alipay – Most places prefer mobile payment. Set up a foreign card in advance if possible. • Download key apps – Baidu Maps (for navigation), MetroMan (for metro routes) • Download the Shanghai Disney Resort app – It helps with real-time wait times, maps, show schedules, and mobile food orders. • Plan your must-do rides – Make a priority list beforehand; queues get long after noon. • Buy the Disney Premier Access Pass – This saves a lot of time on popular rides like TRON, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Soaring Over the Horizon. Totally worth it!Arrive early – Be at the gate before opening time to enjoy low wait times during the first few hours. • Watch the nighttime show – The “Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration” is magical and a must-see. Grab a good spot early! • Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking and standing a lot throughout the day.

Shanghai Disney and the Bund

🎢 One-Day Itinerary at Shanghai Disneyland 1. 🎟️ Pre-Arrival Essentials: • Tickets: Purchase your tickets in advance through the official Shanghai Disney Resort website or authorized partners. • App Download: Install the Shanghai Disney Resort App to access your e-tickets, view real-time wait times, and navigate the park efficiently.  2. 🕗 Park Hours: • Opening Time: Typically at 8:30 AM. • Closing Time: Varies between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM, depending on the day and season.   3. 🗺️ Must-Visit Attractions: • Zootopia: Experience the world’s first Zootopia-themed land, featuring immersive environments and attractions. • Fantasyland: Explore the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland and other classic tales. • Toy Story Land: Shrink down to the size of a toy and enjoy themed rides and experiences. • Tomorrowland: Don’t miss the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a high-speed roller coaster adventure. 4. 🍽️ Iconic Foods: • Indulge in themed snacks and meals, such as Mickey-shaped churros, Donald Duck waffles, and Zootopia-themed treats. 5. 📸 Character Meet-and-Greets: • Meet your favorite Disney characters throughout the park. Note that lines for photos can be longer than some ride queues, so plan accordingly. 6. 🎆 Evening Entertainment: • Conclude your day with the Nighttime Spectacular, featuring fireworks, projections, and music.

The TRON Lightcycle Power Run is a must-ride for thrill-seekers and fans of the TRON franchise. Its combination of speed, innovative ride design, and immersive theming delivers a memorable experience that stands out among Disney’s attractions. While the ride is brief, its intensity and visual appeal make it a highlight of Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction’s design is a visual spectacle, especially at night.

I happened to have 1 day in Shanghai and the hotel was in Pudong, which was far from the city and difficult to travel to. So I made a hasty decision to go to Disneyland by hotel shuttle bus, without knowing much about Shanghai Disneyland. The short summary is: (1) Enter c-trip and buy tickets in advance. (2) Inform the hotel to book a seat on the shuttle bus. — We stayed at Holiday Inn Express PVG Shanghai. The shuttle bus leaves every day at 7:00 AM. We arrived at the lobby 10 minutes before the departure. — If you have time, you should have breakfast and bring water because the way to the park is very far. (This hotel's room rate includes breakfast.) (3) I recommend downloading the Disney Resort app in advance to find directions to rides/various attractions, bathrooms, food, and shows from here. (4) Go early in the morning, the weather is good, the queue is not complicated, and there are maple leaf umbrellas for you to relax. (5) When you arrive at the entrance, foreigners must present their passports. — When buying tickets online, c-trip will automatically fill in the information we filled in for you. It's convenient. (6) Present your passport. You will get 1 paper ticket, keep it to use to enter Disney theater, there will be a QR code on the back of the card to scan the information. (7) Go back to the app, if you want to go anywhere, you can click on it, it has everything, walk in the direction of the arrow, you won't get lost. (8) We only collect rides, so we spent time there including watching the parade. It was done by 3-4 pm, exhausted, and went back to the hotel. The taxi stand in front of the park is orderly and safe. (9) There are many restaurants at the exit, you can choose according to your preference. The price is not as expensive as in the park. Overall, the price is normal for restaurants and general drinks. Note: There is also Hey Tea. Traveling alone without time can still have fun in a confused way. 😘 📍Address: Shanghai Disneyland 💞Reason for recommendation: Easy to travel, can spend a full day, fun 🏖️Environment/Facilities: Excellent

On a sun-kissed morning at Disneyland Shanghai, my partner and I could hardly contain our excitement as we stepped into this magical realm together. The vibrant colors of the park enveloped us, from the enchanting spires of the Enchanted Storybook Castle to the exhilarating rush of the Tron Lightcycle Power Run. Hand in hand, we laughed our way through the streets, sharing fluffy popcorn and indulging in iconic Zootopia inspired ice cream that made our hearts flutter. Each ride felt like a new adventure, whether we were bravely embarking on the Pirates of the Caribbean journey or wandering through the whimsical worlds of our favorite Disney characters. As the sun set, the sky transformed into a canvas of lights during the spectacular night show, and we found ourselves wrapped in each other's arms, cherishing the unforgettable moments and the magic that brought us even closer together.

Day 2 🧚🏻♀️ First day at DisneyLand, we woke up at 5.45 am, Thailand time is 4.45 am, so brutal 555 because we slept in a Disney hotel, we had the right to enter the park 1 hour earlier. 🏰 Took the Disney hotel shuttle bus, arrived at 7 am, went to take pictures in front of the castle, no one was there, and quickly ran to the popular ride, Zootopia, the girls loved it, my grandma loved it, so much fun! 🎢 We got to play quite a bit. Ranking the most popular rides that should be collected first and last - Zootopia 3 rounds - Pirate of the Caribbean - Soring over the horizon 102 cm + (Bing Bing missed) - Tron 122 cm + (Benya Bing Bing is not tall enough) - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 97 cm + (This one has a big asterisk, kids love it, went around 5 rounds, Bing Bing loves it, it's so fast) - Dumbo - Winnie the Pooh - Frozen: Sing along Celebration Chinese version, can't understand it - Alice in wonderland maze, this one has no queue, feel like walking around and chilling Dad, Mom, Auntie Bell really like Tron, it's so much fun 🥢Lunch You can walk out to eat at Disneytown and walk back into Disney again. We ate at a restaurant called Xin Wang, it was so delicious. It's a restaurant with a long queue, but when we went, the restaurant just opened, there weren't many people yet. 🍽️ Dinner We booked to eat at Royal Banquet Hall, which is under the Disney castle. There are characters walking around. Take a photo with all of them and get the right to reserve a seat to watch the fireworks at the front (usually you reserve a seat 1-2 hours in advance and there are a lot of people). The food is cute but the taste is so-so. 4,000++ per person 💂🏻♂️Didn't watch the parade, the kids wanted to play the rides 🎆 There was only one round of fireworks at 9:15 p.m. It was a spectacular light show and fireworks all the time. On the way back, we took the hotel's shuttle bus back. In conclusion, that day was a long one, 50,000 steps, until the whole family was exhausted. #disney #shanghai #disneyland_shanghai

Finally Made It to Shanghai Disney – Worth It! After years of living in Shanghai, I finally visited Disneyland. Not even being a huge Disney fan, I still upgraded to the annual pass — the deal was great (worth it in just 2–3 visits!). ⸻ Top Tips for a Smooth Trip: • Download the Disney App — essential for entry, maps, wait times, and more • Use ChatGPT to plan your route — helped me save time and avoid stress • Single rider lines — available at some rides and much faster • Try less popular rides — Buzz Lightyear was a surprise favorite • Bring snacks — saves both time and money during the day • Take a reusable water bottle — free refill stations are available inside the park • Use battery saving mode and don’t forget to bring a power bank • Disneytown is free — no ticket needed; lots of restaurants, shops & decorations. It is great for a chill, low-budget half-day ⸻ Smart Planning = Better Experience: • Wear comfortable shoes & pack light • Go early or stay late — mornings and evenings are best for short lines • Early access tickets help you get ahead • Premier Access (Fast Pass): Buy in bundles or for single rides. Worth it for popular ones like Tron, Zootopia, or Seven Dwarfs ⸻ Beyond the Rides: • Meeting Mickey — fun and not a long wait • Walking inside the castle — beautiful, shaded, and peaceful. A perfect break from crowds and heat ⸻ Zootopia Tips: • Requires a separate internal entrance • Early access tickets don’t include early Zootopia entry • Entry alone can take 1+ hour during peak times • Best times: right after opening or late evening ⸻ Fireworks Tips: • Terrace access guarantees a great view with no long wait • Without it, expect to queue 1–2 hours for a good spot • Second show is less crowded • Or skip the fireworks and enjoy shorter ride lines instead ⸻ Wishing You a Magical Time at Disney! No need to rush — even one relaxed day can be full of fun. #disneylandshanghai #Disneylandshanghaitips #shanghai

This trip to Shanghai was like being transported to a sci-fi movie with a touch of traditional Chinese. The city is full of energy, hustle and bustle, and captivating from morning till night. 1. The Bund – The Historic Skyline We started our first morning at “The Bund”, a street along the Huangpu River lined with colonial-style European buildings. Looking across the river, we could see the Pudong side, where skyscrapers were competing to touch the horizon. It was a scene that immediately made us feel that Shanghai was truly the center of Asia in the 21st century. 2. Nanjing Road – Shop till you drop, stop for bubble tea Not far from The Bund, we entered Nanjing Road, the main pedestrian street of Shanghai, lined with large shopping malls, Chinese and international brand restaurants and souvenir shops. While walking around, we tried a famous Chinese bubble tea. It had a perfect sweetness and a strong aroma of black tea. I must say that it was just as good as Taiwan’s! 3. Yuyuan Market – Authentic China in a Big City If you want to experience ancient Shanghai, you have to come to Yuyuan Market. It’s like going back in time to the Ming Dynasty. With intricate wooden architecture and many local shops selling traditional snacks, porcelain, and authentic Chinese decorations, the atmosphere is crowded but charming. 4. Pudong & Oriental Pearl Tower – The future world in China When crossing the river to “Pudong”, the image that you see is a city of the future that contrasts with the past that just passed by. The Oriental Pearl Tower stands tall in the middle of the city as if to say that this is a metropolis of Asia. We went up to see the view from above, looking down to see the entire city of Shanghai with the gradient of lights at night, so beautiful that we were stunned. 5. Shanghai Disney Resort – A dreamland that is not just for children End the trip by becoming a child again at “Shanghai Disney”. Here, there is the largest castle among Disneys in the world, a magnificent Pirates of the Caribbean zone, and a spectacular show at night. It is a colorful farewell to this trip.

Just wrapped up an unforgettable trip to Shanghai, and I’m already missing the energy of this amazing city! The Bund was the perfect blend of history and skyline views—watching the city light up at night along the Huangpu River felt surreal. A must-visit for architecture lovers and anyone who appreciates a great photo spot. Shanghai Disneyland absolutely lived up to the hype. From the magical parades to the cutting-edge rides like TRON and Pirates of the Caribbean, it was non-stop fun. It’s truly one of the most unique Disney parks I’ve been to! The city was vibrant, modern, and full of culture. Great food, friendly locals, and a super clean and efficient metro made exploring effortless. Already dreaming of my next visit! #ShanghaiTrip #TheBund #ShanghaiDisneyland #TravelChina #CityLights #MagicalShanghai #ChinaAdventures #Wanderlust #TravelDiaries

Even if you don't do the open run, you can ride a lot on rainy days or weekdays! I arrived at 1:30 and rode 11.

#travel #familytravel #citydaytours #rainydays My first time in Shanghai! Such a impressive trip. My family and I really enjoyed the fancy city. The museum is a good choice for the rainy day for children and elderly. Good that Trips.com helped me manage everything: airplane tickets / airport pickup/ hotel / attractions tickets etc.

#discoverchina Shanghai Disneyland has been in my memory and it was so vivid. Reason being we came here to raining cats and dogs, our shoes were all wet and it was so cold, can barely leave the hand out of pocket or without gloves. Their disney shop is so big that you have to spare approximately 1-2hours inside just to pick the item that you wish to bring back the most! Otherwise your wallet will burst from buying everything!

#Traveling to China #Shanghai Impressed and want to go again. It's like flying to a nearby province.

#themepark Shanghai Disneyland isn’t just another Disney park—it’s a fusion of classic Disney magic and unique Chinese elements, making it a must-visit for any Disney fan. With exclusive attractions, jaw-dropping castle shows, and innovative rides, this park delivers an unforgettable experience. Must-Do Attractions: TRON Lightcycle Power Run – One of the most futuristic Disney rides, where you race through a neon-lit cyber world at high speeds. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure – A groundbreaking ride with stunning visual effects, exclusive to Shanghai Disneyland. Enchanted Storybook Castle – The largest Disney castle in the world, featuring interactive experiences, a boat ride, and a live show. Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experiences: Camp Discovery Rope Course – A Disneyland obstacle course, where you climb across hanging bridges and waterfalls. Alice in Wonderland Maze – Inspired by Tim Burton’s film, this whimsical walkthrough attraction is one-of-a-kind. Mickey Avenue – Instead of Main Street, Shanghai Disneyland has this adorable entrance area, packed with Chinese-inspired Disney details. Top Tips for a Perfect Visit: ✔ Arrive early – The park gets busy fast, so rope-drop TRON before the lines get too long. ✔ Use Premier Access – Shanghai’s version of FastPass lets you skip long waits (paid but worth it for top rides). ✔ Stay for Ignite the Dream – The castle’s nighttime show combines fireworks, lasers, and water effects for a breathtaking finale. ✔ Try the local Disney food – The park has unique dishes like Donald Duck Waffles, Mickey Pork Buns, and Kung Fu Punch drinks. Shanghai Disneyland is Disney magic with a futuristic twist, making it an unmissable stop for theme park lovers. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just love exploring immersive worlds, this park will blow you away!

had a great time at Disney. The zootopia and pirates ride were excellent and very immersive. Recommended must go to for these 2 rides

"Magical Adventure at Shanghai Disneyland – Tips for a Smooth Experience!" Our visit to Shanghai Disneyland was nothing short of magical! Booking tickets through Trip.com was incredibly convenient – after a quick bag check, we #disneyland_shanghai simply presented our passports at the entry gantry for smooth and hassle-free access. As expected, the park was bustling with people, and the long queues were unavoidable. If you can, I highly recommend visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. Despite the crowds, my family and I had an amazing time exploring the park, enjoying the attractions, and soaking in the enchanting atmosphere. It was truly a memorable adventure, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit!

Price: 70-90SGD depending on season, look out for 1 for 1 deals Location: I stayed at Courtyard by Marriott and they provide shuttle service, otherwise Disneyland is accessible by taxi or taking the metro! Shanghai’s metro is comparable to Singapore. Among the group I went to SH disney with, we have been to the main one in USA, HK and Tokyo. But SH’s one stood out to us for one main reason, the ease of moving around the park and the ability to cover all rides without buying any additional priority passes. Granted, it could be because we went on a quieter day (weekday in December), but as long as you plan properly, there should be no problem taking everything you want to and more! Compared to Japan, the crowd here is a lot nicer to deal with and people are more interested in queuing for character photos than taking rides, hence the timing difference (screenshots were at 9am. the queue for photos went to 270min in the afternoon) Within a day, no priority passes and no standby passes, we took: Tron, 3 times: a must ride for me, thrilling and longest we queued was 30min Pirates of the Caribbean, 2 times: another must ride! Visuals were amazing and was a very enjoyable experience. Longest we queue was 10min We took ALL the other rides once with the longest queue (for soaring over the horizon) being 1hr. Personally, I would skip the zootopia ride, it was really boring but kids seem to like it. Shows I attended was Frozen singalong and Pirates of the Caribbean. Both were good and worth a watch but if you don’t understand Chinese well just go for the Pirates because the action scenes and visuals speak for themselves. No need to show up very early, we arrived about 30min before park opening after having a leisurely paced breakfast. Make use of the single rider rides but sometimes the single rider queue can be the same duration as the normal queue so check first. #travel #china #disney#shanghai #disneyland_shanghai

The Shanghai Disneyland is the largest Disney theme park. Besides the exciting rides, the landscapes and plants are well curated to provide memorable visual experience. The architecture and hardscapes are well designed to integrate seamlessly with the themes. The walking experience is awesome, there are seats for short breaks and people watch. #shanghai #disneyland

These photos were taken at Shanghai Disneyland, near to the Tron ride. The Tron ride was awesome! The architecture and the lights also created memorable visual experiences. It was a cold and windy night. I felt that I am in a frictional world, similar to the Tron setting. I am glad my phone camera managed to capture these fantastic views. #disneyland #shanghai

We had fun 😺

A good place to enjoy with families and kids many excited game to play and the night show was amazing just the food inside was pricy and not delicious

#christmasvibes Disney’s Christmas offerings this year are a magical blend of nostalgia and innovation. From enchanting holiday parades at theme parks to heartwarming specials on Disney+, there’s something for everyone. The festive decorations transform the parks into winter wonderlands, while attractions like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party provide unforgettable memories. On-screen, Disney+ delivers with classics like The Santa Clause trilogy and new entries like Wish Upon a Christmas Star. The blend of beloved traditions and fresh stories ensures a joyful celebration for fans of all ages. Disney captures the spirit of the season perfectly, making it a must-experience holiday destination.

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Yun He Ye Bo Hotel (Shanghai Pudong International Airport) 💡 Tips

There are many things to do, you can even watch the fireworks show from the bridge if you don’t want to enter the theme park. Lots of restaurants in Disney Park. Be sure to have your camera or phone fully charged and prepared to take lots of pictures. The Disney staff is very helpful and are capable of speaking English. Ask them for help and they will go out of their way.