Shanghai Disneyland

Located within Walt Disney's most extravagant international resort in Pudong, Shanghai Disneyland stands as one of the company’s most successful theme parks, attracting the highest number of visitors during its first five years of operation. The park uniquely blends advanced technology with Chinese cultural elements in its design, making it a must-visit destination when traveling to Shanghai.

What Makes Shanghai Disneyland Special?

Every Disneyland around the world boasts its own unique charm, and for Shanghai Disneyland, it’s the strong influence of Chinese culture in its design. Some of its standout features include the tallest Enchanted Storybook Castle, the world’s first pirate-themed land, and a Disney-styled Chinese Zodiac mural. The park is divided into six themed lands, each offering distinctive experiences.

1. Mickey Avenue – A Colorful Entrance

Mickey Avenue serves as the main entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, exuding a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere with classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Chip 'n' Dale. The area feels like stepping into a lively animated town, where each street corner radiates joy and excitement. One of the highlights here is the morning musical performances featuring Disney characters, setting an upbeat tone as soon as the park opens.

In addition, Mickey Avenue is a shopper’s paradise for those seeking exclusive souvenirs. Avenue M Arcade, the largest store in the area, offers official Disney merchandise including plush toys, apparel, accessories, and movie-themed memorabilia. For a quick snack, visitors can stop by the Disney-themed cafes and restaurants offering delightful character-inspired dishes.

2. Gardens of Imagination – A Unique Fantasy Garden

Situated at the heart of the park, Gardens of Imagination is a beautiful open space where Disney artistry meets Chinese tradition. Its centerpiece is the Zodiac mural, an artwork representing the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, reimagined with Disney characters blending Eastern artistry with familiar animations. This area offers visitors a chance to witness the harmonious fusion of Disney magic and Chinese culture.

Gardens of Imagination also features family-friendly attractions such as Fantasia Carousel, inspired by the classic animated film, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, where guests can control Dumbo as he soars through the sky. An outdoor stage hosts regular musical and theatrical performances with appearances by beloved Disney characters.

3. Fantasyland – A Magical Fairytale World

Fantasyland is the largest area within Shanghai Disneyland and home to the Enchanted Storybook Castle — the tallest of all Disney castles worldwide. This iconic spot offers visitors an immersive fairy tale experience through stunning architecture and interactive rides. Inside the castle, guests can embark on a boat ride beneath the castle, exploring vibrant worlds featuring Disney princesses like Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel.

Beyond the castle, Fantasyland offers numerous magical attractions. Alice in Wonderland Maze allows guests to wander through a colorful labyrinth filled with whimsical challenges, while The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh offers a gentle journey through the Hundred Acre Wood alongside Pooh and his adorable friends.

4. Treasure Cove – Pirate Adventures in the Caribbean

Treasure Cove is the world’s first Disney land dedicated entirely to pirates, designed to resemble an 18th-century Spanish port town. Visitors can explore shipwrecks, ancient ports, and pirate-themed buildings. The highlight is Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, a state-of-the-art interactive ride that takes visitors on an underwater battle alongside Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Davy Jones.

Guests can also enjoy interactive experiences such as live sword-fighting shows or visit Shipwreck Shore, a water play area for children. In the evening, Treasure Cove transforms into a mesmerizing scene with magical lighting, capturing the mysterious and romantic essence of pirate lore.

5. Adventure Isle – A Thrilling Expedition

Adventure Isle is perfect for thrill-seekers and explorers, inspired by ancient tribal lands and surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Its most exciting attraction is Roaring Rapids, a white-water rafting adventure where guests navigate through rushing currents and unexpected obstacles.

Other highlights include Tarzan: Call of the Jungle, a stunning acrobatic show retelling Tarzan’s story, and Camp Discovery, an adventure zone with rope courses and rock-climbing challenges. For tech enthusiasts, Soaring Over the Horizon offers a breathtaking simulated flight across world landmarks like Niagara Falls and the Himalayas with realistic 4D effects.

6. Tomorrowland – A Futuristic Wonderland

Tomorrowland at Shanghai Disneyland presents a fresh take on the futuristic theme, heavily inspired by cutting-edge technology and sci-fi aesthetics. The highlight is Tron Lightcycle Power Run, one of Disney’s fastest indoor/outdoor roller coasters, inspired by the movie Tron: Legacy. Guests ride high-speed lightcycles through neon-lit virtual worlds for an exhilarating experience.

Other attractions include Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, an upgraded 3D interactive shooting game with sharper graphics and precision targeting, and Jet Packs, where guests control personal jet-propulsion devices to hover above the ground. Tomorrowland promises an unforgettable journey into the future through its blend of advanced technology and modern design.

How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland

There are several convenient ways to reach Shanghai Disneyland from downtown Shanghai, including metro, bus, or taxi.

1. By Metro

The metro is the most popular option for many visitors, offering frequent services throughout the day with trains departing every few minutes.

• Fare: 3 - 8 RMB per trip
• Travel time: Approximately 50 minutes (from downtown Shanghai)

2. By Taxi

Though taxis in Shanghai may cost more than public transport, they are a convenient option for groups.

• Fare: Varies depending on distance
• Travel time: Approximately 25 minutes (from downtown Shanghai)

Attractions Near Shanghai Disneyland

After exploring the magic of Shanghai Disneyland, consider visiting nearby attractions that offer a mix of shopping, entertainment, culture, and history. Here are some great options to extend your Shanghai adventure:

1. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

After your magical day at Shanghai Disneyland, visit The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, one of Shanghai’s most unique attractions. This is China’s first pedestrian tunnel under the river, connecting The Bund with the financial district of Lujiazui. Its artistic light displays and special sound effects create a futuristic experience. As you cross, enjoy stunning views of both sides of the Huangpu River, especially at night when neon lights add a dreamlike ambiance. It’s a must-visit spot after Disneyland!

• Ticket price: from 175,833 VND/person.

2. Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Observation Deck

The Jin Mao Tower is one of Shanghai's architectural icons, featuring an observation deck on the 88th floor at 340.6 meters high. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Huangpu River, and Pudong’s glittering skyscrapers. Its highlight is the world's highest outdoor glass walkway, offering a thrilling and spectacular experience. Located near the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, the Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Observation Deck is a perfect stop after visiting Shanghai Disneyland.

• Ticket price: from 380,175 VND/person.

3. Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World

Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World is a fascinating aquarium located beneath Yinchu Lake, home to over 300 marine species and more than 10,000 animals, including sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and penguins. Visitors can explore the Shark Tunnel, touch starfish at the Touching Star Zone, or marvel at the Colorful Coral Zone. Combining education and entertainment, this aquarium is perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts.

• Ticket price: from 524,438 VND/person.

Tips for Visiting Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is a highly popular destination, especially during peak seasons. For the best experience, keep the following tips in mind:

• Address: Shanghai Disney Resort Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai, China
• Opening hours: Typically from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Sunday.
• Ticket price: Shanghai Disneyland tickets cost approximately 1.246.166 VND/person.
• To avoid queues, consider purchasing Shanghai Disneyland tickets online via Traveloka for exclusive deals.
• Outside food, alcoholic beverages, and canned or bottled drinks are not allowed. However, small amounts of baby food, dry snacks, or fruits are permitted.

Shanghai Disneyland offers a magical world of fairy tales, beloved Disney characters, and thrilling adventures suitable for all ages. With its unique blend of Eastern and Western culture, Shanghai Disneyland is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a vibrant and unforgettable experience in bustling Shanghai.

Besides Shanghai Disneyland, Traveloka offers countless attraction tickets, entertainment passes, and travel tours to help you fully explore Shanghai. Start your journey today!