Shanghai Disneyland Trip Planning Guide

The Shanghai Disneyland Resort is the newest Disney Resort in the world. As the Park resides in China it is can be a daunting task to plan a trip to this incredible theme park. Thankfully, we have some information that can help you plan the perfect Shanghai Disneyland vacation.

The first step to planning your visit to the Shanghai Disneyland Resort is securing the proper travel visa. This process is different depending on your nationality. For American citizens visiting China in most cases, you will want the 10-year multiple entry visa. This does come with a hefty price tag, about $300.

If you do not have the correct travel visa, you will not be able to enter China, so be sure to do the correct visa process in your county as far in advance as possible before you set out for your trip.

shanghai disney chip and dale store — Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

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You can combine a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland with Shanghai Disneyland if planned properly. Today we break down what you need to know for planning and logistics when it comes to Shanghai Disneyland, but keep Hong Kong Disneyland in mind as it is a quick flight from Shanghai.

How do you get to Shanghai Disneyland from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

The closest airport to the Shanghai Disneyland Resort is the Shanghai Pudong International Airport or PVG.

You will need to take the metro or a taxi to get to Shanghai Disneyland. I find a taxi is the easiest way — the drive will take about an hour, and the taxi service in Shanghai is much more affordable than in the United States. You can find complete directions on how to use the metro or how to order a taxi here.

Credit: Shanghai Disney Resort

What are the main hotels at the Shanghai Disney Resort?

The Shanghai Disneyland Resort is home to two hotels, the Toy Story Hotel and the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. Both are exceptionally themed and are in close proximity to Shanghai Disneyland.

The Toy Story Hotel is perfect for families with little ones. It offers adorable rooms themed to the Toy Story films, a fantastic quick-service dining option, and walking distance to Shanghai Disneyland and Disney Town.

The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is a luxurious hotel experience with character dining themed to Beauty and the Beast.

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Credit: Disney

How do you book a stay at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort?

We can help you book your trip to Shanghai Disneyland Resort with our partners at Academy Travel. They can help save you time and money, and the hassle of planning an overseas vacation.

You can also book tickets and hotels on the Shanghai Disney website.

What are the best hotels near Shanghai Disneyland?

If you do not want to stay at the Toy Story Hotel or the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel there are plenty of wonderful hotels inside Shanghai. These will require some travel by taxi or metro in order to get to the theme park unlike the hotels at Shanghai Disneyland. I recommend staying at The Ritz-Carlton in Pudong as it offers amazing views and is a quick 20-30 minute taxi ride to Shanghai Disneyland.

What’s the best way to see Shanghai Disneyland?

With so many new attractions and live entertainment options, there are plenty of unique ways to enjoy Shanghai Disneyland. I think the best way to have an enjoyable day at Shanghai Disneyland is to try things that you cannot get in the other theme Disney Parks around the world.

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Try eating at Tangled Tree Tavern and then taking a ride on Roaring Rapids — two unique offerings to Shanghai Disneyland. Don’t forget to watch the spectacular show in front of the castle, and take a photo with your zodiac sign in the Gardens of Imagination.

What are the main attractions at the Shanghai Disney Resort?

There are six lands inside of Shanghai Disneyland. Outside of the theme park there is also Disneytown which offers dining, shopping, and Broadway-style shows.

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The can’t-miss attractions at Shanghai Disneyland based on their uniqueness to the theme park are:

Roaring Rapids
Alice in Wonderland Maze
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
Jet Packs
Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Pirate of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure

What food and drink options are available at Shanghai Disneyland?

There are plenty of diverse food and drink options inside of Shanghai Disneyland. You can enjoy familiar food from the west or indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine.

I highly recommended the Royal Banquet Hall inside of the Enchanted Storybook Castle. It is a character dining experience with Mickey, Minnie, and all of their pals. You will also see a Disney Princess before you are seated, and each room inside the restaurant is themed to a different princess.

Which Disney characters call the Shanghai Disney Resort home?

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Chip, Dale, and all of their friends call Shanghai Disneyland home!

If you want to see your favorite Disney characters, I highly recommended watching Mickey’s Storybook Express Parade. Shanghai Disneyland is the only Disney Park without a train attraction, so Mickey’s Storybook Parade serves as the train! You will see the floats and theme of the parade reflect a train filled with Disney Characters.

Shanghai Disneyland castle — Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

What does the Shanghai Disney Resort’s Spring Festival include?

Shanghai Disneyland hosts many seasonal festivals and special events throughout the year. The Spring Festival includes special decorations and special overlays of the live entertainment shows around the Park.

Related:Capturing Disney Magic Within the Culture of Shanghai Disneyland

What are the main seasonal events at the Shanghai Disney Resort?

Chinese New Year is the Park’s largest celebration, however, you can also expect to see Christmas and even Halloween celebrated at Shanghai Disneyland.

How extravagant is the Shanghai Disney Resort’s Christmas celebration?

The Christmas celebration at Shanghai Disneyland spreads across the entire Resort, including Disneytown and the hotels onsite. You will see oversized Christmas trees, enjoys special Christmas merchandise, and hear Christmas music inside the Park.

It is absolutely beautiful, and I highly recommend for anyone to visit Shanghai Disneyland during the holidays.

What type of merchandise is available at the Shanghai Disney Resort?

You will find the same merchandise at Shanghai Disneyland that you will find at other Disney Parks around the world, including Minnie Ears, mugs, Alex & Ani, plushies, and more. In addition to the typical merchandise you would expect from a Disney Park, you will also find special merchandise themed to the unique attractions and shows that Shanghai Disneyland offers.

Will you be planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!

We can help you plan your vacation to Shanghai Disneyland — click here for more information.