Why Disney Fans Shouldn’t Miss Shanghai Disneyland – Tips, Tricks & First-Hand Experience for the Perfect Day Trip #1

When thinking about Disney resorts, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea may come to mind, but there are other magical destinations in Asia that Disney fans shouldn’t miss. One of them is Shanghai Disneyland in China. It’s perfect for travelers planning a day trip to experience something new. In this article, I’ll introduce the appeal of Shanghai Disneyland that you can enjoy even on a day trip, along with tips to make the most of your visit.

*Note: You need to meet certain requirements such as obtaining a visa to travel to China. I’ll cover this in more detail later in the article, so be sure to check before booking your park tickets!

Basic Information About Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland, which opened in 2016, is the third Disney park in Asia and the sixth in the world. Its vast grounds contain seven themed lands with numerous original attractions unique to Shanghai. On December 20, 2023, the newest area, “Zootopia Land,” opened, generating even more buzz. In this area, the world of the movie “Zootopia” is recreated in detail, allowing you to experience life as if you were a resident of the city where animals of all sizes live together.

Key Points for a Day Trip Plan

To enjoy Shanghai Disneyland on a day trip, efficient planning is key. First, flights from various countries to Shanghai take about 3-4 hours. The time difference is minimal, making it possible to depart early in the morning and return late at night, or leave the night before and return early the next day to get a full day at the park. From Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Disneyland, it’s about a 30-minute taxi ride. You can also use the train, but a taxi is recommended despite being slightly more expensive to avoid losing valuable time.

Popular Attractions and Efficient Touring Strategy

The original attractions unique to Shanghai Disneyland are must-visits, even on a day trip. First is “TRON Lightcycle Power Run.” The experience of boarding a futuristic bike and racing through a world full of light and speed in a forward-leaning position can only be enjoyed here. Next is “Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.” This thrilling attraction combines 3D technology with realistic visuals, allowing you to experience the adventures of pirates.

These attractions tend to get crowded, and it’s not uncommon to face wait times of over two hours. But is it best to line up first thing in the day? Not necessarily. To enjoy them efficiently, a clever strategy is to actually visit them at the end of the day.

At Shanghai Disneyland, the “Enchanted Storybook Castle,” the largest Disney castle in the world, hosts projection mapping and illumination shows twice in the evening. The first show is around 7 PM and the second around 9 PM, with both shows featuring identical content. Therefore, after watching the first show, if you head to popular attractions like “TRON” as the second show begins, you may experience wait times that are only about one-fifth to one-third of the normal duration. This is a smart way to enjoy the night show while avoiding crowds.

By the way, the “Enchanted Storybook Castle” stands 60 meters tall, making it the largest Disney castle in the world. It’s photogenic from any angle. Don’t miss both its daytime appearance and nighttime illumination.

Highlights of Zootopia Land

The newest area, “Zootopia Land,” offers an experience that feels like stepping directly into the movie. Not only can you experience the bustling city where Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde play active roles, but you can also interact with Zootopia residents. Details that movie fans will appreciate are scattered throughout, along with plenty of Instagram-worthy photo spots. It’s an area you’ll definitely want to visit for great pictures and memories.

Keep in mind that entry to Zootopia Land often involves long lines, so be prepared for wait times of over an hour. Additionally, you’ll need to wait about 90 minutes more to ride the popular attraction “Hot Pursuit” inside the area, so plan your time accordingly. Visiting during the nighttime show is also a good strategy for this area.

Making the Most of Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is one of the newest Disney parks in the world, which means it can get quite crowded. It may be even more crowded than Tokyo Disney Resort, especially on weekends and holidays, so visiting on weekdays is better. If your budget allows, purchasing “Disney Premier Access (DPA)” is also recommended. With DPA, you can significantly reduce wait times for popular attractions, allowing you to enjoy more attractions in your limited time.

China Visa Information and Tips: Transit Exemption

When visiting Shanghai Disneyland, it’s important to understand China’s visa requirements. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a visa is generally required for tourist entry to China. However, some cities, including Shanghai, offer a special “144-hour transit stay” exemption.

Using this system, you can stay in Shanghai for up to 144 hours without obtaining a visa in advance, provided you are transiting to a third country. For example, if you’re traveling from your home country to Southeast Asia or Europe via Shanghai, you can use this exemption for a day trip or overnight stay in Shanghai. The procedure is completed at the airport upon arrival, so no advance preparation is necessary. However, to prevent issues such as boarding denial, entry refusal, or long waiting times, it’s advisable to check the eligibility conditions beforehand.

For day trips, however, it may be difficult to enter Shanghai as a transit stop to a third country, so getting a regular visa might be the more straightforward option.

What Do You Think?

Shanghai Disneyland is a magical destination filled with fresh attractions different from other Disney parks around the world. It can be thoroughly enjoyed even on a day trip, making it perfect for those who want to experience Disney in a limited time. Furthermore, if you cleverly use the visa-free transit exemption, you can visit more easily. Consider adding Shanghai Disneyland to your travel plans for your next trip. In future articles, I’ll provide more detailed strategies for attractions and information about popular merchandise, so stay tuned!

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