Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016 and was designed with more Chinese-specific content than earlier international parks: the Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest Disney castle built, housing multiple attractions rather than serving only as a backdrop, and the park has no Main Street USA, replacing it with Mickey Avenue. Several rides are unique or first-of-kind, including the Tron Lightcycle Power Run, a motorbike-style coaster later copied to Florida, and Pirates of the Caribbean rebuilt as a large-scale trackless dark ride. A Zootopia land opened in 2023. The park draws enormous domestic crowds, and queue times of two hours or more for headline rides are normal.

History

The Chinese government approved the resort on 4 November 2009, Disney signed with the Shanghai Shendi Group in November 2010, and construction began on 8 April 2011, with work on the Enchanted Storybook Castle starting on 29 June 2013. After delays the park opened on 16 June 2016, owned 57 percent by Shendi and 43 percent by Disney, and in 2024 it welcomed 14.7 million visitors, the most of any theme park in China (Wikipedia, Shanghai Disneyland).

What you'll find

• The Enchanted Storybook Castle - the largest Disney castle, with attractions inside.
• Tron Lightcycle Power Run - the motorbike-style coaster first built here.
• The rebuilt Pirates ride - a large-scale trackless version unique to Shanghai.
• Zootopia land - the themed area opened in 2023.

When to go

March to May and September to November for the mildest weather; summer is hot and humid with heavy afternoon queues, winter cold. Avoid Chinese national holidays and school holidays entirely if possible. Weekday visits are far better.

What to expect

Queues are long even on quiet days and extreme at holidays. Ticket prices vary by date and add-ons are needed to reduce waiting. The park is enormous and covering it in a day is not realistic at busy times.

Nearby

Central Shanghai lies west; Pudong airport is northeast.

Key facts