Welcome to Shanghai Disneyland! I’m excited to share my personal guide to the best attractions, rides, and shows in the park. As an avid Disney fan who has visited multiple times, I’ll walk you through my top recommendations with an insider’s touch.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back for more magic, this guide will help you make the most of your time at the most technologically advanced Disney resort in the world!
Shanghai Disneyland has something for everyone, from high-speed thrills to enchanting family rides. I’ve split my recommendations into two categories: The Absolute Must-Do Attractions, Family-Friendly Favorites, and Thrill Seekers’ Paradise. This way, whether you’re chasing adrenaline or making memories with the kids, you’ll know exactly where to go.
The Absolute Must-Do Attractions
1. TRON Lightcycle Power Run
- Type: Roller Coaster
- Duration: 2 minutes
- Height Restriction: 48in / 122cm
This is Shanghai Disneyland’s signature thrill coaster, and it lives up to the hype. You hop on a motorcycle-style lightcycle and launch into “The Grid” from Tron, hitting speeds of nearly 60 mph. Riding a lightcycle in that forward-leaning position while racing through the digital landscape feels like you’re diving headfirst into the future! The ride is swift (under 2 minutes) and requires riders to be about 122 cm or taller. I recommend riding at night when the outdoor track glows electric blue – it’s an incredible sight as you zoom past Tomorrowland’s lights.
Pro Tip: Lines can get long (often 60-90+ minutes on busy days), so consider using Disney Premier Access (paid fast pass) or the Single Rider line if you’re alone. If if you can rope drop this attraction or visit during dinner time, you might score a much shorter wait.
This ride is brought to Magic Kingdom in April 2023 due to its populairty.
2. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
- Type: Dark Ride
- Duration: 5 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
The Zootopia themed land opened at the end of 2023 with Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, a cutting-edge trackless dark ride. As a huge Disney animation fan, I was thrilled to join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on a police chase through Zootopia. The ride has no height limit (anyone can ride) but it is full of action – you’re essentially in a movie plot, chasing the villain Bellwether who has kidnapped Gazelle. The vehicles move and spin freely (no tracks), and you see all the districts of Zootopia with incredible detail: Tundratown’s snowy streets, the Rainforest District’s dangling gondolas, etc. There’s even a part where your car nearly drops during a sky tram chase – a super exciting moment that had everyone gasping.
This ride is extremely popular right now – think 2+ hour waits on weekends (I’ve seen reports of 150 minutes at peak!). My advice is to rope drop this first (head straight there when the park opens) or use Disney Premier Access if you’re okay with the cost. The story is mostly in Chinese dialogue, but you can follow along easily thanks to the visuals and familiar characters (plus some English catchphrases).
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
- Type: Indoor Boat Ride
- Duration: 8 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
Hands down the crown jewel of Shanghai Disneyland and unlike any Pirates ride you’ve experienced before. This isn’t your traditional boat ride past static scenes – it’s a revolutionary magnetic-powered adventure that puts you right in the middle of an epic battle between Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones. The boats spin, move sideways, and even go backwards down drops while you’re surrounded by cutting-edge animatronics and projection effects that blur the line between reality and fantasy.
Rider tip: If you have young children, use Rider Switch (ask a cast member) so one adult can wait with a non-riding child and then swap without waiting twice. But honestly, unless your child is extremely afraid of dark rides, give Pirates a try – my niece (6 years old) was nervous at first but ended up insisting we ride again because “the pirate ghost was so cool!”
Family-Friendly Favorites
1. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
- Type: Boat Ride
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
This ride is unique to Shanghai Disneyland – a calm boat tour that goes around the castle and through scenic caves. You’ll float past beautifully crafted scenes from Disney stories (Aladdin, Mulan, The Little Mermaid, etc.) with music and water effects. The grand finale goes inside the Enchanted Storybook Castle through an underground grotto filled with crystal formations and a touching animated sequence. I find it’s a great breather attraction when you need to sit down and relax.
Try to ride in the evening if you can – the outdoor scenes are extra pretty with lighting after dusk, and seeing the castle illuminated from the water is gorgeous. The ride lasts about 20 minutes. Queues vary; in the middle of the day it might be a 30-minute wait, but often in early morning or late evening it’s much shorter. It’s a very “Disney” experience that first-timers will appreciate, as it literally takes you through the stories.
2. Enchanted Storybook Castle
- Type: Walkthrough
- Duration: 25-50 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
The Enchanted Storybook Castle is the heart of Shanghai Disneyland—and it’s absolutely breathtaking in person. It’s not just the tallest Disney castle ever (yep, over 60 meters high!), but also the most detailed. I still remember walking into the park and feeling my jaw drop the first time I saw it—it towers above everything, almost glowing with that fairytale magic.
But this castle isn’t just for photos. You can actually explore inside! There’s a walk-through attraction called Once Upon a Time Adventure, where you follow Snow White’s story through glowing corridors and magical mirrors. It’s calm, pretty, and perfect for a quick break in the shade. Outside, don’t miss Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, a gentle boat ride that floats around and under the castle. You’ll spot scenes from movies like Aladdin, Mulan, and The Little Mermaid, all brought to life with fountains and music. It’s one of those quiet, magical moments that stays with you long after your visit.
3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Type: Roller Coaster
- Duration: 3 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
A family-friendly roller coaster that’s smooth and just the right level of thrill for kids (and cautious adults). You ride a mine cart through the world of Snow White, whizzing past animated dwarfs in the diamond mine. It has gentle swaying turns and one or two mild drops – enough to induce giggles and a tiny “wee!” but not scare anyone. The height requirement is 97 cm, so many young kids can ride.
Lines can build up (it’s one of only two coasters in the park), so try it early morning or use Premier Access if timing is tight. If you ride at night, the outdoor sections have a lovely view of the lit-up Fantasyland.
4. Peter Pan’s Flight
- Type: Dark Ride
- Duration: 3 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
A classic Disney dark ride that’s been lovingly upgraded in Shanghai. You board a flying pirate ship and soar over London’s night sky, Neverland, and scenes from Peter Pan. Unlike older versions of this ride, the Shanghai one has new effects and a longer route, making it feel fresh and enchanting. I have to do this every visit because it captures that nostalgic Disney charm. It’s very kid-friendly (no height limit, slow-moving) and perfect for first-timers who want to experience a Disney classic.
Because it’s popular and somewhat low capacity, consider using Premier Access or the Standby Pass if offered on the app – the line can hit 40+ minutes especially on weekends. In any case, flying over miniature London with tinkling music will put a smile on everyone’s face.
5. Soaring Over the Horizon
- Type: Flight Simulator
- Duration: 5 minutes
- Height Restriction: 40in / 102cm
This is a beautiful flight simulator that takes you over famous landmarks around the world. It’s the same Soarin’ ride popular in other Disney parks but with a twist – the Shanghai version has a special finale that flies over Shanghai’s skyline and the park’s castle. You sit in a hang-glider style seat, lift off the ground, and feel the sensation of flying with wind in your face.
Take note: Soaring is extremely popular – often the longest wait in the park, easily 1-2 hours on busy days. Try to get a Disney Premier Access for Soaring if your budget allows. Another strategy is riding during parades or late evening when lines dip. It’s worth the effort – flying over the Great Wall, Arctic, Africa, etc., with that musical score, is pure Disney magic.
Thrill Seekers’ Paradise
1. Rex’s Racer
- Type: U-Shaped Coaster
- Duration: 1 minute
- Height Restriction: 48in / 120cm
Over in Toy Story Land, Rex’s Racer is a high-speed U-shaped coaster (imagine a giant Hot Wheels track). You ride a bright orange RC car that swings back and forth, higher and higher, almost to a 90-degree angle. It’s a short ride but definitely an adrenaline rush, especially the moment you hang in the air briefly before swinging down.
I find this one really fun if you like that stomach-floating feeling. Since it’s a shuttle ride that doesn’t hold many people per cycle, the wait can build up; go early or late in the day when Toy Story Land is less crowded.
2. Roaring Rapids
- Type: Boat Ride
- Duration: 7 minutes
- Height Restriction: 42in / 107cm
Roaring Rapids offers a wild river adventure through Adventure Isle with the added excitement of potentially getting soaked. I always recommend bringing a poncho or saving this for the end of your day when getting wet won’t matter. Because this ride is water-based, it occasionally closes for maintenance or technical issues
Tip: Do this one early in the day when it’s operating (and before crowds swell). Lockers near the ride are available to stash phones and valuables (you will get wet). On hot summer afternoons, this ride is super popular as people want to cool off.
In addition to these rides, first-time visitors should take time to explore the park’s details: walk through the Alice in Wonderland Maze in Fantasyland (a walkthrough hedge maze with funny sights – great for kids to run around), and don’t miss stepping inside the Enchanted Storybook Castle itself.
Inside the castle, there’s a walk-through called “Once Upon a Time Adventure” which retells Snow White’s story with interactive magic mirrors. It’s a simple walk-through attraction, but if you love princesses or just want to see the inside of the world’s largest Disney castle, give it a go. (When I went, I enjoyed the air conditioning and some clever effects, though it’s not as dazzling as the rides.
Final Thoughts
Alright! That was a lot, but I hope these insights help you have a smooth, enjoyable, and truly magical day at Shanghai Disneyland. It’s a park that blends classic Disney enchantment with new, cutting-edge attractions and a touch of Chinese culture. From the thrill of TRON to Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Remember, have a plan but be flexible, drink water, use the app, and soak in the Disney vibes. Feel free to use my recommendations but also explore on your own – sometimes the best moments are unplanned (like stumbling on a character meet & greet or catching a short line unexpectedly).
If you have any specific questions or want more advice, let me know – I’m always happy to help fellow Disney travelers. Have an amazing time, and I can’t wait for you to create your own magical memories at Shanghai Disneyland!
