Shanghai Disneyland is the newest and largest Disney park in the world. It opened in 2016 and has been attracting millions of visitors ever since. If you are planning to visit Shanghai Disneyland, you might be wondering what are the best attractions and shows to experience.
The park is filled with thrilling attractions, enchanting shows, and amazing parades that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney fan or a first-timer, there’s something for everyone at Shanghai Disneyland. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best attractions, shows, and parades that you can’t miss. Here are our top 5 picks for the most amazing and unique attractions at Shanghai Disneyland.
In This Article
Best Attractions & Rides
1. TRON Lightcycle Power Run
- Type: Roller Coaster
- Duration: 2 minutes
- Height Restriction: 48in / 122cm
The TRON Lightcycle Power Run is not only a popular and exciting ride at Shanghai Disneyland, but it is also a one-of-a-kind experience that transports riders into a futuristic world. As soon as you step into the ride’s queue, you are immediately immersed in the TRON universe with its sleek and modern design. The anticipation builds as you approach the lightcycles, which are modeled after the iconic vehicles from the TRON movie franchise.
Once seated, the ride takes off with a burst of speed, and you feel as though you are flying through a neon-lit cityscape. The soundtrack, which is a unique mix of electronic and orchestral music, adds to the overall immersive experience. As you race against other riders and dodge obstacles, you can’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline and excitement.
This ride is brought to Magic Kingdom in April 2023 due to its populairty.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
- Type: Dark Ride, Boat Ride
- Duration: 8 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
This is not your typical Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This is a state-of-the-art dark ride that combines stunning visuals, immersive effects, and thrilling action. You will board a boat and sail through scenes from the movies, encountering pirates, mermaids, and even Davy Jones himself. The highlight of the ride is when you plunge into the depths of the ocean and witness a spectacular battle between two pirate ships.
3. Roaring Rapids
- Type: Boat Ride
- Duration: 7 minutes
- Height Restriction: 42in / 107cm
Roaring Rapids is an exhilarating water ride that promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. As you embark on a journey through a mysterious land, you will be surrounded by ancient creatures and breathtaking scenery that will leave you in awe. Once on board a raft, you will navigate through a series of challenging rapids, cascading waterfalls, and dark, winding caves. Along the way, you will encounter some surprises, such as geysers, fountains, and even a giant crocodile-like monster called Q’aráq.
4. Alice in Wonderland Maze
- Type: Walkthrough
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
Alice in Wonderland Maze is a whimsical attraction in Shanghai Disneyland. It is inspired by the classic Disney animated film Alice in Wonderland. Guests can explore the maze and encounter characters and scenes from the movie, such as the Mad Hatter’s tea party, the Queen of Hearts’ garden, and the Cheshire Cat’s tree. The maze is designed to be fun and interactive for all ages.
5. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
- Type: Boat Ride
- Duration: 10 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto is a boat ride attraction at Shanghai Disneyland that takes guests on a journey through scenes from classic Disney animated films, such as Aladdin, Mulan, Tangled, and Frozen. The ride culminates in a visit to the Crystal Grotto, a cavern filled with dazzling crystals and magical effects.
6. Enchanted Storybook Castle
- Type: Walkthrough
- Duration: 25-50 minutes
- Height Restriction: None
The Enchanted Storybook Castle in Shanghai Disneyland is truly a spectacular sight to behold. As the centerpiece of the park, it stands tall and proud, towering over the surrounding attractions and drawing visitors in from every corner. What makes this castle even more special is the fact that it is the largest Disney castle ever built, with a grand total of ten stories and a height of over 197 feet.
But the Enchanted Storybook Castle is more than just a pretty facade. It is also a treasure trove of Disney magic and imagination, with a plethora of themed areas and attractions waiting to be discovered. You can explore the castle and discover different themed areas, such as Snow White’s Grotto, Belle’s Library, and Aurora’s Chamber. You can also enjoy two attractions inside the castle: Once Upon a Time Adventure, a walk-through experience that follows the story of Snow White, and Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, a boat ride that showcases scenes from various Disney movies.
Experience the Best Shows & Parades
When planning your visit to Shanghai Disneyland, make sure you have enough time to enjoy all the attractions, shows, and parades. It’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid the crowds and start your day with an adrenaline-packed ride. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, and wear comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to check the schedule for the shows and parades so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
Mickey’s Storybook Express
No trip to Shanghai Disneyland is complete without experiencing some of the amazing shows and parades. One of the most popular shows is the Mickey’s Storybook Express where you can see all your favorite Disney characters in one place. The parade features spectacular floats, amazing costumes, and catchy music that will have you singing along.
Mickey’s Storybook Adventure
This is an immersive show at Shanghai Disneyland that takes guests on a journey through some of Disney’s most beloved stories. The experience begins with guests entering a large, whimsical book-shaped building that houses the ride’s queue and pre-show area. Once inside, guests are greeted by a cast member who provides some background information on the attraction and its story.
The story centers around Mickey Mouse, who has been tasked with collecting the missing pages of a magical storybook that have been scattered throughout the Disney universe. Guests board a ride vehicle that takes them on a journey through various scenes from classic Disney stories, including Alice in Wonderland, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and more. As they travel through each scene, they are treated to stunning visuals, lifelike animatronics, and familiar characters from the films. Along the way, guests help Mickey collect the missing pages of the storybook by participating in interactive activities, such as spinning teacups in Wonderland or throwing snowballs at Olaf in Frozen. The ride culminates in a grand finale where Mickey and his friends use the completed storybook to defeat an evil villain and save the day.
ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration
ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration is a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the castle and the sky with dazzling effects and music. The show features fountains, lasers, lights, and special effects that create a magical and immersive experience for the audience. The show is divided into several chapters, each of which tells a different story inspired by Disney movies and characters. The show is accompanied by a musical score that includes original songs as well as classic Disney tunes. The show lasts for about 20 minutes and is usually performed twice a night, depending on the season and weather conditions.
These are just some of the amazing attractions and shows that await you at Shanghai Disneyland. There are many more to discover and enjoy, such as Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, and more. Shanghai Disneyland is truly a magical place that offers something for everyone.
