Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Utilize DiDi for affordable transportation around Shanghai; a 20-minute ride cost only £3. (2:45)
- Tip 2Save money by purchasing Disney ears from local vendors outside the park instead of the official store. (7:37)
- Tip 3Strollers are available for rent within the park, a convenient option for families with young children. (10:07)
- Tip 4Observe the unique themed uniforms worn by park staff, which vary depending on their work section. (11:14)
- Tip 5Download the Shanghai Disney app for essential information like park maps and real-time ride queue times. (13:03)
- Tip 6For popular rides like Tron, consider waiting until later in the day (5-6 PM) when crowds may lessen. (13:54)
- Tip 7Shanghai Disneyland offers single-ride fast passes for individual attractions, rather than a daily pass. (15:22)
- Tip 8Take advantage of indoor queues, which are air-conditioned, providing a cool escape from the heat. (16:04)
- Tip 9Be cautious with spicy food options; the 'spicy burger' was noted to be extremely hot. (20:44)
- Tip 10Even with weather disruptions, enjoy a drink at a park tavern while waiting for attractions to reopen. (26:10)
- Tip 11Stay cool in queues with water-spraying fans, a smart feature not commonly found in European parks. (34:02)
- Tip 12While queues can be long, consider the lack of posted wait time updates in queues compared to UK parks. (34:28)
- Tip 13Riding the Tron Lightcycle Power Run at night offers a spectacular and futuristic experience. (36:23)
- Tip 14For a less stressful visit, consider purchasing fast passes for key rides like Tron, especially given long wait times. (45:03)
Join the Two Drifters as they explore the magical world of Shanghai Disneyland, comparing it to its US counterparts. Despite a dramatic weather shift causing ride closures, they discovered affordable transport, unique park details like themed staff uniforms, and the stunning Enchanted Storybook Castle. They navigated the park using the official app, braved long queues for thrilling rides like Tron, and enjoyed the vibrant parade. Even with a midday downpour, the magic of Shanghai Disneyland shone through, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show.
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The Two Drifters embarked on an exciting adventure to Disneyland Shanghai, eager to discover if China's version of the happiest place on Earth lived up to the hype. Despite an initial scare with rides being closed due to thunder and lightning, they were determined to make the most of their day. The journey began with an incredibly affordable DiDi ride, a stark contrast to Western prices, setting a positive tone for their experience.
Upon arrival, the sheer scale of the park and the vibrant atmosphere were immediately apparent. They observed many visitors opting for elaborate outfits, adding to the festive mood. A smart move was purchasing Disney ears from local vendors outside the park, saving a significant amount compared to the official store prices. This allowed them to embrace the Disney spirit without overspending.
The park's unique features, like themed uniforms for staff in different sections, impressed them. Mickey Avenue, with its charming streetscapes, led them to the breathtaking Enchanted Storybook Castle, a central icon of the park. They downloaded the Shanghai Disney app, a crucial tool for navigating wait times and park information, noting that the Tron Lightcycle Power Run had a substantial queue, suggesting a strategic approach to ride selection.
Their first ride, Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, offered a fun, interactive experience with a short wait, a perfect start despite the indoor queues being a welcome respite from the heat. However, the weather took a turn, with a sudden downpour and thunder impacting their plans, leading to the closure of outdoor rides, including the highly anticipated Tron. This unexpected turn tested their spirits, but they found solace in indoor attractions like the Pixar Adventurous Journey, which provided a delightful escape.
Despite the weather woes, the park eventually offered moments of magic. The parade was a spectacular highlight, filled with beloved characters and vibrant performances. As the weather cleared, more rides became accessible, and they finally experienced the futuristic Tron Lightcycle Power Run, deeming it the best ride in the park, especially spectacular at night. The day concluded with the dazzling fireworks show over the castle, a fitting end to an eventful visit. The Two Drifters reflected on their experience, acknowledging the challenges posed by the weather and queues but ultimately appreciating the unique aspects of Shanghai Disneyland, particularly the innovative rides and the overall magical atmosphere.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most surprising thing about Shanghai Disneyland?
- A: The incredibly affordable DiDi ride to the park, costing only £3 for a 20-minute journey, was a pleasant shock compared to Western prices.
- Q: What's a money-saving tip for visiting Shanghai Disneyland?
- A: Buy your Mickey or Minnie ears from local vendors outside the park. They're much cheaper than in the official store, saving around £35!
- Q: What should you do if outdoor rides are closed due to weather?
- A: Head to indoor attractions like the Pixar Adventurous Journey. It's a great way to still have fun and stay dry while waiting for the weather to improve.
- Q: Is the Tron ride worth the wait?
- A: Absolutely! It's described as the best ride in the park, especially at night. Even with a long queue, it's a must-do experience.
- Q: What was the food like at Stargazer Grill?
- A: The chips were good, but the 'spicy burger' lived up to its warning and was extremely hot. They also noted burgers aren't commonly made in China.
- Q: What's a good strategy for dealing with long queues?
- A: Use the Shanghai Disney app to monitor wait times. Consider waiting until later in the day for popular rides, or strategically use single-ride fast passes.
- Q: What was the highlight of the day?
- A: The parade was fantastic with many characters, and the Tron ride, especially at night, was a thrilling, futuristic experience that blew them away.
- Q: What was the biggest challenge during the visit?
- A: The unpredictable weather, with heavy rain and thunder causing many outdoor rides to close, significantly impacted their plans and made navigating the park difficult.

