Shanghai Disneyland with Kids: Tips, Best Rides and How to Plan the Day

Shanghai Disneyland is one of the best Disney parks in the world, with the largest Disney castle, rides you won't find anywhere else and a whole land based on Zootopia. With a little planning, it's the day your children will remember most.

When to go

• Weekdays outside Chinese holidays are much quieter. Avoid weekends, Chinese New Year, May Day and the 1 to 7 October Golden Week.
• Spring and autumn have the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
• Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before opening to be among the first in line.

Tickets and skipping the queues

• Tickets are date-based, and prices change with the season. Buy them in advance through the official Shanghai Disney Resort channels.
• Disney Premier Access lets you pay to skip the regular queue on popular rides. It's worth it on busy days.
• Download the official Shanghai Disney Resort app for wait times, show schedules and maps.

Best rides by age

Young children (under 7): - Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, a gentle boat ride under the castle. - Winnie the Pooh and the Dumbo flight. - Meeting characters and the castle show.

Older children and teens: - TRON Lightcycle Power Run, one of the fastest Disney coasters. - Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, a spectacular boat ride unique to Shanghai. - Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, in the world's first Zootopia land. - Roaring Rapids, a river raft ride (you'll get wet).

Everyone: the evening castle show with fireworks and projections, and the daytime parade.

Food in the park

The park has many restaurants and snack stands, with Chinese and Western food. You can bring some snacks and water. If you have dietary needs, we help you find the right restaurants in the park and nearby.

Where to stay

• Inside the resort: the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the Toy Story Hotel are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride of the park.
• In the city: about 45 to 60 minutes by car. With your own driver, you can leave the park whenever the children are tired.

Fitting it into your trip

One full day is enough for most families; two days lets younger children go at a slower pace. Shanghai combines easily with Beijing and Xi'an: see our 7-day sample route, or China with kids for more family ideas.

How we help

We book your tickets for the right date, plan the order of rides, and have your car waiting at the gate when you're done. Tell us your dates and children's ages on WhatsApp for a free plan within 24 hours.

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