The Shanghai Disneyland Castle is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Happiest Place on Earth! Credits: @capricorn_song on Unsplash
With six theme parks under its wing, Disneyland earned its name as the Happiest Place on Earth. One theme park that emerges as one of the most underrated gems would definitely be Shanghai Disney Resort (or Shanghai Disney for short!).
Both Tokyo and Hong Kong Disneyland come to mind automatically as top landmarks in Asia, but did you know that Shanghai Disney in mainland China actually stands as the second-largest Disney theme park globally? It's surpassed only by Walt Disney World, commonly known as Disney World Florida.
Standing proudly as the sixth Disney resort around the world, Shanghai Disney houses a lake, its very own Disneyland, two themed hotels (namely, Toy Story Hotel and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel), and many more!
Join us as we uncover the magic of Shanghai Disneyland Resort! Meet your favourite Disney characters and discover the top 10 rides that make it a must-visit destination for all ages.
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Is Shanghai Disney Worth It?
There's no place I'd rather be than Disneyland Park Shanghai. Credits: @erinwith on Unsplash
Shanghai Disneyland is the obvious choice in terms of time and value for money. It's actually one of the closest Disney parks to Australia, especially when it comes to travel time, because it takes less than 12 hours to reach Shanghai!
It's a win-win—plain and simple—because travelling to the Shanghai Disney Resort means less effort and less money spent!
Plus, when considering currency exchange rates, note that you'll get optimal value for money with the Chinese yuan compared to the Japanese yen, US dollar, and other alternatives. Neat, right?
Exclusive to Shanghai Disney, the Garden of Imagination embodies Chinese culture and the Chinese zodiac, incorporating unique aspects of the nation's love for gardens—making this Disney property proudly and distinctly Chinese. Each themed land promises entertainment for visitors of all ages but also offers informational and educational experiences—in true Disney fashion.
But let's be real: with all the choices at hand, navigating a day at Shanghai Disney Resort feels like navigating a vast universe, and conquering it all in just one day seems like a feat in itself. Let Klook walk you through everything you need to know about Shanghai Disney's rides.
Top 10 Shanghai Disney Resort Rides: Ranked
Don't worry — Mickey and friends are here to guide you through the Disney park! Credits: @shanghaidisneyresort on Instagram
Picking the perfect ride on the Happiest Place on Earth can be a bit tricky. Note: Written the same way as a similar sentence above. Let's rewrite this. Addressed! But fear not; whether you're flying solo as a Disney adult or accompanied by loved ones, you can unleash your inner thrill-seeker with these top 10 attractions that should not be missed.
Get ready for a day of joy, nostalgia, and that unmistakable Disney sparkle!
10. Rex’s Racer
Join our favourite friendly T-Rex for an exciting adventure! Credits: @nami.m_73 on Instagram
- Type: Half-Pipe Coaster
- Location: Toy Story Land
Get ready for a dino-sized race with our favourite friendly neighbourhood dinosaur, Rex! You can hop on the RC racer and definitely expect a journey with twists and turns on Rex’s Racer track located in Toy Story Land.
It's not for the faint-hearted because Rex's Racer can guarantee gravity-defying fun as the ride reaches heights, all while travelling forward and backwards at high speed! And take note: you have to be 120 cm or taller to join Rex and his buddies on a whimsical adventure.
9. Roaring Rapids
Brace yourself for a drenching ride through the Rapids! Credits: @aleph_nj on Instagram
- Type: Rough-water rafting ride
- Location: Adventure Isle
Ready to face turbulent waters? Well, brace yourself for a wild river adventure on Roaring Rapids. On this ride, you should get ready to get drenched as you journey down the river with its many twists and turns.
This white-water rafting expedition will leave you soaked, so it's best that you have extra clothes on hand! The need for costume changes aside, you can count on the fact that it's unmissable for thrill-seekers with its sharp turns and sudden drops.
Travelling with the whole fam and looking for an adventure that'll make everyone happy? Well, you're just in luck—Hong Kong is the place to be! It has the perfect blend of culture, fun, and amazing sights for the entire family. Here's everything you need to know about the best family-friendly destinations in Hong Kong.
8. Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Winning is the name of the game in TRON: Legacy! Credits: @shanghaidisneyresort on Instagram
- Type: Roller Coaster
- Location: Tomorrowland
This isn't your typical roller coaster—the Tron Lightcycle Power Run is an extraordinary ride, so put on your game face and dive into the digital realm! Inspired by Disney's high-tech franchise, it's a fast-paced ride through neon-lit landscapes on a light cycle.
In true TROY fashion, you're perched atop a motorcycle as you brave sudden drops headfirst (literally!). If you're up for a neon-fueled adventure, then buckle up for this adrenaline-pumping ride!
7. Jet Packs
Soar to new heights with your very own Jet Pack! Credits: @coheteboy on Instagram
- Type: Interactive Dark Ride
- Location: Tomorrowland
Are you ready to defy gravity? Head over to Tomorrowland and take a flight with Jet Packs! The ride will take you above a futuristic skyline, embracing the strong winds as you command your ascent and descent like a true airborne boss.
Visitors are paired up and strapped into rocket-powered backpacks connected to a massive orb by 16 mechanical arms. Hold on tight for a rapid series of hair-raising revolutions, with hand-held controls available for your use to regulate the height of the ride!
Watch out because this high-flying escapade isn't for the faint of heart; it's for those who crave a dash of thrill in their everyday lives!
6. Peter Pan’s Flight
Journey through Neverland with the Boy Who Never Grew Up! Credits: @exploringzhongguo on Unsplash
- Type: Dark Ride
- Location: Fantasyland
Follow The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up through starlit skies. Expect to be paired on this ride as you soar through iconic destinations from the timeless Disney film aboard a pirate galleon. This adventure will take you years back to your childhood and test your childlike imagination while accompanied by your best friends, Peter and Tinkerbell!
Feel like travelling like a local and exploring more of what Chinese culture has to offer? Head down south and delve deeper into the local neighbourhoods of Hong Kong, explore hotspots, and get insider tips like a seasoned tourist with Klook.
5. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
Discover Disney's best as you course through the waters of the Crystal Gotto. Credits: @fairytaletreasureshq on Instagram
- Type: Spinner Ride
- Location: Tomorrowland
Set sail on a spellbinding journey through the mystical waters of the Crystal Grotto. This magical boat ride takes you through a world of Disney classics.
Here, illuminated sculptures and animatronics bring the cinematics to life. Glide through past scenes from cherished stories, accompanied by a captivating blend of lights and classic Disney melodies.
4. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
A day without a visit to Winnie is a day wasted. Credits: @exploringzhongguo on Unsplash
- Type: Boat Ride
- Location: Fantasyland
Join Winnie the Pooh and his tight-knit group of best friends through the enchanting Hundred Acre Wood! Needless to say, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a charming, family-friendly ride that brings A.A. Milne's beloved characters (and our childhood besties) to life!
Prepare to enjoy the company of the entire squad with Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet as you follow Pooh on this slow-moving yet heartwarming search for honey.
3. Buzz Lightyear’s Planet Rescue
Save the galaxy with our favourite astronaut! Credits: @wingchunjourney on Instagram
- Type: Dark Ride
- Location: Fantasyland
Team up with Buzz Lightyear for a space adventure to save the galaxy: Space Ranger! This interactive adventure takes you on a journey aboard slow-moving cruisers to battle the Evil Emperor Zurg.
On your flight to infinity and beyond, get ready to aim your blaster, score points, and have cosmic fun with your favourite astronaut-slash-superhero!
2. Soaring over the Horizon
Soar through the skies with this iconic ride! Credits: @nami.m_73 on Instagram
- Type: Simulated Hang Glider Ride
- Location: Adventure Isle
Embark on a breathtaking journey as you soar over the Horizon! It's a simulated hang glider ride that will surely take you on an adventure all around the world.
While spinning in circles and stories above, you can marvel at Disneyland's iconic landmarks and natural wonders from a bird's-eye view. It's a breathtaking journey that shouldn't be missed by thrill-seekers and those who love heights!
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
Channel your inner Elizabeth Swann and brave the high seas! Credits: @moryry on Instagram
- Type: Dark Ride
- Location: Treasure Cove
Saving the best for last, the special Pirates of the Caribbean dark ride attraction is a must-visit before leaving the magical kingdom. After all, it's been ranked by bloggers and visitors from across the world as the best ride in the Shanghai Disney resort!
Join Captain Jack Sparrow in an epic battle against mythical sea creatures in Treasure Cove! While scavenging for hidden treasure like a true pirate, brace yourself for a high-seas thrill that blends storytelling with tech from the turn of the millennium.
Written by: Jaf Tumale
