WHEN:
Visited on the last Sunday of China's summer school holidays.
Still crowded, but a lot better than during summer holidays itself.
Thought it was weird that it was still very hot for the start of fall, but thankful that we didn't get caught in the strongest storm to hit Shanghai in 70 years just a week later!
ZOOTOPIA:
Shanghai Disneyland is the first in the world to get this land opened in 2023 while the rest of the world gotta wait till 2025 for it. They built almost the exact replica of what you see in the movies - super cute to see the tall, tall giraffes working out alongside the lemmings spinning their balls to work in the hamster tubes. The various zones of Tundratown (freezing!), Sahara Square (with fake camel "Gurlzelle"), Rainforest District's gondolas and even a "Tiger NightClub" were portrayed extremely well in both the land and its immersive rides!
RIDES:
For those who'd been to other Disneylands, the most unique here are Zootopia's "Hot Pursuit" and Tomorrowland's TRON Lightcycle, since they are both unavailable in any other Disneylands. Pirates of the Caribbean in most other Disneylands are getting a little boring with short queues, but you'll find the one here WAY cooler because of its much newer technology. Camp Discovery is unique because it ain't a ride, it's an obstacle course where you get to "climb" up/through some rock/cave/waterfall of Adventure Isle while being harnessed and tethered. The most underwhelming was Pooh's ride which was a lot shorter and two-dimensional than the one we rode at other Disneylands.
SHOWS:
Pirates of the Caribbean is probably the best if you fancy some choreographed stunts and acrobatics; Elsa's still the perennial favourite and Stitch Encounter was funny for both kids and adults, but you gotta understand Mandarin.
DPAs/single Riders/walking/Meet&Greet:
- Disney Premier Access are available individually, but also in sets. We got all:
DPA Inspiration set of SIX rides @ 815rmb
DPA Adventure set of SIX rides @ 815rmb
DPA FOUR shows (Pirates, Elsa, Storybook, Adventure Rhythm NEW) @ 720rmb
That's the only way to finish most rides and shows in one day @ ~320usd/pax.
- When we saw some single rider queues @ 40 minutes, we knew the DPA was worth it.
- If you flew many hours to get here, it's probably worth it to pay 320usd more to NOT queue and jostle, and mostly, to be kind to your legs because this park is HUGE!
- There was no time for Meet&Greet if you want to finish all rides & shows in a day. Also, we honestly found those at Hong Kong Disneyland nicer and MORE available.
SPECIAL NOTES for DPA:
- Definitely need your phone to scan TWICE for every DPA entry;
- Some rides' DPA don't go all the way to the ride, still gotta join last bits of the queue (perhaps that's how you still can appreciate some of the decor at the queue?);
- DPAs for shows means they let you in 15 minutes before show starts. They'll let everyone else in 10 minutes before show starts. DO NOT MAKE OUR SAME MISTAKE by booking two shows back to back... you might just miss the DPA of your next show if you do not arrive early enough. They don't do seat reservations here for DPA-holders like in Tokyo Disneyland.
COMPARING TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS BEIJING:
- We visited Universal Studios in Beijing next since it's only a three-hour flight away.
- While Disney magic and their unforgettable characters are priceless, and one could tell that a lot more effort went into their overall decor, shows and even service...
- Would say we had a much more relaxing and cheaper time at Universal Studios Beijing. They are also newer and have some really cool rides i.e. Jurassic!!