How to Play at the Reopened Shanghai Disneyland? This Might Be the Ultimate Guide Right Now!

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What is Shanghai Disneyland really like after reopening? Which rides are open, which shows can you watch, and what can you eat and play? Haha, the day before yesterday, Miaomama and two friends made a special trip there, and what you're about to read might be the ultimate guide right now.

After buying your tickets online, make sure to make a reservation on the official Shanghai Disney Resort WeChat account. The reservation code you get is actually your admission ticket. After scanning the code at the entrance, you'll receive a physical ticket.

Before you go, be sure to have your health code and ID ready, wear a mask throughout the visit, and note that you can now bring some unopened snacks and water inside.

Actually, I've never used the app to grab a Fastpass before, but now I strongly recommend downloading the Shanghai Disney Resort app in advance and registering and logging in. As soon as you enter the park, you can start grabbing Fastpasses. I tested it and found that for some attractions you can still get them even in the afternoon! More importantly, some shows — for example, the Disney Color-Fest (yes, the show is already on!) — must be reserved in the app at a specific time on the day of your visit!

What's the first thing to do after entering with your ticket? Scan the code and grab a Fastpass! At just past 9:00 in the morning, we still managed to get a Fastpass for Soaring Over the Horizon with a return time of 7:00–8:00 p.m. What a pleasant surprise!

▐ Disney Characters

At 9:30 a.m., head to Mickey Avenue and wave hello to your favorite Disney characters!

The adorable Disney friends have all taken positions on top of the entrance gate, and I waved like crazy at them from below. The wonderful music started playing again, and in an instant, tears welled up in my eyes. Ah, at this moment, our Disney is back!

Though it's already early summer, the park decorations still follow the vibrant, lively spring theme.

The night view is also spectacular.

The first ride we went on after entering the park was Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Every time you pull the lever and soar to the highest point, it offers the best view — you're so close to the castle! Long time no see~

▐ Shipwreck Shore

We wandered into Treasure Cove. I was dying to ride the stunning Pirates of the Caribbean, but when I saw that the queue time on the app was over 60 minutes, and I really wanted to watch the Eye of the Storm show, I decided to first explore a few easily overlooked non-motorized attractions.

Take Miaomama's advice: don't just focus on the motorized rides. Take a good stroll, and you'll discover all sorts of hidden wonders in these attractions. For instance, at Shipwreck Shore, there are water cannons for spraying each other (oops, I meant water) and little pools for splashing around — perfect for summer.

I also rushed in to battle the kids, but I was super timid. Squealing and screaming, I got drenched by the little ones in their raincoats. No way, no way — I had no gear, so all I could do was run away!

Using these non-motorized attractions, where you can manage your time freely, to fill the gaps before a show or other free moments works perfectly.

▐ Siren's Revenge

Another attraction to fill those in-between moments is this pirate ship. I've written about it many times — there are so many cute details to discover as you wander around.

▐ Camp Discovery

From Treasure Cove, we headed to Adventure Isle. I actually really like the Amazon jungle vibe here. Compared to four years ago, when the trees at Shanghai Disneyland weren't yet lush and full, every area of the park has now matured beautifully and looks even more authentic.

The popular Challenge Trails are not open yet. But you can still take a walk along the exploration trails and wander through the caves. I remember four years ago, during the trial operation, I brought my little one here and we walked that exact same path.

There's a very easily overlooked excavation site here, suitable for kids under 5. Some of the "dig" areas are not yet open,

but the suspension bridge, slides, and some exploration spots have opened. It all has a very strong Maya culture style.

▐ Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular

We were just strolling around while waiting for this show, which I think is the most worthwhile one in all of Shanghai Disneyland. Every time, just when you think the show has reached its hilarious, humorous, or thrilling peak, the next "wow" moment opens up right in front of you.

For those who haven't seen it, I won't give spoilers. I'll just mention two small details: Captain Jack might zip right over your head, and Jack and the British captain will fight in midair, suspended inside a giant "wind tunnel." I've seen it countless times, and every time I'm still amazed and applaud enthusiastically.

At this stage, seating in the theater is arranged in every other row, and different families need to sit one seat apart, so the theater can accommodate a limited number of people. Honestly, the experience feels quite good.

You need to queue up half an hour in advance. We made it to the first wave and were lucky enough to sit in the middle of the second row, so we could clearly see many tiny details — for example, when a huge cloud of smoke rolled in, the scene suddenly shifted, something the people in the back rows can't fully appreciate.

▐ Mickey's Storybook Express

After watching Eye of the Storm, we hurried off to the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, trying to make our pre-booked showtime.

As it happened, we bumped into the parade and were stuck on this side of the road. I thought we wouldn't make it in time, but in the end, it worked out perfectly. Right after the parade ended, we rushed off to the next show.

I heard that during the trial operation, the parade wasn't a fixed item; yesterday, it returned to the current fixed show, the Mickey and Friends Express, which is basically a scaled-down version of the parade.

▐ Disney Color-Fest

In the past, the Walt Disney Grand Theatre was only open to park guests on Mondays; on other days, you had to buy a ticket to watch The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast.

So I highly recommend everyone to watch this show, which now has multiple performances daily. It’s a chance to enter this luxurious theatre that has hosted many Chinese film premieres.

This is a song-and-dance show where Disney friends leap to lively rhythms in different colors.

We arrived late and sat on the second floor. At first, I thought we missed many details — like the colorful streamers floating down from above and the close-up views of Disney friends dancing in the aisles.

But actually, there were also charming young ladies and gentlemen on the second floor, equally cheerful and wonderful.

I really want to mention that there's a super lovely cast member at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre. She was so enthusiastic, waving her whole body to welcome or say goodbye to everyone. At that moment, I almost teared up again. This is our Disney — a Disney full of passion, love, and joy!

I hope you will meet her too; she'll fill your whole day with positive energy!

Be sure to book this show in advance through the app. There are fixed reservation times each day, so do calculate carefully when you'll need to grab your next Fastpass. Since you can only get another Fastpass two hours after the last one, if you miss the show's reservation window, you'll be out of luck.

▐ Woody's Roundup

After the show, we headed straight to Toy Story Land.

The U-shaped Rex's Racer is way too intense for me — I didn't dare ride it! I was so scared that I even only managed to capture half of it in my photo. Hahaha!

Slinky Dog Spin always had a pretty long queue, often close to an hour, so we skipped it.

Woody's Roundup with only a 20-minute wait was the best. Walking in along the brown fence, even through my mask, I could smell a hint of hay from the stables! Disney hasn't changed at all — it's still the same as before!

Passing through the stables and hopping into a "wagon," the swinging, whirling party mode began!

▐ Hunny Pot Spin

After leaving Toy Story Land, we checked the queue times and headed to Winnie the Pooh's Hunny Pot Spin. Actually, the crowds at Disney aren't that big right now. Hunny Pot Spin said 20 minutes, but we ended up waiting maybe six or seven minutes at most. Later, Miaomama figured out a rule: don't fully trust the times shown on the app; the actual wait is usually shorter.

Hop into a hunny pot, turn the center wheel, and spin faster and faster!

▐ Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Compared to before, the current queue is much shorter. The Dwarfs' ride had a 50-minute wait — would you line up? Of course! With the mousse cake we bought earlier (I'll go into detail about it soon — it was delicious), we enjoyed it while waiting. Actually, we only waited about 40 minutes at most before boarding!

Hahaha, while listening to the "heigh-ho" singing in the mine, suddenly you plunge downward — ahh~ ahh~ ahh~ ahh~ For that thrilling moment, it was totally worth it!

▐ Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean now seats guests in every other row, and each row can only accommodate one family, so the queue is a bit longer. But safety comes first.

It's still one of my top three recommended rides! Sailing in the pirate boat along with the water, the 3D visuals combined with the physical sets are so immersive you can't believe it — you really think you're in the middle of a stormy ocean.

This ride doesn't offer Fastpass. If you have to queue, this is the one you must queue for!

▐ Soaring Over the Horizon

Miaomama has been to Shanghai Disneyland not a hundred times, but at least dozens. On this super popular ride, I've honestly only been on it maybe twice? Three times? You can count them on one hand!

Now, to be able to grab a Fastpass for it even after 9:00 a.m. is simply unbeatable! You know, before, they were gone within seconds of park opening.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Iguazu Falls, Fiji, the Greenland Islands, the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal… Since we can't travel anywhere this year, just take a flight right here! Haha, and it even comes with scents!

Sitting in the first row, with no one's feet blocking your view, gives you the best perspective. This time, I noticed if you sit at the sides, tall buildings can appear distorted. So it all depends on your luck — whether you can sit in the first row and right in the center.

▐ Roaring Rapids

Based on Miaomama's experience, crowds thin out in the evening. And now it's even more so. Just over 10 minutes, and we were in line for Roaring Rapids! I actually recommend this ride at night, as long as your child isn't too young — the thrill is even greater at night, plus it's not so hot as during the day.

Remember to bring a disposable raincoat; if you forgot, you can buy one on-site for 10 yuan.

Make sure to wear it — you will get wet! I just happened to hit a huge wave, and my unprotected feet got completely soaked. Haha, but luckily it's warm now, so it's no big deal.

Now, let's talk about the fireworks show that everyone cares so much about — there isn't one right now. Instead, they play Tan Dun's music, which used to accompany the end-of-night exit, combined with colorful lights and dancing fountains in front of the castle. I think it's really spectacular and truly worth watching!

And there aren't many people, not many, not many — you can stand pretty close and see every detail clearly.

Who told me the food at Disney isn't good? I've always thought Disney food is both delicious and beautiful — it just depends on whether you know how to pick!

We went all out eating this time, indulging from the moment we entered the park. On the way home, we were busy calculating how much thinner our wallets had gotten — luckily, I had those magic dining coupons (more details later). Hahaha.

April is Chip 'n Dale's birthday month, and there are many new desserts. The one in the middle is a lemon puff — one bite, and lemon-flavored cream wrapped with plump chestnuts bursts into your mouth. On both sides are mousse cakes in chocolate coconut and caramel hazelnut flavors — mind-blowingly delicious! Two for 108 yuan.

We also bought two Chip 'n Dale themed donut-shaped popcorn buckets, each filled with a different flavor! Tell me, isn't that awesome?

After finishing the popcorn, I just carried the bucket on my back. So, how about that? Am I cute enough?

▐ Chipmunk Snacks

Almost all the snack stands in the park are open. I highly recommend Chipmunk Snacks because they have Chip 'n Dale new items. How about a Chinese-style chestnut wrap? Nut-loving chipmunks probably adore chestnuts the most, haha.

The Chip 'n Dale Acorn Pastry (40 yuan) is so cute, right? It looks just like a big acorn. Bite inside, and it's actually a chestnut meat paste mixed with salted egg yolk — a savory egg yolk pastry.

Come on, going to Disney without eating a divinely beautiful ice cream is just unforgivable. The chocolate Chip 'n Dale ice cream mixes rich peanut flavor, and the cherry blossom Minnie flavor is fresh and delicate. I absolutely love the big bunch of colorful Mickey head-shaped candy sprinkles on top.

We three middle-aged moms each grabbed a spoon and shared. We had to take a photo of every single one, but also had to be quick! Because the ice cream had such a high milk content, it started dripping onto our hands in seconds.

▐ Wandering Moon Restaurant

Thanks to the magic coupons in hand, we boldly marched into Mulan's Wandering Moon Restaurant.

Taking a closer look, each dining hall has a different style — sometimes it feels like you're in a desert, sometimes by the sea, sometimes in the inner hall of a palace...

Honestly, looking at this photo, you definitely wouldn't believe I was at Disneyland, would you?

The Chinese-style three-person set menu was 328 yuan (I used a magic coupon to get 15 yuan off). Doesn't it look stunning? The portions were really generous, and three of us couldn't even finish it all. If you have a larger group, go for this — it's more cost-effective than the regular combo meals!

Steamed prawns with a fish fillet — if you look closely, it's actually a whole fish fillet wrapped around a whole shrimp! Each bite is solid and super delicious!

Slightly numbing stir-fried chicken with pickled ginger, plus a Mickey-shaped egg.

The set also includes a serving of multigrain rice and a cup of hot and sour soup per person. Every dish was delicious — I'm not exaggerating at all!

The magic coupons I mentioned earlier are actually the "Magical Dining Offer" you can buy for 8.8 yuan on the official Shanghai Disney Resort WeChat account, and it includes five vouchers. Remember, you must buy it at least one day in advance. It pays for itself if you use it even once.

Before 4:00 p.m., get 15 yuan off any lunch combo at a quick-service restaurant in the park.

From 4:00 p.m. onward, get 20 yuan off any dinner combo at a quick-service restaurant in the park.

When ordering a combo at a quick-service restaurant, upgrade your free medium 473ml drink to a large 650ml drink (worth 5 yuan).

Get 10 yuan off any single purchase of at least 10 yuan at a snack kiosk or outdoor snack cart (recommended use between 10:30 and 17:00).

Get 45 yuan off any set meal at the Royal Banquet Hall (requires advance reservation for the Royal Banquet Hall by calling 400-180-0000 at least one day ahead).

Now let's talk shopping. The former Laughing Monkey store has been turned into the Chip 'n Dale Trading Post in Adventure Isle. It's full of all kinds of Chip 'n Dale themed merchandise!

See? There's no resisting! Everything is so practical.

This little bag with two-sided patterns is just so cute and full of love.

There are also Chip and Dale figures you can dress up in different outfits.

All sorts of plush toys, mini backpacks, headbands... A dazzling array.

And clothing and accessories.

We also passed by themed merchandise shops in each land along the way. Hold back, don't go wild shopping!

But it's really hard to resist. Here's a little haul display!

Here's a super tip: don't worry about carrying your purchases around. You can shop whenever you like, as long as it's not too late (currently before 4:00 p.m.), and the shop can send your items to the Package Pick-Up near the park entrance. Just pick them up when you leave.

Just remember to allow about two hours — meaning if you check your items at 4:00 p.m., they won't be ready for pick-up until after 6:00 p.m.

Even with all my battle-tested experience (I could practically be your super tour guide), and having checked off so many attractions, there were still lots I didn't get to experience, haha. For example, the Carousel,

Alice in Wonderland Maze,

Explorer Canoes (also seated in every other row),

Peter Pan's Flight,

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,

TRON Lightcycle Power Run in Tomorrowland,

Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue,

Jet Packs,

Stitch Encounter...

Almost all the rides are back now. Only a few attractions, like the Marvel Universe (mainly photo ops) and Once Upon a Time Adventure (watching Snow White's story inside the castle), have not yet opened.

Beautiful scenery is everywhere in the park, and you can snap gorgeous photos anytime.

The park is so big, and wherever you stroll, you'll find your own secret haven.

This colorful wall next to the ice cream shop is new — a perfect photo spot.

The Disney cast members, who are all artists in their own way, also create surprises at any moment. Before, I've seen leaf Mickey heads; this time, I saw a bottle cap Mickey head!

Many places you casually pass by can produce blockbuster photo sets. For example, Barbossa's Bounty in Treasure Cove is my personal number one photo spot. Every little scene and detail matches exactly what I experienced when I actually visited the Caribbean!

Even inside the restaurant, every thoughtful touch immerses you completely.

Don't rush to check everything off your list; take a leisurely stroll, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the feeling of being transported somewhere else. I highly suggest that, since we can't go abroad this year, just visit Disney to pretend you're overseas, haha.

As usual, here are some tips to make your visit smoother.

I still recommend taking Metro Line 11 — it's the most convenient. If you drive, parking is 100 yuan per day, or 50 yuan if you arrive after 11:00 a.m.

▐ Package Pick-Up

After exiting the clock tower and turning left, you'll see the Package Pick-Up service I mentioned. The merchandise you bought will be placed here by the store cast members (the room on the far right in the photo below). Just remember to grab it when you leave the park.

▐ Guest Services

For matters like issuing invoices, you can go to Guest Services.

▐ Advance Preparations

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, be sure to have your reservation code, health code, and ID ready in advance — that makes park entry the fastest.

Now, all areas have spaced-out queue markings and hand sanitizer dispensers, so it feels very reassuring.

The skip-the-line Disney Premier Access and Disney Premier Tour services are still available. You can check the details in the Shanghai Disney Resort app.

Wheelchair rental, stroller rental, and locker rental services are also still offered.

Disney PhotoPass service is available too. Don't underestimate the PhotoPass photographers in the park — the photos they take may contain a bit of magic!

As I was about to leave, I just wanted to say: this magical day once again made me forget the real world. The Disney that brings us joy and carefree happiness has truly returned! 2020's path started a bit rough, but it will surely get better!

How to Play at the Reopened Shanghai Disneyland? This Might Be the Ultimate Guide Right Now!

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