Shanghai Disney's One-and-Only 5th Anniversary – What Are You Waiting For? Head Back to the Castle and Rediscover Your Childhood!

I absolutely love Disney, but before this I'd only go about once a year. Taking advantage of Shanghai Disney's 5th anniversary, I finally got an annual pass. As soon as I got it, I went two days in a row and posted on WeChat Moments both days. Lots of friends then decided to grab the tail end of summer break and take their little ones to check it out.

WeChat Moments only lets you rush out a few pictures and words, but I still have so much I want to share, so I'm putting it all together here for our good friends who love Disney as much as we do.

September is Duffy Month, and the Mickey flower bed has been changed to Duffy.

On September 1st, right after entering the park, we bumped into a celebration with Disney's big stars.

The 5th-anniversary logos everywhere inside and outside the park – I love them so much.

The new September backdrop wall is super beautiful.

First, about the annual pass: The annual pass policy keeps changing, so don't overthink it – just get the one that suits you best right now. I bought five Crystal Cards through different channels, including the official website and agents. The price difference wasn't huge. If you have a reliable agent, go for it; otherwise, just buy directly from the official website.

Annual passes bought through the official website for other people will automatically link to my own pass, which is really convenient. There are senior passes and children's passes. Because I didn't buy the senior pass on the official website, there was a small glitch with linking it – the app kept telling me it was a children's pass and couldn't be linked. Customer service from the agent and even Disney's phone support couldn't solve it and suggested I go in person. Sure enough, when I went, the on-site staff sorted it out quickly. So if you run into a similar situation, don't worry too much.

You need to be 65 or older to buy the senior pass. I think when I'm 65, I could get one too – even when you're older, returning here fills you with childlike joy.

If the Crystal Card purchase gives you a card number, you can activate it online and then book multiple days in a row. But if after purchase you only get a GAL code and can't activate or link it, you can only reserve one day first, then go in person or link it online to book the rest.

Shanghai Disney's 5th anniversary has many limited surprises that last until April 2022. Remember to link your ticket to the Shanghai Disney app once inside the park so you can enter the lucky draw. If you're in a group, you can create a travel party and enter the draw together – that way if you win a Disney Premiere Access pass, everyone in the group gets it at the same time.

We were there for two days. Jiaojiao drew twice: first time five Premiere Access passes for Soaring Over the Horizon, second time a pass for Slinky Dog Spin. But honestly, neither the old nor the young in our family could do those rides. Winning two Premiere Access passes was already a stroke of luck, but what was even luckier was that on the second day we met two very kind Disney cast members who helped us swap them for a ride the whole family could enjoy. Hmm, that's probably not allowed, but seeing Jiaojiao so downcast, the cast member said they'd make it happen – just so the kid would be happy. I'm so grateful to them.

A child's wish fulfilled.

The lucky draw screen is so gorgeous, I couldn't resist screen-shotting it.

Another elusive joy is the Surprise Cast. Running into them really depends on luck and whether you catch their eye.

On the first day we saw them twice, but both times they said the surprises were all given out. On the second day we saw them twice, and in the end it was Jiaojiao's persistence and grandma's enthusiasm that won them over. We got to take part in a mini game. Though we didn't win the legendary buffet or annual pass, we still got a 5th-anniversary commemorative coin, a starter kit, and a 5th-anniversary pin – super happy!

We ran into Surprise Cast members in purple outfits near Toy Story Land, the castle stage, and the Gardens of Imagination. Next time you go, keep an eye out – but officially they say: Surprise Cast find you, not the other way around. In any case, if they invite you to join a game, don't refuse (many visitors who didn't know before would turn them down – what a shame). And if you spot them, why not give it a try asking? I've heard that in September they might even have Duffy with them – envious of those lucky guests already!

Taking part in the lucky draw game.

A haul of 5th-anniversary surprises.

Besides the draw, another thing to do once you're in the park is to use the app to reserve Mickey's Storybook Adventure. If it's not a crowded day, you might not even need a reservation.

The show is at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, which you can enter from inside the park.

The trio of princesses singing together was absolutely brilliant.

This show is really wonderful. We saw it twice on our visit in August, too. At the end, golden streamers shoot out. Kids get incredibly excited. If you want to catch some, you need to line up a bit earlier during your reservation window. If you go in too late and sit at the back, you'll be outside the streamer zone. It's probably the first four or five rows that get them, but sitting further back does give you a fuller view of the show.

When Queen Elsa appears, there's always a wave of cheers.

Jiaojiao is holding the golden streamer from the show.

The 5th-anniversary parade actually doesn't differ much from the regular parade. When I took Jiaojiao to Tokyo Disneyland's 35th anniversary parade, that one was different from the usual parades. I hope Shanghai Disney's 10th anniversary parade will bring even more surprises.

They added a lot of "5"s on the floats.

Jiaojiao also made a point to watch Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular, which she hadn't seen in a long time. This time we sat in the very front row, which gave a unique experience. After the cannon fired, the smoke billowed and we couldn't see anything – really interesting. You can watch the clip. Because of the pandemic, they no longer give out gold coins. Jiaojiao quickly said, "Good thing our family already has a coin from before."

Keep an eye out for all kinds of spend-save promotions.

Every visit, Jiaojiao insists on eating at Barbossa's Bounty, and this time was no exception. We ordered a Pirates Feast set. The portions were really generous, so much meat! It came with sausage, a big pork chop, chicken leg, and fish steak, which you can't buy on its own. With the annual pass, you get 20% off, and then we used UnionPay QuickPass to get another 35 yuan off – isn't that a great deal? The QuickPass offer only lasts for a while, but there are payment promotions from time to time. You can ask the staff when you pay. Any time there's a payment promo, definitely use it. I scored discounts twice with QuickPass, saving 35 yuan once and 20 yuan another.

Also, starting in September, many shops inside the park have new spend-save promotions. If you're interested, keep an eye out.

Our usual routine: ride Pirates of the Caribbean first, then head straight into Barbossa's Bounty.

When buying the four-person meal, we got 20% off with the annual pass and then a random 35 yuan off with QuickPass.

The new spend-save promos.

Chip 'n' Dale's joy.

There's joy everywhere at Disneyland, and this time a special recommendation is all about Chip 'n' Dale happiness.

First, sample the goodies at Chip 'n' Dale's Snacks. We got both flavors of the rolls and the curry puff – all tasty. The beef roll is spicy, so kids can't eat it, but the chestnut chicken roll was perfect for us. I also love the new drink cup they've introduced, super cute. Lately Jiaojiao has been using it at home for water.

After buying, walk a few steps toward Soaring Over the Horizon. There's an area by the water with a few small round tables and umbrellas. It's especially nice for eating there – quiet, not many people, and you can sometimes see people rowing by.

The peanut-flavored ice cream over at Chip 'n' Dale's is delicious and a huge serving. After half a roll and an ice cream, I was full. Eating ice cream in summer is so messy – while I was taking photos, the ice cream was already "crying," then it dripped all over my hands as I ate. Good thing it wasn't crowded, so nobody could see my sorry state.

They also had super cute Chip 'n' Dale mousse cakes. I was too full this time – I'll try them next visit.

To soak up Chip 'n' Dale happiness, how could you miss their games? But the games here are really hard. Don't count on the big prize. You can watch online guides and your eyes learn, but your hands never get it. The fun is in getting the full set of pins.

There's also an open area nearby with lots of water mist, making photos look ethereal. Jiaojiao used to wear this dress to Shanghai Disney and Tokyo Disney. Now it's too small and barely fits – this is its last outing, a keepsake. Watching your little one grow up little by little really hits you.

Summer-exclusive happiness.

Going to Disney in summer, especially with kids, means you can't skip water play. During the shows, the front row gets the clearest view but you will get completely soaked. Remember to bring a rain poncho, spare t-shirts, and I'd suggest an extra pair of shoes or just go barefoot. We overlooked our footwear and ended up with completely drenched shoes. Roaring Rapids and Pirates also involve water.

If you want to play in the water, the front row gives the most interactive experience.

Because of the pandemic and it not being a workday, our summer trip saw way fewer people in the park compared to the same period in previous years. The time we saved could be used for photos.

There are so many great photo spots inside the park where you can dodge the crowds and get beautiful castle shots with yourself. In the morning, start with the castle from the side. Then the castle from the dock, the castle from the maze – so many lovely angles. I feel like I could compile a whole post on this in the future.

Alice's maze – a must-visit for anyone who loves taking pictures.

If left to her own devices, Jiaojiao could play here for ages.

I edited a picture and felt I was in the Red Queen's domain. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, and as a super fan, I definitely need to stroll through here a few more times this year.

The unmissable 5th-anniversary spectacular.

Shanghai Disney's 5th-anniversary nighttime show, "Illuminate! Light & Shadow Spectacular," is unbelievably good. Don't miss it – especially the Frozen 2 and Marvel segments. Absolutely thrilling! It runs until April next year.

Now during the fireworks, cast members guide everyone to stay seated, so remember to bring a small mat you can spread on the ground.

Watching the fireworks in such orderliness is wonderful, and you don't need to hunt for the so-called "Instagram spots" – the view is clear from many places. Last time we watched the Halloween fireworks, everyone started out sitting. Then the front row suddenly stood up, ignoring others' protests, just to get better shots. The crowd became chaotic. Poor us with kids had to struggle to lift them up, and we ended up losing Jiaojiao's beloved water bottle.

By the way, if you lose something, you can call Disneyland customer service and describe the lost item. You might find it, though ours was never found.

Happily, the Disney experience keeps getting better. Now there are cast members patrolling to remind people to stay seated, and if something blocks your view, they'll help sort it out. In short, if you get the chance, you must see the 5th-anniversary nighttime show in person – it's pure magic.

A friend also asked me about where to stay at night and whether to choose a Disney hotel. I'd say if your itinerary focuses on the park, don't bother with a Disney hotel.

For the park's first year, we came for New Year's Eve and booked the Disneyland Hotel. It was our first time at both the park and the hotel. We were so excited in the park that staying at the hotel felt like we barely experienced it. Back then we didn't read guides. We rushed through the day, got back exhausted, and flopped into bed. The next morning we slept in, missed the early park entry, didn't take the exclusive boat, and honestly didn't even explore the hotel properly. We didn't even know there was an incredibly beautiful garden out back. Haha, it wasn't until later when I attended an event that I discovered the amazing garden behind the Disneyland Hotel.

I can't find the hotel garden photo right now, so here's a pretty park shot instead.

Looking back, the hotel perks we enjoyed then were the free shuttle bus and free luggage storage at Disney. So now my advice to friends is: if you want to stay at a Disney hotel or the Toy Story Hotel, don't plan to go into the park the second day—or don't enter the park on the first day and fully enjoy the hotel. If you want to maximize park time over two days, just find a nearby B&B or regular hotel. As long as it's clean, convenient, and hygienic, that's enough, since you'll only be sleeping there.

No matter what hotel or B&B, make sure they offer pick-up/drop-off service—it saves hassle. If you're driving, ask whether parking is easy.

Since we stayed nearby again, we got to the park early the next morning effortlessly and even saw Minnie and Mickey heading to work.

Other small tips: Glass cups and small stools aren't allowed in the park. For the parade, watch Minnie from the inner circle of the route and Mickey from the outer. Zootopia is over by the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train area—there are some very cute little doors you can take photos with.

If you want to buy the delicious treats from the snack carts, do it early. I've missed the turkey leg twice now—when I went in the afternoon, the stall was already closed.

Popcorn comes in so many flavors; I feel like I want to try every single one. The pork floss corn sausage is spicy on the outside, so kids who don't eat spicy can't have it. There's another sausage wrapped in sticky rice, but that stall was closed last time too, so I missed it.

It seems Disney snacks also come down to fate.

Finally, revel in the joy of not queuing forever.

I actually finished writing this in the last week of summer break, but only sat down to properly organize it today. I must press 'publish'—to remind all my good friends: If you have the chance this year, you must go! Fewer crowds, gorgeous parks, enough joy to last the whole year. I went again on September 1st, "secretly" with my bestie, and we waited just ten minutes for Soaring Over the Horizon.

Besides taking the kids, if you can, bring the grandparents along too. They'll be so happy. Though our family debated a lot before this trip, when we came home, Grandma looked at the photos of her and Jiaojiao in front of the castle from the park's opening year, Tokyo Disney's 35th anniversary, and now Shanghai Disney's 5th anniversary, she was truly delighted.

Disneyland truly is a place overflowing with happiness, where no matter your age you can be a child again, and where you can watch each other grow and make memories. On the 10th anniversary, let's all go back and take castle photos together.