Spending the Day at Shanghai Disneyland

In this episode of the Travel Squad Podcast, we are taking you with us to Shanghai Disneyland! Shanghai Disneyland has that Disney magic but with a modern twist, combining beloved classics with unique attractions you can’t find anywhere else. Located just outside the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, this park brings together Chinese culture, Disney storytelling, and record-breaking rides—like the futuristic Tron Lightcycle Power Run and the next-level Pirates of the Caribbean.

In this episode, we take you through our full day at Shanghai Disneyland, sharing insider tips on transportation, food, FastPasses, and the subtle differences between this park and the U.S. Disney parks. From Mickey Avenue to Treasure Cove, from Peking Duck pizza to the Enchanted Storybook Castle, we’ll show you why this park blew us away and why it deserves way more attention than it gets.

Episode Highlights Include:

• Before the Park: How we bought tickets online for cheap, navigating in Chinese, and why early arrival is key.
• Buying Tickets: In addition to buying them as we discuss in the episode, Klook is one of the best new ways to purchase tickets that was not available when we took this trip. We have since used Klook to buy Disney Tickets in Hong Kong, Japan, etc. We recommend using them and purchase your tickets here
• Layout & Lands: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination with zodiac statues, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland & Toy Story Land
• Unique Differences: No Frontierland, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise, or It's a Small World - intentionally designed to respect the cultural sensitivities
• Park Eats: Peking Duck pizza, seafood churros, & High Tea at the Disneyland Hotel across Wishing Star Lake
• FastPass & Disney Premier Access: How Kiosks work, buying passes through the app, and the secret spot to purchase Premier Access in person. DO NOTE: Disney often changes its FastPass and Premier Access program rules and how it is utilized regularly. Be sure to check for up-to-date info current program rules as things may change
• The Castle & Shows: The Enchanted Storybook Castle - the tallest Disney Castle in the world, plus magical closing show
• Ride Highlights: Tron Lightcycle Power Run, Soaring Over the Horizon, River Rapids Adventure, & Pirates of the Caribbean, known as the best Pirates ride of all Disney parks, & distinctly different from all the others

If planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland, these are the hotels we would recommend for your accommodations:

• Melia Shanghai Parkside
• NARADA Resort Shanghai Hotel
• Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park
• SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund

If you have more time to spend in the Shanghai area, take a look at additional activates to do via Viator.

If you want to hear more about Shanghai and our adventures in China, be sure to listen to our China Episode that goes along with this trip.

If you're looking for a flight deals to Shanghai, or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thrifty Traveler Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally.

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