Opened in 2016,Shanghai DisneylandHe is the youngest member of the Disney family (until the opening of Adventure World in Paris). It is a park designed to be "authentically Disney and distinctively Chinese." Here, the castle is the largest and tallest of any park in the world, and the attractions have been designed from the ground up with the most advanced technology available.
1. Newest: The World of Zootopia (2024)
Shanghai is the only place in the world that has an entire land dedicated toZootopia. The immersion is absolute: from the traffic lights for animals of different sizes to the buildings that seem taken straight from the movie.
- Zootopia: Hot Pursuit:The star attraction. It's a trackless system in which you join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on a high-speed police chase through the different districts of the city. The animatronics here are of a new generation that uses rear projections on the faces for an expressiveness never seen before.
📶 Internet in China: A Challenge
China blocks WhatsApp, Google and most social networks. To use the Disney App and stay connected to Spain, you need aHolafly eSIM for Chinathat includes integrated VPN. We don't travel to China without it.
2. Technological Attractions: One Step Ahead
Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
Forget everything you know about the classic Pirates of the Caribbean. In Shanghai, boats use magnetic motors that allow them to turn, reverse and accelerate. Huge ultra-high definition screens immerse you in naval battles under the sea. It is possibly the best Disney attraction in the world.
TRON Lightcycle Power Run
Although it already exists in Orlando, the Shanghai version was the original and is still impressive. Riding a glow bike under a futuristic, color-changing canopy is a must-do experience, especially at night.
Roaring Rapids
Located on Adventure Isle, it features a face-to-face meeting withQ'aráq, a giant sea monster. Prepare to get very wet.
3. Logistics: Visa, Transportation and Payments
Traveling to China has its particularities that you should know:
- Visa:From 2024/2025, many European countries (including Spain) enjoy visa exemptions for short tourist stays. Always check at the consulate before leaving!
- How to get there:From central Shanghai, take theMetro Line 11. It drops you at the door in about 45-60 minutes from People's Square. It is very cheap (less than €1).
- Payments:International cards are accepted in the park, but outside of the park you will need to set upAlipayorWeChat Paylinked to your Spanish card.
4. Expert Tips
- Disney Premier Access:Just like in Tokyo, you can purchase individual Fast Passes in the App. Do so for Zootopia and Soaring Over the Horizon.
- Arrival:Security control in Shanghai is very strict and slow. Arrive at least 90 minutes before opening.
- Night Show:"Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration" uses the castle as a giant screen along with drones and fountains. It's spectacular.
5. Travel and Health Insurance
In China, the language barrier in public hospitals is total. Insurance likeHeymondoIt guarantees you assistance in Spanish and access to international clinics for expatriates, where they will understand you perfectly.
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5% Discount on Insurance for ChinaPros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Technologically superior exclusive attractions.
- The Zootopia area is unique in the world.
- Reasonable prices compared to other Disney parks.
- Very easy to get to by metro from the center.
❌ Cons
- Very slow security control at the entrance.
- Large crowds and queue behavior different from Europe.
- Language barrier outside of main information points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have a Spanish passport, there is currently a tourist visa exemption of up to 15 days. Always check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling.
If you use a Holafly eSIM, yes, you will have access to everything. If you use local WiFi, you won't be able to use WhatsApp or Western social networks without a VPN.
The Toy Story Hotel is a lot of fun and more affordable than the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. Both give you priority entry to the park.
Yes, there are many options for burgers and pizzas, although it is best to try the Chinese themed food, which is of great quality.
Shanghai Disneyland is huge. One day is enough for the main attractions if you use Premier Access, but two days are ideal for taking it easy.
Yes, at Shanghai Disneyland they accept international cards at most official points, but to move around the city easily it is advisable to have Alipay or WeChat Pay configured.
