10 Must-Do Things in Shanghai Disneyland 2025 – Latest Update with All Zones and Iconic Rides

Full review for Disney fans 10 Must-Do Things in Shanghai Disneyland 2025, latest updates with no secrets left out! Covering new zones, iconic rides, ticket tips, on-site hotels, and complete travel hacks. For anyone who is a Disney fan and wants to experience the most spectacular adventure in Asia, Shanghai Disneyland is the answer! This is the largest park in Asia, with unique rides, exclusive new zones you won’t find anywhere else, and an atmosphere full of magic.

I had the chance to revisit in 2025, and this time there are so many new updates that I can’t wait to share a detailed experience. Hopefully, this guide will help anyone planning their trip use it as a complete companion to enjoy Shanghai Disneyland to the fullest.

The very first highlight in 2025 that attracts visitors from all around the world to Shanghai Disneyland is the Zootopia zone, the only one of its kind in the world featuring this exclusive theme. If you’re a fan of Judy and Nick, this is an absolute must-visit! Not only is the ride exciting, but the atmosphere of the entire zone truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into the city of Zootopia itself.

Ride: Zootopia: Hot Pursuit takes you on a thrilling chase with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. This attraction uses the latest technology with ultra-smooth projection screens that make you feel as if you’ve stepped right into the animated world.

Photo Spot: The theming in this zone is incredibly detailed—from the buildings, trains, to shop signs in the city of Zootopia. Everything looks realistic, and every angle makes for a great photo.

Tips:

• The line here is extremely long, so if you can enter early, head straight to this zone first.
• The atmosphere is totally different between day and night—try taking photos at both times for a completely unique vibe.

Perfect for photography lovers and fans of the Zootopia movie—it’s truly like living the dream of walking through the city alongside Judy and Nick in real life.

At Shanghai Disneyland, there are plenty of rides to choose from, but if your time is limited, here are the top 3 that are the most exciting and absolutely unmissable. These attractions are unique highlights of the park and are constantly praised by visitors from all over the world.

1. TRON Lightcycle Power Run

The ride that put Shanghai Disneyland on the global map is none other than TRON Lightcycle Power Run! It feels just like mounting a lightcycle and racing straight into the future, reaching speeds of up to 95 km/h. The wind rushing against your face and the pounding heartbeat are absolutely thrilling. And if you ride at night, the glowing neon lights all around create an atmosphere so stunning it’s hard to describe.

Why you must experience it yourself: No words can truly capture the feeling of that powerful launch. You have to ride it to understand why fans say it’s the ultimate adrenaline rush!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure

If you think the Pirates ride in other Disney parks is impressive, you absolutely need to try it at Shanghai Disneyland—because this version is the best in the world! The attraction blends real sets, massive models, and seamless projections so perfectly that it’s almost impossible to tell what’s an effect and what’s real. You’ll feel like you’re truly sailing across the sea alongside Jack Sparrow.

Why you must experience it yourself: The grandeur of the lights, sounds, and the movement of the ship is beyond what photos or videos can ever convey. You have to ride it yourself to really feel like you’re drifting in the ocean with real pirates.

3. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit

The newest addition to Shanghai Disneyland and the hottest highlight of 2025! The entire Zootopia zone has been a massive hit, but it’s the Hot Pursuit ride that makes people willing to wait in long lines. You’ll hop on a special police vehicle with Judy and Nick, chasing down criminals with cutting-edge 4D effects so realistic it feels like you’ve stepped right into the animation itself.

Why you must experience it yourself: The storytelling and effects change constantly, unlike other rides where you can predict what’s coming next. You need to try it firsthand to understand why everyone says it’s worth the wait—even if it takes hours in line!

Tips for riding:

• Don’t forget to download the Shanghai Disney Resort app to check real-time queue updates.
• If you’re visiting on weekends or holidays when it’s super crowded, it’s worth buying Disney Premier Access (DPA) for the top 3 rides to save time and enjoy more attractions.

Every Disneyland around the world has a castle, but at Shanghai Disneyland you’ll find the largest Disney castle in the world. It’s the ultimate landmark if you visit and don’t take a photo with this castle, it’s like you haven’t really been here. No matter the angle, the castle is breathtakingly beautiful. Inside, the design incorporates elements connected to every Disney princess: patterns, windows, decorations, colors, and tiny symbolic details of each princess (Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, and more). This is the only Disney castle that brings together all the princesses in one place.

During the day, photos come out bright and dreamy with clear skies. At sunset, the golden light hitting the castle makes for the most romantic scene. And at night, the entire castle transforms into a projection screen, telling stories through lights and animation, topped off with fireworks. It’s so spectacular it will literally give you goosebumps beyond words.

If you want beautiful photos without too many crowds in the background, head straight to the castle early in the morning right when the gates open. By afternoon and evening, the area in front of the castle gets very crowded.

Activities inside: Inside, you’ll find the Once Upon a Time Adventure zone, which tells the story of Snow White through exhibitions and projection scenes kids especially love it.

Best photo spots:

• Morning: capture clear, bright shots with soft light
• Evening: sunset creates the most romantic glow
• Night: projection mapping and fireworks make the castle even more stunning

Although the parade is called Mickey’s Storybook Express, it’s not just about Mickey! The concept of the “Storybook” is that we hop on a storybook train to meet a variety of beloved Disney characters. You’ll see Mickey & Friends, live performances from Frozen singing “Let It Go,” characters from Toy Story, Pixar favorites, and many Disney princesses. The parade lasts nearly half an hour, ensuring nonstop entertainment from start to finish.

Photo tip: Stand at the curve of the street this spot gives you closer angles and a higher chance of characters smiling directly at your camera. The floats turn slowly at the curves, making it much easier to capture great shots compared to straight-line spots.

Although the parade is called Mickey’s Storybook Express, it’s not just about Mickey! The concept of the “Storybook” is that we hop on a fairytale train to meet a wide range of famous Disney characters. You’ll see Mickey & Friends, Frozen with a live performance of “Let It Go,” Toy Story, Pixar favorites, and many Disney princesses. The parade runs for nearly half an hour, keeping you entertained the whole time.

Photo Tip: Stand at the curve of the street to get closer shots and more chances for the characters to smile at your camera. Since the floats move more slowly while turning, it’s much easier to capture great photos here than on the straight paths.

Another special experience: What makes Shanghai Disneyland different from other parks is the Disney Character Meet & Greet. The park is famous for organizing this really well. If you’ve always dreamed of meeting your favorite princess or hero up close, this is a must. The highlight is that the characters appear randomly—for example, you might see Snow White when you first get in line, but by the time it’s your turn, it could be Belle or Jasmine instead. This element of surprise is what makes meeting characters at Shanghai Disneyland so unique and charming.

What impressed me: The Cast Members take care of guests very well. If you need to step out for food or the restroom, just let them know. They’ll give you a small card as proof so you can return to continue from your spot in line without starting over. It’s fair, organized, and very guest-friendly.

Little tip:

• Always keep your camera or phone ready, because sometimes the character you want to see may only appear for a short while before switching to another. If you’re not quick enough, you might miss your chance to take that perfect photo with your favorite character!

If you’re visiting Shanghai Disneyland for the first time and are worried about the language barrier, don’t stress at all! The Cast Members here are super friendly and always willing to help. Even if some of them aren’t fluent in English, they do their best to communicate and with Google Translate, it’s really easy to get by.

What’s even better is that this time I noticed more staff speaking English than before. Asking for directions or tips has become much easier. And even if you’re not confident with languages at all, you’ll still feel at ease—just use a translation app or point at a map/ride name, and the staff will jump in to assist right away. In short, even first-time visitors with little to no English skills won’t have any problems here. Thanks to the park’s system and the dedication of its staff, everyone can enjoy their trip with complete peace of mind.

Another reason why visiting Shanghai Disneyland is so enjoyable and memorable is the food! Many people say the food here tastes better than at the Disney parks in the West because the menu is more in line with Asian tastes—not overly heavy—and there’s plenty of variety. From Chinese dishes, noodles, rice bowls, to lots of tasty snacks, there’s something for everyone.

Must-try menu: The absolute must-try is the Turkey Leg, a true signature of the park. Honestly, no matter how many times I’ve had it, I still crave it every visit. On top of that, staple meals like hot noodles or rice dishes are delicious too, priced around 100–200 RMB, which is quite reasonable for a world-class theme park.

Extra tips:

• You can bring in bottled water (as long as it’s unopened), which helps save a lot on drinks.
• The park has several free Water Refill Stations—bring a reusable bottle to refill easily.
• Plan to eat slightly before or after the lunch rush to avoid long queues at the restaurants.

One activity that makes many visitors spend the most money at Shanghai Disneyland is shopping because the merchandise here is just too cute to resist! The most popular is the Duffy & Friends collection, which Chinese fans absolutely adore. From plush dolls, clothes, collectibles, to photo props, it’s impossible to walk past a shop without feeling tempted. Stores are scattered across almost every zone in the park, and there are plenty of Limited Edition items you won’t find anywhere else. Highlights include the massive Disney Store and Disney Home, which sells Disney-themed home goods perfect for anyone who loves decorating their space. Each season brings new arrivals, making it a must-visit for collectors.

Beyond the park itself, you can continue your shopping spree at the Disneytown area right outside. It’s packed with shops, clothing brands, toys, collectibles, and even famous food chains. Truly a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and Disney magic.

Stroll Around Disneytown – Eat & Shop Before You Leave

If you’re visiting Shanghai Disneyland and want a break from the hustle and bustle of the park, make sure to stop by Disneytown. This outdoor zone feels like a shopping street combined with a dining hub, offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can take your time strolling around.

Popular spots to check out in Disneytown:

• Hey Tea – The famous bubble tea chain with long queues everywhere
• Pop Mart – A paradise for collectors of cute figurines and blind box toys
• Plenty of international restaurants – Often cheaper than inside the park, perfect for budget-conscious visitors or anyone who wants a more relaxed dining experience

Key advantage: Disneytown is directly connected to the main entrance of the park, so you can step out to shop or eat and then go back inside without losing your re-entry. This convenience is especially great for those spending the whole day at the park and wanting a change of scenery.

End your day with the spectacular Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration show in front of the grand castle at Shanghai Disneyland. It’s truly breathtaking more than just fireworks above the castle, the entire performance combines lights, music, and sound in perfect harmony, leaving you with goosebumps.

What makes it different from other parks: Here, it’s not only about projection mapping on the castle—the lights are synced throughout the park. Lamp posts, buildings, and pathways all glow in unison with the music and fireworks, making you feel like you’re part of one massive show no matter where you stand.

Tips:

• If you want the best spot right in front of the castle, plan to save your place 1–2 hours in advance—this is prime viewing territory.
• If you’re not picky about angles, don’t worry thanks to the world’s largest Disney castle, the view is stunning and unobstructed from almost anywhere.

Tips Before Visiting Shanghai Disneyland

To make your trip smooth and enjoyable, here are a few things you should know and items you cannot bring into the park:

❌ Items not allowed:

• Selfie sticks
• Tripods
• Photography lighting equipment

If you accidentally bring these, you’ll have to store them at the entrance, which takes time and interrupts your day. It’s best to avoid bringing them at all to save yourself the hassle.

✅ Extra tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes you’ll be walking a lot.
• You can bring an unopened water bottle into the park, which helps save on drinks.
• Download the Shanghai Disney Resort app to check ride wait times, parade schedules, and to reserve Fast Passes easily.

To be honest, in 2025 Shanghai Disneyland is a destination you should definitely add to your bucket list. It has everything: the brand-new Zootopia zone (the only one in the world), top rides like TRON and Pirates of the Caribbean, and the spectacular Illuminate! nighttime show that must be seen in person. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why people say this is the ultimate Disney park. From food and shopping to extra activities, there’s so much packed into one day that you’ll never feel it’s enough. Delicious meals, adorable merchandise, and endless photo opportunities it’s more than just rides, it’s about being fully immersed in the Disney world.

For anyone planning a visit, don’t wait too long book your Shanghai Disneyland tickets with Gother for fast, easy, and great-value deals. You won’t have to worry about missing out on busy days.

To make your trip even more complete, consider staying at a hotel right next to the park. Not only is it convenient, but you’ll also enjoy Early Entry, giving you the chance to ride attractions before the crowds. Totally worth it!