Walkabout Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is a colossal adventure, standing as the largest Disney park in Asia. It took five years and $5.5 billion to build this behemoth, which spans over 11 square kilometers. Arriving early, just before the park opened, I thought I’d outsmart the crowds. Even though I got there well ahead of the rope drop, the long wait at security still stretched over an hour. But that brief moment of doubt disappeared as soon as I entered the park.

Unlike the traditional "Main Street" found at Disneyland in Anaheim, Shanghai opts for Mickey Avenue—a whimsical mix of Main Street and Toontown. And the experience here is just different. The place is massive, with wide streets, but surprisingly, not a lot of trees for shade. Still, the grandeur of Shanghai Disneyland makes up for that minor oversight.

The Enchanted Storybook Castle is the tallest and largest of any Disney park globally. At eight stories, it's home to restaurants, multiple rides, and even a character meet-and-greet. But that’s just the start—Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, at 16,000 square meters, is the most technologically advanced and immersive ride I’ve experienced. And it did not disappoint. Seeing Captain Jack Sparrow speak Mandarin was both strange and amusing, but the visual effects, ride movements, and sheer scale left me in awe. I went on that ride three times, and it was worth every minute of walking to the other side of the park.

Speaking of walking, Shanghai Disneyland is enormous—walking from one side to the other is a workout in itself. Tron Lightcycle Power Run quickly became another favorite. Riding the sleek, futuristic light cycles through a glowing digital universe, especially at night, was unlike any roller coaster experience I’ve had. The way you lean forward and the speed of the launch into the neon-lit track? Breathtaking. The ride design is impressive, and it’s easy to see why people say riding Tron at night is a must.

The food, of course, follows Disney tradition—overpriced, yet irresistible. My bacon cheeseburger cost me about 98 RMB (about $15), which is steep, but not unexpected. However, with over 16 million meals served annually, the park offers an incredible variety. From Western favorites to the eight major Chinese cuisines, there’s something for everyone. Even the churros here are magic—dusted with cinnamon and sugar, they might just be worth their 30 RMB price tag.

As I wandered deeper into the park, I was surprised by the quieter pockets. Even with 10,000 employees and a massive crowd potential, certain areas felt eerily deserted. Finding a peaceful corner to enjoy dinner felt surreal—it was as if I had the place to myself, a rarity in a park that can welcome millions of visitors annually.

Shanghai Disneyland is an ever-growing marvel. There are still sections of the park yet to be built on, leaving plenty of room for expansion. And it’s strategically located—330 million people live within a three-hour car ride. This park is just the beginning of what could be Disney’s most ambitious global venture. While Disney owns 43% of the park, local stakeholders maintain the majority, ensuring the service quality remains world-class.

After 12 hours of fun, I skipped the fireworks. To be honest, I’ve seen fireworks before, and leaving early meant avoiding the crowds at the subway station. As I made my way out of the park, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day. Despite the heat and sticky weather, I got to enjoy most rides, saw a few shows, and never felt overwhelmed by crowds. My visit to Shanghai Disneyland was the kind of immersive, magical experience that reminds you why people of all ages are drawn to the magic of Disney.

This park is nothing short of a wonder, and with its ongoing development, I can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring.