If anyone have questions about SDL

[dingyi6288]

Hi, I'm a local annual passholder who has been on this message board for a while, but I noticed that there are not too many posts about SDL. I thought it would be convenient to start a thread. If anyone is planning a trip to Shanghai anytime soon, I am happy to discuss, give recommendations, or provide information, etc.

I will be going to the park again on July 27th. If there is anything you would like me to take a picture of, feel free to let me know.

 

[Chrissy-Mickey]

Hi, I'm a local annual passholder who has been on this message board for a while, but I noticed that there are not too many posts about SDL. I thought it would be convenient to start a thread. If anyone is planning a trip to Shanghai anytime soon, I am happy to discuss, give recommendations, or provide information, etc.

I will be going to the park again on July 27th. If there is anything you would like me to take a picture of, feel free to let me know.

Thank you for your offer of help. I have a trip booked for 2025, so I'm sure more questions will come up later.
I've checked out how to purchase a 1-day ticket online, and it doesn't seem difficult, but I'm not sure which day I want to go. Is it possible to just go to the park and buy a ticket at the gate?

 

[dingyi6288]

Thank you for your offer of help. I have a trip booked for 2025, so I'm sure more questions will come up later.
I've checked out how to purchase a 1-day ticket online, and it doesn't seem difficult, but I'm not sure which day I want to go. Is it possible to just go to the park and buy a ticket at the gate?

Ok, so there is no longer a ticket booth at the gate. Instead, people just buy the tickets in line using the official app I think. Just make sure you downloaded the app before the trip... If you want a ticket as a souvenir, you can visit the service centre just outside the gate and show your passport to obtain one. This process can be time-consuming in rope drop morning though so it is recommended to do it later in the day.
During peak seasons (National holidays, summer vacation, holloween season etc), tickets for the current date may be unavailable, or intermittently available throughout the day. Since you are not sure which date you want to go, I would recommend you to buy the one-day general adimssion which is not tied to a specific date, and you just need to go to the app and make a reservation online. Make the reservation as early as possible, cuz it ran out faster than the specific one day tickets.
Re selecting visit date, a girl on Chinese social media provides a pretty accurate crowd calendar for free, which has been very helpful based on personal experience. But she only provide the prediction like 2 months ahead of time. I will later post it here for your guys information.
Edit: Here is the Aug version of clowd Calendar

 

[Camonkeygirl]

Thank you for your offer to help. I am planning a trip to Shanghai and Tokyo in September. I am thinking about buying a 1 day ticket and a 2 day ticket. When do the tickets go on sale?

I visit Disneyland California quite a bit, and visited Shanghai for 2 days in 2017. Are there any must do rides you would suggest? Also how is the weather in mid September?

 

[dingyi6288]

Thank you for your offer to help. I am planning a trip to Shanghai and Tokyo in September. I am thinking about buying a 1 day ticket and a 2 day ticket. When do the tickets go on sale?

I visit Disneyland California quite a bit, and visited Shanghai for 2 days in 2017. Are there any must do rides you would suggest? Also how is the weather in mid September?

SDL does not actually offer regular ticket sales like WDW irrc. However, you can purchase an early bird one-day ticket up to 10 days prior to your visit and save 60 RMB per ticket. Additionally, if the total ticket value adds up to 2,500 RMB or more, you can find a voucher from the official app and deduct 120 RMB.
The cheapest way is to buy from a third party vendor. https://www.dianping.com/ this is one of them, and people also buy tickets through the Chinese version of TikTok. For example, the price of an early bird one-day ticket from the official app is 659 RMB, while the vendor's price is 611 RMB. However, to buy from the vendors, you will need a Chinese phone number and either an Alipay or WeChat account and get it work. If you have a trusted contact in China or are using a travel agent, you can ask them to purchase the tickets on your behalf.
Re the must do rides imo:

• Zootopia zone: Unique zone exclusive to SDL. You can enter the shortest line right after the afternoon parade.
• Voyage to the Crystal Grotto: Unique ride exclusive to SDL. This is the SDL's version of jungle cruise. No jokes, the staff just operate the ship in silence, the story is broadcasted. Uh but I like this ride a lot, and I highly recommend experiencing it in the evening when the stunning lighting and musical fountain setup create a magical atmosphere. The ride takes you right through the basement of the castle, offering a beautiful scene..
• "Once Upon a TIme" Adventure: Unique ride exclusive to SDL. The Snow White story and the technique is slightly outdated, but you get to see the interior decoration of the castle. It's very elegent.
• Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken: Unique ride exclusive to SDL. The technique is still impressive even now I think.
• Mickey's Story book adventure: Highest quality musical show in SDL. A must-see.
• The Adventure of rhythem: Complete new show, will tell you more once I watch it on 27th July!

Re the weather...In mid-September, Shanghai still feels like summer, but when it's raining, it can be quite cold. Remember to bring a jacket.
Oh, there is a WeChat applet called "神奇等候时间"(Magical Waiting Time) that monitors and predicts the waiting time for rides. Be sure to use it when you arrive. Have a great time in sep! XD

 

[Camonkeygirl]

SDL does not actually offer regular ticket sales like WDW irrc. However, you can purchase an early bird one-day ticket up to 10 days prior to your visit and save 60 RMB per ticket. Additionally, if the total ticket value adds up to 2,500 RMB or more, you can find a voucher from the official app and deduct 120 RMB.
The cheapest way is to buy from a third party vendor. https://www.dianping.com/ this is one of them, and people also buy tickets through the Chinese version of TikTok. For example, the price of an early bird one-day ticket from the official app is 659 RMB, while the vendor's price is 611 RMB. However, to buy from the vendors, you will need a Chinese phone number and either an Alipay or WeChat account and get it work. If you have a trusted contact in China or are using a travel agent, you can ask them to purchase the tickets on your behalf.
Re the must do rides imo:

• Zootopia zone: Unique zone exclusive to SDL. You can enter the shortest line right after the afternoon parade.
• Voyage to the Crystal Grotto: Unique ride exclusive to SDL. This is the SDL's version of jungle cruise. No jokes, the staff just operate the ship in silence, the story is broadcasted. Uh but I like this ride a lot, and I highly recommend experiencing it in the evening when the stunning lighting and musical fountain setup create a magical atmosphere. The ride takes you right through the basement of the castle, offering a beautiful scene..
• "Once Upon a TIme" Adventure: Unique ride exclusive to SDL. The Snow White story and the technique is slightly outdated, but you get to see the interior decoration of the castle. It's very elegent.
• Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken: Unique ride exclusive to SDL. The technique is still impressive even now I think.
• Mickey's Story book adventure: Highest quality musical show in SDL. A must-see.
• The Adventure of rhythem: Complete new show, will tell you more once I watch it on 27th July!

Re the weather...In mid-September, Shanghai still feels like summer, but when it's raining, it can be quite cold. Remember to bring a jacket.
Oh, there is a WeChat applet called "神奇等候时间"(Magical Waiting Time) that monitors and predicts the waiting time for rides. Be sure to use it when you arrive. Have a great time in sep! XD

Thank you. After my visit in 2017, I pack a jacket no matter what. I am fine spending a little more and buying tickets direct from Disney, hopefully the early purchase and coupon will be available when I buy them. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto was a nice ride too.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Heading to HKDL, SDL, and then Tokyo in September. I would love any info you have about pocket Wifi and what we should do when we get there so we can use the app???

Any must do quick service in the parks?

Thanks!

 

[dingyi6288]

Heading to HKDL, SDL, and then Tokyo in September. I would love any info you have about pocket Wifi and what we should do when we get there so we can use the app???

Any must do quick service in the parks?

Thanks!

Hello! Ok as far as I know you can get an esim before you come here, and it works as pocket wifi. Nomad and Airalo both are solid. or you can buy a temporary SIM card at the airport for under $30 irrc, valid for one month. A physical SIM card is recommended as many Chinese apps require a Chinese phone number. If you don't want the physical sim card, you can still use Alipay. Alipay can be used for various services like QR code payment and taxi service, but you can't do things like purchase park tickets on Dianping.com etc. Just make sure to enable roaming to receive verification codes.
QS restaurants:
All the food in the park we've tried so far is decent, so don't be afraid to explore..

• You can get regular amusement park food at Stargazer Grill. The burgers and Fries are solid there. The prices are a bit on the high end though.
• For ribs, you can go to Barbossa’s Bounty. I would recommend the Davy Jones Pirate Feast if your group has more than 2 people. It is the best value family combo in the park now. Mickey & Pals Market Café used to have a better combo with fish, ribs and a chicken, but they changed the menu. The combo has 800g rice, and you can always order rice separately.
• Mickey & Pals Market Café, the largest restaurant in the park, has a wide variety of options including noodles, dumplings, spaghetti, and fried rice etc. “Ma La Tang” Noodle Soup with Prawn and Beef is a must-try and very popular among locals.
• Pinocchio Village Kitchen serves pizza, but it's just standard pizza.

Food stands and carts:

• Go to Merlin's Magic Recipe for the Winnie the Pooh Beef and Mushroom Ragout Sandwich!! Best sandwich in the park.

• Go to Chipmunk Snacks for the wraps! Beef and Kimchi wrap is very very popular among locals. Some would say it's THE best food in the park. The roasted chicken with peanut sause wrap is also really good. （the picture I took is the latter)

• Go to Lotso Lunch Box for the Sichuan Spicy Chicken with Potato Chips. It's quite popular, and I'm intended to try this Saturday.（Picture from internet)
• 
• A bowl of rice is available for 5 RMB (less than 1 USD) at every quick-service canteen, where you can comfortably sit with your meal. Curry beef is served as a snack at the food cart in front of Wandering Moon Restaurant. You get the curry beaf for 68RMB, and you take your beaf to the nearby Duffy and Friends at Trible Table, and you get a bowl of rice:

 

[MATTERHORN]

Thank you for the amazing tips!! I am going to be all about that Winnie the Pooh sandwich!!!

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Hello— thank you for starting this thread. I am hoping to go the later this month. Would you mind sharing the crowd calendar for the 25-28 of September?

Also, it looks like I cannot buy the fast pass packages yet— is that correct? How far in advance can they be purchased?

 

[dingyi6288]

Hello— thank you for starting this thread. I am hoping to go the later this month. Would you mind sharing the crowd calendar for the 25-28 of September?

Also, it looks like I cannot buy the fast pass packages yet— is that correct? How far in advance can they be purchased?

Hi ! Here is the september Crowd Calendar:


Try to pick the green days. Have a fun trip here!
Regarding the fast pass package, yes, you can only buy the package 7 days in advance. I'd say if you take advantage of 25th Sep, you might not need a fast pass package, though. Take today, for example, today (13th Sep）is green, and it's 4 PM now
and look at all the hot rides; they are all within 30 mins wait time

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Hi ! Here is the september Crowd Calendar:
View attachment 894158

Try to pick the green days. Have a fun trip here!
Regarding the fast pass package, yes, you can only buy the package 7 days in advance. I'd say if you take advantage of 25th Sep, you might not need a fast pass package, though. Take today, for example, today (13th Sep）is green, and it's 4 PM now
and look at all the hot rides; they are all within 30 mins wait time
View attachment 894159View attachment 894160View attachment 894161

Thank you very much for thorough information! I am actually going to be at HKDL on 9/25 and I have work meetings in Shanghai on 9/26, so I think most likely I will be at Shanghai Disneyland on 9/27, which looks like the second to worst color. Oh well! I have already visited the park twice but not in the past few years and I am very much looking forward to try Zootopia. The U.S. parks have gotten their own Tron since I last visited China so I can skip it if it is crazy due to the recent reopening.

It looks like there is a limited time Duffy afternoon tea inside the castle this month…but you need to book it by phone at midnight the day before you arrive…am I reading that correctly? Also, is there any way to avoid the very very long zig-zag queue at the main park entrance other than staying in one of the park hotels? I think I read that maybe the Dream Pass allows you to enter through the alternative entrance?

 

[planningjollyholiday]

would love to see the October crowd calendar if it is available

 

[KEK1]

Hi, I am confused about early entry. On the FB planning group they say that it is included in both SH and HK DL if you stay on property. But here in the boards they say it is NOT included. Can someone pls clarify? Thanks!

 

[dingyi6288]

Thank you very much for thorough information! I am actually going to be at HKDL on 9/25 and I have work meetings in Shanghai on 9/26, so I think most likely I will be at Shanghai Disneyland on 9/27, which looks like the second to worst color. Oh well! I have already visited the park twice but not in the past few years and I am very much looking forward to try Zootopia. The U.S. parks have gotten their own Tron since I last visited China so I can skip it if it is crazy due to the recent reopening.

It looks like there is a limited time Duffy afternoon tea inside the castle this month…but you need to book it by phone at midnight the day before you arrive…am I reading that correctly? Also, is there any way to avoid the very very long zig-zag queue at the main park entrance other than staying in one of the park hotels? I think I read that maybe the Dream Pass allows you to enter through the alternative entrance?

Damn! Sorry for the late reply. I'm on vacation for the last week...
You are right about the Duffy afternoon reservation. However, I need to remind you that afternoon tea does not include meet-and-greets with Duffy. It's just a cute little afternoon tea set with some Duffy toys you can take pictures with. (If you want the meet-and-greet experience, it was included in the Duffy brunch set and was sold out already. )

Also, re "is there any way to avoid the very, very long zig-zag queue at the main park entrance", Yeah, if you book the premier access or premier tour I think it will allow you to use the 33 Club entrance, which is located in Disney Springs. (what is dream pass? sorry I do not know about it) However if you buy early entry tickets (only $20 ish), although it's also through the main entrance, the line will be much shorter.

 

[dingyi6288]

would love to see the October crowd calendar if it is available

here you go

 

[dingyi6288]

Hi, I am confused about early entry. On the FB planning group they say that it is included in both SH and HK DL if you stay on property. But here in the boards they say it is NOT included. Can someone pls clarify? Thanks!

Who said it's not included? it's definitely one of the on-property resorts' benefits.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Damn! Sorry for the late reply. I'm on vacation for the last week...
You are right about the Duffy afternoon reservation. However, I need to remind you that afternoon tea does not include meet-and-greets with Duffy. It's just a cute little afternoon tea set with some Duffy toys you can take pictures with. (If you want the meet-and-greet experience, it was included in the Duffy brunch set and was sold out already. )

Also, re "is there any way to avoid the very, very long zig-zag queue at the main park entrance", Yeah, if you book the premier access or premier tour I think it will allow you to use the 33 Club entrance, which is located in Disney Springs. (what is dream pass? sorry I do not know about it) However if you buy early entry tickets (only $20 ish), although it's also through the main entrance, the line will be much shorter.

Thank you so much! The Dream pass appears to be a combination of a premier access for several attractions and also a park ticket, so I think it should include the special entrance. I’ll try to remember to report back next weekend after I give it a shot!

I hope you’re having a lovely vacation and if you ever need advice on Disneyland California, send me a message!

 

[planningjollyholiday]

View attachment 896528
here you go

This is amazing, thank you so much!

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Damn! Sorry for the late reply. I'm on vacation for the last week...
You are right about the Duffy afternoon reservation. However, I need to remind you that afternoon tea does not include meet-and-greets with Duffy. It's just a cute little afternoon tea set with some Duffy toys you can take pictures with. (If you want the meet-and-greet experience, it was included in the Duffy brunch set and was sold out already. )

Also, re "is there any way to avoid the very, very long zig-zag queue at the main park entrance", Yeah, if you book the premier access or premier tour I think it will allow you to use the 33 Club entrance, which is located in Disney Springs. (what is dream pass? sorry I do not know about it) However if you buy early entry tickets (only $20 ish), although it's also through the main entrance, the line will be much shorter.

As a follow-up, I was able to buy the dream pass (it’s a combo park ticket and premier access pass) and the fine print on the app says to present my QR code at the Disney town entrance.