Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry Guide 2026: Tickets & Participating Hotels

Author's Profile Picture

Planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland but worried about the crowds, or just want to hit the popular rides without the long waits? I highly recommend Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry! This exclusive perk is available only to those with an Early Entry Pass or guests staying at select hotels! You get to step into the park before the official opening time, letting you enjoy the most popular attractions before anyone else without the long lines. You'll be able to make the most of your precious time by cutting down on wait times.

This article will take you on a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry pass—from the basics and how to purchase it, to some handy tips—so you can get ready for your adventure like a pro!

What is Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry?

What is Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry?

Essential Info

Overview

Get up to 1 hour of early access to the theme park!

Price

Starting from just 179 Yuan (approximately $26.40 USD)

Terms of Use

- For guests with a valid theme park ticket and Early Entry Pass
- For guests staying at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel or Toy Story Hotel

Important Note: The Early Entry Pass does not include access to the Zootopia zone or the "Zootopia: Hot Pursuit" attraction before regular operating hours. Please note that the list of participating attractions is subject to seasonal changes.

So, how is Tokyo Disneyland's "Happy Entry" different?

Itinerary

Early Entry

Happy Entry

Visiting hours

Up to 1 hour before opening

Get a head start on the fun—enter the theme park up to 15 minutes before opening time!

Terms of Use

For guests staying at select hotels, or for those who choose to purchase additional services.

Exclusive perks for Disney hotel guests only (such as Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Disney Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, and more)

Participating theme parks

Shanghai Disneyland

Choose between Disneyland or DisneySea for your adventure, depending on your hotel stay.

While Tokyo Disneyland offers the "Happy Entry" early access privilege, the biggest difference compared to Shanghai Disneyland's Early Entry is the 'time you can enter the park'.

While Tokyo Disneyland allows early entry for up to 15 minutes, at Shanghai Disneyland, you can enter up to a full hour before the official opening! This lets you enjoy popular rides and attractions with ease.

Furthermore, while Tokyo Disneyland offers Early Entry privileges exclusively to guests staying at designated hotels, Shanghai Disneyland is even more special. It offers an optional paid add-on that you can purchase, allowing you to enter the park and start the fun before everyone else, without needing to stay at a hotel.

Another highlight that travelers absolutely love is the flexibility in planning your trip—you can adjust everything to fit your budget and schedule, allowing you to design a getaway that’s perfectly tailored to your style.

Adult ticket

Special deals from Trip.com

Disneyland tickets with Trip.com

Regular Price: From $68.35 USD

Promotional Price: Starts at $57.40 USD

✅Get fast Data in China - you'll need it in China for built-in access to overseas apps like X/YT/INS/Whatsapp etc. Grab the eSIM coupon below!

3 Perks of Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland: Get in before the crowds and have a blast!

3 Perks of Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland: Get in before the crowds and have a blast!

1. Skip the lines at popular tourist attractions

With Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland, you can enter the park up to an hour before the official opening! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy popular attractions like Soarin’, TRON, and Pirates of the Caribbean with significantly shorter wait times. Instead of waiting in lines that can normally last anywhere from tens of minutes to several hours, this early access lets you breeze through the highlights quickly and efficiently, making it easy to plan your day without feeling rushed.

2. Snap stunning photos at iconic spots without the crowds.

One of the best perks of arriving at the theme park right at opening time is that the crowds haven't arrived yet. This gives you the perfect chance to snap stunning photos at iconic landmarks and popular spots to your heart's content without having to worry about the crowds. It’s a total pro tip that every content creator shouldn't miss!

While the daytime can be bustling with crowds and long queues, making it tough to find that perfect photo spot, opting for Early Entry lets you soak in a much quieter, more relaxed vibe. You’ll have plenty of space to capture all your favorite moments, ensuring you get those flawless, social-media-ready shots!

3. Convenient travel, perfect for family trips with little ones.

Taking the kids to a theme park often means inevitably dealing with crowds and long queues, which can be quite exhausting and challenging for families. That’s why using the Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry privilege is a game-changer—it lets you access rides and attractions before anyone else while the park is still quiet. You’ll be able to enjoy your visit with peace of mind and save your energy to keep the fun going all day long. Plus, you can navigate with a stroller so smoothly, making it easy and convenient to explore the park!

How to Buy an Early Entry Pass for Shanghai Disneyland: A Detailed Booking Guide

Whether you're purchasing add-on options separately from your admission ticket (additional fees apply) or receiving them as a special perk from your hotel stay, there are two ways to go about it. Let's dive into the details of each!

How to choose add-on services

How to Buy a Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry Pass: A Detailed Booking Guide
  1. Download the official Shanghai Disneyland app (available for both iPhone and Android)
  2. Select the 「Early Park Entry Pass」 in the app, then tap 「Book」 to proceed with your booking.
  3. If you haven't linked your tickets purchased on the website to the app yet, it's a breeze! Simply scan the QR code on your ticket or enter the ticket number manually.
  4. Once your linked tickets appear, select the one you'd like to use for Early Entry, then enter your passport number and phone number to complete the process.
  5. Tap "Buy Now" to complete your payment—you can use your international credit card to pay as usual.

How to make the most of your hotel perks

How to make the most of your hotel perks

If you choose to stay at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel or Toy Story Hotel, you’ll enjoy the exclusive Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry privilege, letting you head into the park and start the fun before everyone else! You’ll receive your Early Entry Pass at check-in, so just be sure to show it to the cast members when you arrive at the park entrance.

Adult ticket

Special deals from Trip.com

Disneyland tickets with Trip.com

Regular Price: From $68.35 USD

Promotional Price: Starts at $57.40 USD

What are the Latest Shanghai Disneyland Ticket Deals on Trip.com?

Best value! We recommend booking your tickets with an Early Pass on Trip.com—the prices are so good, you'll want to tell everyone!

If you want to get the most out of your Shanghai Disneyland trip, booking your tickets on Trip.com is a must! While Trip.com doesn't sell the Early Entry Pass, we offer regular park tickets at special prices that are cheaper than the official rates—giving you incredible value! So, if you’re already planning to use an Early Entry Pass, booking your park tickets through Trip.com will help you save a bundle on your total costs.

Price Type

Details

Estimated Total Price (USD)

Regular Price

1-Day Pass

$65.00 USD

Early Entry Pass

$24.50 USD

Total Regular Price

Combined total

$89.50 USD

Trip.com Promo

1-Day Pass Special Ticket

$56.35 USD

Early Entry Pass

$24.50 USD

Total Price on Trip.com

Combined promotional total

$80.85 USD

Special Rate Savings

You Save

Save $8.65 USD

Rides and Facilities with Early Entry Access

Rides and Facilities with Early Entry Access

List of rides

  • Soaring Over the Horizon
    • TRON Lightcycle Power Run
  • Jetpack
    • Peter Pan's Flight
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
    • Embark on an adventure with Winnie the Pooh
    • Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
    • Swift Rapids
    • Woody's Roundup

Note: Keep in mind that the attractions open for Early Entry can change from season to season.

List of Places

  • Intergalactic Imports
  • Hundred Acre Goods
  • Doubloon Market
    It may be closed at times.

Note: Other shops and restaurants will operate according to the theme park's regular business hours.

🎁 Grab Cheap flights to Shanghai and the Best hotels in Shanghai! 1 click for Fast data in China!

Top Attractions to Go first with your Early Entry Access!

Opening hours

The Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry privilege lets you get into the park up to an hour before it officially opens! We recommend arriving a little early to queue up so you can enjoy your day at a relaxed, leisurely pace. And don't forget to bring your original passport, as you'll need it for entry—this is super important, so make sure not to leave it behind!

1. TRON Lightcycle Power Run

TRON Lightcycle Power Run

TRON Lightcycle Power Run is arguably the hottest ride at Shanghai Disneyland! If you have Early Entry access, I highly recommend making a beeline for this attraction first. Get ready for maximum thrills on this cutting-edge, motorcycle-style roller coaster that launches you straight into the world of 'Tron: Legacy.' It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that every adventure seeker absolutely cannot miss!

This ride rockets to a top speed of 96 km/h! Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip through both indoor and outdoor zones at a breathtaking pace. Trust me, it’s an absolute blast and a total thrill ride!

Estimated wait time

5-15 minutes

Place

Tomorrowland

2. Jetpack

Jetpack

For illustrative purposes only.

Jetpack is a must-try attraction in Tomorrowland, themed around the future of flight! Strap on your jet-powered backpack and blast off into the sky on mechanical arms extending from a massive sphere. You’re in control—easily adjust your altitude with the controller in your hand as you experience the heart-pounding thrill of continuous, high-flying turns.

Feel the sensation of soaring freely through the sky while soaking in stunning, panoramic views of the amusement park. This is a one-of-a-kind ride that delivers an experience unlike any other!

Estimated wait time

5-15 minutes

Place

Tomorrowland

3. Peter Pan's Flight
Peter Pan's Adventures in Neverland

"Peter Pan's Flight" is a popular attraction that whisks you away on a magical pirate ship, soaring over the London night sky as you set off for the enchanting world of Neverland.

Take flight across the vast skies with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, surrounded by magical pixie dust, as you explore the Lost Boys' hideout and Mermaid Lagoon. The ultimate highlight? A thrilling face-off with Captain Hook! Come immerse yourself in a world of imagination and stunning vistas, and set off on an adventure that’s sure to enchant both kids and adults alike.

Estimated wait time

5-15 minutes

Place

Fantasyland

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

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Underwater Treasure

While Pirates of the Caribbean is a beloved classic that many of us know well from Tokyo Disneyland, the experience at Shanghai Disneyland is on a whole new level! It has become wildly popular for bringing the world of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films to life in such a grand, incredibly realistic way. Packed with cutting-edge technology, including the latest ride systems and stunning projection mapping, it’s an experience that can only be described as truly breathtaking.

Get ready for a thrill ride that feels like you’ve stepped straight into a pirate’s world! From soaring up from the ocean depths with Captain Jack Sparrow to braving a heart-pounding storm, this is an epic adventure that’s sure to get your pulse racing!

Estimated wait time

0-10 minutes

Place

Treasure Cove

3 Tips to Make the Most of your Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland

3 Tips to make the most of your Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland and get in before anyone else!

1. Check the map and wait times on the app before you head into the theme park.

Planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland? You absolutely have to download the official app! It’s a total game-changer that lets you manage your tickets, check ride wait times, and view the park map in real-time. Trust me, it makes everything so much easier!

To make the most of your Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry, we recommend using the app to plan and prioritize the attractions you want to visit before you even enter the park. This will help you have a much smoother experience and save a lot more time!

2. Check your transportation options from the hotel in advance.

To make the most of your Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry, we recommend planning ahead and arriving before the park opens. Also, if you're staying at an official hotel, be sure to check the travel details, as they offer a direct shuttle bus service that is super convenient!

3. Divide up tasks among your group to keep your adventure moving quickly and smoothly.

If you're traveling in a group, we recommend divvying up tasks beforehand—it’ll make your trip so much smoother and save you tons of time! For instance, try splitting up responsibilities to keep things moving: one person can check queue times on an app, while another maps out the route. This simple trick will help your adventure flow seamlessly and make everything so much easier.

Since the Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry period is a golden time where you're racing against the clock, instead of going everywhere together as a group, trying to divide and conquer will help you hit more rides and make the absolute most of your time.

Is Early Entry really Worth it? A clear comparison: Early park access vs. regular entry

Is Early Entry really worth it? A clear comparison: Early park access vs. regular entry

Itinerary

Early Entry Pass

Standard admission ticket

Terms

For those holding both a regular admission ticket and an Early Entry Pass, or a regular ticket + guests staying at designated Official hotels

General admission ticket holder

Visiting hours

1 hour before opening

Regular opening hours

Waiting time

Some popular hotspots are closer than you think—you'll be there in under 10 minutes!

It usually takes 60 minutes or more.

Snap photos and meet the characters

Not crowded, perfect for a relaxed trip.

It can get pretty crowded at times, making it a bit tricky to find the perfect photo spot.

Efficiency

Sometimes, you can hit all the major landmarks in just one morning!

Wasting time waiting in line

Since the Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry privilege is an optional add-on that requires an extra fee on top of the regular ticket price, many people might be hesitant about whether it's worth the extra cost, or if it's truly more worthwhile than entering the park normally.

However, if you compare the data in the table above, you’ll see that arriving at the theme park before opening time is a fantastic way to beat the crowds. Since it’s not too busy yet, it truly transforms your visit into a more fun and rewarding experience, letting you hit all the popular rides and explore every zone to the fullest without having to wait in long lines.

So, for those with limited time who want to hit all the popular rides, or families traveling with kids who prioritize convenience, purchasing an Early Entry Pass is the perfect and most worthwhile solution.

🎁 Grab Cheap flights to Shanghai and the Best hotels in Shanghai! 1 click for Fast data in China!

How to Cut Down on Wait Times beyond just Using Early Entry

How to cut down on wait times, beyond just using Early Entry

If you want to make the most of your Shanghai Disneyland trip and save time, in addition to the Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry privilege, another must-have tip you shouldn't miss is "Disney Premier Access"!

This pass lets you enjoy participating rides at your scheduled time, plus gives you priority lane access for a faster and more convenient experience.

Recommended Hotels in Shanghai
See All Hotels
NO.2
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
9.3/1018325 reviews
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Hotel in Shanghai
NO.5
Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
9.2/105736 reviews
Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
Hotel in Shanghai
NO.6
Hotel Chalet Shanghai
9.5/1013984 reviews
Hotel Chalet Shanghai
Hotel in Shanghai
NO.7
Amara Shanghai
9.1/107487 reviews
Amara Shanghai
Hotel in Shanghai

FAQs about Shanghai Disney Early Entry

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Jeffery

Jeffery

Trip.com Blogger

View profile

Hi, I’m Jeffery. I love visiting new cities, trying local food and finding fun, off-the-beaten-path spots. I share my real travel stories, easy itineraries and honest tips from my own trips. I hope my posts can help you plan better.

12 articles
Trip Hacks Local Find Wanderlust
> >
Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry