How to Use Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry to Beat the Crowds?

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Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry

"I'd love to visit Shanghai Disneyland, but I'm worried about the crowds." "I want to experience popular attractions with as little waiting as possible!"

If that sounds like you, we highly recommend "Early Entry."

With an Early Entry Pass or by staying at a designated hotel, you can enter the park before it officially opens, allowing you to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times. By cutting down on wait times, you can make the most of your limited time!

In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland, from the basics to how to purchase your pass and our top recommendations.

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What Is Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland?

What is early entry at Shanghai Disneyland?

Basic Information

Overview

Enter the park up to 1 hour early

Price

From ¥179 (approx. $23.36)

Terms and Conditions

・Guests who have purchased a valid park ticket and Early Entry Pass
・Guests staying at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel or the Toy Story Hotel

Please note: The Early Entry Pass does not include early access to "Zootopia: Hot Pursuit" or other facilities within Zootopia. However, please be aware that the eligible attractions may change depending on the season.

Unlike Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World, where early entry is strictly a perk for staying at an official resort hotel, Shanghai Disneyland allows any guest to purchase an Early Entry Pass as a standalone add-on. In the U.S., you cannot "buy" your way into the early entry window without a hotel reservation.

Adult Ticket

Trip.com Special Rates

Disney Tickets on Trip.com

Usually $64.99

Campaign Price:

From $62.50

3 Benefits of Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland

3 Benefits of Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland

1. Cut down wait times for popular attractions

By taking advantage of Early Entry at Shanghai Disney, you can enter the park up to an hour before it officially opens, giving you a head start on popular attractions like Soaring, TRON, and Pirates of the Caribbean with minimal wait times. While these rides often have lines ranging from tens of minutes to several hours, Early Entry lets you experience them efficiently, leaving you with plenty of flexibility to enjoy the rest of your day at a more relaxed pace.

2. Enjoy photo spots without the crowds

One of the biggest perks of arriving right when the park opens is that there are fewer guests around, giving you the perfect chance to snap photos at iconic landmarks and popular spots without the crowds.

On the other hand, while it can be difficult to take your time and snap photos during the day due to long lines and crowds, taking advantage of early entry lets you capture those memorable, perfect shots in a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Easy to get around with kids

Visiting the park with kids can often be a challenge, especially when you have to deal with crowds and long wait times.

That's why taking advantage of Early Entry is such a game-changer—you can get around and enjoy attractions while the crowds are still thin, giving you plenty of breathing room both physically and mentally!

Plus, getting around with a stroller is a breeze, so you can navigate the park in total comfort.

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How to Purchase and Arrange Your Shanghai Disney Early Entry Pass?

Early entry at Shanghai Disneyland is...

  1. If you're looking to add and purchase this as a paid option separate from your admission pas
  2. When available as a hotel stay perk

There are two options available. Here, we'll take a closer look at each of these methods.

How to purchase as a paid add-on

How to Purchase and Arrange Your Shanghai Disney Early Entry Pass
  • Download the official Shanghai Disneyland app.
  • Tap "Early Park Entry Pass" in the app, then select "Book" to proceed with your reservation.
  • If you haven't linked the tickets you purchased on our travel site to the app yet, simply scan the ticket's QR code or enter the ticket number to link it.
  • Your linked tickets will be displayed in a list. Simply select the ticket you'd like to use for Early Entry, then enter your passport number and phone number.
  • Tap "Buy Now" to complete your payment.

How to use your hotel stay perks

How to use your hotel stay perks

If you're staying at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel or the Toy Story Hotel, you'll get the perk of early entry!

You'll receive your Early Entry Pass at check-in, so be sure to show it to the staff when you enter the park!

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Buy Your Tickets on Trip.com

Buying your tickets and adding an Early Entry Pass on Trip.com is a great, budget-friendly choice!

For the best deals on your Shanghai Disneyland adventure, look no further than Trip.com!

While Trip.com doesn't offer Early Entry Passes, we do provide standard park tickets at a discount compared to the official price!

So, if you're planning to use an Early Entry Pass, buying your park tickets on Trip.com is a great way to save on your total ticket costs!

Item

Standard Pricing (approx.)

Trip.com (approx. & discounted)

1-Day Admission

$65.61

$52.04

Early Entry Pass

$24.72

$24.72

Total Price

$90.33

$76.76

Attractions and Facilities Available at Shanghai Disneyland with Early Entry

Attractions and Facilities Available with Early Entry

List of Attractions

・Soaring Over the Horizon
・TRON Lightcycle / Run
・Jetpack
・Peter Pan's Flight
・Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
・The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
・Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
・Rolling Rapids
・Woody's Roundup

*Please note that the attractions available for Early Entry may vary depending on the season.

Property List

・Intergalactic Imports
・Hundred Acre Goods
・Doubloon Market
(Please note that it may be closed at times.)

*Other shops and dining facilities will open according to the park's official operating hours.

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Recommended Attraction Routes for Early Entry

Park Opening

With Early Entry, you can head into the park one hour before the official opening time. We recommend arriving early to line up for the park so you can start your adventure with ease.

Please don't forget to bring your original passport, as it is required for park entry.

1. TRON Lightcycle / Run

TRON Lightcycle / Run

TRON Lightcycle Power Run is one of the most popular attractions at Shanghai Disneyland, so we highly recommend heading there first if you have Early Entry access!

Experience the thrill of racing through the world of "TRON: Legacy" on this motorcycle-style roller coaster! With a top speed of a staggering 96 km/h, you'll zip through both indoor and outdoor sections at a breathtaking pace for an absolutely exhilarating experience!

Estimated Wait Time

5–15 minutes

Location

Tomorrowland

2. Jetpack

Jetpack

*Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Jet Packs is a popular Tomorrowland attraction themed around futuristic flight. Strap on a rocket-propelled backpack and soar into the sky on an arm extending from a giant sphere.

You can adjust the altitude with the controller in your hand, and the continuous sharp turns are a heart-pounding, thrill-filled experience. Experience the unique sensation of soaring freely through the air while taking in breathtaking views of the park on this one-of-a-kind ride.

Estimated Wait Time

5–15 minutes

Location

Tomorrowland

3. Peter Pan's Flight
Peter Pan's Flight

Peter Pan's Flight is a popular attraction where you can board a magical pirate ship, soar over the night sky of London, and set off for Neverland. Soar through the sky with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, guided by pixie dust, as you explore the Lost Boys' hideout and Mermaid Lagoon.

The climax even features an intense showdown with Captain Hook! Embark on an adventurous journey where you can experience a world of enchanting scenery and storytelling—a trip that will captivate both children and adults alike.

Estimated Wait Time

5–15 minutes

Location

Fantasyland

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

While Pirates of the Caribbean is a familiar favorite at Tokyo Disneyland, the version at Shanghai Disney is incredibly popular for its immersive world that perfectly recreates the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films.

Packed with cutting-edge technology, the new ride system and projection mapping are nothing short of spectacular. Experience the thrill of diving into the world of pirates, from surfacing from the depths of the ocean with Captain Jack Sparrow to braving raging storms—it’s like you’re really there!

Estimated Wait Time

0-10 minutes

Location

Treasure Cave

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

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

1. Check the map and wait times on the mobile app before you enter the park

The official app is a must-have for Shanghai Disneyland! You can use it to manage your tickets, check real-time wait times for attractions, and view the park map.

To make the most of your Early Entry, be sure to use the app to prioritize the attractions you want to visit before you even enter the park—it’s the secret to a smooth and efficient day!

2. Check how to get around from your hotel in advance

To make the most of your Early Entry, be sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare before the park opens!

Be sure to check your transportation options, as official hotels offer exclusive direct shuttle services. Knowing your travel times in advance will help you stay stress-free and make the most of your Early Entry benefits!

3. Divide and conquer: Assign roles to make group travel a breeze

If you're visiting as a group, it's a great idea to divide up tasks beforehand to make things run more smoothly!

For example, you can move around more smoothly by splitting up tasks—one person can check wait times on the app while the other looks up the route. Early entry is a race against the clock, so instead of everyone doing the same thing, splitting up is a great way to enjoy more attractions in less time!

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Is Early Entry Actually Worth It?

Is Early Entry actually worth it? A comparison with standard park admission

Early Entry

Standard Admission

Conditions

Holders of a standard ticket + Early Entry Pass or Standard ticket + guests staying at designated official hotels

Standard Ticket Holder

Admission Time

1 hour before park opening

Regular Park Hours

Wait Time

You might even find wait times for popular attractions are 10 minutes or less!

Typically 60 minutes or more

Photo Ops & Meet and Greets

Relatively uncrowded and comfortable

It might be difficult to take photos when it's crowded.

Efficiency

You might even be able to conquer all the major attractions by the morning!

Spend time waiting in lines

Since Early Entry is a paid add-on to your standard ticket, it’s natural to wonder if it’s really worth the extra cost compared to regular admission.

However, as you can see from the comparison table above, entering the park before it officially opens allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a much more relaxed experience, completely changing how you spend your time at popular attractions and facilities.

That’s why purchasing an Early Entry Pass is the perfect choice, especially if you’re short on time and want to hit all your must-see attractions, or if you’re traveling with kids and want to get around with ease.

How to Skip the Lines without Early Entry?

How to Skip the Lines Without Early Entry

Beyond Early Entry, there's also "Disney Premier Access" to help you make the most of your time at Shanghai Disneyland. With this pass, you can enjoy priority access to select attractions at your chosen time.

You can purchase Disney Premier Access directly through the mobile app, with prices starting at $24.86 per attraction.

Be sure to check out the various options available, such as passes that include priority boarding for multiple attractions!

Make the Most of Your Shanghai Disney Trip with Early Entry

Make the most of your Shanghai Disney trip with Early Entry

With Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland, you can head into the park an hour before the official opening time, allowing you to experience popular attractions efficiently.

Prices start from an additional $24.79 on top of the regular ticket, so if you have a little extra room in your budget, it’s definitely worth considering!

Beyond the paid add-on option, early entry is also available as a perk for staying at official hotels, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to fully immerse themselves in the magical world of Shanghai Disneyland!

Trip.com offers a wide range of great deals on Shanghai Disneyland tickets. Don't miss out on our exclusive prices!

China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare

  • 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can enjoy a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when traveling through 24 Chinese provinces, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
  • China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
  • Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!

Getting Around & Top Destinations in China

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FAQs about Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry

  • Is Shanghai Disneyland Early Entry available to everyone?

    Early Entry is available exclusively to guests who purchase a paid Early Entry Pass or those staying at an official Disney Hotel. It is not available to guests with a standard admission ticket only.
  • Are all attractions at Shanghai Disneyland available during Early Entry?

    Only select attractions are available during the Early Entry period. Any attractions not included in the early access list will become available once the park officially opens to the general public.
  • Do I have to pay extra for Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland?

    Official Disney Hotel guests can enjoy Early Entry as a complimentary stay benefit. If you are not staying at a resort hotel, you will need to purchase a separate 'Early Entry Pass' in addition to your standard admission ticket.
  • Can I use the restaurants and shops during Early Entry at Shanghai Disneyland?

    You'll find that some retail locations and quick-service kiosks are open for an early coffee or souvenir, but most sit-down restaurants won't open their doors until the general public is admitted.
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Lily

Lily

Travel Blogger

Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

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