Disney’s theme parks have undergone a seismic shift since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming (and overly complicating) the way guests experience their favorite attractions.
What was once a relatively straightforward day at the park now feels more like navigating a digital maze. From the introduction of theme park reservations to manage capacity to the rise (and fall) of Genie+, Disney has added layers of complexity to what used to be a semi-complicated but mostly magical theme park experience.
One of the most significant shifts has been the rollout of Lightning Lanes, a paid alternative to the former FastPass system that quickly sparked debates over value and accessibility – especially with the launch of Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which charges as much as $400 per person to skip the line without a reservation. Combined with the now-defunct Genie+ planning tool, Disney parks became as much about mastering apps as enjoying rides.
Changes aren’t limited to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Further afield, other updates have been introduced to Shanghai Disneyland, drastically changing how guests can buy tickets and enter the park.
Entry Rules You Need To Know For Shanghai Disneyland
As of December 2024, new rules have kicked in at Disney’s newest theme park.
Anyone hoping to visit the park’s iconic attractions – including TRON Lightcycle Power Run (since replicated at Magic Kingdom Park), Roaring Rapids, Fantasia Carousel, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, and Soaring Over the Horizon – must adhere to the following guidelines.
Buying A Ticket With ID
In September 2024, Shanghai Disneyland announced plans to crack down on ticket scalping to curb “illegal commercial activities.”
The new policy requires all guests to provide the number of a government-issued ID when purchasing tickets, reducing the limit from five tickets per person to just one. Guests must also present the original physical ID used at the time of purchase when entering the park.
These rules also applied to children, though Disney offered slightly more flexibility for verifying the identities of younger guests.
“For Mainland China children guests who have not yet obtained a PRC Resident ID Card, please continue to use an acceptable ID Certificate (with both the ID number and photo) for purchasing a ticket and entering the park,” Shanghai Disneyland explained in an announcement that was later removed from its website.
Valid ID differs depending on each guest’s nationality and residency.
- Mainland China guests can use their PRC Resident ID card (those under 16 can go under the PRC ID number of an older guest).
- Hong Kong China and Macao China guests can use a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, a PRC Travel Document, or a Mainland Resident Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents.
- Taiwan-China guests can use a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, PRC Travel Document, or Mainland Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents.
- International guests can use a valid foreign passport or PRC Foreign Permanent Resident ID card.
Shanghai Disneyland noted that its ID rule was introduced as part of its “ongoing efforts to work closely with relevant government authorities to crack down on illegal commercial activities that bring significant damage to the resort’s reputation, business, and normal operations.”
Buying A Child’s Ticket
ID isn’t the only thing to note for purchasing a child’s ticket at Shanghai Disneyland.
Until December 2024, Shanghai Disneyland gave children under three years old—or shorter than one meter tall—on the day of their visit free park admission. Meanwhile, those aged between three and eleven, or between one meter and 1.4 meters tall, received a 25% discount on their ticket.
However, this policy changed in December 2024. Like its counterparts in Florida, Anaheim, and Paris, Shanghai Disneyland now decides whether or not a child receives free admission based solely on their age.
Children under the age of three still receive free entry. Those aged three to 11, regardless of height, qualify for child tickets, which are offered at a lower price than adult tickets.
Entering Shanghai Disneyland With A Wheelchair
In 2024, a common trend saw visitors at Shanghai Disneyland renting electric wheelchairs as a mode of transportation, often using them playfully, including engaging in “bumper car” antics.
According to the Yangtse Evening Post, this behavior stemmed from nearby businesses renting out electric wheelchairs and providing inspection forms to ensure entry into the park, despite the park’s official policy reserving such devices for those with genuine mobility needs due to disability, age, or medical conditions.
Guests expressed frustration over the disruption, with complaints ranging from blocked pathways to safety concerns. In response, Shanghai Disneyland implemented stricter rules effective December 10, 2024, limiting electric wheelchair use to individuals with verified mobility impairments.
Eligible guests, including those with disabilities, elderly visitors, or those with specific medical conditions, must now register through the Shanghai Disney Resort Reservation Center at least two days in advance. Additionally, all electric wheelchair users are required to maintain a walking speed, capped at 6 km/h, while inside the park.
