Planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland with a baby, toddler, or little kid? We’ve taken our kids to Disney parks all over the world, and Shanghai Disneyland is one of the most unique Disney parks we’ve visited.
Unlike Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disneyland has one theme park, so it’s a little easier to plan. But that one park is HUGE and has some incredible attractions you won’t find anywhere else, including Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, and the massive Enchanted Storybook Castle.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything I’d want to know before taking little kids to Shanghai Disneyland—including what to pack, where to buy tickets, ride height requirements, the best rides for babies and toddlers, strollers, Baby Care Centers, Disney Premier Access, Rider Switch and more.
Planning Your Shanghai Disneyland Trip With Kids (QUICK GUIDE):
Here are all of the resources we use when planning a Disney trip:
🎟 SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND TICKETS
→ Tickets on Klook (Discount Code: BRIGGS20KLOOK)
→ Tickets on GetYourGuide (Discount Code: WHEREISBRIGGS5 — note the 5 at the end of that code)
→ Buy discounted tickets from Undercover Tourist HERE.
🛒 WHAT WE PACK
→ Shop Our Disney Packing List [HERE]
💳 HOW WE TRAVEL
→ How We Travel With Credit Card Points [HERE]
🏰 MORE DISNEY WITH KIDS GUIDES
→ Disneyland Paris With Kids
→ Tokyo Disneyland With Kids
→ Tokyo DisneySea With Kids
→ Hong Kong Disneyland With Kids
What to Pack for Shanghai Disneyland With Kids
Before we get into the park, let’s talk about what to bring.
We have a complete Disney packing list for babies, toddlers, and little kids [HERE].
MY TIP: Do not underestimate how much walking you’ll do at Shanghai Disneyland. The park is very spread out, and I would absolutely bring a stroller for a toddler or preschooler even if they rarely use one at home.
Shanghai Disneyland currently allows personal strollers up to 110 cm long and 85 cm wide, including accessories when fully extended. They need to be designed to carry children age 11 and younger or 1.4 meters and under, and must be pushed from behind.
→ [OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL STROLLERS WITH DISCOUNT CODES]
Where to Buy Shanghai Disneyland Tickets
I would buy Shanghai Disneyland tickets before your visit rather than waiting until you arrive.
Shanghai Disneyland now uses a real-name ticketing system, which is especially important for international visitors to understand.
When purchasing your ticket, you’ll provide identification information, and foreign visitors should use their passport information. You should then bring the original passport used to purchase the ticket with you to the park. Disney states that copies or digital versions are not accepted in place of the original ID.
This is probably the biggest Shanghai-specific tip I would put in a box:
IMPORTANT: Bring Your Actual Passport!
Don’t leave your passport back at the hotel assuming a photo on your phone will work.
Are Kids Free at Shanghai Disneyland?
Children under age 3 are currently admitted free.
Children ages 3 through 11 qualify for child pricing.
That makes this especially helpful for families squeezing in a Disney trip before a toddler turns 3!
How We Fly Our Family to Asia With Points
One of the biggest expenses when taking a family to Shanghai Disneyland isn’t necessarily the park—it’s getting everyone to China!
We use travel credit card points and airline miles to help make international travel more affordable for our family.
If you’re new to points, don’t feel like you need to become an expert overnight. Start with our beginner resource:
→ [HOW WE TRAVEL WITH CREDIT CARD POINTS]
Using points and miles has been one of the biggest ways we’ve been able to take our kids on big international trips like this.
Shanghai Disneyland With Kids: Quick Facts
Number of theme parks: 1
Park: Shanghai Disneyland
How many minimum days we’d recommend: 1 full day, but 2 days is much more relaxed with babies or toddlers
Kids free until: Under age 3
Can you rent strollers? Yes. Shanghai Disneyland has stroller rentals inside the park.
Can you bring your own stroller? Yes, as long as it meets Disney’s current size and usage requirements.
Baby Care Center? Yes.
Rider Switch? Yes. Disney lists Rider Switch on many attractions throughout the park.
Skip-the-line system: Disney Premier Access.
Disney app: YES. Download the official Shanghai Disney Resort app before your trip. You’ll use it for attraction wait times, Premier Access, park information and more.
Most important international visitor tip: Bring the original passport used when purchasing your ticket.
Is Shanghai Disneyland Good for Babies and Toddlers?
YES—but Shanghai is a little different from some of the other Disney parks.
There are plenty of attractions babies and toddlers can enjoy, but several of Shanghai’s most famous rides have minimum height requirements.
That means I wouldn’t go into Shanghai Disneyland expecting your baby to ride everything.
The good news is there is still a ton to do between rides, characters, shows, the castle, Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Zootopia and interactive areas.
And for toddlers who have reached around 81 cm / 32 inches, a surprisingly big group of attractions starts to open up.
Shanghai Disneyland Ride Height Requirements
One of my biggest questions before taking little kids to any Disney park is:
What can my kids actually ride?
Shanghai Disneyland is particularly important to research ahead of time because some attractions that might look toddler-friendly actually have minimum height requirements.
For example, Peter Pan’s Flight has an 81 cm minimum height at Shanghai Disneyland, which may surprise families familiar with the U.S. parks. Pirates of the Caribbean and Zootopia: Hot Pursuit also currently require riders to be at least 81 cm tall.
Shanghai Disneyland Ride Height Guide
| Ride | Minimum Height | Good for Little Kids? |
|---|---|---|
| The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh | No minimum | ⭐ YES |
| Dumbo the Flying Elephant | No minimum | ⭐ YES |
| Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue | No minimum | ⭐ YES |
| Voyage to the Crystal Grotto | No minimum | ⭐ YES |
| Slinky Dog Spin | No minimum | ⭐ YES |
| Hunny Pot Spin | No minimum | ⭐ YES |
| Fantasia Carousel | No minimum | ⭐ YES |
| Explorer Canoes | No minimum | Yes |
| Peter Pan’s Flight | 81 cm / about 32″ | ⭐ YES if tall enough |
| Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure | 81 cm / about 32″ | Amazing, but dark/loud |
| Zootopia: Hot Pursuit | 81 cm / about 32″ | ⭐ YES for adventurous toddlers |
| Woody’s Roundup | 81 cm / about 32″ | ⭐ YES if tall enough |
| Seven Dwarfs Mine Train | 97 cm / about 38″ | Great for adventurous kids |
| Soaring Over the Horizon | 102 cm / about 40″ | Bigger kids |
| Challenge Trails at Camp Discovery | 106 cm / about 42″ | Bigger kids |
| Roaring Rapids | 107 cm / about 42″ | Thrill ride + wet |
| Rex’s Racer | 120 cm / about 47″ | Thrill ride |
| TRON Lightcycle Power Run | 122 cm / about 48″ | Thrill ride |
Disney’s current attraction listings show the 81 cm threshold for Zootopia, Peter Pan, Pirates and Woody’s Roundup; 97 cm for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; 102 cm for Soaring; 107 cm for Roaring Rapids; 120 cm for Rex’s Racer; and 122 cm for TRON.
IMPORTANT: Height requirements can change, so always double-check the Shanghai Disney Resort app before your visit.
Best Shanghai Disneyland Rides for Babies
Shanghai Disneyland has several attractions with no minimum height requirement, making these some of the easiest choices when visiting with a baby.
Some of our top picks would be:
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — One of the most obvious baby and toddler rides in Fantasyland.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant — A classic Disney ride and perfect for little kids.
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto — This is one of my favorites to prioritize because it’s unique to Shanghai Disneyland. It’s a slow boat ride through Disney scenes and has no minimum height requirement.
Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue — Interactive and indoors, which is especially nice if it’s hot or rainy.
Hunny Pot Spin — A Winnie the Pooh-themed spinning ride.
Fantasia Carousel — Another easy classic for little kids.
Slinky Dog Spin — Toy Story fans will love this one, and it currently has no minimum height requirement.
No Height Requirement Doesn’t Always Mean Your Child Will Love It
Just because your baby or toddler can ride something doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll enjoy it.
Consider:
- Darkness
- Loud noises
- Drops
- Spinning
- Characters they may find scary
- Sudden movement
You know your kid best.
Best Shanghai Disneyland Rides for Toddlers
Once your toddler reaches 81 cm/about 32 inches, Shanghai Disneyland gets REALLY fun.
If I were visiting with a 2- or 3-year-old, these would be high on my list:
- Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
- Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue
- Slinky Dog Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
- Hunny Pot Spin
- Woody’s Roundup
One BIG disclaimer: Pirates and Zootopia are both darker and more intense than something like Dumbo or Winnie the Pooh.
Disney describes Zootopia: Hot Pursuit as containing darkness and small drops, while Pirates includes darkness, loud effects and small drops.
If your toddler is sensitive to dark rides, keep that in mind.
Best Shanghai Disneyland Rides for Little Kids
Shanghai is especially fun once your child gets into the 97–107 cm range.
In addition to all of the toddler rides, they may start becoming tall enough for:
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 97 cm/about 38″
Soaring Over the Horizon — 102 cm/about 40″
Challenge Trails at Camp Discovery — 106 cm/about 42″
Roaring Rapids — 107 cm/about 42″
Seven Dwarfs is a great first “big kid” coaster for an adventurous child, while Soaring can be a good next step for kids who don’t necessarily love roller coasters.
And again:
TIP: Measure your kids WITH the shoes they’ll actually wear at Disney.
Don’t Miss Zootopia With Little Kids
If your kids like Zootopia, I would consider this one of the biggest reasons to visit Shanghai Disneyland.
Shanghai Disneyland has an entire Zootopia land, and its headline ride is Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.
The attraction currently has an 81 cm/about 32-inch minimum height, so many toddlers will be tall enough to ride. Disney describes it as an indoor attraction with darkness and small drops.
Even if you have a baby who can’t ride, I would still explore the land.
This is one of those parts of Shanghai Disneyland that really makes the park feel different from Disney parks in the U.S.
Pirates of the Caribbean Is NOT the Same Ride You’re Used To
This deserves its own little callout because it’s one of the BEST attractions at Shanghai Disneyland.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure is a completely different experience from the classic Pirates attraction you may have ridden in Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
The current minimum height is 81 cm/about 32 inches, and Disney describes the attraction as dark, loud, with small drops.
If your toddler meets the height requirement and handles dark rides well, I would absolutely prioritize it.
Is Shanghai Disneyland Premier Access Worth It With Kids?
Shanghai Disneyland’s skip-the-line system is called Disney Premier Access.
Premier Access can be purchased for certain attractions, entertainment experiences, or in bundled sets.
Pricing varies based on the date, attraction or experience, and purchase timing. Disney says availability and pricing are shown in the Shanghai Disney Resort official app.
Popular attractions that currently offer Disney Premier Access include rides such as:
- Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Soaring Over the Horizon
- TRON Lightcycle Power Run
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Roaring Rapids
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
- Woody’s Roundup
Availability can change.
Do Toddlers Need Their Own Disney Premier Access?
Children age 3 and older need their own Disney Premier Access when using it.
Children under 3 do not need to purchase one, assuming they are otherwise allowed to experience the attraction.
Would I Buy Premier Access With Toddlers?
If you only have one day at Shanghai Disneyland, I would absolutely consider it.
Some of Shanghai’s headline attractions can pull long waits, and waiting 60–90+ minutes with a toddler can burn through a big chunk of your day.
If you have two days, you may be able to be more strategic and purchase individual Premier Access options only where you need them.
IMPORTANT: Shanghai Disney says Disney Premier Access should be purchased through its official website, app, WeChat account or official Fliggy store.
How Rider Switch Works at Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland offers Rider Switch on many attractions.
This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler who isn’t tall enough for rides like:
- Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Soaring Over the Horizon
- Roaring Rapids
- TRON
- Rex’s Racer
Disney currently labels Rider Switch availability directly on many attraction listings.
Ask the Cast Member at the attraction entrance how Rider Switch is being handled that day.
This lets parents take turns experiencing attractions without both adults having to start the process completely over while someone stays with the little one.
Baby Care Center at Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland has a dedicated Baby Care Center, which is worth locating on the app before you need it.
This is a great place to go when you need a calmer space to take care of your baby away from the crowds.
I especially like knowing where the Baby Care Center is before the day starts instead of trying to search for it while dealing with a hungry or overtired baby!
Should You Bring a Stroller to Shanghai Disneyland?
YES.
Shanghai Disneyland is big, and I would absolutely bring a stroller for a baby, toddler or preschooler.
Between:
- Long walking distances
- Jet lag
- Naps
- Hot weather
- Late nights
- Waiting for entertainment
…a stroller can make the entire day much easier.
Shanghai Disneyland also offers stroller rentals, but rental strollers stay inside the theme park and cannot be taken outside the park. Stroller parking areas are available throughout Shanghai Disneyland.
One unusual thing to know: Disney’s published rental eligibility says its rental strollers are for children between ages 3 and 7, with a maximum weight of 35 kg and maximum height of 1.33 meters, and they’re not available for infants under 6 months.
That alone would make me lean toward bringing our own stroller when traveling with a baby.
For your personal stroller, current park rules limit it to 110 cm long by 85 cm wide.
→ [SHOP OUR TRAVEL STROLLERS WE USE]
Things to Do at Shanghai Disneyland With Toddlers Besides Rides
Don’t plan your entire day around rides!
Some of the best things to do at Shanghai Disneyland with little kids don’t involve a height requirement at all.
Make time for:
- Exploring Enchanted Storybook Castle
- Zootopia
- Alice in Wonderland Maze
- Character meet-and-greets
- Mickey’s Storybook Express parade
- Shows
- Fantasyland
- Toy Story Land
- Marvel Universe experiences
- Disney snacks
- Shopping
- Interactive areas
- Taking a midday stroller nap
- ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration
Shanghai’s Enchanted Storybook Castle is especially worth exploring because it’s a major part of what makes this park different. Disney lists the castle itself as an any-height experience.
Best Shows & Entertainment for Little Kids
Keep an eye on the Shanghai Disney Resort app because entertainment schedules change.
A few experiences I would look for include:
Mickey’s Storybook Express — Shanghai Disneyland’s daytime parade.
Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration — a good indoor option if your kids love Frozen.
ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration — the park’s nighttime spectacular.
Disney currently lists all three among its entertainment offerings, with Premier Access available for select entertainment experiences.
If your little ones are jet-lagged, don’t feel like you HAVE to make it to the nighttime show. Sometimes surviving until bedtime is the accomplishment.
Our Ideal 1-Day Shanghai Disneyland Plan With Little Kids
You can absolutely spend more than one day here, but if I had one full day with a toddler and little kid, this is how I would approach it.
Morning
Arrive EARLY.
I’d prioritize the rides that will either get long waits or matter most to your family.
If your toddler is at least 81 cm:
- Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
If you have a baby:
- Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
- Winnie the Pooh
- Dumbo
- Buzz Lightyear
- Slinky Dog Spin
Late Morning
Explore Zootopia and Fantasyland.
Fit in:
- Hunny Pot Spin
- Fantasia Carousel
- Enchanted Storybook Castle
- Alice in Wonderland Maze
Lunch
Have a sit-down break or find somewhere indoors if you’re visiting during hot weather.
Early Afternoon
This is when I’d slow things down.
Let toddlers nap in the stroller while adults:
- Shop
- Grab snacks
- Take turns on bigger rides with Rider Switch
- Use Premier Access
Parents or taller kids could prioritize:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Soaring Over the Horizon
- TRON
Late Afternoon
Head toward Toy Story Land and anything you missed.
Prioritize:
- Slinky Dog Spin
- Woody’s Roundup if tall enough
- Characters
- Parade or shows
Evening
Dinner, then find a spot for ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration if the kids can make it.
Would I Spend One or Two Days at Shanghai Disneyland With Kids?
For most families, one full day can work.
But with babies or toddlers, I prefer two days if your itinerary allows it.
Two days means you don’t have to choose between:
- A stroller nap and a ride
- Characters and attractions
- A sit-down lunch and racing across the park
- Leaving early because of jet lag and staying for the nighttime show
If you’re flying all the way to China and Disney is a major reason for the trip, I think that extra breathing room is worth considering.
Staying at a Shanghai Disney Hotel With Kids
Shanghai Disney Resort has two Disney-themed hotels:
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
and
Toy Story Hotel
One meaningful perk for families staying at the Disney hotels is access to a priority entrance through Disneytown, which opens earlier than the park’s main entrance for eligible hotel guests.
If Disney is the main focus of your trip, staying onsite can make those early mornings with little kids much easier.
How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disney Resort is connected to Shanghai’s public transportation network, and Disney specifically provides information for arriving by Shanghai Metro and the Airport Link Line.
You can also arrive by taxi.
Disney currently advises guests to consider metro, taxi or other public transportation, especially during busy weekends and holidays when resort parking can fill.
For families with strollers and luggage, I’d compare the convenience of public transportation with simply taking a taxi or private transfer depending on where you’re staying.
Jet Lag at Shanghai Disneyland With Kids
If you’re traveling from the United States, Shanghai can be a BIG time change.
Don’t underestimate how that will affect babies and toddlers.
Your kids may:
- Wake up incredibly early
- Get hungry at weird times
- Need a nap earlier than normal
- Be completely done by nighttime
Instead of fighting jet lag, we try to build our Disney days around it.
Those extremely early mornings can actually work in your favor for arriving at Shanghai Disneyland early.
Then I would absolutely use the stroller for a midday nap rather than expecting a toddler to power through a full park day.
→ [COMPLETE MINI MODULE TO HANDLING JET LAG WITH LITTLE ONES]
Shanghai Disneyland With Babies & Toddlers FAQ
Is Shanghai Disneyland good for toddlers?
Yes! Shanghai Disneyland has plenty for toddlers, including rides with no minimum height and several additional attractions that open up once kids reach 81 cm/about 32 inches. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Are babies free at Shanghai Disneyland?
Children under 3 years old currently receive free park admission. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Can babies ride rides at Shanghai Disneyland?
Yes. Attractions such as Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, Slinky Dog Spin and Hunny Pot Spin currently have no minimum height requirement. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Can toddlers ride Zootopia: Hot Pursuit?
Yes, if they meet the current minimum height of 81 cm/about 32 inches. The ride includes darkness and small drops. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Can toddlers ride Pirates of the Caribbean at Shanghai Disneyland?
Children must currently be at least 81 cm/about 32 inches. The attraction includes darkness, loud effects and small drops. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Is Peter Pan’s Flight any height at Shanghai Disneyland?
No! This is a really important difference from some other Disney parks. Shanghai’s Peter Pan’s Flight currently requires riders to be at least 81 cm tall. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Does Shanghai Disneyland have a Baby Care Center?
Yes. Shanghai Disneyland has a dedicated Baby Care Center. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Can you rent strollers at Shanghai Disneyland?
Yes. Stroller rentals are available, although Disney’s current rental eligibility rules are specific, and rented strollers cannot leave the theme park. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Can I bring my own stroller to Shanghai Disneyland?
Yes, as long as it meets the park’s current stroller requirements. Personal strollers may not exceed 110 cm in length or 85 cm in width.
Does Shanghai Disneyland have Rider Switch?
Yes. Rider Switch is offered on many attractions throughout Shanghai Disneyland. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Does Shanghai Disneyland have Premier Access?
Yes. Shanghai Disneyland uses Disney Premier Access for priority access to participating attractions and some entertainment experiences. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Do toddlers need their own Premier Access?
Guests age 3 and older currently need their own Disney Premier Access. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Do I need my passport at Shanghai Disneyland?
YES if your passport is the travel document used to purchase your ticket.
Foreign visitors should bring the original physical passport associated with their ticket. Disney states that copies and digital versions aren’t accepted as substitutes for the original required ID. (Shanghai Disney Resort)
Is one day enough for Shanghai Disneyland?
One full day can work, especially with Premier Access and a good plan. But with babies or toddlers, I’d choose two days if your schedule allows so you can slow down for naps, characters and shows.
We’ve taken our kids to Disney parks around the world, and Shanghai Disneyland is one I would absolutely put on a Disney family’s bucket list.
Between Zootopia, the incredible version of Pirates of the Caribbean, the Enchanted Storybook Castle and attractions you won’t find at the U.S. parks, it feels different enough to make traveling all the way to Shanghai worth it.
And with little kids, my biggest advice is the same as always: don’t try to do everything.
Know your kids’ heights before you go, bring the stroller, prioritize the experiences your family will actually care about, and leave some room to simply enjoy being at Disney in China.
