Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016 as the newest, boldest castle park in the Disney portfolio — and it pushed the company’s imagineering to new heights. Built to blend Disney storytelling with Chinese culture, it features the largest castle Disney has ever built: the Enchanted Storybook Castle, home to multiple attractions rather than just a photo backdrop.
A coaster that changed the game
The headline thrill is TRON Lightcycle Power Run — a launched motorbike-style coaster so popular it was later cloned to Magic Kingdom in Florida. Add Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, a trackless, screen-and-set masterpiece many fans call the best dark ride in the world, and Shanghai instantly became a must-ride destination.
Built for a new audience
From the Gardens of Imagination to Mickey Avenue, the park reimagines the Disney formula for a Chinese audience while keeping the magic universal. It’s modern, massive, and packed with firsts.
Why it belongs on your list
If you chase the world’s best rides, Shanghai Disneyland’s TRON and Pirates alone justify the trip. Log it on ThrillZing and keep collecting castle parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Shanghai Disneyland open?
It opened in June 2016, the first Disney resort in mainland China.
What is the best ride at Shanghai Disneyland?
TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure are the standouts.
How big is the castle?
The Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest castle at any Disney park, with attractions inside it.