Essential List of All the Rides at Shanghai Disneyland (Plus: What to Skip)

Shanghai Disneyland blew me away the first time I visited. The scale, the originality, the technology—everything feels just a little bit bolder than the other parks. If you’re looking for a personal, experience-driven list of all the rides at Shanghai Disneyland, this guide covers what to prioritize and what you can comfortably skip.

It’s not just a rundown of every ride—this is my personal take on the most popular attractions, based on what I loved, what surprised me, and what I probably wouldn’t do again.

If you're still figuring out the basics of your trip, take a look at our Shanghai Disneyland guide to get oriented before diving into ride strategy.

Key Points

• Tron Lightcycle Power Run is a top priority—there’s nothing else quite like it.
• Ride Pirates of the Caribbean early or late in the day to avoid long waits.
• The Shanghai Disneyland app is essential for navigating wait times and snagging standby passes.

My Personalized List of All the Rides at Shanghai Disneyland

This list includes the rides that stood out to me on my visit—and which ones I go back to every time.

TRON Lightcycle Power Run (Tomorrowland)

This ride alone is worth the trip. It’s unlike anything at any other Disney park. You’re on a futuristic motorcycle, leaning forward and racing through a digital world. It’s fast, sleek, and incredibly immersive.

If you’re into coasters, this is a must-do—and if you're curious about the mechanics or background of the ride, check out my full Tron Lightcycle Power Run review. I recommend riding at night if you can—the lighting is amazing.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Treasure Cove)

This isn’t your classic Pirates ride. It’s a tech masterpiece with massive screens, boat rotations, and jaw-dropping visuals. Honestly, this might be the best Pirates version on the planet.

I was grinning the whole time. It’s thrilling without being scary, and it’s incredibly smooth. Make this one of your first stops if the line isn’t long.

Soaring Over the Horizon (Adventure Isle)

This is a version of Soarin’, but the theater is bigger and the visuals feel more global. The queue can be long, so I usually ride it early in the day. It’s a nice break from the heat and a good one to ride as a group.

Roaring Rapids (Adventure Isle)

This one surprised me. I wasn’t expecting it to be so intense! It’s a river raft ride with a mysterious creature lurking in the cave, and let me tell you—it’s not just for kids. You’ll get wet. Possibly soaked. Bring a poncho or be prepared to dry off.

Peter Pan’s Flight (Fantasyland)

The Shanghai version has some updated effects and a slightly fresher feel than other parks. It’s still a classic, but the line can crawl. I recommend doing it in the first hour or skipping it unless you're a big fan.

Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue (Tomorrowland)

This version has upgraded tech and smoother controls compared to other Buzz Lightyear shooter rides. If you like the Astro Blasters-type rides, this one’s a definite step up.

Voyage to the Crystal Grotto (Fantasyland)

It’s a calm boat ride with scenes from different Disney movies, and it actually goes under the castle. It’s beautiful and relaxing, but not a thrill ride by any means. Still, it’s one of the more unique experiences at this park.

Rides I Usually Skip

Your time is valuable and you don't want to waste even just a couple hours waiting in line for rides that just aren't up to snuff with the other attractions. These are the rides I highly recommend skipping. This way you will maximize your day.

Jet Packs

It looks cool from the ground with its sleek, sci-fi aesthetic, but it’s essentially a spinnier version of Astro Orbiter with a slightly higher vantage point. I found the seating a bit awkward, and after one ride, I decided I wouldn't wait in a long line for it again. It's not bad, just not memorable enough to make my list more than once.

Fantasia Carousel

A pretty standard carousel with some nice nods to Fantasia, including the music and character details. It’s a solid choice if you have kids in your group or need a breather, but if you’ve done other Disney carousels, this one won’t blow you away. I rode it on a whim to rest my legs—and that’s probably the only scenario I’d recommend it for.

Slinky Dog Spin

This one’s clearly aimed at younger visitors. The ride moves in a simple circular track, and while it’s themed nicely, I felt like it was over in a blink. It’s a sweet photo op, but not something I’d wait in line for unless I had small kids with me. There are better family rides in the park that feel more unique.

Hunny Pot Spin

A teacup-style ride with Pooh Bear theming. It’s colorful and whimsical, and if you’re into spinning rides, you’ll enjoy it. Personally, I tend to skip it just because it doesn’t offer much of a unique experience compared to similar rides at other parks. That said, it’s great if you want something familiar and low-key.

Where to Stay Near Shanghai Disneyland

I stayed at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel during my trip and honestly, the convenience and views of the castle made it worth the price. If you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, I’ve also put together a list of hotels within walking distance to Shanghai Disneyland that are worth checking out.