Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney parks have seen major changes that have transformed how guests experience the magic.
What once felt like a straightforward and enjoyable day at the park has evolved into navigating a digital maze, with various updates to the process, including theme park reservations, Genie+ replacement systems, and the introduction of paid options like Lightning Lanes. These changes have made visiting Disney parks as much about mastering apps as it is about enjoying the rides.
These updates are not confined to the U.S. parks alone. Shanghai Disneyland, Disney’s newest theme park – home to the likes of Zootopia, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure – has also introduced significant changes as of December 2024. Here’s what you need to know:
Ticketing Rules at Shanghai Disneyland
In an effort to curb ticket scalping and “illegal commercial activities,” Shanghai Disneyland introduced a new policy that requires guests to provide a government-issued ID when purchasing tickets. This change limits the purchase to one ticket per person, down from the previous limit of five. The guest must also present the original ID when entering the park.
This policy applies to all guests, including children, with specific ID requirements based on nationality. For example, guests from Mainland China must use a PRC Resident ID card, while international visitors can use a valid foreign passport.
Shanghai Disneyland made it clear that these measures are part of an ongoing effort to maintain the park’s reputation and ensure its operations run smoothly, free from illegal commercial activities.
Changes to Child Ticket Policy
Previously, Shanghai Disneyland offered free park admission for children under three years old or under one meter in height, with a 25% discount for those between three and eleven years old and 1 to 1.4 meters tall.
This policy changed in December 2024, aligning with other Disney parks worldwide. Children under three still enter for free, but children aged three to eleven will now receive child tickets, regardless of height.
New Rules for Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchair use at Shanghai Disneyland has also been addressed following safety concerns and disruptions caused by visitors using rented wheelchairs for non-essential purposes.
In December 2024, the park tightened its policy, requiring all electric wheelchair users to register through the Shanghai Disney Resort Reservation Center at least two days in advance.
These wheelchairs are now strictly reserved for those with verified mobility impairments, such as disabilities, age, or medical conditions. Furthermore, a speed limit of 6 km/h will be enforced for electric wheelchair users to ensure safety and prevent disruptions.
Have you ever visited Shanghai Disneyland? What do you think of these changes?
