We spent a full day at Shanghai Disneyland to find out if you should really get the Premier Access!
If you're planning a magical trip to Shanghai Disneyland, one question probably pops up: Is the Premier Access worth it? I recently had the chance to experience the park, and let me tell you, navigating those crowds can be an adventure on its own!
So, let's dive into whether splurging on Premier Access truly elevates your visit or if you can skip it and still have an amazing day without it.
![[Shanghai Disneyland Guide] ใกล้ชิดกับมิกกี้และเจ้าหญิงต่างๆ พร้อมสำรวจสวนสนุกโซนใหม่ - Zootopia 11](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1720443570/gidznyy5tjfo3npqtina.jpg)
What is Premier Access at Shanghai Disneyland?
Premier Access (also known as Disney Premier Access) is Shanghai Disneyland’s paid priority entrance pass, similar to Express Pass or Lightning Lane elsewhere. It allows you to bypass the regular queues for many popular rides and shows. You can also enjoy the iconic Disney parades from a designated viewing area.
You can buy individual passes for specific rides or shows directly on the Shanghai Disneyland App starting from CNY 140 each. You can also buy them as a bundle that covers multiple attractions. Prices can vary based on the time of year or day, and these passes can sell out quickly, so if you're leaning towards buying them, it's wise to do so as soon as you enter the park.
Disney Premier Access Set of 3
There are a few different combinations of the Premier Access Set of 3. This is perfect for trying out the must-do rides like Tron Lightcycle Power Run, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, or Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure without the long standby lines. Prices start at CNY 435 each.
Disney Premier Access Set of 6 & 8
For the ultimate in stress-free efficiency, the Premier Access Set of 6 or 8 delivers exceptional value and flexibility. Offering six or eight priority entries respectively, covering nearly all of the park’s blockbuster attractions and entertainment. This is perfect for those determined to see it all in one day especially during busy seasons. Prices start at CNY 890 for the set of 6, and CNY 1220 for the set of 8.
Klook Tip: Premier Access does sell out ahead of time during peak seasons. So if this is important to you, do buy it ahead of time!
Why You Might Say YES to Premier Access
1. Beat the crowds, especially during peak times
Shanghai Disneyland can get incredibly busy, especially during peak seasons. Long waits are common for the best rides in Shanghai Disneyland like Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, Soarin’ Over the Horizon, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, and Peter Pan’s Flight. Queues often reach 120 minutes or more.
With Premier Access, you could walk right into Zootopia Land and then potentially only queue for maybe 10 minutes for the amazing Zootopia Hot Pursuit ride!
Klook Tip: Use the Shanghai Disneyland App to check queue times. I did so a few weeks in advance to help me decide if I wanted to buy the Premier Access!
2. Enjoy more attractions in a single day
If your goal is to hit as many attractions as possible, Premier Access is your best friend. By skipping the long lines, you can definitely hit more rides, shows, and even the parades. I also found myself having more time to sit down and have a proper lunch as well as browse the endless gift shops!
3. Reserved spots for parades and shows
Want the best spot for the nighttime fireworks show, Illuminate? You can purchase Premier Access specifically for it, giving you a preferred viewing area right in front of the castle. This means you don't have to wait two hours in advance, freeing up more park time. The same goes for parades like the Storybook Parade.
4. A calmer, more immersive experience
เครดิตภาพ: @connieandluna
The biggest perk for me was the reduced stress. Instead of constantly checking wait times and rushing from one attraction to the next, Premier Access allowed us to leisurely walk around, take photos, and simply enjoy the incredible theming of the park. It truly made the day feel more relaxed and magical!
When You Might Think Twice (or Say NO) to Premier Access
1. The price could be steep
Premier Access isn't cheap. A bundle for multiple rides can cost over RMB 1200 per person. If you're on a tight budget, this could significantly add to your trip expenses.
2. Timing is key
If you're visiting during a quieter period, Premier Access might not be necessary. Some visitors mentioned that they didn't need it at all during their quiet visit. Weekdays like Tuesday through Friday are typically less crowded, with Mondays being surprisingly busy because people often avoid the weekend.
And definitely avoid Chinese New Year or Golden Week if you can, as these are known as the busiest times of the year for the park.
3. Not all experiences are covered
While it covers many rides and shows, Premier Access doesn't apply to everything. For example, during special events like Chinese New Year, character meet-and-greets can still have insane waits and Premier Access won't help you there. The lines for simply taking a picture with a prop or a street sign in Zootopia can also be wild, with no Premier Access option.
Verdict: Is It Worth It for YOU?
Ultimately, the value of Disney Premier Access comes down to your priorities.
Trip duration: If you only have one day at the park, which can feel rushed as the park is massive, Premier Access can be a game-changer for hitting all your must-dos.
Budget: If you have the extra budget and are willing to pay for convenience, then it's a great option.
Crowd tolerance: If long lines stress you, especially when traveling with younger kids, the Premier Access can drastically improve your park experience.
My personal take? If you're going during a peak travel season, or if you want to experience the most unique rides (like Zootopia Hot Pursuit and Pirates of the Caribbean, which are truly mind-blowing and unlike any other versions), Premier Access can be a fantastic investment.
It transformed my experience from a stressful dash into a leisurely exploration. But if you're visiting in quiet times, focusing on the atmosphere, and don’t mind occasional wait times, you might do just fine without it.
Tips to enjoy Shanghai Disneyland even without Premier Access
1. Arrive Before Park Opening
Seriously, get there really early. The queues just to get into the park, especially if you're not staying on-site, can be incredibly long. We're talking an hour just to get through security and turnstiles. If you're staying at a Disney hotel, walking is often faster than waiting for buses, as those queues can be over an hour and a half. Staying on-site can also give you access to exclusive park entrances, saving you even more time.
2. Prioritize Unique Rides First
If you don't have Premier Access, make a beeline for the most popular and unique rides as soon as the park opens. Zootopia Hot Pursuit is a must-do, and if you don't head there first, you could queue for hours just to get into the land. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure is also highly recommended due to its mind-blowing innovation. Tron Lightcycle Power Run typically has no queue first thing in the morning.
3. Avoid Peak Domestic Travel Periods
Avoid visiting during Chinese New Year, National Week, or June through August as these are the busiest times of the year. If possible, aim for a weekday between Tuesday and Friday, as Mondays can also be surprisingly busy.
4. Visit for 2 or More Days
Shanghai Disneyland is massive, and trying to do everything in one or two days can be very rushed. Two days or more are ideal to ensure you can experience all the attractions without feeling overwhelmed.
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Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
