Theme parks: Shanghai Disneyland vs. Tokyo Disneyland

Quick Verdict

Both Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland offer unique Disney experiences. Shanghai Disneyland boasts a larger park size and unique themed lands, while Tokyo Disneyland is known for its excellent service, high-quality parades, and replication of classic Disneyland attractions. The choice depends on whether you prioritize a larger park with unique attractions or a more classic Disney experience with exceptional service.

Shanghai Disneyland is significantly larger than Tokyo Disneyland (963 acres vs 115 acres).
Tokyo Disneyland had slightly higher attendance in 2023 (15.1 million vs 14 million).
Tokyo Disneyland offers more on-site hotel options.
Character meet-and-greets in Tokyo Disneyland require an Entry Request via the Tokyo Disney Resort App.
Shanghai Disneyland aims to blend Disney magic with local Chinese culture, while Tokyo Disneyland is modeled after Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Shanghai Disneyland	Tokyo Disneyland
Ticket Price (USD)	Ticket prices vary depending on the date and tier, ranging from approximately $65.56 to $110.27. Discounted tickets can be found on Trip.com, with adult tickets starting from $90.72. Prices may change.	A 1-day ticket starts at approximately $55 USD, but prices vary depending on the day of the week, with weekends and holidays being more expensive. Prices range from 7,900 yen to 10,900 yen for adults (ages 18+). As of July 2025, one source lists tickets starting from USD 73.22. Another source lists tickets starting from USD 68.67.
Park Size (Acres)	963 acres	115 acres (47 hectares)
Number of Attractions	Shanghai Disneyland has numerous attractions across its themed lands.	Over 30. Another source mentions 37 rides and attractions.
Daily Attendance	In 2023, the park hosted 14 million visitors. In 2018, the park saw 11.8 million visitors.	In 2023, Tokyo Disneyland hosted 15.1 million visitors, making it the fourth most visited theme park in the world. In 2018, the park hosted 17.9 million visitors, making it the third-most visited theme park in the world.
Average Wait Time (Peak Season)	The average daily waiting time in the park in 2025 is predicted to be 26 minutes, with the average daily lowest being 10 minutes and the maximum hitting 55 minutes. Busiest day is Saturday with a 31 minute average wait time. The least busy days are Tuesday through Thursday with a 27 minute average wait time.	Average queue time for "Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast" is 70 minutes.
Roller Coaster Count	TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Rex's Racer. A Spider-Man themed roller coaster is also in development.	Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Gadget's Go Coaster
Water Ride Count	Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, Roaring Rapids.	Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Rivers of America (Mark Twain Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island Rafts)
Parade Frequency	Mickey's Storybook Express takes place twice daily, and Disney Winter Magic Cavalcade also runs twice a day.	Daytime parades typically run three times a day.
Fireworks Show Quality	The "ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration" fireworks show combines fireworks, lasers, fountains, projection mapping, flames, and music. It is a breathtaking nighttime spectacular at the Enchanted Storybook Castle.	Tokyo Disneyland offers nighttime spectaculars. "Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights" is a popular nighttime parade.
Character Meet-and-Greets Availability	Character meet-and-greets are available in various locations, including Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Storybook Castle, Adventure Isle, Zootopia and the Marvel Pavilion.	Character greetings are available in various areas, including in front of Main Street House, and require an Entry Request completed on the Tokyo Disney Resort App.
Themed Lands	Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia. A Spider-Man themed land is also in development.	World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country, and Toontown.
On-site Hotel Options	Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel.	Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Disney Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel, Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel and Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.
Crowds	Can get very crowded, especially during public holidays and weekends.	Known for drawing large crowds.
Staff Friendliness	Not available	Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Overall Comparison

Shanghai Disneyland: 963 acres, 14 million visitors (2023). Tokyo Disneyland: 115 acres, 15.1 million visitors (2023).

Pros and Cons

Shanghai Disneyland

Pros:

Unique attractions and lands not found in other Disney parks
Variety of dining options, including local and international flavors
Easily accessible via public transportation (Shanghai Metro Line 11)
Breathtaking nighttime spectacular fireworks show
Character meet-and-greets are available

Cons:

Can get very crowded, especially during public holidays and weekends
Long wait times for major attractions
Instances of pushing and shoving reported
Mickey's Storybook Express parade receives mixed reviews

Tokyo Disneyland

Pros:

Modeled after Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida
Takes some of the best rides from Disneyland and Magic Kingdom and puts them in one park.
Extensive open spaces to accommodate the crowds.
Variety of different foods, including Japanese, American, and global cuisines
Spotless park with staff constantly maintaining the environment.
Service is consistently excellent.
Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.
High-quality parades and nighttime spectaculars.
Main gate is directly adjacent to both Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station.

Cons:

Known for drawing large crowds.
Wait times can be long, especially for popular attractions.
Character greetings often require an Entry Request via the Tokyo Disney Resort App.

User Experiences and Feedback

Shanghai Disneyland

What Users Love

Offers a variety of dining options, including local and international flavors.
The fireworks show, "ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration," is generally highly praised for its entertainment value and visual appeal.
Easily accessible via public transportation.

Common Complaints

Can get very crowded, especially during public holidays and weekends.
Wait times can be long, especially for major attractions.
Some visitors have reported instances of pushing and shoving.
Mickey's Storybook Express, receives mixed reviews, with some considering it the weakest daytime parade at any Disney park.

Value Perception

Premier Access or visiting during off-peak times can help reduce wait times.

User Recommendations

Shanghai Disneyland aims to create a distinctly Chinese flavor, blending Disney magic with local culture.
The \"ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration\" fireworks show combines fireworks, lasers, fountains, projection mapping, flames, and music.
Shanghai Disneyland offers a variety of dining options, including local and international flavors.

Tokyo Disneyland

What Users Love

The park is spotless, with staff constantly maintaining the environment.
Service is consistently excellent at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Staff are incredibly friendly, helpful, and always ready to make your day special with warm smiles.
Tokyo Disneyland is known for its high-quality parades and nighttime spectaculars.
\"Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights\" is considered Disney's best nighttime parade ever.

Common Complaints

Tokyo Disneyland is known for drawing large crowds.
Wait times can be long, especially for popular attractions like \"Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast\".
Character greetings are available, but often require an Entry Request via the Tokyo Disney Resort App.

Value Perception

Using the Tokyo Disney Resort app to check wait times and utilizing services like Priority Pass can help minimize time spent in line.

User Recommendations

It takes some of the best rides from Disneyland and Magic Kingdom and puts them in one park.
The quality of maintenance shines through.
Recommendations include: Pooh's Hunny Hunt, Splash Mountain, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, Big Thunder Mountain, Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek, Space Mountain.