Shanghai Disneyland: The Most Magical Queue on Earth?

[Marc Price]

Oh, Disneyland was supposed to be a place filled with magic and joy. I rarely complain because I know things aren’t easy for everyone, be it employees or visitors.

• This is my fourth visit to Shanghai Disney Resort, but this time, to say my experience was hard to describe would be an understatement.

  • At the time of a parade with numerous Disney cartoon characters, we were standing near the back of the crowd.
  • People were densely packed, snapping photos and enjoying themselves. But there was one pesky umbrella in front blocking the view.
    • This left everyone behind struggling to catch a glimpse of anything and unable to interact with their beloved characters.
    • It was incredibly dangerous with so many people tightly squeezed together; those sharp umbrella tips could easily cause eye injuries!
  • I thought something was off and decided to approach a nearby staff member to seek help. "Hello," I requested, "Can you please ask that visitor to put away his umbrella? It’s obstructing others’ views, and it poses a risk too."
  • I was dumbfounded by this Mr. Cai’s answer:

    “Why don’t you go talk to him yourself? What can I do about it?”

• Honestly, I never expected such an attitude displayed by a staff member at such a globally renowned location as Shanghai Disney Resort. It was truly disappointing!

  • Regardless of whether the umbrella-carrying guest eventually heeded our advice or not – let alone whether regulations empowered the staff to direct him – this staff member’s indifference was unacceptable.
  • From my vast travel experiences across numerous places and attractions, no staff or tour guide has ever struck me as this cold, impatient, and utterly unreasonable.
  • Therefore, I had to record this incident for others to be aware of.

• I have also been to Hong Kong Disneyland.

  • Unlike Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong’s attraction portfolio may not compete in diversity or excitement.
  • However, Hong Kong staff greet every guest with warmth and friendliness, leaving me feeling thoroughly delighted.

• In summary, the whole experience was awful. Shanghai Disney Resort still has a long way to go regarding their “soft power,” specifically the quality of service and visitor experience.

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Important Travel Tips

• Staff Assistance

  • Issues Encountered: At Shanghai Disney Resort, when facing disruptions caused by other guests (such as someone with an umbrella concealing the view during parades), you may find staff unwilling to intervene or take action, even expecting you to address it yourself.
  • How to Address the Issue:
    • Expectation Management – Be mentally prepared to address issues yourself carefully (ensuring personal safety).
    • Low Expectations – If a staff member responds indifferently or fails to act, don't place high hopes—this might dampen your mood.
    • Preparing for Events – Try arriving early to secure a good spot to prevent obstructions.

• Safety Considerations

  • At crowded locations (for example, while watching parades or other events), always be mindful of sharp tips of umbrellas, safeguarding your eyes, especially those of children and loved ones.