Second Trip to Shanghai Disneyland: A Free-Roaming Journey Overflowing with Girlish Heart – The Ultimate Guide to a Relaxed, Photo-Filled Weekend

Meta Description: Planning a second trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Discover how to slow down, capture stunning photos, and enjoy a budget-friendly two-day itinerary with insider tips on FastPass, dining, and hidden photo spots.

Introduction: Rediscovering the Magic at a Slower Pace

"You are a child from the south, with a nature that cannot be tied, draped in fables without knowing it." This poetic line perfectly captures the spirit of my second visit to Shanghai Disneyland. In April 2019, I was fortunate to receive a free Disney ticket as a Mafengwo Experience Officer, and I decided to return—not to conquer every ride, but to explore the park with a more relaxed rhythm, uncovering overlooked beauty and creating memories that go beyond the queue lines.

This guide is for anyone who has already experienced the thrill of first-time Disney visits and wants to savor the magic at a slower, more intentional pace. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this article will help you plan a second trip to Shanghai Disneyland that prioritizes photography, atmosphere, and genuine enjoyment over ride count.

Trip Overview: A Light and Breezy Two-Day, One-Night Rhythm

Travel Dates and Companions

• Travel Dates: April 15–16, 2019 (Monday to Tuesday)
• Trip Length: 2 days, 1 night
• Travel Companions: With a friend
• Cost Per Person: Approximately 600 RMB (excluding shopping)

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 (Monday): City Exploration in Shanghai - 8:55 AM–11:06 AM: High-speed rail from Ningbo to Shanghai - Lunch: Tiger Grill BBQ (虎丸烤肉) at Rose Plaza - Afternoon: Strolling along Huaihai Road (Line's Friends, K11 Art Center) - Dinner: Korean Kitchen (韩国厨房, Jing'an branch) - Accommodation: Lodeng Homestay (includes pick-up/drop-off + breakfast)

Day 2 (Tuesday): Full Day at Shanghai Disneyland - 7:30 AM: Depart for Disney Town to queue - All day: Enjoy Disneyland - 8:20 PM–10:21 PM: High-speed rail back to Ningbo

Budget Breakdown

Day 1: From BBQ to Street Strolling – A Shanghai City Walk

Tiger Grill BBQ (虎丸烤肉): A Japanese Surprise on the Must-Eat List

Our first stop after arriving in Shanghai was Tiger Grill BBQ, a Japanese BBQ joint recommended by a friend. Listed on Dianping's 2018 Shanghai Must-Eat List, this hidden gem is tucked away on the second floor of Rose Plaza. The entrance is unassuming, but once you remove your shoes and step onto the tatami seating, you instantly feel at ease.

What we ordered: - 300g beef outer loin - Thick-cut premium beef tongue - Mushroom and cheese salad - Black-haired pork - Chicken thigh - Mentaiko baked potato - Diaphragm meat - Calpis

Standout dishes: The grilled beef tongue and outer loin were tender and juicy. The mentaiko baked potato was soft and flavorful—a taste bomb with the sauce. The complimentary BBQ sauce wrapped in lettuce was so good we ate two servings before even starting to grill. Best of all, lettuce and rice were free to refill, so we never worried about running out. We waddled out stuffed, skipping the self-serve ice cream entirely.

Strolling on Huaihai Road: A Collision of Art and Trends

After saying goodbye to our friend around 2:00 PM, we had over four hours before dinner. Instead of fighting crowds at City God Temple or Tianzifang, we opted for a power walk along Huaihai Middle Road.

Must-visit spots: - Line's Friends: I had been here two years ago, and this time I brought my bestie for photos. Still a heart-stealer for anyone with a girlish side. - Bean Craftsman (豆匠·物人心): The dessert shop was closed, but I grabbed a sugar-free soy drink nearby—refreshing and thirst-quenching. - Shanghai K11 Art Center: The art gate at the entrance mimics the Louvre Pyramid but uses fish-shaped lines to create a flowing, relaxed feel. An art gallery hidden inside a shopping mall. - Lele Tea (乐乐茶): Before heading out, I snagged a mulberry cheese tea and a strawberry peach cheese tea. The watermelon cheese tea was sold out, so I swapped it for a grapefruit tea. We took a group photo to commemorate.

Korean Kitchen (韩国厨房): A Mix of Hits and Misses

Exiting Jiangsu Road Metro Station, we passed Jing'an Temple and the filming location for The First Half of My Life (Pingcheng House) before arriving at this Korean restaurant.

What we ordered: - Sweet and spicy fried chicken - Cheese egg roll - Tofu and potato salad - Ginseng chicken soup - Vegetable bibimbap

Verdict: The complimentary side dishes—kimchi, soybeans, and pumpkin soup—were decent. But the ginseng chicken soup was a miss: the broth was greasy and heavy, and the sticky rice had an off-flavor. The fried chicken wasn't crispy, and the meat was average. On the bright side, the cold tofu salad and potato salad were refreshing and palate-cleansing—worth recommending.

Day 2: An Incomplete Disney Guide and Photo Secrets

Essential Apps and Gear

• Metro Metropolitan: Scan a QR code to ride the metro—convenient and hassle-free.
• Shanghai Disney Resort App: Register in advance, then immediately link your ticket upon entry to grab FastPasses (FP). Note: FP distribution is much slower now than on my first visit—I only managed to snag two rounds this time, whereas I got six rounds on my first trip.
• PhotoPass: Not recommended unless you're a big spender.
• Items to Bring: Water bottle (can't fill it with water), rain poncho (buy on Taobao in advance).

Best Photo Spots (My Private List)

1. The Giant Cute Donald Duck at Disney Town: You have no idea how much I love this duck!
2. Photos with Disney Characters: There are three photo spots on both sides of Mickey Avenue (close after 3:00 PM), plus Mickey's Club, Laughing Friends Meet, and Pixar Animal Friends.
3. Full Castle View: Find the right angle to capture a fairy-tale vibe.
4. Photos with Balloons: When it's crowded, be dramatic to stand out.
5. In Front of High-Saturation Shops: The background acts as a built-in filter.
6. Inside Stores, Holding Stuffed Animals: Doubles your cuteness factor.
7. Alice in Wonderland Maze: When posing with the Queen of Hearts, shoot vertically for a more grand look.
8. Disney Metro Station: Don't miss it before you exit.

Other Beautiful Photo Spots

• The castle under cherry blossoms in April
• Storm Theater mini-show
• Voyage of the Crystal Grotto
• Pirate's Cove Treasure (personal favorite—I really love this ride)
• The mosaic princess portraits at the Welcome Pavilion under the castle
• Disney balloons against a blue sky
• The parade street
• Tron Lightcycle Power Run (even if your legs go weak, take a photo)
• The Giant Cute Donald Duck (deserves its own shot)

My Real Feelings on the Second Trip: The Magic vs. Commercialization

On this second trip to Disneyland, I perfectly missed the Avengers team and had to rest for two rounds on Tron because my legs went weak. But since the ticket was a prize, I was still filled with joy.

However, the commercial atmosphere was noticeably thicker than on my first visit. On the same weekday, the crowd size was similar, but FP distribution was significantly less efficient—on my first trip, I got six rounds of FP in one day; this time, I only got two. I missed out on Soaring Over the Horizon and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and even Dumbo and the Carousel were skipped due to slow queueing. A ride that could have been handled in 20 minutes with three rows of lines dragged on for 40 minutes. Premium passes and VIP cards keep popping up, and the service is more polished, but the "Disney magic" seems a bit diluted by commercialization.

That said, looking at it from another angle, the point of a second trip isn't to conquer every ride. On my first visit, I practically did everything and watched two mini-shows; this time, I spent my time taking photos, soaking in the scenery, and savoring the atmosphere. When I saw the giant cute Donald Duck basking in the sunlight, when cherry blossoms drifted down in front of the castle, when balloons swayed against the blue sky—those minor queue frustrations faded away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is a second trip to Shanghai Disneyland worth it?

Absolutely. While the first visit is about experiencing every ride, the second trip allows you to slow down, appreciate the details, and capture stunning photos. You'll notice things you missed the first time—like hidden character meet-and-greet spots, seasonal decorations, and the park's overall ambiance.

2. How many FastPasses can I get on a weekday now?

Based on my experience in April 2019, FP distribution has slowed significantly. I only managed to snag two rounds in one day, compared to six rounds on my first visit a year earlier. Arrive early, link your ticket immediately, and prioritize the most popular rides like Soaring Over the Horizon and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

3. What's the best time of year for a Disneyland photo trip?

April is ideal for cherry blossoms around the castle, but any weekday outside of school holidays and peak seasons (summer, Chinese New Year, National Day) will offer smaller crowds and better photo opportunities. Check the park's event calendar for seasonal decorations and special parades.

4. How much should I budget for a two-day Disney trip from Ningbo?

My total cost was approximately 600 RMB per person, excluding shopping. This included high-speed rail (288 RMB round trip), homestay (88 RMB after coupon), metro (30 RMB), and meals (around 200 RMB). Accommodation near Disney Town can be more expensive, but budget options like Lodeng Homestay offer great value.

5. What are the must-bring items for a Disney photo trip?

• Water bottle (you can't fill it with water, but it's useful for carrying)
• Rain poncho (buy on Taobao in advance)
• Comfortable shoes (you'll walk a lot)
• Portable charger (for your phone and camera)
• Lightweight jacket (evenings can be cool)
• Disney-themed accessories (ears, headbands, costumes) for photos

Internal Linking Suggestions

• [Link: Best Budget Homestays Near Shanghai Disneyland]
• [Link: Complete Guide to Shanghai Disneyland FastPass Strategy 2024]
• [Link: Top 10 Photo Spots in Shanghai Disneyland You Can't Miss]
• [Link: How to Plan a Weekend Trip from Ningbo to Shanghai]
• [Link: Shanghai Disneyland vs. Hong Kong Disneyland – Which One to Choose?]

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

A second trip to Shanghai Disneyland isn't about checking off every ride—it's about rediscovering the magic at your own pace. Whether you're capturing the perfect shot of Donald Duck, savoring a quiet moment in front of the castle, or simply enjoying the parade with a friend, this park offers endless opportunities for joy and nostalgia.

Ready to plan your own Disney getaway? Start by booking your high-speed rail tickets and homestay in advance. Download the Shanghai Disney Resort app, study the FastPass strategy, and pack your camera. And most importantly—leave room for spontaneity. The best memories often come from the unexpected.

Have you visited Shanghai Disneyland more than once? Share your tips and favorite photo spots in the comments below!