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Ben & David complete their Disney park collection at Shanghai Disneyland, and it's a wild ride from start to finish. They find the park surprisingly chill and the cast members incredibly friendly, despite gloomy February weather. The massive castle and uniquely spacious layout leave them awestruck, but it's the nighttime glow-ups and spectacular fireworks that truly win them over.
More about the current video:(Published on 2026-05-22)
Ben and David, veteran Disney park explorers, set out to complete their world tour at Shanghai Disneyland, and from the very first moments inside the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, it's clear this resort operates on its own delightful wavelength. The room itself is a masterclass in whimsical detail—a high-tech toilet with more buttons than a spaceship, a bedside panel that triggers a fireworks display on the headboard, and even filtration escape masks, a unique safety touch not seen in other parks. The lobby, with its grand Art Nouveau flourishes and whimsical Fantasia-inspired statues, sets a tone that feels both grown-up and magical, a theme that carries through the entire experience. After a quick coffee from the Starbucks in Disneytown—where a coconut latte delivers actual lumps of coconut—they finally step into the park. The initial reaction is pure, unfiltered disbelief. Mickey Avenue is not Main Street USA; it's a vibrant, toontown-esque thoroughfare that is shockingly wide, almost three times the width of its counterparts, designed to handle massive crowds. The castle, the Enchanted Storybook Castle, is equally bonkers—not the tallest, but staggeringly wide, blending Chinese architectural elements with classic Disney fairy-tale magic. The park's layout is a constant surprise; the central hub feels more like EPCOT's World Showcase, and the sheer scale of everything from the gardens to the massive fireworks viewing area is humbling. Despite February's cold rain, the duo dives into the rides. Buzz Lightyear gets a dark, screen-heavy update, while Tron remains a sleek, futuristic thrill best enjoyed at night. Pirates of the Caribbean emerges as a clear standout, an epic, screen-driven voyage with boats that spin 360 degrees, far surpassing its counterparts in scale and immersion. The food is another adventure—Ben bravely (and reluctantly) samples a durian-flavored ice cream that tastes like savory beef and blue cheese, while David snags a Portuguese egg tart that earns a perfect score. The park's obsession with Zootopia and Duffy the Disney Bear is undeniable; the Duffy store has its own one-way queue system, and a simple clap starts a cascade of wagging animated plush toys. The evening transforms the park; the neon-lit Zootopia and Tomorrowland come alive, and the Winter Wonderland show dusts Mickey Avenue with artificial snow, creating a genuinely magical moment. The fireworks display, featuring a spectacular Marvel segment, is a fitting crescendo. Ultimately, while Ben and David agree the park is not their absolute favorite—it needs more rides and lands to fill its sprawling space—they are unanimous in their praise for the incredibly friendly cast members and the orderly, respectful crowds, a pleasant surprise that defied negative expectations. It's a unique, massive, and wonderfully weird Disney park, and for Ben & David, checking it off the list is a triumphant end to a decade-long journey. Their final verdict: Shanghai Disneyland is different, but in the best possible way. The hot chocolate and the giant inflatable Donald Duck on the lake are the perfect send-off.
