Shanghai Disneyland Hotel Review: Is Club Level Worth the Price?
Is the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel the best place to stay at the resort, or should you save your money for more park snacks? On my recent solo trip to China, I checked into a Club Level room to see if the "Magic Kingdom Club" and the premium service are actually worth the extra cost. From the hidden Mickey details to the perfect castle views, here is everything you need to know about this flagship resort.
Magical Room Details & Hidden Secrets
The rooms at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel are a beautiful blend of Art Nouveau elegance and classic Disney storytelling. While the room is spacious and comfortable, it’s the small details that really make it stand out.
The "Pixie Dust" Headboard: There is a button on the nightstand that triggers a magical lighting sequence on the headboard. It shows fireworks exploding over the castle and even reveals a hidden Mickey in the mirror!
The Castle View: I stayed in a park-view room, and the sight of the Enchanted Storybook Castle across the lake is hard to beat. You can even see the Tron Lightcycle Power Run and the high-speed trains from the window.
The Amenities: The hotel goes all out with theme-appropriate amenities, including a child-sized robe, slippers, and a souvenir tin that you’re definitely going to want to take home.
The Magic Kingdom Club (Club Level) Experience
If you decide to stay Club Level, the experience starts the moment you arrive. Instead of the main lobby, I was taken straight to the lounge for a private check-in.
The lounge offers breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d'oeuvres. One of the best perks is the cappuccino station where they can print Disney characters right into the foam. Plus, there is a dedicated balcony for viewing the nighttime fireworks, which is a much more relaxing experience than fighting the crowds in the park.
Dining at Lumiere’s Kitchen
Lumiere’s Kitchen is the primary character dining buffet located on the first floor. It features an massive spread of Western and Chinese cuisine, including steamed crab, tempura, and even "crab roe" soup.
The characters—including Mickey and Minnie in their seasonal outfits—make appearances throughout the meal. Just keep in mind that the character interaction here is a bit more structured than in the US parks, but you do get a dedicated meet-and-greet time to take professional photos.
Pro Tip: Mind the Ferry Schedule
The hotel offers a beautiful ferry boat service that takes you directly across the lake to the park entrance. However, the boat doesn't start running until 2:00 PM. If you want to make it to the park for rope drop, you'll need to head to the front of the hotel and hop on the resort shuttle bus instead.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you can swing the cost, the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is a "strong recommend," particularly for the Club Level service. The attention to detail is top-tier, and the staff goes above and beyond—helping with everything from late checkouts to arranging airport transportation.
Have you ever stayed at a Disney resort outside of the United States? Let me know your favorite in the YouTube comments! And if you enjoyed the tour, don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more from The Roaming Twins.
