21 Hacks Shanghai Disneyland Fans Should Know Before Visiting

Guests can have their name translated and embroidered in Chinese characters for completely free, but it's only done at one location within the parks, Whistle Stop Shop. If they run out of adult-sized ears — or don't have, say, the Tron-themed ones you were dreaming of — simply purchase them elsewhere and bring them back to be embroidered. The translations aren't exact, and getting them done is a bit tricky, but boy, is it worth it!

Most of the park's most in-demand attractions offer single rider lines, allowing you to breeze through the best of the best in little to no time. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Roaring Rapids, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle For Sunken Treasure all offer speedy boarding for solo guests, which is totally worth it. (Neither Pirates nor Seven Dwarfs back in Walt Disney World offer it!)

You can't bring a phone or camera onto Camp Discovery's Challenge Trails, which is a total bummer, as its waterfall and cavernous hike makes for incredibly tempting selfies. If traveling with a friend, consider going through the ropes course separately, and snapping pictures of each other from below as you pass by Roaring Mountain's waterfall. The Instagrams you'll get will be worth the short wait.

Though it only costs slightly more than Toy Story Hotel, it's one of the fanciest hotels Disney has ever built. Shanghai Disneyland's top resort doesn't have the massive, awe-inspiring lobbies of Grand Californian or Grand Floridian, but the ornate decor, dining options, and regal rooms are worth the nightly price tag.

Because Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle For the Sunken Treasure utilizes so many screens within the ride, front row is actually the worst place to sit. Instead, try to be seated in the middle or back of the boat to be fully immersed in Captain Jack Sparrow's adventures. On Soaring Over the Horizon, request to sit toward the middle of any row instead of on the outside. Front row back home was always the prime spot (no feet dangling in your face!) but because there are so many buildings in this new version, their clean lines bend in an unrealistic way on the edges, making for lesser experience if out toward the sides.

Get your Chinese name embroidered onto your hats first thing — there are only two sewing machines in the entire park dedicated to this, so the wait in the afternoon will be massive. (You can come back later to pick it up.) Head to Soarin' if the line is minimal (it regularly clocks the longest wait times in the park), and grab Fastpasses to Roarin' Rapids on the way as you pass Guest Services. This way, you'll free up the rest of the afternoon, and actually have time to wait out any other attractions.

Pin-crazy? Make Carefree Corner your first stop; it has the largest selection throughout the park. Classic character plushies in Shanghai-specific garb are everywhere, but to find them decked out in ride-specific outfits, visit the shops at the end of Tron Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle For Sunken Treasure. And, if you're looking for Garden of the Twelve Friends merchandise, browse through Avenue M Arcade or Whistle Stop Shop. It's exclusive to Shanghai Disney, and those are the only two locations that carry it.

Jet Packs in Tomorrowland seem pretty skippable — how many times have we been on something that spins around like that? — but it gives guests an unbelievable vantage point over Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, and even Enchanted Storybook Castle. Use the hand lever to go all the way up for the best view possible.

Unlike Disney World, which lets you schedule Fastpasses from your phone, and Disneyland, where most kiosks are near the rides, Shanghai Disneyland offers Fastpasses exclusively at three Guest Services locations in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventure Isle. The lands are very spread apart, so find their locations early.

Food within the park highlights the eight major cuisines from China, so you can eat your way across the country while simply heading from land to land. Every single restaurant offers something different, so don't be afraid to make a lap before deciding what you'd like to devour.

Simply put, trading is a totally new concept here, which means nothing is picked over at all. Some cast member lanyards even had full-price pins on them — not just Hidden Mickey ones! — and there aren't many starter packs or mystery pin boxes for sale at the parks, so the buy-in is higher overseas. Be sure to bring a handful to trade for easy souvenirs!

If you're used to Disneyland's blue skies or Walt Disney World's one-and-done rain showers, the weather is jarringly different in China. It can get really, really hot and rain nonstop for hours on end. Bring layers, especially a poncho, and be sure to tuck an umbrella in your bag as there isn't much shelter. Even if it doesn't pour, you're still prepared to ride Roaring Rapids!

Shanghai Disneyland is the only park in the world where guests can eat Donald Duck Waffles, and they're only available at one place: Il Paparino. (It's said to be the Italian translation for Donald Duck!) They're considered dessert here, not breakfast, so you can even pair them with a dollop of soft-service ice cream.

Request a seat up front if you want to see it all from bird's-eye view, or sit towards the back for better look at the racing graphics in the second half of the ride. If you let go and lift your arms up midway — don't worry, your legs are harnessed in so you're safe! — it'll feel a lot faster and more exciting. Bring a phone into the queue, which can be stashed in a storage compartment inside the bike, and whatever you do, try to ride Tron for the first time once the sun is down. There's really nothing like blasting through those gates into the nighttime sky.

Though the tickets and hotels are cheaper than in the states, food and souvenirs within the park can be rather expensive. Download a money conversion app, like Currency, so you know how much those stuffed animals and Mickey-shaped steamed buns are actually costing you before you accidentally blow your budget.

We just have no idea how to get in. The doorway is just off of Mickey Avenue, and is as enticing as the exclusive club back in Anaheim, but so far, no news on how (or how much it will be) to snag a local membership at this park branch.

But, hey, that's OK! The Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will likely be the roughest for English-speakers, but Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular, despite its indecipherable dialogue, has enough cool tricks and stunts that you'll walk away wowed. If the language barrier has really got you down, opt for Tarzan: Call of the Jungle instead; the entire acrobatics-packed show is done with minimal dialogue.

Roaring Rapids is one of the best rides in the park, but there are way, way, way too few lockers for keeping guests' goods dry. If you're in a bind and the line to grab one looks crazy-long, head over to the nearby Camp Discovery, where there are plenty more.

The Andy's wallpaper-themed paper notepads, the lunch-box-shaped toothbrush kit in the bathroom, the disposable slippers you can keep and take home — your room is filled with amazing free little souvenirs! Don't miss the reusable cloud print Toy Story Hotel bag inside the open closet, either. It's all complimentary!

This is not a dress-friendly park — or at least, not without some awkward discomfort and finagling. The Tron Lightcycle vehicle is a wedgie waiting to happen for short hemlines, and the Challenge Trails' required harnesses will definitely leave your butt out in the open for all to see. Wear a romper or shorts if you can — with sneakers, if you're hoping to rock the Trails courses — or prepare to skip certain rides if you're determined to don a beloved dress.

Surprisingly, many of your favorite Disney park treats are scattered around the park. Craving a Mickey pretzel, churros, turkey leg, or corn dogs? Don't wander until you find them. They're all listed by name within the Guidemap, given out at Guest Services kiosks throughout the park.