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3. Peter Pan’s Flight

Like Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight is an existing classic attraction at both Disney World and Disneyland, but Shanghai just did it so much better. In fact, the Shanghai version has a lot to be jealous of. Think of it as more like Peter Pan’s Flight: 2.0 Edition.

No more near motionless animatronics and dull paint – Shanghai Disneyland’s version is alive with color and excitement. They have also skillfully crafted the ride to include high-quality motion graphics that come off less like screens and more like full immersion into the 2D world of Peter Pan. Plus, they have added on a considerable amount of story, almost doubling any of the ride times for Peter Pan’s Flight in the United States. So, Shanghai, we admit it; you’ve nearly perfected this ride. Now, can we borrow it? Pretty please?

4. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto

One thing that Shanghai really did differently in their Disneyland park was the layout and location of the Enchanted Storybook Castle (not to mention that the castle itself is downright gorgeous). Like the classic intro to our favorite Disney movies, the castle at Shanghai Disneyland has a river that runs all the way around its base and extends into its backyard. Imagineers made full use of this space and transformed it into an amazing ride that pays tribute to iconic Disney films. 

Voyage to the Crystal Grotto is a slow-paced boat ride that takes you on a tour around the castle grounds while highlighting some of the world’s most beloved Disney movies. Imagineers have fully utilized water features here with Mrs. Potts spraying at guests from her spout and literal buckets being tossed about by enchanted brooms. While inside, walls sparkle and shine in a truly magical storytelling experience.

While it may not be possible to include Voyage to the Crystal Grotto up next to an existing castle, a similar ride would be a welcomed addition in the U.S. for those who prefer not to go on more thrill-based attractions (or who want to be sprayed by water because they’ve been standing all day in the hot Florida sun).

5. Roaring Rapids

Shanghai Disneyland made a dark water ride and called it Roaring Rapids. In this ride, guests board a round raft and make their way upriver, eventually being misled into the unknown upon the mysterious Roaring Mountain. Inside, they discover the massive (and very unfriendly) mountain beast named Q’aráq. Western fans of Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids, or Expedition Everest would, no doubt, love this darker take on similar existing attractions.

6. TRON Lightcycle Power Run

If Test Track and Rock N’ Roller Coaster had a baby, it would be TRON Lightcycle Power Run. This high-speed roller coaster sends guests whipping through the neon world of TRON. And if that isn’t enough to rouse some excitement, it also introduces a new single rider system, where each guests sits on their own Lightcycle vehicle and gets to feel like they’re steering their way along The Grid.

We want this ride in the U.S. because, well, it just looks downright amazing. Yes, Walt Disney World has both Test Track and Rock N’ Roller Coaster, but with outdated Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland and a crumbling Future World in Epcot, there is definitely a place for TRON within the U.S.

Do you agree of disagree with this list? What else would you like to see brought over from Shanghai Disneyland? Let us know in the comments section.

 
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Comments

I would go back to WDW for these for sure.

Is Mystic Manor at this new park? Would love that to come stateside. Maybe even replace the inside of the outdated boring great movie ride?

In reply to by Erc (not verified)

Unfortunately, no, Shanghai Disneyland does not have Mystic Manor. So, I guess they have something to be jealous of as well.

As jealous as we are here stateside of Shanghai Disney, I think that trend will be reversed starting next year when we see a lot of the same technology (and newer!) incorporated into Pandora. A few years later, we get new Star Wars attractions that will be even better than Pandora!

It's interesting that they would name a ride Roaring Rapids when Six Flags has one with the same name.

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