Planning a trip to the magical Shanghai Disney Resort is an exciting endeavor, but balancing the high-energy thrills of the theme park with the desire for a relaxing, luxurious vacation can be a challenge. While many tourists opt to stay in the immediate vicinity of the park, savvy travelers know that the true secret to a perfect Shanghai family vacation lies in choosing a spectacular urban retreat as your home base.
Enter the MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai. Located at the prestigious address of No. 1 Jinling East Road, Huangpu District, this 5-star boutique hotel offers the perfect “yin and yang” for your trip. By day, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting worlds of Shanghai Disneyland; by night, you can retreat to the sophisticated, 1920s Art Deco elegance of the historic Bund.
Here is your comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide to experiencing the magic of Shanghai Disney Resort while enjoying the unparalleled luxury of the MaxX By Steigenberger.
Why Choose the Bund for Your Shanghai Disney Vacation?
Staying at a luxury hotel on the Bund, rather than a standard theme park resort, offers distinct advantages for the modern traveler:
- The Perfect Decompression Zone: After 12 hours of walking, waiting in lines, and experiencing thrilling rides, returning to a quiet, opulent sanctuary is essential. The “quiet luxury” of MaxX By Steigenberger provides a serene contrast to the sensory overload of the theme park.
- Access to the Rest of Shanghai: Shanghai is a world-class metropolis. Staying on the Bund puts you steps away from the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the historic Yu Garden, and some of the city’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants and rooftop bars.
- Unrivaled Views and Heritage: Instead of a standard theme park view, wake up to breathtaking, panoramic vistas of the Huangpu River and the futuristic Lujiazui skyline from your Art Deco-inspired room.
How to Get to Shanghai Disney Resort from MaxX By Steigenberger
One of the most common questions for tourists is how to bridge the gap between the city center and the park. Fortunately, the transit infrastructure in Shanghai is world-class, making the commute from No. 1 Jinling East Road seamless.
Option 1: The Shanghai Metro (Scenic and Reliable)
The most reliable way to beat Shanghai’s traffic is by subway.
- The Route: Walk just 3 minutes from the hotel to the East Nanjing Road Station. Take Metro Line 2 (towards East Xujing) for two stops to Jiangsu Road Station. Transfer to Metro Line 11 (towards Disney Resort) and ride it directly to the terminus at Disney Resort Station.
- Time & Cost: The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs around 7 RMB per person.
- Pro Tip: Line 11 has dedicated Disney-themed trains and carriages, which is a fun way to start the magic early!
Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare (Best for Families with Strollers)
If you are traveling with young children, elderly family members, or prefer a door-to-door service, a taxi is highly recommended.
- The Route: The hotel’s concierge can easily hail a cab or book a Didi (China’s premier rideshare app) for you. The drive is roughly 30 kilometers via the S1 Yingbin Expressway.
- Time: Depending on traffic, it takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Cost: Expect to pay between 100 to 130 RMB one way.
A Perfect 2-Day Itinerary: Magic and Metropolis
To fully appreciate both the theme park and your luxury accommodation, we recommend dedicating at least two days to this combined experience.
Day 1: A Magical Day at Shanghai Disney Resort
- Morning: Enjoy the lavish Western and Chinese buffet breakfast at the hotel (served from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM) to fuel up. Head to the park right at opening time to beat the crowds.
- Mid-Day: Head straight for the newest and most popular land, Zootopia, to experience the “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit” ride. Next, conquer the ultra-fast TRON Lightcycle Power Run in Tomorrowland.
- Afternoon: Take a break from the sun with the immersive, boat-ride journey through Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure—widely considered the best Disney dark ride in the world.
- Evening: Stay for the spectacular nighttime illumination show, “Illumine: The Magic of the Shanghai Disney Resort,” featuring fireworks, lasers, and projections on the Enchanted Storybook Castle.
- Night: Take the metro or taxi back to the Bund. Unwind with a complimentary signature cocktail or a relaxing soak in your room’s luxurious tub (if you booked the Elegant Bund Panoramic Room).
Day 2: Recovery, Retail, and River Views
- Morning: Sleep in! Let the natural light of the Huangpu River wake you up. Enjoy a leisurely, late breakfast at the hotel.
- Mid-Day: Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary afternoon tea in the chic lobby lounge. Savor delicate pastries and artisanal teas while resting your feet.
- Afternoon: Step out of the hotel and stroll down the iconic Bund Promenade. Admire the historic colonial architecture on one side and the modern skyscrapers on the other. Walk up to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for world-class shopping and souvenir hunting.
- Evening: Enjoy a world-class dinner at one of the many exceptional restaurants along the Bund or within the hotel, capping off a perfect Shanghai vacation.
Maximizing Your Stay at MaxX By Steigenberger
To ensure your Disney vacation is as comfortable as possible, take full advantage of the hotel’s tailored amenities:
- Family-Friendly Accommodations: Book the Shanghai Studio Family Suite. These spacious rooms are designed with families in mind, offering ample space to relax, unpack, and recharge after a long day in the parks.
- Laundry Services: Theme park trips mean sweaty shirts and stained clothes. The hotel offers comprehensive laundry, dry-cleaning, and ironing services, ensuring your family looks fresh every day.
- Concierge Assistance: Need to book Disney Premier Access (skip-the-line passes) or arrange a special celebration for a child’s birthday? The multilingual concierge team at the front desk is equipped to handle all your bespoke requests.
- Smart Room Technology: Control your room’s lighting, temperature, and curtains via smart panels, allowing you to customize your environment for the perfect night’s sleep.
Pro Tips for a Seamless Disney Experience
- Download the App: Before your trip, download the official Shanghai Disney Resort app. It provides real-time wait times, show schedules, and mobile food ordering.
- Arrive Early: The hotel’s location allows you to easily catch an early train. Arriving at the security checkpoint 45 minutes before the official opening time is the best way to experience popular rides with minimal waits.
- Pack Comfortably: You will easily clock 20,000+ steps a day. Wear broken-in, comfortable walking shoes and bring a lightweight, portable fan for the humid summer months.
- Utilize the Mid-Day Break: If traveling with young kids, consider returning to the hotel on the Bund for a quick nap and swim/rest in the afternoon before heading back to the park for the evening fireworks. The easy metro access makes this “split day” strategy highly effective.
Book Your Magical Shanghai Getaway Today
Combining the spellbinding attractions of Shanghai Disney Resort with the historic, Art Deco luxury of the Bund creates a vacation that is both thrilling and deeply restorative. Let the MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai be your elegant sanctuary in the sky.
Ready to plan your ultimate Shanghai adventure? Contact our reservations team today to secure your room with a view.
- Hotel Name: MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai
- Address: No. 1 Jinling East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200002, China
- Phone: +86-21-63200088
- Website: https://maxxhotelshanghai.com
Experience the magic of Disney by day, and the timeless elegance of Shanghai by night. We look forward to welcoming you!