Shanghai Disney Resort announced Wednesday it will begin allowing ticket refunds for the first time starting next month, ending a long-standing policy that made all sales final.

Starting Jan. 12, 2026, the resort will introduce a tiered refund system for tickets purchased through official channels, aiming to provide guests with greater flexibility and convenience while helping them better manage the impact of unforeseen circumstances on travel and park visits.

Mickey and Minnie pose at Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort] 

Under the current policy, Shanghai Disneyland tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable, though guests can reschedule their visit up to two times if changes are made at least 48 hours before the visit date.

The new policy retains this rescheduling option but adds refund eligibility for standard one-day, two-day and Disney Dream Day packages, provided the tickets have not been modified or purchased with official coupons.

The new structure allows a full refund for requests submitted by 11:59 p.m. seven days prior to the scheduled visit. Requests made between six days and one day will incur a service fee of 80 yuan ($11) per ticket. No refunds will be granted on the day of the visit. For two-day tickets, deadlines are based on the first entry date.

To support the rollout of the new policy, the resort has established dual refund channels. Guests can process refunds through the resort's digital platforms or by contacting the Shanghai Disney Resort Reservation Center within the specified timeframes.

Refunds for add-on products linked to a ticket, such as Early Park Entry Passes or Disney Premier Access, must be handled by phone through the reservation center.

Those who purchased standard-priced tickets through other official, authorized channels must contact their original purchase channel for refund inquiries. 

The new policy applies to tickets purchased directly via the resort's website, app, official WeChat account, reservation center, and authorized flagship stores on major Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Douyin, JD.com and Fliggy, or through its official travel partners.

Buyers who used unofficial channels must contact the original seller for assistance. The resort cautioned guests against purchasing from unauthorized channels, citing the risk of fraud.

Since opening more than nine years ago, Shanghai Disney Resort said it remains committed to enhancing its products and operations to meet growing demand. The resort said the new ticket policy reflects an effort to improve services and the overall guest experience.

Tickets at Disney parks worldwide are generally nonrefundable and nontransferable. Industry insiders noted the adjustment in Shanghai reflects a shift as leading international theme parks adapt to the Chinese consumer market by more closely aligning with local service standards.

By offering more flexible ticketing options, theme parks can attract new customer groups that are more sensitive to price or changes in plans, supporting market penetration and overall expansion.

Shanghai Disney Resort has revised its ticket policies and pricing structure several times since opening in 2016, with the latest change in mid-October adding more mid-range price tiers. Other recent changes include strict real-name ticketing requirements and adjustments to annual pass rules.