Clubmates Travel
Shanghai Disneyland With ClubMates: Rain, Rides and Real Travel Moments
Posted on June 11, 2026 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 12 minutes
It was raining at Shanghai Disneyland, the kind of rain that could have easily turned a big theme park day into a long, soggy shuffle. But the ClubMates group kept going. Beck was jumping on rides with passengers, Peter was helping the group move through the park, and everyone was still laughing, exploring, shopping and taking in the Disney magic.
That is often what supported travel is really about. Not making every moment perfect, but having the right crew, planning and flexibility in place so passengers can enjoy the adventure even when travel does what travel does best, throws in a surprise.
Shanghai Disneyland was one of the big highlights of this ClubMates trip, but it was far from the only story. Across the journey, passengers experienced city lights, local markets, a night cruise, a bullet train, traditional villages, unfamiliar food, language barriers and plenty of moments that nobody could have planned.
Tour leader Peter said China was “one of the easiest countries” he had entered. The group quickly found a rhythm, moving from long travel days into the colour, noise, humour and excitement of Shanghai.
Arriving in Shanghai and Finding the Rhythm
The group travelled from Sydney to Guangzhou, cleared customs, then caught a domestic flight through to Shanghai. It was a big start, and by the time they arrived, everyone was ready to settle in. Their rooms were not quite ready, so instead of waiting around in the hotel, the group headed out for a gentle local walk.
That first afternoon became a soft landing into China. They had lunch, wandered through a local market and stopped to watch a musician playing different styles of Chinese music. Some passengers bought small souvenirs and musical instruments before heading back to the hotel for an early night.
It was not a dramatic start, but that’s important in what we do. After a long international travel day, the group still had a chance to step into the local area, take in something new and begin building confidence in a different country. For supported holidays for people with disabilities, those first few hours can set the tone. No pressure, no rushing, just a calm introduction to the place and the people around them.
Disney Days, Rainy Weather and Plenty of Laughs
Shanghai Disneyland is huge. Peter described it as probably the biggest Disney park he had visited, even larger than Hong Kong Disneyland. For the group, that meant there was a lot to see, but also a lot to manage. Big parks bring big excitement, but they also bring walking, crowds, queues, noise, changing weather and long days.
The first Disney day was about exploring. The group walked through the park, checked out the shops, watched the entertainment and got a feel for where everything was. That gave passengers time to take it all in before the bigger ride day.
Then came the rain.
It rained on the first Disney day and kept raining for much of the next one. The plan had to stay flexible, and the crew adjusted as they went. Beck took on many of the rides with passengers, while Peter supported the group’s movement through the park and helped keep the day flowing.
The rain did not become the story of what went wrong. It became part of the story everyone came home with. There were wet clothes, tired legs, big smiles and a group that kept choosing to enjoy the moment anyway.
Beck later said she had “never laughed so much on a trip”. That says a lot. A supported trip needs good planning, but it also needs people who can keep the mood light when things get messy, wet or a bit ridiculous. Especially at Disney.
The Restaurant Moment Everyone Will Remember
Some of the best travel memories happen when there is no perfect plan.
After one Disney day, the group went to a Chinese restaurant where no one spoke English. The ClubMates crew did not speak Chinese either, so Peter pulled out Google Translate, the group looked at menus, pointed at dishes and did their best to work it all out.
Food arrived. Some of it was familiar enough. Some of it was a surprise. The whole thing became one of those funny, slightly chaotic travel moments that people keep talking about long after they get home.
For passengers, this was more than just dinner. It was a chance to experience another country in a very real way. They were hearing another language, trying to communicate, choosing food, waiting to see what would arrive and laughing together when things did not go exactly as expected.
That is where confidence often grows. Not through a big speech about independence, but through a shared moment where everyone gives something new ago.
John, the Hat and the Joy of Being Part of the Group
One passenger, John, became one of the standout characters of the trip.
Peter remembered John buying a giant hat with the China flag on it. He wore it proudly and became excited whenever he heard people speaking Mandarin. Peter described him as “such a character” and said he was “so much fun”.
It is a small detail, but it says a lot about why group supported travel can be so meaningful. John was not just attending the trip. He was part of it. He had his own style, his own reactions, his own excitement and his own way of bringing joy to the group.
These are the moments families and carers often hope for, even if they do not always say it out loud. They want their loved one to be safe, of course. But they also want them to be seen. To have fun. To be included. To come home with stories that belong to them. John’s little souvenir somehow became part of the group’s memory.
Beyond Disney: River Lights, Chinese Villages and Bullet Trains
Although Disneyland was the headline this supported tour, Shanghai gave the group much more than theme park days.
One of Peter’s standout memories was the night cruise along the Huangpu River. The group saw the city lit up from the water, with buildings glowing along the skyline and plenty of photo opportunities as they cruised through the evening. It was a very different kind of magic to Disney, calmer, brighter and more reflective.
The group also visited an old-style Chinese water village, with traditional shopping areas and local sights. In true Peter fashion, he tried a spider and a scorpion. The passengers were not exactly lining up to join him, but they were right there watching, reacting, laughing and sharing the moment.
Then there was the bullet train. Peter described it as relaxing and well worth it, a chance to sit back, look out at the countryside and simply enjoy the ride. For some passengers, transport experiences like this can be a highlight in themselves. The movement, the speed, the scenery and the novelty all become part of the adventure.
Together, these moments made the trip feel bigger than Disneyland alone. It was Shanghai, Disney, food, markets, music, transport, lights, laughter and a lot of new experiences packed into one supported holiday.
What the Trip Gave Passengers
By the end of the trip, the group had managed long travel days, rainy weather, busy theme parks, a restaurant with no shared language, new food, city crowds, cultural differences and plenty of unexpected moments.
They were tired, but they had done it.
That outcome matters. Supported travel can help passengers practise flexibility, decision-making, communication, social connection and time away from their usual routines. We see this in the real moments captured on video and published on our YouTube. Ordering food through translation. Choosing souvenirs. Trying rides in the rain. Wearing a giant hat with pride. Laughing at Peter’s snack choices. Sitting on a bullet train watching China pass by. Experiencing travel makes you confident.
Take a look at our wrap up video of the Shanghai Supported Tour 2026:
Is Shanghai Disneyland the Right Supported Trip?
Shanghai Disneyland may suit travellers who love Disney, rides, shopping, shows, bright city experiences and being part of a group. It may also suit people who are excited by international travel and culture and can manage bigger days with the right support around them.
It is also a trip that needs thoughtful planning. There can be crowds, walking, weather changes, language differences and unfamiliar food. Some travellers may need a closer support ratio, planned breaks, communication support, help with personal care or reassurance during busy parts of the day.
ClubMates talks through those needs before a trip, so the destination, itinerary and support can be matched to the person as much as possible. For NDIS participants, ClubMates can also explain the difference between travel costs and eligible disability support costs. The NDIS does not fund holiday packages, airfares, holiday accommodation, theme park tickets or meals, although some disability supports delivered during travel may be claimable depending on the person’s plan and circumstances.
Talk to ClubMates About Supported Disney Travel
To learn more about upcoming supported Disney trips, speak with the ClubMates Travel team and click below or visit the ClubMates Travel website.
China is one of those countries that keeps surprising people—especially when you see the landscapes that don’t even look real. Towering rainbow mountains, glass walkways over steep cliffs, mist-covered peaks that inspired movies like Avatar—China’s natural wonders feel like stepping into another world.
And guess what? With the right support and planning, these mind-blowing places can be explored by people of all abilities. At ClubMates Travel, we believe that accessible travel should be more than just getting from A to B—it should be about awe, wonder, and saying “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Here are a few incredible spots in China that look out of this world—and why they might just end up on your travel wishlist.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Pandora
Ever seen floating mountains? Well, you’re about to. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the inspiration behind the flying mountains in Avatar. Giant stone pillars rise up through misty clouds—it’s so surreal it feels like CGI.
There are cable cars and glass elevators that take you up into the peaks, and accessible walkways in many areas, making this a great option for travel for people with disabilities when paired with the right support crew.
The Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Imagine layers of red, orange, gold, and green rock stretched across rolling hills. These colourful formations look like someone took a paintbrush to the land. They’re even more breathtaking in person.
The Rainbow Mountains are best explored in daylight hours when the colours shine brightest. Some viewing platforms and paths are paved and can be navigated with mobility assistance. Like all our accessible holidays, having specialist travel support makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Living Mirror
At sunrise or sunset, the rice terraces of Yuanyang reflect the sky like an enormous mirror. It’s peaceful, dreamlike, and incredibly calming—perfect for travellers who want to slow down, connect with nature, and just take it all in.
This spot is especially powerful for people who are working toward NDIS goals like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or confidence in new environments. With supported travel, it’s more than sightseeing—it becomes a sensory and emotional experience.
The Glass Bridge – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a 430-metre-long glass bridge suspended over the canyon. Yes—it’s see-through. But it’s also safe, sturdy, and absolutely unforgettable. For those not afraid of heights, this is an epic moment that will stick with you for life.
We understand that thrill-seeking looks different for everyone. At ClubMates, our support crew are trained to encourage, not push—so passengers can take part in activities at their own comfort level.
Jiuzhaigou Valley – China’s Fairytale Water World
Think turquoise lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou is a dreamscape—peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. It’s also one of the more accessible nature parks in China, with eco buses and walkways that help make the journey smoother.
This kind of environment is great for building confidence, promoting social participation, and feeling part of something beautiful.
Why China? Why ClubMates?
Travelling to a country as big and bold as China might feel impossible—but that’s where we come in. As one of Australia’s most experienced NDIS holiday providers, we specialise in international supported travel that opens up the world for people with disabilities. We design every itinerary to work toward common NDIS goals—things like independence, community access, resilience, and joy.
Our team handles everything: accessible hotels, ground transport, daily activities, and of course, personal support workers who are trained specifically for disability travel.
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Great Wall, watching lanterns float across the sky, or standing in a place that feels like another planet—then maybe it’s time to get curious.
ClubMates makes accessible travel across the globe achievable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Talk to our team about our upcoming tours to China or ask about designing your own supported adventure. We’ll help you figure out how your supports work with your NDIS funding and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Because no one should miss out on the wonders of the world—especially you.
