Spending a Day at Shanghai Disneyland for Christmas | Food, Merchandise, & Entertainment

Spend the day with me at Shanghai Disneyland for Christmas. This video was recorded in December 2018.
You may be wondering why I'm releasing a three-year-old video.
My late partner John did all the editing for our videos on the channel. His sudden passing in January 2019 left me devastated. This video was the final video in his queue. I left this specific video in that queue unfinished for almost three years.
Without John, this channel and TDR Explorer wouldn't have been possible. He saw something in me that I never saw in myself. When he passed, I couldn't bring myself to edit videos he was supposed to edit.
It's been almost three years since his passing, and a lot has changed. I've brought myself to edit this video as a tribute and honour his memory. I wouldn't be where I am today without his love, dedication, and encouragement.
I've shared the story of our life together on our website: tdrexplorer.com/john-himpe
Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I'll continue creating videos and content not only for me but for John, who helped me get to where I am today. This video is a way to help me with a sense of closure for the chapter John, and I shared together.
Thank you for coming on this adventure with me, Explorers.
TIMESTAMPS
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00:00 Intro
02:39 Into Shanghai Disneyland
03:29 Christmas Decorations
05:48 TRON, Seven Dwarves, & Pirates
10:22 Popcorn
10:59 Christmas Entertainment
11:12 Shanghai Disneyland Christmas Merchandise
13:56 Snacks & Character Greetings
15:11 Duffy Merchandise
16:54 Eating Food
18:43 Nighttime Christmas Entertainment
20:15 More Shanghai Disneyland Food
21:40 Shanghai Disneyland Christmas Decorations at Night
25:51 John Himpe Dedication
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
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📸 Instagram: / tdrexplorer
💙 Twitter: / tdrexplorer
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📌 Pinterest: / tdrexplorer
👍🏻 Patreon: bit.ly/tdrpatreon
ABOUT TDR EXPLORER
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Hi, 👋🏽 My name is Chris, aka TDRExplorer, and I started sharing my theme park adventures. Over the years, TDRExplorer has evolved into a resource for passionate theme park fans looking to make the best of their trips to Asia. Including Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan!

[@tdrexplorer]

I haven't spoken much about John on my channel (I'm fairly private) but I wanted to share our story with you: tdrexplorer.com/john-himpe/

[@spinhero]

Thanks for sharing this Chris, I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you but I hope it’s a little cathartic at least.
Sending lots of good vibes and a tight hug 🙏🏼

[@deemondh7326]

That is very sad to read and I think John would be very proud to see you continuing on with your broadcast.
RIP John Himpe, from all those who love and cherish your memory. 😢💐

[@powerheather]

I'm proud of you for finishing this episode. 💓

[@MIKE_THE_BRUMMIE]

New sub ❤
Love is so close to loss, I feel we can only truly love someone knowing that our time is finite, remembering that makes you want to tip scale with happy memories.
I wish you many wonderful memories.

[@madisoncarter6075]

Hi there Chris!
I know that you posted this long ago but just wanted to say I’m so grateful for everything you post on here. I have really severe anxiety and only my partner and things you enjoy such as Disney, anime and Japan based things etc. help me with this. Finding your videos has help me tremendously with this and I know it sounds crazy but your voice is so cathartic. Your videos make me so filled with joy even on days I’m not and I’m so grateful to have found your channel and watch all these videos. Thank you for sharing your life with us and most importantly continuing to. I’m so grateful for it and I hope you know that you help people and are just a great soul thank you for everything you do. You are amazing.

[@AllThingsPinsandDisney]

Chris, I’m so sorry for your loss. I love that you continued to upload this video in his honor. May John Rest In Peace!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, that means so much to me.

[@YurieMurgas]

Sending you all the love that I can. John sounds incredible. He'll always be with you whenever you go into a Disney Park. If I even get the chance to meet you I'll be giving you an extra big hug

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much, Yurie. That means a lot.

[@YurieMurgas]

@@tdrexplorer You're welcome! Hope you had a good NYE

[@Lucianoaoao]

I always view you as Chip and John as Dale. Sending you hugs Chris. I know that He's very proud of you. We love you Chris!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Bells.

[@wildeprince737]

Chris, Your dedication at the end was just beautiful, and I must admit when John was waving at the end my heart went out to you. That took strength. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Spooper_Kaitlin]

I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure that you editing this video would’ve meant so much to him. May John rest peacefully.
Also, I just wanted to thank you for all of your amazing work. It’s been a way to bring my family together to watch something we all enjoy! I’m wishing you much happiness for this New Year!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Kaitlin. That means a lot. It makes me happy knowing that our videos bring so much joy around the world. Happy New Year!

[@tamara8349]

I am so sorry for your loss. John sounds like a wonderful person and he lives on through you and your work.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much, Tamara.

[@sometimeswegoplaces]

Thank you for sharing the story of you and John, Chris. It’s funny how the people we meet inspire and change the trajectory of our lives in ways we never would have imagined.

[@sweetalissum]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Chris. I'm glad you're still exploring and finding magic even after losing a piece of your heart like this. Best wishes for you to have a good 2022.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Alissa, that means a lot to me

[@akienroute]

I can't even begin to imagine the sadness and pain you must be feeling from a loss as big as this. Thank you for sharing such a special part of you. You remind me of how life is truly so precious but fleeting and we must not take it for granted. Despite everything, you continue to make us smile with your videos and all I can say is thank you. Sending you lots of love.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, that means the world to me. I try my best.

[@michellegove1673]

I wanted to say something profound, but can’t find the words. Thank you for sharing this with us. Bless John, and may you find peace, always.

[@squirtle7G1]

I'm so sorry for your loss! May John rest in peace 🙏

[@nickdisney3233]

Your blog post had me sobbing my eyes out. I’m so sorry for your loss. I use your videos as a form of escapism and you never-ending positivity is a delight every single time. Thank you so much for putting them out despite everything.

[@ginahorner7195]

Sending you ALLLLLLL of the hugs this holiday. We love you so much and John's memory is such a blessing. Take care!! Hugs hugs hugs!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Gina.

[@latebloomerabroad]

Thank you for sharing the story of you and John, Chris. Sending much love from California. I was going to visit all the Asian Disney parks during my post-retirement trip in 2022, but will not be able to go to any so I'm concentrating on other countries. Hopefully I'll make it those parks before too many years have passed.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching. I hope you're able to travel soon!

[@MarianaYumiYamaga]

the tribute at the end is beautiful, you are very sweet together. I'm sorry for your loss

[@bluovalgal]

Thank you for sharing this video and the loving tribute to John. I’ve really enjoyed your videos and hope you found some peace in your heart and soul sharing this video with us. I read the story you shared down below and made me cry. I hope it’s okay, but I’d like to write the quote from John into my journal for 2022. I also feel like I have a blank canvas in my older adult life, and it’s an opportunity I shouldn’t squander. Writing that down in my journal will remind me of that. Happy New Year, Chris. Big hugs to you and hope to meet you one day!

[@kajalbhica2039]

So sorry for your loss, thank you for continuing to bring us amazing content! Wishing you happiness for the coming new year😃❤️

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Kajal. It means a lot.

[@oiliism]

I do sorry for your lost... my heart's broken at the end of this vdo. RIP John.

[@nh032860]

I loved your tribute to John, just seeing how happy the two of you were brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing a part of your life and wishing you a happy new year 🙏🏻💜

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching, Nancy

[@chupachuplover]

Thanks for taking us around Shanghai Disneyland! I would love to go one day. What a beautiful tribute, I got a bit emotional... thank you for sharing, John will live on in the love and joy you exude in your videos that you share with everyone. I wish you all the best for the new year Chris!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching and Happy New Year!

[@j-idolfanstevesan1102]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and this video.

[@erikagholston6610]

I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@paulawilson955]

So sorry for your loss Chris. I no its been nearly 3 year's but certain time's of the year it will hit you harder than others like birthday's Christmas and his memoriam. Sending love too you and R I P John 💐💐💖

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you Paula. This time of the year is the hardest since everything happened around this time. I felt it was time to get this video finished and released.

[@sauldelafuentebarrera4628]

I bumped into this Chanel yesterday, great video abut the park, how cool, and well i'm still binge watching and I bumped into this video, saw the end, read the article and I wasn't supposed to be crying at 4:24 am 😩 what a beautiful story and how meaningful is to meet someone so special in our lives, someone that makes such an impact, no matter the time but what these people do for us is just so big, sending you a lot of good vibes! look a t the impact of this channel and blog, watching all the way from a random city in Mexico! such a great path you guys built to help us!
greetings from Mexico ! 🇲🇽😁✌🏻

[@nataliepenna8618]

There are no words one can offer in the face of loss, but my heart is with you. It's clear that the impact you and John had on one another was profound. The joy and love that you felt was no doubt boundless and will surpass any mortal boundaries. He lives on through you and your memories of him. May he rest in peace and never be forgotten.

[@TheSMCCOLE]

omg sobs. So sorry for your loss. beautiful tribute.

[@dalayneygirl8059]

Oh sweetie, what an amazing tribute to a wonderful man. I can't imagine how lucky you feel to have had him in your life. And I am sure he felt the same way about you ❤ Don't ever lose your goofiness and enthusiasm. That's what we love about you! Happy New Year ❤

[@Ky-po1zj]

Huge fan of yours. I had taken a year off of social media and CZcams for piece of mind. I am so sorry for your loss. Beautiful dedication video. Sending you a belated virtual hug.

[@hotbear1971]

A Beautyful Memory for your lost Friend. Hope you are fine. Wish you all the best for 2022. Greetings from Germany.

[@NicGoesTravelling]

This was such a beautiful video to watch, John will be so proud of you ❤️ sending you lots of love & hugs Chris xx

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much for watching, Nic. Much love and hugs your way.

[@tuberoselani]

Thank you for sharing John with us. Sending big aloha and love your way and to John who lives on forever through you.

[@tomisinjapan]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am in awe of your strength in finishing this video and what a beautiful dedication to your partner. Sending you love.

[@miaz4766]

Releasing this video is a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing with us 🖤🖤

[@bingboyify]

im so sorry for your loss! i am a long time fan of your videos and i think TDR Explorer is a legacy of both you and john and you should keep going !

[@jessp3537]

It can't have been easy to revisit these memories but they are bringing joy just like John did for you :) what a lovely legacy

[@SuW0919]

Sending lots of love and support to you. Will always continue to watch all your videos. Appreciate all the joy that you gave me and even more thankful that John got you to start doing this.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Susa.

[@debbanks6778]

Chris, thank you for sharing you and John's story. I am fairly new to the channel but I love your videos. Your journey is brave and beautiful. I know John would be proud you continued on this path in Tokyo. (And even tho I am Canadian I also don't like being cold)

[@furryjackal]

Chris, I just found your blog recently, and this is such a beautiful tribute to your partner. I am glad you continue making wonderful Disney videos and feel he would be so proud of you! Thank you for this tribute. It’s so heart warming. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤎

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much, this means a lot.

[@emma-salmon-3167]

Sorry for your loss may he rest in peace

[@coobeeethics4856]

Oh that is very sweet of you to do for John! Bet he was a great man! Glad you two got a chance to know each other and travel together

[@hadleystrainge]

Love that this video is for John. I love hearing about what a wonderful person he is. May his memory continue to be a blessing to you and everyone that you share him with. 💜

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much, Hadley. He was truly a wonderful soul and I miss him every day.

[@halofan70]

Very sorry for you loss Chris. My wife and I enjoy your videos. We want to visit the Parks in the other Countries so much. We live in California and are Annual Pass holders at Disneyland. We'll be going next week and will dedicate the day to John. Prayers for strength and comfort.

[@dubz2073]

I’m so so sorry for your loss. Thank you to you and John for brining a bit of joy and happiness into both my partner and I’s lives. May he Rest In Peace, I’m sending you all the support and love I can.

[@Goblinpictures]

Sending all my love Chris. A beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing.

[@Goddess050991]

What a sweet dedication at the end. Thanks for sharing Chris!

[@angielahlah]

I'm so sorry for your loss- thank you so much for sharing both of your beautiful spirits

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Angie

[@romieabel2629]

I'm sorry 😞 for your loss.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Romie

[@shawcutie]

This is a great video Chris, keep making such lovely videos and keep sharing your passion for travel, Disney Parks and Food. John is so proud. We never lose those we give back to the Lord. Keep the love Chris!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you

[@raverboi2000]

In this world, there are few things as beautiful and rare as this. Thank you for sharing this with us and thank you for doing what you do.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Shannon

[@mattysworld626]

Hey Chris, Thank you for sharing that article about John. I've heard you mention him briefly in the past. I'm sure that John is just BEAMING at everything you and he have created and how far you've come. I hope you have a Happy New Year and many more TDR Adventures! Sending you love from Az!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much, Matt

[@deedeelam653]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand how hard it must have been to share this video, so thank you. May John rest in peace.

[@josephm5353]

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I know how much John meant to you and I'm sure he's really proud of you continuing on your journey and persuing your dreams.
He'll continue watching over and guiding you with all of your future endeavors.
Thanks again for being a bright light during these troubling times we're all going through. Hopefully things will start changing for the better.
Looking forward to hopefully seeing you soon.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Joseph. I hope to see you soon!

[@alicakesbaker]

Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Your videos are such a bright spot in my life. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching! It means a lot to me.

[@MichelleW]

I never met John, but just from the clips you showed in this video I though “wow, he seems like a sweet person with a great soul. I wish I’d known him.” Now I’ve read your post and Googled his name and it seem like he had a positive impact on everyone he knew. What a wonderful person to have walked the earth. I join you in celebrating John and honor his legacy by enjoying TDR Explorer. Thank you for sharing. May 2022 and beyond be better for all of us ❤️

[@deemondh7326]

That commemorative montage at the end of your video shows that however short or long his life could have been, John was not afraid to live life to the fullest. RIP

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Deemond

[@rebeccaperry6303]

I am very sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing your story together - it's a beautiful tribute.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Rebecca.

[@TimmyME]

As always it is very nice to watch a video by you. You are the type of person one would want to spend a day with at the parks, and that comes across. Keep on going strong. Very nice dedication with alot of heart.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Timmy

[@sarahdiane359]

We are sorry for your loss, Chris ❤️ My daughter and I always get such joy from watching your videos. She’s 4 and she just adores you. Sending you comfort and peace in this hard time ❤️

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Sarah. Please tell your daughter I said "Hey fellow Explorer!"

[@MarzPotter]

Thank you so much for sharing this and all you do with us, many tears shared with you. Your smile and enthusiasm always make my day and I love all of your videos soo much!!!!!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much, Maria

[@jakelaw93]

Thank you Chris for your beautiful vlog at Shanghai Disneyland. I miss it there! Sorry to hear about John. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and happy new year!

[@tdrexplorer]

Hey Jake! I watch your videos from time to time :) Thank you for the kind words. I hope you're doing well. Happy New Year!

[@jakelaw93]

@@tdrexplorer Thanks I watch your vlogs too, love em! I'm back in New Zealand now. hope you had a lovely New Years

[@r3244v]

Many sympathies to you Chris! We love your videos and know that John would be very proud of you! Many your memories comfort your future endeavors! Much affection! Richard and Craig ❤️❤️

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you to you both, Richard and Craig!

[@mochibuni]

Thanks so much for sharing with us!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching :)

[@trich237]

What a lovely tribute! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you very much!

[@xceemoran]

Hey Chris I’m so sorry for ur loss, we are all here for u, but keep on doing what you are doing I know John will be so proud what you are doing.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Xavier, it means a lot.

[@bonjouritsizzy3405]

You both shared a wonderful life and love together

[@cynthiad9681]

I didn’t realize I wasn’t subscribed to your channel. Me and my daughters enjoy watching your videos. My condolences😔

[@annederemetz1843]

Sending you hearts Mr. Chris

[@cberry7879]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know he would be so proud of you. Hope the pandemic will be gone soon and bring more SH Disneyland vlogs again. Happy new year!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you

[@moomel1099]

This is a great tribute to John. ❤️

[@heathersandstrom5165]

What a lovely tribute ❤️!
Thank you, so much, for sharing it with all of us.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much!

[@kevinacorn9902]

Hugs too you, John was a great friend he is greatly missed. Awesome tribute to a great guy.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Kevin

[@katesommerville7217]

Good for you on sharing this video. Grief is such an individual thing, something I’m very passionate about. Nor right or wrong way, whatever works for you xx

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Kate. It took me almost three years to be able to edit this together. I felt it was time and that I was ready.

[@SimplyScott1]

What beautiful meaning and tribute. Love you Chris.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you kindly

[@AndreaSHG]

huge hugs for that lovely tribute!

[@mongdc]

Sending all my love all the way from Texas. Know that while I don’t know if we’ll ever meet in person I hug you from a distance. Thanks for another year of magic, you brought hope and happiness to our home everytime we watched one of your videos.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you so much, Mony. It means a lot.

[@thenerdynorth]

Such a fun video, thanks for sharing! I'm so sorry to hear about your partner, it's never easy losing someone you love. Please take care of yourself and sending all my love to you and your families during this difficult time

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Felicia.

[@paolabueso]

I love your Gelatoni outfit! Thank you for sharing your wonderful videos with us. 😀✨

[@collagehouse]

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you love from across the Pacific.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Maureen.

[@plasticman2k]

I’m not crying, you’re crying!

[@tdrexplorer]

Oh, I was crying the entire time while editing the video. It wasn't easy to publish. Thank you so much for watching and comment as always

[@susiiib2286]

Start to finish, what a beautiful video. Wishing you many blessings ❤️❤️

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching

[@jackie8357]

Sending you a big hug, thank you for sharing your story

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching, Jackie

[@theworldaroundsha1181]

Beautiful video! Happy Holidays! My heart to yours and your family.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching

[@lorenabia2779]

Awww.. so sorry for your loss. Hugs from AZ. 💗

[@soitsmelaura]

the gelatoni hood cover is so stinkin cute and the duffy merch ... my mom luvs bears ... such a beautiful tribute glad we stayed till the end

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching

[@soitsmelaura]

@@tdrexplorer 😁

[@davidschiller1611]

I am so jealous. Last year I planned a return trip to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Disneyland for their holiday decorations. Hopefully we can reschedule soon. Enjoy your day.

[@Snoooopy445]

Gosh, Chris. You broke my heart with that last clip of John waving. Let's remember the good times. ^_^

[@tdrexplorer]

[@spinatmaedchen]

Ah, I love some (time) travel - I'm sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this beautiful video!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching!

[@WhatsOnDisneyPlus]

Takes me back to when we were there at Christmas 2019 before the madness hit!

[@stevenmosley4982]

I am so sorry for your loss. This was very sweet.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching

[@radfem28]

I'm so sorry for your lost 😢

[@yoselynvsp]

I never comment but I have too for your, I love watching all your videos you bring so much joy to me i know thats so corny to say but I am very sorry for your loss. lots of hugs and kisses for you, were all here for you

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for commenting, Yoselyn! It makes me happy to know that I can brighten up your day, even just a little. Thank you for the kind words also, it means a lot

[@23sexycutie]

I’m sorry to hear of your partner John . I lost my dad . It’s never easy . Sending you love and hugs 😘

[@brooklynelise5767]

Im so sorry

[@yaribelpenagos614]

Sorry for your loss. I REALLY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! Today i buy de mickey christmas hat with light in a retail store in Panama for just 8 dollars. I didnt know that is a new item.

[@themepark101]

Really nice video Chris. John will be proud. Sending love from China!

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you

[@courtneyssmallworld6092]

Sorry for your loss ❤️

[@timesplitter8040]

Thank you for making my morning ^_^

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching!

[@lunawolfcrossing]

I’m so sorry for your loss sending you lots of hugs 💕

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Luna.

[@lunawolfcrossing]

@@tdrexplorer anytime hun 💕

[@magicalmousers]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful forever memorable Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you, Khloe