Thank you, very helpful info.. especially regarding the cab ride between Pudong and SDL. SDL offers luggage storage for about $8/day, so it seems more affordable and convenient to leave it at the airport. Did Disneytown open at the same time as the park?
Is 45 min to get through security and customs about average?
This was my first time returning to the USA from Shanghai, so I can only give you my one time experience of 45 minutes for a Saturday afternoon.
I believe SDL opened at 8am that day and Disneytown opened at 10am.
I considered doing a quick tour of SDL again. I chose not to because I had been there last month - so I went to Disneytown instead. My August 6 experience was: except for the first ride of the day (Soaring Over the Horizons, which is immensely popular with the Chinese) and the single rider line at POTC, each of the ride lines were more than an hour wait. I chose to avoid the anxiety of whether or not I would make my flight on time while being stuck in a long line. Also I had already been there and couldn't justify the cost for the few number of rides I'd be able to go on.
The attendant at the Pudong luggage counter charged me 30 RMB for 2-10 hours (cash only, no credit), and told me that I would owe another 10 RMB when I picked up my luggage. When I picked up my luggage, I had the 10 RMB ready to go, but she said I didn't owe anymore.
BTW - the taxis are cash-only as well. Expect the amount to be a little different from what I quoted...from the airport to SDL, the receipt showed 77 RMB but the driver only gave me 20 RMB change from a 100 note. From SDL to the airport I was quoted 102 RMB but the meter showed 111 RMB. Don't offer a tip, some drivers consider it an insult. If you need a receipt, say "chin gay wuh fop-e-ow" (please give me a receipt).