Disney cartoon characters interact with visitors at the Shanghai Disney Resort. (Photo by Yin Liqin/For China Daily)

Shanghai Disney Resort announced on Tuesday that it will be expanding its preferential access policies at its theme park and related hotels starting from Oct 8.

Children under the age of three or are 1 meter and below in height on the day of their visit will receive free park admission, the resort said in a press release.

In addition, a discount of approximately 25 percent will be provided to children aged three to 11 years as well as those who are above 1 meter, up to 1.4 meters, in height.

The current policy only takes into account a person's height, meaning that a child with a height or more than 1 meter will not gain free entry even if he or she is below the age of three.

Shanghai Disney added that the new policy will be applicable to tickets that are purchased starting from Sept 9 and used starting from Oct 8.

The new policies also include benefits for guests aged 11 and under at the resort's two themed hotels – Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel - as well as kids' meals at the resort's restaurants.