Which Disneyland ride is the the BEST ride in the park? Which ride ranks the lowest? Our Disneyland rides ranked list helps you decide which rides you should prioritize the most on your Disneyland vacation.
Disneyland actually has more attractions in both Disneyland Park and California Adventure than all four Walt Disney World parks combined! That is a lot of attractions to juggle so we're here to help you decide which rides you shouldn't miss and which ones are best left for your next trip.
At Mickey Visit we visit Disneyland at least once a week to keep you updated on the latest Disney news and tips. We have also been visiting Disneyland for many decades and have developed this list of the best rides and attractions based on our years covering the parks. There's a mix of nostalgia and what's new. You should also check out our specific best 8 Disneyland Park rides you cannot skip.
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Ranking Best Disneyland Rides Methodology
Let's get into the decision making that went behind our Disneyland ride ranking. We followed a pretty similar definition of ‘attraction' that Disneyland uses to list their rides.
We tried to come at this list from not just a purely nostalgic perspective, which can be challenging, and also take into account the amazing technical advances we've seen Disneyland make with new attractions while still honoring the classics.
When we get into the final 15 or so items on this best rides list it becomes such a matter of opinion on which ones are actually the “best”. Crowning a winner and top Disneyland ride is completely subjective but we hope that this list will guide you on what rides to prioritize as you make your own Disneyland itinerary.
Best Disneyland Rides RANKED!
Let's get into all the Disneyland rides RANKED from our least favorite to our top choices! This list combines both the attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. You can see a map of Disneyland Park here and a map of Disney California Adventure park here.
There are really no rides at Disneyland that I would tell you that everyone has to skip. Depending on how many days you visit Disneyland you may be able to experience all of them.
63. Jumpin' Jellyfish
Location: Paradise Gardens, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Fun For Kids; 40″ Height Requirement
Fun Fact: This is a fun ride to enjoy at night. See all the dazzling Pixar Pier lights from high above the pier.
Jumpin' Jellyfish is a parachute style attraction that gently takes you up into the air and down again on brightly colored jellyfish. This attraction is targeted towards smaller children but offers a nice view of Disney California Adventure as you rise to the top.
This attraction sits at the bottom of our best Disneyland rides ranking because of the shorter length and general lack of fun factor. The ride is more fun to watch from the ground than it is to ride.
62. Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Location: Bayou Country, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: operates seasonally and is only open during certain times of day; small children are required to wear life jackets
Fun Fact: This is the only guest-powered attraction at Disneyland! Granted, most of the paddling is for fun rather than propulsion, but much of this ride's fun is due to guest involvement.
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes takes you for a canoe ride around the Rivers of America but be prepared, you need to paddle yourself! This attraction has great views and an up close view of the scenery of this area of Disney.
61. Jessie's Critter Carousel
Location: Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Jessie's Critter Carousel closes early on some nights for World of Color performances.
Fun Fact: In the attraction, you can ride a variety of animals from the world of Woody's Roundup like snakes, armadillos, turtles, bunnies, and more.
Jessie's Critter Carousel is a Toy Story-themed carousel located on Pixar Pier featuring everyone's favorite cowgirl Jessie! A great attraction for Toy Story fans.
60. Disney Junior Dance Party!
Location: Hollywood Land, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Fun for preschoolers and kids; 30-minutes long
Fun Fact: This high-energy show features songs, special effects, and favorite characters from Disney Junior shows, with kids encouraged to sing and dance along.
Disney Junior Dance Party! is a live entertainment show featuring characters from the Disney Junior tv channel that turns into a dance party to get kids moving. The air conditioned building is a great place to cool off and let your kids get some energy out.
59. Astro Orbitor
Location: Tomorrowland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: You can control how high or low you fly with the lever inside your ship. You'll get a great view of the park below!
Fun Fact: The galaxy of planets at the center of the attraction is inspired by centuries-old astronomical designs.
Astro Orbitor is a two-seater rocket spinning attraction in Tomorrowland that allows riders to adjust their height levels as they spin. This is a classic attraction that adults and kids love.
58. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Location: Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: family-friendly; no height requirement
Fun Fact: Each of the 8 Memory Movers is inspired by one of Riley's emotions or another character from her imagination.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is a spin style attraction featuring all the characters from Pixar's Inside Out. You will gently spin around Pixar Pier as characters from the movie talk. Targeted for small kids but a cute attraction for all Pixar fans.
57. Chip ‘n' Dale's GADGETcoaster
Location: Toontown, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: 35″ Height Requirement; each “acorn” seat is designed to fit one adult and one child; ride may close to accommodate fireworks performances
Fun Fact: This roller coaster is inspired by the Disney animated series Chip ‘n' Dale Rescue Rangers, where Chip ‘n' Dale team up with crime fighters to solve mysteries.
Chip ‘n' Dale's GADGETcoaster is a beginner-style roller coaster attraction in Toon Town which is a great starter coaster for kids. It's a short burst of fun with only one drop and it's a quick ride but still fun!
56. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Location: Grizzly Peak, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Certain experiences have height requirements, including:
- Cliff Hanger Traverse Rock Climb: 42″ or taller
- Hoot n' Holler Log Slides: 32″ or taller
- Sequoia Smokejumpers Training Tower: between 42″ and 63 inches” and under 13 years of age
Fun Fact: This is one of our favorite quiet places at Disneyland that provides a serene escape from the parks with lots to explore!
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure is more than just a play area but an entire trail filled with discoveries. Kids can climb, jump and zipline all around this year. The best part? There's only one entrance and exit so parents can relax on a shady bench while kids get out some energy.
55. Turtle Talk with Crush
Location: Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Multiple showtimes are offered per day. Be sure to check the Disneyland schedule for showtime details.
Fun Fact: This fun show is improvised, so it will be a different experience every time you see it!
Turtle Talk with Crush is a live show where guests can chat with Crush the sea turtle from Pixar's Finding Nemo. This show is energetic and funny so kids of all ages enjoy it.
54. Golden Zephyr
Location: Paradise Gardens Park, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Golden Zephyr closes early on some nights to accommodate World of Color performances.
Fun Fact: The retro spaceships of the attraction are inspired by science fiction stories of the 1920s!
The Golden Zephyr is a spinning attraction that goes a bit higher and faster than the ones targeted at smaller children as it soars above California Adventure.
53. Sorcerers Workshop
Location: Hollywood Land, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Interactive, fun for all ages
Fun Fact: Kids can draw their own scene and see it come to life in this fun experience!
The Sorcerers Workshop in California Adventure is great place to spend some time in the air conditioning when the afternoon heats up. Inside the Magic Mirror Realm, you can learn how animators turn still images into the illusion of motion.
52. Animation Academy
Location: Hollywood Land, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Classes take place every 30 minutes, and you can join once space is available.
Fun Fact: This is a great hands-on experience, and the artwork you get to keep at the end as a souvenir is one of our favorite Disneyland freebies! We call this one of our favorite free souvenirs at Disneyland.
Animation Academy is located in the same building as Sorcerers Workshop. This is the place you can go to participate in a drawing class and learn to draw a Disney character! The Disney character featured changes on a daily basis so you can do this experience multiple times.
51. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough may close to accommodate fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: This attraction is inspired by the film’s original Eyvind Earle artwork. Although Sleeping Beauty Castle opened in 1955, guests weren't able to walk through its interior until 1957.
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough is how you can go inside Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland! This walkthrough tells the story of Sleeping Beauty with 3D displays as you wind through the castle. There is also a handicap accessible option to view the story too!
50. Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Good for preschoolers, kids, and tweens; may close to accommodate fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: Pinoccho's Daring Journey was the first Disney ride to use holographic material, which appears on a mirror in the scene on Pleasure Island where the boys turn into donkeys.
Pinocchio's Daring Journey is a dark ride in Fantasyland that takes you through some of the events from Pinocchio. While this ride has a happy ending, you can expect some of the darker elements of the movie to take place which could be a little frightening for small children. This is a classic attraction so adults may appreciate the history of the ride.
49. Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Location: Toontown, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: good for preschoolers, kids, and tweens; no height requirement; may close to accommodate fireworks performances
Fun Fact: The ride vehicles in Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin turn a full 360 degrees!
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin in Toontown takes you through some of the antics of the characters from the Roger Rabbit film in a car you can spin as you cruise through this fun dark ride. Even if your kids aren't familiar with this movie, they'll enjoy spinning the car around as they go through the energetic attraction.
48. Autopia
Location: Tomorrowland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: 54″ tall height requirement for guests to drive their own gas-powered car, and 32″ height requirement to drive while accompanied by someone at least 54″ tall. Vehicles have front and rear bumpers and an undercarriage guide rail.
Fun Fact: Autopia is the only Tomorrowland attraction that dates back to Disneyland's opening day in 1955!
Autopia is an opening day Disneyland attraction that kids love as they get the chance to drive their own car on outside tracks. This is a classic attraction that never fails to excite kids as they get behind the wheel.
47. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Location: Tomorrowland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: This might be a ride to skip if you are prone to motion sickness or are claustrophobic, as the ride is in a tight space and can feel a bit suffocating.
Fun Fact: If you aren't able to ride, you can watch the action from land at the Observation Outpost at the end of the dock. From here, you can see a high-definition, live-feed video version of the voyage through an onboard “SubCam.” This viewing area is one of the best secret spots at Disneyland!
This attraction takes you on an underwater ride in a submarine (don't worry, it doesn't fully submerge!) as you watch the story of Finding Nemo play out through the submarine videos. Keep in mind this attraction might not be a good fit if you have issues with claustrophobia.
46. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
Location: Cars Land, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: 32″ height requirement, fun for all ages
Fun Fact: The ride gets seasonal overlays for Halloween at Disneyland and Christmas at Disneyland, turning into “Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree” and “Mater's Jingle Jamboree.”
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is a spinning attraction themed after Mater from the movie Cars. This spinning attraction makes it a bit further up on the list due to the hilarity of Mater's commentary and the music that plays during this ride. The spinning tractors go back and forth so you're being thrown around a bit making it extra fun.
45. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Location: Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is easily one of the best underrated attractions at Disneyland and a great way to take a break from the crowds.
Fun Fact: Inside the Main Street Opera House, you'll find rare memorabilia including a scale model of Disneyland Park as it looked on opening day, a carousel horse from the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, rare illustrations, artifacts, artwork, and models of attractions, and more.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a moving film about President Lincoln's life that features a realistic audio-animatronic representation of Abraham Lincoln. This live show is a great choice for history buffs and also a nice place to take a break in the air conditioning if you need a place to rest and enjoy Disney nostalgia.
44. Silly Symphony Swings
Location: Paradise Gardens Park, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Height Requirement of at least 48″ to ride alone, and guests between 40 and 48″ must ride in a tandem swing with a responsible person. Silly Symphony Swings closes early on some nights for World of Color performances.
Fun Fact: The attraction is themed around the 1935 cartoon short “The Band Concert” which features Mickey conducting an orchestra even as a tornado whisks them away.
Silly Symphony Swings is a wave swinger attraction that swing you high in the air to the tune of “William Tell Overture” with great views of California Adventure as you swing along.
43. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Location: Tomorrowland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: You can spin your vehicle a full 360 degrees to get the best angle for your target!
Fun Fact: The targets are worth varying amounts depending on their shape and whether or not they are lit up. See top tips to get high score on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is an interactive dark ride shooting game themed after Buzz Lightyear. You receive points for the targets you hit which are all characters from Buzz Lightyear's cartoon the toy from Toy Story is fashioned after.
42. Main Street Vehicles
Location: Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: The Main Street Vehicles might close intermittently for parade performances and might only be available earlier in the day.
Fun Fact: Main Street U.S.A. is partially inspired by the small town of Marceline, Missouri, where Walt Disney grew up. The atmosphere, details, and turn-of-the-century vehicles make you feel as if you've stepped back in time.
The Main Street Vehicles take you for a leisurely ride from the entrance of Disneyland to Sleeping Beauty Castle. You have the choice of horse-drawn Street Car, jitney, fire engine, or an omnibus.
41. Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: You can reach Tom Sawyer Island by log raft, and you'll return to New Orleans Square via the same transportation.
Fun Fact: Tom Sawyer Island was designed by Walt Disney himself. Before construction began, Walt Disney took the plans home and reimagined the design to reflect the world Mark Twain created in his stories.
Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland takes you on an adventure on an island across the Rivers of America inspired by Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn when they ran away to live as pirates. You can explore trails, cross suspension bridges, brave the caves of Dead Man's Grotto, and search for lost pirate treasure.
40. King Arthur Carrousel
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: King Arthur Carrousel may close for fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: Walt Disney was inspired to create Disneyland Park after watching his daughters ride the merry-go-round at Griffith Park. Also, King Arthur Carrousel and most of its horses date back more than 90 years!
King Arthur Carrousel is a historic Fantasyland attraction that features 68 hand-painted horses, classic Disney tunes from the old-fashioned fairground organ, and 9 hand-painted Sleeping Beauty vignettes on the inner rounding board above the horses.
39. Casey Jr. Circus Train
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Casey Jr. Circus Train takes you through many of the same sights as Storybook Land Canal Boats but from a slightly higher vantage point.
Fun Fact: Casey Jr. Circus Train is one of the original attractions from 1955, and the attraction's theme song was written by Frank Churchill and Ned Washington, who also worked on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio.
On this circus train pulled by engine Casey Jr. from Dumbo, you'll tour miniature versions of iconic sites from Disney stories, like Elsa's ice palace from Frozen, the Cave of Wonders from Aladdin, The Cottage of the Dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and more.
38. Mickey's PhilharMagic at the Sunset Showcase Theater
Location: Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: The show includes some child-friendly special effects like splashing water to further immerse you in the story.
Fun Fact: The film features favorite songs like “Be Our Guest,” from Beauty and the Beast, “I Just Can't Wait to be King!” from The Lion King, “You Can Fly” from Peter Pan, and more.
This fun 12-minute film is a 3D experience that follows Donald Duck as he decides to try his hand at conducting a concert and finds himself in a dream world of Disney animated musical sequences. This is an engaging show for kids and a great way to take a break from the crowds!
37. Disneyland Monorail
Location: Multiple locations
Know Before You Go: The Disneyland Monorail may close for fireworks. Also, if you are entering the resort through the Downtown Disney security entrance and are headed to Disneyland Park, you can board here to be taken to Tomorrowland.
Fun Fact: The Disneyland Monorail was the first transportation system of its kind in America, and present-day, it combines the styling of the 1959 classic with new technologies. The system uses a 600-volt DC power source, so it emits no direct exhaust or pollutants into the atmosphere.
The Disneyland Monorail is a zero-emission transportation system that features a retro-futuristic look as it takes guests across the park. There are two stations, one at Downtown Disney and one at Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park. The ride goes past Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, Grizzly Peak, Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land, and more!
36. Mark Twain Riverboat
Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: The Mark Twain follows the same path as the Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes.
Fun Fact: Walt Disney named the vessel after the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and was also a riverboat pilot as a young man. “Mark Twain” is a boating term that means the vessel is at a safe depth.
This historic attraction is a 19th-century steam-powered vessel that takes you on a short 14-minute journey around Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, where you'll see several sights along the river's edge.
35. Goofy's Sky School
Location: Paradise Gardens Park, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 42″ or taller
Fun Fact: Goofy’s Sky School is inspired by Disney’s madcap “How To” cartoons of the 1940s and 1950s!
Goofy's Sky School is a wild mouse coaster attraction where guests learn to fly “the Goofy way.” This short ride has posters throughout instructing how to go about various maneuvers (how to take off, fly, turn, nosedive, and land).
34. Sailing Ship Columbia
Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: The Columbia follows the same path as the Mark Twain and Davy Crockett's Explorer canoes, but it offers a unique vantage point. You'll see waterfalls, a frontier settler's cabin, critters, a Native American village, and more on the journey.
Fun Fact: The Sailing Ship Columbia is featured in a scene in the popular Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular!
The Sailing Ship Columbia is a full-scale replica of an 18th-century ship that was the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe. The Columbia will take you on a 15-minute journey around Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island.
33. Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters
Location: Cars Land, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: 32″ or taller height requirement
Fun Fact: The Frizzante roadsters were modeled after 1950’s Italian rear-engine micro-cars, and each car has its own unique choreography and design to match its personality.
In this spinning ride, you'll board a car that “dances” to fun Italian tunes, whirling around to “The Tire-antella,” “Mambo Italiano” and more.
32. Disneyland Railroad
Location: multiple locations
Know Before You Go: Trains arrive every 5-10 minutes and travel clockwise around the park. There are four stations throughout the park located at Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey's Toontown, and Tomorrowland.
Fun Fact: The five working narrow-gauge engines are named after American locomotive engines, with the exception of the Ward Kimball, named after the Disney Animator who inspired Walt's love for the railway.
The Disneyland Railroad is an authentic steam-powered train that will take you on a journey around the park, including an adventure through Walt Disney's dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World – Land of the Dinosaurs.
31. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: You can control how high or low you fly by moving the lever in the gondola!
Fun Fact: While the attraction has been available since 1955, the band organ located under the circus tent behind Dumbo the Flying Elephant is even older and was built by Gavioli & Cie in 1915.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic attraction that takes you on a gentle spinning flight with direction from Timothy Q. Mouse and his “magic” feather. This charming ride is great for kids and gives you a beautiful view of Fantasyland below during the flight!
30. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Location: Hollywood Land, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Family-friendly; good for preschoolers and kids; no height requirement
Fun Fact: You can use the Buddy Pass as a way to skip the line for this attraction!
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is a family-friendly dark ride in Hollywood Land that takes you on a wild taxi cab journey through scenes of the Monsters, Inc. movie as you help Mike and Sulley return Boo safely back home.
29. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Location: Bayou Country, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Good for preschoolers, kids, and tweens; no height requirement
Fun Fact: The ride is inspired by the film based on the stories of A.A. Milne and includes songs written by the legendary Sherman Brothers.
Guests will board an oversized beehive and experience songs and some of the most memorable adventures from Winnie the Pooh, encountering Pooh and friends along the way! You'll brave a torrential downpour, enter Pooh's dream world of heffalumps and woozles, and more during this family-friendly ride.
28. Pixar Pal-A-Round
Location: Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Pixar Pal-A-Round closes early on some nights to accommodate World of Color performances.
Fun Fact: Pixar Pal-A-Round is one of only 2 Ferris wheels in the United States that features both fixed and sliding gondolas (the other is the Wonder Wheel at New York’s Coney Island).
The Pixar Pal-A-Round is the Ferris wheel that is widely considered the icon of Disney California Adventure, with swinging and fixed gondola options. Each gondola is themed around a Disney and Pixar character, like Woody, Nemo, Lightning McQueen, and more. The ride gives you a great bird's-eye view of the park below!
27. Storybook Land Canal Boats
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Storybook Land Canal Boats may close for fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: Ride this during the evening to see the twinkling lights of the miniature lands! And, there's a special guidebook that you can sign if you are the first of the day to enjoy the attraction.
This gentle boat ride takes you on a tour of iconic Disneyland locations in miniature scale and through the mouth of Monstro the Whale. While the attraction features many of the same sights as the Casey Jr. Circus Train, the unique vantage point of exploring the models up close on the water takes Storybook Land Canal Boats to the next level.
26. Mad Tea Party
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: You can use the wheel at the center to control the direction and speed of your spin.
Fun Fact: This classic ride is so iconic that it's featured at several Disney parks around the world!
On this beloved classic attraction, you board a giant pastel-colored teacup to celebrate your unbirthday with whimsical lanterns overhead and music playing. No matter how many times you've ridden this favorite attraction, you're always bound to come out smiling and laughing!
25. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Location: Adventureland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Right outside the attraction is the Tiki Juice Bar, where you can enjoy one of our favorite Disneyland desserts.
Fun Fact: Walt Disney originally imagined the Tiki Room as a dinner show, but upon realizing it would be so popular, he changed the format to accommodate more guests before the attraction opened.
This 15-minute theatre-in-the-round show features tropical birds, Tiki gods, and flowers come to life with over 225 choreographed Audio-Animatronics performers. The show's undeniable charm and engaging music make it easily one of the best attractions at Disneyland!
24. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride may close to accommodate fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was an opening day attraction and is unique to Disneyland Park!
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a historic Fantasyland attraction based on the Wind in the Willows scenes from the animated Disney film, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, that takes you on a wild journey through the countryside in an open-air buggy.
23. The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure
Location: Paradise Gardens Park, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: No height requirement; fun for all ages
Fun Fact: The tentacled sea witch Ursula audio-animatronic is 7 1/2 feet tall and 12 feet wide with incredibly fluid hand movements!
This ride takes you under the sea to follow the events of the movie The Little Mermaid, with favorite songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl.”
22. Grizzly River Run
Location: Grizzly Peak, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 42″ or taller; be sure to store any items that could get damaged by water like phones, cameras, etc. in the lockers next to the grizzly bear statue.
Fun Fact: This is a great way to cool off on a hot day during summer at Disneyland.
This fun whitewater raft adventure will take you on a thrilling journey through the mountains along a lazy river, passing the remnants of an old mining company. Be warned: you'll get completely soaked on this attraction!
21. Toy Story Midway Mania!
Location: Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Fun for all ages; interactive
Fun Fact: Aim for hard-to-hit targets and secret targets that unleash “Easter eggs” worth more points.
In this interactive ride, you engage in a 4D midway-style game featuring the Toy Story characters. You'll shoot at objects with visual darts, baseballs, eggs, and other projectiles. Compete with other players for a chance to win the highest score!
20. Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
Location: Avengers Campus, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: No height restrictions, Single Rider offered
Fun Fact: Aim for objects around the scenes that could trigger a chain reaction and earn you more points!
On this interactive shooting ride, you compete against other members of your party as you aim for the highest-value targets to help contain the Spider-Bots that are wreaking havoc across the Avengers Campus.
19. Alice in Wonderland
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Alice in Wonderland may close to accommodate fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: This beloved attraction is unique to Disneyland Park—you won't find it anywhere else!
The Alice in Wonderland ride takes you on a colorful ride through iconic scenes of Alice's Wonderland adventures, exploring the White Rabbit's House, Tugley Wood, and the Queen's Garden. You'll encounter iconic characters along the way with a very fun final scene of the “unbirthday” party!
18. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
Location: Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Height Requirement of 38″ or taller
Fun Fact: The fun voiceover from this ride is by Hondo Ohnaka, the mischievous pirate who first appeared in the animated show Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
This motion simulator experience is every Star Wars fan's dream! The interactive ride takes you on a thrilling smuggling mission aboard the Millennium Falcon itself, with roles for the pilots, gunners, and engineers. The two pilots have the most intensive roles, with one controlling upward and downward motion and one controlling left and right. There's nothing like the feeling of jumping into hyperspace!
17. Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Snow White's Enchanted Wish may close to accommodate fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: Keep an eye out at the window above the outside entrance to Snow White's Enchanted Wish to catch the evil Queen peek out behind the velvet drapery!
This ride takes you on an adventure through scenes of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, from the cottage of the dwarfs to the Queen's sorcery chamber and more. This engaging dark ride takes you into the heart of a classic Disney movie!
16. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Location: Tomorrowland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 40″ or taller; this ride may cause motion sickness for some guests.
Fun Fact: The ride features locations and characters from all nine films of the Skywalker saga, with even more scenes coming in the future!
In this 3D motion simulator ride, C-3PO is unexpectedly at the controls of your Starspeeder when it takes off without a pilot. You'll embark on a thrilling adventure across several iconic locations from the Star Wars universe as you attempt to deliver a Rebel spy aboard your vessel to safety. Passengers cross their fingers that they'll be featured as the Rebel spy!
15. Incredicoaster
Location: Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: 48″ or taller height requirement; contains an upside-down loop
Fun Fact: The fun musical score of the ride is by Incredibles 2 composer Michael Giacchino!
The Incredicoaster is the most intense roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort, with a thrilling 0-55 mph launch, an 108-foot drop, and one inversion. The ride takes you on a high-speed journey to catch the escaped Jack-Jack, who is wreaking havoc as the Incredibles try to find him. The Incredicoaster is the Disneyland thrill-seeker's ultimate dream!
Disney California Adventure has some of the best thrill rides you'll find at the Disneyland Resort—see our guide to Disneyland vs. California Adventure for our full comparison of the two parks and what they have to offer.
14. Soarin' Around the World
Location: Grizzly Peak, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 40″ or taller; the attraction lifts you off the ground in an airborne hang-gliding flight
Fun Fact: The special effects throughout make this ride truly magical, like the scent of grass or sea breeze in certain scenes and gentle wind in your face.
This motion simulator ride lets you fly over some of the most beautiful locations across the globe, from the Taj Mahal to the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Throughout the ride, an incredible musical score perfectly underscores the action of each scene. The ride explores some of the most incredible locations around the world, ending with the return to Disneyland in an emotional finale. During the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, the fan-favorite Soarin' Over California will return, which takes you over iconic locations in California.
13. Matterhorn Bobsleds
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 42″ or taller
Fun Fact: There are two sides of the mountain that guests claim provide different experiences. The Tomorrowland side is said to be faster with more intense drops and the Fantasyland side slightly smoother.
This historic Fantasyland ride was the first tubular steel roller-coaster in the world and the first roller-coaster-style attraction at Disneyland Park! Aboard a bobsled, guests will speed around the mountain to doge the angry Abominable Snowman. Though this ride can be a bit rough, the thrill it provides is undeniable, and it's also especially beautiful to ride at night.
12. Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Location: Bayou County, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: You will get wet on this ride! Make sure to wear a poncho and safely store any items that could be damaged by water.
Fun Fact: The ride features a 50-foot drop at speeds up to 40 miles per hour!
Splash Mountain closed permanently to transform into Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which follows Princess Tiana on a magical adventure through the bayou as she prepares to host a Mardi Gras celebration. This is one of the most thrilling and engaging Disneyland rides with multiple drops, captivating music, impressive animatronics, and appearances from favorite characters and critters of the bayou.
11. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 40″ or taller; fun for kids, teens, and adults
Fun Fact: If you stare at the goat with the dynamite as the roller coaster starts its descent, you will feel as if you’re moving faster! Here's more on the Big Thunder Mountain goat trick.
This “wildest ride in the wilderness” takes you on a wild journey through a cursed mining landscape. You'll speed through red rock formations, through caverns, and past a dynamite explosion during this experience with fun sound effects throughout. Some of the mining equipment seen throughout the ride is actually authentic! This is one of the best rides at Disneyland.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Location: Avengers Campus, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 40″ or taller; can be scary for kids
Fun Fact: Look for several Easter eggs throughout the queue of the attraction from the Marvel universe!
This charming drop ride offers six different storylines with songs inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy's soundtrack, with appearances from favorite characters and a great, engaging story for the ride as guests help Rocket break out the Guardians who are being held captive by the Collector. The energy of this ride is always incredibly fun, and thrill-seekers will love the fun drop sequences! See our Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! ride review for everything you need to know about the attraction before riding and what to expect. The top 10 best rides at Disneyland are really quite difficult to rank and vary dramatically from person to person. We would hope that everyone who wants to experience these top rides would have the chance during a well-planned Disneyland day.
9. Space Mountain
Location: Tomorrowland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: 40″ or taller height requirement, drops in the dark
Fun Fact: The ride will occasionally transform into Hyperspace Mountain for a limited time, which brings you into the middle of a thrilling space battle as you engage with Imperial forces.
Space Mountain is a roller coaster that takes you on a high-speed adventure through space, with sudden drops and turns in the darkness. The thrill of the ride racing through the darkness past the stars and the amazing music make this a can't-miss experience! Space Mountain reaches a top speed of 35 miles per hour.
8. Jungle Cruise
Location: Adventureland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Fun for all ages; no height requirement
Fun Fact: This beloved ride is so iconic that it inspired the movie Jungle Cruise, which debuted in 2021!
Jungle Cruise is a classic, charming attraction that takes you on an adventure through the globe's most “treacherous” rivers. The fun of this ride is owed largely to the skippers and their jokes that keep you engaged and laughing! You'll encounter sights like an Indian elephant bathing pool, hungry lions, and the back side of water on this fun adventure. The Disney Cast Members make this one of the best Disneyland rides.
7. Peter Pan's Flight
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Fun for all ages; contains very small drops; may close to accommodate fireworks performances.
Fun Fact: The ride makes use of forced perspective to make you feel like you are flying higher up in certain scenes.
Peter Pan’s Flight is a classic beloved Disneyland attraction that takes you on a journey to Never Land, where you'll circle the stunning night skies of London and the magic of Never Land, then enter the action and encounter iconic scenes from the Peter Pan movie, ultimately confronting Captain Hook. This ride is the epitome of Disney magic, and its undeniable charm has captivated fans of all ages.
6. Radiator Springs Racers
Location: Cars Land, Disney California Adventure
Know Before You Go: 40″ or taller height requirement; offers Single Rider and Individual Lightning Lane
Fun Fact: The 6 mountain peaks of the attraction are designed to look like tail fins of classic Cadillac models from 1957 to 1962, with the mountains inspired by the Cadillac Ranch public art installation along Route 66 near Amarillo, Texas.
This part dark ride, part thrill ride takes you through the charming town of Radiator Springs before you embark on a high-speed race at the end! The blend of two different ride styles works incredibly well. The experience begins with a tour of the beautiful Ornament Valley before you enter the dark ride portion of the attraction and encounter some mishaps during your journey into Radiator Springs. The worldbuilding, design, and details of the ride make it one of the best and most immersive attractions at Disneyland.
5. Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye
Location: Adventureland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Height requirement of 46″ or taller; this ride can be quite rough and jerky
Fun Fact: One of the trucks that was used in the filming of the first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, can be found in the outside queue area.
Indiana Jones Adventure is a thrill ride that takes you on a wild journey to escape the Temple of the Forbidden Eye after you look into the eyes of Mara. You'll escape several dangers like swarms of insects, mummies, snakes, and even a giant boulder at the end of the ride as your transport navigates over rough terrain. The worldbuilding of this thrilling attraction is truly impressive, making it easily one of the best Disneyland rides!
4. it's a small world
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: Great for young kids; no height requirement; transforms into “it's a small world” Holiday for the holiday season at Disneyland
Fun Fact: Keep an eye out, as every 15 minutes, the 30-foot-tall clock tower opens to display a parade of 24 animated figures.
it's a small world takes you on a gentle boat journey around the world, where you’ll explore several countries and enjoy the iconic “It’s a Small World (After All)” song sung in various languages by over 300 audio-animatronics dolls. Walt Disney chose Mary Blair as art director and Alice Davis as costumer for the attraction. Mary Blair’s use of color and geometric shapes gives this ride its undeniable charm, and Alice Davis (with help from her husband, Imagineer Marc Davis) directed Disney seamstresses as they sewed over 300 costumes with authentic materials for each region's traditional attire.
it's a small world is a beautiful, captivating ride filled with amazing details and is a joyful experience every time! During Christmas at Disneyland, the attraction turns into it's a small world Holiday, with the facade coming alive with thousands of lights at dusk.
3. The Haunted Mansion
Location: New Orleans Square, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: No height requirement; can be scary for kids but does not contain any gore
Fun Fact: The Haunted Mansion turns into Haunted Mansion Holiday for the Halloween and Christmas seasons, inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
On this dark ride that takes you on a tour of a haunted mansion, you encounter several ghosts and haunted rooms aboard a Doom Buggy, from a ballroom of dancing ghosts to a seance room and an outdoor cemetery. This ride has been a fan-favorite since its opening due to its incredible details at every turn, captivating voiceovers, and charming ghostly residents.
2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Location: Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: 40″ or taller height requirement; offers Individual Lightning Lane
Fun Fact: This impressive ride features multiple ride systems and is a whopping 18-minutes long in duration!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most impressive and immersive rides that Disney has ever made that combines multiple ride systems. The intricate worldbuilding of this ride will make every guest feel as if they have really stepped into the Star Wars universe. You'll encounter full-size AT-AT walkers, escape the wrath of Kylo Ren, dodge a probe droid, and more during this thrilling adventure to escape a First Order Star Destroyer. This is one of the most technologically advanced rides ever created for a Disney park, and its incredible storytelling and details make it a breathtaking, can't-miss experience.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
Location: New Orleans Square, Disneyland Park
Know Before You Go: No height requirement; contains a 14-foot drop in the dark
Fun Fact: Walt Disney originally intended for this attraction to be a walkthrough wax museum before the success of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress showed the promise of Audio-Animatronics. Since the ride's opening, it's been a beloved classic and even inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Pirates of the Caribbean is considered one of the most immersive rides ever created! This water ride takes you into the Golden Age of Piracy. You’ll float through the Pirates Grotto and see the pirates come alive as they plunder a seaside town. The ride features a battle between a fort and a galleon, a burning town, a thrilling drop in the dark, and much more! The immersive nature of the ride and the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean song (“Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” make this an absolute must-do experience at Disneyland.
What would you rank differently in a best Disneyland rides list? Please comment and share your feedback below.
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