by Kim Schultz Last updated: March 25, 2022

Eight Not-to-Miss Rides at Disneyland to Get the Full Disney Experience

Disneyland is buzzing with over 54 attractions, a full entertainment schedule, lots of character meet and greets, and dining experiences that are in and of themselves an adventure. Time has its way of getting away from you when you are living the Disney life. So if time is something you have little of while visiting Disneyland, here are eight not to miss Disneyland rides that you must try to get the full Disney experience!

Planning a Disneyland Vacation?

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

Discount Disneyland Tickets

Our favorite Disney-approved re-seller, Get Away Today,offers the best Disneyland discount tickets around. In addition to great discount prices, their customer service and easy support is absolutely fantastic. They have an entire department dedicated to making sure every order has a wonderful experience and they are on-call to help you during your vacation if you need them.

Book your discount tickets NOW >

Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

You can read my review on my personal experiences booking through Get Away Today and how much you can save here!

In this planning guide:

1. Pirates of the Caribbean

Yo ho, yo ho a pirate’s life for me! If ye be seeking an adventure, look no further than the classic attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, where you can sit back in your floating barge and witness pirates reek havoc, drunk on life. This iconic, classic attraction is over 50 years old and is a staple for Disneyland. So, sing the tales of these rambunctious pirates and you may find that the pirates life is for you!

2. Haunted Mansion

If you are brave enough to climb aboard a Doom Buggy and explore this haunted estate, you will be in for one hair-raising experience! This classic Disneyland attraction is another favorite ride among visitors! What’s even better, during the holidays, Jack Skellington transforms the Haunted Mansion into the Haunted Mansion Holiday!

3. it’s a small world

Bordering Fantasyland is another classic attraction with a façade that is as recognizable as the ride’s theme song. Sail around the world in one song as you listen to whimsical children from around the world unite to sing how it’s a small world after all. This popular attraction also transforms during the holidays into it’s a small world holiday.

4. Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is a Disneyland original attraction that has guests flying in a pirate ship (with the help of pixie dust) through a blackened night sky over a star-lit London. The line for this attraction is always long so jump in line in the early morning to avoid longer afternoon and evening lines.

5. Matterhorn Bobsleds

An iconic snow-capped mountain that soars high into the Disneyland sky, Matterhorn is another favorite attraction that has riders careening high-speed down the mountain in a bobsled – all the while being hunted by the Abominable Snowman.

6. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Brave this runaway train that takes guests through a bat-infested cave, barrels through a dynamite-lined mine shaft, and has riders howling through deserted canyons. Big Thunder Mountain is a barrel of fun which is why it made our list of not to miss Disneyland rides!

7. Space Mountain

Space Mountain is one of Disneyland’s recognizable landmarks in the Park located in Tomorrowland. This fast-pace roller coaster has riders blast off blindly through outer space. During Halloween time, Space Mountain transforms into Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Space Mountain is a classic which is why it made our list of not to miss Disneyland rides!

8. Star Tours- The Adventure Continues

Star Wars fans from all over the galaxy will love this 3-D simulation ride that has guests board a Starspeeder 1000 where it launches much to the dismay of C-3PO and R2D2 who captain this runaway spacecraft. The best part is the rotating story lines so every time you ride can be a different experience! Star Tours is a guest favorite which is why it made our list of not to miss Disneyland rides!

Ready to Check Out These Not to Miss Disneyland Rides? Plan Your Disneyland Vacation Now!

If you are ready to start planning your Disney vacation, subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter. Our newsletter is full of helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. Start planning your vacation now!

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Kim Schultz

Kim has her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature with a minor in Technical and Professional Writing from San Francisco State University. She received her editing certificate from University of Berkeley Extension and won numerous awards for fiction writing from the San Mateo County Fair Literary Stage.

One thing she loves most in life besides family and writing is Disneyland! Kim and her family are season pass holders and travel to Disneyland numerous times a year (between 10-15 times to be exact!).

Planning a Disney Vacation? Get Exclusive Discounts + Free Bonuses

In addition to exclusive discounts for Mickey Visit subscribers, get our free planning printable and guide to make your life SO much easier.