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!

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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!

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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!).

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Discount Disneyland Tickets<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6518" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/disneylandinjune.jpg" alt="Disneyland in June" width="2001" height="1126" />

1. Pirates of the Caribbean<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4027 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pirates-of-the-caribbean-gallery00.jpg" alt="Not to Miss Disneyland rides :Pirates of the Caribbean skeleton" width="652" height="367" />

2. Haunted Mansion<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3745 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Haunted-Mansion.jpg" alt="Haunted Mansion at evening with fog surrounding it" width="900" height="720" />

3. it's a small world<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-5032 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/its-a-small-world-00.jpg" alt="it's a small world ride during the morning" width="652" height="367" />

4. Peter Pan's Flight<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-5033 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Peter-Pan.png" alt="Peter Pan's flight " width="1118" height="629" />

5. Matterhorn Bobsleds<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4049 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Matterhorn-with-Finding-Nemo-Ride.jpg" alt="Matterhorn mountain in front of the lagoon " width="1118" height="1491" />

6. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3823 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/big-thunder-mountain-railroad-00.jpg" alt="Big Thunder Mountain Railroad" width="652" height="367" />

7. Space Mountain<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-5034 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Space-Mountain.jpg" alt="Space Mountain outside at night" width="652" height="367" />

8. Star Tours- The Adventure Continues<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4048 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/star-tours-06.jpg" alt="Not to miss Disnyeland rides- The Star Tours sign outside the attraction" width="652" height="367" />