The Oldest Rides at Disneyland You Can Still Enjoy Today

Many guests love Disneyland due to it’s classic attractions, some of which have been operating since the park opened on July 17th, 1955. Disneyland has always been a place where magic and nostalgia blend seamlessly with innovation and imagination.

While new attractions are periodically added to the park, some of Disneyland’s most beloved rides have stood the test of time, captivating generations of visitors. In fact, some of the oldest rides from Disneyland’s grand opening in 1955 are still thrilling guests today, offering a glimpse into the early days of Walt Disney’s dream.

Let’s take a journey back in time to explore the history of these classic attractions, many of which have become timeless symbols of Disneyland itself. From adventures on Peter Pan’s Flight to the peaceful charm of the Disneyland Railroad, these rides continue to enchant visitors with the same magic they brought to life over 65 years ago. I will dig into the stories behind the creation of Disneyland’s oldest rides that you can still experience today, and see how these treasured pieces of Disney history have evolved over the decades. Below are Disneyland’s oldest attractions that you can still ride today, categorized from the oldest opening dates to the newest!

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Casey Jr. Circus Train

Disneyland Railroad

The Disneyland Railroad, one of the park’s original attractions opening on July 17, 1955, offers guests a scenic tour around Disneyland. Walt Disney, a lifelong train enthusiast, personally oversaw its creation, making it a signature feature of the park. The steam-powered trains take guests on a journey through themed lands, offering views of iconic attractions and even a trip through the Grand Canyon and Primeval World dioramas. The Disneyland Railroad has four stops in Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

Jungle Cruise

King Arthur Carrousel

Inspired by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, the King Arthur Carrousel is another classic park-opening attraction that has been in operation since July 17, 1955. It’s hand-painted horses have been enchanting guests for 70 years, and adds a sense of charm to Disneyland’s magical atmosphere.

Mad Tea Party

Another iconic Fantasyland Attraction that opened on July 17, 1955, is the Mad Tea Party, inspired by the famous tea party scene from Alice in Wonderland. Guests sit in oversized, colorful teacups that spin in circles as fast or as slow as the riders wish. The ride’s design has no track, making each ride experience unique depending on how much guests spin their teacup. Also, Disneyland’s version of the ride is one of the few in the world that operates outdoors, with views of the surrounding Fantasyland attractions.

Mark Twain Riverboat

The Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland is a scenic, steam-powered paddleboat that offers guests a leisurely cruise around the Rivers of America in Frontierland. The 28-foot-high, 105-foot-long vessel is a replica of 19th-century riverboats that sailed the Mississippi River. During the ride, guests enjoy picturesque views of Tom Sawyer Island, wildlife, and frontier-style landscapes while listening to a narration about America’s early riverboat history. Walt Disney personally piloted the Mark Twain on its maiden voyage during Disneyland’s opening date on July 17, 1955. The boat operates on a track hidden beneath the water to ensure a smooth and controlled journey. Additionally, the wheelhouse is functional, and lucky guests can sometimes be invited to steer the ship and sign an official logbook!

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Another original attraction that opened on July 17, 1955 is Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. This attraction is a zany and fast-paced dark ride located in Fantasyland. Inspired by Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, guests hop into motorcars and embark on a chaotic journey through the English countryside, crashing through barns, streets, and even the courtroom, in a wild adventure with Mr. Toad. Unlike many Disney attractions, this ride does not follow a linear story, but creates a fun and unpredictable experience. Interestingly, the ride’s climatic scene takes an unexpected turn as guests “meet” a fiery end and enter a brief scene in the underworld, a quirky finale that surprises many first-time riders!

Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland is another beloved attraction that opened on July 17, 1955, that takes guests on a magical journey to Neverland. After boarding a flying pirate ship, riders soar over the streets of London and the enchanting world of Neverland, passing iconic scenes from Disney’s Peter Pan, including encounters with Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys. Despite being one of the shortest rides in the park, it consistently draws long lines due to its popularity. The unique “flying” ride system, where the ships hang from an overhead track, creates a unique experience for even this attraction that was built 70 years ago!

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

In Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, riders journey in mine carts through scenes featuring Snow White, the Evil Queen, and the lovable dwarfs. Originally named “Snow White’s Scary Adventures,” the ride was redesigned in 2021 and renamed to focus more on the uplifting parts of the story and less on the more intense parts of the attraction. The ride has been in Disneyland since the park’s opening on July 17, 1955, and when it first debuted, guests were meant to experience the story as though they were Snow White herself, she didn’t even appear in the original version of the ride!

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Disneyland guests have been immersed in a storytelling land on the Storybook Land Canal Boats in Fantasyland since July 17, 1955. As you sail through the canals, you’ll encounter iconic scenes from classics like Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, and Aladdin, all nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens. The ride is powered by the gentle current of the water, making it one of the park’s more serene attractions. The boats pass through a tunnel that takes guests into the magical “Storybook Land,” enhancing the feeling of entering a fairy-tale world.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

This beloved attraction opened on August 16, 1955, about a month after Disneyland’s grand opening. Inspired by Disney’s Dumbo, the ride features brightly colored, flying elephants that guests can control by using a lever to make their Dumbo rise and fall as they soar through the air. Interestingly, each elephant is individually decorated and has its own unique color scheme. The attraction’s popularity was so high that it was one of the first rides to be expanded in 1959 to include more elephants, ensuring more guests could experience the magic!

Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island

Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island is an interactive and adventurous attraction that transports guests into a pirate-themed world filled with hidden caves, secret passages, and treasure-filled hideaways. Tom Sawyer island first opened on June 16, 1956, and was ultimately replaced by Pirates Lair in 2007, adding a pirate twist to the classic attraction. Located on the picturesque Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland, this attraction immerses guests in a story inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean. As visitors explore the island, they encounter fun surprises, including pirate audio-visual effects, a pirate fort, and clues to hidden treasure. The island itself is only accessible by a raft, giving guests a sense of seclusion and adventure. Some of the island’s features, like the “treasure chest” that opens with a hidden trigger, were designed to encourage kids to explore and discover new things around every corner.

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes

Opened on July 4, 1956, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes at Disneyland is an outdoor, interactive boat ride where guests paddle along the Rivers of America in a canoe, experiencing the frontier spirit of the 1800s. The ride, which was inspired by the legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett, allows guests to work together to paddle their way around the river, taking in the natural beauty and landscapes of Frontierland. This hands-on experience provides a unique perspective of the park and the surrounding areas. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes is one of the few attractions in Disneyland that requires active participation, as guests must paddle the canoes themselves with the help and guidance of a Cast Member.

Alice in Wonderland

Another iconic attraction opened on June 14, 1958, is Alice in Wonderland, where riders travel in colorful caterpillar-like vehicles, journeying through memorable scenes from the animated film, such as the mad tea party, the Queen of Hearts’ garden, and the chaotic croquet match. The Alice in Wonderland attraction is unique because it was one of the first rides at Disneyland to feature both indoor and outdoor sections, allowing for different perspectives and experiences. The ride was also one of the first to use the “clamshell” ride vehicles that remain a signature feature of many Disney attractions. Additionally, in 2014, the ride was updated with new technology, including enhanced effects and a refreshed design, while still retaining the charm of the original 1950s version.

Disneyland Monorail

Although some may view the monorail as strictly a mode of transportation, I think it also fits under the category of attraction. First introduced on June 14, 1959, the monorail is one of the first of its kind. It travels between Disneyland and the Disneyland Resort Hotels, offering views of the park, the surrounding area, and a sneak peek into Tomorrowland. The Disneyland Monorail was Walt Disney’s vision for a futuristic transportation system, and it was the first daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere. The iconic red, blue, yellow, and silver trains have evolved over the years, but the monorail still maintains its original design. The monorail’s track loops around the park, and it’s one of the few Disney attractions that provides guests with an aerial view of the park. The monorail also made its big-screen debut in The Happiest Millionaire (1967), making it part of Disney’s cinematic history! For those interested in fun facts about Disney’s monorail system, make sure to read about how a Disney World monorail trail ended up in the middle of the Nevada desert!

Matterhorn Bobsleds

I was surprised to learn that the Matterhorn Bobsleds rollercoaster opened on June 14, 1959, as one of the first major groundbreaking attraction after Disneyland opened. The Yeti animatronic inside the mountain was one of the earliest examples of advanced Disney technology, and the ride’s structure is made of concrete and steel, standing 147 feet tall. Additionally, it’s one of the few Disneyland attractions that features two separate tracks, providing slightly different experiences for riders. There are so many fascinating facts about the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and although it can be a bit too jerky for some riders, remains one of Disneyland’s best attractions.

Enchanted Tiki Room

Last but certainly not least is the Enchanted Tiki Room! This immersive animatronic show was the first fully air-conditioned building at Disneyland when it opened June 23, 1963. The show is hosted by a variety of vibrant characters, including a chorus of exotic birds. The attraction features beautiful Polynesian-inspired décor and a catchy, unforgettable soundtrack, making it a fun and relaxing experience for everyone in the family. The show was groundbreaking for its use of synchronized audio, allowing the animatronic birds and flowers to sing and interact with the audience in a way never seen before. Originally, the attraction was sponsored by Walt Disney’s partner, the Redd Foxx company, and it remains a beloved classic in the park.

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