Planning a trip to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, is like stepping into a world of magic, nostalgia, and excitement. With so many rides to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which to prioritize, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. In this guide, we’ll break down every ride at Disneyland Park by category, so you’ll know exactly where to head first, whether you’re looking for thrills, family-friendly fun, or gentle rides for young children. Lets dive in!
Thrill Rides
If you’re craving high-speed action, Disneyland’s thrill rides will keep you on the edge of your seat. These rides have fast drops, tight turns, and immersive experiences, perfect for teens and adults who love adventure.
- Space Mountain – Tomorrowland: Blast off on this indoor roller coaster that takes you on a thrilling journey through outer space with rapid twists and a captivating soundtrack.
- Indiana Jones Adventure – Adventureland: This dark ride puts you in the middle of an Indiana Jones movie, with a jeep ride through a mysterious temple. You’ll experience rough terrain, sudden turns, and ancient curses.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Frontierland: This high-speed roller coaster through a haunted mining town offers dips, twists, and stunning scenery along the way, perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – Fantasyland: A classic Disneyland attraction, the Matterhorn Bobsleds take you on a fast-paced, icy ride down the famous mountain with sharp turns and encounters with the Abominable Snowman.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Disneyland’s newest thrill combines a trackless ride with high-tech visuals, putting you at the heart of a Star Wars battle. It’s intense, immersive, and unlike anything else in the park.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Wars Galaxy’s Edge: This interactive ride lets you step into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon to pilot, gun, or engineer your way through a smuggling mission. It’s thrilling and hands-on, making it perfect for Star Wars fans.
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Critter Country: The newest ride at Disneyland Park, has former Splash Mountain transformed into a Princess and the Frog-themed journey. This ride will follow Tiana and her friends as they prepare for a special Mardi Gras celebration, exploring the bayou with lively music, colourful scenes, and animatronic characters. This thrilling water ride includes a 50 foot drop.
Family Rides
Disneyland is famous for its range of family-friendly attractions that everyone can enjoy together. These rides are packed with fun and whimsy but are gentle enough for all ages.
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Mickey’s Toontown: Enter the delightful world of Mickey Mouse and hop aboard Engineer Goofy’s train. What could possibly go wrong? Get ready for a wild ride! What starts as a peaceful train journey soon spirals into a playful, unpredictable adventure, with cartoon scenes shifting and rearranging all around you. In this animated wonderland, anything can—and will—happen! But no worries—Mickey and Minnie are right there by your side, making sure you find your way back on track. All aboard!
- Pirates of the Caribbean – New Orleans Square: A swashbuckling adventure through pirate-infested waters, featuring iconic animatronics, misty caves, and unforgettable scenes. It’s a classic that everyone will love.
- Haunted Mansion – New Orleans Square: Tour a spooky yet charming haunted house with 999 happy haunts. It’s full of illusions, ghostly characters, and catchy music, making it a fun, slightly spooky experience.
- Jungle Cruise – Adventureland: Set sail on a guided river cruise through the wilds of Adventureland. Your guide (the “skipper”) provides plenty of puns as you encounter animatronic animals and lush jungles.
- It’s a Small World – Fantasyland: Travel around the world on a relaxing boat ride as you meet animatronic children from various cultures singing the classic “It’s a Small World” song. It’s colorful, cheerful, and a must-ride for all ages.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Tomorwland: An interactive dark ride where you can help Buzz Lightyear fight Emperor Zurg by shooting laser targets and competing for a high score. It’s competitive fun for everyone.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – Tomorwland: Dive into the world of Finding Nemo on this submarine ride. You’ll see underwater scenes from the movie through port holes and encounter beloved characters.
- Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – Critter Country: Paddle your way around the Rivers of America on these real canoes, where teamwork and a sense of adventure make for a fun experience.
- Disneyland Railroad – Multiple Locations: Hop on this steam train for a grand circle tour of the park. It’s a relaxing way to see various lands, complete with animatronic dinosaurs and a scenic view of Frontierland.
- Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster – Mickey’s Toontown: For those looking for a bit of “nutty” fun, head over to Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster! This unique, pint-sized coaster was designed by Toontown’s favorite inventor, Gadget Hackwrench, and built especially for Toontown’s smallest residents.
Kid-Friendly Rides
Disneyland is a magical place for young children, with numerous gentle, colorful, and exciting attractions designed with them in mind. These kid-friendly rides are a great way to introduce little ones to the wonder of theme parks.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Fantasyland: Kids can soar through the air on Dumbo’s back, controlling the height of their flight as they circle Fantasyland. This gentle ride is a family favorite.
- Mad Tea Party – Mad Tea Party: Spin around in teacups inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Each cup is colorful and whimsical, and riders can control how fast they spin, making it as gentle or thrilling as you’d like.
- King Arthur Carrousel – Fantasyland: This classic carousel lets kids and parents alike ride beautifully painted horses while music plays in the background. It’s timeless and charming.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Critter Country: This cheerful ride takes kids through the Hundred Acre Wood to join Pooh and friends. It’s colorful, whimsical, and perfect for the little ones.
- Casey Jr. Circus Train – Fantasyland: This adorable train ride takes guests on a gentle journey around Fantasyland. It’s short but scenic, passing by miniature scenes inspired by Dumbo.
Classic Disneyland Rides
Some rides at Disneyland Park have been beloved for decades and are a testament to Walt Disney’s original vision. These rides are fun for everyone and are a must-do for first-time visitors.
- Peter Pan’s Flight – Fantasyland: A dark ride that takes you “flying” over London and into Neverland in your own pirate ship. It’s whimsical, enchanting, and a classic Disney favorite.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – Fantasyland: Join Mr. Toad on a wild adventure through the English countryside. It’s quirky, fast-paced, and one of Disneyland’s original rides from its opening day.
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – Fantasyland: This updated dark ride takes guests through Snow White’s journey with new visuals, vibrant colors, and beautiful storytelling.
- Alice in Wonderland – Fantasyland: Shrink down to the size of Alice and take a winding journey through Wonderland. With scenes featuring the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, and more, this dark ride is a surreal delight.
- Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – Fantasyland: Follow Pinocchio on his journey to become a real boy in this whimsical dark ride, complete with scenes from the classic film.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats – Fantasyland: This relaxing boat ride through miniature villages inspired by classic Disney films is scenic and magical, with beautiful models of castles and cottages from films like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Cinderella.
Other Unique Attractions
These Disneyland attractions don’t fall into a single category but are unique experiences that add even more magic to your visit.
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – Fantasyland: Step inside Sleeping Beauty’s iconic castle to see animated scenes from the story. It’s a short but charming walk with enchanting visuals.
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – Main Street USA: For a touch of American history, watch a lifelike animatronic of Abraham Lincoln give an inspiring speech. It’s an educational and patriotic experience.
- Autopia – Tomorrowland: Drive your own car along the scenic roads of Tomorrowland. This is a favorite for kids and kids-at-heart who want a taste of road adventure.
- Astro Orbiter – Tomorrowland: Located at the entrance of Tomorrowland, this spinning ride lets you pilot your own rocket as you orbit high above the park.
