Top 10 Disneyland Rides

If a trip to Disneyland is on your family's vacation bucket list, be sure to check out our list of rides that are well worth the wait.

December 02, 2019

By: Deanne Revel

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Photo By: Disneyland

Radiator Springs Racers

Planning a trip to Disneyland? The Happiest Place on Earth is packed with so much to see and do that sometimes it can be overwhelming deciding which rides to do — especially if you’re planning for a family. So, here’s the best of the best at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

If you only do one ride at Disneyland, Radiator Springs Racers is a sure bet. Unique to Disneyland, this Cars-inspired ride zips through the desert landscape and around the Route 66 town from the popular Pixar movie. Like many of Disneyland’s thrilling rides, the height requirement is 40 inches. However, this ride is tame enough and perfect for little ones not ready to tackle more challenging rides like a free-fall drop or a full-on coaster.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

This brand-new, marquee attraction at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, allows guests to step aboard Han Solo's infamous spacecraft and not just ride it, but literally take control. The premise is that Chewbacca has loaned the ship to Hondo, a character kids may recognize from the animated TV series Star Wars Rebels. There are three different crew roles on board depending on where you sit. You could be the pilot, the engineer or the gunner. And depending on how your adventure goes, the ship will change appearance when you exit the ride. It’s a great experience for families as the flight crew has to work together the entire time for a successful mission. Check out more must-dos in the Star Wars-themed land from our friends at Travel Channel.

Incredicoaster

As part of the recent Pixar Pier renovations, the California Screamin’ rollercoaster has been rebranded as the Incredicoaster. This new Incredibles-themed ride has the same track, but now features a story with popular characters from the Pixar film. Help the Parrs chase down Jack-Jack as you race, zip, loop and dash through the ride.

The Haunted Mansion

"Welcome foolish mortals." 50 years later and the Haunted Mansion is still one of the most beloved rides in Disneyland and Disney parks around the world. And that’s because this ride-through attraction is as comical as it is thrilling. Special to Disneyland, the ride gets a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay that runs from Halloween to Christmas with Tim Burton-inspired theming and, of course, the iconic characters from Halloweentown.

Space Mountain

Space Mountain is a rite of passage, but if you think Disneyland’s galactic ride is the same as the original in Disney World, think again. It’s better. When the ride was replicated at Disneyland, the ride car got a serious upgrade from the original bobsled design. Instead, the ride in Anaheim is a traditional two-across seat car with a much more intense (yet smoother!) track experience. Plus at Disneyland, you’ll find unique overlays on this attraction from time to time such as the current Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Mountain.

Toy Story Mania

Beloved by little ones and teens alike, this arcade-style ride always has a long line. But it really is worth the wait. There’s no height requirement for this one so it’s perfect for the whole family. Part laser tag, part ride, this attraction features several laser target vignettes all staring popular characters from Toy Story. The ride car keeps track of your score so things can get pretty competitive!

Pixar Pal-A-Round Wheel

The iconic Mickey wheel got a makeover last year in tandem with Disney California Adventure’s new Pixar Pier. This iconic Ferris wheel still bears Mickey’s face, but the gondolas now feature popular Pixar characters, from UP’s Doug to Coco’s Miguel. What’s special about this wheel is that it’s a choose your own adventure — or fear level — type experience. If you get in the left line, you’ll ride a regular Ferris wheel gondola. But if you get in the right line, you’ll ride a swinging gondola that slides in a circle and rocks back and forth (vigorously!) as you rotate around in the larger circle. It’s scary fun and a must-do.

Matterhorn Bobsleds

The first tubular steel coaster in the world, Matterhorn Bobsleds opened on June 14, 1959 between Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Today, the Alpine-inspired ride still thrills guests with two intertwining tracks, dark caverns and, of course, a search for the mysterious Yeti.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!

What used to be the Tower of Terror is now a Guardians of the Galaxy drop ride at Disney California Adventure. (If you’re a fan of the original, the ride is still ToT-themed at Disney World!) Inspired by the Marvel movie, riders will sneak into the Collector’s fortress and help Rocket save the rest of the Guardians. This is the most intense ride at Disneyland with drops, total darkness, loud noises and strobe light effects so only the bravest riders should board this one.

It's a Small World

Some say it’s the most annoying song in the world, but this iconic attraction deserves a spot on the list. Disneyland is home to several of Disney Parks’ OG rides; however, it’s easy to skip over them for the more high-tech stuff. But make time for "it’s a small world." The simplicity of the boat ride isn’t really the point here. It’s more about getting lost in the colorful aesthetic of legendary Disney designer Mary Blair’s mind. And if you visit during the holidays, you’ll catch a special holiday overlay that has quickly become a fan-favorite with park guests.