Welcome to the ultimate guide to Disneyland’s most incredible attractions! From classic dark rides that have enchanted visitors since opening day to groundbreaking new experiences that push the boundaries of theme park technology, these 15 rides represent the very best of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA.
Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills, immersive storytelling, or magical moments that will create lifelong memories on your Disney vacation, this carefully curated list showcases attractions that define the Disneyland experience. Put these must-ride attractions at the top of your itinerary to ensure you experience the perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and Disney magic during your next visit to “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
Step aboard one of Disney’s most legendary attractions, where swashbuckling adventure and immersive storytelling create an unforgettable voyage through treacherous waters. This 15-minute journey plunges you into a world where pirates rule the seas, featuring two thrilling drops that set the stage for the epic tale ahead.
As your boat drifts through misty caverns, you’ll encounter detailed scenes of pirate life, from a bustling port town under siege to the infamous auction scene, now reimagined to feature the fierce female pirate Redd leading the bidding for the town’s treasures.
The attraction masterfully combines classic Audio-Animatronics with modern special effects, including the stunning projection mapping in the misty waterfall scene. Keep your eyes peeled for multiple appearances of the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow, who was added to the ride following the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. The iconic “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” song, written by X Atencio and George Bruns, echoes throughout your journey, perfectly capturing the adventurous spirit of the attraction.
Fun fact: Due to the ride’s popularity, it’s offered at multiple Disney parks around the world!
Location: The heart of New Orleans Square.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate experience, try for a seat in the middle rows of your boat – specifically row 3 or 4. These prime positions offer the best viewing angles for all the show scenes and keep you dry enough during the drops while still letting you feel the excitement. The middle rows also provide the perfect balance of the attraction’s sound effects and music, ensuring you don’t miss any of the witty pirate banter or memorable tunes.
2. Space Mountain
Strap in for a high-speed, high-intensity adventure through the darkest reaches of the galaxy on Disneyland’s premier indoor roller coaster. This white-knuckle journey launches you through a vast space station, where you’ll twist, turn, and dive through a star-filled void.
What makes Space Mountain truly special is its masterful use of darkness and unpredictability – you never quite know which way you’ll turn next. The attraction’s enhanced sound effects and musical score synchronized perfectly to each twist and turn, creating an even more immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own space mission.
Unlike traditional coasters, where you can see the track ahead, Space Mountain’s pitch-black environment amplifies every sensation. Sharp banks, sudden drops, and unexpected accelerations feel more intense when you can’t anticipate them. The only thing to orient you is the star projections, and even they move! The attraction’s genius lies in its ability to feel faster than it actually is, thanks to the strategic use of lighting effects, stellar projections, and that perpetual darkness that keeps you guessing. You’d never guess that you’re not even reaching 35 mph!
Location: Space Mountain stands as the iconic centerpiece of Tomorrowland.
Insider Secret: While many thrill-seekers gravitate toward the front row, true Space Mountain veterans know that the back row delivers the most intense experience. The rear seats get whipped around corners with more force and catch extra airtime on the drops. Plus, sitting in the back means you won’t see any light leaking in from the cars in front of you, ensuring the darkest—and most thrilling—ride possible.
3. Haunted Mansion
Welcome, foolish mortals, to one of Disney’s most beloved dark rides, where 999 happy haunts await your presence. This deceptively genteel southern mansion offers a perfect blend of spooky charm and dark humor, masterfully walking the line between creepy and family-friendly.
Your journey begins in the iconic stretching room, where your “Ghost Host” sets the perfectly macabre tone with witty commentary and a startling finale. Once aboard your doom buggy, you’ll glide through remarkably detailed scenes featuring some of Disney’s most impressive practical effects, including the legendary Madame Leota’s séance room and the show-stopping ballroom scene with its dancing spirits brought to life through the classic “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion technique.
The attraction’s second half features a lively graveyard jamboree, where spirits come out to socialize and sing the memorable “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” Each room tells its own story, from the attic’s tale of the mysterious bride to the pet cemetery outside, making every ride-through a chance to spot new details. During the later part of the year, the mansion transforms into “Haunted Mansion Holiday,” featuring characters and scenes from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Location: The edge of New Orleans Square.
Fun Fact: Unlike its Walt Disney World counterpart, Disneyland’s stretching room is actually an elevator that takes guests below ground level. This innovative solution was necessary because the Disneyland Railroad track runs where the show building needed to be, requiring Imagineers to create an underground passage to access the main ride building. This makes the Disneyland version the only Haunted Mansion where the stretching room truly stretches downward!
4. Indiana Jones Adventure
Step into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye on Disneyland’s most ambitious thrill ride, where you’ll join legendary archaeologist Indiana Jones on a heart-pounding expedition. This groundbreaking attraction puts you in control of a 12-person Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) that pitches, rolls, and bounces through the crumbling temple’s chambers.
The story unfolds as you venture deep into the ancient temple, where Mara, the deity of the temple, promises to grant you one of three gifts: eternal youth, earthly riches, or visions of the future.
But of course, things quickly go wrong when tourists break the temple’s cardinal rule — don’t look directly into Mara’s eyes!
The attraction’s state-of-the-art ride system creates a uniquely thrilling experience where no two rides feel exactly the same. You’ll dodge giant rolling boulders, navigate through chambers filled with slithering snakes, and escape the wrath of Mara. The attraction’s incredible attention to detail includes authentic-looking hieroglyphics (some containing hidden Mickey symbols and even MM initials) and countless props that would feel right at home in an Indiana Jones film.
The queue itself is a fully immersive attraction, featuring interactive elements like a bamboo pole that triggers special effects when touched, ancient correspondence to decode, and a tempting rope you shouldn’t pull (but everyone does anyway).
Location: This archaeological adventure awaits in Adventureland.
Pro Tip: Request to sit in Row 1 or 3 for the most intense experience. Row 1 offers the best views and feels like you’re really driving the vehicle, while Row 3 experiences the most dramatic motion effects due to its position over the rear wheels.
5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Hold onto your hats, partners! The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” lives up to its name as one of Disney’s most exhilarating attractions. This runaway mine train takes you careening through the red rocks of a haunted gold-mining town, where supernatural forces have set the trains loose.
Racing through the mountain’s twisting caverns and steep drops at speeds up to 35 mph, you’ll discover why locals call it the “possessor of a will of its own.” The attraction’s charm lies in its perfect blend of thrills and theming, featuring authentic mining equipment from California’s actual gold rush era (plus realistic replicas), alongside playful touches like the mining town’s resident goat munching on dynamite.
Each of the attraction’s multiple lifts offers a brief moment to catch your breath and appreciate the incredible detail of the desert landscape before plunging back into another series of wild turns and drops. Keep your eyes open for Rainbow Ridge, a miniature western town that pays homage to the original Rainbow Caverns Mine Train that once occupied this space. The ride’s finale features your train barely escaping an explosion and cave-in, creating a heart-pounding conclusion to your adventure.
Location: This mountainous marvel stands proud in Frontierland.
Fun Fact: For the absolute best experience, ride Big Thunder at night—the dimly lit caverns and twinkling lights of Rainbow Ridge create an entirely different atmosphere, and the cooler desert air adds to the thrill factor. And here’s an insider secret: during the third lift hill, look to your right to spot a hidden dip in the track that creates a moment of unexpected airtime – locals call it the “hidden drop”!
6. Rise of the Resistance
Step into the most technologically advanced and immersive attraction ever created by Disney Imagineering. This isn’t just a ride —it’s a full-scale, 18-minute Star Wars adventure where you become part of the story, which is why it’s widely considered one of the best Disney attractions ever.
The experience begins the moment you enter the queue, as you’re recruited into the Resistance and briefed on a secret mission by holographic appearances from Rey and BB-8. What follows is a multi-act journey that seamlessly blends four different ride systems, making you feel like you’re truly living through a Star Wars film.
Without spoiling too many surprises, you’ll find yourself aboard a transport ship that’s captured by the First Order, leading to a face-to-face confrontation with dozens of First Order Stormtroopers in an imposing Star Destroyer hangar bay. The main portion of the ride puts you in an escape vehicle piloted by a quick-thinking droid, where you’ll dodge massive AT-AT walkers, escape relentless pursuit from Kylo Ren, and navigate through the Star Destroyer’s massive interior. The attraction uses a combination of massive physical sets, cutting-edge screen technology, audio-animatronics, and practical effects to create an experience that feels remarkably real.
Location: This epic adventure awaits within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Insider Info: The best time to experience Rise of the Resistance is either first thing in the morning or during the last two hours of park operation. If you opt for the morning, arrive at least 30 minutes before the park opens. While the posted wait times might look intimidating, the queue is filled with incredible details that enhance the story, including a fascinating armory room and command center.
7. Matterhorn Bobsleds
Soar through the icy peaks of the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster, a groundbreaking attraction that forever changed theme park history. This 147-foot alpine adventure sends you racing through the legendary Swiss mountain aboard a nimble bobsled, encountering the fearsome Abominable Snowman along the way. The attraction’s unique design features two separate tracks—giving you two distinctly different experiences depending on which side you choose to ride.
What makes the Matterhorn truly special is its perfect blend of thrilling drops and intimate storytelling. As you weave through the mountain’s caverns, you’ll catch glimpses of crystalline ice caves and hear the distant roars of the mountain’s mythical guardian. The ride’s recent renovations have enhanced both the legendary Yeti encounters and the overall smoothness of the track while maintaining the classic charm that has made it a Disneyland park favorite since 1959.
Location: The majestic Matterhorn stands proudly between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Pro Tip: For two completely different experiences, try both tracks. The left track (Fantasyland side) is slightly longer and offers a smoother ride with more scenic views, while the right track (Tomorrowland side) features sharper turns and more abrupt drops.
8. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Jump into a vintage motorcar for one of Disney’s most charmingly chaotic dark rides, based on the children’s novel “The Wind in the Willows” and Disney’s “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” film. This madcap journey follows the misadventures of J. Thaddeus Toad, Esq., as he careens through the English countryside in his latest obsession – the motorcar.
What sets this attraction apart is its uniquely irreverent storyline and the fact that it’s one of the few remaining original attractions from Disneyland’s opening in 1955 (though it has undergone some updates in the ensuing 70 years).
The ride takes a series of wild turns, quite literally, as you crash through Toad Hall’s library, barrel through a crowded bar room, and narrowly avoid collisions in London’s busy streets. The attraction’s most infamous sequence occurs near the end, where you encounter an oncoming train in a dark tunnel—followed by a surreal journey through the underworld.
Yes, this is one of only two Disney attractions where guests technically “die” during the experience (the other being The Haunted Mansion), making it a fascinating piece of Disney history that somehow manages to make this macabre concept both whimsical and entertaining.
Location: This beloved classic is tucked away in the heart of Fantasyland.
Fun Fact: Each motorcar has a unique name and personality – vehicles are named after characters from the story, such as Ratty, Cyril, and MacBadger. For the most immersive experience, try to catch a ride during early morning or late evening hours when the exterior lighting creates an enchanting glow on the building’s Tudor-style architecture.
9. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Punch it, Chewie! Step into the cockpit of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy for an interactive smuggling mission that puts you in control of the legendary Millennium Falcon. This groundbreaking attraction assigns each rider one of three critical roles: Pilots control the ship’s direction and hyperspace jumps, Gunners defend the ship from enemies, and Engineers repair damage and handle power distribution. The experience is different every time you fly, as your crew’s performance directly affects the outcome of your mission.
The immersion begins long before you board the ship. As you walk through the queue, you’ll find yourself inside a remarkably detailed maintenance bay where the Falcon is docked for repairs. Every inch feels authentic to the Star Wars universe, from the worn metal panels to the humming machinery. The pre-show area features an incredibly lifelike audio-animatronic of Hondo Ohnaka, the space pirate who’s “borrowed” the Falcon for this smuggling operation. The centerpiece of the experience is, of course, the perfect full-size replica of the Falcon’s iconic cockpit, complete with hundreds of working buttons, switches, and control panels.
Location: You’ll find this incredible spaceship docked in the spaceport of Black Spire Outpost within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Best Position: While each role offers a unique experience, the Pilot positions (especially the right-seat pilot who controls vertical movement) provide the most engaging and interactive experience. However, Engineers get the best view of the entire cockpit, and Gunners have the most straightforward job for first-time flyers.
10. “it’s a small world”
Embark on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed” through this iconic attraction, where over 300 audio-animatronic dolls celebrate global unity through song. The famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) Sherman Brothers’ melody plays throughout your journey, translated into multiple languages as you float through vibrantly colored scenes representing nations across the globe. 2025 marks a special milestone as the ride debuts a new “last verse,” composed by Richard Sherman just before his death in 2024.
While some might consider this a “kids’ ride,” the attraction’s artistic value and cultural significance make it a must-see for visitors of all ages. What truly sets this attraction apart is its rich artistic heritage. Disney Legend Mary Blair’s influence is unmistakable; the ride showcases her distinctive style through bold colors, geometric shapes, and whimsical design elements.
Each room presents a different region of the world, filled with singing, dancing dolls in traditional costumes, culturally significant architecture, and regional musical instruments. Its timeless message of peace, love, and harmony is a welcome respite from the real world, and a challenge to us all.
During the holiday season, the attraction transforms into a “it’s a small world” Holiday, featuring festive decorations and beloved holiday songs mixed with the classic tune.
Location: You’ll find this architectural masterpiece on the northern edge of Fantasyland, its striking white and gold facade serving as a landmark visible from multiple areas of the park. The enormous, animated clock face out front puts on a show every 15 minutes, with a parade of whimsical figures emerging to mark the time.
Fun Fact: The attraction was originally created for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, sponsored by Pepsi-Cola and UNICEF. It hosted more than ten million guests over the fair’s two-year run. When it was moved to Disneyland, the entire facade was built using forced perspective – the higher elements are progressively smaller, making the building appear taller than it actually is.
11. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
A 2024 reimagining has transformed the former Splash Mountain experience into an adventure with Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests join Tiana on a musical journey through the bayou as she prepares for a grand Mardi Gras celebration. The new version maintains the same thrilling drops while introducing new characters, New Orleans-style music, and state-of-the-art audio-animatronics.
This iconic log flume attraction masterfully combines storytelling with a water flume journey, culminating in a heart-stopping 50-foot plunge guaranteed to cool you off on a hot California day. The ride takes you through detailed show scenes filled with over 100 audio-animatronic characters, each bringing their own musical flair to the experience.
As you float through the bayou, you’ll encounter a series of smaller drops that build anticipation for the grand finale—that famous final plunge photographed by thousands of visitors daily.
Location: This towering attraction stands at the entrance to Critter Country.
Pro Tip: Want to stay relatively dry? Request a seat in the back of the log. The front row takes the brunt of the splash on the big drop. For the most thrilling experience, ride in the front row during the evening hours, when the lighting creates dramatic shadows on the misty waters below.
12. Peter Pan’s Flight
It’s Off to Neverland! on a ride people of all ages can enjoy, as it’s a timeless story.
Soar over London and journey to Neverland on one of Disneyland’s most beloved dark rides. This enchanting attraction suspends you in a magical pirate ship as you follow Peter Pan’s adventure from the Darling children’s nursery to battles with Captain Hook. What makes this attraction truly special is its innovative ride system. Instead of rolling along the ground like typical dark rides, your ship glides overhead, creating a genuine feeling of flight that has captivated guests since 1955.
The attraction’s recent enhancements brought stunning new special effects and lighting while maintaining its classic charm. As you float through luminous scenes, you’ll witness the magic of pixie dust transforming the nursery, soar past Big Ben under a starlit London sky, and navigate through Mermaid Lagoon. The use of black lights, fluorescent paint, and carefully crafted forced perspective creates an immersive environment that makes you feel as though you’re truly flying through each scene. The addition of advanced projection mapping technology in recent years has added extra sparkle to Tinker Bell’s flight path and enhanced the twinkling of London below.
Location: You’ll find this timeless attraction in the heart of Fantasyland.
Insider Secret: This attraction consistently draws some of the longest wait times in the park, often reaching peak crowds within minutes of park opening. For the shortest wait, head here first thing in the morning (literally—make it your first stop) or try during the evening when crowds are distracted by nighttime entertainment (but note it may close during the fireworks).
13. Radiator Springs Racers
Buckle up for the ultimate Cars Land adventure, where you’ll race through the stunning red rock landscape of Ornament Valley in one of the most technologically advanced attractions Disney has ever created. This high-speed journey begins with a scenic drive through the colorful world of Cars, featuring incredibly lifelike audio-animatronics of Lightning McQueen, Mater, and other beloved characters from the films. The attraction combines dark ride storytelling with thrilling outdoor racing as your vehicle winds through indoor scenes before emerging into a competitive race alongside another car on the outdoor track.
The sheer scale of the attraction is breathtaking – the mountain range backdrop stands 125 feet tall, meticulously crafted to mirror the American Southwest’s iconic landscapes. Inside, you’ll experience either Luigi’s Casa Della Tires or Ramone’s House of Body Art (randomly assigned), making each ride unique. The grand finale features a high-speed race around banked turns and over camelback hills, reaching speeds of 40 mph.
Location: You’ll find this flagship attraction at the far end of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure, with its massive Cadillac Range mountains serving as the park’s most impressive backdrop.
Pro Tip: For the most dramatic experience, ride at dusk when the neon lights of Radiator Springs begin to glow, and the race portion is illuminated by sunset. Request the right-side track for slightly faster speeds around the curves, and keep your eyes on the track during the final race – looking at your opponent’s car can cause motion sickness.
14. Toy Story Midway Mania!
Step right up to one of Disney’s most innovative interactive attractions, where you’ll don 3D glasses and spin through a series of carnival-style midway games hosted by your favorite Toy Story characters. Toy Story Mania is a high-tech attraction transforms you into an honorary toy as you compete in virtual 4D carnival games, using spring-action shooters to launch virtual pies, rings, darts, and balls at various targets. The competitive spirit runs high as each rider’s individual score is tracked throughout the experience, making it endlessly replayable as you try to beat your previous high score.
What sets this attraction apart is its perfect blend of cutting-edge technology with classic carnival fun. Each game features different gameplay mechanics – from breaking plates with Buzz Lightyear to popping balloons with Woody and Jessie. The attraction’s innovative ride system allows your vehicle to spin and rotate smoothly between games, while special effects like air blasts add to the immersive experience. The games are designed to be enjoyable for all skill levels, but mastering the hidden bonus targets and special tricks takes practice and strategy.
Location: You’ll find this fan favorite in Disney California Adventure’s Pixar Pier.
Pro Tip: Each game has secret bonus targets that can dramatically increase your score. And don’t worry if your score is low — you’re practically guaranteed a huge run of points in the final game. Be sure to visit early in the morning for shorter wait times, as this attraction consistently draws long lines throughout the day.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission–BREAKOUT!
It’s fitting to include this following the Tower of Terror’s recognition. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission–BREAKOUT! is a ride that’ll have you feel like Star-Lord himself.
Break into The Collector’s fortress and join Rocket Raccoon in a chaotic mission to rescue the other Guardians in this high-energy adventure. This attraction reinvented the Tower of Terror’s ride experience after its closure in 2017 by adding a distinctly Marvel flavor, complete with classic rock music, humor, and six different ride sequences. Each experience features a different song and series of scenes, making repeat rides a must for fans wanting to see all possible scenarios.
The attraction’s exterior has been transformed into a gaudy, gold-and-silver fortress that houses The Collector’s prized possessions, while the interior showcases over 2,200 artifacts from across the Marvel universe. The pre-show features one of Disney’s most impressive audio-animatronics to date – a startlingly realistic Rocket who breaks into the security system to help you free his friends.
Location: This eye-catching fortress stands at the edge of the Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure.
Pro Tip: Each song creates a different ride experience, so try to experience several different versions. First-time riders should try for the morning hours when wait times are typically shorter and your stomach might be better prepared for the dropping sensation!
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