The 17 Best Disneyland Rides for Theme Park Lovers

Disneyland is one of the most iconic amusement parks in both the country and the world.

Disneyland has a long history, and it’s always been an exciting place for families to visit.

Disneyland’s rides are some of the best around, but there are so many that it can be difficult to narrow down which ones you should ride first!

To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of 17 Disneyland rides that will please everyone and keep you entertained all day long.

If you are planning a family vacation be sure to check out our list of the top 7 theme parks for family vacations too!

 

Disneyland Park

1. Space Mountain

 

Space Mountain in Tomorrowland is one of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions.

It was the first roller coaster in Disneyland to be enclosed, and it remains a popular ride today.

The interior of Space Mountain offers riders a dark environment full of stars, making them feel as though they are out in space with astronauts!

After boarding your six-passenger train car, you will take off into darkness before rocketing around hairpin turns and dips at high speeds throughout the galaxy.

You’ll definitely want to try and get the front and center seat on this coaster!

Space Mountain is a huge hit at Disneyland so make sure to schedule it into your visit because the lines will be long, but it is a must ride!

 

2. Pirates of the Caribbean

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride is in New Orleans Square and is one of Disneyland’s original attractions, and it has been a guest favorite ever since opening!

Pirates of the Caribbean was Disneyland’s first foray into dark rides.

It tells guests about pirates on their quest for treasure with screens that simulate movement along waterfalls (and cannon battles!).

You’ll board your boat with up to twenty other people before taking off on an adventure through Disneyland’s past — including some characters you might recognize from The Little Mermaid tales!

Be sure not to miss out on this classic Disneyland roller coaster experience.

You won’t be sorry! And if you want to ensure you get the full experience of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, book a reservation at the Blue Bayou Restaurant located inside the ride!

 

3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The Disneyland roller coaster Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was added to the park in 1979, and it boasts one of Disneyland’s top speeds at about 40 miles per hour.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has seen many changes over time — including adding a third track for extra capacity!

It is part of Disneyland’s Frontierland near the Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing.

This thrilling ride starts out on elevated tracks before heading down into a mining town full of gold diggers looking for treasure (and riders).

You’ll have an incredible experience tumbling along through high-speed 360 degree turns before finally reaching your final destination.

Be sure not to miss this exhilarating Disneyland attraction if you’re visiting Disneyland.

4. Matterhorn Bobsleds

The Disneyland roller coaster Matterhorn Bobsleds is in Fantasyland and is another ride that has been around since Disneyland’s early days.

It was added in 1959 and remains a popular attraction to this day!

Matterhorn Bobsleds takes guests on an adventure through the Swiss Alps, where they can take in some of Disneyland’s most beautiful scenery along with two classic Disney characters — Mickey Mouse and his friend Goofy!

You’ll board your sled car for an exhilarating trip down steep mountain paths before zooming across ice glaciers at high speeds.

After racing through twists and turns you will find yourself back up top again having completed one awesome Disneyland experience (and hopefully without too much snow in your hair).

Make sure to check out Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds the next time you visit Disneyland.

 

5. Splash Mountain

The Disneyland roller coaster Splash Mountain is located in Critter Country and takes guests on a trip through the story of Brer Rabbit, who got himself into some trouble with a briar patch!

Splash Mountain opened its doors to Disneyland park guests in 1989.

It quickly became one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions as it combines three Disney favorite things — water rides, storytelling and music!

Riders will board their log carriages before heading off down an exciting winding track full of twists and turns.

The journey continues by boat as you make your way along scenes taken from movies like Song of the South and Winnie the Pooh (and even Pocahontas).

Make sure not to miss out on this Disneyland classic ride if you’re visiting Disneyland.

6. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

The Disneyland roller coaster Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is located in Fantasyland and was the first Disneyland ride to be based on a specific movie (Wind in the Willows). It opened its doors back in 1955!

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride has had many changes over time, including replacing some of its classic scenes with new ones from Disney films like The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and Cinderella — but it still remains one fan favorite attraction at Disneyland park even today!

You’ll board your car before embarking on an adventure through London where you’ll find yourself speeding along streets filled with cars, carts, buses…even cats running across roads as they try to stay out of your way!

 

7. Indiana Jones Adventure

The Disneyland roller coaster Indiana Jones Adventure is located in Disneyland’s Adventureland and takes guests on an exciting journey through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

As you board your jeep for this high-speed adventure, you will find yourself face-to-face with one of Indy’s most fearsome foes — a giant rolling rock monster named boulder who has escaped from his cave (and no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to get away).

You’ll be racing along at top speeds as you’re chased by other dangerous obstacles before finally coming face to face with Mara…the evil temple deity whose eyes are always closed except when she’s trying to take someone’s soul (so be very careful if you get too close to her)!

 

8. It’s a Small World

The Disneyland theme park ride It’s a Small World is located in Fantasyland and takes guests on an exciting trip around the world.

As you board your boat for this classic Disneyland attraction, you’ll be taken along scenes filled with some of our favorite Disney characters from movies like Peter Pan, Robin Hood, The Jungle Book and more…as well as children from over 150 countries all singing together to celebrate diversity!

Make sure not to miss out on one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions — it may seem small (well actually it really IS!) but its heart is big enough for everyone who visits Disneyland!

But be careful, you’ll have the song stuck in your head for the rest of your trip!

 

9. Jungle Cruise

The Disneyland ride Jungle Cruise is located in Adventureland and takes guests on an adventurous trip through the rivers of Asia, Africa and South America.

Riders will board their boats before embarking along a winding track where they’ll encounter some wild animals — including tigers, hippos, elephants (who can spray you with water from their trunks), crocodiles…even gorillas!

You never know what’s going to happen next as your boat speeds ahead so be sure to keep your eyes open for anything that might appear out of nowhere!

Get ready for one exciting Disney adventure when you visit Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise.

 

10. Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run

The Disneyland roller coaster Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is located in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and takes guests on an exciting journey through a galaxy far, far away.

As you board your cockpit for this awesome Disney theme park ride, you’ll feel just like the real Han Solo as he pilots his very own Millenium Falcon around the galaxy!

If that wasn’t cool enough already — imagine what it would be like to make an actual Kessel run (and without having Chewbacca complaining about how long its taking)!

As soon as you get past all of those terrifying TIE Fighters though — everything will start to look up again!

This ride is a dream come true for any Star Wars fan! We recommend trying to get the pilot seat to get the full Star Wars experience!

So take control of one of our favorite ships from Star Wars and experience Disneyland at 100mph on the incredible Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run…and may the force be with you!

Disney California Adventure

 

11. Toy Story Midway Mania!

The Disneyland attraction Toy Story Midway Mania! is located in Disneyland’s Pixar Pier inside Disney California Adventure and takes guests on an exciting ride through Andy’s bedroom.

As you board your vehicle for this Disney theme park ride, you’ll be taken along a series of carnival-style games that have been created by some very familiar toys from the movies like Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

The more targets you hit with your Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters during each game — the higher your score will go so make sure to aim carefully if you want to win (and maybe avoid throwing darts at Rex while he tries to take a nap)!

Although it may look easy enough as a simple target practice game — we can assure that with all of those distractions going on around us, things could get pretty intense pretty quickly (so hold on tight and try not to get lost in the fun)!

 

12. Soarin’ Around the World

The Disneyland attraction Soarin’ Around the World is located in Disney California Adventure park and takes guests on an exhilarating flight around some of our favorite destinations.

As you board your hang glider for this high-flying Disney theme park ride, you’ll be able to experience a truly unique perspective as if you were soaring above the earth yourself.

You will travel from China’s majestic mountains all the way to Australia and New Zealand…as well as taking a few stops along the way at places like Germany, Mexico and even France!

With each destination being more beautiful than ever before — we definitely recommend that everyone should try out one of Disneyland’s new and improved attractions next time they visit their amusement parks!

 

13. Radiator Springs Racers

The Disneyland attraction Radiator Springs Racers is located in Disneyland’s Cars Land in Disney California Adventure and takes guests on a high-speed journey through your favorite Pixar movie.

As you board one of our awesome race cars for this Disney theme park ride, you’ll feel like you’ve been instantly transported into the world from the movie “Cars”.

You will quickly find yourself speeding around corners at speeds up to 65 mph as you compete with all of your friends!

There may be some other racetracks that have come before…but none quite compare to how much fun it can be behind the wheel for Disneyland’s new attraction.

Whether or not they win the race — all of our Disneyland guests will definitely walk away feeling like a winner with memories that are sure to last for years to come.

 

14. WEB SLINGERS: a Spiderman Adventure

The Disneyland attraction WEB SLINGERS: a Spiderman Adventure is located in Disneyland’s Marvel Superheroes Area in Disney California Adventure and takes guests on an exciting adventure through New York City.

As you slide into your seat for this web-slinging Disney theme park ride, you’ll feel like the real life Peter Parker as he swings around town trying to save everyone from all of his enemies (like Doc Ock!).

You will go high above the city streets where you can experience thrills that are unlike anything else at Disneyland!

Even though it may not be quite as thrilling as those other rides — we would definitely recommend that every Disneyland visitor give this super awesome ride a try!

 

15. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

The Disneyland attraction Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is located in Disney California Adventure and takes guests on an epic adventure inside Rocket Raccoon’s secret hideout.

As you board your escape vehicle for this Disney theme park ride, you’ll get to go through one of Disneyland’s most thrilling experiences ever as it will take us deep into a hidden fortress that we never knew existed before (and probably wouldn’t want to know about again). You will have no choice but to break free from The Collector’s Fortress…even if it means going up against some pretty big challenges along the way like Tivan himself.

If you’ve been to Disneyland in the past, you’ll realize this ride is the new and improved Tower of Terror. With stomach churning drops and new animatronics that we’ve never seen before — this Disneyland attraction is one of a kind.

16. The Incredicoaster

The Disneyland attraction The Incredicoaster is located in Disney California Adventure and takes guests through loops and heart wrenching turns.

This Disneyland favorite was inspired by both “The Incredibles” movie — but also classic rides that come from Walt Disney himself. high speeds and a number loop, The Incredicoaster includes special effects that will make you feel like your part of the action.

Kids and adults alike can enjoy this Disneyland favorite as they are catapulted into a super-charged adventure in no time at all!

Just be sure to keep an eye out for Dash as he blasts through on his rocket — because even if you see him coming, there’s nothing quite like being taken by surprise when it comes to Disneyland attractions.

 

 

17. Grizzly River Run

The Disneyland attraction Grizzly River Run is located in Disney California Adventure and takes guests on a thrilling journey through the beautiful forest that makes you feel like you’re on a river rafting trip in nature!

This Disneyland favorite was inspired by Disney’s classic movie “White Wilderness” which actually showed us what it looked like to go down this very river!

Even if you haven’t seen the film, one look at all of these churning rapids should be more than enough for everyone at Disneyland to get their adrenaline going.

You’ll feel like you’re part of nature as you take your rafts over some pretty steep falls — but don’t worry it’s much safer than rafting in nature!

 

Conclusion

Disneyland is home to some of the most thrilling rides the world has ever seen, as well as plenty of fun rides the kids will love.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family ride or something that will give your adrenaline a boost, Disneyland visitors are sure to find their perfect match among these 17 best Disneyland rides for theme park lovers.

We hope this article was helpful! Be sure to check out Destinations Travel Guide for all of your future vacation needs!