Disneyland California Rides are among the best ones out there- and that is a known fact.
Disneyland California is the oldest water park in the world, and it proves it time and again with the most creative rides!
We have compiled the best rides at Disneyland California so that you can plan the perfect day out for you and your loved ones!
Best Rides at Disneyland California
Disneyland California offers a variety of rides and attractions that cater to different preferences and age groups.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular and best Disneyland California Rides:
1. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Get on a rugged troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny. You will face dangers like molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, etc.
Indiana Jones Adventure is neither a roller coaster nor a typical slow-speed attraction.
You’ll board a 12-person vehicle for a fast-paced thrill ride that simulates rapid, fast driving over rough terrain.
Location: Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park
Height Restrictions: 35” (89 cm) or taller
Capacity: Two passengers (one adult, one child)
Type of Ride: Thrilling rides with small drops
2. Mark Twain Riverboat
Get on an old-fashioned steam-powered vessel and start your half-mile journey into the American frontier.
You will travel in a loop around Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and spot a few scenic items along the way.
Location: Frontierland
Height Restrictions: No height restrictions
Capacity: 300
Type of Ride: Slow water ride with loud noises
3. Space Mountain
This high-flying adventure will take you on an outer space journey. You will get in a hi-fi rocket and speed through space.
With immersive sound effects and thrilling music, you will feel the effect of g-force on your entire body.
This high-flying adventure will take you on an outer space journey. You will get in a hi-fi rocket and speed through space.
With immersive sound effects and thrilling music, you will feel the effect of g-force on your entire body.
Location: Tomorrowland
Height Restrictions: 40” (102 cm) or taller
Capacity: 1565 people per hour
Type of Ride: Dark, thrilling ride with small drops, scary themes, and loud noises
4. Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland is one of the oldest Disneyland California rides.
After 50 years since opening, Alice in Wonderland remains a favorite Fantasyland stop for children and adults.
You will go through the White Rabbit’s House, Tulgey Wood and the Queen’s Garden.
Also, you will see Wonderland locals, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, The Cheshire Cat and more.
Location: Fantasyland at Disneyland Park
Height Restrictions: No height restrictions
Capacity: 4 people on a caterpillar
Type of Ride: Slow and dark ride with loud sounds
5. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Join Buzz Lightyear as he battles with the Evil Emperor Zurg, who is stealing batteries to power a new weapon of destruction.
You will command your XP-40 and have fire-at-will orders! Use the joystick to blast glowing “Z” targets with your laser cannon to earn points.
Track your points on the electronic dashboard in your space cruiser. At the end of your mission, see your new Star Command ranking based on the points you earned.
Location: Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park
Height Restrictions: no height restrictions
Capacity: Two to three passengers per vehicle
Type of Ride: Slow-spinning ride
6. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Based on Disney’s 1941 animated classic Dumbo, this beloved attraction has delighted Guests since 1955.
Dumbo and friends will take you flying- high and low; choose your level!
Snap a picture in the replica Dumbo gondola, which you’ll find just behind the main attraction.
Location: Fantasyland at Disneyland Park
Height Restrictions: No height restrictions
Type of Ride: Slow ride
7. Casey Jr. Circus Train
Join Casey Jr., a brave little engine, and go on a hilly adventure, wind through the valleys and villages.
The biggest challenge Casey Jr. faces – A hill. Get on board Casey Jr. to see if you make it over the hill!
You will pass through famous sites like the Ice Palace from Frozen, the houses from Three Little Pigs, the Alpine village from Pinocchio, and much more.
Location: Fantasyland at Disneyland Park
Duration: 3 minutes 40 seconds
Height Restrictions: No height restrictions
Type of Ride: Slow ride
8. Astro Orbitor
Climb on top of a retro-3 passenger spaceship with your loved ones and go on a space adventure.
Hang tight, as the rocket will take you on a bumpy journey filled with twists and turns and many galaxies.
One of the Disneyland California rides that give you a dizzy head! Remember, you are controlling your spaceship! Safe travels.
Location: Tomorrowland
Height Restriction: Any height
Type: Spinning
Top Thrilling Rides at Disneyland California
Disneyland California is home to some of the most thrilling rides – they have all kinds of turns, twists, drops and more!
Here are Disneyland California’s top must-try thrilling rides:
# Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fast rollercoaster-type attraction designed for kids and adults.
You will go past the ghost town of Big Thunder on a roller coaster on this thrilling ride!
You will hear the tracks creek, go through a waterfall and dodge a falling boulder on your way!
Location: Frontierland
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
# Matterhorn Bobsleds
This ride has two routes- one on the Fantasyland side and one on the Tomorrowland side.
You will go through shadowy caves, jagged rocky ledges, bridges and under waterfalls. You will find yourself 80 ft above the ground inside an icy cave.
You will also face the Abominable Snowman—who will do anything and everything to protect his home.
Location: Fantasyland
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 42 inches (107 cm)
# Indiana Jones Adventure
You will board a troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny.
You will have to deal with dangers such as molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, collapsing bridges, and much more.
Indiana Jones Adventure is neither a roller coaster nor a typical slow-speed attraction.
You’ll board a 12-person vehicle for a fast-paced thrill ride that realistically simulates quick driving over rough terrain.
Location: Adventureland
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 46 inches (117 cm)
Best water rides at Disneyland California
From exhilarating drops to whimsical storytelling, the water rides at Disneyland California are a splash of excitement for visitors of all ages.
Here are the best water rides in Disneyland California, you MUST try!
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Go back in history and experience a truly adventurous water voyage. You need 20 people, and you get on a paddled canoe.
You will see the Columbia Gorge and 5 other waterfalls on your journey. You will pass through Frontierland, New Orleans Square and Critter Country.
If you are observant enough, you might come across some locals and a Native American Village.
Location: Critter Country
Type: Water ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
This water ride is based on the original film Finding Nemo. You can get onboard a submarine and head on a sea adventure.
View the sea from within the submarine, and you will find artifacts of an ancient civilization scattered along the sea floor.
You can meet popular Nemo himself and his turtle pal, Squirt. Not far behind, you will see Marlin, the dad and Dory.
Location: Tomorrowland
Type: Water Ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Jungle Cruise
You will get on a canopied tramp steam and take on the world’s most treacherous rivers.
You will face leaping tigers, lethal cobras, and crocodiles. You also have a chance to see and snap a few pictures of elephants, gorillas, hippos, zebras and a lion!
Move through this jungle-themed cruise listening to the great narration. You will have a truly unforgettable time.
Location: Adventureland
Type: Water ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Single-rider rides at Disneyland California
The single-rider line offers you the chance to wait for a shorter time in exchange for not being able to select your desired seat.
If you opt for the single-rider option, you can not sit beside your friends or family.
However, you can skip the waiting time and enjoy the ride sooner than large groups.
The single-rider rides at Disneyland Park are:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Space Mountain
Single-rider rides at Disneyland California Adventure Park are:
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Incredicoaster
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Grizzly River Run
- Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
- Soaring Around the World
How to avoid Crowds at the rides
Avoiding crowds at Disneyland California can enhance your experience and allow you to make the most of your visit.
Here are some strategies to help you minimize wait times and navigate the park efficiently:
Book Genie+ tickets
There are two types of tickets to Disneyland California – simple entry tickets and Genie+ tickets.
You can avoid wait times on most rides with the Genie+ Disneyland California tickets.
Make sure you place your reservation to the park at the official website after purchasing your tickets to enter the park.
Plan Your Visit on Off-Peak Days
Try to visit on weekdays, during off-peak seasons, and outside of major holidays.
These times typically have lower attendance levels, resulting in shorter wait times for rides and attractions.
Arrive Early
Arriving at the park right when it opens gives you a head start on popular rides before the crowds build up. This is often when lines are the shortest.
Single-Rider Lines
Some rides offer single-rider lines, often shorter than regular ones. Remember that you might not be seated with your group, but you’ll get on the ride faster.
Download the Disneyland App
The official Disneyland app provides real-time wait times for all attractions and entertainment schedules and even allows you to make dining reservations.
Monitoring wait times can help you choose which rides to prioritize.
Strategize Your Route
Plan your route through the park strategically, hitting the most popular rides early in the day.
This way, you can experience the most sought-after attractions before the crowds become overwhelming.
Contents
Suggested articles:
- Disneyland California tickets
- Disneyland California’s opening hours
- Disneyland California Map
- Tips for visiting Disneyland California
- How to reach Disneyland California
- Ride Height Restrictions
- Ride Wait times
- Disneyland California Dining and Shopping
- Disneyland California Parade
- Events in Disneyland California
- Disneyland California Fireworks
- Character Dining at Disneyland California
- Meet and Greet in Disneyland California
- Disneyland California Itinerary
- Disneyland California Entry tickets
Disneyland California Rides – FAQs
1. What rides are at Disneyland in California?
You can explore different types of Disneyland California rides when you go to the park.
Here are the best Disneyland California rides you need to try:
Alice in Wonderland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Space Mountain
2. What is Disneyland California famous for?
Disneyland California is famous for being the world’s first theme park, enchanting visitors with iconic characters, classic rides, and magical experiences since 1955.
3. What is the best ride at Disney World California?
One of the best rides in Disneyland California is Alice in Wonderland.
4. What is the oldest ride in Disneyland California?
One of the oldest Disneyland California rides is Alice in Wonderland. It opened in 1958, just three years after opening.
5. How to avoid wait times at Disneyland California?
You can avoid waiting time at the Disneyland California park with Genie+ tickets.
This is a simple upgrade you can purchase for an extra cost of $50.
It gives you lightning lane access, unlimited photo pass and more.
Featured Image: Aubrey Odom on Unsplash
