My family loves riding theme park rides. While we love the characters, shows, and other attractions, we are really there for the rides.
When my kids were younger, we would divide up sometimes since my son wouldn’t necessarily be able to go on everything. But now, my kids are old enough to experience every ride, so we can go together on everything.
I’ve visited Disneyland a few times on short trips. Although these weren’t extensive vacations, I knew that I’d want to go on as many rides as possible. Luckily, the Genie+ and Lightning Lane system is easy to use, and a good investment for a short trip.
On each of my trips, we were still able to experience most of the top rides at Disneyland. If you are planning a Disneyland vacation and are wondering which rides to include on your list, here are 17 must-ride Disneyland rides.
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All opinions are my own. I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland Resort as part of my participation in the AWESome Retreat. I’ve also paid my own way.
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17 Must-Ride Disneyland Rides
Disneyland Park
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
My kids always loved the Dumbo ride at Walt Disney World. Even though it’s not the most unique ride, it’s something that you’ll want to ride if traveling with younger kids. It’s also a great way to see some of the sites of the park.
It typically gets very busy, so you’ll probably want to ride early. This is especially a must-do when visiting Disneyland with toddlers.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
I always loved Mr. Toad at the Magic Kingdom and missed it when it was transformed into the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Luckily, fans of the ride can still go on it at Disneyland.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride isn’t as wild as it sounds – rather, it’s a dark ride that goes nice and slow. This isn’t a must-ride because of the actual ride mechanism – more for the nostalgia.
Indiana Jones Adventure
During my first trip to Disneyland, I wasn’t able to experience the Indiana Jones ride. Luckily, I was able to ride it during my second Disneyland trip. Unfortunately, it’s one of those rides that tend to have more downtime than others.
It’s a thrill ride that is not exactly a roller coaster. It’s more similar to the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom, rather than the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland Paris (which I’m still traumatized by). I enjoyed it.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Located in ToonTown at Disneyland Park, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is an adorable ride featuring the Mickey Cartoons. It’s a dark, trackless ride, and is set to a catchy tune that is sure to get stuck in your head.
While Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway was originally offered through an individual lightning lane, it’s now part of Genie+.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
This ride is more than an attraction, it’s a full experience. With an over 15-minute run time, Rise of the Resistance includes a trackless ride, a motion simulator ride, and a walk-through, as you go through an entire Star Wars storyline.
Rise of the Resistance is offered through individual lightning lane. In my opinion, it’s worth paying for the individual lightning lane if this is a ride you want to experience.
Even if you’ve been to Walt Disney World and Disneyland dozens of times, the following iconic rides are absolutely must-dos every time you visit.
it’s a small world
When I was younger, I always thought of it’s a small world as a kids’ ride. But as an adult, it’s something I always want to go on. The Disneyland version is different from the Florida one because it loads outside, and incorporates some of the beloved Disney characters throughout the ride.
Space Mountain
This was one of the first thrill rides I went on as a kid, and I still love it. It’s not as scary as other thrill rides, but it’s still so much fun. We think that the Disneyland version is even more fun than the Walt Disney World version.
Pirates of the Caribbean
I’d been on the Pirates of the Caribbean in Florida and Paris before going on the California version. But this one is my favorite because it’s a longer ride with a bigger drop. You’ll want to experience it during your Disneyland vacation.
The Haunted Mansion
This spooky ride is always a must-do, even if you’ve been on it many times. It is pretty similar to the Walt Disney World version, although it does have a very different facade.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain isn’t the scariest roller coaster, but it’s a fun ride!
Jungle Cruise
You’ll groan at the jokes and puns, but it’s still something you’ll want to go on.
Luckily, thanks to the proximity of the two parks, it’s easy to go between Disneyland Resort and Disney’s California Adventure if you have a park hopper ticket. Once you go through security, you’ll be all set for both parks.
Disney’s California Adventure
Toy Story Midway Mania
Ever since Toy Story Midway Mania opened, it’s been a popular family-friendly attraction. My family always has a friendly competition amongst ourselves, and it’s something we always look forward to.
Soarin’ Around the World
I admit that I’m still a big fan of the original Soarin’ Over California. However, this new version is a welcome change, and I am always impressed with how realistic it feels to be soarin’ over the world. Even if you’ve been to this particular show before, it’s still worth doing again and again.
Incredicoaster
The only ride that goes upside down at Disneyland Resort is the Incredicoaster, which is located on Pixar Pier. During my first visit, I loved staying by and watching it go through the loop over and over again. However, it’s also incredibly fun to ride. After you ride, stop by the kiosk for a Jack-Jack Cookie Num Num.
If you like thrill rides, you’ll want to go on this ride! The premise of the ride is that Jack Jack has escaped, and you’ll need to race through the coaster to find him. It’s such a fun, outdoor ride. Be sure to get one of Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Nums at the kiosk outside the exit.
Pixar Pal-A-Round
The most iconic ride at Disney’s California Adventure is the Pixar Pal-A-Round wheel. There are two separate gondola types for this ride – one that is fixed for a more traditional Ferris wheel experience.
The other swings back and forth as the ride goes around and around for a much scarier experience. Guests can choose which gondola type they want to go on.
Radiator Springs Racer
I loved Cars Land at California Adventure, and the highlight of the land is Radiator Springs Racers. This ride is extremely popular, so you’ll either want to get an Individual Lightning Lane or choose the single-rider line.
While there is Cars theming and storyline as the ride starts, it’s the end – when the car goes fast – that is the best part of this attraction. It’s also nice to stand at the entrance of Cars Land and watch the cars of Radiator Springs Racers drive by.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
I admit that I was very skeptical when Disneyland transformed my beloved Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! However, I was so impressed with the ride and really actually loved it. Mission: BREAKOUT is similar to the ride movement of the Tower of Terror. But it incorporates retro, energetic music, and the Guardians of the Galaxy characters.
Although I do love the ride, I’m glad that Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios still has the original version. I hope that one doesn’t change.
Bonus: Web Slingers
Another new ride is Web Slingers, located at Disney’s California Adventure. In this ride, at Avenger’s Campus, you’ll need to help Spiderman control the spider bots before they take over.
Maximizing Your Disneyland Ride Experience
While it’s certainly easier to plan a Disneyland vacation than a Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll still need to have a plan. Disneyland’s new Genie+ system is a paid system that is worthwhile if you want to save time. It’s not required, however, and you’ll still be able to wait in standby lines.
Even though you won’t make your Genie+ reservations in advance of the day of your trip, it’s a good idea to research the rides in advance. Find out which ones offer Genie+ and a lightning lane, and put together a list.
That way, you’ll know exactly where to go when you arrive. Of course, that plan will change a bit as you start to see the Genie+ availability for the day.
What is your favorite Disneyland ride?
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