You haven't really been to Disneyland unless you've experienced at least a few of the best rides at Disneyland.
All the attractions at Disneyland are great, but there are a few that so exceptional, they have earned a permanent place in our cultural heritage. Their creativity and attention to detail is unparalleled. Most have been at Disneyland for decades.
Here are the best rides at Disneyland, roughly in the order that I would do them. Get definitions and tips for success at the end of the post.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is Disneyland's newest ride. It's a completely new and innovative experience located in Galaxy's Edge. For now, you need an appointment to ride it.
Download the official Disneyland app before you enter the park. The moment you enter the park, find the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance section. Click “Join Boarding Group” to get an appointment to ride. Availability is limited, so it helps to arrive at the park early.
- Rider Switch
Related: Best Rides at Disney's California Adventure
Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run is the other new Star Wars ride in Galaxy's Edge. Everyone in your group will be assigned a seat and a job, and you'll push buttons and pull levers to “fly” the Millenium Falcon to safety. Pilot is the most exciting job.
I wouldn't necessarily ride this one first thing in the morning because so many people rush to Galaxy's Edge that the line is instantly long. I'd use the morning to enjoy short lines on other rides and ride Smuggler's Run later.
- Rider Switch
- Single Rider
Related: Tips for Using the Official Disneyland App
Indiana Jones Adventure
This Adventureland ride has been my favorite for years, and now it is my son's favorite too. Indiana Jones Adventure is a fast-paced thrill ride through elaborate sets that will remind you of the Indiana Jones movies. You won't find many rides outside Disneyland like this one.
We usually ride Indiana Jones first.
- FASTPASS
- Rider Switch
- Single Rider
Related: Tips for Using MaxPass at Disneyland
Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise is an original Disneyland ride. You ride slowly in a “tour boat” through the wilds of Adventureland. Your guide will keep you entertained with a corny script as you pass by animatronic animals. Late in the year, this ride transforms into “Jingle Cruise.”
Guests of all ages, including infants, can ride Jungle Cruise. Waits are usually not crazy long for this ride, so there are no shorter line options. In the first hour or two after the park opens, you may avoid a line entirely.
Related: How to Pick the Perfect Hotel Near Disneyland
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is a slow boat ride through a series of elaborate pirate scenes. Watch the first Pirates movie to pick up references from the ride.
Guests of all ages, including infants, can ride Pirates of the Caribbean. There are no shorter lines for this ride, but you can usually get in quickly early in the day or during fireworks.
Related: 10 Must Have Items for Your Disneyland Packing List
Splash Mountain
This log flume ride in Critter Country is arguably the best ride at Disneyland. The animatronic telling of the Brer Rabbit story inside the Mountain is delightful and the drop at the end is thrilling. You'll get a little wet – but usually not soaked.
Lines are shorter on cool days when people don't want to get wet. Solve that problem with ponchos or garbage bags.
- FASTPASS
- Rider Switch
- Single Rider
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square is more funny than scary, so most kids will like it. My daughter is the exception, but I make her ride anyway so nobody else has to miss this classic and creative ride. Guests of all ages, including infants, can ride Haunted Mansion.
From September through December, Haunted Mansion gets a Nightmare Before Christmas makeover that is really fun. Expect longer lines during this time.
- FASTPASS
Related: 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Disneyland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fun, family-friendly coaster in Frontierland. You ride a speeding train through a mining town, craggy hills and a treacherous mine. They don't call it the “wildest ride in the wilderness” for nothing.
- FASTPASS
- Rider Switch
Related: Tips for Using the Disneyland Calendar to Save Time in Line
Peter Pan's Flight
Peter Pan's flight is a nostalgic dark ride for many Disneyland fans, including myself. You ride high above London and Neverland in a pirate ship gently suspended from the ceiling. The scenes throughout are magical. I love it, but my husband thinks it's overrated.
There are no shorter line options, and this line can get unreasonably long. I recommend getting there immediately after the park opens, or just enduring the wait later in the day after using all the short line strategies on your other priority attractions.
“it's a small world”
The song from this classic ride will be stuck in your head for hours, but its message of unity is timeless. “it's a small world” is a whimsical boat ride featuring animatronic children from around the world. Characters from Disney movies like Toy Story and Lilo and Stitch have been inserted in recent years.
Guests of all ages, including infants, can ride “it's a small world.” Lines will probably not be very long early or late in the day.
- FASTPASS
Related: 30+ Tips for Doing Disneyland on a Budget
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Fantasyland's Matterhorn Mountain dominates the Disneyland skyline and it's the home of one of the park's classic coasters. Ride in a bobsled up, down and through the mountain. Watch out for the abominable snowman!
Now that I've hit middle age, this old-school coaster is a little too bumpy. My kids love it, though.
- FASTPASS
- Rider Switch
- Single Rider
Related: Our Review of the Disneyland Hotel
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Tours has long been a MUST attraction at Disneyland for Star Wars fans, and now more than ever. The Force Awakens version of the ride was added soon after the movie's release. This thrilling motion-simulation ride through the galaxy has several different versions, so it's worth doing more than once if you're a fan.
- FASTPASS
- Rider Switch
Related: Why We Love Mobile Ordering at Disneyland
Space Mountain/Hyperspace Mountain
Space Mountain is a beloved Tomorrowland coaster. It is all indoors, with very little light so you can't see where you're going. A futuristic soundtrack plays in your headrest.
In late 2015, a Star Wars version of Space Mountain was unveiled, and this ride is currently known as Hyperspace Mountain. It's SO cool! You'll feel like you're flying through a Star Wars space battle.
- FASTPASS
- Rider Switch
Tips for Success
- Arrive early – We aim to be at the gate 30 minutes before the park opens. We can ride more before 10 AM than the whole rest of the day.
- Consider MaxPass – MaxPass is an optional paid add-on that allows you to reserve FASTPASSes through the Disneyland app. We were amazed by how much more we were able to ride with MaxPass.
- Use Magic Mornings or Extra Magic Hours – If you have a 3-day or longer ticket, or are a guest of a Disneyland Resort hotel, you can get into the park an hour earlier than the general public. This is a great opportunity to enjoy rides without long lines.
- Download the official Disneyland app – This app is an essential Disneyland tool. Get wait times, FASTPASS availability and much more.
- Download the Disney Play app – Many of these rides have location-specific games and activities to make your time in line more interesting. It's especially sophisticated for new rides like Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run.
Definitions
- FASTPASS – FASTPASS allows you to scan your park pass at a kiosk and get a ticket to return to a popular ride within a scheduled one-hour window. FASTPASS waits are around 15 minutes. Disneyland regulars always have a FASTPASS in hand and a plan for the next one.
- Rider Switch – Rider Switch is a great option for families with young children. You stand in line once and request a Rider Switch pass when you get to the front. Adult 1 rides and then gives the pass to Adult 2 who stayed with the non-riders. Adult 2 can then go with two other riders (even if they just finished the ride with Adult 1) without waiting.
- Single Rider – Single rider lines are a great option for families with older kids who would rather ride fast than ride together. You can usually ride within 15 minutes if you're willing to fill an empty seat and meet up at the exit.
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It was really tough to leave a few great rides off this list. Did I miss your favorite? If so, please share it in the comments, along with your tips for doing it right.
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