This checklist ranks all 67 points of interest at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, with execs & cons of each trip and present as we fee them from worst to greatest. Whether it’s a Walt-era basic like Matterhorn, new like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and even one thing easy but iconic like Dumbo, it’s ranked right here. (Updated February 26, 2023.)
What we’re making an attempt to perform is an goal evaluation of each attraction, figuring out how good or dangerous it’s, for what it’s. A trip like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, for instance, could seem like pretty easy amusement park fare, however it affords pleasure, humor, and ear-worm songs that exceed expectations. By distinction, Grizzly River Run is an even bigger funds attraction that squanders its potential, underdelivering within the course of.
It’s onerous to view two dramatically totally different points of interest like these (and others), and decide which is healthier. Of course, subjectivity comes into play to a level in resolving these questions, and disagreements are unavoidable. To that finish, we’re incorporating into this checklist a number of classes realized from our Rankings of All Attractions at Walt Disney World.
February 26, 2023 Update: Lots has modified since our final re-rankings, and nearly all of it has been constructive. For starters, two new nighttime spectaculars have debuted for the 100 Years of Wonder (or Disney100). Consult our Guide to Disney’s a hundredth Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland & DCA for the whole lot it’s essential to find out about that.
In addition to that, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway has debuted in Toontown. Speaking of which, that land is in any other case nonetheless closed for reimagining, which means Toontown’s different rides are usually not ranked right here. We’ll return for an additional replace subsequent month following its reopening and, presumably, the closure of Splash Mountain.
One lesson realized from our checklist rating Walt Disney World points of interest was that if somebody strongly disagrees with an web weblog submit of theme park trip rankings, they may insult you. Still undecided why such an inventory can be that upsetting for anybody, however to every their very own. Even with half of social media calling you an “idiot” for the checklist, it’s enjoyable to aim. It’s likewise fascinating to learn the reactions as to how different Disney followers would rank their high and backside picks.
The bigger lesson realized was that making an attempt to low cost nostalgic biases was a mistake. It seems the individuals most inclined to learn an inventory like this are likewise nostalgic. It’s additionally true that there’s a sure je ne sais quoi that some points of interest possess, which turns them into fan favorites. This “secret sauce” could also be inarticulable at instances, however its very existence is an goal high quality.
To that time, an inventory rating Disneyland points of interest positively must take nostalgia into consideration. Even for a first-time customer, it’s apparent that the citadel park is steeped in historical past and traditions. Even a long time later, that is nonetheless “Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom,” and the allure and quaintness are half and parcel of the expertise. In any case, classes realized and changes utilized right here.
67. Jumpin’ Jellyfish — Kiddie “drop” trip that slowly goes up and down. Offers neat views and may be thrilling to young children.
66. Astro Orbitor – Spinner trip just like Dumbo, besides not iconic.
65. Jessie’s Critter Carousel — It’s a carousel.
64. King Arthur Carrousel – It’s additionally a carousel, however with an additional “r” in its identify that pushes it up a spot. (Kidding–it’s the citadel view that provides it the bump.)
63. Golden Zephyr — Neat views of Pixar Pier, however it has nothing on the close by Silly Symphony Swings. Do that twice as an alternative of this as soon as when you need extra aerial spinning.
62. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind – The period of time spent on such a pedestrian attraction is mind-boggling. Inside Out deserves higher–and will’ve gotten it for the funds blown on this.
61. Disney Junior Dance Party —A musical celebration that includes Disney Junior characters, together with Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Timon. Mickey and Minnie Mouse even drive in from Hot Dog Hills to hitch the enjoyable, which is an efficient warm-up for a advantageous feast at Award Wieners.
60. Pixar Pal-Around — It’s “only” a Ferris Wheel and arguably the very best factor about it’s the way it provides to the Pixar Pier “skyline” at evening from throughout the bay, however there’s one thing to be mentioned for that view excessive above Disneyland Resort with the San Gabriel Mountains (particularly once they’re snow-capped) within the distance.
59. Silly Symphony Swings — A dressed-up off-the-shelf ‘wave swinger’ attraction that spins company in circles. It sounds easy, however because of the music, views, and breeze in your physique, it has a relaxing and smile-inducing impact. Make a cease at close by Bayside Brews beforehand for the final word in swinging sublimity.
58. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters — This changed Luigi’s Flying Tires, and was the primary trackless trip within the U.S. Disney Parks. It options cute little roadsters “dancing” across the course, with a enjoyable end. It’s charming, however you’ll doubtless go away with the texture that it doesn’t dwell as much as its promise. Still, it scores factors for not stinking!
57. Goofy’s Sky School — Garish wild mouse coaster that changed an much more garish wild mouse coaster. The inclusion of Goofy is neat (even when the farm/sky college factor makes little sense) and the trip is mildly thrilling, although.
56. Autopia – A Disneyland basic that provides youngsters the prospect to drive by a big monitor and plush environments. The addition of ASIMO and Bird to Autopia give it new life, and actually enhance the expertise. However, it stays a relic from one other period, with the largest draw back weighing it down being the overwhelming and nearly intoxicating stench.
55. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – A rudimentary darkish trip that feels prefer it was constructed within the Sixties, however is definitely (supposedly) trendy. Winnie the Pooh and crew are nice, however the Country Bears have been evicted for this?!
54. Tom Sawyer Island – An complete island play space for teenagers that harkens again to a bygone space. It’s very well finished, and a fantastic place for teenagers to blow off power. Adults could benefit from the tranquility of the island, too. Worlds away from the chaos of a theme park. Also, there are pirates.
53. Animation Academy — The spotlight of the Animation Building at Disney California Adventure, and may even be thought-about a hidden gem. The animation courses are enjoyable and training, and the reveals all through the constructing are neat diversions.
52. Turtle Talk with Crush — An interactive digital present with Crush “inside” a tank as he interacts with youngsters within the viewers. Although the interactions are with youngsters, the humor is usually geared in direction of adults, and this Living Character Initiative based mostly present is surprisingly enjoyable for all ages.
51. Mad Tea Party – This spinner punches nicely above its weight as a result of it’s in order that iconic. Whirling round with views of Fantasyland and the Matterhorn whereas the California solar flitters in is one thing each Disneyland customer ought to expertise.
50. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue — This is one other newer darkish trip that feels prefer it’s from the Sixties, which is clearly not doable right here (absent a time machine) since this film didn’t come out till the 2000s. Still cute and charming, however nothing flashy from a tech perspective.
49. Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – This Fantasyland darkish trip doesn’t have the followers or following because the others, however we adore it. Some enjoyable particulars, sensible results that also impress, and enjoyable scenes.
48. Sailing Ship Columbia – A calming float across the Rivers of America aboard what mainly quantities to a pirate ship. What’s to not love?!
47. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – After chowing down on a corn canine, fried hen, lobster mac, and Monte Cristo, this bodily strenuous expertise of paddling an precise canoe on the Rivers of America makes me really feel just a little higher about my poor eating choices. Others could vehemently disagree with that evaluation, however we discover it enjoyable and a beautiful change of tempo. I additionally love that one thing like this nonetheless exists in a contemporary theme park.
46. Mark Twain Riverboat – Another enjoyable method to float across the Rivers of America. It’s just like the Explorer Canoes, however with out doing the work of powering the boat your self!
45. Disneyland Monorail – Enjoyment of the Disneyland Monorail may be very a lot situational. Taking it as a shortcut by Downtown Disney on a nice night? It’s a chic expertise; a good way to enter Disneyland. Riding from Tomorrowland in the midst of a scorching day whereas looking onto Harbor Boulevard? Not a lot.
44. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree – An ideal instance of how an strange amusement park extra can transcend its trip system and be one thing extra with intelligent Imagineering. Mater hosts his junkyard jamboree, with kitschy crap within the queue and nonsensical songs that’ll get caught in your head. That could not sound like a fantastic gross sales pitch for Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, however it’s an actual diamond within the tough. Or not less than a flippantly broken chrome hubcap within the junkyard.
43. Dumbo – The iconic spinner trip is a basic and ceremony of passage for all youngsters. With views of Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle, it’s onerous to not really feel like a child at coronary heart whereas using, particularly when you accomplish that at evening when Disneyland is all lit up and there’s a crisp breeze within the air. Pure Disneyland magic.
42. Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Added to Disney California Adventure a couple of decade too late, this 3D montage movie nonetheless fills a pleasant roll. It options films principally from the “Disney Animation Renaissance” cleverly tied along with Donald Duck. Children of the 90s are nonetheless certain to take pleasure in this movie. The newest replace including Coco bumps it up a couple of spots.
41. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure — Possibly ranks larger than it ought to as a result of DCA is significantly missing in family-friendly darkish rides. Nevertheless, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a basic Fantasyland-style attraction with twenty first century expertise. It’s not essentially the most immersive attraction and the “book report” type drags it down as in comparison with the classics, however it’s nonetheless very pleasurable.
40. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Through – A easy, however enjoyable walk-through of Sleeping Beauty Castle that includes interactive “window” scenes from the movie. An usually ignored, however very cool attraction that takes little time to expertise and shouldn’t be missed.
39. Red Car Trolleys – Modeled after the Pacific Electric Railway, these scenic trolleys journey between Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land. While nothing fancy, the Red Car Trolleys immerse company in a bygone period of California, and mean you can decelerate and savor the park.
38. Main Street Vehicles – Like the Red Car Trolley, however not on a monitor. These automobiles rating added factors for views of Main Street at Disneyland, which is greatest loved from the higher deck of the Omnibus.
37. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail — When Disney initially created Disney California Adventure, they did the Golden State space proper. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is proof of this, because it’s a wonderful play space to discover. Check out the elevated rope bridges for nice views of the park!
36. Casey Jr. Circus Train – This scenic prepare trip provides company the prospect to trip aboard automobiles or in cages. Casey Jr. is straightforward, however has numerous attraction because of the good views it affords of Fantasyland, the enjoyable music, and the whimsy of the prepare, itself. It’s robust to reconcile how this ranks 10 decrease than Storybook Land Canal Boats as they’re comparable experiences–we merely desire the boats, although we actually take pleasure in each.
35. Grizzly River Run — This takes the white water raft trip idea to the following degree, providing some lovely visuals alongside the best way. While I believe the gorgeous particulars present in Grizzly River Run are nice, it could good to see a bit extra to make this a “next level” Disney attraction. Still, it’s one thing it’s best to expertise not less than as soon as when you don’t thoughts being soaked!
34. Toy Story Midway Mania — A 3D screen-based shooter recreation with Toy Story characters that’s (actually) additionally out there for the Nintendo Wii. It’s a enjoyable game-based attraction, however it’s too one-dimensional and never practically pretty much as good because the hype suggests.
33. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters – Another interactive and aggressive game-attraction set within the Toy Story universe. Dimensional units and sensible results make this barely superior to Toy Story Mania. Working blasters, a greater scoring system, and cleanliness make it far superior to the Walt Disney World model of the identical attraction.
32. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – This is the “do as we say, not as we do” rating. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage takes company aboard precise submarines to…discover Nemo. It’s a comparatively lengthy attraction with some superior units and element. However, the wait instances might be lengthy, the queue is extremely boring and completely outside, and the subs themselves are cramped and sometimes odor of BO. We love the thought of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, however don’t do it fairly often as a result of the truly expertise is a little bit of a chore and might be disagreeable.
31. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – Another Disneyland basic that’s solely appreciated by a minority of company, however scores large factors for its enduring legacy. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln incorporates a few of the greatest parts of Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure at Walt Disney World, for an attractive and entertaining historic presentation.
30. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – A 15-minute musical serenade from Audio Animatronics birds that provides a celebration of island romance and marvel carried out in a theater-in-the-round. You’ve in all probability heard these catchy songs earlier than; the enjoyable music of this attraction, and its historical past, makes it an attraction to not be missed.
29. Tale of the Lion King – This stage present in Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre close to it’s a small world encompasses a solid of round 20 performers, together with extremely gifted singers, dancers, and drummers. It’s a reinterpretation of the Lion King, with a story-theatre strategy utilizing dialogue, tune, dance and dwell percussion to inform the story of Simba’s journey.
It options distinctive preparations of “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Tale of the Lion King makes use of colourful costume designs, surroundings, dancing, and Swahili to current a culturally-rooted twist on the story. Tale of the Lion King is an extremely nicely finished manufacturing–greater than a simple retelling of the film. This excessive power present additionally affords a change of tempo from montage exhibits with one thing for everybody that ought to attraction to the entire household.
28. Storybook Land Canal Boats – Another Disneyland basic. Cast Member-led boats of company float previous miniaturized variations of villages, castles, and houses of Disney characters. It’s a cute, “peaceful” attraction, not a big-budget trip that can knock your socks off. This attraction could seem easy, and it’s–as with Disneyland, that’s a part of the allure.
27. Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure – If Toy Story Mania is sort of a Wii recreation on wheels, that is like an Xbox Kinect recreation on wheels. The expertise is excessive power and enjoyable, with an amusing premise, pre-show, and continuous motion. It’s a tad disappointing because the anchor attraction for Avengers Campus, however it’s nonetheless a strong addition to DCA.
26. Incredicoaster — Formerly California Screamin, this curler coaster has been rebranded because the Incredicoaster, and props from the Incredibles have been scattered round its monitor. None of that is an improve in any method in anyway, however that is nonetheless the very best coaster you’ll expertise in a United States Disney theme park. Ultimately, Incredicoaster is a trip extra about thrills and enjoyable than it’s about Disney consideration to element–however that’s ok.
25. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – This quaint Fantasyland darkish trip goes into the irreverent world of Mr. Toad from the Wind and the Willows. On what different Disney attraction do you go to a bar, declared responsible in a court docket of legislation, die in a truck accident, and go to hell?! Quite merely, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride would by no means be constructed at this time. It’s arguably one thing particular that hits with at this time’s audiences as a result of of that, slightly than regardless of it.
24. Disneyland Railroad – Not solely does Disneyland Railroad have a scene with actual (okay, Audio Animatronics) dinosaurs known as Primeval World, however it has pretty surroundings, and the historical past of being Walt Disney’s railroad. We do Disneyland Railroad greater than some other attraction on this checklist, however acknowledge it’s not a “sexy” trip that can attraction to everybody.
23. Jungle Cruise – A ship trip by the rivers of Adventureland that encounters hippos, lions, and piranhas, and a lot of monkeys following the latest reimagining. The spotlight has thus change into the continuous zingers of the skippers who pilot the boats. If you don’t admire dry, deliberately corny, or self-aware humor, chances are you’ll not like Jungle Cruise.
22. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – With the reimagining, Disney Imagineers took the weakest of the Fantasyland darkish rides and turned it from one thing dated and disjointed into one thing with enjoyable stream, spectacular results, and some magical moments. Relatively easy, however shockingly efficient, enhancements trigger it to leap up the checklist.
21. ‘it’s a small world’ – You have already got an opinion on this one, and also you in all probability adore it or hate it. For us, that is the quintessential Disneyland trip. An out of doors queue and boarding space that takes benefit of the Southern California setting, adopted by the long-lasting (or notorious) attraction that includes the kids of the world and that oh-so divisive tune. While there are some issues the Florida model does higher, we love ‘it’s a small world’ at Disneyland. Plus, ‘it’s a small world’ vacation is to not be missed–an enchancment upon the unique.
20. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – The ‘supporting’ participant for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is certainly not an ideal attraction. The interactivity is a blended bag and a gameplay-centric trip is just not going to be everybody’s cup of tea. However, there’s loads to love about Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run past the sport/trip expertise. The queue is gorgeous, the pre-show is spectacular, and stepping foot into the Millennium Falcon whereas ready to board the trip is arguably the spotlight of the attraction as a complete.
19. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue – This 3D movement simulator montage trip by varied places within the Star Wars universe was lately up to date to incorporate scenes from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and tie into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Those updates have made Star Tours’ story extra cohesive, and the attraction is arguably higher than Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. (We don’t assume so, however the case might be made.)
18. Matterhorn – If you’re on the lookout for a curler coaster that can ship bodily ache, Matterhorn is for you! That’s probably not a joke, and is what drags Matterhorn down from its rightful place within the high 10. In principle, the Matterhorn is ideal. An important monitor format, gorgeous views, and funky present scenes punctuated by transient yeti encounters. Even although it’s decrease tech, the Matterhorn was Expedition Everest a long time earlier than the latter was even conceived. The downside is that it could actually inflict some actual punishment in your again, and we hesitate to trip consequently.
17. Alice in Wonderland – Another Fantasyland darkish trip that was lately re-imagined and up to date, this one takes company into the world of Alice in Wonderland. This is our favourite, and we’re not even followers of Alice in Wonderland. There’s one thing to be mentioned for the indoor/out of doors nature, and it scores added factors for being distinctive to Disneyland. Nevertheless, it’s not as objectively good as Peter Pan’s Flight.
16. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – The latest addition to Disneyland, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway has turned Toontown right into a bona fide land on par with its counterparts. Runaway Railway encompasses a sequence of loosely-connected vignettes in quite a lot of environments, with an incredible vary within the settings.
The pacing is pretty frenetic and disorienting at factors, however in a way, the trip may be very a lot consistent with how a cartoon would bounce round. It additionally boasts an earworm of an unique tune that’ll have you ever buzzing for hours afterwards. Runaway Railway is the following technology darkish trip that may stand shoulder to shoulder with the classics in Fantasyland at Disneyland.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! — Ardent Marvel followers will declare it deserves a spot within the high 5, whereas its detractors will argue it’s a transparent downgrade from its predecessor, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Our view is someplace in between. Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! is method higher than we anticipated, however doesn’t fairly dwell as much as the hype. Nevertheless, the pre-show is sweet, the premise usually works, and the trip is undeniably enjoyable.
14. Space Mountain – A darkish rollercoaster by house with cool particulars, together with a blast-off tunnel and on-board music to boost the expertise. While it lacks the pre-show and post-show attraction of its Walt Disney World sibling, the on-ride expertise is considerably higher (and arguably taken up a notch by the campy Hyperspace Mountain and Ghost Galaxy incarnations of the attraction).
13. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – A visitor favourite, Big Thunder Mountain a rollercoaster themed as a runaway mine prepare on a trip by the barren panorama of the Old West. Hang onto your hats and glasses, as a result of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is “the wildest ride in the wilderness!” There are variations between this Big Thunder and Walt Disney World’s, notably the city of Rainbow Ridge (a remnant from the basic Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland attraction).
12. Soarin’ – California > The World. DCA rotates between the 2 variations, with the unique Soarin’ Over California solely working in March and April (sometimes) whereas the newer Soarin’ Around the World is proven the remainder of the yr. The OG Soarin’ ranks significantly larger than the newer model (we’d put that round #20), which may be our bias in direction of California talking. It’s extra doubtless as a result of the unique is dragged down by distortion, an overuse of CGI that pulls you out of the second, and tacky animal transitions. We like Soarin’ Around the World, however we’ll take flying above the actual variations of Anza-Borrego, Yosemite, Tahoe, Malibu, Camarillo, Los Angeles, and so on. over a bent, completely faux Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and so on., in a heartbeat. It’s actually no contest.
11. Peter Pan’s Flight – Soarin’ Over London & Neverland isn’t fairly as majestic as flying above California, however Peter Pan’s Flight scores large factors for its sense of nostalgia and reimagined sensible units. It’s the excellent Fantasyland darkish trip, with new results and superior upkeep that helps it obtain true suspension of disbelief, and one thing company of all ages will love.
10. Splash Mountain – This log flume trip encompasses a story from Disney’s Song of the South movie, with a fantastic vary in environments, catchy music, and moody environment—all of which culminates with an enormous drop into the briar patch. As with the Walt Disney World model, it options a formidable lineup of Audio Animatronics figures. The solely draw back is that the pacing is a bit too quick, company get too moist, and the story is a bit disjointed. Still, it’s a must-see, and one in all Disneyland’s greatest points of interest.
9. World of Color ONE – The leisure spectaculars are ranked consecutively right here, which began out as a contented accident and was a purposeful determination upon realizing that makes them simpler (for you) to match and prioritize. If being completely goal and trying the troublesome activity of evaluating leisure to rides, this may transfer down a slot.
World of Color – ONE is the Disney100 model of the beloved blended media nighttime spectacular in Disney California Adventure. When it involves the narrative, songs, or films featured, ONE is just not fairly pretty much as good as ‘classic’ World of Color, and falls a slot on account of that. Nevertheless, World of Color – ONE options 90% of what makes the unique model of this nighttime spectacular so beloved.
Featuring projections, hearth, and different wonderful results, the dancing fountains of Paradise Bay current a jaw-droppingly lovely montage presentation of Disney animated classics. There’s no story to talk of and the vignettes arguably drag on a bit too lengthy, however you may be so blown away and entranced by the colourful fountains, projections, and different visuals that you simply’re unlikely to note. World of Color is the proper method to finish a day at Disney California Adventure.
8. Wondrous Journeys – This is the Disney100 fireworks present at Disneyland, which generally contains pyro and generally doesn’t. Wondrous Journeys is a love letter to the historical past of Walt Disney Animation Studios, and makes a robust case for the title of greatest film montage nighttime spectacular of all time. Not simply at Disneyland, however wherever…ever…interval.
Everything about Wondrous Journeys is wonderful, from the unique tune to the best way the film songs are weaved collectively to the present’s arc–the whole lot. Normally, a fireworks ought to would have a troublesome time beating World of Color, however that is no strange fireworks present. Suffice to say, Wondrous Journeys is to Disneyland what Happily Ever After is to Magic Kingdom. Except with Baymax, Blue Fairy, and arguably even a extra cohesive narrative thread. (But minus the large ‘ole citadel!)
7. Magic Happens Parade – The latest daytime parade at Disneyland, Magic Happens debuted 3 years in the past earlier than occurring an almost 3-year hiatus. Suffice to say, the parade nonetheless feels model new, with nice unique music, ingenious floats, and passionate performers. Magic Happens is an bold but intimate manufacturing, with a wholesome mixture of characters from each new and basic films.
It’s actually troublesome to match to World of Color or fireworks, as these are like dessert after an extended day and that is like an entree; as with that comparability, Magic Happens is the extra substantive of the leisure choices, whereas Wondrous Journeys and World of Color are candy and satisfying methods to finish the day!
6. Fantasmic! – The fan-favorite nighttime spectacular that’s been working for a number of a long time at Disneyland, Fantasmic is massively well-liked for a cause. It’s proven within the night, however it’s completely incomparable to different nighttime spectaculars–extra like a stage present blended with a water parade blended with World of Color and fireworks. Fantasmic is mainly seize bag of the highlights from each different leisure manufacturing all rolled into one wonderful manufacturing.
The setting on Rivers of America is ideal, and the Pirates of the Caribbean battle scene on the Sailing Ship Columbia plus enormous Maleficent dragon make Fantasmic a masterpiece that Disneyland regulars revisit repeatedly. If you solely see one leisure manufacturing at Disneyland (an enormous mistake), make it Fantasmic. It’s well worth the effort or shopping for the eating package deal.
5. Radiator Springs Racers — Anything within the high 5 might be our favourite attraction at Disneyland Resort. They are all that good, however it could in all probability be an excessive amount of of a cop-out to rank all of them as tied for #1. Radiator Springs Racers is definitely the very best attraction at Disney California Adventure.
Radiator Springs Racers options an exquisitely-staged darkish trip by Radiator Springs, which is bookended by a leisurely drive and race by Ornament Valley. The attraction affords the very best parts of each a thrill trip and darkish trip, the pacing is ideal, and the visuals are spectacular. All of this culminates in an expertise that’s extremely satisfying. As with the opposite high 5 entries, we may do Radiator Springs Racers repeatedly with out ever getting sick of it, noticing new particulars with every ride-through.
4. Indiana Jones Adventure – Prior to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this was essentially the most revolutionary addition to Disneyland in a long time. Indiana Jones Adventure was a generation-defining attraction and paved the best way not only for future rides, however influenced complete lands. Everything about this thrilling trip is great. The queue setting the tone, the humorous pre-show, and the daring journey aboard a transport car deep into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye seeking unimaginable rewards. As Sallah would (and does) say, “it is unlike anything you have ever experienced, I assure you!”
3. Haunted Mansion – On our Walt Disney World checklist, Haunted Mansion is tied for the primary slot. Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is inferior to that in some methods, however superior to that in some methods. a slow-moving darkish trip that’s residence to 999 pleased haunts which can be dying to satisfy you. No additional clarification or reward is important. You’re residing beneath a rock when you aren’t aware of the premise of the Haunted Mansion and what makes it so particular. It’s unlikely that rock-dwellers are studying this checklist. Then there’s the seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday, which itself would crack the highest 15 of this checklist if it have been ranked individually.
T1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – A revolutionary feat of Imagineering that redefines what a theme park attraction might be. It blurs the boundaries of queue, pre-show, attraction, and places company in the midst of an intergalactic journey. It carries Disneyland ahead into a brand new technology, constructing on the teachings realized with Indiana Jones Adventure for one thing iconic that can change into this period’s Pirates of the Caribbean or Haunted Mansion.
What makes Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance so mind-blowing is very large set items and a slew of how did they do this moments. The consequence with Rise of the Resistance is one thing epic in scale that feels extra like an interactive blockbuster movie than it does a conventional theme park trip. (Read our spoiler-free Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Review for extra.)
T1. Pirates of the Caribbean – If you’ve solely finished the Magic Kingdom model of this boat trip, you haven’t really skilled Pirates of the Caribbean. This considerably longer model encompasses a body narrative (assume Heart of Darkness) that establishes a foreboding environment and presents what’s to come back as a cautionary story. What follows is a sequence of vignettes that includes Audio Animatronics pirates participating in swashbuckling mayhem in enormous and spectacular units of a burning city.
The attraction deftly balances lighthearted humor alongside the dastardly deeds of pirates in what needs to be a jarring juxtaposition, however it simply works. Pirates of the Caribbean is a quintessential slice of mid-century Americana, and with {that a} generally cavalier perspective that has landed the attraction in scorching water (so to talk) with trendy audiences. Nevertheless, it continues to resonate, immersing company in a pirate assault whereas additionally delivering character and emotion.
What’s maybe most fascinating in regards to the two #1 points of interest right here is that each evoke comparable sensations of being within the midst of a film’s filming. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance seems like a contemporary blockbuster with mind-blowing SFX and frenetic power. Pirates of the Caribbean is sort of a basic of a distinct period–considerably indecent and with dated results, however participating storytelling plus a lot allure and character that you simply don’t even discover it’s a half-century outdated.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site lodges in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and lots of different SoCal cities!
Your Thoughts
Obviously, nobody goes to have similar rankings of each single Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attraction. With that mentioned, which rankings on our checklist do you actually agree or actually disagree with? Which rides and exhibits do you assume are overrated or underrated? What makes your high 10 and backside 5? We’re prepared to listen to pleasant and spirited debate a couple of lighthearted subject that in the end doesn’t matter, so please share your ideas within the feedback—even when you disagree with all of our trip rankings and assume this checklist is completely idiotic!