This checklist ranks all 67 points of interest at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, with execs & cons of each experience and present as we charge them from worst to greatest. Whether it’s a Walt-era traditional 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 attempting to perform is an goal evaluation of each attraction, figuring out how good or dangerous it’s, for what it’s. A experience like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, for instance, might seem like pretty easy amusement park fare, but it surely gives 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 exhausting to view two dramatically completely 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 discovered 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 optimistic. 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 all the things you’ll want 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, that means Toontown’s different rides usually are not ranked right here. We’ll return for one more replace subsequent month following its reopening and, presumably, the closure of Splash Mountain.
One lesson discovered from our checklist rating Walt Disney World points of interest was that if somebody strongly disagrees with an web weblog put up of theme park experience rankings, they are going to insult you. Still unsure why such a listing 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 try. It’s likewise fascinating to learn the reactions as to how different Disney followers would rank their prime and backside picks.
The bigger lesson discovered was that attempting to low cost nostalgic biases was a mistake. It seems the folks most inclined to learn a listing 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, a listing rating Disneyland points of interest undoubtedly must take nostalgia under consideration. Even for a first-time customer, it’s apparent that the fortress park is steeped in historical past and traditions. Even a long time later, that is nonetheless “Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom,” and the appeal and quaintness are half and parcel of the expertise. In any case, classes discovered and changes utilized right here.
67. Jumpin’ Jellyfish — Kiddie “drop” experience that slowly goes up and down. Offers neat views and is perhaps thrilling to babies.
66. Astro Orbitor – Spinner experience 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 title that pushes it up a spot. (Kidding–it’s the fortress view that offers it the bump.)
63. Golden Zephyr — Neat views of Pixar Pier, but it surely has nothing on the close by Silly Symphony Swings. Do that twice as a substitute of this as soon as should you want 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 positive feast at Award Wieners.
60. Pixar Pal-Around — It’s “only” a Ferris Wheel and arguably the most effective 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 stated 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 friends in circles. It sounds easy, however due to the music, views, and breeze in your physique, it has a chilled 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 experience 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 probably 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 faculty factor makes little sense) and the experience is mildly thrilling, although.
56. Autopia – A Disneyland traditional that offers youngsters the possibility to drive by means of 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 experience that feels prefer it was constructed within the Nineteen Sixties, however is definitely (supposedly) fashionable. 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 youths that harkens again to a bygone space. It’s very well carried out, and a terrific place for youths to blow off power. Adults might 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 of a hidden gem. The animation lessons are enjoyable and schooling, and the displays 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 properly 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 experience that feels prefer it’s from the Nineteen Sixties, which is clearly not potential 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 experience doesn’t have the followers or following because the others, however we like it. Some enjoyable particulars, sensible results that also impress, and enjoyable scenes.
48. Sailing Ship Columbia – A soothing float across the Rivers of America aboard what principally quantities to a pirate ship. What’s to not love?!
47. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – After chowing down on a corn canine, fried rooster, 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 selections. Others might vehemently disagree with that evaluation, however we discover it enjoyable and an exquisite 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 means of Downtown Disney on a pleasing night? It’s a elegant expertise; an effective way to enter Disneyland. Riding from Tomorrowland in the course of a sizzling day whereas looking onto Harbor Boulevard? Not a lot.
44. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree – An ideal instance of how an atypical amusement park extra can transcend its experience 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 might not sound like a terrific gross sales pitch for Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, but it surely’s an actual diamond within the tough. Or not less than a evenly broken chrome hubcap within the junkyard.
43. Dumbo – The iconic spinner experience is a traditional and ceremony of passage for all youngsters. With views of Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle, it’s exhausting to not really feel like a child at coronary heart whereas driving, particularly should you achieve this 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 few 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 get pleasure from 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 critically missing in family-friendly darkish rides. Nevertheless, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a traditional Fantasyland-style attraction with twenty first century expertise. It’s not essentially the most immersive attraction and the “book report” fashion drags it down as in comparison with the classics, but it surely’s nonetheless very pleasant.
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 missed, 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 friends in a bygone period of California, and can help you decelerate and savor the park.
38. Main Street Vehicles – Like the Red Car Trolley, however not on a monitor. These vehicles 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 an exquisite play space to discover. Check out the elevated rope bridges for nice views of the park!
36. Casey Jr. Circus Train – This scenic prepare experience provides friends the possibility to experience aboard vehicles or in cages. Casey Jr. is straightforward, however has loads of attraction due to the good views it gives 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 choose the boats, though we actually get pleasure from each.
35. Grizzly River Run — This takes the white water raft experience idea to the following degree, providing some lovely visuals alongside the best way. While I feel the attractive particulars present in Grizzly River Run are nice, it will good to see a bit extra to make this a “next level” Disney attraction. Still, it’s one thing it is best to expertise not less than as soon as should you don’t thoughts being soaked!
34. Toy Story Midway Mania — A 3D screen-based shooter sport with Toy Story characters that’s (actually) additionally obtainable for the Nintendo Wii. It’s a enjoyable game-based attraction, but it surely’s too one-dimensional and never almost 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 friends aboard precise submarines to…discover Nemo. It’s a comparatively lengthy attraction with some superior units and element. However, the wait instances will be lengthy, the queue is extremely boring and completely outside, and the subs themselves are cramped and infrequently odor of BO. We love the concept 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 will be disagreeable.
31. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – Another Disneyland traditional that’s solely appreciated by a minority of friends, however scores massive factors for its enduring legacy. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln incorporates a number 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 surprise carried out in a theater-in-the-round. You’ve most likely 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 forged of round 20 performers, together with extremely proficient singers, dancers, and drummers. It’s a reinterpretation of the Lion King, with a story-theatre method 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 properly carried out manufacturing–greater than an easy retelling of the film. This excessive power present additionally gives 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 traditional. Cast Member-led boats of friends float previous miniaturized variations of villages, castles, and houses of Disney characters. It’s a cute, “peaceful” attraction, not a big-budget experience that can knock your socks off. This attraction could appear easy, and it’s–as with Disneyland, that’s a part of the appeal.
27. Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure – If Toy Story Mania is sort of a Wii sport on wheels, that is like an Xbox Kinect sport 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, but it surely’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 means in any way, however that is nonetheless the most effective coaster you’ll expertise in a United States Disney theme park. Ultimately, Incredicoaster is a experience 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 experience 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 right now. It’s arguably one thing particular that hits with right now’s audiences as a result of of that, moderately than regardless of it.
24. Disneyland Railroad – Not solely does Disneyland Railroad have a scene with actual (okay, Audio Animatronics) dinosaurs referred to as Primeval World, but it surely has beautiful 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” experience that can attraction to everybody.
23. Jungle Cruise – A ship experience by means of the rivers of Adventureland that encounters hippos, lions, and piranhas, and a lot of monkeys following the latest reimagining. The spotlight has thus grow to be the continuous zingers of the skippers who pilot the boats. If you don’t admire dry, deliberately corny, or self-aware humor, you could 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 movement, 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 most likely like it or hate it. For us, that is the quintessential Disneyland experience. 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 experience will not be going to be everybody’s cup of tea. However, there’s loads to love about Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run past the sport/experience expertise. The queue is gorgeous, the pre-show is spectacular, and stepping foot into the Millennium Falcon whereas ready to board the experience is arguably the spotlight of the attraction as an entire.
19. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue – This 3D movement simulator montage experience by means of numerous places within the Star Wars universe was not too long ago 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 suppose so, however the case could possibly be made.)
18. Matterhorn – If you’re in search of 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 prime 10. In concept, the Matterhorn is ideal. A fantastic monitor format, beautiful views, and funky present scenes punctuated by temporary yeti encounters. Even although it’s decrease tech, the Matterhorn was Expedition Everest a long time earlier than the latter was even conceived. The drawback is that it will probably inflict some actual punishment in your again, and we hesitate to experience consequently.
17. Alice in Wonderland – Another Fantasyland darkish experience that was not too long ago re-imagined and up to date, this one takes friends 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 stated 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 collection of loosely-connected vignettes in quite a lot of environments, with an amazing vary within the settings.
The pacing is pretty frenetic and disorienting at factors, however in a way, the experience may be very a lot in step 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 era darkish experience 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 prime 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 means higher than we anticipated, however doesn’t fairly dwell as much as the hype. Nevertheless, the pre-show is sweet, the premise typically works, and the experience is undeniably enjoyable.
14. Space Mountain – A darkish rollercoaster by means of area 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 experience by means of 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 traditional 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 operating in March and April (sometimes) whereas the newer Soarin’ Around the World is proven the remainder of the 12 months. The OG Soarin’ ranks significantly larger than the newer model (we’d put that round #20), which is perhaps our bias in direction of California talking. It’s extra probably 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 massive factors for its sense of nostalgia and reimagined sensible units. It’s the excellent Fantasyland darkish experience, with new results and superior upkeep that helps it obtain true suspension of disbelief, and one thing friends of all ages will love.
10. Splash Mountain – This log flume experience encompasses a story from Disney’s Song of the South movie, with a terrific vary in environments, catchy music, and moody ambiance—all of which culminates with an enormous drop into the briar patch. As with the Walt Disney World model, it options a powerful lineup of Audio Animatronics figures. The solely draw back is that the pacing is a bit too quick, friends get too moist, and the story is a bit disjointed. Still, it’s a must-see, and certainly one of Disneyland’s greatest points of interest.
9. World of Color ONE – The leisure spectaculars are ranked consecutively right here, which began out as a cheerful accident and became a purposeful determination upon realizing that makes them simpler (for you) to match and prioritize. If being completely goal and making an attempt the troublesome process 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 will not be fairly pretty much as good as ‘classic’ World of Color, and falls a slot because of that. Nevertheless, World of Color – ONE options 90% of what makes the unique model of this nighttime spectacular so beloved.
Featuring projections, fireplace, 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 just’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 consists of 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–all the things. Normally, a fireworks ought to would have a tricky time beating World of Color, however that is no atypical 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 fortress!)
7. Magic Happens Parade – The latest daytime parade at Disneyland, Magic Happens debuted 3 years in the past earlier than happening a virtually 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 traditional 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 operating for a number of a long time at Disneyland, Fantasmic is vastly standard for a motive. It’s proven within the night, but it surely’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 principally 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 big Maleficent dragon make Fantasmic a masterpiece that Disneyland regulars revisit many times. If you solely see one leisure manufacturing at Disneyland (an enormous mistake), make it Fantasmic. It’s definitely worth the effort or shopping for the eating package deal.
5. Radiator Springs Racers — Anything within the prime 5 could possibly be our favourite attraction at Disneyland Resort. They are all that good, however it will most likely be an excessive amount of of a cop-out to rank all of them as tied for #1. Radiator Springs Racers is well the most effective attraction at Disney California Adventure.
Radiator Springs Racers options an exquisitely-staged darkish experience by means of Radiator Springs, which is bookended by a leisurely drive and race by means of Ornament Valley. The attraction gives the most effective parts of each a thrill experience and darkish experience, the pacing is ideal, and the visuals are spectacular. All of this culminates in an expertise that’s extremely satisfying. As with the opposite prime 5 entries, we may do Radiator Springs Racers many times 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 experience 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 looking for 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 experience that’s dwelling to 999 completely satisfied haunts which are dying to fulfill you. No additional clarification or reward is critical. You’re dwelling below a rock should you aren’t acquainted with 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 will be. It blurs the boundaries of queue, pre-show, attraction, and places friends in the course of an intergalactic journey. It carries Disneyland ahead into a brand new era, constructing on the teachings discovered with Indiana Jones Adventure for one thing iconic that can grow to be this period’s Pirates of the Caribbean or Haunted Mansion.
What makes Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance so mind-blowing is huge set items and a slew of how did they try 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 experience. (Read our spoiler-free Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Review for extra.)
T1. Pirates of the Caribbean – If you’ve solely carried out the Magic Kingdom model of this boat experience, you haven’t really skilled Pirates of the Caribbean. This considerably longer model encompasses a body narrative (suppose Heart of Darkness) that establishes a foreboding ambiance and presents what’s to return as a cautionary story. What follows is a collection of vignettes that includes Audio Animatronics pirates partaking in swashbuckling mayhem in big 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, but it surely 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 sizzling water (so to talk) with fashionable audiences. Nevertheless, it continues to resonate, immersing friends in a pirate assault whereas additionally delivering character and emotion.
What’s maybe most attention-grabbing 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 looks like a contemporary blockbuster with mind-blowing SFX and frenetic power. Pirates of the Caribbean is sort of a traditional of a distinct period–considerably indecent and with dated results, however partaking storytelling plus a lot appeal and character that you just don’t even discover it’s a half-century previous.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site resorts 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 an identical rankings of each single Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attraction. With that stated, which rankings on our checklist do you actually agree or actually disagree with? Which rides and exhibits do you suppose are overrated or underrated? What makes your prime 10 and backside 5? We’re prepared to listen to pleasant and spirited debate a few lighthearted matter that in the end doesn’t matter, so please share your ideas within the feedback—even should you disagree with all of our experience rankings and suppose this checklist is completely idiotic!