Is Disney California Adventure the cooler, younger sibling to Disneyland?
While it may not carry the same nostalgic weight as Walt’s original park next door, DCA has its own serious draws. From high-speed launches and Pixar-filled fun to high-risk missions with your favorite superheroes, this park leans into thrill and delicious snacks (shout-out to the Cheddar Cheese Stick at Corn Dog Castle).
The vibe is more chill than Disneyland, but don’t let that fool you—there are still plenty of rides you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re here for the Guardians of the Galaxy free-fall chaos or a leisurely cruise through Radiator Springs, we’ve ranked the best rides in the park to help you prioritize and plan.
And since everyone’s priorities are different, be sure to review our Disneyland complete guide & itineraries, look at an official park map, and know what’s most important to YOU before your visit.
Let’s get into it!
8. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Based on the original Monsters, Inc. film, hop into a taxi cab and straight into the chaos (and charm) of Monstropolis on this slow-moving ride to rescue a certain troublesome toddler. It’s colorful, quirky, and packed with fun little details for fans of the movie. And watch out – Roz at the end might just throw some unexpected shade your way.
Heads up: This ride is sadly permanently closing in Early 2026 to make room for new attractions. Find us chained to the entrance the week before.
7. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Yes, we all love The Little Mermaid, so you know it made the list. Step inside your own clamshell and travel “under the sea” with Ariel and friends to visit the familiar and colorful scenes, engaging animatronics, and music from the film. Packed with Disney nostalgia, this attraction is perfect for princess-obsessed kiddos or those who originally watched The Little Mermaid on VHS. 🙋
6. Goofy’s Sky School
Hold onto your butts! …Wait, wrong park. But the warning still stands. Goofy’s Sky School is a classic “Wild Mouse” coaster—think sharp, jerky turns, sudden drops, and a layout that looks like it was drawn by, well, Goofy himself. If you’re not familiar with the ride style, just take a look at it on your DCA day. You’ll get the idea.
Each car fits two people, and the post-ride reactions are usually split: one person gets off laughing and ready to ride again, and the other is swearing off it forever. Us? We’re firmly in the “that was chaotic fun” camp.
It’s definitely a blast, but fair warning: the seats are tight. Like, tinnyyyy. Consider this your heads-up: you may not love the fit, but you might just love the ride.
5. Toy Story Midway Mania!
This one might bring out our competitive (or petty) side, and we aren’t mad about it.
With bragging rights on the line, climb aboard your ride vehicle and get ready for an upper arm workout to compete against your partner in a wild and silly showdown featuring 4D, midway-style arcade games with all your Toy Story pals. It’s colorful, chaotic, and competitive in all the right ways. Just be sure to look out for those virtual pies (don’t worry, it’s part of the fun).
4. Soarin’ Around the World
If you’ve been to Walt Disney World, this is the same ride, just with a different queue. A longtime Disney fan favorite, Soarin’ is a smooth and immersive 4D “hang-gliding” experience that takes you on a breathtaking flight around the world.
Despite how it might sound, there’s nothing intense or scary about it. Riders are seatbelted into rows that gently lift into the air, bringing you face-to-face with larger-than-life visuals, subtle motion, and even scents to match the scenery. With no sharp drops or sudden turns, it’s more awe-inspiring than adrenaline-inducing.
This is one of the few attractions we recommend to absolutely everyone. Trust us, you’ll love it.
3. Incredicoaster
If you’re a coaster fan, get ready to ride this one again and again (we did it four times in a row on our first visit—no regrets). The Incredicoaster is one of the biggest draws of Pixar Pier, and it earns that title with ease. It blends classic wooden coaster energy with smooth, modern thrills, all wrapped in a fun Incredibles storyline that adds just the right amount of charm and wildness.
And the launch? Dare we say… incredible.
If anyone in your group isn’t up for the ride, have them watch from across the pier. It’s almost as fun to witness takeoff as it is to experience it! Almost.
Pro Tip: Get a ride in both during the daytime and again at night after dark. It’s two totally different rides!
2. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
This one isn’t just a ride; it’s an event. Join the Guardians of the Galaxy in a mission that will send you plummeting through space, but, like, in a fun way. Towering over the other attractions at DCA, this adrenaline-fueled ride is the perfect blend between high-thrill intensity and a killer soundtrack.
If you’re into thrills, this one is a must! And take it from us, you’re going to want to ride it more than once – especially when no two missions are quite the same.
1. Radiator Springs Racers
What’s a day in Radiator Springs without a little friendly competition? This ride perfectly blends a scenic dark ride with an exciting race through a (genuinely awe-inspiring) desert landscape that’ll leave you smiling from ear to ear.
Hands down, this is one of our favorites – and for good reason! The combination of immersive animatronics, stunning visuals, and a heart-pounding finish makes this attraction a can’t-miss experience for all ages.
Honorable Mentions
Obviously, not every ride made our “best of” list, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth your time. These couple of honorable mentions still bring plenty of fun to your day at DCA, especially if you’ve got extra time or shorter wait times pop up.
Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging
This is not your average Ferris wheel! Pixar Pal-A-Round’s swinging gondolas take this classic ride and crank up the thrill (and the anxiety) as your cart sways on a track. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of ride, and if you’re not a fan of heights or motion, maybe stick to the non-swinging side for a tamer experience.
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Interactive and exciting, especially for Spider-Man fans, join Spidey in a mission to eradicate all kinds of Spider-Bots. It’s fast-paced and great for all ages, though be warned: it can get a little arm-burny if you’re competitive (and we always are).
Have Fun!
And there you have it: our top picks (plus a few extra favorites) to help you navigate the magic of Disney California Adventure. Whether your style is adrenaline-pumping, scenic dark riding, or interactive family fun, you’ve got lots of attraction options at DCA to make your day a well-rounded one.
Not every attraction will be a must-do for everyone, and that’s totally okay. Focus on what excites you most, build in time to explore the ambiance, and don’t be afraid to slow down when you need to. The magic comes from making your day your own!
Need more help planning your Disneyland visit? You’ll want to start with our Complete Guide to Disneyland 2025-2026 here.
You’ll also want to:
- Become a Lightning Lane Master with The Expert Guide to Using Lightning Lanes at Disneyland 2025-2026
- Learn the The Best Rides at Disneyland
- Check out our One-Day Itinerary for Disneyland