Disneyland. The classic. The OG.
Disney’s original theme park in Anaheim, California is pure nostalgia, and with over 50 attractions, it also offers a fun, jam-packed experience.
With so much to do, try, and see, we recommend a minimum of one full day for this park, but two days is ideal to hit the best rides, the classics, the shows, and the non-ride attractions. A little extra time can be the difference between a churro-fueled hustle and just whimsically walking and taking it all in.
We also get that people need help prioritizing their park visit to-do list, and most people’s priorities are the best rides. So we’re laying ‘em all out for you here.
Heads up: We have biases. For example, we prefer the classic, dark, storytelling rides in Fantasyland over the new and shiny Rise of the Resistance. And while we love Space Mountain, we love Pirates of the Caribbean even more. Many will agree with us, and many will disagree.
Be sure to review our itineraries, look at the map, and know what’s most important to YOU before your visit.
Let’s dive in.
15. Disneyland Railroad
We had to start off with a spin on the Railroad – it’s a classic! These real steam engine trains make four different stops (Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland) while chugging around the park on its full 18-minute loop. We wouldn’t say it’s a must-do if you’re short on time, but jump on if you can or if your feet are tired. Oh, and pro tip? Dinosaur lovers should do the full loop!
Strategy tip: Some stations, like New Orleans Square in particular, can get congested. If the lines look long, know that you sometimes may have to wait for a second train, and that can take a while. We usually only choose to ride the railroad if it’s a short wait and we can guarantee getting on the next train pulling in. If in doubt, ask the Cast Member to gauge it for you!
14. Alice in Wonderland
Although we are admittedly obsessed with all of the classic “dark rides” in Fantasyland, this is objectively one of the best and is almost guaranteed to make everyone happy. Blending original props with newer technology and projections, this ride-through is a classic re-telling of the animated movie with familiar scenes on a colorful, vibrant adventure through Wonderland – all on your very own pipe-smoking caterpillar.
Our favorite part is the outdoor portion of the ride when your caterpillar car is on the second level looking down.
13. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
While it might not be the star of Critter Country, this ride is a favorite for its charm and whimsy, all things Winnie the Pooh is best known for. Hop in your “hunny” pot and take a slow, nostalgic ride through the Hundred Acre Wood to visit your favorite characters from Piglet to Eeyore to Roo. We’re especially fans of the Heffalumps.
12. Peter Pan’s Flight
Are you sensing a pattern? Can you tell we like the classic Disney dark rides? They’re timeless! In this one, board your own magical pirate ship, fly over London, and then whisk off to Neverland with Peter and crew. While Peter Pan’s Flight is a relatively short ride compared to its often long(ish) wait, we find it worth it if you’re a fan of the film or have young kids.
It doesn’t offer a Lightning Lane, but truthfully, it isn’t a must-do. If you can’t hit it first thing in the morning with a short wait and don’t feel like waiting in a 30-40 minute line, don’t have too much FOMO.
11. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Hear us out: yes, this is another classic dark ride, but it’s one we consider integral to a well-rounded Disneyland visit since it’s unique to this park AND an original attraction. Disney history nerds will appreciate its OG status, but everyone can appreciate “steering” their own cars on a spin through Mr. Toad’s wild world (unless you’re very specifically afraid of cardboard policemen). Amirite?
10. “it’s a small world”
Speaking of classics, this ride really needs no introduction. Take a gentle boat ride “around the world” while hundreds of dolls dressed in their national garb sing at you. Jokes aside, this Mary Blair original is especially fun to experience for its original attraction status, colorful art, and impressive facade. Plus, we love trying to spot the additional Disney and Pixar characters sprinkled throughout the ride.
And fair warning, whether you love it or hate it, you’ll be singing the song for the rest of your vacation (and probably the flight home, too).
9. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Watch out for the light sabers and bad guys, because your rebel squadron is going to have to escape the clutches of the Empire in this exciting adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Shiny, sleek, and packed with impressive tech, this Hollywood-level production quality attraction is a homerun with both Star Wars fans and non-fans alike. In our opinion, the ride begins with the pre-shows and for this ride, we feel that they especially enrich the experience.
Strategy tip: If you plan on saving your trip to Galaxy’s Edge for later in the day, just be mindful and check the app for ROTR’s operating hours. It usually closes before the park does!
8. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Splash Mountain is out, and Tiana’s is in. We’ve gotta say we absolutely loved Splash, but Tiana’s takeover is pretty adorable. Bursting with beignets and a toe-tapping soundtrack, you won’t want to miss this classic log flume ride turned musical journey through the bayou – especially since they kept the famous, thrilling drop at the end!
Warning: Pack the ponchos, you can get extremely wet on this ride. If you’ve done the Disney World version, don’t compare!
7. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Time for Toontown! If you’re a fan of those adorable old-school Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, now’s your chance to join Mickey and Co. on a zippy journey through a colorfully animated world. The ride cars are trackless, making the ride experience smooth as butter (until you’re doing the Conga) but still exciting. And while the song is another Disney earworm, we don’t get mad about it – even if we’re humming it at home while folding laundry. This ride is a favorite of ours!
6. Space Mountain
Launching you from Tomorrowland to the depths of space, this coaster is another ride that reaches the lofty “classic” status for all the right reasons. Fun theming? Check. Riding a steel track with all the lights off? Oh, yeah. While the twists, turns, and drops on this coaster could be considered mild, the thrill level is elevated when you can’t see a dang thing. A definite must-ride!
Pro Tip: To further elevate the thrill level, we’re big fans of riding in the back row when we can!
5. Haunted Mansion
What do you get when you combine Disney’s famous special effects with impeccable theming and campy storytelling? A classic headliner. Climb aboard your “doom buggy” for a slow-moving dark ride through the many rooms of a very haunted mansion. The scenes are fun and visually entertaining, but not actually scary. If you’re traveling with young kids, don’t let the name fool you – the theming leans more spooky than truly frightening. We’d still recommend it to everyone!
Note: This ride goes from headliner to mega-headliner between September and January with the Nightmare Before Christmas-fueled overlay. Just know to re-work your plan if this is a priority!
4. Indiana Jones Adventure
It’s dark! It’s chaotic! It’s a blast. The adventure really starts from the queue, which is long but fantastically designed and immersively themed. Strap into your (off-road?) vehicle and you’re off on a wild, bumpy ride through some truly impressive sets to find Indy himself. It isn’t thrilling in a rollercoaster way, but it is wild in a fun way. Especially if you can ride it with your hands off the support bar (bonus points if you can pick your feet up off the floor, too!).
For what it’s worth, a lot of people rank this one as their #1 ride in Disneyland.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
Consider this Disneyland original a sneak peek into the lives (and career pros and cons) of a pirate crew. With the richly detailed sets and impeccable storytelling Disney is famous for, this slow-moving yet swashbuckling boat ride sails you from moonlit coves to rowdy pirate revelry. It’s not only a cool piece of Disney history, it’s just plain entertaining. And to our friends only familiar with the Disney World version, prepare to enjoy a longer ride and slightly different experience!
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Yep, this is taking our #2 spot. Yep, even over Rise of the Resistance and Indiana Jones. While we love those rides and they can be thrilling and cutting-edge, rides like Big Thunder are pure, absolute delight the entire time. This one is classic Disneyland, and it’s such a fun coaster for all ages. Prepare to be jostled and jarred and laugh the whole way through!
Pro Tip: Big Thunder feels like two different rides during the day and night. Our advice is to try to ride it twice, but save it for after dark if possible. Either way, it’s a blast!
1. Matterhorn Bobsleds
Combine words like “original attraction” and “classic” with “exciting” and “slightly back-breaking,” and you get the Matterhorn. A hilariously jarring coaster that rattles you through the swoops, twists, and small drops of Disneyland’s most distinctive mountain, this ride is another one that’ll leave you laughing even after it’s over. Don’t let the mountain intimidate you, this coaster’s thrill level lies mostly in the sharp turns!
Pro Tip: The queue forks into two sides. If you’d prefer a tame ride, ask to queue to the right. For a feistier experience, go left. Our absolute favorite? Riding the left side at night.
Runners Up
Let’s be real – you already know we pretty much love every classic dark ride in Fantasyland. But that doesn’t mean they’re all must-dos, especially if your time is limited or your group has different priorities. A lot depends on the ages of kids in your group and what they’re fans of.
That said, there are a handful of charming, quirky, or just plain fun attractions that didn’t crack our top list but are still worth a look. Call them honorable mentions or just perfect picks for a slower moment in your day, but here are a few more to keep on your radar.
- Jungle Cruise: Another original to the park, this boat ride is full of animal animatronics and the groan-inducing puns we all secretly love. We love riding it after dark (and then heading next door to the Tropical Hideaway for a Dole Whip!).
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish: Classic dark ride with updated tech, this one is unique and entertaining.
- Pinnocchio’s Daring Journey: Kinda creepy in the same way the movie was, but a personal favorite. Watch out for the whale.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats: An “anytime attraction” that is perfect for a slow, gentle break or for a group with kids and tots. Especially lit up at night. Disney sweetness at its best.
Have Fun!
And there you have it: our top picks (plus a few extra favorites) to help you navigate the magic of Disneyland. Whether you’re visiting for the thrills, the nostalgia, or just a really good churro, planning ahead and knowing your must-dos will make your day smoother and way more fun.
Remember, every Disneyland trip is a little different. Build the day that works for you, leave room for the unexpected, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. Er…rides.
And if you need help creating a more organized gameplan for your visit or even figuring out where to start, don’t miss our Complete Guide to Disneyland!