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11 Best Rides At Disneyland (Ranked and Reviewed!)

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Best Rides at Disneyland Mickey Welcome

Planning a trip to Disneyland and trying to figure out what the best rides at Disneyland are? Whether you’re mapping out your park day or deciding which attractions to prioritize, you’ve come to the right place!

Disneyland (also known as the Happiest Place on Earth!) is packed with iconic attractions, nostalgic favorites, and exciting new adventures. I’ve ranked my top picks from must-do classics to can’t-miss thrills.

I have some important tips on each ride such as height requirements, average duration, and insider tips for minimizing wait times.

Let’s jump into the best rides at Disneyland and make sure your visit is as magical (and efficient) as possible!

I took into consideration the most popular rides at Disneyland with the longest wait times, as well as nostalgia with classic rides that will not let you down.

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1. Rise of the Resistance

Location: Galaxy Edge

Height Requirement: 40″
Ride Time: 18 minutes

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the newer rides at Disneyland. It is extremely popular. The line is typically around 90 minutes – 120 minutes throughout the day!

If you want to ride this ride, go right at rope drop or get in line at the end of the day. This ride has some awesome technology. It is almost like an experience because you are walking a lot of the time. I put it at the top of the list because it is unlike any other ride at any other amusement park.

Pro Tip: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Rise of the Resistance

  • Go first thing in the morning: Head straight to Galaxy’s Edge at rope drop (as soon as the park opens). Lines are usually shortest during the first hour.
  • Watch for downtime: This ride can experience temporary closures due to its complex tech. If you see it come back online in the Disneyland app, jump in line right away when waits will be lowest.
  • Or, go late at night: Wait times often drop dramatically during the last 30–60 minutes before park closing.
  • Use Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane: Rise of the Resistance is not included with regular Genie+ but can be purchased as an Individual Lightning Lane selection. It’s usually worth it if you don’t want to spend 90+ minutes in line.

2. Peter Pan’s Flight

Location: Fantasyland

Height Requirement:  None
Ride Time: 2 minutes 45 seconds

This is one of the most beloved original Disneyland rides from opening day in 1955. Guests “fly” over London and Neverland in suspended pirate ships, with glowing night skies and timeless music that make it Disney magic, especially for families and nostalgic adults.

It is a great ride and super popular! It is one of those rides you should run to first thing in the morning! It is fantastic for little kids.

Pro Tip: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Peter Pan’s Flight

  • Ride first thing in the morning — head to Fantasyland at rope drop and go straight here before the lines balloon.
  • No Lightning Lane: Peter Pan’s Flight isn’t included in Genie+, so your only real strategy is timing.
  • Evening option: Wait times often dip slightly during fireworks or parades, since many guests are elsewhere.

3. Space Mountain

Location: Tomorrowland

Height Requirement: 40 inches
Ride Time: 3 minutes

Space Mountain is one of Disneyland’s most iconic thrill rides. It is actually my favorite ride. But it does not rank number 1 because it is not a rope drop ride, meaning you don’t have to run first thing in the morning to ride it.

It is a high-speed indoor roller coaster that sends you rocketing through outer space in near darkness. With flashing stars, sharp turns, and a fun soundtrack, it’s a perfect mix of classic Disney and pure adrenaline.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Space Mountain

  • Ride early or late: Lines are shortest in the first hour after park opening or the last hour before closing.
  • Use Genie+: Space Mountain is included in Genie+, and it’s one of the best-value Lightning Lane uses in the park.
  • Front row = smoother, back row = faster: The sensation of speed varies depending on where you sit.

4. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Location: ToonTown

Height Requirement:  None
Ride Time: 5 minutes

This ride is a bright, cartoon-style adventure where you step straight into a Mickey Mouse short film. Using a trackless ride system, you board a runaway train led by Goofy and follow Mickey and Minnie through colorful, zany scenes full of visual gags and surprises. It’s playful, family-friendly, and packed with clever effects. It is a great example of Disney’s modern storytelling and technology combined.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

  • Go early or late: Wait times tend to drop during parades and after sunset.
  • Use Genie+: This ride is included in Genie+, and it’s one of the most popular Lightning Lane selections in the park.
  • Don’t skip the queue: Even if you have Lightning Lane, try to experience the full standby line at least once — the queue is an attraction by itself!

5. Indiana Jones Adventure

Location: Adventureland

Height Requirement: 46″
Ride Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds

Indiana Jones Adventure is a high-speed, motion-based dark ride that sends guests on a daring expedition through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. With impressive animatronics, immersive sets, and unexpected drops and turns, it’s widely regarded as one of the most thrilling rides at Disneyland.

The ride’s combination of storytelling, special effects, and motion-based vehicles makes it a fan favorite for thrill-seekers and Disney enthusiasts alike.

I really like the Indiana Jones ride. It really is intense and fun! A great thrill ride.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Indiana Jones Adventure

  • Single Rider Line: Indiana Jones Adventure does have a Single Rider line — a great way to save time if you don’t mind splitting your party.
  • Genie+: It is not included in Genie+, so plan to rope drop it or use the Single Rider line.
  • Height Check: Make sure younger riders meet the 46-inch requirement, but it’s perfect for adventurous families and older kids.

6. Big Thunder Mountain

Location: Frontierland

Height Requirement: 40inches
Ride Time: 3 minutes 30 seconds

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is Disneyland’s “wildest ride in the wilderness.” This runaway mine train coaster takes you through twisting tunnels, over jagged cliffs, and past mining towns in the Old West. Its combination of moderate thrills, immersive theming, and scenic storytelling makes it a hit for both kids and adults.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

  • Single Rider Line: Big Thunder Mountain does have a Single Rider line — great for cutting down wait times if you’re visiting solo or don’t mind splitting up.
  • Genie+: Included in Genie+, making it a smart Lightning Lane choice if you want to maximize your day.
  • Timing Matters: Lines tend to be shorter early in the morning, during parades, or late at night.

7. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Location: Bayou Country

Height Requirement: 40″
Ride Time: 9-11 minutes

Step into the magical world of The Princess and the Frog! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure takes you on a musical log-flume journey through the Louisiana bayou. You’ll meet Tiana, her friend Louis the alligator, and a host of lively critters as you float past colorful, animated scenes set to jazzy New Orleans tunes. And yes, there’s a thrilling drop at the end that gives you a little splashy excitement!

This ride blends nostalgia from the old Splash Mountain with fresh storytelling, vibrant visuals, and Disney-level detail that makes it feel completely new. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re a longtime Disney fan or visiting for the first time.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

  • Because it’s so new, rope dropping may not guarantee the shortest standby. Watch the app for lightning lane availability or virtual queue options.
  • Try to book the ride in your plan early, or ride later in the day when wait times might drop.
  • Be prepared for the drop and possible splashes — wear shoes that you’re okay getting a little wet. Wear a poncho.
  • Don’t skip the queue: the theming and story elements leading up to the ride are worth experiencing.

8. Pirates of the Caribbean

Location: New Orleans

Height Requirement: None
Ride Time: 15 minutes

Ahoy, mateys! Step into a swashbuckling adventure on one of Disneyland’s most iconic rides. Pirates of the Caribbean takes you through a lively pirate-infested Caribbean town, past cannon battles, treasure hoards, and memorable animatronic characters like Captain Jack Sparrow.

Its mix of humor, immersive scenery, and gentle drops makes it a favorite for both kids and adults, and it’s surprisingly thrilling for a “classic” Disney attraction.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Pirates of the Caribbean

  • Short waits: Because it’s a slower-moving ride, standby lines are usually manageable — often shorter than Space Mountain or Indiana Jones.
  • Genie+: Not included in Genie+, but the wait usually isn’t too painful.
  • Rider experience: Perfect for all ages, but those who prefer a thrill might enjoy sitting in the back for slightly more dramatic drops.
  • Time of day: Early morning or late evening tends to have the shortest lines.

9. Jungle Cruise

Location: Adventureland

Height Requirement: None
Ride Time: 10-12 minutes

Hop aboard a riverboat and cruise through exotic rivers filled with animatronic wildlife, treacherous rapids, and legendary landmarks. What makes Jungle Cruise truly special is the skipper’s witty commentary.

Each ride is packed with puns, jokes, and playful storytelling that make repeat rides fun. It’s not just a ride, it’s an experience, and no two adventures are ever exactly the same.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Jungle Cruise

  • Timing: Lines are often shortest first thing in the morning or during parades.
  • Genie+: Included in Genie+, so a Lightning Lane pass can save you a wait if you’re on a tight schedule.
  • Skipper experience: The skipper makes each ride unique, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or interact — it adds to the fun!
  • Best seats: Sitting at the front gives a slightly better view of the river, but any seat works.

10. Haunted Mansion

Location: New Orleans

Height Requirement:  None
Ride Time: 10 minutes

Step into a spooky, yet playful world filled with 999 happy haunts! Haunted Mansion is a slow-mov ing dark ride that combines elaborate sets, animatronics, and classic Disney storytelling to create a delightfully eerie experience.

From stretching rooms and dancing ghosts to the iconic singing “Hitchhiking Ghosts,” this ride is both thrilling and full of charm — perfect for anyone who loves a little spooky fun without being truly scary.

I will say kids under 7 might not appreciate the dark themes. When my kids were little, we had to exit before we even started!

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Haunted Mansion

  • Short waits: Lines are usually shorter in the morning or late evening.
  • Genie+: Included in Genie+, making it easy to snag a Lightning Lane if you want to skip standby.
  • Ride experience: All seats offer a great view, but the back row gives a slightly more “floating” sensation.
  • Seasonal overlays: If visiting during Halloween or Christmas, expect longer waits but unique experiences.

11. Star Tours

Location: Tomorrowland

Height Requirement: 40 inches
Ride Time: 4-5 minutes

Blast off into a galaxy far, far away on this motion-simulated Star Wars adventure! Star Tours combines 3D visuals, motion-based ride vehicles, and randomized story sequences, so every ride can feel different.

You might dodge asteroids, escape TIE fighters, or even meet your favorite Star Wars characters along the way. It’s thrilling, immersive, and perfect for Star Wars fans and newcomers alike.

Pro Tips: How to Avoid the Longest Lines on Star Tours

  • Single Rider Line: Star Tours does not have a Single Rider line.
  • Genie+: Not included in Genie+, so plan to rope drop or ride during off-peak times for shorter waits.
  • Best seats: The front row gives a better view of the 3D action, while back seats maximize the motion effects.
  • Accessibility: Motion simulation can be intense for some; riders with motion sickness may want to prepare.

Honorable Mentions

There are a lot of rides at Disneyland. The ones listed above, I think are the best rides at Disneyland. Here are some runner-ups that didn’t make the list but are still great and worth your time.

  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
  • Autotopia
  • Its a Small World
  • Alice n Wonderland
  • Snow White Enchanted Wish
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Smugglers Run

Best Disneyland Rides For Kids Under 5

Some of the runners-up are perfect for younger kids! There are actually a lot of great Disneyland rides for kids in Fantasyland and Toontown.

Here are my favorites throughout the park!

  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway railway
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Its a Small World
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • King Arthur Carousel

Are You Ready to Experience the Best Disneyland Rides?

I hope this guide has helped you decide which rides to prioritize during your visit to Disneyland Park. With such a wide variety of attractions, from thrilling coasters like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones to gentle, family-friendly adventures like Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean, there’s truly something for everyone.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, enjoying the immersive storytelling, or just soaking up the Disney magic, Disneyland offers unforgettable moments around every corner.

So grab your park map, plan your route, and get ready to make some incredible memories!

Here are my top 10 rides at California Adventure! Or need help with Disneyland Hotels or food, I got you!

Join the Community:
I also have a special Disney Facebook Group! It’s the perfect place to hang out, swap tips, and plan your next Disneyland adventure.

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