23 Must Ride Disneyland Rides: Discovering the Magic (2023)

The rides at Disneyland are more than just a ride – they’re a gateway to exciting new worlds and special memories. There are classics that have stood the test of time, such as Pirates of the Caribbean or Space Mountain. And then there are newer, exciting rides — such as Star Wars: The Rise of the Resistance and the Radiator Springs Racers — which are pushing the limits of theme-park-ride entertainment as we know it.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park host over 60 rides, the latest being Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The newest ride (coming soon) is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is expected to launch in late 2024. This log flume water ride, based on The Princess and the Frog, is replacing Splash Mountain.

When visiting Disneyland, choosing what to ride can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. So, before your next trip, consider things like thrill level, wait times, and how many guests you have in your party, in order to make sure you have as much fun as possible.

What are the 23 Must-Ride Disneyland rides?

As someone who has been visiting Disneyland since they were a kid and has had an annual pass for the last ten years, I base my criteria on the overall experience of the ride, thrill level, and average wait time. I want to mention a couple of things: I’m not including wait times using Genie Plus (a skip-the-line service), and I’m not taking into account any personal preference when it comes to your favorite movies or characters. I only say this because Genie Plus can change certain wait times, and if you’re a Star Wars fan like me, riding those rides is probably more of a priority.

Pro Tip: If it’s your first time visiting the Disney parks or you’re on vacation and have a limited amount of days, I highly recommend getting Genie Plus. It comes in handy, especially during the busy months.

So, without further ado, here are the 23 must-ride Disneyland rides. To make it easy for you, I broke it up by “Land”.

Fantasy Land

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a fun ride at Disneyland, based on the cute elephant character from the movie “Dumbo.” Climb on in your own Dumbo and make it go up or down, just like it can fly in the movie. It’s a gentle and easy ride that’s great for young kids and anyone who wants to feel like they’re flying. When I think of Disneyland, it’s the iconic photo of kids flying in Dumbo, so this is a must for me. Plus, this ride is usually a walk-on (meaning no wait times), making it hard to pass up.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (15 Minutes or Less)

Height Requirement: None

Peter Pan’s Flight

You can Fly, You Can Fly! Hop into a magical pirate ship that takes you on a flight over London and into Neverland. From the moment you take off, you’ll be amazed by the twinkling lights and intricate scenes that unfold below you, recreating iconic moments from the movie. You’ll feel part of the Peter Pan story soaring above mermaid lagoons, pirate ships, and the Lost Boys’ hideout. This ride has been in Disneyland since opening day in 1955, and every time I ride, it amazes me how well this ride has stood the test of time.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Medium (30-60 Minutes)

Height Requirement: None

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

“We’re merrily on our way to nowhere in particular”.

Based on the classic Disney tale of “The Wind in the Willows,” Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride takes you on a quirky adventure. Step into your tiny motorcar and prepare for a crazy ride full of unexpected twists and turns. You’ll speed through Toad Hall, find yourself in a courtroom, and even head straight into a train. The ride’s whimsical scenes and unpredictable antics make it a unique and fun experience.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (25 Minutes or Less)

Height Requirement: None

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

Until its recent makeover in 2020, snow white’s enchanted wish was terrifying, haha. As a kid, I remember visiting Disneyland Park and having nightmares from the ride. But since its overhaul, not only has the ride become not scary but a better ride overall with some new visual technology. This classic dark ride follows Snow White on her adventure through the forest and into the heart of the Evil Queen’s lair. The ride is filled with vibrant scenes and enchanting music from the movie, immersing you in the story’s magic. From the sparkling diamond mines filled with the seven little dwarves to the eerie queen’s chambers, you’ll experience the charming tale of Snow White first-hand.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (25 Minutes or Less)

Height Requirement: None

King Arthur Carrousel

Another attraction from opening day, King Arthur Carrousel, offers a relaxing ride on majestic horses while hearing classic tunes from some of your favorite Disney movies. Inspired by the legendary tales of King Arthur and his knights, the carousel features intricately carved and beautifully painted horses that go around gently in a circle. Like Dumbo, the flying elephant, when I think about Disneyland rides, this a classic that even Walt Disney himself enjoyed. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll even get to ride Walt’s favorite horse, “Jingles”. Look for the jingle bells around her collar, and enjoy the ride.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (15 Minutes or Less)

Height Requirement: None

Matterhorn Mountain Bobsleds

Hop into bobsled-like vehicles and race down the snowy slopes. As you navigate twists and turns, you’ll encounter the monstrous Yeti that lives in the mountain, along with a few hidden surprises hidden. This ride has two separate tracks that intertwine with each other and end up meeting side by side. The ride got a major renovation back in 2015 that really brought the Yeti to life and drastically improved the ride. Fun fact: Matterhorn Mountain is believed to house a half-court basketball court inside the mountain for park employees to enjoy while on break. In all my years, I still haven’t figured out where they put it.

Thrill Level: High (small drops, loud, thrill rides, scary)

Average Wait Time: High (40-70 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 42″ or taller

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Ready to make the jump to light speed? Climb into the cockpit of the iconic Millennium Falcon. Here, you’ll take on the role of a smuggler’s crew working for Hondo Ohnaka. Riders are given the position of pilot, gunner, and engineer and work together as a team. You’ll embark on a daring mission filled with twists and turns, asteroid fields, and battles.

Smugglers Run is a fully interactive ride that lets you control the Falcon’s movements and weaponry, making every ride unique and engaging. If you have never ridden this ride before, I recommend trying to get the pilot or gunner seat. In my opinion, these are the best roles on the ride.

Thrill Level: Medium (Small Drops, Dark, Loud)

Average Wait Time: Medium (40-60 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 38″ or taller

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Join the Resistance! Star Wars’s rise of the Resistance is the epitome of theme park technology. From the moment you step inside, you’re swept into the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. As you navigate through the adventure, you’ll encounter favorite characters along the way, such as Kylo Ren, Poe, Finn, Rey, and BB8. This incredible ride uses multiple ride systems, including trackless dark ride vehicles that keep riders on the edge of their seat the entire time. The first time I rode this ride, I was blown away by how immersive it was. Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, this ride is a must and totally worth the wait.

Pro Tip: Because of this rides innovation, it is known to break down often. I recommend you try to ride this early in the day to avoid breakdowns and long waits. You can also purchase Genie Plus to guarantee a designated wait time if this is a must-ride for you.

Thrill Level: Medium (small Drops, dark, thrill rides, loud)

Average Wait Time: High (60-90 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Adventure Land

Indiana Jones Adventure (Temple of the Forbidden Eye)

Board a rugged jeep transport and embark on a daring quest through ancient ruins and hidden chambers. But beware! Do not look into the eyes of Mara, or you may find yourself at the gates of doom!

Your jeep will take you on a full Indiana Jones-style journey where you’ll encounter bugs, snakes, and even a rolling boulder. With unexpected twists and surprises at every turn, the Indiana Jones Adventure offers an adrenaline-pumping experience that makes you feel like you’re in one of the movies. I loved this ride as a kid but was also terrified to keep my eyes open because I thought I, too, might end up at the gates of doom. This ride is pretty bumpy but is fun and has a lot of cool, practical effects.

Thrill Level: Medium (small drops, dark, thrill rides, loud, scary)

Average Wait Time: High (60-90 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 46″ or taller

Jungle Cruise

A classic Disneyland ride that takes you on a scenic voyage through the exotic landscapes of the jungle. On this guided boat tour, you’re greeted by quirky skippers who will give you the lay of land while also providing comedic commentary throughout the entire trip. Along the ride, you’ll stumble upon hippos, elephants, ancient temples, and tribal villages. Let’s not forget the 8th wonder of the world, THE BACK SIDE OF WATER! If you don’t know what that means, you have to ride this ride (or watch the movie). All jokes aside, the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland has been providing the whole family with lighthearted, fun adventure since opening day.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (30 Minutes or less)

Height Requirement: None

Frontier Land

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Hang onto your hats because this here is the wildest ride in the wilderness. Climb aboard a runaway train car roller coaster that races through an enchanted cavern, rugged twists and turns, and even through a mine shaft on a wild adventure. Yes, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a roller coaster, but it’s fun ride for members of the whole family. I’m not a huge roller coaster fan by any means. Even so, I enjoy whooshing through the Old West town setting and love the special effects this ride uses.

Thrill Level: High (small drops, dark, thrill rides, loud)

Average Wait Time: Low (30 Minutes or less)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Mark Twain Riverboat

The Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland offers a serene and scenic journey back in time, allowing you to experience the charm of a riverboat ride. The Mark Twain is a steam paddleboat that cruises along the Rivers of America. As you embark on your boat ride, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Tom Sawyer Island, lush landscapes filled with animals, native Americans, and the Disneyland Railroad. I greatly enjoy this ride when looking for a break or a moment to relax. It takes roughly 14 minutes to complete a full trip, giving you enough time to take in the views and recharge the batteries.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (30 Minutes or less)

Height Requirement: none

New Orleans Square

Pirates of the Caribbean

“Dead men tell no tales.”

This classic attraction transports you to a world of swashbuckling pirates and hidden treasures. Boarding a boat, you sail through a series of scenes that tell the story of a pirate haven, Caribbean towns, and treacherous battles on the high seas. From the iconic song “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” and the humorous characters such as Old Bill, Barbosa, and Captain Jack Sparrow, it is no wonder for some parks goers this is their favorite ride. Inside the ride, you can also see the Blue Bayou restaurant, which I recommend trying if you’ve never eaten there.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (30 Minutes or less)

Height Requirement: none

Haunted Mansion

Step into your “doom buggy” as you’re guided through a series of haunted rooms and corridors, each with a ghostly story. The Haunted Mansion seeks its last haunt to join its 999 inhabitants who live in the mansion. From the creepy butler and the singing busts to the ballroom full of dancing phantoms, this attraction strikes a perfect balance between spookiness and comedy.

The ride offers a classic “spook house” feel with its narration and iconic phrases, like “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” I enjoy and appreciate this ride for a lot of the classic effects the ride utilizes. My favorite is Madame Leota’s Floating Head. If you visit from October through December, you can experience a limited-time overlay featuring Jack Skellington and the beloved characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Medium (30-60 Minutes)

Height Requirement: none

Tomorrow Land

Space Mountain

You are go for launch! Space Mountain is a high-speed roller coaster in the dark. The ride simulates the countdown of a rocket ship ready to blast into outer space. As you ride, you’ll twist, turn, and zoom through a galaxy of flashing lights and darkness of space. The combination of speed and the momentary feelings of weightlessness makes Space Mountain an electrifying experience full of surprises. What takes this ride over the top, though, is the incredible soundtrack blasted through speakers in the rider’s headrest.

Again, I’m no roller coaster enthusiast, but I LOVE Space Mountain. It’s the right amount of thrill for your average rider. It doesn’t go upside down, but it does leave you feeling refreshed and energized with excitement.

Thrill Level: High (small drops, thrill rides, dark, loud)

Average Wait Time: High (60-90 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Climb aboard a StarSpeeder 1000 and prepare for a thrilling 3D space adventure. With randomized story elements, each ride is a unique experience, taking you on a journey to different planets (Nabu, Tatooine) and encountering iconic characters from the Star Wars saga. The combination of motion simulation, high-quality visuals, and immersive audio makes you feel part of the action, dodging TIE Fighters, zooming through space battles, and even encountering Darth Vader himself.

Similar to the Smugglers Run, this ride feels like you are in a spaceship. However, the major difference between the two attractions is that during Star Tours, you’re just along for the ride, compared to the control that Smugglers Run offers. Some prefer Star Tours over Smugglers Run for that very reason. They enjoy being able to sit back and enjoy themselves.

Thrill Level: High (small drops, thrill rides, dark, loud)

Average Wait Time: Medium (30-60 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Toon Town

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Board a spinning “taxi” and join Roger Rabbit on a chaotic adventure through Toontown. You’re in control of the spinning motion as you twirl and whirl, allowing you to navigate Roger’s cartoon mishaps. The ride takes you through the quirky and colorful scenes of the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” where you’ll encounter some of your favorite characters, such as Jessica Rabbit, The Weasels, and Roger himself.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Medium (30-60 Minutes)

Height Requirement: none

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

As you step inside the whimsical cartoon universe of Mickey and Minnie, you’ll embark on a zany adventure through a series of scenes. The ride seamlessly blends 2D animation with 3D environments, making you feel like you’re inside a living cartoon. Join Mickey and Minnie on a runaway train escapade, where surprises await around every turn. From cascading waterfalls to exploding dynamite, the ride’s dynamic storytelling and immersive effects create an entertaining and mesmerizing experience. Like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, this ride has set a new standard for dark ride technology.

Thrill Level: Low

Average Wait Time: Low (30 Minutes or less)

Height Requirement: none

Disney California Adventure park

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Replacing Tower of Terror in 2017, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! has been taking riders on a high-powered musical adventure. Step into the high-speed lift, and let the mayhem begin as Rocket Raccoon recruits you to help free the team from the hands of The Collector.

The ride launches into a series of exhilarating free-fall drops, unexpected twists, and heart-pounding escapes set to the beats of classic rock tunes. My favorite tunes from this ride are “Born to Be Wild” and “Free Ride.”

Thrill Level: High (big sudden drops, thrill rides, dark, loud)

Average Wait Time: High (30-90 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin’ Around the World at Disney California Adventure Park is a super cool ride that makes you feel like you’re flying over some of the most iconic places in the world. The ride utilizes a special seat that moves like a hang-glider, and you can witness incredible scenes on a huge, immersive IMAX-style screen. Paired with calm music, riders coast over well-known landmarks and beautiful landscapes. Fair warning though: if you are afraid of heights, this attraction might not be for you. It lifts riders 50 feet in the air!

Thrill Level: Medium (heights, simulated motion)

Average Wait Time: High (40-90 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Toy Story Midway Mania

A game-filled ride that lets you join your favorite Toy Story characters, Woody, Buzz, and more for a friendly competition. Inside a moving ride vehicle, you wear 3D glasses and play different carnival-style games such as pop the balloons, break the plates, and ring toss while using a spring-action shooter. You’ll aim at targets on screens and try to rack up points as you throw pies, shoot darts, and more. I prefer this over WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, but if you’re more interested in Spiderman than Toy Story, you can get the same level of enjoyment on that ride.

Thrill Level: low

Average Wait Time: Medium (30-60 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Radiator Springs Racers

Enter Cars Land and jump in the world of Disney-Pixar’s “Cars.” Hop into a lifelike race car and zoom through everybody’s favorite town of Radiator Springs. The ride takes you on a scenic journey through the desert city, meeting familiar characters like Lightning McQueen and Mater along the way. The ride’s highlight is the high-speed race against another car, where you feel the thrill of acceleration and competition. The attention to detail in the scenery and animatronics makes you feel like you’re really in the “Cars” movie.

Thrill Level: Medium

Average Wait Time: High (40-90 Minutes)

Height Requirement: 40″ or taller

Honorable Mention Disneyland rides

Storybook Land Canal Boats, Small World, Casey jr, Mad Tea Party (teacups), Grizzly River Run, main street vehicles.

Other Things to Enjoy at Disneyland Park

Parades

Parades are a perfect way to sit down and relax while still enjoying the magical world of Disney. As of this writing, the current parade at Disney is “Magic Happens”. Led by Mickey Mouse, parade watchers can experience some retellings of Disney classic movies while seeing their favorite Disney Characters.

Fireworks

Watching Fireworks at the theme park is the perfect way to end the day. As of this writing, Disneyland is showcasing “Wondrous Journeys,” celebrating 100 years of Walt Disney in this exciting nighttime show.

Fantasmic and World of Color

While fireworks are awesome to enjoy, sometimes the weather has different plans. Thankfully, Disney has you covered with two epic “all-weather” nighttime shows, Fantasmic and World of Color. These shows use incredible water and projection effects to tell an original story featuring many Disney characters.

Day Time Shows

Disney offers a wide variety of shows during the days that provide so much fun-filled entertainment and a much-needed break from the constant walking around. Some of my favorites are:

The Tiki Room

The Amazing Spiderman Stunt Show

Turtle Talk with Crush

Paradise Gardens Park Band

Disneyland Rides FAQ

Q: How many Disneyland rides are there?

A: Currently, there are 49 rides at Disneyland and 18 rides at Disney California Adventure Park. That’s a total of 67 rides!

Q: What is Genie Plus?

A: Genie Plus is a premium feature that guests can pay for to bypass the regular (standby) lines. It lets you use a special entrance called the Lightning Lane, similar to how the old FASTPASS Return Entrance worked, instead of waiting in the standard standby line. Guests can access this via the Disney Parks app.

Q: Which Disneyland rides are included in Genie Plus?

A: The following Disneyland attractions and rides are available on Genie Plus:

Autopia

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Haunted Mansion

Indiana Jones Adventure

“it’s a small world”

Matterhorn Bobsleds

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Star Tours — The Adventures Continue

Space Mountain

Q: When is the best time to visit Disneyland park?

A: The busy or peak season for Disneyland is usually from May to December. Also, weekends tend to be a lot busier than weekdays. So, if you want to go when the weather is still nice but it’s less busy, your best option is a weekday in April. However, if crowds don’t bother you, my favorite times to go are in summer or when they decorate the park for Halloween (starting in mid-August) or Christmas (starting in mid-November).

Q: What rides are closed at Disneyland?

A: Ride closure can vary by day as some rides will temporarily close, so be sure to check the website before you go. But the rides that are currently closed are:

• Tarzan’s Treehouse (currently being re-themed)

• Splash Mountain (being rebuilt as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure)

Q: What is Disney Vacation Club?

A: It allows individuals and families to purchase a real estate interest in Disney resorts, providing them with the opportunity to enjoy Disney vacations on a recurring basis. Such as trips to Disneyland, Disney World and Disney Cruise Line.