The Wonderful Guide to Disneyland Rides

Disneyland Rides Over the Years

Of all the parks under the Disney name, Disneyland is perhaps the most important. Disneyland is the park that started it all. It’s the theme park that not only changed the way that people could experience amusement parks, but it was also the park that changed rides forever.

One of the most crucial aspects of the park that Walt Disney wanted to express to guests is that the Disneyland rides would be different from anything anybody had ever experienced at a theme park. He wanted his rides to be unique and unforgettable. In that goal, Walt Disney was wildly successful.

Thirty-three total rides and attractions were released with Disneyland’s opening in 1955, and 13 are still around 60 years later. As if writing this guide, at Disneyland, over 82 rides and attractions are available at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.

This guide will outline the Disneyland rides at Disneyland Park involving motion. In the Disneyland Park section of the Disneyland resort, there are 32 motion rides that you can get on during your visit. Though there are more rides at the Disney California Adventure section of Disneyland, another guide will discuss those rides, which you can find at the end of this article.

Additionally, this guide will discuss the other attractions you can find at the Disneyland Park section of Disneyland at the end.

There is a ton to go over, so without further ado, this is the Wonderful Guide to Disneyland Rides!

Disneyland Park Rides

Ride	Location	Type	Height Requirements	Average Wait Times
Disneyland Railroad	Mainstreet U.S.A	Train Ride	N/A	15 minutes
The Jungle Cruise	Adventureland	Boat Ride	N/A	35-45 minutes
Indiana Jones Adventure	Adventureland	Rollercoaster	46″	45-70 minutes
Pirates of the Caribbean	New Orleans Square	Dark Ride	N/A	30-60 minutes
The Haunted Mansion	New Orleans Square	Dark Ride	N/A	30-50 minutes
Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island	New Orleans Square	Boat Ride/Walking Tour	N/A	5 minutes
Davey Crockett’s Explorer Canoes	Critter Country	Canoe Ride	N/A	15 minutes
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh	Critter Country	Dark Ride	N/A	30-45 minutes
Splash Mountain	Critter Country	Water Ride/Dark Ride	40″	60-120 minutes (Warm Season)/ 5-10 minutes (Cold Season)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad	Frontierland	Rollercoaster	40″	35-45 minutes
Mark Twain Riverboat	Frontierland	Boat Ride	N/A	10 minutes
Sailing Ship Columbia	Frontierland	Boat Ride	N/A	10 minutes
Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run	Galaxy’s Edge	Arcade Flight Simulator	38″	30-60 minutes
Rise of the Resistance	Galaxy’s Edge	Off-Rail Rollercoaster	40″	90-120 minutes
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish	Fantasyland	Dark Ride	N/A	45-60 minutes
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey	Fantasyland	Dark Ride	N/A	30 minutes
Peter Pan’s Flight	Fantasyland	Dark Ride	N/A	45-120 minutes
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride	Fantasyland	Dark Ride	N/A	20-30 minutes
Alice in Wonderland	Fantasyland	Dark Ride	N/A	20-30 minutes
Mad Tea Party	Fantasyland	Spinning	N/A	15 minutes
Matterhorn Bobsleds	Fantasyland	Rollercoaster	42″	45-65 minutes
King Arthur’s Carrousel	Fantasyland	Carousel	N/A	15-20 minutes
Dumbo the Flying Elephant	Fantasyland	Aerial Carousel	N/A	15-20 minutes
Casey Jr. Circus Train	Fantasyland	Train Ride	N/A	35-40 minutes
Storybook Land Canal Boats	Fantasyland	Boat Ride	N/A	25-30 minutes
It’s A Small World	Fantasyland	Boat Ride	N/A	30-40 minutes
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage	Tomorrowland	Submarine Boat Ride	N/A	30-45 minutes
Astro Orbitor	Tomorrowland	Aerial Carousel	N/A	30-40 minutes
Star Tours: The Adventure Continues	Tomorrowland	Screen Simulation Ride	40″	30-65 minutes
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters	Tomorrowland	Arcade Shooter Family Ride	N/A	40-60 minutes
Space Mountain	Tomorrowland	Rollercoaster	40″	45-65 minutes
Autopia	Tomorrowland	Driving	32″	30-40 minutes

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Mainstreet U.S.A

#1 – Disneyland Railroad

The Disneyland Railroad is the first ride you will see when you arrive at the entrance of Disneyland Park. Modeled after the vintage steam trains of the 1860s, the Disneyland Railroad takes guests around the entirety of Disneyland.

The Disneyland Railroad is one of the most historically significant Disneyland rides. For Walt Disney, trains were one of his favorite interests in his life. He built a rideable, miniaturized train at his home that encompassed his entire property, including his wife’s garden.

When Walt Disney began the plans for Disneyland, one of his first ideas was encircling the park with a steam train. To him, trains represented the beginning of an adventure. He wanted the Disneyland Railway for guests to mark the beginning of their own experience in Disneyland. To this day, the Disneyland Railway continues to serve its purpose.

Disneyland Railway Ride Experience

The Disneyland Railway connects to four different stations. It starts at Main Street U.S.A, then travels to New Orleans Square Station, then to Mickey’s Toontown Depot by It’s A Small World, followed by Tomorrowland Station, and finally arrives back at Main Street. On the ride, guests will taste all four sections of the park and journey back in time to the Dinosaur Age.

The train works in two parts. First, the train is an excellent form of transportation around the park. If you want to get to a specific part of the park fast, it’s hard to beat the Disneyland Railway. Second, if you are new to the park and want to see what Disneyland offers, the Railway is perfect too.

Disneyland Railway Average Wait Times

Typically, there is a 15-minute wait at each station.

Adventureland

#2 – The Jungle Cruise

One of the 13 oldest Disneyland rides still functioning at the park; the Jungle Cruise is Adventureland’s main attraction.

On this ride, guided by the famous Jungle Cruise Skippers, you’ll take a boat ride through the jungle while listening to many purposely bad jokes along the way.

Though that aspect remains the same, the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland is much different than the one at Disney World in multiple ways. First, the Disneyland Jungle Cruise has many more scenes than Disney World’s version. There are way more animal animatronics you will come across on the 10-minute ride that you won’t see if you went on it at Disney World.

There are also more “human” involved parts in the ride that aren’t there in Disney World that help the overall story within the ride. You’ll see an abandoned camp and boat taken over by gorillas, a temple sharing a theme from the next-door Indiana Jones ride, the iconic lost expedition on a pole, and of course, the world-famous 8th wonder of the world, the backside of water.

As a tip, you should try out this ride at night. The nighttime Jungle Cruise Experience is much more interesting than the daytime version due to the enhanced atmosphere that only a nighttime journey into the jungle can bring.

The Jungle Cruise Average wait Times

Typically, wait times for the Jungle Cruise are ~35-45 minutes.

#3 – Indiana Jones Adventure

Indiana Jones Adventure is one of the fastest Disneyland rides in the park. The ride is a mix of Disney World’s ‘Dinosaur’ ride in Animal Kingdom and Universal Studios ‘Revenge of the Mummy.’ Since Indiana Jones Adventure opened in 1995, Revenge of the Mummy opened in 2004, and Dinosaur in 1998, respectively, it’s safe to say that this Disneyland attraction is the one that inspired all the other similar rides.

Indiana Jones Adventure Ride Experience

Indiana Jones Adventure is an indoor, fast-paced, bumpy ride that takes the guest on a trip to a forbidden temple. Along the way, you’ll bypass various deadly traps with the help of Indiana Jones while trying to escape the temple’s curse.

The ride can be scary for small kids because it is very dark at some points. Also, if you have a fear of reptiles, snakes, in particular, you will come across them in close proximity, though only for a brief moment (though, of course, they are animatronics).

Indiana Jones Adventure Height Requirements

You must be 46″ to ride this Disneyland ride.

Indiana Jones Adventure Average Wait Times

Wait times for Indiana Jones Adventure are usually around 45-70 minutes.

New Orleans Square

#4 – Pirates of the Caribbean

As one of the oldest Disneyland rides still in operation and one of the most famous Disney Park rides, Pirates of the Caribbean is still as incredible 50 years after its opening.

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland is a much longer and, in multiple ways, different attraction than the version in Disney World. First, as this ride is in New Orleans Square, the outside theming and opening of the ride differ significantly.

Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Experience

The ride opens in a Louisiana Bayou. On the right, you go past the Blue Bayou Restaurant, where you can see other guests eating their meals. On the left, you pass two cabins where you’ll see a man rocking back and forth in his rocking chair, slowly strumming on a banjo. After you pass under a brick archway, the ride truly begins with a talking skeleton head beckoning you forward for the start of an adventure.

Then comes the largest drop of the ride, which takes you into the pirate’s cave. Here, you’ll slowly move through various cavern scenes where you’ll see what remains of one group of pirates until you eventually move to the next scene depicting Barbosa’s pirate attack on the town where Captain Jack Sparrow is hiding.

From this point on, Disneyland and Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean become practically identical. You’ll come across various scenes depicting pirate antics in the town, from a man getting dunked into a well to a pirate getting chased around by a woman and her rolling pin.

Yet the most iconic aspect of the ride may be the soundtrack. Through the scene, you’ll hear “Yo Ho Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me,” one of the most famous Disney Park songs.

Pirates of the Caribbean Average Wait Times

Typical wait times for this ride are between 30-60 minutes.

#5 – The Haunted Mansion

Aside from the outside theming and the queue, the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland is almost identical to the version at Disney World. Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is special because it’s the original, opening in 1969.

Of all the classic rides from the early days of Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion may be the most cleverly engineered ride of that time. With the utilization of mirrors, forced perspective, and optical illusions, the Haunted Mansion becomes one of the most unique haunted house rides you can get on.

Haunted Mansion Queue Experience

The experience for the Haunted Mansion begins in the queue. As guests walk through the gates to the Victorian Era house, they arrive in a garden area that contains a few noteworthy points of interest. First is the Pet Cemetary with gravestones that sometimes look at you. Next, you’ll see a horse-drawn carriage pulled by an invisible horse.

Once inside the mansion, you’ll be greeted by a voice that acts as your guide for the rest of the ride. The voice guides you to a room with no doors and windows and challenges you to find a way out. Immediately after, the room will start to stretch, and you’ll notice that the pictures on the wall will significantly change. A door appears from the wall, and you make your way to the start of the ride.

Haunted Mansion Ride Experience

The ride acts as a tour of the mansion, taking you around various rooms in the house. Scenes include a grand ballroom, a seance room, and an attic occupied by the ghost of a woman who killed her many husbands. Then the tour takes you outside the mansion, where you’ll hear the famous “Grim Grinning Ghosts” song and see all of the other 999 ghosts flying throughout the graveyard.

The ride ends with a warning about hitchhiking ghosts, where with a trick mirror, you’ll see one sitting in your doom buggy along with you.

Haunted Mansion Average Wait Times

Average wait times for the Haunted Mansion are 30-50 minutes.

#6 – Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island isn’t a ride; it’s an exploration zone. However, to reach Tom Sawyer’s Island, you must first take a short raft ride. Because of that, it’s in this guide to Disneyland Rides.

This exploration zone has a few interesting locations to check out while on the island. You can walk through the shipwreck playground and find Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn’s treehouse.

You can see the outside of Fort Wilderness (unfortunately, the gates are locked, unlike at Disney World) and come across a treasure chest full of pirate treasure. Finally, you can also take a dark cave tour through Dead Man’s Grotto.

Tom Sawyer’s Island is an excellent tour if you want to get away from the busy crowds in the main sections of the park.

Tom Sawyer’s Island Average Wait Times

Wait times for the raft to get onto the island are around 5 minutes.

Critter Country

#7 – Davey Crockett’s Explorer Canoes

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes is one of the most peaceful Disneyland rides in the park, yet the only ride that requires you to work to get anywhere.

On this canoe ride that you move with the help of other guests and your guide (the one who does most of the work), you’ll slowly float around Tom Sawyer’s Island.

You’ll hear the sounds of Indian Natives and see a few animatronic animals relaxing around the Riverbend during your ride.

Davy Crockett’s Canoes is the perfect way to get another view of Frontierland, Critter Country, and Tom Sawyer’s Island. Though, your arms might be a little sore afterward.

Davy Crockett’s Canoes Average Wait Times

Typical wait times for Davy Crockett’s Canoes are 15 minutes.

#8 – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Disneyland takes riders through a short ride depicting scenes from the classic 1977 movie of the same name.

During the ride, you’ll see Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Woods as they go through a very windy and rainy day. You’ll also bounce with Tigger and delve into Pooh’s dream of Heffalumps. Like the movie, the ride ends with a birthday party scene.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Average Wait Times

Wait times for Winnie the Pooh are typically around 30 minutes.

#9 – Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain is Critter Country’s main attraction and one of the most popular Disneyland rides. The ride takes you through the story of the Song of the South, where you’ll follow Br’er Rabbit after he decides to leave the Briar patch and go on an adventure of his own.

Splash Mountain is Disneyland’s only flume ride, so you can expect to get wet. A 50-foot drop during the climax of the ride drenches the first two seats in the log, though those sitting in the back two rows will get mildly wet as well.

Splash Mountain Height Requirements

You must be at least 40″ to ride Splash Mountain in Disneyland.

Splash Mountain Average Wait Times

As Splash Mountain is one of the few Disneyland water rides, it tends to have one of the longest wait times in the park during the summer season. Expect to wait at least 60-80 minutes for Splash Mountain.

Frontierland

#10 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is Frontierland’s main rollercoaster ride. In terms of speed, it’s not too fast, but it’s fast enough to get your adrenaline pumping. The ride is bumpy, so if you plan on wearing hats or sunglasses, “you best remove ’em!”

There aren’t any big drops on this ride, so it’s perfect for those who may be afraid of heights, as you never feel that vertigo sensation that some other coasters might give. Thunder Mountain is the ideal rollercoaster for beginners.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Height Requirements

You must be at least 40″ to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disneyland.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Average Wait Times

Wait times for Thunder Mountain are typically between 35-45 minutes.

#11 – Mark Twain Riverboat

The Mark Twain Riverboat ride transports you to the turn of the century during this slow-moving boat ride around the river surrounding Tom Sawyer’s Island.

On this 10-minute ride, you’ll be able to relax as you take in the sights of Frontierland and Critter Country.

Admittedly, there’s not much to see on the actual boat, as it’s pretty empty on the inside. There are a few chairs on the bottom floor of the boat, but none on the mid and upper story. The ride is great for relaxation and picture taking, but may be boring for those looking for exploration or excitement.

Mark Twain Riverboat Average Wait Times

Wait times for the Mark Twain Riverboat ride are 10-minutes.

#12 – Sailing Ship Columbia

Though both Sailing Ship Columbia and the Mark Twain Riverboat accomplish the same simple task of taking passengers around the river surrounding Tom Sawyer’s Island, the experiences could not be any different.

Sailing Ship Columbia Ride Experience

The Sailing Ship Columbia is, by far, the most enjoyable of the two rides. The differences between the two boats are immediate upon stepping onto the deck. First, The Sailing Ship Columbia is a wooden boat fashioned after those from the 1700s. Though the boat is much smaller than the Mark Twain, there is much more to see.

Where the Mark Twain Riverboat is generally empty on the inside, the Sailing Ship Columbia is fully themed and filled with items that make it look like the boat just finished taking a voyage to the New World.

Explore below the deck, and you’ll see bedding, a kitchen, statues, and more. If you stay above deck, you can listen to fun music from the 1700s and hear a themed tour guide explaining the various locations you sail past during your boat ride.

Sailing Ship Columbia Average Wait Times

Of the two Disneyland rides, the Sailing Ship Columbia is the boat to take. Typical wait times are around 20 minutes.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

#13 – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is the first attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. On the ride, you take the legendary ship’s controls and participate in a daring mission for the resistance.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Rider Roles

On the Millennium Falcon, the rider gets assigned one of three roles; pilot, gunner, or engineer. Two riders occupy each role.

The left pilot moves the Millenium Falcon left and right, with the primary role of avoiding obstacles (the most challenging job on the ride). The right pilot controls the hyperdrive and moves the Millenium Falcon up and down.

The left and right gunner’s job is to shoot at enemies by pressing the flashing button throughout the ride (the easiest of all the jobs). In other words, their job is to click the flashing button as fast as possible.

The engineer’s job is primarily dependent on the left pilot’s skill. If the pilot never crashes into anything, the engineer will rarely press any buttons. If the left pilot constantly crashes into things, the engineer’s job of pressing the flashing buttons will be harder, as they’ll most likely be pressing buttons the entire ride.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Height Requirements

You must be at least 38″ to ride this Disneyland attraction.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Average Wait Times

The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is one of the most immersive Disneyland rides with a relatively short wait time for the experience. Expect to wait 30-60 minutes for the ride.

#14 – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Arguably the most technologically advanced ride in the world, riding Rise of the Resistance should be a priority on your next trip to Disneyland.

Rise of the Resistance is an off-rails experience that puts you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

Most of the ride takes place on a Star Destroyer, a massive First Order space cruiser. Disney did an incredible job bringing to life the ship, making you feel as if you are genuinely in a Star Wars movie.

Rise of the Resistance is one of the most immersive rides that can’t really be given justice through words or videos alone. It’s something that you must experience firsthand to understand how groundbreaking a ride it is.

Rise of the Resistance Height Requirements

YOu must be at least 40″ to ride Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland.

Rise of the Resistance Average Wait Times

Wait times for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is typically between 80-120 minutes.

Fantasyland

#15 – Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

Previously known as Snow White’s Scary Adventures and one of the original Disneyland rides on opening day in 1955, the newly refurbished ride Snow White’s Enchanted Wish takes you through an abridged version of Snow White’s story.

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish Ride Experience

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is a dark indoor ride that is pretty short, at just over two minutes in length. The ride starts in the middle of the story after Snow White has already met the Seven Dwarves.

From there, the ride shifts focus from Snow White to the Queen. In fact, the ride focuses so much more on the Queen from that moment on; you would think she was the story’s main character.

You see the Queen spying on Snow White, transforming into the witch, finishing her poison apple, and then falling off a cliff.

Snow White’s only appearance on the ride is immediately at the beginning and right at the end.

The fundamental changes from the original ride to this refurbished one are the added screens on the walls during certain scenes, like in the Dwarves Mine, and added lights during Snow White’s wake-up kiss. Other than that, the ride is relatively the same.

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish Average Wait Times

Wait times for this ride are between 45-60 minutes.

#16 – Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

Although Pinocchio’s Daring Journey may be one of the scariest dark rides in Fantasyland, it’s also one of the best rides this section of Disneyland offers.

Like the other dark rides in the park, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey takes the rider through an abridged version of the story it’s based on in a short 2-5 minute experience.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey Ride Experience

What Pinocchio’s Daring Journey does right is that it focuses on the most exciting parts of the movie, namely Pleasure Island. The ride starts after Pinocchio has left home, is part of Stromboli’s Puppet Theatre, and is singing his famous song “An Actor’s Life For Me.” Immediately after (like seconds), the ride gets dark, just like in the movie.

Pinocchio is off to Pleasure Island, where he and a bunch of other boys are free to have fun and do whatever they please. Carnival music (to the tune of “An Actor’s Life For Me”) plays in the background quickly, disorienting you. You see buildings and rides made of candy and popcorn, the Fox and Cat playing a carnival game, a giant scary-looking jack in the boxes, and a clown juggling. You can also hear children playing and laughing in the background. Finally, you find Pinocchio and his unfortunate friend, who turns into a donkey.

Like the movie, the ride only gets darker. You see boys turned donkeys locked into cages calling for their mama while you hear a whip sound in the background. Of course, Pinocchio escapes only for Monstro to appear.

Then the ride gets significantly happier when Pinocchio and Gepetto are reunited back at their home, and the ride ends.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey may be an intense ride for little kids, but it’s also one of Disneyland’s most visually impressive dark rides. It feels perfect in length and also has a shorter wait time compared to the other rides. The ride also doesn’t feel as fast as Snow White’s Enchanted Wish or Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey Average Wait Times

Typically you can expect to wait 30 minutes for this ride.

#17 – Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the original dark Disneyland rides. Following the story of Peter Pan, the ride takes you and the Darling kids on a flight above the cityscape of London and over Neverland.

On the ride, you see Captain Hook and his crew, Tiger Lily and her family, the Lost Boys, and the Mermaids of Mermaid Lagoon. You also see a swordfight between Captain Hook and Peter Pan on Captain Hook’s pirate ship.

Peter Pan’s Flight feels like a short ride, as only a few scenes exist. The appeal of the ride is the unique vantage point the ride gives you as you fly above the miniature moving model of London at night and Neverland’s landscapes. The black light makes the ride’s colors pop, making the ride feel as if you are flying above a colorful indoor mini-golf course.

However, that doesn’t explain the long wait times you can expect for this ride. Though the ride is short, and in terms of animatronics, it’s nothing special, the wait times for Peter Pan’s Flight are the longest in Fantasyland.

Peter Pan’s Flight Average Wait Times

You can expect to wait between 45-120 minutes for this ride.

#18 – Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride may be Disneyland’s most old-fashioned indoor dark ride. There are no animatronics like in Winnie the Pooh or Pinocchio, no screens like in Snow White, and no unique feature like flight as in Peter Pan.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is one of the few rides launched at Disneyland on opening day. Though the ride may feel dated compared to most of the other Disneyland rides, there is a certain charm to its simplistic nature. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is a window into what dark rides used to be like in 1955 when Disneyland first opened.

All of the characters and obstructions in your path during the ride are hand-painted panels that move as you approach in your classic car. The special effects amount to no more than flashing lights to represent a car crash: all and all, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride feels like something you would ride at your local fair (albeit a very detailed local fair ride).

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride ends randomly and surprisingly. Mr. Toad (or you as you are Mr. Toad on the ride) dies and goes to what looks like hell. Then, a dragon appears out of nowhere and ends the wild ride.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Ride Experience

You can expect to wait between 20-30 minutes for this ride.

#19 – Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is another Disneyland dark ride that is an abridged retelling of its movie. Alice in Wonderland takes all of the good aspects of the other Fantasyland dark rides and utilizes them in meaningful ways.

Like Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, Alice in Wonderland uses screens to show clips from the movie to showcase a transition to the next scene. Like Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Alice in Wonderland also has one of the most creative uses of animatronics in Fantasyland, particularly the marching card guards in the Queen’s Garden.

Alice in Wonderland also is the longest dark ride in Fantasyland. Ironically, if anything, it may feel a little drawn out. The film’s ending happens before the outdoor portion of the ride, which you would think would be the ending, but it’s not.

An outdoor portion of the ride doesn’t feel like it belongs, and the scene that comes after should have been earlier. But, if you want to ride the Mad Tea Cups after Alice in Wonderland, the ending scene of the ride is the perfect segue.

Alice in wonderland Average Wait Times

Overall, Alice in Wonderland is one of the best dark rides in Fantasyland. Typical wait times for the ride are 20-30 minutes.

#20 – Mad Tea Party

Of all the Disneyland rides in Fantasyland and maybe in the entire park, no ride is liable to get you sicker after one ride than the Mad Tea Party.

Themed after Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Tea Party scene with the Mad Hatter, the Hare, and the Mouse, the Mad Tea Party is Disneyland’s main spinning ride made for all of those who are fans of getting dizzy and disoriented.

In your tea cup, you spin around the platform to the Alice in Wonderland song, “A Very Merry Un-Birthday.” It’s up to you to decide how fast or how slow you spin—moving the wheel in the center of the teacup can either make you spin extremely fast, ensuring an extremely dizzy experience, or choosing not to move the wheel, will make you not spin at all.

The Mad Tea Party is one of the few rides in the park that I cannot recommend if you experience motion sickness. But if you love spinning rides, it’s hard to beat this one.

Mad Tea Party Average Wait Times

Expected wait times for this ride are ~15 minutes.

#21 – Matterhorn Bobsleds

Not only is Matterhorn Bobsleds one of the oldest Disneyland rides, first opening in 1959, but it’s also one of the first coasters of its kind ever made. Matterhorn Bobsleds is one of the most historically influential rollercoasters and still one of the best rides at Disneyland.

Before there was Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, there was the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the first mountain of the Disney parks.

The Matterhorn Bobsleds is the first tubular steel continuous track roller coaster that consists of two separate tracks, one facing Tomorrowland and one facing Fantasyland. Of the two tracks, the Fantasyland side is a longer experience by 10-15 seconds.

Matterhorn Bobsleds is an, at times, dark indoor ride that mixes outdoor elements as well. It is a high-speed ride similar to Space Mountain in that regard. The difference between Space Mountain and Matterhorn is that where Space Mountain has more sudden drops and sharp turns, Matterhorn has more rounded turns.

Like Expedition Everest and its Yeti, Matterhorn Mountain is also home to the legendary Abominable Snowman. The Abominable Snowman, named Harold by the Imagineers, adds atmosphere and life to the intricately themed ride. You’ll see the monster multiple times throughout your trip through the mountain.

Matterhorn Bobsleds Height Requirements

You must be at least 42″ to ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland.

Matterhorn Bobsleds Average Wait Times

Wait times for the ride are typically 45-60 minutes.

#22 – Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, in some ways, could be Disneyland’s darkest ride, in a literal sense.

On the ride, you go on a submarine to the Australian Coral Reef, where you’ll follow Marlin and Dory as they, once again, try to find Nemo somewhere in the ocean.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Ride Experience

The ride mixes practical effects like animatronics, corals, and some fish with CGI effects, namely the entire Marlin, Dory, Crush, and Nemo scenes. Though the ride starts very bright and light (literally), it quickly becomes a dark ride.

The lights in the submarine completely go out save for an ominous red glow. You are in complete darkness where all you can see are the occasional character from Finding Nemo swimming in the water. There is also one unexpected jump scare in the ride that appears during the pitch-black scene that’s similar to what happens in the movie.

The ride becomes light-hearted again (and brighter) once Marlin and Nemo are reunited, signifying the ride’s close ending.

However, a fair warning:

Finding Nemo’s Submarine Voyage is one of the oldest rides in the park (originally known as Submarine Voyage). Because of that, the design of the submarine that you ride in is much different than the modern ride carts of today. Each passenger sits directly next to one another to the point where your waists touch.

The close proximity to the other rides, paired with the pitch-black darkness, makes for an uncomfortable experience for almost everyone. The submarine gets very hot and may be hard to breathe at times. Therefore, those with claustrophobia will feel very uncomfortable on the ride and may want to skip it altogether. Also, those prone to sea sickness may feel sick afterward as well.

Still, Finding Nemo’s Submarine Voyage is a special ride that has been around since 1959, designed by Walt Disney himself. For that reason alone, it may be worth experiencing on your trip to Disneyland.

Finding Nemo Submaine Voyage Average Wait Times

Wait times for Finding Nemo’s Submarine Voyage are ~30-45 minutes.

#23 – King Arthur’s Carrousel

King Arthur’s Carrousel marks the center point of Fantasyland and is technically the oldest ride in the park.

The ride was originally built in 1922 and located at Sunnyside Beach Park in Canada, but it was eventually brought to Disneyland in 1954, refurbished, and opened in 1955 on launch day.

The ride consists of 68 white horses, all unique (and named), and one bench (for the disabled) that you can choose to ride. Look for the white horse with golden bells hanging from its neck. That horse is named Jingle and was Walt Disney’s favorite. Jingle represents the leading horse on the carousel, so if you want to lead the pact, that’s the horse to choose!

King Arthur’s Carrousel Average Wait Times

You can expect to wait ~15 minutes for King Arthur’s Carrousel.

#24 – Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, could be Disney Park’s signature ride, as it is the only ride to appear at every Disney Park worldwide, though you can only find the first version of the ride at Disneyland.

Dumbo is an aerial carousel that gives you a ride on the famous flying elephant. With the lever inside the vehicle (Dumbo), you can determine how high you fly on the ride.

This ride is perfect for kids and those who want to take a great aerial photo of Fantasyland!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Average Wait Times

However, wait times are longer than you might think. Expect to wait ~30-45 minutes for this ride.

#25 – Casey Jr. Circus Train

Based on the train from Dumbo, Casey Jr. Circus Train takes you on a scenic but short train ride around a small section of Storybook Land in Fantasyland.

During the ride, you can get an up-close look at an assortment of colorful flowers and miniature locations from an assortment of Disney movies.

The original song, “Casey Jr. Coming Down the Track” from Dumbo, plays in the background during your relaxing train ride.

Casey Jr. Circus Train Average Wait Times

Expected wait times for Casey Jr. Circus Train are usually ~35-40 minutes.

#26 – Storybook Land Canal Boats

Storybook Land Canal Boats is a short boat ride around Storybook Land that gives you a close view of many detailed miniaturized locations from various Disney movies.

You enter Storybook land through the mouth of Monstro, the giant whale from Pinocchio. From there, you’ll come across locations from The Three Little Pigs, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, Cinderella, Lullaby Land, Mr. Toad, and Frozen.

Storybook Land Canal Boats Averate Wait Times

Wait times for the Storybook Land Canal Boats are ~25-30 minutes.

#27 – It’s A Small World

It’s A Small World is perhaps Disney’s most notorious ride. Considered by many to have the world’s most annoyingly catchy song of all time, even still, “It’s A Small World” is a ride that you can’t miss.

Opening in 1966, ten years after Disneyland’s launch, It’s A Small World is a slow-moving boat ride that takes you on a musical tour around the world, showcasing different cultures and people.

The message of It’s A Small World is that although people may look or dress differently or they may speak a different language in the end, we all live and share the same world that, in reality, makes us all more similar than we may realize.

It’s a ride worth trying at least once and may become a staple for future Disney trips!

It’s A Small World Average Wait Times

Typically wait times are around 30-45 minutes.

Tomorrowland

#28 – Astro Orbitor

Along with the Dumbo the Flying Elephant Ride, the Astro Orbitor is one of the oldest rides at Disneyland, known in 1956 as the Astro Jets.

Like Dumbo, the Astro Orbitor is an aerial carrousel that puts the rider into the air and moves them around in a circle. However, instead of being in a flying elephant, you’re in a spaceship.

On the Astro Orbitor, you can control how high your spaceship goes into the air. By pushing the lever located inside your ship up, your spaceship flies higher. Likewise, you can lower your spaceship by pushing the lever down.

Compared to Dumbo, the Astro Orbitor moves faster and allows you to fly higher. So if you are looking for the more thrilling of the two aerial carrousels in the park, the Astro Orbitor is the ride for you.

Astro Orbitor Average Wait Times

Wait times for the Astro Orbitor are usually 30-45 minutes.

#29 – Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Star Tours- The Adventure Continues is a 3-D simulation ride that takes you through iconic battlefields and locations in the Star Wars universe.

On the ride, C-3PO joins you as your group attempt to escape from the Empire. You’ll be jumping through hyperspace, taking you to planets like Hoth and Naboo, under attack by the Empire. You’ll dodge AT-ATs and monsters, fall from snowy mountains, and be blasted by Tie-fighters. Altogether, it equals a very bumpy experience.

As Star Tours is a simulation ride, motion sickness is a definite possibility during your experience. Star Tours is one of Disneyland’s first 3-D screen simulation rides. Because of that, the ride might feel dated, especially compared to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

The technology that limited motion sickness wasn’t there when the ride first was released, so you’re more likely to get sick on this than on one of the newer Galaxy Edge simulation rides.

However, if you feel nostalgic for the original trilogy or prequel Star Wars films, you will like Star Tours.

Star Tours the Adventure Continues Height Requirements

You must be at least 40″ to ride Star Tours.

Star Tours The Adventure Continues Average Wait Times

Wait times for Star Tours are usually 30-65 minutes.

#30 – Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is a shooter-style carnival game-type ride that puts you in the role of a space ranger tasked with fighting robots and aliens.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster Points

As you move through the ride in your omnimover, your ride’s vehicle that you can move 360 degrees, you come across aliens and robots with targets in various spots on their bodies. With your blaster, your task is to shoot as many targets as possible before the end of the ride.

Not all targets are equal. There are three shapes to the targets that are worth different points. There are round targets worth 100 points, square targets worth 1000 points, diamond targets worth 5000 points, and triangle targets worth 10,000 points.

By the end of the ride, you are given a score depending on how many points you get. If you can get 999,999 points by the end of the ride, you’ll get the rank of Galactic Hero, representing the highest score.

For an easy high score, aim for the inside arm of the orange robot at the beginning of the ride. Also, try to shoot only the triangle targets; they are worth far more points than the others.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster Average Wait Times

Astro Blasters is one of the park’s most interactive and fun rides, but it also has a long wait time. You can expect at least a 45-60 minute wait for the ride.

#31 – Space Mountain

Space Mountain is an indoor rollercoaster that takes you to space in this fast, twisty ride filled with sudden drops.

This mountain ride at Disneyland can be considered the main attraction in Tomorrowland. It’s the only rollercoaster on the park’s east side and one of the most popular Disneyland rides.

Space Mountain takes place entirely indoors, simulating a trip to space amongst the stars. Although Matterhorn Mountain is the most similar ride to Space Mountain, the two rides differ in some ways.

Space Mountain Ride Experience

Where in Matterhorn, most of the ride focuses on rounded, easy turns, Space Mountain instead focuses on the element of surprise with sharp turns and sudden drops.

Space Mountain takes place in complete darkness, only illuminated by little lights that act as stars. Because of the low light, it’s nearly impossible to determine when a turn will happen or when you are about to drop, which is a different experience from Matterhorn’s bright ride track. It’s the mystery of what will come next and when that adds to the thrill of the ride, making it one of the best coasters in the park.

Space Mountain Height Requirements

You must be at least 40″ to ride Space Mountain.

Space Mountain Average Wait Times

The wait times for Space Mountain used to be one of the longest, but now with so many more rollercoasters in the park (including California Adventure), the length of wait times is around average with the rest of the park.

You can expect to wait between 45-65 minutes for Space Mountain.

#32 – Autopia

Autopia is one of the oldest rides in Disneyland, originally opening with Disneyland in 1955.

Autopia is the closest ride that still conforms to the original Tomorrowland concept, “imagining what the world of tomorrow will be like.” Well, at least the pre-ride theming does. There is a very future-retro vibe that Autopia has that gives you a nostalgic feeling for a time that never existed.

As a ride, Autopia is straightforward. You slowly drive around a scenic track. However, these aren’t go-carts, so you don’t have much freedom of movement. You can swivel left and right, but other than that, you only move forward on your pre-determined track at a controlled speed.

Unlike in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland Speedway at Disney World, trees surround Autopia’s track for most of the ride, so the ride feels isolated from the rest of the park. However, close to the end of Autopia, the scenery opens to a beautiful view of Matterhorn Mountain, making the slow ride worth going on.

Autopia Height Requirements

You must be at least 32″ to ride Autopia.

Autopia Average Wait Times

Wait times for Autopia are typically 35-40 minutes for this Tomorrowland ride.

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Other Attractions Available in Disneyland Park

Though the Disneyland rides are the main draw to the park, there are still so many more interactive attractions available to visit in every section of the park.

Some things you can experience are:

In Main Street:

• The Disney Gallery
• The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
•  The Main Street Vehicles
• The Main Street Cinema

In Adventureland:

• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Tarzan’s Treehouse

In Frontierland:

• Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition

In Galaxy’s Edge:

• Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers

In Fantasyland:

• Bibbity Boppity Botique
• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

In Tomorrowland:

• Star Wars Launch Bay

Then there are the parades and shows that occur during the day and night at the park! Currently, it’s the 50th anniversary of the Main Street Electrical Parade!

There is so much to do at Disneyland Park, yet that’s only half of what is available in Disneyland. On the other side of the park is Disney’s California Adventure, filled with even more attractions and rides!

If you’d like to learn more about the Disney’s California Adventure Rides, click the button below to continue!