Disneyland has many attractions, and picking which ones to ride can feel overwhelming. You want to make every minute count, especially if you’re dealing with crowds and limited time.
This guide covers the best rides at Disneyland based on what guests actually love most. I’ve spent years visiting the park and watching what people line up for again and again.
You’ll learn which attractions are worth the wait, which ones you can skip, and how to plan your day so you hit all the fan favorites.
We’ll rank the top rides, break them down by type, and give you real tips to avoid wasting hours in line. Let’s make your trip count.
Why These Are the Best Rides at Disneyland?
Disneyland offers 37 rides, which is more than any other Disney park in the United States. Understanding how we ranked these attractions helps you plan smarter and make the most of your visit.
Our ranking focuses on three main factors: Popularity among guests, overall ride experience, and repeat value.
We looked at which rides consistently have long lines, how immersive and fun they are, and whether people want to ride them multiple times.
We left out character meet and greets, live stage shows, play areas, and walkthrough attractions. This list focuses only on actual rides where you sit down and experience something from start to finish.
Best Rides at Disneyland (Ranked From Fan Favorites)
These are the attractions guests talk about most and return to again and again.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
This ride consistently ranks as the most loved attraction at Disneyland. The show scenes are massive, and you float through detailed settings that tell a full story.
It appeals to everyone, from little kids to adults who appreciate the detail and nostalgia.
The wait times are usually manageable compared to other popular rides. You can ride it multiple times without getting bored, and the experience holds up no matter how many visits you make.
2. Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
People call this a modern ride technology marvel. The immersion starts the moment you step into the queue, and the ride uses trackless vehicles combined with lifelike animatronics and a storyline that unfolds around you.
This is one of the most talked-about attractions at any Disney park. The only downside is that it breaks down sometimes, but when it works, it’s absolutely worth experiencing.
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
“The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” lives up to its name. This coaster got recent updates that made it even better, with a smoother track and sharper effects.
It strikes an ideal balance between thrilling and family-friendly.
The outdoor setting through the red rock formations gives it a different feel from indoor rides. You get fresh air and great views as you race through the wilderness.
4. Haunted Mansion
The New Orleans Square theming sets the mood before you even step inside. This ride has been around for decades, and the interior details are incredible. The hologram ballroom scene alone is worth the wait.
During Halloween and Christmas, the ride gets a seasonal overlay based on The Nightmare Before Christmas. This version is so popular that some people visit specifically during those months.
5. Space Mountain
This is one of the most intense coaster experiences at Disneyland. The darkness adds to the thrill because you can’t see what’s coming.
The soundtrack syncs with the ride, making the whole experience feel more cinematic.
The coaster design is smooth compared to older rides. You get speed and turns without feeling like you’re being thrown around.
Other Must-Ride Disneyland Attractions Guests Love
Beyond the top five, these rides are worth adding to your list.
1. Indiana Jones fun activities
The set design on this ride is massive, and you feel like you’re actually in an ancient temple. The ride vehicle bounces and jerks in ways that make it feel more intense than a typical dark ride.
This is a Disneyland exclusive. You can’t ride this exact version at any other Disney park, which makes it special.
2. Matterhorn Bobsleds
This was Disneyland’s first roller coaster, and it’s still running today. The mountain is an icon of the park, and it has dual tracks, which means two separate ride experiences.
The coaster is rougher than modern rides, but that’s part of its charm. It feels like a piece of history with mountain theming that makes it memorable.
3. Peter Pan’s Flight
This ride has some of the longest wait times in the park, and people still line up for it. The flying effect is simple but works incredibly well as you glide over miniature scenes of London and Neverland.
It captures classic Disney magic in a way few other rides do. The wait can be brutal, but most people agree it’s worth experiencing at least once per visit.
4. It’s a small world
The facade is one of the most photographed spots at Disneyland. Inside, you float through room after room of detailed scenes representing different cultures, and the song is catchy even if it gets stuck in your head.
People debate whether they love it or find it annoying, but almost everyone rides it at least once. It’s iconic and actually pretty impressive when you pay attention to the craftsmanship.
Best Disneyland Rides by Ride Type
Grouping attractions by category helps you plan based on who’s in your group and what you’re in the mood for.
1. Best Thrill Rides at Disneyland
If you want adrenaline, focus on these. Space Mountain delivers speed and darkness. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad combines outdoor scenery with coaster fun.
Indiana Jones’ fun activities add intensity through motion and effects rather than big drops. Matterhorn Bobsleds offers a classic coaster experience with mountain theming.
2. Best Family-Friendly Rides
These work for all ages. Pirates of the Caribbean is gentle but engaging. Haunted Mansion might spook very young kids, but it’s not too scary for most.
It’s a small world, and it’s calm and colorful. Alice in Wonderland takes you through whimsical scenes without any real scares or thrills.
3. Best Immersive & Story-Driven Rides
For rides that tell a story and pull you in, these three stand out. Rise of the Resistance is the most technologically advanced and immersive attraction at Disneyland.
Pirates of the Caribbean uses scale and detail to create its world. Indiana Jones’ fun activities make you feel like you’re in the middle of a movie scene.
Least Popular Disneyland Rides (Worth Skipping If Short on Time)
Not every attraction is worth the time investment, especially on a busy day. Some rides consistently rank lower with guests, and knowing which ones to skip can save you hours.
Here’s what most people agree isn’t worth a long wait.
- Autopia: This lets you drive a slow car on a track. It often has long waits for what feels like a short, simple ride that adults usually find boring.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A classic spinner ride where you wait a long time for a ride that lasts about 90 seconds and doesn’t do much beyond spinning in circles.
- Gadget’s Go Coaster: A small coaster designed for younger kids that’s over in less than a minute. Don’t wait 30 minutes for something this short.
- Dated theming: The theming feels minimal compared to newer attractions, and the ride experience itself is basic, with not much to see or feel.
- Worth riding if: You have young children who specifically want to ride them, you’re chasing nostalgia, or the wait is under 10 minutes, and you have time to spare.
How to Ride the Best Rides at Disneyland With Less Wait?
Smart planning can save you hours and let you experience more attractions. Knowing when to ride, which lines to skip, and how to move through the park efficiently makes all the difference. Here’s how to maximize your time.
- Early morning strategy: Arrive before the park officially opens and hit the most popular rides first, like Rise of the Resistance or Space Mountain, when lines are shortest. Late-night advantage: Many families leave after dinner, so the last two hours before closing often have shorter waits for rides like Pirates and Haunted Mansion.
- Lightning Lane priority: Buy Lightning Lane for rides with hour-plus waits like Rise of the Resistance, Space Mountain, and Indiana Jones fun activities to skip standby lines.
- Standby works too: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World move people through quickly, so save your money and use standby for these.
- Group by location: Start in one area and work your way around the park in a loop to avoid crisscrossing all day, which saves time and energy.
Conclusion
Disneyland has so many great rides that it’s hard to fit them all into one visit. I always make sure to hit Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain, no matter how many times I’ve been. Those two never get old for me.
The best rides at Disneyland are the ones that make you want to get back in line immediately. Focus on the fan favorites, skip the time-wasters, and don’t stress if you can’t do everything.
The key is planning smart and staying flexible. If a ride breaks down or the line is too long, move on to something else. You’ll have a solid trip if you follow this guide and trust your instincts. Drop a comment below about which ride is your number one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one ride at Disneyland?
Pirates of the Caribbean consistently ranks as the most loved ride. It has massive scenes, appeals to all ages, and people want to ride it multiple times. The wait times are usually manageable, too.
Which Disneyland ride has the longest wait times?
Rise of the Resistance and Peter Pan’s Flight often have the longest waits. Rise of the Resistance can hit two hours or more. Peter Pan stays busy all day despite being a short ride.
Are there any rides at Disneyland worth skipping?
Autopia, Dumbo, and Gadget’s Go Coaster rank lower with most guests. Long waits for short, basic experiences make them easy to skip if you’re tight on time. Ride them only if the lines are short.
What is the best thrill ride at Disneyland?
Space Mountain takes the top spot for intensity. It’s fast, dark, and smooth. Big Thunder Mountain and Indiana Jones fun activities are close seconds for guests who want thrills without going upside down.
How can I ride more attractions at Disneyland in one day?
Get there early and hit popular rides first thing. Use Lightning Lane for high-demand attractions. Group rides by location to avoid backtracking. Stay late since crowds thin out after dinner.
