Planning your day at Disneyland Paris sounds super fun, until you see how many rides there are and how little time you have. I’ve been there more than once, and honestly, choosing the right rides can get confusing fast. Some rides are amazing, but others are not worth waiting in long lines.
That’s why I made this easy guide.
Across Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, you’ll find big roller coasters, fun family rides, and calm rides for kids. But you don’t need to try everything.
In this guide, I’ve picked the 23 best rides in a simple way, so you know where to go first, what to skip, and how to enjoy your day without wasting time or getting stuck in long lines.
Disneyland Paris Park Overview
Disneyland Paris sits about 32 kilometers east of Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. It opened in 1992 and is now one of Europe’s most visited theme parks.
The resort holds two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park covers five lands including Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.
Walt Disney Studios Park is home to Marvel and Pixar attractions. Together, both parks offer rides for every age group and every kind of rider.
23 Best Disneyland Paris Rides to Experience
These rides cover both parks, from classic Disney magic to fast-paced thrills you won’t forget.
1. Big Thunder Mountain
A mine train coaster in Frontierland packed with sharp turns, dark tunnels, and sudden dips. Fast and fun for older kids and adults who want a solid thrill without full inversions.
2. Phantom Manor
A haunted mansion dark ride full of eerie storytelling and gothic visuals. It’s slow, dramatic, and works well for all ages. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in the park.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
A classic boat ride through dramatic scenes of pirates raiding a coastal town. It’s slow, well-themed, and great for families with young kids who want an immersive dark ride experience.
4. Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril
A compact, fast coaster in Adventureland with one full loop. It moves quickly and hits hard. Best for teens and adults who want a short but intense ride in a jungle setting.
5. Peter Pan’s Flight
A gentle flying boat ride over scenes from the Peter Pan film. One of Fantasyland’s most popular rides. Young children love it, and adults enjoy the nostalgia. Queues move slowly, so go early.
6. It’s a Small World
A calm boat ride past cheerful, singing dolls from countries around the world. It’s sweet, colorful, and ideal for toddlers and families who need a break from the more intense rides.
7. Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey
A slow dark ride through scenes from the Pinocchio film. It’s calm, easy for young children, and tells the story in a simple, well-designed way. A solid choice for toddlers and small kids.
8. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains
Snow White’s ride has a few mild scares but stays family-friendly throughout. It moves through forest and castle scenes in small carts. A good fit for young children who know the story.
9. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
A classic spinning ride where you control how high Dumbo flies. It’s slow, safe, and perfect for toddlers or anyone visiting a Disney park for the very first time. Always a crowd pleaser.
10. Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups
Spin in oversized teacups at your own pace. You control the speed. Fun for kids who love motion. Adults can join in too, though spinning too fast can leave you feeling dizzy afterward.
11. Casey Jr. – Le Petit Train du Cirque
A small circus train that circles Storybook Land at a gentle pace. It’s calm, scenic, and great for young children. A peaceful option when the park feels too busy and overwhelming.
12. Storybook Land Canal Boats
A slow boat ride past miniature Disney film scenes built in careful detail. It’s relaxing and charming.
Families with young children often use it as a calm break from faster, louder attractions.
13. Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
A walk-through hedge maze filled with Alice in Wonderland characters and surprises. Kids love running through the paths. There’s a small castle at the end with a slide. A great active break.
14. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
A fast indoor coaster with a Star Wars theme, sudden dips, and one loop. Dark, loud, and thrilling. One of the best rides in Discoveryland for teens and adults chasing a real adrenaline hit.
15. Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
An interactive dark ride where you shoot laser targets to rack up points. Kids love competing for the highest score. The replay value is high because you always want to beat your last run.
16. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
A motion simulator placing you inside a Star Wars mission. Different scenarios play on every ride, so the experience changes each time.
Great for Star Wars fans of all ages across the whole family.
17. Autopia
Drive your own car on a guided futuristic track. Kids can take the wheel with a parent beside them. It’s hands-on, fun, and gives young riders a sense of independence in a safe setting.
18. Orbitron
A spinning rocket ride that lets you control your height with a lever. It sits in the heart of Discoveryland and offers good views over the area. Best for younger kids and relaxed family riders.
19. Crush’s Coaster
A spinning coaster set inside a dark tunnel, themed around Finding Nemo. It spins freely and picks up speed quickly. One of the most fun rides at Walt Disney Studios Park for all ages.
20. Ratatouille: The Adventure
A 4D dark ride that shrinks you to the size of a mouse inside Gusteau’s kitchen. Great visuals, fun moments, and suitable for the whole family. Consistently one of the park’s most loved rides.
21. RC Racer
A half-pipe pendulum ride that swings you back and forth, reaching big heights on each swing. It’s intense without being a full coaster. Best for those who enjoy strong motion and height without loops.
22. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
A drop tower that sends you into freefall inside a creepy themed hotel. The storytelling is detailed and the drops are unpredictable.
Not for those who are scared of heights or sudden falls.
23. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
A high-speed coaster with multiple inversions, themed around the Avengers. It’s one of the fastest rides at the resort.
Head there first thing in the morning to beat the longest queues of the day.
Tips for Experiencing Disneyland Paris Rides
A little planning goes a long way at this park.
- Download the Disneyland Paris app before you arrive to check wait times in real time and grab Lightning Access passes for the busiest rides.
- Arrive at park opening and go straight to the most popular rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, Crush’s Coaster, and Ratatouille before the crowds build up.
- Check the height restrictions for rides like Indiana Jones and Avengers Assemble before heading there with younger children to avoid disappointment.
- Visit on weekdays if possible, as weekends and school holidays bring significantly longer queues across both parks.
- Use the single rider line at eligible rides if your group doesn’t mind splitting up, since it can cut your wait time by more than half.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide saves you time and helps you get the most out of your Disneyland Paris visit.
From the magic of Peter Pan’s Flight to the thrill of Tower of Terror, there really is something for everyone here.
My personal favorite? Ratatouille every single time. It never gets old.
If this post helped you plan your trip, leave a comment below or share it with someone who’s heading to the park soon.
Have the best time out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most thrilling ride at Disneyland Paris?
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is one of the fastest and most intense rides at the resort. It features multiple inversions and high speeds, making it a top pick for thrill-seekers.
Which Disneyland Paris rides are best for young children?
Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It’s a Small World, and Storybook Land Canal Boats are all calm, safe, and well-suited for toddlers and young children visiting the park for the first time.
How do I avoid long queues at Disneyland Paris rides?
Arrive early, use the official app to check wait times, and book Lightning Access passes for popular rides. Visiting on a weekday also helps reduce overall waiting time across both parks.
Are there height restrictions on Disneyland Paris rides?
Yes, several rides have height requirements. Big Thunder Mountain requires 102 cm, Indiana Jones requires 140 cm, and Avengers Assemble requires 140 cm. Always check before heading to a ride with kids.
Is the Disneyland Paris park worth visiting for adults without children?
Absolutely. Rides like Tower of Terror, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, and Crush’s Coaster offer strong thrills. The park also has great food, live shows, and atmosphere that adults genuinely enjoy on their own.
