Published: June 29, 2023
Many people visit Disneyland for the magic. But they return again and again for the exhilaration! That’s because Disney is more than just pixie dust and Mickey Mouse. It’s home to some of the best theme park rides in the world.
These rides will get your heart racing and your arms up in the air. Are you ready to get your adrenaline pumping? Here are the best rides at Disneyland.
Matterhorn mountain is one of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps. But you don’t need to travel to Europe to experience it. There’s a copy of Matterhorn right here at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. And, unlike its Swiss counterpart, Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland is an interactive ride replete with drops, turns and even an Abominable Snowman!
This classic coaster is a family-friendly option that first opened back in the 1950s. It has no major free falls and maintains a relatively steady speed, maxing out at 27 mph. So if you want to have a fun time cruising down an iconic European peak, Matterhorn Bobsleds should definitely be on your radar. The minimum height to access this coaster is only 3’6”, so most children will qualify. And, lasting only 2 minutes, it’s a ride you’ll want to take again and again.
Note that Matterhorn Bobsleds has a dip with a splash, and riders may get wet. The experience is more thrilling than scary. But small children may become frightened by some aspects of the ride.
Have you ever dreamt of being an archaeologist? Then follow in the footsteps of film’s most famous one: Indiana Jones! Located in Adventureland at Disneyland Park, the Indiana Jones Adventure ride travels through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Inside, you’ll evade dangerous traps such as lava, zombie mummies and vicious snakes!
This ride is fast-paced and rocky with lots of special effects. But, above all, it’s a blast for the whole family.
If you’re looking for a slow ride that transports you to another world, then be sure not to miss Pirates of the Caribbean. This classic Disneyland staple has been in operation for over 50 years. And it even inspired a wildly successful movie franchise.
On the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, you’ll go back in time to the days when pirates ruled the Seven Seas. The ride has several small drops, but the experience is more about immersing yourself in the set rather than thrill seeking. And if you’re familiar with the films, you may even see Captain Jack Sparrow while you’re on board.
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is a thrilling ride located in the Tomorrowland area of Disneyland. The attraction takes riders on an intergalactic mission to save the universe from the evil Emperor Zurg. Riders board their own space rocket and arm themselves with laser cannons as they battle alongside Buzz Lightyear to defeat Zurg’s robot army.
This is a slow interactive ride with lots of spinning. It’s suitable for all ages and heights. And it’s located in a dark room with plenty of laser lights. So riders should be comfortable with this type of setting.
Are you ready to save Toy World from Emperor Zurg? Then buckle up and prepare for a galactic battle alongside Buzz Lightyear. May the best blaster win!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant may not be the most exciting ride, but it’s certainly the most iconic. This charming attraction first opened in 1955 and has been enchanting guests ever since! Riders can board one of sixteen flying elephants to soar high above Fantasyland. They can use a simple joystick to control how their elephant flies while they are taken through a swirling sky of stars and clouds. The ride brings guests upwards where they’ll be able to see all the other elephants in mid-flight! It’s a truly magical experience in the classic spirit of Disneyland.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is another classic coaster at Disneyland. It’s an exhilarating journey through the wild west of Disney’s Frontierland that will take you down a winding, subterranean route filled with twists, turns and surprises.
Experience the thrills and chills of this journey through an abandoned gold mine aboard a speeding locomotive. As you race around dark corners, you’ll plummet down steep drops and whiz around hairpin curves. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic coaster in the sense that there are no upside twists or airborne moments. It’s a speed-focused, adrenaline-pumping experience.
So hop on board and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure as you streak through Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!
Space Mountain is an out-of-this-world experience…literally. This classic Disney coaster will transport you to the farthest corners of the galaxy and back. The first version of this ride opened in Florida’s Walt Disney World in 1975, with Disneyland getting its own version 2 years later. The theme and story of the attraction is the same; guests are strapped into a spaceship and shot through a winding, darkened track at speeds of up to 28 mph. The coaster features two drops that take riders down a 26-foot incline and several hairpin turns in complete darkness, giving them the feeling of shooting through outer space. Space Mountain is one of the longest-running attractions at Disneyland for a reason. And it continues to be a favorite among guests of all ages.
So buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride through space like no other!
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