The Disneyland® Resort has something for everyone, including a wide range of attractions. Everyone has their favorite rides, some like fast roller coasters while others are more content at a slower pace. Some want to visit their favorite ride first, and some are willing to skip it if there is a long line. We know it is hard to visit the Disneyland Resort® with friends or family who don’t share a passion for the same rides but balance is key. Here, we have compiled some of our personal favorites at the Disneyland Resort®, giving you an idea of what attractions others love to ride.
Pirates of the Caribbean
A ride that inspired one of the largest movie franchises in history must be good! A Disneyland® Park classic, Pirates of the Caribbean® is the last ride Walt Disney personally oversaw. While it might not boast the technological advances a ride like Soarin’ Over California™ does, Pirates of the Caribbean® has been consistently updated over the years, now even including specific characters from the films. The ride creates a sense of adventure the thrill seeker craves, while smoothly sailing through each scene to satisfy the more moderate Disney visitor. The fact that everyone can enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean®, and that it still remains one of the most popular rides at the park, makes it one of our top rides at Disneyland® Resort.
Grizzly River Run
The perfect addition to a hot summer day in Southern California is Grizzly River Run® at Disney California Adventure® Park. Grizzly River Run® is not for the faint of heart, whose rapids are closer to actual white water river rafting than Splash Mountain®. Each boat in the ride holds 8 people, meaning the whole family can fit and enjoy the experience together. Also, FASTPASS is available which is perfect to beat the normally long queues. This water ride embodies the original hope for Disney California Adventure® Park, to appeal to teens and older guests, making it one of our favorites. REMEMBER: The splash warning isn’t joking around, you will get wet on this ride!
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion® transports you to another world, just like Walt hoped it would do. Bringing you face to face with ghosts, the ride balances the spooky and the fun. It even lets you take a ghost home with you! The Haunted Mansion’s® intricate design and narrative makes you forget you are at Disneyland® Park, only to be reminded by the bright sun you face as you exit the ride. While many rides at the resort follow a similar ride-through tour format, The Haunted Mansion’s® mix of optical illusions, animatronics, and fake cobwebs, are one of a kind.
Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror® has been a fan favorite since it was first introduced to Disney California Adventure® Park, bringing a sense of thrill that some thought was lacking at the Disneyland® Resort. Unlike some of the other rides we have mentioned which inspired movies, Tower of Terror® was based on an existing movie. The initial video you watch before loading into the elevators, connects the film’s story line to the physical ride. The ride’s almost perpetual 13 minute wait time is a welcome change during busy days at the park and the instant shot of adrenaline you get while riding puts Tower of Terror® on our list. It also makes it easy to ride multiple times in a row!
P.S. Did you know you could see the Tower of Terror from our hotel??
Soarin’ Over California
Last but definitely not least, is Soarin’ Over California™. This ride is probably the most unique out of either park, sending you on a trip across California. Soarin Over California™ entertains multiple senses as you can actually smell fresh oranges as you glide over the citrus trees. While we have loved exploring California in the past, we look forward to new scenery as the ride soon becomes Soarin’ Around The World later this year.
Tell us, what is your favorite ride at the Disneyland® Resort?
