One of my favorite aspects of the Disneyland Resort is the high density of attractions packed into just two parks. There are far too many cool rides and shows to mention in a ranked list, especially one that only includes 20 picks. Regardless, I’m taking a shot at ranking my favorite attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Even in this expanded rankings, there are some big attractions that missed the cut!
Our family visited Disneyland over Memorial Day weekend in 2023, so I was able to fill in a few gaps with newer attractions. I then caught up with even more in my quick solo trip in February 2026. I just have a few remaining blind spots, mostly carnival rides at DCA. Since I want to credit the choices that just missed this list, I’ll add some honorable mentions at the bottom of this post. I’ve also included a second Top 10 from my daughter Etta from 2023 when she was 10 years old. It’s interesting to look back at what she enjoyed three years ago. Let’s dive into my rankings!
20. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
When the Great Movie Ride closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2017, its replacement was going to face a huge challenge with longtime fans. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a cool trackless ride, but it still felt weird inside the Chinese Theatre replica. Thankfully, the charming attraction has grown on me, and it works even better in Mickey’s Toon Town at Disneyland. The El CapiTOON Theater includes many fun Easter Eggs inside the well-themed queue.
The attraction itself shines on repeat rides because you catch so many gags in each room. One reason is that each trackless vehicle focuses on a different place inside the scene. There’s also just a lot of insanity happening in the background of the main story. Characters like Pluto are basically having their own adventure apart from Mickey and Minnie. Runaway Railway makes excellent use of the trackless ride system because there’s so much to see. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a catchy theme song!
19. The Sailing Ship Columbia
Frontierland plays a larger role at Disneyland, especially with the Magic Kingdom no longer having a Rivers of America (RIP). I love the chance to take a break and enjoy a leisurely boat ride; you can see so much during this journey. I could easily choose the Mark Twain in this spot; I’m giving the slight edge to the Sailing Ship Columbia because of its open-air perspective. Opening in 1958, this full-size replica of the Columbia Rediviva is one of the coolest experiences at Disneyland.
My only disappointment is that the Columbia only operates seasonally. It wasn’t open on my last visit in February. When both the Columbia and Mark Twain are operating together, it’s cool to see everything happening on the Rivers of America. You also have great views of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, and a lot more. It’s the perfect old-man ride! You’re still experiencing Disneyland but have a chance to escape the chaos for a half hour.
18. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
The original Star Tours was a revelation when I first experienced it in the early ‘90s. We typically visited Walt Disney World, so I only rode that version at the Disney/MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios). I wasn’t sure what to expect when Disney released “The Adventure Continues” in 2011 on both coasts; I was not disappointed. I enjoy the way the update expands on the initial ride’s premise. You went from having the same experience every time to the possibility of 54 different variations at the start. It represents the best example of what’s possible with a screen-based attraction.
I love that Disney has continued to update Star Tours with new planets and characters. You can now see Mando and Grogu, Ahsoka, and Cassian Andor in the mix with classic heroes like Princess Leia and Admiral Ackbar. Every ride includes an opening segment, first planet, holographic character, and second planet. With planets included from the prequels, original trilogy, recent sequels, and more, there are hundred of possibilities. I also enjoy having the Disneyland Star Tours in Tomorrowland right near Main Street. It’s easy to grab multiple rides on each trip. I hope that Disney keeps updating Star Tours well into the future; we have Galaxy’s Edge, but it’s hard to have more fun with Star Wars than this ride.
17. WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-man Adventure
When Disney announced that a Spider-man attraction would be part of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, I had my reservations. How could they top the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure? I also wasn’t excited that it would largely be screen-based. It took a few rides for it to really grab me, but WEB SLINGERS is just pure fun. I can’t get enough of swinging my arms around crazily and trying to stop the hordes of Spider-Bots!
It’s great to have Tom Holland involved in this attraction; he leads the pre-show to explain the premise. Nothing feels too serious about WEB SLINGERS; something goes wrong, but it’s just an excuse to let us spin webs and save the day. I love seeing videos of riders swinging their arms madly everywhere. There’s no way to avoid looking ridiculous! There are also a lot of MCU references and Easter Eggs hidden in each room. It’s just a blast each time, and WEB SLINGERS will have less crowd pressure once the new Avengers Campus attractions open. It will work perfectly as a complementary attraction and provide silly rides for a long time.
16. “it’s a small world”
I’ve never understood why there is so much hate for such a charming little boat ride. The criticisms typically focus on the repetitive song, but each room doesn’t contain the same version. Instead, the Sherman Brothers’ classic tune plays in different languages based on the region you visit. It’s only at the end that we experience it in English. I think a lot of memories are from sitting in the last room (especially in Florida) and getting stuck behind other boats while the song plays repeatedly.
Disneyland also benefits from the outdoor section, which adds a larger scope thanks to the attractive facade. The building looks amazing (especially when lit up at night), and the experience of boarding outside and slowly meandering into the ride adds a relaxing vibe. I also love the historical aspect with “it’s a small world” going back to the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. Disneyland does have the Disney characters, but they’re inserted mostly with grace and fit within the ride. I don’t think they add much, but it’s still fun for some guests to see familiar characters. It’s also cool to have the new verse written by Richard Sherman now playing at the end. It’s a true Disney gem!
15. Peter Pan’s Flight
You can’t go wrong with this classic Disney dark ride, and the Disneyland version soars above its Florida counterpart. The 2015 updates for the 60th anniversary included new effects and figures, and they make a huge difference. The ride system is already great; you can’t beat flying over London for a classic Disney moment. But it’s the added touches that lift this version into my Top 20.
Peter Pan’s Flight remains extremely popular, and there’s a rush every day at rope drop to ride it first. I did this exact thing in my recent Disneyland solo trip in February 2026. It’s the perfect way to start your day in a Fantasyland with so much to offer. There are so many classic dark rides there including Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and the creepy Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. Peter Pan isn’t one of my favorite Disney animated films, but I love this dark ride especially at Disneyland.
14. Soarin’ Around the World
This choice is tricky because I’d rank this second version of Soarin’ well below the original California version. Even so, I suspect it will return to Disney California Adventure as the permanent resident after Soarin’ Across America completes its initial run. You can easily focus on what doesn’t work with Soarin’ Around the World. There’s too much CGI, awkward transitions, and the bendy (though slightly less now) Eiffel Tower. But that approach would ignore what still is amazing even in this version.
Soarin’ Around the World opens with an incredible shot of the actual Matterhorn; it’s hard not to gasp every time I see it. Bruce Broughton’s score is excellent and ties more directly into the specific scene. For example, the energetic Great Wall of China sequence includes music that connects to that moment. The ride system works perfectly, and moments from around the world still shine. I love the powerful sequence near the end at Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil. It can’t match the perfection of Soarin’ Over California (which should be at DCA), but I still enjoy this solid version.
13. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Let’s continue our brief stop at DCA with this surprising re-do of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. I’ll admit that I didn’t love having the Guardians of the Galaxy replace the Tower, even one without the 5th Dimension sequence. It seemed like they deserved their own attraction versus an overlay, but I understand the reasons for it. Disney wanted to get their popular characters into the parks quicker and aligned to the release of the second Guardians’ film. The end result is so much better than I expected and very different from the creepy Tower.
What stands out immediately from the first blast upwards is the heightened intensity. The drop tower basically becomes a Pogo stick with us bouncing up and down to the music. This sense of fun matches what you’d expect in the Guardians’ world. This isn’t the creepy, foreboding atmosphere of the Twilight Zone. Instead, you’re along for the ride and can only hold on while chaos takes over. I enjoyed Mission: BREAKOUT! even more on repeat rides when I knew what to expect. I was able to just enjoy the insanity and appreciate such a successful overlay. The queue and pre-show (with an excellent Rocket Raccoon animatronic) set the stage perfectly. I could see this moving up my list in the future.
12. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
You’ll notice that history will play a big role here; it’s difficult to separate a park like Disneyland from its classic attractions. There’s a cooler vibe to the Enchanted Tiki Room in California that the solid version in Florida can’t match. I love the way it’s tucked right near the entrance to Adventureland, and the pre-show with the Tiki gods sets the right tone. The Tiki Juice Bar and Tropical Hideaway nearby also give you a chance to pick up a Dole Whip and enjoy it during the show. What a concept!
The communal atmosphere from the guests inside the Tiki Room also feels stronger at Disneyland. Many have been visiting this show during most (if not all) of their lifetimes. The first Audio-Animatronics appeared here in 1963, and the show still looks great 60 years later. When you add that history to the relaxing vibe during the show, you can’t get much better than the Tiki Room!
11. The Jungle Cruise
We continue our journey through Disneyland’s past to an opening day attraction with The Jungle Cruise. This joke-filled boat ride has changed many times from the serious original trip into the wilderness. It’s now all about the Jungle Cruise Skipper, who inspires constant groans during a pun-filled spiel. The Imagineers have done an excellent job upgrading the attraction, particularly with the most recent changes. The current version removes unfortunate cultural depictions and seems fresher.
My appreciation for The Jungle Cruise has grown a lot in recent years. I love having a live narrator that can greatly impact your enjoyment on each ride. The best Skippers are able to draw big laughs even while saying the worst jokes imaginable. This type of direct cast member interaction is less common today as rides like the Great Movie Ride and Backlot Tour have closed. The Jungle Cruise remains the top example of this type of attraction, and it keeps getting more popular despite being nearly 70 years old.
10. Matterhorn Bobsleds
I finally got the chance to ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds this year (!!!) on my solo trip in February. The reason it took this long is because my trips kept coinciding with refurbishments. That happened at least three different times, so I was relieved to finally ride this fun coaster. I’d heard it was super rough, but that wasn’t my experience at all. Yes, you can feel the moves around the track from the single-file vehicles, but this is nothing compared to painful coasters like The Boss or Demon. I appreciate that the Matterhorn has some bite to it, especially on the Tomorrowland side.
I’m ranking the two versions as just one attraction here because they aren’t that different. The Fantasyland side feels a little tamer and doesn’t seem as out of control, but many elements are similar. Both take you inside the mountain setting and face to face with “Harold” the Abominable Snowman. Similar to Peter Pan, the Matterhorn received cool updates for Disneyland’s 60th with new effects and updated animatronics. The world’s first tubular coaster has never looked better, and I loved the chance to ride it a lot to make up for lost time.
9. Disneyland Railroad
Here’s one more entry in our journey into Disneyland’s early days. Theme parks can never go wrong with having a railroad, and you can’t get better than this classic. What I love about the Disneyland Railroad is the change to get a different perspective on the park away from the crowds. You can sit back and just enjoy the ambience without thinking about rushing to the next attraction.
Another reason I love the Disneyland Railroad is the bonus scenes between the Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. stations. The Grand Canyon and Primeval World dioramas provide scenes on par with classic attractions. The Grand Canyon was added in 1958, with the Primeval World arriving in 1966 and incorporating parts of the Ford Magic Skyway from the 1964-65 World’s Fair. Both reflect what I love about Disney theme parks and conclude our grand circle tour perfectly.
8. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
My February trip was also my first time riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and I was nervous due to weather below 60 degrees. The Disneyland version is a soaker, but I lucked out and rode behind a large guy who looked like a football player. It was a cool night ride that solidified how great a job the Imagineers did with this Splash Mountain replacement. I adore log flumes, so there’s a good chance Tiana’s will rise in my rankings with more rides. It’s charming and includes nearly constant activity from both sophisticated animatronics and clever screens.
I’ve heard the figures can be a little shaky, but I think that’s mostly an issue in Florida. Every character looked to be moving right on Tiana’s during my ride. The vibrant atmosphere remains throughout the experience; there are no dark moments like the ominous lift hill on Splash. Instead, you’re joining Tiana, Mama Odie, Louie, and all their friends for a celebration. It’s a perfect companion to The Princess and the Frog and seems to be a crowd-pleaser. I really enjoyed Splash Mountain, but I completely agreed with the move to replace it. After riding Tiana’s, I’m even more on board with it and can’t wait to experience the Florida version soon.
7. Space Mountain
While it lacks the grand scale of Florida’s Space Mountain, the Disneyland version still provides a thrilling journey into space. It opened in 1977 two years following the Walt Disney World original but has added cool enhancements that aren’t in that version. The biggest change is on-board audio, which was uncommon when it arrived in 1996. I love how the music drops you into the action, and the visual effects during the lift hill and throughout the ride make it even stronger.
The side-by-side seating provides a more comfortable ride, and the consistent turns deliver a surprising amount of forces. There are fewer drops here given the limited space, but that’s okay. I also really like the queue area, which sets the stage perfectly. I should clarify that this ranking is for the normal version, not Hyperspace Mountain. That overlay is a treat for Star Wars fans and has fun moments but would drop a bit in my overall rankings. Space Mountain remains a wonderful coaster that ranks among the top thrill rides at the Disneyland resort.
6. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
The next two choices might be the most popular attractions at each of Disney’s two California parks. It’s possible they could move even further up my rankings, but I haven’t experienced them enough so far. Rise of the Resistance is possibly Disney’s most complicated attraction, and the mix of several ride systems and cast member interactions leads to a cool experience. I grew up loving the original trilogy, but what grabs me about this attraction is how boldly it tries something new.
The crazy part about Rise of the Resistance is that the main trackless dark ride isn’t even the highlight for me. The transport and Star Destroyer lobby function like a pre-show but are done so well that they are key parts of the full experience. My only complaint is the frequent mechanical issues; I’m still waiting to see the Kylo Ren animatronic in A mode. When Rise of the Resistance is firing on all cylinders, it’s mind-blowing and goes well beyond what you might expect from a theme park attraction.
5. Radiator Springs Racers
Disney has moved almost entirely into creating attractions based on existing IP, and there’s a danger in making them too familiar. Radiator Springs Racers blows any expectations out of the water and transcends the Cars films. I’m not even a big fan of the franchise, but it doesn’t even matter. Using the Test Track ride system, this attraction mixes all the best elements of Disney theme parks into an incredible mix. Don’t sleep on the dark ride portion, which presents Radiator Springs and the characters wonderfully.
Beyond even the ride itself, the rock work and remarkable scale of Cars Land is mind-boggling. It looks even larger than it really is, but the brilliant forced perspective sells the impact completely. The final race takes you right into the middle of the landscape, and we never lose the illusion. It’s exciting but also should be okay for most guests, which is the best type of thrill ride. There’s a reason that Radiator Springs Racers remains the most popular DCA attraction 11 years after it opened.
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Is there a more fun attraction at Disneyland than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Despite not having the grand scale of Florida’s version, this one might be even stronger. Your trains only reach 35 miles per hour, but they feel a lot faster as they weave throughout the striking landscape. I love the set-up with three lift hills because it never becomes too intense. You get the chance to take a breath and enjoy the moment before the dips and turns begin again.
Disneyland’s Big Thunder also includes cool effects in the final lift hill that were added in 2014 prior to the resort’s 60th anniversary celebration. Those small touches, along with the history with the reconstructed Rainbow Ridge, deliver a cool experience that is more than a typical mine train coaster. Night rides are even better and make the ride feel a lot faster (and a lot scary) because of the unknown. It’s easily my favorite coaster at Disneyland and always provide a fun experience for the whole family.
3. Indiana Jones Adventure
It seems fitting to spotlight this incredible attraction with a fifth Indiana Jones film now in theaters. Like Radiator Springs Racers, this journey into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye transcends its source material. There are a few Indy animatronics, and they’re fun to see, but it’s the other fun moments that stand out here. It’s perfectly uses the enhanced motion vehicles to sell the adventure as you zip through the temple.
Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom uses the same ride technology, but it lacks the scale and seems too dark because of budget limitations. The Indiana Jones Adventure works better because you can sense the room’s size. The first entry into the massive space with the bridge and fire effects (and the familiar music cue) is a wonderful highlight. The only negative is that attraction downtime, which remains an issue even after the extensive refurb. It was down almost entirely near both of my recent days at Disneyland. Regardless, this remains one of Disney’s greatest attractions.
2. The Haunted Mansion
When I started creating these rankings, the easiest choices were definitely my top two picks. It might seem obvious to pick this legendary pair, but there’s a reason that remain so popular after more than 50 years. The Haunted Mansion spent years being developed, and that creative process included work from multiple Disney Legends like Claude Coats, Marc Davis, Rolly Crump, and more. The combination of styles leads to both humor and darkness mixed together an irresistible package.
You know the Mansion has transcended being just a theme park attraction when there are several awesome books written about it (check out this one and this one) plus multiple attempts to adapt it for the big screen. It’s the type of attraction where you can never see it all no matter how many times you experience it. The back story is almost as interesting as the ride itself, and we can uncovering more info about that process. I also love the exterior, which offers few hints of the wonders inside. I can’t wait to board my Doom Buggy and encounter the grim grinning ghosts once again!
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
After taking many rides on Florida’s condensed version of Pirates of the Caribbean, the original Disneyland version was a revelation. The extra seven minutes of ride time gives the experience room to breathe, especially in the first half. The setting near the Blue Bayou restaurant fits perfectly within New Orleans Square and sets the stage perfectly. I love the calm atmosphere as you slowly float by the restaurant while a quiet banjo plays. The two drops arrive quickly as you slowly traverse dark tunnels and drift by ominous skeletal figures. It’s a brilliant set-up for Disney’s greatest attraction.
Words can do justice to why Pirates of the Caribbean works so well. I could go through each scene and describe the clever mix of music, animatronics, believable sets, and gags. The song “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” from George Bruns (music) and X Atencio (lyrics) is a true classic. None of Disney’s changes (well, except maybe Johnny Depp) have taken away from the attraction’s success. Pirates also has a huge capacity, which allows several thousand riders to enjoy it every hour. It’s brilliant!
Honorable Mentions
Five Sentimental Favorites That I Hated to Leave Off This List: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Mark Twain Riverboat, Disneyland Monorail, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Five Enjoyable, Well-Designed Attractions That Are Worthy of This Type of List: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Grizzly River Run, Millienium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Toy Story Midway Mania, Incredicoaster
I didn’t include Soarin’ Over California because it only appears as part of special events like the DCA Food & Wine Festival. The original Soarin’ definitely would make my top ten and possibly even my top five. I’m curious to see how the new Soarin’ Over America will compare to the other versions. It’s hard to nail down my favorite attractions because they are far too many to list. It reminds us of just how much greatness is packed inside Disneyland.
What do you think of my rankings? What are your favorite Disneyland attractions? Leave a comment below or send me an e-mail to dan@tomorrowsociety.com!
Etta’s Top 10 Disneyland Attractions (2023)
While putting together the top ten list originally back in 2023, I ran my picks by my daughter Etta, who was 10 years old at that time. She wasn’t able to ride Indiana Jones then because of the downtime, and I suspect it might have made this list. I did not expect to see the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail there, but we did have a lot of fun in this DCA playground. I hope you enjoy this second list!
1. Radiator Springs Racers
2. WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-man Adventure
3. Grizzly River Run
4. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
5. Space Mountain
6. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
7. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
8. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
9. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
10. Pirates of the Caribbean
Related Articles: Disneyland Top 20
Ranking the Attractions at The Magic Kingdom
Top 10 Favorite Walt Disney World Attractions
Ranking Walt Disney World’s Roller Coasters
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