Disneyland just had its 70th birthday on July 17 and she’s never looked so good! As an homage, here are my 2 cents on the best things to do in Disneyland. As a native Orange County girl, I went to Disneyland as often as other kids went to their local park. It was back when Annual Passes were only ~$100 and Fastpasses were still free. IYKYK. It felt so much like my second home that as soon as I turned 18, I started applying to become a Cast Member. All in all to say, I like to think I know the 2 parks fairly well.
Let’s talk rides first! Because unless you’re a local, the thing you’re probably most looking forward to if it’s your first visit are the rides! My perspective for these ride rankings comes from someone who loves a good adrenaline rush, fantastic theming, and a sucker for nostalgia as well.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Whether or not you’re a fan of Star Wars, the experience immersion and the technology advancements definitely should make it number 1 on anybody’s list. For the more sensitive readers, the physical adrenaline rush on this attraction is very minimal (just one little drop) so motion sickness should not be an issue!
- Indiana Jones Adventure – This attraction is just the most fun and has been since I was a kid! I know that Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom gets compared to it, but honestly, I think Indiana Jones is way more fun (although dinos are awesome) and definitely should not be missed.
- Space Mountain – What can I say? An absolute icon, a classic roller coaster, and a must do. Still one of the best dark ride roller coasters ever!
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – If I wasn’t an adrenaline junkie, I think this would be my favorite ride. You’ve got Mickey and Minnie (so what’s not to love about that?) and each ride through is a little different since it’s trackless. There’s also a great soundtrack and it’s always fun to try to find a new hidden Mickey!
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Another classic and nostalgic roller coaster. Overall, I love this attraction and all of its alternative versions in the other parks. In my experience, they’re also a great introductory roller coaster for kids.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – Fun but also likely a bit more chiropractic for adults haha. I love the animatronic Yetis – they’re definitely scarier than my childhood Yetis – but another reason that I love this attraction so much is that it’s the only one you can find in any Disney park.
- Haunted Mansion – While a classic, I did not ride this often growing up because I had always thought it was scarier than it actually was. Now, I just know it as a classic Disney attraction and one not to be missed. If it had the holiday overlay (mid Sept – early Jan), this would also rank a lot higher on the list!
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – I love the new story for this attraction. Great animatronics and music! Only rough thing is that you really do get soaked on this so bring a poncho!
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Even though I was sad to see Rex go, I do appreciate the new format of this attraction of having a randomized build up of scenes. It’s always fun to see a new scene or character! Note that if you’re prone to motion sickness, this one might be best reserved for last.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – A classic Disney boat ride and the last attraction that Walt worked on. It’s not the most thrilling, but it also tends not to have a long wait and it’s uniquely Disney.
- “It’s a small world” – Did you know that the small world song is always playing somewhere in the world? While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a thrill attraction, this is the original version and has cute Disney characters added in.
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – An opening day attraction that has now had its story changed from a darker version to a lighter version with updated special effects. It’s my favorite classic story dark ride and a lovely homage to the very first animated film.
- Peter Pan’s Flight – Another opening day attraction and probably the most popular one of the classic story dark rides. Unfortunately, due to its slow loading and capacity, this one will always have a 40+ minute wait time so my recommendation is to do this early in the morning or late at night.
- Mr Toad’s Wild Ride – This is the last opening day attraction of the classic story dark rides. This one has less nostalgia for me since I wasn’t as familiar with the original story, but I still have a fondness for it because of its notorious ending.
- Alice in Wonderland – This is closely tied to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, rank-wise, since I love the tech updates on this attraction and the fact that you get a lovely bird’s eye view of Fantasyland.
- Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – Not an opening day attraction, but I still consider it a classic. Pinocchio is my least favorite movie of all the dark rides so unfortunately, it’s ranking is linked to that!
- Storybook Land Canal Boats – Another opening day attraction although it was a very different version compared to what it is now. I’m a big fan of miniatures so if you are too, I think you would really like this. It’s also one of its kind even amongst all the Disney Parks!
- Casey Jr. Circus Train – Not worth a long wait – I would wait a max of 15-20 minutes, but otherwise, it is really cute. You get a different perspective of what you would see on the Storybook Land Canal Boats and a different narration as well.
- Astro Orbiter – While still a Dumbo-style attraction, I think this one is more exhilarating since you go up higher! You’ll also get a Tomorrowland view compared to a Fantasyland view.
- Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Your experience will likely vary depending on what position you get. The best seats in the pod are undoubtedly the pilots. However, if you’re not a pilot, you still have a role as well as less responsibilities so you can sit back and watch the story unfold more easily.
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – This was a lot longer than I remembered! The structure of it is a combination of Tea Cups and a classic dark ride. However, if you’re not a fan of the Roger Rabbit movie, this might not necessarily be a priority. The standby queue is immersive, but I personally wouldn’t wait more than 30 minutes for this attraction.
- Disneyland Railroad – This one is for the Disney nerds! The best parts of this attraction (for me) are the fact that they exist because Walt loved trains and there’s literal Disney history with the dinosaurs when you go from Tomorrowland back to Main St. USA.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – I always thought this attraction was ok, but depending on the day, you can get quite a different experience. I went more recently in the morning, and the water was so clear and blue, it felt like you were snorkeling. At night, you get a more dark ride experience. I personally prefer the daytime experience!
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Classic shooter style attraction – a friendly round of competition is always fun amongst family and/or friends!
- Jungle Cruise – Another opening day attraction, but I wish they updated the audio equipment. Sometimes, I can’t always hear the pun jokes very clearly.
- Dave Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – If you’re in the mood to do some arm workouts, do I have the attraction for you! Unfortunately, it does close early, but paddling a canoe in the Rivers of America is quite a unique experience. Not something you have to do, but fun if you have time for it!
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – My least favorite story dark ride since I think the other versions of Winnie the Pooh are better in the other parks. Good for small children if they can’t go on Tiana’s but otherwise, it’s definitely not a must-do.
- Mark Twain Riverboat/Sailing Ship Columbia – This is the less exciting version of seeing the Rivers of America. There is a cool story of the Mark Twain Riverboat and Walt Disney for Disney nerds, but otherwise, it’s definitely not a must-do.
- Autopia – An opening day attraction and a family favorite during my childhood, but no longer a current favorite as I’m now an adult who can drive. 😛 I also prefer the previous story, back when Chevron was the sponsor. Excited to see the fully electric version in the future!
- Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster – This is likely every Disney kid’s first roller coaster. Short ride, long line, but probably a favorite for kids experiencing a roller coaster for the first time.
- Mad Tea Party – Classic spinning attraction. You know what you’re going to get. Fun if you’ve got time and it’s a short line.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Another classic spinning attraction. This one is definitely more popular with kids and families (thank you 90s Disney commercials). Great for the ‘gram, but obviously, not the most innovative attraction.
- King Arthur Carousel – Classic carousel. You know what you’re going to get. Fun if you’ve got time and it’s a short line.
- Disneyland Monorail – Enjoyable ride around the resort, but mostly a means of transportation from Tomorrowland to Downtown Disney, rather than an attraction.
Now, besides rides, there are a few other things worth noting (i.e. shows and characters) to include in your planning.
- Other Attractions
- Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson – A treehouse walkthrough. Never really a line but also not too much to see. Great if you have a kid who needs to burn energy by climbing up and down stairs!
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – A Disneyland original and there’s AC! But, unless you’re a big fan of Walt Disney or Disneyland, this might not be worth the time for you.
- Main Street Cinema – A quick stop that is just constantly playing old Mickey Mouse cartoons. Fun if you’ve got people shopping on Main Street and want to take a quick peek.
- Main Street Vehicles – A fun ride on classic Disney vehicles but not worth the waiting time to save time or steps going from Main Street to Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – An island with exploratory trails and shade but not a must do. Great space for kids to run out their energy though!
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – A castle walkthrough. Not a must do but it’s cute and quick especially if you’ve got little princesses in your party.
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Another Disneyland original and there’s AC! Unlike Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln though, I do think this attraction is entertaining and a great choice for some rest. You can even eat a Dole Whip while watching the show!
- Shows
- Royal Theatre – It’s either a Rapunzel or Beauty and the Beast retelling. It’s about 20-25 minutes and has live music and a dash of comedy. If you’re in the area at the right time, do it! To amp up the experience more, Maurice’s Treats is super close and also sells amazing snacks that you can munch on while watching the show!
- Fantasmic! – I actually love this show more than fireworks. I just have so much nostalgia for it and while it’s not as great without the dragon, it’s still a fantastic show. I recommend the 2nd showing for less crowds (…typically). Also, that way, you can watch the fireworks from Main Street or even Small World!
- Fireworks – A classic but not a guarantee since city ordinances and winds can cause cancellations. However, the latest shows have had accompanying projections so even with a fireworks cancellation, there is still a show to watch that’s paired with a great soundtrack.
- Characters
- The two major locations are Toontown (Mickey and Minnie at their houses) and Fantasyland (princesses at the Royal Hall). Both close earlier than the park so be sure to double check hours the day of your visit.
While there are always limited time foods and treats at Disneyland, there are definitely core staples that one should consider trying if it’s your first visit!
- Beignets – Anything Mickey shaped is delicious, but these beignets are exclusively at Disneyland only and satisfies the sweet tooth every time.
- Cold Brews – Lucky for coffee lovers, seasonal flavors of cold brew pop up throughout the parks throughout the year. I think the most popular one (not seasonal) is the Black Caf in Galaxy’s Edge, but I always find a seasonal one that I like a bit more than that fan favorite so I encourage you to try the one that sounds yummiest to you!
- Cream Cheese Pretzel – Better than a regular pretzel – it’s a more substantial snack that’s sweet but not too sweet.
- Dole Whip – I think this is probably the most iconic Disney treat and it’s worth the legendary connotation it’s garnered over the years. There are multiple soft serve flavors, but for me, a traditional pineapple dole whip float on a hot day is always incredibly refreshing and delightful!
- Plaza Inn Fried Chicken – This is a solid meal choice for a first time visitor. Is it the best fried chicken you will ever have? No, but it’s good for theme park fried chicken and very iconic to Disneyland.
- Matterhorn Macaroon – Probably best to be a coconut fan to enjoy this little sweet treat but if you are, you will be a BIG fan!
- Popcorn – I never understood how popcorn was so popular at Disneyland, but I’m officially a convert. It’s the perfect amount of buttery and salty!
- Turkey Leg – Nothing like holding a giant turkey leg at Disneyland. Salty, meaty, what’s not to love?
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