With so many attractions across Disneyland® Resort, and Disney California Adventure® Park, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re short on time. Guests often ask us which rides and attractions our team members love the most. That’s why we pulled together this updated guide to the best rides at Disneyland® Resort in 2026, including can’t-miss classics, newer experiences, and a few insider tips to help you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the magic.
1. Space Mountain
This Disneyland® Park ride is a blast — literally! Space Mountain is in Tomorrowland at Disneyland® Park.
It takes you on a thrilling ride through space. You will feel the speed and excitement at every turn. Great sound effects and music add to the experience and make this ride immersive and exciting.
Definitely worth the wait, but if you want to save time, try riding early in the morning or using a Lightning Lane pass. This ride is dark, fast, and thrilling, but still appropriate for most kids, teens, and adults who are at least 40 inches tall.
2. The Haunted Mansion
This is another classic that many parkgoers rave about. Hop aboard your “Doom buggy” and explore The Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square at Disneyland® Park. From portraits to candelabras, the ride features not-so-scary haunts around every turn.
If you visit during fall and early winter, you may catch the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s one of the most popular seasonal transformations in the park and worth planning around if your dates line up.
This slow-moving ride is appropriate for kids, teens, and adults. If you are traveling with kids, keep in mind that the spirits are friendly. No gore exists, but the ride is dark and loud. This can be scary for young children.
3. Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
Star Tours continues to be one of the most dynamic attractions at Disneyland® Resort. This 3D space flight takes you to different Star Wars destinations, with over 250 possible storyline variations meaning every ride can feel a little different.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
One of the most iconic and beloved attractions at Disneyland® Park, Pirates of the Caribbean is a must-do for first-time visitors and longtime fans alike.
This immersive boat ride takes you through a lively pirate world filled with detailed scenes, music, and classic Disney storytelling. It’s not fast or intense, which makes it a great option for families, but it’s still one of the most memorable rides in the park.
If you’re building your list of the best rides at Disneyland® Resort, this one should be near the top.
5. Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance
Have you always been a fan of Star Wars? Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a must-see attraction on your Disneyland® Resort vacation!
In this 15-minute journey, use powerful lasers to help your favorite Star Wars characters. Enjoy a full story that makes you feel like you are in the Star Wars universe! Avoid watching previews before this ride because there are so many surprises!
6. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
This is another incredible, immersive ride we can’t get enough of. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT is in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure® Park. It has all your favorites: Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Drax, and Groot.
You’re on the front lines to help rescue the Guardians. We love all the awesome special effects and music inspired by the movies! If you’re a Guardians fan — or just like cool rides — this one is a can’t-miss.
This thrill ride, with steep drops, targets teens and adults more than younger children. Riders must be at least 40 inches tall.
7. Radiator Springs Racers
Your adrenaline will be pumping as you speed through Radiator Springs and along Route 66. The trip is divided into three sections: a leisurely drive, a meet-and-greet with the Cars characters, and a thrilling race! Because the lines for this ride can get long, you can split into single-rider groups to get into the cars faster. Your group may be split, but you may end up in the same car.
8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
What’s not to love about the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Located in Frontierland at Disneyland® Park, this exciting ride is a roller coaster. It twists around waterfalls, falling rocks, and spooky caves. Some small drops exist, but the ride gears itself for kids and adults who are at least 40 inches tall.
We love park history, so we want to share that builders made the tiny ghost town before they built Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This information comes from the official website. They first called it Rainbow Ridge.
One of the features from the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train is present. People later known this ride as Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland. It took Guests around Frontierland from 1956 to 1977.
9. The Incredicoaster
Calling all Supers and thrill-seekers! If you like roller coasters, you’ll love the Incredicoaster, based on loveable characters from The Incredibles series.
The coaster is in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure® Park. The ride has special effects and a 100-foot drop. It features music by Michael Giacchino, who worked on The Incredibles 2.
This ride offers speed and targets teens and adults. You must be 48 inches tall or taller to ride. We love this Disneyland® Resort Anaheim ride AND The Incredibles so much!
10. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Sitting in the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit, you can accelerate to superhuman speeds! Even if you are not in the front seat on this journey, you can still enjoy it. You can also help in the fight against your opponents.
To protect you and your crew as you soar through space, press the controls near your seat and repair the ship’s shields. If you fail to kill your foes and can’t safeguard the Millennium Falcon, the cast members will mock you. Hop back in line to defeat your enemies again and again.
11. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Join Princess Tiana and her friends on this reimagined log flume ride for an unforgettable adventure through the bayou! This newly reimagined ride in Critter Country at Disneyland® Park brings the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to life. Hop aboard and help Tiana search for the perfect ingredient for her big celebration.
With music inspired by The Princess and the Frog, breathtaking visuals, and an exciting splash at the end, this ride is a must for visitors of all ages. Celebrate Tiana’s story and immerse yourself in the magic of this one-of-a-kind experience!
12. Grizzly River Run
Get ready to get soaked on Grizzly River Run, one of the most thrilling water rides at Disney California Adventure® Park! This family-friendly whitewater rafting adventure takes you through scenic and exciting rapids, perfect for a sunny California day.
Other Popular Rides at Disneyland® Resort
Of course, this is only the beginning. We have seen some top contenders in our team at Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. We also want to mention a few others:
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- Alice in Wonderland
- Astro Orbitor
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- And so many more!
When we said every attraction at Disneyland® Resort is terrific, we meant it. If you’re dreaming about your next trip, book a room at Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. We’d love to have you!
Top Ride FAQs at Disneyland® Resort
What are the must-see rides for first-time visitors?
For a quintessential Disneyland experience, consider these iconic attractions:
- Pirates of the Caribbean® Attraction: A classic boat ride through pirate-infested waters.
- Haunted Mansion® Attraction: A spooky yet family-friendly journey through a haunted estate.
- Space Mountain® Attraction: An indoor roller coaster that takes you on a thrilling ride through space.
- Indiana Jones™ Adventure: An action-packed expedition with Indiana Jones.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: An immersive experience placing you in the midst of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
Which rides are best for young children?
Great options for younger guests include:
- “it’s a small world”: A gentle boat ride featuring dolls from around the world.
- Please Note: This ride is undergoing refurbishment with updated lyrics; reopening scheduled for July 17, 2025, coinciding with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
- Peter Pan’s Flight: A magical journey over London and Neverland.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant®: A whimsical ride where you can soar with Dumbo.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A colorful ride through the Hundred Acre Wood.
How can I minimize wait times for popular rides?
To reduce wait times at Disneyland® Resort:
- Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which allows you to reserve return times for select attractions and skip the standard standby line.
- Arrive Early: Getting to the park at opening time can help you experience popular rides with shorter waits.
- Visit During Off-Peak Times: Weekdays and non-holiday periods typically have lower attendance.