Best Rides at Disneyland California

Check out these best rides at Disneyland California 2023 for adults and families. All of these rides should be on your "must-do" list for the best Disneyland vacation!

Updated April 20, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Best Rides at Disneyland 2023

I love Disneyland. They have the best rides and creative attractions to bring out the kid in everyone. While everyone has their favorite rides, here is my list of the Disneyland best rides for adults and families.

For a complete list of rides at Disneyland, see Disneyland California Rides.

Top 10 Disneyland Rides 2023

These top 10 Disneyland rides offer an eclectic mix of genres, from immersive Star Wars experiences to swashbuckling pirate adventures and spooky haunted house thrills. Each ride promises a unique and captivating journey, ensuring that adult visitors have a truly unforgettable Disneyland experience. Most of these are suitable for children too, just click on the links for more information about these rides.

So - here are the best rides at Disneyland California for 2023.

1. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Step into the whimsical world of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as you board a magical cartoon train for an unpredictable adventure. As the ride bursts into a 2D cartoon universe, you'll be part of Mickey's zany escapades, hurtling through vibrant scenes, and encountering delightful surprises around every bend. The innovative technology seamlessly integrates classic Disney animation with a dynamic ride experience, making it a captivating journey for visitors of all ages.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is one of the newest rides at Disneyland.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Ride Disneyland

2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Answer the call of the Resistance and join the battle against the First Order in this groundbreaking attraction. Immerse yourself in the Star Wars galaxy as you're captured by Kylo Ren and find yourself in the middle of an epic conflict. With state-of-the-art effects and lifelike animatronics, you'll experience a series of heart-pounding encounters, from AT-AT walkers to TIE fighters. The ride seamlessly weaves together storytelling and action, culminating in a thrilling escape that leaves you feeling like a true hero of the Resistance.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is also one of the newest rides at Disneyland.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride Disneyland

3. Indiana Jones Adventure

Join the legendary archaeologist on a pulse-pounding expedition into the heart of a forbidden temple. Board a rugged troop transport and navigate treacherous paths, dodge deadly traps, and escape the clutches of ancient spirits. The ride's cutting-edge technology seamlessly blends storytelling with thrills, as you encounter giant boulders, slithering snakes, and fiery explosions. The quest for hidden treasures takes you on an immersive journey that blurs the line between fantasy and reality.

The Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland is one of the best attractions at Disneyland California!

Indiana Jones Ride Disneyland

4. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Star Wars Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run

Channel your inner Han Solo as you pilot the iconic Millennium Falcon on a daring smuggling mission. Join a crew of fellow visitors as you navigate through a dynamic space adventure, toggling switches, firing blasters, and evading pursuit. Your decisions directly impact the outcome, creating a unique experience each time you board. The hyper-realistic cockpit and interactive gameplay make this ride an unforgettable journey into the Star Wars universe.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is one of the newest rides at Disneyland.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Ride Disneyland

5. Space Mountain

Embark on an intergalactic adventure as you rocket through the cosmos on the Space Mountain ride at Disneyland park. This iconic indoor roller coaster combines heart-pounding speed with dazzling cosmic visuals, sending you twisting and turning through the darkness of space. Brace yourself for sudden drops and exhilarating loops as you feel the rush of starlight streaking by. The pulsating soundtrack heightens the excitement, making every twist and turn feel like a voyage into the unknown.

Space Mountain is the fastest and best roller coaster ride at Disneyland!

Space Mountain Disneyland Ride

6. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

The Adventures Continue: Embark on a 3D voyage across the Star Wars galaxy in a motion simulator that puts you right in the middle of the action. With multiple destinations and scenarios, you'll never experience the same adventure twice. From swooping through the forests of Endor to narrowly escaping Darth Vader's pursuit, each ride offers a thrilling blend of iconic characters and pulse-pounding moments.

Star Tours ride Disneyland, with new adventures, continue to remain one of the best attractions at Disneyland, especially for Star Wars fans.

Star Tours Ride Disneyland

7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of Caribbean best Disneyland ride

Set sail on a swashbuckling escapade through pirate-infested waters. Board a boat and journey through a series of elaborate scenes featuring feisty pirates, lively townsfolk, and a captivating blend of humor and adventure. From the fiery battle scenes to the iconic song "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)," this classic attraction continues to captivate visitors with its rich storytelling and immersive environments.

Pirates of the Caribbean remains one of the best classic rides at Disneyland.

Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Disneyland

8. Haunted Mansion

Enter the eerie elegance of the Haunted Mansion, where "999 happy haunts" await your arrival. Glide through the darkened corridors in a "doom buggy" and discover a world of spectral surprises, from a swinging wake to a ghostly ballroom dance. The masterful combination of chilling atmosphere and whimsical spooks creates a timeless ride that's equal parts spooky and delightful.

The Haunted Mansion is also one of the best classic rides at Disneyland resort.

Haunted Mansion Ride Disneyland

9. Matterhorn Bobsleds

Channel your inner adventurer as you tackle the icy slopes of the iconic Matterhorn Mountain. Climb aboard your bobsled and hurtle through snowy twists and turns, encountering yetis and treacherous crevasses along the way. The stunning Alpine scenery adds to the excitement, immersing you in a high-altitude thrill ride that captures the spirit of mountain exploration.

It's hard to miss the Matterhorn at Disneyland, as it towers above the park. Take some time and enjoy the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride at Disneyland California.

Matterhorn Bobsleds Ride Disneyland

10. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Hold on tight for a rollicking ride aboard a runaway mine train through the heart of the Old West. Zoom past desert landscapes, twisting caverns, and crumbling mine shafts as you experience the thrills of a wild and adventurous frontier. The dynamic twists and turns, along with the charming theming, make this attraction a must-ride for those seeking a blend of classic Disney storytelling and exhilarating speed.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is another one of the Disneyland California best rides, especially if you enjoy rollercoaster rides!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride Disneyland

Best Disneyland Rides for Families

Are you looking for more best rides at Disneyland California? Here are some fun Disneyland rides for families. If you are visiting Disneyland for 2 or more days, you should try to fit these rides into your day

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Get ready to join Star Command on an interactive space mission against the evil Emperor Zurg. Board your space cruiser and wield a blaster to shoot glowing targets throughout the cosmic battleground. As you spin and pivot, rack up points and compete against fellow space rangers. The whimsical mix of competition, camaraderie, and intergalactic adventure makes Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters a joyous ride that lets you channel your inner hero while having a blast.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is so much fun! See who can get the highest score and defeat Zurg!

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Ride Disneyland

Peter Pan's Flight

Take flight over the enchanting world of Neverland aboard a magical pirate ship. As you glide through starlit scenes from the classic tale, you'll witness Captain Hook's pursuit, soar over London's rooftops, and even catch a glimpse of Tinker Bell's sparkling trail. The ride's nostalgic charm and timeless storytelling bring out the child in every adult, making it a cherished experience that ignites the imagination and warms the heart.

Peter Pan's Flight is a popular ride in Fantasyland, and frequently has long wait times for the Peter Pan ride. I think it is the best kids ride in Fantasyland!

Peter Pan's Ride Disneyland

Autotopia

Rev up your engines and hit the open road in your very own gas-powered roadster. Navigate winding tracks, overpasses, and scenic landscapes as you take the wheel on this nostalgic driving adventure. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or experiencing the thrill of "driving" a car for the first time, Autotopia offers a leisurely yet exhilarating escape from reality, all while soaking in the vibrant sights of Disney's Tomorrowland.

Autotopia remains one of the classic best Disneyland rides. Everyone wants to drive on the open road!

Autotopia Car Ride Disneyland

Enchanted Tiki Room

Take a break and sit inside this indoor oasis alive with singing birds, animated flowers, and spirited tikis. This charming and musical show transports you to a world of Polynesian paradise, where catchy tunes and whimsical characters come together in a delightful symphony. The combination of vibrant visuals, animatronic wonders, and toe-tapping melodies creates a relaxing and joyful escape that transports you to a simpler, sunnier state of mind. Afterwards, enjoy a Dole pineapple whip.

The Enchanted Tiki Room attraction at Disneyland is one of the best ways to take a break inside a cool room and sit down for a show. Enjoy!

Enchanted Tiki Room Disneyland

Tom Sawyer Island

Embark on a mini-adventure as you ride a raft to the idyllic Tom Sawyer Island. Explore secret caves, suspension bridges, and fortresses, immersing yourself in the rustic charm of Mark Twain's classic tales. Unplug from the digital world and reconnect with nature and imagination on this tranquil island retreat, where every corner invites you to explore, relax, and reminisce about carefree days gone by.

Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland is a fun way to take a break from the crowds. Explore some caves and fortress, or just relax.

Tom Sawyer Island Disneyland

Mad Tea Party

Who can resist a tea cup ride at Disneyland? Enter the whimsical world of Wonderland aboard a giant teacup, and prepare for a spin like no other. Twirl the wheel in the center of your teacup to control the speed and spin, creating a uniquely personal and dizzying experience. The vibrant colors, whimsical design, and sense of carefree playfulness evoke the spirit of Lewis Carroll's fantastical realm. Whether you're laughing with friends or capturing the perfect Instagram-worthy spin, the Mad Tea Party teacup ride promises a whirlwind of fun and laughter.

The Mad Tea Party tea cups ride at Disneyland is a fun, classic ride that the family will enjoy.

Mad Tea Party Teacups Ride Disneyland

For a complete list of rides at Disneyland, see Disneyland California Rides.