ALL of Disneyland’s Rides RANKED

Please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened — this ranking is a wild one!

It’s impossible to bring up the best theme parks in the world without mentioning Disneyland — and for good reason! Walt Disney’s original theme park is a pioneer in the industry — chock-full of immersive theming, tasty food offerings, endless nostalgia, and, of course, amazing rides! As you can imagine, ranking each beloved attraction is an impossible task. That doesn’t mean we won’t try!

Disneyland has a healthy blend of iconic, innovative, family-friendly, and thrilling attractions. So it was only natural that we wanted to rank them all! Obviously, our rankings may or may not line up with your own personal rankings and THAT’S OKAY!  At the end of the day, there is no “right list” and everyone’s list is going to be determined based on preference.

With that said, we still feel pretty good about ours and you can read our Disneyland attractions ranking below from worst to best!

44. Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition

Sure, Disneyland’s Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition is a shootin’ gallery that will make feel like a Western Outlaw. But it’s also the only attraction in the ranking that has an additional cost on top of admission and, for that reason, it deserves last place.

43. The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is informative, a reverent ode to a beloved American President and American history, features an amazing animatronic of President Lincoln, and is a great place to escape the California heat…but it’s nearly 20 minutes long and may put you and your kiddos to sleep.

42. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes is the perfect attraction for anyone looking to get an up-close-and-personal tour of the Rivers of America. It’s not ideal for people looking to avoid excessive exercise and labor during their vacation.

41. Main Street Vehicles

Including the Horse-Drawn Street Car, Jitney (an early automobile without a roof), Fire Engine, and Omnibus, the Main Street Vehicles are nice if you want to relax and take in the sights for a bit while riding between Main Street, U.S.A and Sleeping Beauty Castle.

40. Mickey’s Toontown Neighborhood

Toontown’s Neighborhood features Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House, Donald’s Duck Pond, and Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard, making this wonderfully themed land a great place for small children. It also provides a meet-and-greet opportunity for Disney’s biggest star.

39. Mark Twain Riverboat

If you want a relaxing experience along the Rivers of America, Mark Twain Riverboat is a solid choice. This attraction allows you to board a 19th-century paddleboat with four different decks to choose from during a 14-minute trip around the river.

38. Sailing Ship Columbia

Equipped with cannons, deck-mounted guns, and below-deck access, the Sailing Ship Columbia blends adventure and relaxation together well during a 15-minute journey across the Rivers of America.

37. Main Street Cinema

Disneyland’s Main Street Cinema consists of a dark room with a few benches and clips from several vintage Disney animated films, including Steamboat Willie. While not an exciting attraction, it is a great spot to decompress and get away from the sun and crowds.

36. Disneyland Monorail

Sure, it is limited in potential since it only takes you between Downtown Disney and Tomorrowland, but the Disneyland Monorail does get you in and out of the park while offering some great views of the resort along the way. Track and station expansion would sky-rocket the monorail up the list.

35.  Casey Jr. Circus Train

One of the opening attractions in 1955, Casey Jr. Circus Train takes passengers through an aerial tour of Storybook Land. Kids will love it. Taller parents who don’t like to be cramped into small spaces? Eh, not so much.

34. Astro Orbitor

Kids can pilot their own rocket on this Tomorrowland attraction. Astro Orbitor is a good litmus test for small children ready to graduate to rides that test boundaries, such as fear of heights.

33. Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson

Recently themed as Tarzan’s Treehouse, the new Adventureland Treehouse fully embraces Swiss Family Robinson with unique rooms and an animatronic Jane the Ostrich. There are Easter eggs galore but it will require some climbing to see.

32. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island

Pirate’s Lair is situated right in the center of Rivers of America (you can get to it via raft transportation) and serves as a very interactive playground for kids. Adults will also get a kick out of the cool pirate theming and little hidden treasures.

31. King Arthur Carrousel

Iconic. Classic. Must ride at least once. King Arthur Carrousel isn’t just a merry-go-round, it’s THE MERRY-GO-ROUND.

30. Storytelling at Royal Theatre

Storytelling at Royal Theatre is a great break from the hustle and bustle of a park day where kids and parents alike can interact with stage productions of their favorite Disney movies, usually with a comedic twist. Funny and charming, this attraction is a winner.

29. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

One of the most iconic rides in the HISTORY of Disney Parks, Dumbo the Flying Elephant doesn’t offer the same thrills as some of the other rides in the park, but it does overflow with nostalgia and is a quintessential Disneyland experience.

28. Storybook Land Canal Boat

Visit places from some of your favorite Disney animated films in a matter of minutes aboard the Storybook Land Canal Boats! The attraction takes you through several scenes with gorgeous miniature buildings and is a great attraction for families with small children.

27. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough hardly ever has a line because most people don’t know it exists! Full of dioramas of scenes from Sleeping Beauty, this attraction features beautiful artwork, practical effects, and the opportunity to say you’ve actually been inside the castle.

26. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster is a fun kiddie coaster in its own right, deceptively fast, and a good introduction to roller coasters for kids and people who aren’t particularly brave about thrill rides. However, the ride is only roughly 45 seconds long and usually has a long wait.

25. Mad Tea Party

Another Disneyland staple, Mad Tea Party is a juggernaut among theme park attractions. The spinning tea cups are famous worldwide and fun for all ages. This version also has a leg-up on its Disney World counterpart because it is fully outdoors under lanterns and the canopy, creating a very fun atmosphere.

24. Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey is a classic dark ride that takes you through the major plot points of the animated film, but it has aged…interestingly. A relic of an older time, this ride could scare young ones and cause adults to chuckle.

23. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Speaking of relics, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is based on the long-forgotten The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad animated film. Still, this dark ride is a favorite among Disneylanders for its hilarious antics and wild finale that has you coming face to face with a particularly biblical villain in a particularly evil biblical location.

22. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh is named and based on the movie of the same name and is just as charming. This dark ride puts riders in a floating honey hive as it takes you through a tour of Hundred Acre Wood, meeting Pooh Bear’s friends (and some Heffalumps and Woozles) along the way.

21. Alice in Wonderland

The Alice in Wonderland dark ride is a real trip with several cool practical effects, an outdoor portion, and memorable songs from the animated film. We like that this ride likes to stay fresh, even if it has to go under refurbishment frequently.

20. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Race through the plot of Who Framed Roger Rabbit on the spinning dark ride Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin! The queue is an amazing ode to the film with not-so-subtle nods and the ride is certainly a step up from Mad Tea Party when it comes to spinning attractions.

19. Autopia

Sure, for adults and older teens driving a car usually isn’t very special. But for kids, Autopia can be their favorite ride in the whole park. It also doesn’t hurt that Disneyland has upgraded the scenery over the years to make Autopia a very scenic drive.

18. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is a fun spinning/laser-shooting dark ride that can get pretty competitive depending on who you ride with. One of its best features is the free photo you can claim at the end of the ride.

17. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

The big knock against Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is that it is claustrophobic. While that complaint is valid, it can still be a calming and incredibly enjoyable submarine excursion. We recommend riding this both in the daytime and nighttime to experience what feels like two very different ride experiences!

16. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room brings tropical vibes to Disneyland in a show that boasts singing birds, plants, and tiki gods. Be sure to grab a Dole Whip while you wait for the show to start!

15. Star Tours — The Adventures Continue

The best thing about Star Tours — The Adventures Continue, a Star Wars-based motion simulator ride, is that no matter how many times you ride it, the sequences are totally randomized so you are likely to get a different story and visit different planets each time. This randomization keeps the ride fresh and feeling different each visit.

14. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is a redesign of Snow White’s Scary Adventures, which — go figure — the Disney company and many tourists found to be too scary for children. The new theming for this classic dark ride features better technology/effects, a happier and more conclusive ending, and a better ride experience overall. We give this upgrade two thumbs up.

13. Disneyland Railroad

Often overlooked, the Disneyland Railroad has four stations and takes you on a scenic tour throughout Disneyland. Highlights include riding next to the Rivers of America and the World’s Fair audio-animatronics used to depict the Grand Canyon and Land of the Dinosaurs dioramas.

12. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Looking for a more interactive version of Star Tours? Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has you covered! Pilot and operate the famed Millennium Falcon from Star Wars in a truly unforgettable experience. Fingers crossed you get pilots with a knack for flying!

11. Matterhorn Bobsleds

We know, we can’t believe Matterhorn Bobsleds didn’t make the Top 10 either. Alas, the coaster-like attraction can be divisive and we acknowledge that. The ride is A TON of fun and one of the best Disneyland has to offer. It can also rearrange your spine (not literally) and isn’t for everyone. Are you brave enough to journey through the Matterhorn?

10. “it’s a small world”

One of the most famous boat rides in the world is without a doubt “it’s a small world”. A catchy song, a beautiful facade, colorful scenes to represent different countries of the world, a holiday overlay, and a fun boat ride all come together to make one of the best family rides ever invented. Just promise us you’ll stay seated throughout the ride…and clothed.

9. Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight usually has a rough wait time, but for good reason. A dark ride over London and through Never Land in a flying pirate ship? Yeah, the wait makes sense.

8. Jungle Cruise

The backside of water makes the Jungle Cruise a player for that top spot in our ranking, but we’ve elected to judge with total fairness (even if it makes us sad). So coming in at No. 8 is the boat ride that makes us laugh and gives a unique experience each expedition. If you know someone who doesn’t love the Jungle Cruise, they’re clearly “living in de-Nile.”

7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Here we have it: the king of boat rides! Pirates of the Caribbean is without a doubt a Top 10 Disneyland ride and we were hesitant to even let it drop this far. Sailing through the bayou? Check. Two waterfall drops? Check? An adventure with pirates? Check. A near-perfect ride? Check.

6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway finally made it’s way to Mickey’s Toontown after originating in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and we couldn’t be happier! This charming ride operates on a trackless system and has us follow Mickey and Minnie on a wild adventure. It also features a jingle that will get stuck in your head long after you leave the park.

5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness — and it’s also kicking off our Top 5! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad finds that perfect balance between too intense and too boring to create a mine train ride that is just as fun the 100th ride as it was the first ride. Pro tip: ride this one during the fireworks show and thank us later.

4. Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion may be home to 999 happy haunts and we’ll always volunteer to be the 1,000th! Spooky, funny, nostalgic, and gleefully macabre, Haunted Mansion deserves a Top 5 ranking without hesitation. Whether you love the classic or prefer the The Nightmare Before Christmas holiday overlay, it’s hard to pass up a ride through this ghostly retreat.

It is currently undergoing a lengthy refurbishment, after which an expanded queue will only add to the attraction’s story.

3. Indiana Jones Adventure

How would you describe Indiana Jones Adventure to a friend? “You’re in a jeep, there’s a talking statue that curses you, a temple with lava, a giant snake, flying darts, and a giant ball that tries to crush you before you drop.” This ride is insane — and insanely FUN!

2. Space Mountain

Our runner-up is the ever-popular Space Mountain and it missed out on the top spot by a hair. This thrilling coaster takes you on a flight through outer space synced to a rocking soundtrack. “Smooth, perfect, flawless, incredible.” You’ll hear all those words said after you disembark from your space-bound journey. It even has a Star Wars overlay and it took a Star Wars ride to keep it from the No. 1 spot.

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

What can be said about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance that hasn’t been said already? It’s innovative, truly one of its kind (if you don’t count the Florida version), and almost always worth the wait. With a brilliant trackless system, incredibly realistic audio-animatronics and set pieces, a queue that feels very much like you’re already on the ride, and some thrilling surprises, Rise of the Resistance is one heck of an attraction and deserving of the top spot in our ranking.

Later in 2024, Disneyland will be opening Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and we expect that to hold a high spot on our next ranking! Until then, be sure to stay tuned here at AllEars for the latest Disneyland news, tips, and reviews!

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Which attractions did we get right? Which ones did we get wrong? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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