Top 10 Disneyland Attractions
In this post, we rank the best Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attractions, narrowing the list to the 10 best from the two parks. Narrowing it to only ten attractions was no easy task. How do you rank the timeless Walt-era Disneyland attractions alongside newer offerings that are more technically-advanced, but may not stand the test of time? Our approach is one of balance, awarding symbolic points for a variety of reasons…and then discarding said points entirely and just choosing our favorites. (So if you’re wondering why Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train is #1…)
Kidding. Even though there’s an element of subjectivity, we attempt to be as objective as humanly possible with the list. Since this is Disneyland, and history and charm are part of the appeal, we do weigh that a bit. Wow-factor also comes into play, as do myriad other variables. Ultimately, it’s not just a list of what’s the most fun or what we do most frequently, but the attractions we think are the highest-quality and significant.
I also want to note that I don’t think this is in any way definitive. I just thought it would be interesting to put together a list of what I consider to be Disneyland Resort’s 10 best attractions. Some great ones and all-time classics are bound to be snubbed, as are some crowd-pleasing favorites that draw big crowds. Even if we had a list with 20 honorable mentions, something would be left off. In fairness, it’s not like this list is sanctioned by some governing theme park body, anyway. I’m just some random dude with a blog, and these are what I perceive as the top 10 attractions and Disneyland and Disney California Adventure…
That might sound like a cop-out, but it’s more to underscore the point that this article is meant to be a fun conversation piece for Disneyland fans, not an authoritative hot take, or a list of the only attractions that you absolutely must-do at Disneyland. You’re going to ride more than 10 attractions (hopefully!) on your trip to Disneyland. It really makes no difference what some dude on the internet thinks is best.
In each description below, I’ll make my case for the attraction being among the best, and I welcome reasoned counterpoints in the comments with those who disagree. (Emphasis on reasoned counterpoints.) With that said, here are the rankings…
10. Storybook Land Canal Boats
This slot was the most difficult to fill. While I was confident about every other attraction, I had four vying for this last slot (Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, California Screamin’, and this). I felt a strong case could be made for each of the candidates, but ultimately, the Storybook Land Canal Boats feel like they capture so much of the essence of Disneyland.
You board a quaint, Cast Member-led boat, while floating through an intimate attraction that adds kinetic energy to the heart of Disneyland. You pass miniaturized versions of villages, castles, and homes of Disney characters. It’s a cute, “peaceful” attraction, not a big-budget ride that will knock your socks off. If you get Storybook Land Canal Boats, you get Disneyland. I especially love Pinocchio’s village, as it has been cleverly designed so the Matterhorn appears as another mountain towering over the village in the background.
9. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain establishes a great sense of place in the outdoor queue, offers a loose but coherent story, and has family-friendly thrills with beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way. It also manages to pack a lot in the way of visuals for a fast-moving ride.
In other words, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the perfect mix of thrills and detail, with a ton of hilarious gags and an awesome climax scene (when it works) added during the attraction’s huge refurbishment a few years ago. It has a ton of re-rideability for both of those reasons, and is a Disneyland classic as a result.
8. Peter Pan’s Flight
Out of every attraction on this list, Peter Pan’s Flight is the one we experience the least. Unless you rope drop it or wait until the very end of the night, you’re looking at a 45-minute wait, and that’s at the very least. It’s easy to see why Peter Pan’s Flight is so popular. It was re-imagined for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary to modernize it and add some great new effects, and those changes were done well.
Peter Pan’s Flight is the endearing Fantasyland classic, the defining attraction among several classics around it. Unlike those, which mostly work on charming and nostalgic levels, Peter Pan’s Flight is (still) flat out good. It takes guests in “flying” ships above London and Neverland, and no matter how old you are, there’s suspension of disbelief as you look down on the stream of traffic.
7. Space Mountain
At its core, Space Mountain is more or less a wild mouse coaster in the dark. As compared to Disneyland’s newer flagship attractions, the concept here is surprisingly simple. However, it’s the layers on top of that ‘core’ experience that elevate Space Mountain, making it a top-tier Disneyland attraction.
The feeling that you’re traveling through space is established via interstellar atmosphere, cool theming, a blast-off tunnel, and on-board music. The lead-up to this takes you through a spaceport queue, which also helps to enhance the experience and establish a sense of place. It’s also just downright fun, and that certainly counts for something (a lot!).
6. Splash Mountain
Although their names are quite similar, Splash Mountain is a stark contrast to Space Mountain. Whereas the latter is a quick, roller coaster ride ‘into the void’, Splash Mountain is mostly slow-moving, and it’s one of the most detailed attractions Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created.
Splash Mountain is an Audio Animatronics-driven extravaganza, clocking in at over 10 minutes in duration and featuring dozens of animated critters. It also has more visuals and cute details than you can possibly take in on a single ride-through. (It doesn’t help that Disneyland’s version is paced too quickly.) Splash Mountain tells an engaging story, features great and catchy songs, and also puts guests at the heart of the action at a few points thanks to its drops. Thanks to all of that, Splash Mountain offers something for everyone and is a classic Disneyland attraction.
5. ‘it’s a small world’
‘it’s a small world’ is the iconic attraction featuring the children of the world and that oh-so divisive song. While some guests express absolute disdain for it’s a small world, we suspect that’s mostly in jest or jumping onto the ‘mocking bandwagon’ without giving the attraction any serious thought.
In reality, it’s a small world is a masterpiece. It’s an artistic triumph, and the most recognizable work of famed artist Mary Blair’s career. Her arresting use of color, shapes, and spatial relationships defines it’s a small world, and presents a world that is at once recognizable and surreal. That, plus the peaceful chorus of the children of the world makes it’s a small world instantly recognizable to anyone who is not living under a rock. It’s an enduring classic.
As much as we enjoy the regular version of the attraction, ‘it’s a small world’ holiday is not to be missed. Seriously, one of the main reasons we look forward to Disneyland at Christmas-time is because of this overlay. Not only is the exterior absolutely stunning aglow with lights, but the interior has added decor, a remixed soundtrack, and some memorable scents. (It’s our favorite seasonal overlay at Disneyland–sorry, Haunted Mansion Holiday!) Alright, things get serious on Page 2, as we share the best of the best. The upper echelon, with a mix of the best of modern and classic Imagineering…
My vote is for Davy Crockett Canoes because it’s such a hilarious holdover from the old Disneyland. When I did it I was like “OMG this is physically strenuous! This is in a theme park???” And our guy kept on yelling at us to keep paddling or the ride wouldn’t end and we’d be stuck on the river forever!
Is this at any other Disney park?
Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland both also have canoes. Paris and Florida had them at one point, but they’re gone at both now.
This list is pretty spot-on. Pirates has always been my all time favorite. I’d just make a few tweaks, moving Storybook Land Canal Boats higher on the list and swapping either Indiana Jones (like Matterhorn, painful to ride) or Splash Mountain for the Disneyland Railroad because, dinosaurs rule.
The Tower of Terror is one of my favorite rides…in Disney World. That being said I’ve never been to Disney Land. Where does the Tower rank on your list? Would it have been higher before the Guardians reimagining?
I know that Small World is iconic and a walt-era, OG Disney attraction, but I recently rode it for the first time in a while and noticed how old and dated it has become. It almost looks like it’s an off-brand, knock-off Disney ride. They seem to have added several extra dolls/characters that look like cheap paper-mache. I really think the entire inside of the ride could use a major face-lift.
The outside of the ride still looks incredible and I agree the holiday version is better. While I understand why this is a top attraction, I also think its way too high on the list.
I also love Storybook Canal and my fiance actually proposed on the ride last year! He had asked a cast member ahead of time if we could have a private boat so he could propose. It was during fireworks and once the fireworks start they stop the boats so everyone in the boats can watch them. Our driver stopped the boat right in from of the model of Cinderella’s castle, with fireworks shooting off right behind it, and my fiance proposed there. Super magical and our driver was wonderful!
I love all of these except for your fave, Indiana Jones. I could care less if I ever go on it again. I would add the Guardians ride in the top 10 for sure.
Great list. One of the few changes I would make would be to swap Story Book Land for the Casey Jr. Circus Train. It has all the wonderful place-making of SBLCB without the slow-moving line PLUS you get to ride in a monkey cage. (Family tradition) It’s definitely partly nostalgia, but few rides put a bigger smile on my face.
Can’t argue with riding in a monkey cage!
Great list Tom and like the other Top 10 lists, this starts fun conversations. It is a tough list to compile because of the wonderful Fantasyland dark rides and lots E ticket attractions. This list is solid although I’ll break your rules about being impartial and add Mr. Toad to list for nostalgia purposes since that was one of my favorite rides in WDW when I was kid and I love the Wind in the Willows cartoon. Anytime I make a trip to DL, I look forward to going on Storybook Canal because it is so peaceful and intimate. I love Big Thunder Mountain because in addition to your comments, it still includes remnants of Mine Train Through Natures Wonderland (MTTNW). I’ve read history, seen old pictures, watched and listened to ride-throughs of MTTNW and I wish I was around to ride it since it seems so fun and detail oriented. I love Splash Mountain although I usually miss the WDW version with the extra details and the country/bluegrass like music. Next trip, I really need to make an effort to go on Small World and Radiator Springs Racers (always ridiculous long waits when I go to DCA). I never realized Small World was superior at DL compared to its counterpart at WDW. Pirates of Caribbean is indeed the best and the quintessential DL attraction.
Totally agree about Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland. Really wish I had ridden that, and will miss the remnants that were previously in Big Thunder Ranch.
IJA was probably my favorite DL attraction, and probably the one I’d put at “best.” Every inch of it was perfect–from queue to every minute of the attraction.
The saddest things about my DL visit was that IASW was closed for its holiday transformation. I so wish I could have ridden it, and even more wish I could have seen the holiday overlay.
That’s a worthy list. I’d probably find a way to put the Matterhorn Bobsleds on the list as well (though I don’t know what Id’ take off!) Being the first tubular steel rollercoaster in the world gives it an important place in history, not just of DL. And it’s still quite a fun ride.
Definitely a unique place in history, but it’s SO painful to ride. We rarely even do it anymore. Maybe we’re just getting old?!
I thought it was just me! I loved the Matterhorn as a kid, but it’s been several trips now that I haven’t ridden it. It feels like it’s beating me up. Sad, but no thanks!
I’m right there with you, my back was in so much pain after the last time I rode it I haven’t even attempted in the past 5 years.
Finally!! Thank u tom!! I’ve been waiting for months for this list!!;)))) Just wondering, when is top 10 Tokyo Disney Resort rides now??? I CANT WAIT AHHH
I can’t express how nervous you made me by starting this list with a picture of the Nemo subs.
maybe it’s just because I’m a roller coaster person, but California Screamin and Matterhorn Bobselds would have made the list for me.
To me, California Screamin is the best of the Disney roller coasters in the US. I love the space mountains and Expedition Everest is a close second, but I still think California Screamin is the best. I’m interested to see how it will change when it becomes the Incredicoaster. Hopefully, the ride itself won’t really change.
Thumbs up
Excellent list, Tom. Almost, but not quite, perfect! 😉
I love all of your top 4, but I would put Haunted Mansion at number one. While I also like Peter Pan and Storybook Land, my fave Fantasyland ride will always be Mr Toad!
I just rode California Screamin this past weekend. Front row. At night. Fantastic experience! Should definitely make the list.
Thank you for not including guardians of the galaxy. Indiana Jones is comparable to Dinosaur at WDW, just ok.
I also enjoyed Matterhorn Bobsleds. A big Part of the Disney ride experience is visual, so it’s ironic that space mountain is so highly rated. I preferred the bobsleds.
California Screamin’ has the best track of any roller coaster between Disneyland and Disney World! It’s so much fun! It’s definitely on my top 10.
Best rollercoaster is in disney world. Everest and rockin rollercoaster beat anything disneyland has
Rollercoasters aren’t really Disney’s thing on either coast. Better off with Six Flags or a regional park for those.
I love those 2 as well. Rockn is just so short. I love that California Screamin’ goes upside down and has a longer track. Everest is a must-do repeatedly at WDW too!
I’ve done California Screamin’ once and I am glad I did it but I will never EVER do it again. Screamin’ does not come close to how absolutely terrorfied I was for the entire length of that ride. For me Space Mountain was, is and will always be the number one, all time greatest roller coaster in the world, and I mean anywhere not just DIsney.
I can’t agree with this list as firstly Soarin’ is not on the list and that should be up near number one and secondly because I have not done number 3 which is the Cars Ride. What is on the list is fine but I probably would have had a different order and, as I said, I would have has Soarin’, maybe not number one, but up near the top.
I love how you have Storybook land first..so pretty and quaint. Pirates of the Caribbean is the #1 to me. Just tbe transformation of a building into a swamp is so cool. I like eating in the Bayou restaurant too. I am sad that they felt like it had to be changed though. You can’t “clean up” pirates. That’s what they do.
Great list! I recently rediscovered the Story Boats and there is something very tranquil about them.
Tom, your insights are invaluable. i credit your guide/blog to Disneyland for providing a magical, one in a lifetime family vacation that will likely remain my most cherished memory. Truly Priceless.
I still visit your site just to recapture a fragment of the experience. Thank you for your passion.
CAC
Great list! I love Storybook too!
OT: Have you watched Season 2 of Stranger Things yet?
PS (I ask bc I’m the one who caught your Upside Down reference that time:)