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The Top Disneyland Rides

Posted on June 26, 2025

A person dressed as a Star Wars character stands between two stormtroopers on a stage with colorful neon lighting and futuristic decor.

Visiting Disneyland® this 2026? If you're up for some thrilling and magical rides, trust that the Happiest Place on Earth always delivers. Promising extraordinary adventures and fun for all ages, your bucket list won't be complete without these all-time favorite theme park rides.

This short but sweet list will feature 5 of the best and most popular Disneyland® rides. If you're based in Florida, don't fret because most Disneyland® rides have Walt Disney World® versions. Other Disney theme parks like Disneyland® Paris share several rides with the two parks as well.

Experience the thrill and magic with your favorite people with these top rides and roller coasters at Disneyland® Resort.

How do we choose the best rides in Disneyland®?

Quite frankly, choosing the best rides in the Happiest Place on Earth was not easy. We do have our own favorite rides in mind, and fortunately, most of our FunExplorers agree with our choices. So, to make our task easier, we listed down 3 important things to consider when choosing the best Disney ride.

Thrill and experience

A person sits in a cockpit simulator with illuminated controls and screens, viewing a space scene through a large domed window with a starry night sky.

What's a theme park or water park ride without some thrilling action? Most of the favorite rides in Disneyland® are known for their extra spice. The sudden boost of adrenaline and the scream-worthy experiences are just two of the things that make these rides and attractions great.

Concept and creativity

The majority of the rides and attractions in Disneyland® are inspired by beloved Disney movies and animations. With this, you can expect immersive rides oozing with creativity and unique experiences. We picked the best rides in the park that offer the best sensory overload. Maybe it's because of the special effects and the memorable soundtracks. Or maybe it's just the Disney magic, who knows?

Fun Factor

As advocates of fun, we want to make sure that you get to enjoy every ride at Disney parks. Before creating this list, we checked some of the best experiences straight from our FunExplorers. We chose not only the most popular thrill rides in Disneyland®, but most especially, the ones that gave them the ultimate fun.

What are we waiting for? Here are the top five Disneyland® attractions and rides you should not miss.

8 Best Disneyland® Rides to Try in 2026

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

📍Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge,  Disneyland® Park

Calling all Star Wars fans! It's time to beat all the rumors about Star Wars fans not being happy all the time. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is basically the GOAT of Disneyland® rides. Why? This dark ride combines everything you need in a classic ride, with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Join the secret mission and help the mighty team of Resistance fighters win their battle against a legion of stormtroopers, including Kylo Ren!

Whether you're a Star Wars fan or not, this ride will surely become one of your favorite Disneyland® rides. It features mind-blowing special effects, world-class technology and sound systems, and unmatched thrills.  While the drops are relatively smaller compared to other rides and roller coasters in theme parks, the action is unrivaled. Your access to this extraordinary Star Wars action? Disneyland® tickets for you and your pals.

2. Space Mountain

📍Tomorrowland, Disneyland® Park

No need to file an application to NASA to experience what space feels like. If you're going to Disneyland®, don't miss the chance to try this unique indoor rollercoaster. Space Mountain will allow you to blaze down to the edges of the galaxy and go to a different dimension. From small to intense drops to the exhilarating G-force, this is one of the many attractions at Disneyland® offering immersive fun.

This rocket ride is perfect for those who love dark rides. And if you don't mind the extra-loud screams, make your Disneyland® vacation complete with this space-tastic experience.

If you're in Orlando, don't worry because Walt Disney World® has its equally amazing version of Space Mountain. You'll never miss the thrilling fun, for sure!

3. Pirates of the Caribbean

📍New Orleans Square, Disneyland® Park

"Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate," says Captain Jack Sparrow. We have to agree with this because sometimes, a treasure can be found on an extraordinary ride. Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the best attractions at Disneyland® if you're looking for an ultra-realistic and immersive experience. Designed by Walt Disney himself in the 1950's, the ride features grandiose special effects, detailed scenes, and memorable characters.

Audio-Animatronics, the technology behind the best rides in Disney parks around the world, made Pirates of the Caribbean a remarkable ride. These days? It's more than just your typical boat ride, as it brings you to the shadowy world of Pirates Grotto. Don't mind them baddies along the ride. They make the experience a lot more interesting, promise!

4. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

📍Mickey's Toontown, Disneyland® Park

Talking about a Disney classic, no Disneyland® visit is complete without this fun ride with Mickey and Minnie. This classic Disneyland® ride features not just your typical thrilling ride specs, but more of an artistic experience. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway allows you to step into the whimsical world of your favorite Disney characters with plenty of surprises waiting.

Hitch a ride on Engineer Goofy's train and go on a trip down memory lane through a series of iconic cartoon scenes. This is one of the best attractions in Disneyland® for families who just want a classic Disney ride experience - sweet, slow, and truly unforgettable.

5. Haunted Mansion

📍New Orleans Square, Disneyland® Park

A large historic mansion illuminated at night with decorative ironwork balconies, surrounded by trees and a moonlit sky, with a white carriage in front.

If a little bit of fright delights you, this ride might be one of your favorite Disneyland® rides. Haunted Mansion gives you a dark and spooky experience even before Halloween comes. Just imagine a Ghost Host guiding you as you brave the spine-chilling world of cadavers and spirits. Haunted Mansion offers a hair-raising experience (sans the gore), so even the little ones can enjoy.

Overall, this slow-moving ride will take you to the dark depths of this eerie Disney estate. The resident ghosts are not sensitive to loud noises, so you can definitely scream your heart out. The Disney World also has its version of Haunted Mansion for our Florida friends, so you can't miss this spooky spectacle.

6. Incredicoaster

📍Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure® Park

At Disneyland® Resort, the only ride that takes you upside down is the Incredicoaster, which is at Pixar Pier. During our first visit, we were so entertained just watching it spin around in loops. Of course, riding it is even cooler!

Tip: After your ride, be sure to try the Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums at the kiosk near the exit. It’s the perfect post-thrill treat!

If you love adrenaline-pumping rides, you’ve gotta try this one! The whole deal is that Jack Jack has escaped, and you’re on a mission to catch him as you race on the coaster. It feels so good to be outside while having fun.

7. Peter Pan’s Flight

📍Fantasyland, Disneyland® Park

You’ll find that this ride has some of the longest lines around, yet people still flock to it. The flying effect isn’t complicated, but it’s really fun as you float over miniatures of London and Neverland. It brings back that classic Disney magic that many rides don't do quite as well.

Waiting in line can be a hassle, but a lot of folks say it’s worth giving it a shot at least once while you're there. The key? Arrive early and purchase Lightning Lane passes to take advantage of quick and smooth ride access.

8. It’s a Small World

📍Fantasyland, Disneyland® Park

Who says this ride is exclusive for children? Cue in the iconic theme song, and you will be hit by nostalgia. Its facade is one of the most photographed spots in Disneyland®. When you get inside, you drift through room after room filled with cool scenes from various cultures, and that song is so catchy, it might just get stuck in your head!

It’s definitely a classic, and if you really look at it, the craftsmanship is pretty impressive. Don’t worry about finding lots of people who truly love it. You are guaranteed to discover one or more. It’s a small world, after all.

Honorable mentions

Disneyland® Park

  • Indiana Jones Adventure at Adventureland

  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Bayou Country

  • Jungle Cruise at Adventureland

  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at  Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Disney California Adventure® Park

  • Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! at Avengers Campus

  • Radiator Springs Racers at Cars Land

Get ready for a magical and wild ride at Disneyland®.

Exterior view of a futuristic spaceport with illuminated industrial structures and rocky mountain formations in the background at dusk

Disneyland® California is a haven for thrill-seekers and for everyone who just wants to have fun. We hope that this short Disneyland® ride ranking can help you choose the kind of fun for you and your loved ones. Prepare your bucket list, pack your stuff, and plan your trip to Disneyland® with our oh-so-friendly blogs and guides. Of course, don't forget to secure your discount Disneyland® tickets for the most Disney-rific deals! 

The 70th Anniversary celebrations are wrapping up soon, but don’t worry. Disneyland® has a solid lineup of events to make your 2026 extra special. Soak in the magic and fun with your loved ones, have a wonderful Disney trip this year.

See you in the Happiest Place on Earth soon, FunExplorers!

A smiling family meeting Minnie Mouse in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort, creating magical memories.
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