The 13 Best Disneyland Rides

With almost 100 attractions within Disneyland Resort, choosing which ones to experience can be an impossible task.

Visiting Disneyland Resort in California is full of excitement, wonder and unparalleled joy. But when you’ve travelled all the way from Australia and only have a few days to explore, finding out which rides are worth it and which ones you can give a miss, is extremely important.

From classics that were there on opening day in 1955, to the state-of-the-art new rides that will blow your mind, these are the attractions you can’t miss at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance left me speechless. It’s the best ride I’ve ever been on and when I visited Disneyland, I’d never seen any of the Star Wars (don’t @ me, I’ve started watching them since then) and I was blown away by this ride. You join the Resistance in a battle against the First Order, and it just kept getting better and better and I was squealing in delight.

Star Destroyer Hangar Bay in Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Disneyland Park — Be part of the Resistance on this thrilling Stars Wars ride.

The wait times for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance can be really long, and you can’t use Genie+, so plan to get here early to avoid the crowds. You can skip some of the line with an individual Lightning Lane reservation that can cost up to US$25 ($37) per person. I waited about 60 minutes in the standby lane, and it was well worth the wait.

Kylo Ren in Star Wars Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Park — You’ll face Kylo Ren in this ride.

Where: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: 102cm or taller

2. Radiator Springs Racers

Over a decade since it opened, this Cars-themed ride is the most popular attraction in Disney California Adventure Park, and it’s not hard to see why.

Desert landscapes in Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure Park — The desert landscapes are stunning on this ride. (Image: Emily Murphy)

You start off by cruising through the desert landscapes, getting up close and personal with the scarily realistic animatronic characters, and then finishing it off with a speedy race to the finish line with the wind blowing through your hair. It was cute, fun and everything you want a ride to be.

The standby lane is always long here, so it’s best to go in the single-rider line even if you’re with a group.

cars racing at the scenic landscape in Cars Land Disney Adventure Park — Radiator Springs Racers is the most popular attraction in Disney California Adventure Park.

Where: Cars Land (Disney California Adventure Park)
Requirements: 102cm or taller

3. The Incredicoaster

Be prepared to get your heart pumping on this one. Going from 0 to 88 kilometres per hour real quick (in five seconds), this is one for the thrill seekers.

The Incredibles-themed attraction is the only ride in Disneyland Resort that goes upside down, it has a drop of over 30 metres and gives you sweeping views of the park. I can’t say I saw the view when I was up there, I was too busy deep breathing and trying not to scream.

The Incredicoaster and Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel in Pixar Pier — The Incredicoaster sits right behind the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel.

Adrenaline-inducing, super secure and completed with a musical score by Incredibles 2 composer Michael Giacchino, I really enjoyed this ride. You can use your Genie+ for the Incredicoaster, or the standby lane is usually pretty short.

Entrance to the Incredicoaster in Disney California Adventure Park — The Incredicoaster will get your heart pumping. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Where: Pixar Pier (Disney California Adventure Park)
Requirements: 122cm or taller

4. Pirates of the Caribbean

One of the rare occurrences where a ride came before the films, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride was revolutionary when it opened in 1967.

Sing along to Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me) through the 15-minute boat ride where you’ll plunge down two drops and experiences the story through elaborate sets and animatronics.

You might get some little splashes here and there, but nothing too overboard.

Where: New Orleans Square (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: None

5. Splash Mountain

Get the poncho ready because this iconic ride is making waves. Splash Mountain is one of the most popular Disneyland rides, known for its big drops and very wet passengers.

Try and sit as far back as you can to avoid being too drenched. I was second from the front and had to go back to the hotel to change afterwards.

The ride is currently getting a much-needed revamp and will debut a Princess and the Frog makeover in late 2024.

people riding the Splash Mountain, Disneyland — Riding on Splash Mountain may leave you soaking wet.

Where: Critter Country (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: 102cm or taller

6. World of Color – ONE

This attraction debuted as part of the Disney 100 celebrations, commemorating 100 years of the Walt Disney Company.

World of Color – ONE transforms Paradise Bay with an array of fountains, lighting, lasers, fog and flame effects all telling the story of how a single action – like a drop of water – creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change.

Pocahontas scene in World of Color – ONE at Disney California Adventure Park — See all the Disney classics come to life during World of Color – ONE.

It’s the first night-time spectacular to feature characters, music and moments from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers and Star Wars in the same production.

Get there early to get a good, unobstructed view of Pixar Pier.

Star Wars scene in World of Color – ONE at Disney California Adventure Park — Be blown away by Star Wars’ appearance in World of Color – ONE.

Where: Paradise Gardens Park (Disney California Adventure Park)
Requirements: None

7. Wondrous Journeys

Also debuted as part of the Disney 100 celebrations, Wondrous Journeys features nods to all of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ films to date in a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart.

Sleeping Beauty scene on Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park during Wondrous Journeys — Sleeping Beauty is welcomed home to her castle during Wondrous Journeys.

Disneyland Park turns into a canvas filled with magical lighting effects, projections and, on some nights, fireworks.

Depending on where you watch the show – Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America or the façade of “it’s a small world" – you’ll see a unique part of the show.

a spectacular fireworks display above the sleeping beauty castle, disneyland — Watch Sleeping Beauty Castle transform with the family Madrigal from Encanto.

Where: Disneyland Park
Requirements: None

8. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The very first ride dedicated to Mickey and Minnie, Toontown’s newest attraction opened in January 2023, another element of the centenary celebration.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway doesn’t run on a traditional ride track, so it feels different every time you ride. If you sit in the front train car one time and the back train car the next, you’ll get a totally different view of each scene.

the entrance of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Disneyland — Don’t miss the trackless adventure at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

The ride lets you literally step into the screen of a cartoon and onto a train that swerves and spins through scenes styled after the current generation of Mickey Mouse shorts.

Genie+ isn’t available on this ride, if you want a shorter wait, you’ll need to purchase an individual Lightning Lane entry.

the whimsical interior of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Disneyland — Gush over the enchanting displays inside Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Where: Mickey’s Toontown (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: None

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9. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This runaway mine train roller coaster is a fun ride that zooms through dark caves and a southwestern mountainscape, making sharp twists and turns that go eerily close to the rocks. Sit up the back and settle in for the ride. It’s going to be a bumpy one.

a mine train roller coaster at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disneyland — Sit tight and prepare for a bumpy ride at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Where: Frontierland (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: 102cm or taller

10. Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging

Not your ordinary Ferris wheel, the Pixar Pal-A-Round was chaotically scarier than any other ride I went on.

As you travel around the wheel, your gondola also sways and slides forward and backwards on interior rails.

The heights didn’t bother me, it was more the unpredictability of where the gondola would move next. And not being strapped in meant I was sliding all over the place.

On some nights, Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging closes early to accommodate World of Color performances.

The Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris Wheel, Disneyland — Not your ordinary Ferris wheel, the Pixar Pal-A-Round gondolas also swing.

Where: Pixar Pier (Disney California Adventure Park)
Requirements: None

11. Matterhorn Bobsleds

Matterhorn Bobsleds has been entertaining visitors since 1959, and was actually the first roller-coaster attraction at Disneyland Park, and was the very first steel roller coaster in the world.

You’ll tumble through a snow-capped mountain on an alpine sled while avoiding the Abominable Snowman. There are two bobsled tracks: one on the Fantasyland side of the mountain and the other on the Tomorrowland side.

Matterhorn Mountain in Disneyland Park — Explore the Matterhorn Bobsleds on an alpine sled. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Where: Fantasyland (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: 107cm or taller

12. Space Mountain

This futuristic roller coaster will make you soar through the galaxy in the dark, not knowing what’s coming after each twist and turn.

I loved Space Mountain, there was something so thrilling about the way it climbs through a sequence of light-up tunnels and launch preparations, with the music building up until it hits a cosmic crescendo just as we catch a glimpse of the star-spattered darkness.

a thrilling ride at Space Mountain, Disneyland — Buzz through to the edge of the galaxy at Space Mountain.

Where: Tomorrowland (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: 102cm or taller

13. Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is one of the most popular rides at the Disneyland Resort. With nostalgia, dark humour and special effects, this ride is not to be missed.

If visiting around Christmas time, the ride gets an incredible Nightmare Before Christmas makeover that is equally as cool.

the exterior of Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park — The Haunted Mansion is a lot of fun.

Where: New Orleans Square (Disneyland Park)
Requirements: None

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.