Are you looking for some thrills while visiting the Disneyland Resort? I’ve got you covered! I am a full on adrenaline junkie…. and just can’t pass up a good thrill ride. Here are my five can’t miss thrill rides in the Disneyland Resort.
#5. Radiator Springs Racers – while this new attraction in Cars Land typically has a long line – it is at the bottom of my top 5 list. It is a great ride, don’t get me wrong, but the thrilling part of it is just a little too short for my liking! You load up in a cute car, and take a leisurely cruise the Radiator Springs (my favorite part of the ride!), until it is time to square up against your competition and race through amazing red rock formations. **Quick tip – if you want to take advantage of Fast Pass for Radiator Springs Racers, you’ll want to send someone in your group to get them first thing in the morning – they go quick! If you don’t mind splitting your group up, you can also take advantage of the single rider line.
#4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – one of the iconic “mountains” in the “Disneyland Mountain Range” You can’t go wrong hopping on the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!” for a quick thrill! Start off at the Big Thunder Mining Company, and suddenly you are racing along the railroad tracks on a run away mine car!
#3. Matterhorn Bobsleds – Probably the most iconic thrill ride in Disneyland, not only was it the first roller-coaster at Disneyland Park, it was also the first tubular steel roller coaster in the world! Climb 80 feet high inside an icy cave, and the race down to the base of the peak! Keep an eye out for the Abominable Snowman that is rumored to live inside the mountain as well! **Pro tip – there are two nearly identical tracks that have separate queues – one located in Fantasyland and one along the outskirts of Tomorrowland. During slower periods only on side may be open, and typically the Fantasyland queue will close during parades.
#2. Space Mountain – Another one of the classic Disney “Mountains” the thrills get amped up a bit since you are hurtling through the dark with mysterious sounds of space and galactic music! Currently re-themed as “Hyperspace Mountain” for the Season of the Force it is a definite can’t miss!
#1. California Screamin’ – It’s obvious why this tops my list as number one. The only roller coaster in the resort that has a true inversion, as well as an incredible take off. No slow first hill on this coaster, as the barker’s countdown ends – you are blasted up the first hill; accelerating from 0 to 55 miles per hour in four seconds!
Did I miss your favorite thrill ride in the Disneyland Resort? Let me know in the comments below!!!!
Tracie Petro on
Great list! For my personal list, I’d swap Tower of Terror and Splash Mountain for Matterhorn Bobsleds and Radiator Springs Racers.
Lisa on
Tower of Terror definitely gets an honorable mention! I’m partial to the one at Hollywood Studios. If this covered ALL Disney Parks that version would have hit the Top 5 for sure!