Disneyland California Rides – location, wait times, height requirements and more
Disneyland California Rides are among the best ones out there- and that is a known fact.
Disneyland California is the oldest water park in the world, and it proves it time and again with the most creative rides!
We have compiled the best rides at Disneyland California so that you can plan the perfect day out for you and your loved ones!
Best rides at Disneyland California
Disneyland California offers a variety of rides and attractions that cater to different preferences and age groups.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular and best Disneyland California Rides:
1. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Location: Adventureland
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 46 inches (117 cm)
Get on a rugged troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny. You will face dangers like molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, etc.
Indiana Jones Adventure is neither a roller coaster nor a typical slow-speed attraction.
You’ll board a 12-person vehicle for a fast-paced thrill ride that simulates rapid, fast driving over rough terrain.
2. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)
Bring your crew and get onto the Millennium Falcon, and head towards your hyperspace adventure.
You will face danger at every turn; only teamwork can get you through safely! This is one of the best simulator rides at Disneyland!
3. Mark Twain Riverboat
Location: Frontierland
Type: Water ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Get on an old-fashioned steam-powered vessel and start your half-mile journey into the American frontier.
You will travel in a loop around Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and spot a few scenic items along the way.
4. Space Mountain
Location: Tomorrowland
Type: Water ride
Minimum height requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
This high-flying adventure will take you on an outer space journey. You will get in a hi-fi rocket and speed through space!
With immersive sound effects and thrilling music, you will feel the effect of g-force on your entire body!
5. Alice in Wonderland
Location: Fantasyland
Type: Slow ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Alice in Wonderland is one of the oldest Disneyland California rides.
After 50 years since opening, Alice in Wonderland remains a favorite Fantasyland stop for children and adults.
You will go through the White Rabbit’s House, Tulgey Wood and the Queen’s Garden.
Also, you will see Wonderland locals, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, The Cheshire Cat and more.
6. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Location: Tomorrowland
Type: Slow, Dark Ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Join Buzz Lightyear as he battles with the Evil Emperor Zurg, who is stealing batteries to power a new weapon of destruction.
You will command your XP-40 and have fire-at-will orders! Use the joystick to blast glowing “Z” targets with your laser cannon to earn points.
Track your points on the electronic dashboard in your space cruiser. At the end of your mission, see your new Star Command ranking based on the points you earned.
7. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Location: Fantasyland
Type: Slow Ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Based on Disney’s 1941 animated classic Dumbo, this beloved attraction has delighted Guests since 1955.
Dumbo and friends will take you flying- high and low; choose your level!
Snap a picture in the replica Dumbo gondola, which you’ll find just behind the main attraction.
8. Casey Jr. Circus Train
Location: Fantasyland
Type: Slow Ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Join Casey Jr., a brave little engine, and go on a hilly adventure, wind through the valleys and villages.
The biggest challenge Casey Jr. faces- a hill. Get on board Casey Jr. to see if you make it over the hill!
You will pass through famous sites like the Ice Palace from Frozen, the houses from Three Little Pigs, the Alpine village from Pinocchio, and much more.
9. Astro Orbitor
Location: Tomorrowland
Type: Spinning
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Climb on top of a retro-3 passenger spaceship with your close ones and go on a space adventure!
Hang tight, as the rocket will take you on a bumpy journey filled with twists and turns and many galaxies!
One of the Disneyland California rides that give you a dizzy head! Remember, you are controlling your spaceship! Safe travels!
Top thrilling rides at Disneyland California
Disneyland California is home to some of the most thrilling rides- they have all kinds of turns, twists, drops and more!
Here are the top must-try thrilling rides in Disneyland California:
# Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Frontierland
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fast rollercoaster-type attraction designed for kids and adults.
You will go past the ghost town of Big Thunder on a roller coaster on this thrilling ride!
You will hear the tracks creek, go through a waterfall and dodge a falling boulder on your way!
# Matterhorn Bobsleds
Location: Fantasyland
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 42 inches (107 cm)
This ride has two routes- one on the Fantasyland side and one on the Tomorrowland side.
You will go through shadowy caves, jagged rocky ledges, bridges and under waterfalls. You will find yourself 80 ft above the ground inside an icy cave.
You will also face the Abominable Snowman—who will do anything and everything to protect his home.
# Indiana Jones Adventure
Location: Adventureland
Type: Thrill ride
Minimum height requirement: 46 inches (117 cm)
You will board a troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny.
You will have to deal with dangers such as molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, collapsing bridges, and much more.
Indiana Jones Adventure is neither a roller coaster nor a typical slow-speed attraction.
You’ll board a 12-person vehicle for a fast-paced thrill ride that realistically simulates quick driving over rough terrain.
Best water rides at Disneyland California
From exhilarating drops to whimsical storytelling, the water rides at Disneyland California are a splash of excitement for visitors of all ages.
Here are the best water rides in Disneyland California, you MUST try!
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Location: Critter Country
Type: Water ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
Go back in history and experience a truly adventurous water voyage. You need 20 people, and you get on paddled canoe.
You will see the Columbia Gorge and 5 other waterfalls on your journey. You will pass through Frontierland, New Orleans Square and Critter Country.
If you are observant enough, you might come across some locals and a Native American Village.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Location: Tomorrowland
Type: Water Ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
This water ride is based on the original film, Finding Nemo. You can get onboard a submarine and head on a sea adventure.
View the sea from within the submarine, and you will find artifacts of an ancient civilization scattered along the sea floor.
You can meet popular Nemo himself and his turtle pal, Squirt. Not far behind, you will see Marlin, the dad and Dory.
Jungle Cruise
Location: Adventureland
Type: Water ride
Minimum height requirement: Any height
You will get on a canopied tramp steams and take on the world’s most treacherous rivers!
You will face leaping tigers, lethal cobras, and crocodiles. You also have a chance to see and snap a few pictures of elephants, gorillas, hippos, zebras and a lion!
Move through this jungle-themed cruise listening to the great narration. You will have a truly unforgettable time!
Single-rider rides at Disneyland California
The single-rider line offers you the chance to wait for a shorter time in exchange for not being able to select your desired seat.
If you opt for the single-rider option, you can not sit beside your friends or family.
However, you can skip the waiting time and enjoy the ride sooner than large groups.
The single-rider rides at Disneyland Park are:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Space Mountain
Single-rider rides at Disneyland California Adventure Park are:
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Incredicoaster
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Grizzly River Run
- Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
- Soaring Around the World
Disneyland California ride height restrictions
Height requirements help ensure that guests can sit properly and securely in the ride vehicles, reducing the risk of injuries or accidents during the ride.
Here is all you need to know about Disneyland California’s height restrictions:
Why do height requirements exist?
Height requirements at Disneyland California exist primarily for safety reasons.
These requirements are put in place to ensure that guests can safely experience the rides without any potential risk or harm.
Some rides have elements, like low-hanging obstacles or track structures, that require a minimum height to clear safely.
Height requirements help prevent guests from coming into contact with these elements.
Height requirements help ensure guests of an appropriate age and size enjoy the ride comfortably.
Disneyland California height requirements chart
Here are the most popular Disneyland California rides and their height restrictions listed:
| Ride Name | Disneyland California Ride Height |
|---|---|
| Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster | 46 inches (117 cm) |
| Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | 38 inches (97 cm) |
| Mark Twain Riverboat | Any height |
| Space Mountain | 40 inches (102 cm) |
| Alice in Wonderland | Any height |
| Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters | Any height |
| Dumbo the Flying Elephant | Any height |
| Casey Jr. Circus Train | Any height |
| Astro Orbitor | Any height |
| Big Thunder Mountain Railroad | 40 inches (102 cm) |
| Matterhorn Bobsleds | 42 inches (107 cm) |
| Indiana Jones Adventure | 46 inches (117 cm) |
| Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes | Any height |
| Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage | Any height |
| Jungle Cruise | Any height |
How to avoid Crowds at the rides
Avoiding crowds at Disneyland California can enhance your experience and allow you to make the most of your visit.
Here are some strategies to help you minimize wait times and navigate the park efficiently:
Book Genie+ tickets
There are two types of tickets to Disneyland California – simple entry tickets and Genie+ tickets.
You can avoid wait times on most rides with the Genie+ Disneyland California tickets.
Make sure you place your reservation to the park at the official website after purchasing your tickets to enter the park.
Plan Your Visit on Off-Peak Days
Try to visit on weekdays, during off-peak seasons, and outside of major holidays.
These times typically have lower attendance levels, resulting in shorter wait times for rides and attractions.
Arrive Early
Arriving at the park right when it opens gives you a head start on popular rides before the crowds build up. This is often when lines are the shortest.
Single-Rider Lines
Some rides offer single-rider lines, often shorter than regular ones. Remember that you might not be seated with your group, but you’ll get on the ride faster.
Download the Disneyland App
The official Disneyland app provides real-time wait times for all attractions and entertainment schedules and even allows you to make dining reservations.
Monitoring wait times can help you choose which rides to prioritize.
Strategize Your Route
Plan your route through the park strategically, hitting the most popular rides early in the day.
This way, you can experience the most sought-after attractions before the crowds become overwhelming.
Disneyland California rides’ wait times
Disneyland California is a renowned park that attracts visitors from all over the world. This results in lines in the front of the rides!
Here are the average wait times for Disneyland California rides:
| Ride Name | Disneyland California Ride Height |
|---|---|
| Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster | 15 min |
| Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | 15 min |
| Mark Twain Riverboat | 15 min |
| Space Mountain | 20 min |
| Alice in Wonderland | 15 min |
| Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters | 5 min |
| Dumbo the Flying Elephant | 15 min |
| Casey Jr. Circus Train | 5 min |
| Astro Orbitor | 5 min |
| Big Thunder Mountain Railroad | 15 min |
| Matterhorn Bobsleds | 10 min |
| Indiana Jones Adventure | 15 min |
| Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes | 10 min |
| Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage | 5 min |
| Jungle Cruise | 5 min |
Suggested articles:
- Disneyland California tickets
- Disneyland California’s opening hours
- Disneyland California Map
- Tips for visiting Disneyland California
Disneyland California Rides – FAQs
1. What rides are at Disneyland in California?
You can explore different types of Disneyland California rides when you go to the park.
Here are the best Disneyland California rides you need to try:
– Alice in Wonderland
– Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
– Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
– Matterhorn Bobsleds
– Space Mountain
2. What is Disneyland California famous for?
Disneyland California is famous for being the world’s first theme park, enchanting visitors with iconic characters, classic rides, and magical experiences since 1955.
3. What is the best ride at Disney World California?
One of the best rides in Disneyland California is Alice in Wonderland.
4. What is the oldest ride in Disneyland California?
One of the oldest Disneyland California rides is Alice in Wonderland. It opened in 1958, just three years after opening.
5. How to avoid wait times at Disneyland California?
You can avoid waiting time at the Disneyland California park with Genie+ tickets.
This is a simple upgrade you can purchase for an extra cost of $50.
It gives you lightning lane access, unlimited photo pass and more.
Featured Image: Aubrey Odom on Unsplash