Born and raised in California, I’ve been fortunate enough to have grown up visiting Disneyland and California Adventure. I was only four years old when I first visited. Since then, I’ve visited the happiest place on earth over 10 times. The parks are my favorite places to go for a mini-vacation!
By now, I am pretty familiar with Disneyland and California Adventure, and I know exactly what attractions are worth hitting up every time. If you are planning a visit anytime soon, be sure not to miss out on these magical rides and shows!
Image source: Pexels, Makenzie Kublin
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This ride is perfect for someone who wants the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster without going on one as big as the California Screamin’. It is modeled off of a train and has a cute western theme.
2. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters & Toy Story Midway Mania!
These rides are different and are located in different parks, but the objectives are similar — shoot objects of different point values and earn the most points. They are perfect for friendly competition!
3. Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!
This ride is one of the newest ones, as it was recently transformed from the legendary Hollywood Tower of Terror. The interior is filled with stunning, brightly lit-up decorations. There are multiple versions of the ride, which vary based on the song that plays during the ride!
4. Indiana Jones Adventure
This ride is thrilling, fast, and fun! On this ride, you will venture along with Indiana Jones himself, battling off several evil creatures and even running away from a giant boulder.
5. It’s a Small World
This ride is slow-paced, featuring thousands of animatronics that sing and represent several different cultures. Tip: Be sure not to miss this one if you get the chance to visit the park during winter holiday, as it is customized!
Image source: Unsplash, Travis Gergen
6. Jungle Cruise
This is another slow-paced water ride, taking you on a tour to several famous Disney kingdoms, including Frozen’s Arendelle, Aladdin’s Agrabah, and more. The tour guides on this attraction are really funny — prepare to get roasted!
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
If you love Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew, this ride is perfect for you! This boat ride takes you through several rooms filled with artifacts and animatronics. You can also see people eating at the Blue Bayou restaurant.
8. Radiator Springs Racers
Ka-chow! This Cars ride is a race where you compete with the car next to you. Unleash your inner Lightning McQueen and enjoy the beauty of the Ornament Valley.
9. Soarin’ Around the World
This is a 4D ride, taking you to several countries around the world on a hanging glider. The views are beautiful, and the effects are amazing, even simulating smell!
Image source: Pexels, Ashley Elena
10. Space Mountain
This ride is a thriller! It is extremely fast and dark; you can’t see anything, making the drops more terrifying because you don’t know when they’re coming. Note: Space Mountain changes every once in a while to different themes, so try to catch them all!
11. Star Tours — The Adventure Continues
This 4D ride takes you on an epic galactic adventure with C-3PO. This ride is different every time based on which planet you travel to! If you’re lucky, you might be identified as the Rebel Spy for the duration of the ride! You’ll get a new adventure every time, and they update the stories as the new movies come out.
12. Frozen — Live at the Hyperion
This show recently replaced the long-time running live action Aladdin production. It is definitely worth seeing! The performers are talented, and it is magical to watch Elsa, Anna, and the rest of Arendelle come to life.
13. World of Color
World of Color is Disney’s magical water show that takes place every night at California Adventure. It is beautiful, featuring scenes from your favorite Disney movies and music from your favorite Disney soundtracks. If you watch from the wet zone, you WILL get soaked. Tip: This show is customized during different times of the year, including holidays and more. Make sure to catch these special editions if you can!
Cover image source: Unsplash, Travis Gergen