The addition of California Adventure to Disneyland is a thrilling development for what was already one of the most enchanted destinations on Earth. It has rides, entertainment, and restaurants just like every other Disney theme park. What are the best rides at California Adventure if you’re considering going?
Quick Headlines
Let’s Have an Introduction to California Adventure
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are essential to the Disneyland Resort. The 2001 opening of California Adventure makes it the younger of the two parks. While Disneyland Park is larger and more popular overall, more adults flock to California Adventure due to its many bars and restaurants.
If this is your first trip to Disneyland, you should see both parks. A day admission that permits you to switch between the two parks is called a “park hopper pass.” It is among the top family holiday destinations in the country.
09 Best Rides at Disney’s California Adventure
Guests can choose from a wide array of rides at Disneyland California Adventure. If you’re going to California Adventure, these are the nine rides you can’t miss.
Mission: BREAKOUT!
Many visitors are pleased with the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, which opened in 2017 in place of the older Tower of Terror. Still a drop ride, but with a more immersive pre- and post-ride experience.
The tone is more lighthearted than frightening, but it’s still a roller coaster not for the faint of heart. The ride is made even more thrilling by the film’s iconic score. Those who wish they could ride the Tower of Terror again need only travel to Disney World.
Incredicoaster
This roller coaster, formerly called California Screamin’, had a The Incredibles makeover in 2018. It’s one of the nation’s longest classic roller coasters. Characters from the movie will be seen searching for Jack-Jack in the roller coaster’s tunnels.
There are descents, ascents, curves, and even an inversion. Those looking for a thrilling experience may appreciate the level of immersion, although younger children may feel frightened.
Soarin’ Around the World
Both Disneyland and Disney World guests love the Soarin’ ride. Soarin’ at Disneyland was renamed “Soarin’ Around the World” in 2016 after previously only featuring California.
It’s a ride that puts you in a virtual airplane and transports you to other places in the world, complete with the sights, sounds, and smells of those places. The film manages to be both a heartwarming drama and an exciting adventure.
Monsters
With its moderate pace and air conditioning, this dark ride has been welcoming guests since 2006. In the course of the trip, you’ll embark on an adventure alongside Mike and Sulley to return Boo to his family.
It’s not a particularly fancy ride, but many customers are relieved that the odd Superstar Limo Ride has been retired. Some of the original ride’s animatronics, however, found new life in the updated attraction.
Toy Story Midway Mania
Toy Story Ride is more like a carnival game than a traditional ride, and it’s fun for people of all ages. The rides transport you in front of a series of 3D screens, where you must hit a number of digital objectives.
It’s wonderful for people who like to compete, and because it’s interactive, you can ride it again and again without tiring of it.
Radiator Springs Racers
Guests aboard Radiator Springs Racers are taken on a journey through iconic locations from the Cars films, but the experience ultimately transforms into a high-stakes race. Initially a calm dark ride (a slow trip around a track).
It picks up speed for the racing segment, reaching 40 miles per hour. There are many regular faces along the ride’s many unexpected bends. There are often a lot of people waiting in line, but most visitors think it’s worth it.
Web Slingers
The rollercoaster Web Slingers recently opened at California Adventure. Similar to Toy Story Midway Mania, it launched in 2021. You’ll be using your hands to fire webs at targets during the voyage in order to rack up points.
The ride’s story is better-understood thanks to a fun pre-ride show.
Since it’s a relatively new attraction, the wait times are longer than for the other rides. This is one of the best rides at California Adventure, which is inspired by the Spiderman movie.
The Little Mermaid
This is one of the few non-dark rides suitable for younger children at California Adventure. Guests will recognize many of their favorite characters and songs from Disney’s The Little Mermaid as they enjoy the ride.
It has been around since 2011 and has quickly become a fan favorite due to providing a welcome respite from the park’s more frenetic attractions.
Grizzly River Run
This is the ideal attraction to experience on a hot day at Disney’s California Adventure. It’s a raft ride around some rapids, and riders sit in a circle. The raft can be turned at will during the journey, so you may find yourself moving in reverse at random intervals.
Because of the high probability of getting wet on this trip, it is recommended that you store any valuables in a locker before boarding. This is one of the best rides at California Adventure and the most popular among all ages.
FAQs
Which rides to do first at California Adventure?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: BREAKOUT! is the perfect first stop on your day at Disney California Adventure. (if you don’t already check out Spider-Man). Get on Toy Story Midway Mania at Pixar Pier after seeing Guardians of the Galaxy.
Is California Adventure worth a whole day?
Plan to spend at least one full day at Disneyland, and more if you want to experience Disney California Adventure. Discover the wonders of Cars Land, the Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier, and Paradise Gardens Park, just to name a few of the park’s themed areas.
Is 1 day enough for California Adventure?
There is little doubt that you can see the highlights of both Disneyland and California Adventure in a single day. However, in order to get the most out of your time, you should schedule your visits to both parks in advance and think about purchasing Disney Genie+.
Final Words
The best rides at California Adventure be sure to spend some time there if you’re ever in the area. There is stuff for people of all ages to enjoy at both parks, though California Adventure is more targeted toward adults and Disneyland Park is more geared toward small children. If you’re planning a trip to Disney, it’s important to think about the rides you’re most excited to experience.
