There's nothing quite like the joy of having fun in the California sun. It's especially great when enjoyed at Southern California's most magical destination — Disney California Adventure® Park.
Nestled adjacent to the original Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park rides rival the likes of the world's most thrilling amusement park rides. It also offers immersive experiences, once-in-a-lifetime shows, world-class dining, and the beloved characters you know so well.
Everything at Disney California Adventure® Park is built to transport you to a world of adventure and wonder. So, if you have a rides list to conquer, these best rides at Disney California Adventure® Park are a great place to start.
Favorite Rides at Disney California Adventure® Park
There's so much to do at Disneyland Resort that you could spend all day and even go late into the night and still not cover it all. While Florida may have Walt Disney World, only California has the unique California Adventure Park and all it offers guests.
So, if you want to make the most of your time and hit the best Disney California Adventure® Park rides first, look for these eight fun rides when you arrive.
1. Radiator Springs Racers
Inspired by Disney-Pixar's beloved Cars movie franchise, Radiator Springs Racers is a thrill ride that takes you on a high-speed journey through the picturesque landscapes of Cars Land. As you board your race car, you'll embark on a breathtaking tour of Radiator Springs, encountering beloved characters like Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Sally along the way. The attention to detail on the Cars ride is simply remarkable, and every aspect immerses you in the world of the Cars movie.
The highlight of Radiator Springs Racers is the thrilling race finale, where you go head-to-head with other riders in a pulse-pounding dash to the finish line. But make sure you race to the entrance, as this is one of the most popular rides in the park.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Head from Hollywood Land to the Avengers campus to catch one the park's most thrilling rides.
Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! is an intergalactic adventure to free the captured Guardians from the Collector's fortress. On this dark ride, you'll experience immersive storytelling, stunning visual effects, and unexpected drops to a soundtrack featuring memorable music from the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
If you can't wait to experience this ride again and again, Disneyland is now offering Genie+. This gives you access to Lightning Lane, which will reserve ride times so you can spend more time on rides instead of in line.
3. Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin' Around the World is a breathtaking experience that offers a unique perspective on the beauty of our planet. It's a multi-sensory experience that simulates a hang-gliding flight over some of the world's most iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes.
As you take your seat, you'll be surrounded by a massive IMAX screen that allows you to experience the sensation of soaring over majestic natural wonders like the Great Wall of China, the Sydney Harbour, and the African Serengeti. It captures the imagination and spirit of exploration and is one of the best classic rides in the park.
4. Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
Calling all aspiring superheroes! Enter the Worldwide Engineering Brigade — aka WEB — and discover the team of engineers that helped Spider-Man develop Spider-Bots, the robot sidekicks created to build anything a superhero needs.
In this adventure-packed attraction, you'll experience gesture-recognition technology to sling webs like Spider-Man and capture rogue Spider-Bots. Looking for more? You can find your unique powers and customize your experience with WEB Tech gear.
5. Goofy's Sky School
Located in Paradise Gardens Park, Goofy's Sky School is a zany ride combining twists, turns, and surprises that will surely be a memorable experience. You'll board a plane with Goofy and join a hilarious flight school adventure.
Goofy's Sky School is a roller coaster ride with sharp turns, sudden drops, and hairpin curves that will have you holding on tight while bursting into laughter. It's one of the most popular rides with children and parents alike.
6. Incredicoaster
Located in the Incredibles' Park area of Pixar Pier, the Incredicoaster — short for Incredibles roller coaster — is the balloon-bursting roller coaster. It's a high-speed thrill ride that combines a coaster's adrenaline rush with the Incredibles movies' immersive storytelling.
As you board your coaster, you'll be catapulted into the world of the Parr family, taken on a pulse-pounding journey filled with inversions, drops, high-speed fun, and a launch sequence that will take you from zero to incredible speeds in the blink of an eye.
7. Toy Story Midway Mania
Just around Paradise Pier, near the Pixar Pal-A-Round, lies Toy Story Midway Mania, an interactive 4D ride that will have you competing against your family and friends in a series of midway-style carnival games.
Equipped with 3D glasses and a spring-action shooter, you'll take aim at virtual targets and vie for the top spot in various ring toss and balloon-bursting games that will bring a new level of excitement and friendly competition to your experience.
8. Grizzly River Run at Grizzly Peak
Summer days can get hot, and eventually, you'll need a cool break. Grizzly River Run at Grizzly Peak is a whitewater rafting adventure where you'll navigate the untamed waters of Grizzly River.
Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Grizzly Peak wilderness, you'll soak in the immersive ride while getting soaked by the attraction's multiple drops and splash zones. It's the perfect respite from a hot day exploring Disney California Adventure rides.
Enjoy Disneyland Resort in Southern California With a CityPASS® Ticket
When you book a vacation to Southern California, you know you're in for a great time. With its long stretches of pristine coastline and multiple theme parks, Southern California is the perfect destination for year-round fun.
Make your Southern California vacation even better by getting deep discounts on Disney California Adventure® Park rides with a Southern California CityPASS® ticket. CityPASS® tickets allow you to explore the magic of Disneyland® Resort while also enjoying other renowned theme parks in Southern California and creating unforgettable memories with your family and friends.
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