I went on my first visit to Disneyland in March, I miss it already. For a girl who had only ever been to Walt Disney World I was worried that I would be underwhelmed by Disneyland. This could not be more untrue, it is amazing and magical and everything it should be as the original Disney Park. Disneyland may have a little castle, but it has bigger and better versions of so many classic attractions.
Disneyland embraces the dark rides, and I miss them on the East Coast. If you love the classic dark rides you need to visit Disneyland.
Here is my Top 5 MUST DO attractions at Disneyland (in no particular order):
Space Mountain: Holy Moly this ride rocks! It puts the Disney World version to shame. This version is dark, fast and completely unexpected. I suggest a fast pass because it is a very popular attraction and the line can get quite bad especially during peak season. Great attraction for families, I know my kids would want to ride over and over again. I really wish we had gone back for a 2nd ride, It really is that fun!
Pirates of the Caribbean: Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirates Life for Me….The Disneyland version once again completely blows away the Walt Disney World version. The ride queue probably isn’t as cool as the Disney World version, but everything else is better. It’s a long ride, like a good 10 minutes at least. When you board you ride past the Blue Bayou Restaurant. And there is a hill, not a little dip but a real deal hill! Ride this, don’t skip it because you will fall in love!
It’s a Small World: This is a lie, it’s not small at all. It’s huge and fun and full of all the magic that the World’s Fair attraction is best known for. While everyone that knows me knows how I feel about the song played throughout the entire ride I couldn’t stop myself. It’s not A Small World in Disneyland, it’s a city block!
Splash Mountain: We decided the best way to ride Splash is at night ten minutes before the park closes because there is no line. We had so much fun we actually debated riding a second time. Oh the hill on Splash is just magical, and unexpected! Go ride it over and over again. Because this will clearly be your reaction as well.
Last but not least, Snow Whites Scary Adventure & Mr. Toads Wild Ride: These attractions aren’t fast and daring, better yet they are classic Disney dark rides, based upon beloved characters. These attractions have been replaced at Walt Disney World, and for that reason alone I love them at Disneyland. They remind me of my childhood trips to Disney World and hold a nostalgic place in my heart. I can’t wait to take my girls out to Disney World to experience the attractions from my childhood.
Disclaimer- when we were visiting the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Big Thunder Mountain were under re-furb preparing for Disneyland 60 celebration, so I cannot speak on those attractions.
What are your must do Disneyland Park attractions? This is tough for sure as there are so many great attractions in one park!