Welcome to planDisney, Gretchen! Thanks for stopping by with this amazing question! There is no right answer to this, and some of the best rides are the best to me for sentimental reasons. Here are, in my humble opinion, the best rides at the Disneyland Resort parks.
5)
Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!: I strive to remain unbiased, so this ride makes the list. It's a ride unique to Disney California Adventure, so it is a must-do! If you're a fan of Marvel, you'll really enjoy the queue for this ride. You and your party are touring the legendary vault of The Collector, where there are lots of Marvel artifacts on display. This ride takes you high in the air and features plenty of sudden drops. There are different soundtracks, and the drop pattern changes, so every ride is a unique experience. I am personally terrified of this ride and need someone to hold my hand at all times.
4)
Radiator Springs Racers: This ride is unique to Disney California Adventure and is one of the park's most popular attractions. Cars Land, in general, does an amazing job of bringing the Cars movie to life. Radiator Springs Racers is the culmination of a lot of intentionality and detail. The ride starts off slow and steady, like Ramone taking a Sunday cruise. By the end, you’ll be saying, “Ka-Chow!”
3)
Indiana Jones: This ride is another great combination of thrill and theming. Be prepared to be jostled as you traverse the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The queue for the ride is also compatible with the playDisney app. You can translate the glyphs to discover a secret message.
2)
The Incredicoaster: Once again, this ride is unique to Disney California Adventure, so it’s a must-do! The ride is definitely thrilling with its loop and big drops. What really impressed me about this ride is its immersive quality. The story told through the ride is that Jack-Jack has escaped from Edna’s care, and the family is trying to get him back. Naturally, Jack-Jack shows off his many powers, and chaos ensues. You won’t be disappointed with this ride.
1)
Big Thunder Mountain: I think this ride is the best because, here in Disneyland, California, we have the infamous Goat that you can watch as you descend the mountain in a tight turn. It adds an extra force to the turn that I love. I’ve also had the chance to get on this ride multiple times during the fireworks show, and it’s truly magical seeing fireworks all around as you climb the mountain and race down the track. It really is the wildest ride in the wilderness!
Honorable mentions: Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Gretchen, if you're a Disney history buff, check out
Behind the Attraction on Disney+ to learn about the history of some of these beloved attractions! I hope this information was helpful. Please feel free to write back to me or my fellow panelists if you have any more questions.
Remember, adventure is out there!
–Melinda