The Top 10 Rides at Disney’s California Adventure
#10 -
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
Fans of Pixar’s Monsters films series will enjoy this park offering that debuted in January 2006. Seemingly following the story of the Monsters, Inc, this dark ride allows guests to see their favorite characters from the franchise, including Mike Wazowski and Sulley. Be sure to wear your Mickey or Minnie ears, as you might receive a special message at the end of the ride from Roz if you do so!
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#9 -
Pixar Pal-A-Round
When you picture Disney’s California Adventure, there’s a good chance what you’re seeing in your mind is this ride. Long gone are the days of Paradise Pier, as Disney rebranded the area to PIxar in the Summer of 2018. Previously known as the Sun Wheel and Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Pixar’s Pal A-Round is the ferris wheel that overlooks California Adventure’s manmade lake. The 150 foot tall attraction is a specific type of ferris wheel known as an eccentric wheel, which features passenger cars that are not fixed directly to the wheel, so they slide back and forth on rails. If that sounds too terrifying for you, 8 of the 24 gondolas do not slide, and riders can choose which option they want to ride in by getting in the appropriate line. For people who don’t enjoy ferris wheels, you’re going to want to skip this one!
#8 - Grizzly River Run
If you’re visiting the park during the hot summer months and need to cool down, this ride might be the best way to do it! Paying homage to California’s gorgeous state parks, this log flume style ride is fast, wet, and unique. The rafts are designed not only to move quickly along the water, but they’re actually made to spin as they descend the chutes, making it easy to drench every single rider on board. All 8 riders in each one of the 32 rafts are pretty much guaranteed to get wet before, during, and after the massive 21 foot drop that occurs towards the end of your adventure.
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#7 -
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter, take it from me! This dark ride that opened in June of 2011 is a wonderful journey through the story from the classic film, The Little Mermaid. You’ll see all of your favorite characters from the film, relive some of its best moments, and hear several of the songs that made it famous. Fans of the films will absolutely love it! If you’re not a fan of the film, the ride usually offers short wait times and the best air conditioning in the park, so if it’s a hot day you can sit back in one of the 105 clamshell vehicles and cool down during the 6 and a half minute ride.
#6 - Incredicoaster
Join the excitement with the Incredibles as you race to recover the mischievous baby Jack Jack along turns and twists. Previously known as California Screamin’, this ride was rebranded along with Pixar Pier to bring us all of our favorite characters from the movie franchise. It features new colors, characters, and lighting effects. Start the fun by zooming up the first hill to the soundtrack of the Incredibles’ movies before taking tight turns, soaring to heights of 122 feet, flipping upside down, and more! All at speeds of 55 miles per hour! This is the tallest and fastest rollercoaster at the park and is sure to excite!
#5 - Toy Story Midway Mania!
Join Woody and the gang in this interactive 4-D ride and game! You will compete with other players for the highest score using your Spring-Action Launcher throughout a wild world of toys. Spin around Andy’s room to get hard to hit targets and hidden bonuses for more points throughout five mini games. Knock down barn animals with Hamm, throw darts with Rex and Trixie, and even join the Green Army Men to hit the sought after 5,000 point plates. Let’s not forget to aim for “Infinity and Beyond” alongside Buzz as you toss rings atop the green aliens! Work with your ride buddy to unlock extra fun and finish the ride with the beloved Woody who reminds us all, “You’ve got a friend in me.”
#4 - Soarin’ Around the World
Take in the sights, and the smells, as you embark on this uplifting journey around the world. You will feel like you are flying as you visit the Swiss Alps, the frozen landscape of Greenland, scenic Australia, and even the majestic Kilmanjaro. You’ll be raised high in the air in front of a huge 4K digital projection screen that keeps the adventure going as you soar over the Great Wall, visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and marvel at the sparkling night time Eiffel Tower. All this and more, along with delightful music, sets the mood as you glide across six continents. Once Soarin’ over California, this ride has expanded its horizons to reach the rest of the world!
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#3 - Radiator Springs Racers
Welcome to Radiator Springs! Home to the beloved Cars characters’ such as Lightning McQueen, Mater, Hudson, Doc, and Sally. Prep for a one of a kind race with Luigi or Ramone before starting a friendly drive through the expansive scenery of the Cadillac Range in Ornament Valley. Buckle up and get ready to zip over hills, zoom around tight turns, and hold up those hands on the camelback straightaway. A fun ride for the whole family, it ends in a randomized winner every time. But win or lose, you are sure to have some fun and laughs along the way. Don’t forget to check out the other fun rides and attractions throughout the rest of Car’s Land too!
#2 -
Web Slingers - A Spider-Man Adventure
Join Peter Parker in a 3-D, web slinging adventure that encourages young engineers to come together to stop malfunctioning Spider-Bots from taking down Tony Stark’s WEB Facility. You’ll be immersed into an interactive screen ride that uses the latest technology to allow you to use your actual hands as web slingers! Everyone can become Spider Man’s sidekick throughout the many action-packed and interactive rooms that allow you to increase that score. There might even be secret bonuses… So suit up and unleash your inner hero on this epic ride to save the day! Note - This ride is often only accessible through a virtual queue so check out the Disneyland app for more details.
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#1 - Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!
Previously the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, this accelerated drop ride will have your heart pumping! Follow Rocket through an escape plan to break out the Guardians of the Galaxy from the evil Tivan the Collector. Check out his museum of valuable possessions, before boarding the gantry and getting some amazing thrills set to an amazing soundtrack! As soon as Rocket plugs in Quill’s walkman, you’ll be rockin’ out and screaming at the same time! This ride has spectacular special effects, 6 different story lines to enjoy, and is sure to make your stomach drop. So join Groot and Starlord on this incredible and funky adventure!
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FAQ
What should I not miss in California Adventure?
Visitors will not want to miss out on the Cars ride (Radiator Springs Racers), Spiderman’s Web Slinger, and Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout as they are some of the newest and best rides in the park.
Is one day enough for California Adventure?
If entering at opening and leaving at closing it’s definitely possible to do most, if not all, of the park’s rides. Park goers can accomplish a lot in just one day in California Adventure.
Can you spend a whole day at California Adventure?
Easily! There’s many rides, restaurants, shops, and shows.
What Ride Should I go on first at California Adventure?
You may want to ride Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission Breakout first as the waits will increase as the day goes on.
Is it better to go to Disneyland or California Adventure?
They’re both great! Check out both of our lists of the best rides to see which ones you prefer.
How many rides are at California Adventure 2022?
There are 18 rides in the park including rides geared specifically for smaller children.
Can you do California Adventure in half day?
That would be tough, but if you got there to rope-drop you could knock out some of your favorites rather quickly
Is Star Wars in California Adventure?
No, it’s in the main Disneyland park.
What has more rides Disneyland or California Adventure?
Disneyland has more rides and is bigger overall.
Is Disneyland or California Adventure better for kids?
Both are fantastic, but it depends on what brands the child likes best. Pixar and Marvel fans may prefer California Adventure while Star Wars and Disney fans might enjoy Disneyland better.