No trip to Southern California would be complete without a stop at Disneyland. Walt's original vision for a place where families could come together and have fun remains a fixture for the young and old alike, thanks to a heavy dose of nostalgia and Disney magic. With so many classic rides and new attractions, it's hard to choose just a few not-to-miss Disneyland attractions and shows, but these are the ones that get our vote! Make sure you follow our Disneyland Park Touring Plan so you don't miss out on any of them.
Here is our list of not-to-miss Disneyland attractions & shows:
Climb aboard your own boat and take a ride through one of the most elaborate and famed dark rides in Disney history. By most accounts, the Disneyland version (the original) of Pirates of the Caribbean is thought to be superior to the version at Disney World with better storytelling, more drops and an expanded burning town scene.
Another Disney classic, Peter Pan's Flight is a glorious dark ride. You'll feel the wind in your hair as you fly high above Wendy, John and Michael Darling's London and then off to Neverland!
A thrill ride like no other, Indiana Jones Adventure takes you over the treacherous terrain of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye as you hunt for renowned professor Indiana Jones. We recommend you Fastpass this motion-vehicle dark ride (one of the few Fastpass rides at Disneyland) or opt for the single rider line because this is one popular adventure!
One of Disneyland's classic rides and its first roller coaster, Matterhorn Bobsleds debuted at the park in 1959. Modeled after a mountain in the Swiss Alps, this bobsled coaster ride takes you up the Matterhorn and then back through the mountainous caverns and tunnels!
Another one of Disneyland's four "mountains," this indoor space coaster opened in 1977 and has been a park must-do ever since. It remains one of the scariest attractions in terms of sheer thrills, in no small part because every high-speed twist, turn and drop is in the dark!
On those hot California days, there is no better place to cool off in all of Disneyland than Splash Mountain. Inside the cool confines of this dark ride, the story of Br'er Rabbit and the Disney classic "Song of the South" come to life, but it's the final, 5-stories-tall drop that will have you riding it over and over again!
7. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
This subaquatic journey takes you deep within the depths of crystal blue waters aboard a real submarine on a quest to find Nemo. You'll join Squirt, Dory and Marlin in search of the lovable clown fish from the Disney hit movie in one of the most unique theme park attractions ever built.
8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Get ready for this runaway mine car that will have you hanging onto your hat. The classic coaster underwent a significant refurbishment, which reopened in March 2014 that included new track, trains, scenery and special effects.
9. Fantasmic!
Cap off your spectacular day at Disneyland with one of the most spectacular water, light and sound shows ever created. The forces of good and evil do battle inside Mickey's dreams in film sequences, lasers, fiber optics and plenty of pyrotechnics.
We hope you've enjoyed our look at the not-to-miss Disneyland attractions. Be sure to check out our Disneyland Touring Plan for your day in the park. If you're looking for help planning your trip, start with our Los Angeles Planning Guide, which includes all of the area major attractions.
Related: 9 Not-To-Miss Universal Studios Hollywood Attractions & Shows
Related: 9 Not-To-Miss SeaWorld San Diego Shows & Attractions
Related: 9 Not-to-Miss Disney California Adventure Attractions & Shows
Hoppy planning!
