It's time to party! Save up to $35 per ticket on 3- and 4-day Disneyland® Resort tickets for visits from May 16, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2025 — just in time for Disneyland® Resort's 70th Anniversary Celebration!
Can you believe it's been 70 years since Disneyland opened its gates for the first time in 1955? We sure can't! The opening of Disneyland Park introduced a world of wonder and imagination like never before. Walt Disney's vision for a place where families could enjoy immersive experiences together became a reality, with a lineup of groundbreaking attractions that continue to captivate visitors to this day. These original Disneyland rides and experiences set the stage for the park's legacy, blending storytelling, technology and adventure. Let's take a journey back to Disneyland's opening year and explore the beloved attractions that have stood the test of time, still enchanting guests with Disney magic today. Here are all the original Disneyland rides that opened alongside the park on July 17, 1955.
Main Street and Beyond
Let's make our way into the park to see all the original Disneyland rides by starting at the very front! From Town Square, down Main Street, U.S.A. and to the castle.
Disneyland Railroad
The Disneyland Railroad is perhaps the most original Disneyland ride of all. Walt Disney's fascination with trains led him to build his very own mini railroad in his backyard. Walt and his kids would ride his mini train together, both equally enjoying the experience. Rides and attractions that kids and grownups alike could enjoy was (and still is) a key component to Disneyland itself. Trains were a major inspiration for the building of Disneyland.
The vintage steam-powered locomotive transports passengers through various iconic areas as it circles Disneyland Park, offering a unique perspective of the park's attractions and lands. The train has several stops along the way, including at Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Toontown and Tomorrowland, allowing guests to hop on and off at their leisure.
Along the route, riders enjoy views of areas such as the Rivers of America, the Grand Canyon and even dinosaur-filled landscapes. The Disneyland Railroad is a nostalgic ride that provides the perfect break from walking, while offering fascinating details about the park's design and history. In fact, you can book a Disneyland Railroad guided tour, where you'll learn all about the train and its history, and even board the Lilly Belle presidential car (named after Walt's wife).
Main Street Cinema
The Main Street Cinema was designed to look like an old-fashioned movie theater from the early 1900s, complete with marquee lights and vintage décor. At the time of its opening, the cinema offered a selection of classic Walt Disney animated shorts. These films were shown on a loop throughout the day, with guests free to come and go as they pleased.
The Main Street Cinema has remained a beloved spot in the park, even though its programming has shifted. It is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the park, with classic cartoons and a place for newer generations to experience a piece of Disney history. Next time you wander down Main Street, U.S.A, take a pit stop in this classic little theater.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
When you think of Disneyland, there is probably one thing in particular that comes to mind. Nestled in the heart of the park, Sleeping Beauty Castle rises like a shimmering jewel. The fairytale castle with architecture inspired by various European castles is one of the most beloved structures of all Disney parks.
A few years after Disneyland opened, a walkthrough of the castle was created. Today, the castle's stone walls hold secrets of a slumbering princess and tales of dragons, fairies and true love's kiss. Sleeping Beauty Castle has become a symbol of endless possibility, where stories come to life and dreams come true. Did you know that Sleeping Beauty Castle is one of the most photographed landmarks on the planet?
Fantasyland
Pass through the castle, and you land in almost exactly the same Fantasyland that opened in 1955. Fantasyland has always been the cornerstone of Disneyland, packed with the most nostalgic rides of all. Let's take a look at all the original Fantasyland rides.
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
The original version of the Snow White ride was called "Snow White and Her Adventures." The dark ride took guests on a suspenseful journey through key moments of Snow White's story, highlighting the fairy tale's darker, more ominous elements. Guests aboard their slow-moving mine cars were made to feel as if they were the main character — Snow White. So the character herself never appeared in the ride. Imagineers added Snow White into the attraction in 1983, and the ride changed its name to "Snow White's Scary Adventures" to reflect its eerie tone and frightening scenes.
Riders would first pass through the forest where Snow White and the dwarfs lived, but soon the atmosphere shifted as they encountered the Evil Queen in various forms, including her transformation into the Old Hag. As the ride continued, guests came face-to-face with moments of danger, such as the Queen's plot to poison Snow White and the frightening, dark woods. Many visitors found some of the scenes too scary for young children, which led to several updates and changes throughout the years.
In 2020, the ride closed for a major update, leading to the transformation into "Snow White's Enchanted Wish." The current iteration softened the dark aspects and added brighter, more magical elements. Snow White's Enchanted Wish captures the magic and adventure of the princess's journey, while adding a modern touch to the storytelling with enhanced visuals, technology and sound. But fear not, fans of the Evil Queen! She still gets the best scene in the ride. Plus, you might catch her peering out from a window above the ride's façade.
Peter Pan's Flight
Off to Neverland! Board a flying pirate ship and soar above the streets of London and through Neverland on this whimsical dark ride. You'll encounter pirates and mermaids, and visit Skull Rock and the Lost Boys' hideout. Known for its practical set designs, the ride sends guests flying through the world of "Peter Pan." The ride has had a few updates, including a nursery room scene and some new effects in both the ride and the queue since opening. To this day, Peter Pan's Flight remains one of the most popular rides at Disneyland, especially for tadpoles.
King Arthur Carrousel
This beautifully crafted carousel features 68 hand-painted horses, each offering a delightful ride through a spinning, colorful atmosphere. It’s a tribute to the legendary King Arthur and the Round Table, with its medieval design adding a magical touch to the experience. The carousel is a favorite among families, especially for younger guests, offering a gentle ride while surrounded by enchanting music. King Arthur Carrousel is a striking visual landmark with vibrant colors and ornate details. It is an iconic Disneyland attraction with the simple pleasures of classic amusement park fun.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
This quirky, high-energy dark ride takes guests on an unhinged adventure inspired by "The Adventures of Mr. Toad." The ride follows Mr. Toad as he embarks on a reckless journey through a series of unpredictable and humorous scenarios. Riders board vehicles shaped like cars and travel through various scenes filled with cartoonish details. Join Mr. Toad for some toadally wild moments, such as a high-speed chase, a crash and a trip to a surreal version of the afterlife. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is known for its zany, fast-paced and chaotic narrative.
Storybook Land Canal Boats
The Storybook Land Canal Boats offer a charming boat ride through a beautifully landscaped canal. Guests embark on a journey through miniature, intricate replicas of scenes from popular Disney stories. The boat glides through the belly of the whale (seriously — from the mouth of Monstro from "Pinocchio") and past vignettes of magical lands such as Agrabah from "Aladdin," the village from "Pinocchio," the garden from "Alice in Wonderland," Arendelle from "Frozen" and the iconic castle from "Cinderella." Keep an eye out for a tiny pumpkin over at Cinderella's! A guide narrates the journey, sharing delightful facts and stories about the featured tales.
Every morning when the ride opens, the first guest to board gets to sign a special book. Since the opening of the Canal Boats, one special guest per day gets to sign their name in the guest book and become a piece of Disney history. This Disney secret gem is a beautiful tradition that we hope continues for a long time.
Mad Tea Party
A very happy unbirthday to you! Inspired by the tea party scene from "Alice in Wonderland," Mad Tea Party is a colorful, spinning teacup attraction. Board large, oversized teacups and spin around in the dizzying world of Wonderland. Riders spin each teacup, allowing control over how fast or slow they spin as they move in circles. Regardless of the speed, we wouldn't recommend this ride right after lunch.
A version of Mad Tea Party is found in every Disney park across the globe except for Shanghai. And it was a little different when it first opened in 1955. On its opening day, the tea cups were not brightly colored. In fact, they were a little plain. But it didn't take long for their beautiful colors to appear. Mad Tea Party was first located right behind the castle, where the carousel is now found. The two rides were swapped when the construction for Alice's very own story ride began.
Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland
Today, Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland are all vast areas that feature many rides. But when the park first opened, each land had only one main attraction.
Jungle Cruise
Ever wondered what it would be like to take a boat down the Nile and through the jungle? Well, wonder no more! Jungle Cruise in Adventureland takes guests on an adventurous journey through a lush jungle filled with wildlife and mysterious landscapes. Prepare for narration filled with corny jokes, puns and entertaining anecdotes as you board a riverboat guided by a humorous skipper. You'll see animals from around the world, encounter some danger (let's get a closer look) and even the backside of water (O2H!). And you can toadally take pictures of the bathing elephants — they all have their trunks on!
The plans for Adventureland were drawn up on the other side of the park, where Tomorrowland is located today. But while combing the landscape, Walt and his crew discovered a wall of bamboo trees located on the other side of where Main Street, U.S.A. would be. The collective decision was to swap the two lands and use the natural trees as a partition between Adventureland and Main Street, U.S.A. Many other trees were brought in for the ride and are still thriving today. The ride was originally meant to be a serious journey through the jungle. But as the animatronics came together, gears were shifted and jokes were made. Jungle Cruise is a classic Disneyland attraction and a must-do while visiting Disneyland. Don't believe us? You're in de-nile.
Mark Twain Riverboat
Mark Twain Riverboat is a leisurely boat ride that takes guests on a scenic, 20-minute journey around the Rivers of America. Inspired by the steamboats of the 19th century, this large, majestic vessel is named after the famous author Mark Twain. Guests board the Mark Twain Riverboat and can take in beautiful views of Frontierland, New Orleans Square and Bayou Country. The ride features stunning landscapes, with sights of rustic cabins and towering trees. The boat is also known for its authentic paddlewheel and for carrying all of the Fantasmic! characters across the water as the show's final vessel. This peaceful attraction provides a break from the excitement of the park and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Disneyland.
Autopia
After sitting in LA traffic, who doesn't want to drive down a wide-open road along a scenic, winding route? Autopia simulates a road trip through a futuristic landscape, where riders control miniature cars as they navigate through twists and turns. The cars are easy to steer, keep a steady pace and follow a track, so riders don’t need a driver’s license to enjoy the fun! Along the way, the route takes guests past vibrant scenes that give a sense of exploring an imaginative, high-tech world.
The ride has undergone several updates in its many years. Its current track was last updated in the early 2000s, and in 2016, it was shifted from Chevrolet to Honda cars. Disney recently announced that the ride will get another major update. This time, the cars will change from gas-powered to fully electric-powered vehicles. Autopia is still to this day a fundamental piece of Tomorrowland and of Walt Disney's ideas of the environmentally sustainable world of tomorrow.
Late Openings
Two Fantasyland rides opened within a month after the opening day of Disneyland. Both rides were set to open on July 17, 1955, with the rest of the park, but were unfortunately postponed due to construction delays and technical issues.
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Opened on July 31, 1955, Casey Jr. Circus Train takes guests through the storybook landscape of Disneyland. Riders board a circus-themed train car inspired by "Dumbo," which winds through the miniature scenes of Storybook Land. The cheerful music and sounds of Casey Jr.'s steam engine are the perfect complement to the unique view of lush landscapes, fairytale cottages and the colorful scenes of Fantasyland.
Dumbo
Dumbo opened Aug. 16, 1955, one month after the official opening of Disneyland. The ride allows guests to board one of the many flying elephants that soar up and down in the sky. You can control the height of your own Dumbo with a simple lever, which raises or lowers the elephant as you circle around. And the ride's gentle motion and playful music make it an especially popular pick for tadpoles.
A Story of Celebration 70th Anniversary Guided Tour
Brand-new for Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, a guided walking tour is the perfect way to get your steps in and learn about the original Disneyland rides. The two-hour walking tour will explore the history of Disneyland Park, from 1955 to today. You'll visit iconic locations and learn more about Walt's vision and how it has grown over the years. Bookings will be available for this experience starting April 24, 2025.
Separately from the guided tour, wearing a MagicBand+ during the 70th anniversary will unlock a whole bunch of interactive fun with original Disneyland rides. There are five fun surprises on Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Frontierland.
What's your favorite of the original Disneyland rides? Are you planning on visiting Disneyland during the 70th anniversary? Let us know in the comments. We've got you covered with discount tickets and hotel stays through Undercover Tourist!
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Keep hopping!
