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Best Disneyland® Park Attraction and Ride Guide

If you’re heading to Disneyland® Park for the first time, you might be a bit overwhelmed when you first step through the gates of the “Happiest place on Earth.” Between the lands, the rides, and the shows, it’s hard to know where to start, or how to pack in as much Disney fun into a single day.

Fortunately, with the help of our Disneyland® Park attraction and ride guide, you’ll have a leg-up on the day’s activities. Here, we’ve not only compiled the best way to approach the park but have also listed the best rides for a great park experience.

1. Early Morning in Fantasyland

Once you’re through the ticketing line, make your way through the gates of Sleeping Beauty Castle and head toward Fantasyland.

Fantasyland was designed with small children in mind, so the rides are quick, the lines tend to be shorter, and the area is compact and chock-full of attractions near one another.

Start with Peter Pan’s Flight, a not-to-be-missed classic, especially with its recent refurbishment. This ride also tends to pick up the most Fantasyland visitors, so the line gets long fast.

After you’ve taken your flight, hop on Alice in Wonderland, a train ride on Casey Junior, the Storybook Land Canal Boats, and every child’s favorite, the spinning cups of Mad Tea Party. Don’t forget Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, a Disneyland® Park original.

All Rides in Fantasyland: low-thrill, family-friendly

2. Head to Tomorrowland

Once you’ve covered the best Fantasyland rides, make a beeline for Tomorrowland and hop in line for Space Mountain. If the length of the line makes you weak in the knees, consider getting a FASTPASS. A FASTPASS will get you through the line quickly. Note: only certain rides have the FASTPASS® service. Unfortunately, you cannot FASTPASS your way through the entire park!

If you want to get on Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, now is the time. The lines for this ride get long as well (it’s a slow ride, and it takes visitors a lot of time to get in and out of the subs). Likewise, if you’re visiting during a hot month, waiting in the sun will leave you miserable. This ride does offer an accessible experience for guest in wheelchairs.

Space Mountain: mildly thrilling, good for junior riders

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: low-thrill, family-friendly

3. Lunch in New Orleans Square

New Orleans Square is arguably Disneyland’s prettiest area and a great spot to take a break for lunch, especially since the food is fantastic. After you grab a bite, get in line for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. Both these rides are must do’s when visiting Disneyland® Park.

While in New Orleans Square, see if you can grab FASTPASS early entry into Fantasmic! a hot-ticket nighttime extravaganza featuring pyrotechnics and fireworks. Some of the best spots to watch are in New Orleans Square.

Pirates of the Caribbean: mildly thrilling, some scares, parental guidance suggested

The Haunted Mansion: low-thrill, scary, parental guidance suggested

4. An Afternoon of Classics

The afternoon is when Disneyland® Park experiences it’s longest lines, many of which will swamp the most popular rides and eat up your time in the park, even if you have a FASTPASS. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the less popular rides. Don’t be fooled! Just because these rides are past their prime doesn’t mean you should pass them by during your park visit.

Some of the rides and attractions you should try to get in during this busy time are the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through, the Mark Twain Riverboat, and the Disneyland® Park Railroad. If it’s hot, spend some time in the Disney Gallery or Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Through: low-thrill, family-friendly

Mark Twain Riverboat: low-thrill, family-friendly

Disneyland® Railroad: low-thrill, family-friendly

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: low-thrill, family-friendly

5. Nighttime Grand Finale

There are a few Disneyland® Park rides that are particularly thrilling after the sun goes down. Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Jungle Cruise are great after dark. Then, of course, if you’re going to watch Fantasmic! you’ll want to save enough time to head over to the viewing area of your choice.

Splash Mountain: highly thrilling, big drops, advanced riders

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: highly thrilling, fast coaster, advanced riders

Jungle Cruise: low-thrill, family-friendly

Fantasmic! Nighttime Extravaganza: highly thrilling, loud, parental guidance suggested

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