Disneyland may be known as The Happiest Place on Earth, but it’s also home to some seriously heart-pounding thrills. From high-speed races through the desert to plunging drops in eerie haunted mansions, the Disneyland Resort offers a variety of rides perfect for adrenaline junkies. These top picks deliver unforgettable adventures and plenty of exhilarating moments, making them must-experiences for thrill-seekers.
Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland Park)
Indiana Jones Adventure isn’t just a ride – it’s an experience. From the moment guests step into the shadowy corridors of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, the atmosphere sets the stage for a pulse-pounding adventure. This attraction combines thrilling motion, elaborate sets, and immersive storytelling, making it one of Disneyland’s standout thrill rides.
Riders board rugged troop transport vehicles and embark on a perilous expedition deep into the ancient temple. Guided by the voice of Indiana Jones himself, the journey is packed with near-misses and heart-stopping moments. The vehicle’s motion technology creates the illusion of speeding through treacherous terrain, swerving to avoid collapsing bridges, sharp spikes, and fiery explosions. One of the most iconic moments comes toward the end of the ride, as the massive, menacing boulder begins rolling toward the vehicle. The combination of sound effects, lighting, and motion simulates a desperate escape, leaving riders gripping their seats until the very last second.
Space Mountain (Disneyland Park)
Space Mountain is one of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions and a must-ride for thrill seekers. This indoor roller coaster delivers high-speed excitement in near-total darkness, creating an exhilarating sense of unpredictability with every twist, turn, and drop. The combination of rapid acceleration, sharp curves, and a star-studded cosmic atmosphere makes this ride an unforgettable experience.
Once seated in the sleek, rocket-style ride vehicle, riders are launched into the darkness of outer space. The journey begins with a slow climb up a glowing launch tunnel, building anticipation with every passing second. Suddenly, the rocket speeds into the vast, starlit void, hurtling through sharp curves, sudden drops, and fast-paced spirals, all while surrounded by dazzling celestial visuals. What sets Space Mountain apart is the disorienting effect of riding in darkness. With no ability to see the track ahead, every twist and turn feels surprising and amplified. The synchronized space-themed soundtrack heightens the experience, adding an epic cinematic quality to the ride.
Big Thunder Mountain (Disneyland Park)
Known as “the wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a Disneyland classic that delivers a perfect mix of thrills, charm, and immersive theming. This runaway mine train coaster races through an abandoned gold mine, packed with sharp turns, sudden drops, and breathtaking scenery. It’s a must-ride for those who crave adventure without the extreme intensity of bigger coasters.
The journey begins as guests board a rickety mine train and set off through the rugged landscapes of the Old West. As the train winds through the caverns and rocky mountains, riders are greeted by stunning set pieces, glowing stalactites, and even some mischievous wildlife along the way. The excitement kicks into high gear as the train gains momentum, barreling through dark tunnels, narrowly avoiding falling rocks, and careening around tight corners at thrilling speeds. One of the standout moments is the climb through an eerie cave filled with dynamite and an impending explosion – right before the train plunges down a steep drop.
Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland Park)
As the first-ever tubular steel roller coaster in the world, Matterhorn Bobsleds holds a special place in Disneyland history. This iconic attraction combines thrilling dips, sharp turns, and the excitement of racing through an icy mountain while being pursued by the menacing Abominable Snowman. With two separate tracks offering slightly different experiences, the Matterhorn delivers a unique and timeless thrill.
Riders board a bobsled and begin a steep climb up the towering Matterhorn peak. The anticipation builds with the eerie growls and glowing eyes of the Abominable Snowman echoing through the caves. Once at the top, the bobsled careens down twisting icy slopes, weaving through dark tunnels, sharp turns, and unexpected drops. The sense of speed is amplified by the tight, winding layout of the track and the feeling of skimming just inches away from the rock walls. The climactic encounters with the roaring Snowman, combined with the splashes from glacial waters, add layers of suspense and surprise.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (Disney California Adventure)
A full-blown rock-and-roll adventure in the Marvel universe, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! delivers an adrenaline rush with its unpredictable drop sequences, dazzling visuals, and a killer soundtrack featuring classic rock hits. It’s high-energy, chaotic, and endlessly re-rideable thanks to its randomized drop patterns, making every ride a new experience for Guardians of the Galaxy fans.
The adventure begins in Taneleer Tivan’s (The Collector’s) fortress, where guests join Rocket Raccoon on a mission to rescue the Guardians of the Galaxy. After a pre-show filled with witty humor and animatronic brilliance, riders board a gantry lift and are strapped in for what seems like a routine elevator ascent. But this elevator has other plans. Blasting off with a sudden whoosh, the lift rockets upward, pauses briefly, and then plummets into free-fall. The real thrill comes from the ride’s randomized drop sequences – no two rides are ever quite the same. Coupled with flashing lights, dynamic visuals of the Guardians in action, and heart-pounding music, the experience is a chaotic thrill from start to finish. Marvel fans are sure to love the detailed set design and story-driven experience.
Radiator Springs Racers (Disney California Adventure)
Radiator Springs Racers isn’t just one of the best rides in Cars Land – it’s one of the most immersive and thrilling experiences in all of Disneyland Resort. This high-speed attraction, which reaches speeds of up to 40 MPH, combines Disney’s signature storytelling with adrenaline-pumping racing sequences, creating an unforgettable adventure that appeals to both casual riders and die-hard thrill seekers.
The journey begins with a leisurely scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of Ornament Valley, showcasing breathtaking rock formations inspired by the American Southwest. Riders encounter beloved Cars characters like Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Sally, each brought to life with state-of-the-art animatronics and expressive charm. But the peaceful drive doesn’t last long. After a pit stop at Luigi’s Casa Della Tires or Ramone’s House of Body Art (depending on which track riders take), the real thrill begins. Two cars line up side by side, engines revving, and then they’re off. The race kicks into high gear as the vehicles speed down winding roads, swerve around tight corners, and dash over hills with surprising dips. The final stretch delivers an exhilarating photo finish, leaving riders cheering, regardless of which car crosses the finish line first.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Disneyland Park)
While Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance isn’t a traditional roller coaster or drop ride, it delivers an unparalleled thrill through its groundbreaking technology, immersive storytelling, and pulse-pounding action sequences. This attraction is an epic multi-phase experience that seamlessly blends trackless ride vehicles, motion simulation, and live-action set pieces into one jaw-dropping adventure. It’s a must for Star Wars fans and thrill-seekers who crave an adrenaline rush wrapped in cinematic storytelling.
The adventure begins even before guests board a ride vehicle. The experience kicks off with a mission briefing from Rey and BB-8, followed by boarding a Resistance transport ship. However, the mission takes a turn when the ship is captured by the First Order, and riders are escorted into a jaw-dropping Star Destroyer hangar bay, complete with rows of towering Stormtroopers and a massive starfield backdrop. Once aboard the trackless ride vehicle, guided by an R5 droid, the real thrills begin. The vehicle careens through the massive Star Destroyer, dodging blaster fire, escaping AT-AT walkers, and weaving through chaotic battle zones. At one point, the ride vehicle encounters Kylo Ren, whose menacing presence adds an extra layer of urgency and fear. The climactic moment arrives with a simulated drop sequence as the escape pod detaches and plummets back toward the planet below, creating an intense free-fall sensation before a smooth landing.
Incredicoaster (Disney California Adventure)
As Disneyland Resort’s fastest and longest roller coaster, the Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure Park delivers high-speed thrills combined with an engaging storyline featuring the beloved characters from The Incredibles. With a launch that rockets riders from 0 to 55 mph in just a few seconds, exhilarating drops, and a full 360-degree loop, this coaster offers non-stop excitement from start to finish.
The adventure begins with a powerful launch sequence, propelling riders into an adrenaline-filled chase alongside Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Dash, Violet, and Jack-Jack. The story unfolds as the Parr family tries to catch baby Jack-Jack, who’s causing chaos with his unpredictable superpowers. Throughout the ride, high-speed turns, sudden drops, and the iconic loop create a thrilling experience, while character audio, vibrant visuals, and dynamic lighting effects bring the storyline to life. The breathtaking views of Pixar Pier at the coaster’s peak offer a brief moment to catch some air, before plunging right back into the action.
Bottom Line
From racing through the desert in Radiator Springs Racers to escaping the First Order in Rise of the Resistance or braving the darkness of Space Mountain, Disneyland offers an impressive lineup of attractions designed to cater to thrill seekers of all levels. Each ride blends exhilarating moments, immersive storytelling, and Disney’s signature attention to detail, resulting in unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether focused on high-speed coasters, cutting-edge technology, or heart-pounding excitement, these attractions deliver thrills in ways only Disney can. With so much adventure waiting, every moment promises to be a wild ride in The Happiest Place on Earth.