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We Rode Disney’s NEW and Improved Star Tours Ride — Check It Out With Us!

A galaxy far, far away just got a little bit bigger!

Few attractions offer the kind of unique ride experience that Disneyland’s Star Tours — The Adventures Continue offers. First majorly updated in 2010, the ride was once again updated in 2015, 2017, and 2019 to include 700 different ride experiences.  Now in 2024, the ride is once again getting another update!

Star Tours — The Adventures continue at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios , and Disneyland Paris all received an update on April 5th, 2024 to reflect new  Star Wars  Disney+ media and we were invited to get a FIRSTHAND LOOK! Check it out!

The new adventures include characters and locations from  Ahsoka, Andor,  and  The Mandalorian.  We got to experience these new adventures and we were absolutely blown away!

The pre-show was the same as usual. Also, our first scene was pod-racing on Tatooine — a scene we have experienced before.

Then came the exciting part — new characters! Din Djarin and Grogu sent a transmission with  The Mandalorian  theme song playing. Grogu snatched a flying frog while Djarin was giving us important intel which made for a fun 3D moment.

Then we made it to a planet featured in Ahsoka.  There, Ahsoka showed up to help us in battle with Purrgil (space whales). Beware — you may almost get eaten by one! We weren’t allowed to grab footage, but we love these new additions to the ride. We only saw the scenes from  Ahsoka  and  The Mandalorian —  we did not get  Andor  on our ride.

Accompanying the new Star Tours update at Disneyland is “Season of the Force” a Star Wars- themed event that will run from April 5th through June 2nd, 2024 . “Season of the Force” will include limited-time  Star Wars- themed food and merchandise as well as Fire of the Rising Moons (a NEW way to view the Disneyland fireworks from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Hyperspace Mountain overlay for Space Mountain , Seek and Find at The Star Trader, and Disneyland After Dark:  Star Wars Nite events.

We’ll keep you posted on any updates during this event as well as on all things Disneyland, so be sure to stay tuned here at AllEars for all the latest!

Disney Announces 6 NEW Treats Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Which new addition to Star Tours gets you the most hyped? Share your pick and tell us why in the comments below!

Disclosure: We were invited by Disney to attend the media preview for Disneyland’s Season of the Force. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.

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Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

An Attraction in Disneyland

Last updated: November 25, 2023

At a Glance

• Lightning Lane via Genie+
• Video Captioning
• Must Transfer From Wheelchair/ECV
• No Service Animals

Touring Tips

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Here's roughly how many minutes you'll wait for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at each Disneyland Crowd Level.

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Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Disneyland Park

Tomorrowland

Guests Must Be

40" (102 cm) or Taller

Age Interest

Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Thrill Level

Small Drops, Thrill Rides, Dark, Loud

Move faster than the speed of light as you ride aboard a 3D, motion-simulated space flight to legendary destinations from Star Wars .

Explore a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Featuring the newest technology—including a flight simulator, digital 3D video, Audio-Animatronics characters and "in-cockpit" special effects and music—Star Tours—The Adventures Continue immerses you in the Star Wars mythology for an unforgettable intergalactic adventure.

Before You Board

Inside the bustling Star Tours spaceport, in the middle of a throng of projection screens and glowing scanners, you'll quickly approach R2-D2 and C-3PO as they tinker away on a Starspeeder 1000—which is your cosmic transportation vehicle.

Then, after you've woven past customs, through baggage screening and beyond a series of blinking droids, pick up a pair of 3D flight glasses and continue to your departure gate, where overhead monitors provide further boarding instructions.

Join the Resistance

As you prepare for lift-off, a series of mishaps causes your starship to launch—and C-3PO to take control! Suddenly your space cruiser is intercepted by First Order forces. Fearing capture, C-3PO pilots your ship on an unpredictable flight that will rocket you to the farthest reaches of the galaxy!

Star Tours – The Adventure Continues

Disneyland Resort

Star Tours clamps you into a Starspeeder shuttle for a wild and bumpy 3D ride through the desert canyons of Tatooine with C-3PO, on a space mission with several alternate storylines, so you can ride it again and again. FastPass available here.

Tomorrowland

Get In Touch

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/star-tours

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The History Of Disneyland's Star Tours: How Star Wars Came To The Disney Parks Long Before Galaxy's Edge

A look back at how Disneyland's first Star Wars ride came to be.

For more than 10 years Star Wars has been the property of the Walt Disney Company . In that time, the studio have produced several hit films for the franchise, more than one popular TV series and even expanded the Star Wars universe through a brand new series of novels . But the biggest addition to the Star Wars universe may be in the theme parks. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World brought the galaxy far, far away to life for people in a way that movies never could, but the first Star Wars attraction, Star Tours,  happened decades before any of that.

Ever since Galaxy’s Edge opened, many fans have wondered if Star Tours was not long for this world. But during the recent Star Wars Celebration it was confirmed that next year, new segments will be added to the popular attraction. Since this one isn’t going anywhere, let’s take a look at where it came from and the incredible history of Star Tours.

Star Wars Comes To Disneyland Thanks To Indiana Jones

The story of Star Wars at Disneyland actually begins with another franchise entirely, which wouldn’t make it to the park until years later. When Michael Eisner became the CEO of The Walt Disney Company one of his major initiatives was bringing young people into the parks. Disney was seen as a park for kids and their parents, but not so much for teenagers or young adults. The hunt was on for new attractions based on franchises that were popular with this demographic. 

Eisner had previously been the President of Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the Indiana Jones movies, and so he had a relationship with George Lucas . The idea was floated of turning Indiana Jones , Star Wars and more into attractions at Disneyland, and Lucas was interested in the idea.

Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucas’ own Industrial Light and Magic came together to put together the attraction, which would use a motion simulator combined with a projection screen that would give the guests the feeling of flying through outer space. A number of technical hurdles had to be overcome, including the fact that the motion simulator wasn’t originally designed to do all the things Disney would need it to do in order to properly give guests a Star Wars experience. The projection system mounted to the front also threw off the system’s weight.

Eventually these issues were dealt with, a story and a film were put together, and Star Tours opened at Disneyland in 1987. And if you thought a new ride draws crowds now, Disneyland was open for 60 straight hours to accommodate the crowds for this one.

The Original Star Tours

The concept of the ride is that guests are tourists taking a trip to visit the forest moon of Endor. Unfortunately, the pilot for your journey, RX-24, also called R3X, is new at the job, so after taking a couple of wrong turns just getting out of the dock, he overshoots his mark and flies right by the moon. Numerous other unfortunate things take place, like flying through a comet cluster. The craft gets knocked around before flying through a large comet and barely escaping.

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After that, the speeder is captured in the tractor beam of a Star Destroyer, but is freed by a fleet of X-Wings. The Star Tours ship then travels with the X-wings where they find a Death Star, and guests get to experience a trench run like the one we saw in Star Wars: A New Hope . After successfully destroying the Death Star, R3X returns the ship back to the dock so guests can depart.

The Star Wars Prequels And Star Tours The Adventure Continues

Roughly 10 years after the original Star Tours opened, George Lucas began working on his Star Wars prequel trilogy . Very early on, Imagineering began to consider updating Star Tours to tie it into the new trilogy, but eventually it was decided to wait until the new set of movies was complete before deciding just what story to tell or what world, or worlds, to visit.

After a decade, technology had progressed enough that some of the initial concepts that had been considered for Star Tours were able to be revisited. From the beginning, the idea that Star Tours could be updated or changed over time with new films had been on the wish list, but it had never happened.

With the advent of digital film, the massive projection system on the front of the motion simulator could be replaced with something less fragile. In addition, digital projection allowed for a system that could put together different pieces of film chosen randomly.

Opening on the same day at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new Star Tours, Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, replaced RX-24 with C-3PO, who found himself in the pilot’s seat accidentally. From there, guests are treated to a story broken into four main segments, but each segment has multiple options, and what you get is chosen randomly. It's all focused around keeping a Rebel spy safe. The spy is a randomly selected person on the ride.

Guests may visit Tatooine during a pod race on one ride, and go to Hoth on another. A trip may end on Coruscant or it could go to Kashyyyk. It’s unlikely that you’ll have two rides that are exactly the same, and you'll need to go on the attraction several times in order to see everything. 

The Addition Of The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

But the real benefit to the new Star Tours system came later, after Disney had purchased Lucasfilm from George Lucas and began to make all new movies. Because with each new movie came a new addition to Star Tours.

A new addition to Star Wars was released more or less alongside each entry in the Sequel Trilogy. A flight through a crashed Star Destroyer on Jakku from The Force Awakens , a flight on the salt planet of Crait from The Last Jedi , ( a part of the movie that was actually inspired by the original Star Tours ), and a couple of different segments were added with The Rise of Skywalker . 

Each of these new additions also includes cameo appearances by members of the cast of the films, so fans can see Rey, Finn and Poe as part of the ride. Each new segment was simply added to the existing ride, increasing the number of options and making the chances of getting the same ride twice even less likely.

The Adventure Will Continue For Star Tours

Since 2019, there had been no additional updates or changes to Star Tours: The Adventure Continues , and considering that both Disneyland Resort’s and Walt Disney World’s versions of Star Tours are in the same park as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, many wondered if Star Tours might eventually get replaced. 

But it looks like that won’t be happening anytime soon. At Star Wars Celebration in London, Walt Disney Imagineer Scott Trowbridge revealed that not only will additional destinations be added to Star Tours in 2024 , but the locations aren’t even places we’ve ever seen before.

Considering that we’re not expecting new Star Wars movies until at least 2025, it seems like we could be getting new destinations based on Disney+ shows rather than movies. Assuming we will see these worlds before the ride adds them, or at least at the same time, we could be talking about seeing a planet from Ahsoka or The Acolyte becoming part of this iconic attraction. And we could still see some new additions that we have seen before alongside those we have not, like Mandalore.

What’s clear is that after more than 35 years, Star Tours is still going strong. If the Disneyland and Walt Disney World attraction is getting fresh investment now, there are obviously no plans to retire it anytime soon. And with Disney continuing to expand the Star Wars universe, the opportunity for new additions will always be there. This adventure will continue for many more years to come. 

CinemaBlend’s resident theme park junkie and amateur Disney historian, Dirk began writing for CinemaBlend as a freelancer in 2015 before joining the site full-time in 2018. He has previously held positions as a Staff Writer and Games Editor, but has more recently transformed his true passion into his job as the head of the site's Theme Park section. He has previously done freelance work for various gaming and technology sites. Prior to starting his second career as a writer he worked for 12 years in sales for various companies within the consumer electronics industry. He has a degree in political science from the University of California, Davis.  Is an armchair Imagineer, Epcot Stan, Future Club 33 Member.

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Disney's Star Tours - The Adventures Continue

Disney's Star Tours - The Adventures Continue improves on the original attraction in every way—and sets a new standard for motion simulator rides. What had become a slightly tired trip to a Star Wars galaxy far, far away is now a giddy jaunt to... well, half the fun is you never know where in hyperspace the ride will whisk you.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy, 10=Yikes): 4.5. Relatively mild motion simulator thrills. Those prone to motion sickness may experience discomfort (although closing your eyes should quell any queasiness). The ride also offers Star Wars -style action. It makes our list of Disneyland's most thrilling rides .
• Location: Disneyland , Disney's Hollywood Studios at Disney World , Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland.
• Height requirement: 40 inches

Disney Raises Its Own Bar

When it debuted at Disneyland in 1987, the original Star Tours was the first major motion simulator attraction at a theme park, and the newfangled virtual reality concept ushered in a new era for park attractions. If theme parks are about escaping from the everyday world, motion simulators offer an ideal means of escape. Using seats that move in sync with filmed action projected onto a screen, the destinations are only limited by the imagination of the attraction's designers. Star Tours was also a bold departure for Disney which, up until that point, had used its own content as the basis for its attractions.

Since the ride film made its debut, developers have added Omnimax screens (such as The Simpsons Ride ), roving motion base vehicles (such as Transformers: The Ride 3D ), and other features to enhance the you-are-there experience. The movie ride space cowboys at Walt Disney Imagineering, Lucasfilm, and Industrial Light & Magic (Lucasfilm's visual effects mavens), have upped their own ante with a retooled version of the attraction that launched in 2011.

The impetus for the re-imagined ride dates back to the late 1990s when Episode 1 of the Star Wars prequel trilogy was being filmed. According to Tom Fitzgerald, executive vice president and senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering , "George Lucas contacted us and said the pod racing scene in the movie would be perfect for Star Tours." Anyone who has seen the movie would agree; the largely point-of-view sequence, with the hover vehicles tearing through a desert course, seems tailor-made for a park ride. So what took so long? "We needed to raise the bar," says Fitzgerald. Thankfully, the bar has indeed been raised.​

3-D Without the Gimmicks

The infrastructure of the attraction remains essentially unchanged. Guests still make their way through a mythology-packed "spaceport" en route to their Starspeeder 1000 boarding gate and an allegedly uneventful journey to some friendly planet. Star Wars stalwarts R2-D2 and C-3PO are on hand to help ready the vehicles (and entertain riders stuck in line). After some pre-flight safety instructions, guests enter the familiar Starspeeder cabins and buckle up for a bumpy ride.

Once the ride begins, however, it's clear that this is not the same Endor-bound Star Tours that lurched ad nauseam through the cosmos for 24 years. Speaking of clear, the super high-def clarity of the digitally projected film is remarkably crisper than the original ride. And by adding 3-D to the mix, the attraction offers a vivid sense of depth, while the dorky 3-D goggles don't noticeably dim the alluring brightness of the images.

Unlike the gotcha gimmickry of most 3-D park rides, the extra dimension of the spiffed-up Star Tours is more understated. With its easy availability at the local cineplex, the novelty of 3-D has long since worn off. Wisely, the Imagineers have seamlessly incorporated the effect in a largely unself-conscious and elegant way that helps bring Lucas' alternate-universe to life.

You Are There. But You Never Know Where.

The most compelling improvement over Star Tours 1.0 is the ride's random sequence generator. By slicing together many different destinations and transition scenes, Disney says that there are over 50 possible story combinations. No two rides, therefore, would likely be the same (unless uber-fans boarded Star Tours a lot ). That keeps the attraction fresh and makes it eminently re-rideable. It also makes other motion simulator attractions, with their fixed been-there, done-that plots, seem so 20th century.

Like the original Star Tours (and nearly every other motion simulator ride), what all versions of the attraction have in common is that things very quickly go horribly wrong. Rookie pilots R2-D2 and C-3PO are unexpectedly drafted into action, rebel spies are discovered lurking among the passengers, and the Starspeeders must periodically engage in evasive maneuvers and travel to distant planets to avoid certain calamity. Other destinations include the ice planet of Hoth, Naboo, and the ominous Death Star.

It's quite impressive to experience the attraction more than once and be treated to an entirely unique story arc each time. Different characters (which might include, among others, Boba Fett, Yoda, Princess Leia, and supreme baddie Darth Vader), different missions, different locations, and even different gags will have you marveling at the audacity of the ride. "It was a challenge to sync everything," says Spiegel, referring to the on-the-fly nature of the stitched-together film, the corresponding motion sequences, and the in-cabin effects. “We wanted to be able to take guests to many places in the Star Wars universe. And now we can."

Even More Places to Visit

Because it is screen-based, Disney has the ability to add sequences and make updates to the attraction, which it periodically does. For example, in late 2019, the parks introduced new scenes inspired by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , the latest installment in the movie franchise. Among the places added to the Starspeeders' itineraries was the ocean moon Kef Bir.

Since the introduction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge , the groundbreaking lands at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it has been a bit disconcerting to have Star Tours exist outside of the contained Black Spire Outpost, the trading port on the planet Batuu. It is especially strange at the Disney World park, where Star Tours is just a couple of blocks away from Galaxy’s Edge. Disney has explained the disconnect by saying that the Star Tours attractions pay homage to the movies and mythology while Galaxy’s Edge represents the “real” Star Wars lands.

It may be some time before we actually have the technology to fly off to faraway stars. Until then, the mighty impressive technology that fuels Star Tours - The Adventures Continue can virtually transport us, if only for a few minutes at a time, to places that were previously unthinkable.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our  Ethics Policy .

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Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Ride Review

Step into a world where the galaxies come to life and adventure awaits at every turn – welcome to the thrilling realm of Star Tours at Disneyland! As you embark on this intergalactic journey, prepare to be transported to far-off planets, encounter iconic characters, and experience the magic of the Star Wars universe like never before. In this article, we’ll explore the wonders of the Star Tours ride, from its cutting-edge technology to its immersive storytelling, ensuring that every moment spent on this cosmic odyssey becomes a memory etched in the stars. So buckle up, fellow travelers, as we delve into the excitement and wonder that awaits you on Disneyland’s Star Tours adventure!

Average Wait Times:  Star Tours can experience variable wait times depending on the day and season. During peak hours, wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour.

Height Requirements:  To board Star Tours, guests must be at least 40 inches tall. This requirement ensures the safety and comfort of all riders, as the motion simulator involves dynamic movements that may not be suitable for younger or smaller guests.

Single Rider:  Single Rider is available on this attraction.

Ride Duration:  The total experience, from pre-show to the end of the ride, typically lasts around 20 minutes. This includes the time spent in the queue, the pre-boarding area, the 3D motion simulator experience, and any additional post-show elements.

Genie+ and Lightning Lane:  Genie+ and Lightning Lane are available for this attraction, which provides expedited access to the ride, reducing wait times for those who opt for this premium service.

Rider Switch:  For families with young padawans who may not meet the height requirement, Disney’s Rider Switch service allows one adult to wait with the non-riding child while the rest of the party experiences the attraction. Afterward, the waiting adult and another guest can switch places without having to wait in line again.

Disability Access Services (DAS):  Disneyland is committed to providing a magical experience for all guests. The Disability Access Service (DAS) program is available for those with disabilities, allowing them to obtain return times for attractions, including Star Tours, based on current wait times.

Best Time to Ride:  Weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to see lower attendance, translating to shorter wait times. Additionally, early mornings and late evenings are opportune moments to visit, as crowds are typically thinner during these times. Check out our crowd calendar for best times to visit!

I remember the first time I went to Disneyland in 1995. Star Tours was the very first attraction I ever went on, and continued to be a tradition for my family as the first attraction we always went on when we went to Disneyland. Of course, since then, a lot of changes have happened, including a total revamp of the attraction into what it is today.

Star Tours, as I’m sure you’ve gathered, is a Star Wars experience where guests are invited to take a tour from planet to planet aboard a starspeeder. Your job is to simply sit and enjoy the ride as the pilot drives you to your destination. Of course, if this actually happened, it would be the most boring attraction ever. So that’s not what happens!

The original Star Tours was the same ride every time you took it. Rex was your pilot, a robot with some quirky flaws and a sense for danger and adventure. After this attraction received its revamp, it became a lot more interesting. Rex the pilot was replaced by C3PO (Rex is now found over in Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge) and what was once the same every time is now available in over 40 different combinations.

Disney teamed up with Lucasfilm for the revamp and decided to make the attraction 3D, with the ability to tell a different story each time. Basically, there are 4 sections that make up your adventure. A beginning scene which determines how you exit the docking bay, a second scene after coming out of light speed, a transmission message from someone and then a final battle scene that concludes with you docking the ship.

Because there are multiple versions of each of these 4 sections, you could see a different adventure each time you board Star Tours. It’s actually quite fun and keeps things interesting. And since Disney purchased Lucasfilm several years back, they continue to add new scenes from the new Star Wars films as they come out.

One of the cooler things that happened after the revamp is the inclusion of a Star Tours guest into the story each time you ride. Before the attraction begins, a photo is taken of a randomly selected guest, who is then inserted into the story as a Rebel Spy. They very lightly become the focus of the mission (or some missions) as Star Tours races to deliver the spy safely.

I’ve been the Rebel Spy twice in all my years of riding, and it’s actually pretty fun. They even have a tee-shirt that you can purchase in the shop afterward that says, “I am the Rebel Spy,” or something along those lines.

So here’s what you can expect when you ride Star Tours at Disneyland Park: There are three lines available for this attractions. First is the standby line, which I can’t describe very well at the beginning because I’ve never waited in it. You can expect to wait about 30-45 minutes in this line before being boarded.

The second line is Lightning Lane (LL) and that takes you directly into the main building and past the standby line but through all the same rooms.

The LL line typically takes you right into the second room before you come to a stop, so there’s a decent amount of line that you skip. You can expect to wait about 10-15 minutes before boarding.

The third line is a Single Rider line that they added in 2019. It basically does the same thing as the other 2 lines but it usually much faster. Keep in mind that you’re typically separated from your party when loaded at the gates, though this attraction gives you a better chance of being loaded with someone in your group than most.

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Once you enter the main building, you’ll weave through one room that features a Starspeeder with R2D2 and C3PO.

You’ll then take a ramp into a second room, where you’ll be entertained by 2 robots, both voiced by the ever-talented Patrick Warburton. From here you’ll be boarded into different gates based on the number of people in your group. Once you arrive at your gate you’ll also be boarded into rows, again, based on the number of people in your group.

You’ll stand here for a little while and watch a video on what’s going on in the hangar as you wait for your Starspeeder to arrive. You’ll also be given some instructions. Once it’s your turn to board, the doors in front of you will open, and you’ll enter the ship and take your seat. Store all your backpacks and jackets under the seat, put your seatbelt on and prepare for a seatbelt check with a Cast Member.

Once the seatbelt check is completed, you’ll be advised to put your flight glasses on. The room will go dark after a few seconds, and then the ride begins! C3PO has no idea what’s going on, and you’re about to get into a whole lot of trouble and fun. Since each experience is different, I won’t describe them, but you’ll have fun not matter what.

This is a simulation attraction that has 3D glasses and moves up and down and side to side. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to skip riding or take some medicine beforehand.

When your ride is over, you’ll remove your seatbelt and exit the ship. Be sure to turn in your flight glasses and enjoy some Star Wars shopping!

Here’s a video of one of my last experiences with Star Tours at Disneyland :

• Star Tours is a Lightning Lane attraction, which I would recommend using early in the morning if you really want to go on it, as spots fill up quickly.
• If you’re looking for a really fast boarding and don’t mind being split up, use the Single Rider line.
• If you really want to try and be the rebel spy on your adventure, then try sitting in the very back row, about 3-4 seats in from the exit side of the attraction.
• This attraction does have a height limit, so make sure you plan accordingly with smaller children. Use the Rider Switch if needed.

For more attraction reviews, be sure to visit Park Savers main Disneyland Resort Attractions Review  page. I also have a great  planning guide for guests who are going to the Disneyland Resort soon. For discounted tickets to the parks, be sure to see Park Savers current ticket pricing .

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17 Must-Ride Disneyland Rides

M y family loves riding theme park rides. While we love the characters, shows, and other attractions, we are really there for the rides.

When my kids were younger, we would divide up sometimes since my son wouldn’t necessarily be able to go on everything. But now, my kids are old enough to experience every ride, so we can go together on everything.

I’ve visited Disneyland a few times on short trips. Although these weren’t extensive vacations, I knew that I’d want to go on as many rides as possible. Luckily, the Genie+ and Lightning Lane system is easy to use, and a good investment for a short trip.

On each of my trips, we were still able to experience most of the top rides at Disneyland. If you are planning a Disneyland vacation and are wondering which rides to include on your list, here are 17 must-ride Disneyland rides.

This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click-through made through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

All opinions are my own. I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland Resort as part of my participation in the AWESome Retreat. I’ve also paid my own way.

Save money on your Disneyland California tickets and your Southern California vacation by booking through  Get Away Today . You can also save $10 on your Southern California vacation of 2 days or more with the code FTM10. 

Disneyland Park

Dumbo the flying elephant .

My kids always loved the Dumbo ride at Walt Disney World. Even though it’s not the most unique ride, it’s something that you’ll want to ride if traveling with younger kids. It’s also a great way to see some of the sites of the park.

It typically gets very busy, so you’ll probably want to ride early. This is especially a must-do when visiting Disneyland with toddlers .

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

I always loved Mr. Toad at the Magic Kingdom and missed it when it was transformed into the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Luckily, fans of the ride can still go on it at Disneyland.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride isn’t as wild as it sounds – rather, it’s a dark ride that goes nice and slow. This isn’t a must-ride because of the actual ride mechanism – more for the nostalgia.

Indiana Jones Adventure

During my first trip to Disneyland, I wasn’t able to experience the Indiana Jones ride. Luckily, I was able to ride it during my second Disneyland trip. Unfortunately, it’s one of those rides that tend to have more downtime than others.

It’s a thrill ride that is not exactly a roller coaster. It’s more similar to the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom , rather than the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland Paris (which I’m still traumatized by). I enjoyed it.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Located in ToonTown at Disneyland Park, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is an adorable ride featuring the Mickey Cartoons. It’s a dark, trackless ride, and is set to a catchy tune that is sure to get stuck in your head.

While Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway was originally offered through an individual lightning lane, it’s now part of Genie+.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

This ride is more than an attraction, it’s a full experience. With an over 15-minute run time, Rise of the Resistance includes a trackless ride, a motion simulator ride, and a walk-through, as you go through an entire Star Wars storyline.

Rise of the Resistance is offered through individual lightning lane. In my opinion, it’s worth paying for the individual lightning lane if this is a ride you want to experience.

Even if you’ve been to Walt Disney World and Disneyland dozens of times, the following iconic rides are absolutely must-dos every time you visit.

it’s a small world

When I was younger, I always thought of it’s a small world as a kids’ ride. But as an adult, it’s something I always want to go on. The Disneyland version is different from the Florida one because it loads outside, and incorporates some of the beloved Disney characters throughout the ride.

Space Mountain

This was one of the first thrill rides I went on as a kid, and I still love it. It’s not as scary as other thrill rides, but it’s still so much fun. We think that the Disneyland version is even more fun than the Walt Disney World version.

Pirates of the Caribbean

I’d been on the Pirates of the Caribbean in Florida and Paris before going on the California version. But this one is my favorite because it’s a longer ride with a bigger drop. You’ll want to experience it during your Disneyland vacation.

The Haunted Mansion

This spooky ride is always a must-do, even if you’ve been on it many times. It is pretty similar to the Walt Disney World version, although it does have a very different facade.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain isn’t the scariest roller coaster , but it’s a fun ride!

Jungle Cruise

You’ll groan at the jokes and puns, but it’s still something you’ll want to go on.

Luckily, thanks to the proximity of the two parks, it’s easy to go between Disneyland Resort and Disney’s California Adventure if you have a park hopper ticket. Once you go through security, you’ll be all set for both parks.

Disney’s California Adventure

Toy story midway mani a.

Ever since Toy Story Midway Mania opened, it’s been a popular family-friendly attraction. My family always has a friendly competition amongst ourselves, and it’s something we always look forward to.

Soarin’ Around the World

I admit that I’m still a big fan of the original Soarin’ Over California. However, this new version is a welcome change, and I am always impressed with how realistic it feels to be soarin’ over the world. Even if you’ve been to this particular show before, it’s still worth doing again and again.

Incredicoaster

The only ride that goes upside down at Disneyland Resort is the Incredicoaster, which is located on Pixar Pier. During my first visit, I loved staying by and watching it go through the loop over and over again. However, it’s also incredibly fun to ride. After you ride, stop by the kiosk for a Jack-Jack Cookie Num Num.

If you like thrill rides, you’ll want to go on this ride! The premise of the ride is that Jack Jack has escaped, and you’ll need to race through the coaster to find him. It’s such a fun, outdoor ride. Be sure to get one of Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Nums at the kiosk outside the exit.

Pixar Pal-A-Round 

The most iconic ride at Disney’s California Adventure is the Pixar Pal-A-Round wheel. There are two separate gondola types for this ride – one that is fixed for a more traditional Ferris wheel experience.

The other swings back and forth as the ride goes around and around for a much scarier experience. Guests can choose which gondola type they want to go on.

Radiator Springs Race r

I loved Cars Land at California Adventure, and the highlight of the land is Radiator Springs Racers. This ride is extremely popular, so you’ll either want to get an Individual Lightning Lane or choose the single-rider line .

While there is Cars theming and storyline as the ride starts, it’s the end – when the car goes fast – that is the best part of this attraction. It’s also nice to stand at the entrance of Cars Land and watch the cars of Radiator Springs Racers drive by.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

I admit that I was very skeptical when Disneyland transformed my beloved Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! However, I was so impressed with the ride and really actually loved it. Mission: BREAKOUT is similar to the ride movement of the Tower of Terror. But it incorporates retro, energetic music, and the Guardians of the Galaxy characters.

Although I do love the ride, I’m glad that Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios still has the original version. I hope that one doesn’t change.

Bonus: Web Slingers

Another new ride is Web Slingers, located at Disney’s California Adventure. In this ride, at Avenger’s Campus , you’ll need to help Spiderman control the spider bots before they take over.

Maximizing Your Disneyland Ride Experience

While it’s certainly easier to plan a Disneyland vacation than a Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll still need to have a plan. Disneyland’s new Genie+ system is a paid system that is worthwhile if you want to save time. It’s not required, however, and you’ll still be able to wait in standby lines.

Even though you won’t make your Genie+ reservations in advance of the day of your trip, it’s a good idea to research the rides in advance. Find out which ones offer Genie+ and a lightning lane, and put together a list.

That way, you’ll know exactly where to go when you arrive. Of course, that plan will change a bit as you start to see the Genie+ availability for the day.

What is your favorite Disneyland ride?

Visiting Disneyland CA? Click to see all of our Disneyland posts with reviews, tips, overviews of the best rides, and more.

The post 17 Must-Ride Disneyland Rides appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

Will Disneyland get an Avatar land? It’s likely. Here’s what else may be in store

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With the city of Anaheim unanimously voting to pass DisneylandForward , the Disneyland Resort will be forever changed.

Twice in the last 69 years, Disneyland has been significantly transformed. Four years after the park opened in 1959, Disneyland added its monorail, the Matterhorn Bobsleds and a submarine ride and expanded Autopia. It was a message that would begin to fulfill Walt Disney’s promise that Disneyland would never be completed.

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More than that, however, it revealed that Disneyland would continue to look to the future. Disneyland in 1959 showed its guests possibilities — a transportation system in the monorail that could remake urban communities, a tease of the freeway system that would reshape travel and a glimpse at the sort of deep-sea excursions only a lucky few could witness. The Matterhorn, while inspired by the film “Third Man on the Mountain,” also was meant to be a transportive experience, to not only bring to Disneyland a new kind of thrill ride but give visitors a taste of international adventure.

Disneyland’s second reimagining came much later. In 2001 the Walt Disney Co. would open Disney California Adventure, the Grand Californian hotel and the Downtown Disney District. These additions would attempt to make Disneyland, the company’s original park, one that could, in theory, rival Florida’s Walt Disney World by becoming a resort that could demand multiday stays.

This expansion succeeded as well, but not overnight.

The original vision of Disney California Adventure proved to be lackluster, relying heavily on on-the-shelf rides and lacking emotion-driven experiences that take visitors out of their daily life. While the Grand Californian is a Craftsman-inspired triumph, Downtown Disney is in the midst of a transformation and is still attempting to outgrow its reputation as a home for chains and midtier eateries.

And now we’re entering a new era of possibilities, one that likely will look much different from the prior two. Modern Disney is centered on intellectual property — or IP, in corporate speak — rather than Walt-era idealism, and the most tantalizing prospects of DisneylandForward center on building around existing structures rather than erecting a new park.

With DisneylandForward, the company won the flexibility to redesign the resort. Zoning rules will be amended so that Disney can add new attractions alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive. These will, if they come to fruition, likely be extensions of Disneyland or Disney California Adventure rather than a third park. Additionally, a new shopping, dining and entertainment district can be created to the southeast on what is currently the Toy Story parking lot at Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.

Company brass and the DisneylandForward materials have offered teases of what could be built. Most of these have centered on recent expansions at Disney’s international parks, such as the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland or Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort. There’s been little ideological talk about the future of Disneyland, as the focus has centered squarely on popular properties and franchises rather than the resort’s status as a cultural hub and gathering space.

But DisneylandForward came with a pledge. The Walt Disney Co. has promised to spend a minimum of $1.9 billion on Disneyland attractions, lodging, entertainment, shopping and dining in the next 10 years. That money can go quickly, with modern attractions costing sometimes in the high six figures, but the Walt Disney Co. also is in the midst of doubling down on its theme parks. Disney has guaranteed to spend $60 billion over the next 10 years in its experiences division, with at least half of that total dedicated to parks and resorts, according to a recent SEC filing .

It’s safe to say that the next 10 years will shape Disneyland for decades to come. While there’s much to be revealed, there are, perhaps, some safe bets. Here are a few educated guesses as to what to expect with an expanded Disneyland in the near term.

Get ready for Pandora

DisneylandForward materials reference everything from “Tangled” to “Peter Pan” to “Tron” as possible experiences that could come to Anaheim. One word, however, is missing, and it’s one that’s been regularly referenced by Disney brass in recent weeks: “Avatar.”

Disney CEO Bob Iger mentioned it at a recent shareholder meeting, even sharing the “Avatar” concept art, which was referred to as “inspirational artwork.” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, wrote in a blog post after the shareholder event that further news on Disneyland-related attractions such as the “Avatar” experience was tied to the approval of DisneylandForward.

“We are excited about the stories our guests could experience at Walt’s original theme park destination after approval of DisneylandForward — including the chance to experience all-new Avatar adventures with a visit to Pandora,” D’Amaro wrote . And last night in Anaheim, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock again teased “Avatar” at the DisneylandForward hearing and vote. Finally, one of Disney’s most respected theme park creatives even posted the “Avatar” concept art on Instagram , expressing the hope of sharing more on the project in the future.

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Consider a large-scale “Avatar”-inspired land all but a done deal, and the art shared for Disneyland isn’t an exact replica of Florida’s Pandora — The World of Avatar, which resides in that coast’s Animal Kingdom park. Now where to put it? Expect Pandora to be bound for Disney California Adventure. There’s been speculation that it could replace the area currently served by water ride Grizzly River Run or move into a largely vacant slot of Hollywood Land, but neither is ideal. The latter requires a rerouting of the monorail, and Grizzly River Run remains a popular attraction.

Here’s betting it’s positioned in one of the DCA expansion areas near the Pixar Place Hotel, as that would allow the company to give the James Cameron property a plethora of space, especially if Disney must hide a large show building behind an illusion of floating mountains.

Expect more hotel options

With Disneyland lacking the acreage of Florida’s Walt Disney World, hotel prices in Anaheim are at a premium. Rooms for the recently revamped Pixar Place Hotel — Anaheim’s “budget” option — can routinely top $500 per night. More hotel space is needed, and if Disneyland goes all-in on “Avatar,” expect lodging and more entertainment options to follow close behind. Disney has long touted development of the Toy Story Lot as prime space for hotel, dining and entertainment modeled after Florida’s Disney Springs district.

The DisneylandForward materials mention the land as “the perfect location to cater to locals, conventioneers, hotel and Disneyland Resort guests with restaurants, hotels, live music, shopping, ticketed shows and theme park experiences.” A new proposed parking structure to the north would solve the parking issue, and Disney has done extensive research on this already, as it was part of an earlier, pre-pandemic planned development known as the “Eastern Gateway.”

Walkways to and from the new parking structure would connect the current resort to the new entertainment area. And while fans may want Disney to rapidly fill the available space with theme park attractions, if the resort is planning to increase capacity it’s first going to need a spot for those guests to park. Additionally, Iger at a recent media event said the company likely would hold back some of its theme park funds so the organization could move on the popularity of new films or franchises.

“We actually have a fairly good idea in the near term of what’s being built, but we’re purposefully not going to allocate it all,” Iger said. “Because who knows? In five years we can end up with a giant hit movie — think ‘Frozen’ — that we may want to mine essentially as an attraction, or a hotel or restaurant in our parks. So you want to maintain some flexibility.”

What about ‘Frozen’s’ Arendelle? Or a ‘Coco’-themed experience?

Beyond “Avatar,” which seems a sure thing as it’s been mentioned by Iger on multiple occasions, any future aspects of DisneylandForward become pure speculation. But a couple of franchises may have higher priority than others.

Disney now has a “Frozen” attraction in Walt Disney World, a land in Hong Kong and experiences in the works for Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneySea. Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s secretive arm devoted to theme park experiences, clearly has done the work on bringing “Frozen” to life in physical spaces, and it stands to reason that expansions to the original Disneyland Park, with its fairy-tale feel, would go more of a Fantasyland-inspired route.

What’s more, re-creating Arendelle in the expansion plots located near the Disneyland Hotel would give Disney the opportunity to construct a second castle, as any extensive changes to park centerpiece Sleeping Beauty Castle are prohibited due to structural limitations . The enduring popularity of “Frozen” seems relatively assured at this point, so bringing the franchise to Disneyland is far from a risk.

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But if the company opts to create something unique for Southern California rather than importing Hong Kong’s World of Frozen or Shanghai’s Zootopia, one franchise that seems to be routinely brought up by executives is “Coco.” When mentioning blue-sky concepts last year year at an investor event in Florida, D’Amaro teased “Coco” as a key film that has yet to be properly explored in the Disney parks.

Potrock again mentioned “Coco” in an op-ed in the Orange County Register touting the benefits of DisneylandForward, writing that the initiative could pave the way for “the chance to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in a ‘Coco’-themed experience.” Disney California Adventure, of course, is home to a Dia de Los Muertos celebration that does center a short “Coco” show, and the property seems especially ripe for Southern California and our heavily Latino communities. That makes it an opportunity to give Disneyland an unique land not found in other parks while also tapping into the region’s diverse fan base. Walt’s original park deserves no less as it looks ahead to closing out its first century.

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Todd Martens joined the Los Angeles Times in 2007 and covers a mix of interactive entertainment (video games) and pop music. Previously, Martens reported on the music business for Billboard Magazine. He has contributed to numerous books, including “The Big Lebowski: An Illustrated, Annotated History of the Greatest Cult Film of All Time.” He continues to torture himself by rooting for the Chicago Cubs and, while he likes dogs, he is more of a cat person.

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Screen Rant

5 rides to go on first at disney california adventure.

There is no shortage of exciting rides at Disney California Adventure Park, but these are the ones visitors should hit first thing in the morning.

• There are plenty of exciting rides at Disney California Adventure Park, but some require more planning than others.
• Getting to popular attractions early in the morning can shorten wait times and ensure visitors don't miss out.
• Rides in Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier seem to be especially popular, leading to longer wait times overall.

When visiting Disneyland California, it's always a great idea to stop by Disney California Adventure Park if time and funds allow — and there are certain rides parkgoers should head to first , as they're popular and often have long lines throughout the day. Disney California Adventure Park opens its gates at 8 a.m. every morning, and it's typically open until 10 p.m. This leaves plenty of time to check out the biggest attractions the California-based theme park has to offer. Of course, first-time visitors may not know which rides and attractions to prioritize over others.

After purchasing tickets for Disneyland and securing a reservation, setting up one's itinerary is the most important element of visiting the parks . With eight themed lands within Disney California Adventure Park — all with their own unique rides, performances, and eateries — making a plan can prove overwhelming. The best way to approach the attractions is to pinpoint which are the most popular. Visitors will likely want to check those off their to-do lists, and that often means getting there first thing in the morning. Theme parks tend to be less crowded then, and getting there early ensures visitors don't miss out.

5 Disneyland Rides To Go To First When The Park Opens

5 web slingers: a spider-man adventure, located in avengers campus.

Avengers Campus is an incredibly popular part of Disney California Adventure Park, and several of the rides there are best checked off early. This includes WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure , which revolves around Marvel's web-slinging hero. During this attraction, visitors accompany Peter Parker on his mission to round up his Spider-Bots, which have escaped Tony Stark's lab and begun causing chaos. Riders are tasked with helping Peter get the Spider-Bots back, and they do so using 3D glasses and a WEB Slinger vehicle that give them their own web-slinging abilities.

While WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure features some spins and darker moments, Disneyland.com confirms that it's perfect for all ages. This makes it a must-see attraction, whether parkgoers are visiting as a group of adults or with young kids. Visitors can find this ride across from Shawarma Palace in Avengers Campus, closer to the Performance Corridor than Hollywood Land. It's not too far from the entrance of Disney California Adventure Park, so it's easy enough to head to as soon as one arrives.

And going to WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure first thing in the morning is probably a safe bet , as there's often a long wait to board this ride. This is likely for a couple of reasons. For one, it's a family-friendly option that will appeal to adults and children alike. This draws a wide range of visitors, which results in longer lines and waits. Spider-Man is also an incredibly well-known and popular character, so it's no surprise parkgoers flock to his attraction. There's a reason Avengers Campus was built, and it has to do with the popularity of the MCU.

4 Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!

Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! is another Avengers Campus attraction that should be at the top of visitors' itineraries. Based on Marvel's beloved Guardians of the Galaxy movies , Mission: BREAKOUT! takes riders on an adventure to rescue the titular team from the Collector's clutches. They help Rocket in this endeavor, and it takes them on a twisty ride full of Star Lord-approved music. The attraction culminates with a giant drop — one that riders familiar with the Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror will recognize, as Mission: BREAKOUT replaced this classic thrill ride.

The attraction culminates with a giant drop — one that riders familiar with the Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror will recognize, as Mission: BREAKOUT replaced this classic thrill ride

Because of the drop — and a few scarier moments — Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT is recommended for teens and adults and has a height requirement of 40 inches or taller. Given how tall the building is, it's easy enough to locate. Parkgoers can find this attraction right at the entrance to Avengers Campus, coming from the Hollywood Land side. It's right before the Pym Test Kitchen coming from that direction. Like the Spider-Man ride, this one isn't far from the entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, so heading straight there won't be too much of a hassle.

Like WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, Mission: BREAKOUT often has a longer wait time . This probably has to do with the popularity of the movies the ride is based on, as well as the characters who appear throughout its run. Additionally, Mission: BREAKOUT is one of the most thrilling attractions at Disney California Adventure Park. It makes sense that so many visitors want to experience it. And some likely want to see how it holds up against the Tower of Terror, too.

3 Toy Story Midway Mania!

Located in pixar pier.

Another immersive, family-friendly ride that has long wait times is Toy Story Midway Mania! , which is located in the Pixar Pier area of Disney California Adventure Park. This ride takes visitors into the world of Pixar's 1995 hit, showcasing characters from Toy Story and references to the beloved film. Those riding Toy Story Midway Mania! will board a " swiveling car " and try to stop Andy's newest toys from getting too out of control (via Disneyland.com ). They'll do so using 3D glasses and blasters, similar to Universal Studios' Men in Black ride. Riders will also encounter Woody, Buzz, and their friends.

Like WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, Toy Story Midway Mania is open to all ages and has no height restrictions. It does get dark and loud at times, and the players rack up points as they progress through the ride. Visitors can find Toy Story Midway Mania! right next to Jessie's Critter Carousel in Pixar Pier. It's also not far from the Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pal-A-Round. Unfortunately, Pixar Pier is one of the furthest lands from the entrance, so those hoping to get to Toy Story Midway Mania! first will need to walk quickly .

There are likely multiple factors that contribute to Toy Story Midway Mania's long waits, including the fact that it's open to all ages and heights. With such a wide range of people checking out this attraction, long lines are inevitable. Toy Story is also among Pixar's best movies of all time , which adds to the ride's universal appeal. And finally, immersive attractions that allow visitors to play along are often huge hits, something that seems to be the case here. This is why so many people line up for Toy Story Midway Mania! Luckily, getting there early can help.

2 The Incredicoaster

The Incredicoaster is another popular ride in Pixar Pier, and it's worth getting to early if visitors can make it happen. As its name suggests, the roller coaster is based on Pixar's The Incredibles , which comes close to Toy Story in terms of popularity. The Incredicoaster takes visitors on a thrill ride to catch Jack Jack, who keeps teleporting away. The attraction looks like a standard roller coaster on the outside — and it has plenty of drops and turns — but according to Disneyland.com , it also boasts " tunnels, special effects, scenes and a musical score by Incredibles 2 composer Michael Giacchino. "

All of this comes together to make The Incredicoaster one of the most exciting attractions at Disney California Adventure Park, and it's also the biggest. The roller coaster stretches through all of Pixar Pier , so it's impossible to miss. Unfortunately, this means it's located far from the theme park's main entrance. Still, it's well worth rushing over to. This is assuming visitors can ride it, as The Incredicoaster has a 48-inch height requirement. This makes it suitable for teens and adults, but not young kids.

The Incredicoaster's wait times can extend to an hour or more, and this is likely due to it being one of the only roller coaters at Disney California Adventure Park.

The Incredicoaster's wait times can extend to an hour or more, and this is likely due to it being one of two roller coasters at Disney California Adventure Park. Goofy's Sky School is the other, and it doesn't have nearly the same number of drops or twists. It also isn't as new or based on a beloved film like The Incredibles. All of these elements ensure that The Incredicoaster is one of the most crowded attractions at the theme park. Visitors won't want to miss it, even if they need to wake up early to get on board.

1 Radiator Springs Racers

Located in cars land.

Those looking for a bit of speed to wake them up first thing in the morning should head over to Radiator Springs Racers, located in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park. Radiator Springs Racers is based on the movie Cars, and it allows visitors to " zoom through " the movie's landscape (via Disneyland.com ). This is all under the guise of participating in a race, and riders will face dark areas and drops on their way to " winning ." With its speed and fun movie connections, Radiator Springs Racers is one of the more popular attractions in Disney California Adventure Park.

Unlike many other thrill rides scattered throughout the theme park, Radiator Springs Racers is also suitable for kids and tweens, as long as they meet the 40-inch height requirement. Teenagers and adults will get just as much as a kick out of this Cars- inspired attraction. And it's sandwiched between Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier, so visitors can stop on their way to all their priority rides. Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers is a straight shot from the Performance Corridor, so it's easy enough to find, even if it's a bit of a trek from the main entrance.

Wait times for Radiator Springs Racers is typically upwards of an hour, so visitors interested in checking out this attraction will want to work it into their morning at Disney California Adventure Park. While Cars hasn't remained quite as popular as movies like The Incredibles and Toy Story, it seems recognizable enough to draw crowds. Of course, high-adrenaline racing also factors into this attraction's popularity. Thrill rides are always hits at Disneyland theme parks, and this one is no different. Fortunately, it's the perfect way to kick-start any parkgoer's day.

Source: Disneyland.com