Disneyland Resort is a place of magic and adventure, but for some visitors, certain rides can be a bit intimidating. Whether you’re trying to avoid the most intense experiences or you’re seeking out the scariest thrills, understanding which Disneyland rides are the scariest and which are more mild can help you plan your perfect day. This guide covers both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, categorizing rides from the least scary to the most terrifying.
Disneyland Ride Intensity Guide At A Glance
| Group Type | Recommended Rides | Intensity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Young Children | “it’s a small world,” The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure | Mild |
| Families | Pirates of the Caribbean, Soarin’ Around the World, Radiator Springs Racers | Moderate |
| Thrill-Seekers | Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! | Intense |
What Makes a Ride Scary?
Several factors contribute to a ride being perceived as scary, including speed, height, darkness, sudden drops, and intense special effects. For some, it’s the fear of the unknown in a dark ride, while for others, it’s the sheer adrenaline of a high-speed coaster. Here’s a breakdown of Disneyland rides by their scare factor.
Least Scary Rides At Disneyland – Gentle Fun for Everyone
Disneyland Park
1. “it’s a small world”
This classic attraction is anything but scary. It’s a gentle boat ride through colorful scenes representing different cultures around the world. The cheerful music and friendly animatronics make it perfect for all ages, with no frightening elements.
2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo offers a mild flying experience in Fantasyland. Guests control how high their elephant flies, and the ride is calm and enjoyable, with nothing to fear.
3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
This dark ride is a soft and sweet journey through the world of Winnie the Pooh. With no sudden movements or scary scenes, it’s a safe bet for young children and those who prefer a non-scary experience.
California Adventure
1. The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
This serene dark ride takes guests under the sea to experience the story of The Little Mermaid. The ride is slow-paced, with bright, happy scenes that are far from frightening.
2. Jessie’s Critter Carousel
A gentle ride on Pixar Pier, this carousel features cute critters from Toy Story and is perfect for the youngest visitors. There’s nothing scary here, just pure fun.
3. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Though it features monsters, this ride is more humorous than scary. The dark ride takes guests through Monstropolis, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Moderately Scary Rides at Disneyland: A Touch of Thrill
Disneyland Park
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
While generally mild, this ride has some dark, eerie scenes, and a couple of small drops that might startle some riders. The detailed pirate-infested environments add a spooky atmosphere, but it’s still suitable for most guests.
2. Haunted Mansion
As the name suggests, this ride has a spooky theme, filled with ghosts and ghouls. The eerie music, dark atmosphere, and occasional jump scares make it moderately scary, though it’s balanced with humor, keeping it fun for most visitors.
3. Jungle Cruise
This boat ride features encounters with animatronic animals in a jungle setting. While not traditionally scary, the nighttime version can feel more intense due to the darkness and the unexpectedness of the scenes.
California Adventure
1. Soarin’ Around the World
This flight simulator offers breathtaking views, but for those afraid of heights, it can be slightly nerve-wracking. The sensation of soaring over landscapes can be thrilling yet a bit unsettling for some.
2. Radiator Springs Racers
This ride combines a leisurely cruise with a thrilling race. The high-speed segment can be a bit scary for younger riders, but it’s generally well-balanced with fun and excitement.
3. Grizzly River Run
A white-water rafting ride that takes you through turbulent waters and down several drops. The uncertainty of getting soaked and the rough rapids add a level of scariness to the experience.
Most Scary Rides At Disneyland: Not for the Faint of Heart
Disneyland Park
1. Indiana Jones Adventure
This is one of the scariest rides in Disneyland, combining speed, darkness, and intense special effects. Riders encounter everything from giant snakes to collapsing ceilings, making it a thrilling yet terrifying adventure.
2. Space Mountain
Space Mountain is a high-speed roller coaster in the dark, with sudden drops and sharp turns. The lack of visibility heightens the scare factor, making it one of the most intense rides in the park.
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This fast-paced roller coaster through a haunted mine features sharp turns, sudden drops, and the constant threat of impending disaster. The combination of speed and theming makes it a thrilling and scary experience.
California Adventure
1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Known for its sudden and repeated drops, this ride is not for the faint-hearted. The combination of darkness, height, and unpredictability creates a terrifying experience that’s among the scariest at Disneyland Resort.
2. Incredicoaster
The Incredicoaster is the fastest ride at Disneyland Resort, featuring loops, drops, and high speeds. The sheer intensity of the ride, coupled with its storyline, makes it one of the scariest attractions for thrill-seekers.
3. Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
This interactive ride is action-packed and fast-paced, combining 3D visuals with motion to create an intense experience. While it’s more exciting than terrifying, the speed and sensory overload can be overwhelming for some.
Navigating Scary Rides at Disneyland: Tips for Enjoying Your Visit
- Know Your Limits: If you or someone in your group is sensitive to intense experiences, stick to the mild and moderately scary rides.
- Start Small: Begin your day with less scary rides to build up confidence before tackling the more intense ones.
- Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Skip the long lines on the scariest rides, so you can spend more time enjoying the attractions that suit your comfort level.
- Take Breaks: After experiencing a particularly scary ride, take a break with a gentler attraction to balance out the adrenaline.
Conclusion
From the least to the most scary, Disneyland and California Adventure offer a wide range of rides to suit every level of thrill tolerance. Whether you’re looking to avoid the scariest experiences or seeking out the most intense thrills, this guide will help you navigate the parks and plan your perfect day. By understanding what to expect from each ride, you can ensure that your visit is both enjoyable and memorable, no matter your scare threshold.