Disneyland is greatest identified for candy characters and rides that please youngsters and kids-at-heart. However there’s a extra intense facet to the Happiest Place on Earth that thrill-seekers admire. Curler coasters in Disneyland function big drops, particular results, and loop-the-loops. The concern issue isn’t nearly pace, although. Plundering pirates, fake toxic snakes, and spooky ghosts could make rides appear scary. Buckle your lap belt as a result of we’re rating the 19 scariest rides at Disneyland and Disney California Journey theme parks.
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1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout
Location: Avengers Campus in California Journey. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move and Single Move. Minimal peak: 40 inches.
Though not a curler coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout tops this checklist of the scariest rides at Disneyland. You could discover the surprising drops terrifying, particularly if it’s your first time on this journey. It plummets riders at speeds as much as 39 miles per hour. Did I point out that the most important fall is a whopping 130 toes?
Lengthy-time followers of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror have been horrified when their beloved thrill journey left Anaheim. In 2016, it reopened as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout. The Guardians’ theming is much less creepy and extra playful. The journey’s free-falls, nevertheless, have turn into much less predictable, extra chaotic, and extra scream-inducing.
Be a part of Rocket the raccoon hero on a mission to launch his fellow guardians from the film collection’ villain, Taneleer Tivan — a.ok.a. The Collector. In the event you’ve obtained little youngsters who love the film however draw back from scary rides, this attraction could also be an excessive amount of for them.
In reality, this journey makes some grown-ups scream and cry involuntarily like infants. Don’t consider me? Watch the video of yours actually under.
Throughout Halloween season, the journey transforms into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Darkish, that includes darker theming and a mission to rescue Groot from terrifying creatures.
For a mellower model of the identical dropping sensation, journey Jumpin’ Jellyfish in Paradise Gardens at Disney California Journey Park. (There’s a 40-inch peak restriction.) If that one’s too scary, do NOT try Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
2. Incredicoaster
Location: Pixar Pier in Disney California Journey. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move and Single Rider Line. Minimal peak: 48 inches.
Previously California Screamin’, the tallest Disney curler coaster grew to become the Incredicoaster in 2018. Zip via the world of The Incredibles on a high-speed chase to search out Jack-Jack on this thrill journey. In line with many (together with my teenagers!), that is one of the best curler coaster at Disneyland.
Take off with a blast, going from zero to 55 miles per hour in simply 4 seconds. This pace makes it the quickest attraction at Disneyland Resort. What’s extra, it’s one of many speediest Disney curler coasters anyplace.
Love to do loop-the-loops? Incredicoaster is the solely curler coaster that does an inversion within the California Disney theme parks.
3. Area Mountain
Location: Tomorrowland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move. Minimal peak: 40 inches.
Area Mountain tops out at a reasonably mellow 28 miles per hour. With a journey time of roughly 2 minutes and 45 seconds, Area Mountain provides one of many longest-lasting adrenaline journey experiences at Disneyland.
Using in the dead of night will increase the scare issue of this standard journey. Would-be astronauts launch into a fake outer house. Then, you’ll expertise speedy turns in almost complete darkness, save for some twinkling stars and particular results. You may’t see the place you’re going subsequent, which gives an additional dose of thrill.
There are no vital hills, although. If you detest that sinking feeling in your abdomen brought on by massive drops, then Area Mountain could also be for you.
Throughout Halloween season, Disneyland transforms Area Mountain into Area Mountain: Ghost Galaxy, a spooky overlay with eerie visuals, sound results, and a haunting storyline.
4. Goofy’s Sky Faculty
Location: Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Journey. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move and Single Rider Line. Minimal peak: 42 inches.
This sweet-looking curler coaster is surprisingly nerve-wracking. It isn’t excessive speeds that make this one of many prime thrill rides, although. In reality, the highest pace on Goofy’s Sky Faculty is simply 27 miles per hour.
As a substitute, it’s the jolting turns and odd seating. Passengers could really feel like they are going to fall off the journey at any second. That’s as a result of the journey makes use of sharp switchbacks and elevated monitor edges that create the phantasm of teetering over the facet. (In fact, with Disney security measures, you gained’t.)
5. Matterhorn Bobsleds
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane with Genie+ and Single Rider Line accessible. Minimal peak: 42 inches.
Board a bobsled journey on a re-creation of the Swiss Matterhorn Mountain. At simply 27 miles per hour, it’s not essentially the pace that can scare your youngsters on Matterhorn.
Watch out for the Yeti! An abominable snowman creature pops up and growls at riders on Disneyland’s oldest curler coaster. Plus, it’s a reasonably jerky journey.
6. Tiana’s Bayou Journey
Location: Critter Nation in Disneyland. Opening in 2026. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move. Minimal peak: 40 inches.
This upcoming attraction replaces Splash Mountain and brings the magic of The Princess and the Frog to life. Riders will be a part of Princess Tiana and mates on a musical journey via the bayou, culminating in an exhilarating 50-foot drop at speeds as much as 40 miles per hour. Whereas the theming is joyful and vibrant, the ultimate plunge nonetheless delivers a severe splash and a dose of adrenaline.
With guarantees of ice cream, my husband and I satisfied our youngsters to journey this attraction, then known as Splash Mountain, once they have been 5 and eight years previous. Years later, I feel they could be able to forgive us.
7. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Single Move. Minimal peak: 40 inches.
Journey to a galaxy far, distant aboard this new Disneyland journey. Your transport automobile fights off unhealthy guys like Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren aboard Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Anticipate small drops, loud blasts, and intense battles. Movement simulations (much like Star Excursions) could make some riders really feel queasy.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is broadly thought of an 18-minute expertise, making it one of many longest and most immersive rides at Disneyland. The precise journey automobile portion lasts about 4 to five minutes. Nevertheless, the total expertise spans about 15 to 18 minutes, from preliminary briefing to remaining exit, relying on crowd movement and timing.
In case your youngsters benefit from the Star Wars films, they’ll most likely deal with this journey. Instead, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a much less intimidating Star Wars journey.
8. Haunted Mansion
Location: New Orleans Sq. in Disneyland. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move. No peak restrictions.
The scariest a part of this haunted home is the hanging physique that dangles above your head earlier than you even board. If using with younger kids, inform them NOT to lookup and canopy their eyes whereas within the mysteriously stretching room. The precise journey is a lighthearted haunted home with no leap scares.
After the spooky begin, you’ll board slow-moving automobiles for a tour of a mansion and graveyard haunted by some pretty creepy ghosts. I used to be horrified by this journey at age 4, once I believed in all of the magic of Disney — Mickey Mouse, ghosts, and all.
In the event you’re not sure whether or not young children can deal with this one, give it a go throughout a fall go to to Disneyland. For Halloween and Christmas, the journey transforms into Haunted Mansion Vacation, a extra playful model that includes Jack Skellington and different characters from The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas.
9. Radiator Springs Racers
Location: Vehicles Land in Disney California Journey. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Single Move and Single Rider Line. Minimal peak: 40 inches.
Radiator Springs Racers go as much as a zippy 40 miles per hour. However there are no big drops or creepy parts. Try my video of this journey under.
Sitting in race automobiles from the Vehicles film collection, riders take a low-key spin via Radiator Springs. You’ll additionally take a tour of Ramone’s Home of Physique Artwork or Luigi’s Casa Della Tires.
Then it’s time for a race. A special automobile wins every time. Regardless of the pace, most nervous riders will like this one. Simply ensure youngsters meet the peak requirement earlier than investing in a really lengthy wait.
That is one in all Disneyland’s hottest rides, so count on lengthy traces for Radiator Springs Racers. In the event you’re touring with teenagers or older youngsters, think about using the Single Rider Line.
10. Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Frontierland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move. Minimal peak: 40 inches.
Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad is the least intense of Disneyland’s full-sized curler coasters. Subsequently, it makes a good selection for the entire household to journey collectively if everybody meets the peak requirement.
At 40 miles per hour, it’s quicker than among the different coasters, however there are NO loopy drops, loop-the-loops, or scary characters. Plus, it’s a practice. And most children love trains!
11. Pirates of the Caribbean
Location: New Orleans Sq. in Disneyland. No peak restrictions.
Pirates of the Caribbean is one other Disney attraction that terrified me as a child. Pirates shoot (pretend) weapons proper at you, and the ambiance is surprisingly intense for a ship journey. Savvy younger kids could discover this indoor journey scary.
After which there’s a creepy voice howling, “Useless males inform no tales.” There are a couple of drops in the dead of night originally of the boat journey, too.
12. Indiana Jones Journey
Location: Adventureland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Multi Move. Minimal peak: 46 inches.
Enter the Temple of the Forbidden Eye aboard Indian Jones Journey. This journey doesn’t attain excessive speeds, however count on a tough journey, with sudden stops, sharp turns, and loads of bumps alongside the way in which. Make-believe bugs and large snakes add an ick issue. Then comes the second when a large boulder seems able to crush your automobile.
The scariest half could also be how typically this journey breaks down. Pay attention to lengthy wait occasions that always final for a substantial period of time. This usually happens when an object falls onto the monitor and should be retrieved earlier than using can resume.
13. Grizzly River Run
Location: Grizzly Peak in Disney California Journey. Lightning Lane entry accessible through Single Move and Single Rider Line. Minimal peak: 42 inches.
Wish to attempt whitewater rafting however undecided you’ll be able to deal with the adrenaline rush? Take a spin on Grizzly River Run to see when you’ve obtained what it takes. It’s a rough-and-tumble water journey, with spinning rafts, splashes from all sides, and unpredictable twists. There are just a few drops, however nothing overwhelming.
The concern of getting doused with water from mini waterfalls provides to the enjoyable—until you’re the one who will get soaking moist. It at all times looks like one passenger per raft will get doused, a lot to everybody else’s delight. That may be tremendous humorous if it’s Daddy getting soaked. Or it may trigger a serious meltdown in case your youngster is the one who should stroll round in soggy socks for the remainder of the day.
14. Mad Tea Occasion
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. No peak restrictions.
The Mad Tea Occasion isn’t essentially everybody’s cup of tea. Nevertheless, youngsters and adults who aren’t afraid of movement illness will get pleasure from spinning in circles in large teacups.
Youngsters’s sense of equilibrium tends to readjust extra shortly than it does for us older of us. Hold that in thoughts earlier than you seize the wheel and ship your loved ones right into a tizzy.
Enjoyable reality: The Mad Tea Occasion is likely one of the authentic Disneyland points of interest. It has been twirling visitors since opening day on July 17, 1955.
15. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Location: Vehicles Land in Disney California Journey. Minimal peak: 32 inches when accompanied by one other rider 54 inches or taller.
Much like a Tilt-A-Whirl, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree sends riders spinning in loopy circles. It’s much less dizzying than the Mad Tea Occasion. And in my household’s opinion, it’s much more enjoyable. Vehicles character favourite Mater sings a square-dancing track whilst you zig this manner and zag that manner.
Is your loved ones loopy concerning the Disney Vehicles films? Learn my suggestions for visiting Vehicles Land with youngsters!
16. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Location: Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland. Minimal peak: 35 inches.
For youngsters too small or nervous to courageous Disneyland’s larger curler coasters, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster makes a nice first thrill journey. Previously Gadget’s Go Coaster, this journey was re-themed and reopened in 2023 as a part of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown. At its quickest, this fun-sized coaster reaches an inexpensive 21.7 miles per hour. Plus, it’s quick. Even timid riders can deal with 44 seconds of twists, turns, and giggles.
17. Mr. Toad’s Wild Experience
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. No peak necessities.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Experience usually has a shorter queue than the remainder of the rides in Fantasyland. And for good motive—it’s surprisingly scary.
Why? To begin with, it’s a tremendous darkish journey. Second, the storyline is freaky and unknown to most children and adults. It’s primarily based on the 1949 Disney film, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Lastly, there are jerky actions, loud noises, and a heated room stuffed with devils.
When my son was a child, I strapped him into his Child Bjorn and took him on this Disneyland attraction. Unhealthy thought! He clawed at my face in concern together with his little child nails the entire time.
18. Pixar Pal-A-Spherical
Location: Pixar Pier in California Journey. No peak restrictions.
Those that concern heights may have a troublesome time on the 160-foot peak of Pixar Pal-A-Spherical. For the remainder of us, it’s a mellow, scenic solution to get a chook’s-eye view of California Journey Park.
Management freaks and movement illness victims beware: the swaying gondolas aren’t for the faint of abdomen. The road for the fastened gondolas tends to be a lot shorter anyway.
That is the one attraction that made each my Disneyland scariest rides checklist and my checklist of the greatest rides for infants and toddlers at Disneyland. Ironic, I do know.
This Ferris wheel was previously generally known as Mickey’s Enjoyable Wheel, and earlier than that, the Solar Wheel.
19. Snow White’s Enchanted Want
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. No peak restrictions.
This Fantasyland journey stars Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was known as Snow White’s Scary Adventures—I imply, scary was proper within the title!
In 2020, the journey was revamped and renamed Snow White’s Enchanted Want. It’s much less intimidating to youthful visitors now. There’s nonetheless a scene the place the Evil Queen seems to be right into a magic mirror, then turns round to disclose a scary previous witch, however Disney eradicated the leap scares and added LED lighting to make the journey much less intimidating to kids.
Nonetheless, I like to recommend beginning with extra lighthearted darkish rides when you’re touring with little youngsters. If kids do nicely on Peter Pan’s Flight and Alice in Wonderland, they could get pleasure from Snow White’s Enchanted Want.
20. Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Location: Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Journey. Minimal peak: 40 inches.
Float excessive above Paradise Bay aboard a colourful jellyfish, then gently float your manner again down. This parachute-style journey reaches an elevation of roughly 40 toes. The descent pace is gentle, however the peak would possibly intimidate younger kids. Additionally, some riders could not like that fluttery drop of their stomachs—like a mini free fall.
FAQs: Disney Curler Coasters and Scary Rides
Which rides and curler coasters in Disneyland are scariest?
It depends upon your definition of scary. On the subject of curler coasters in Disneyland, scariness is within the eye—and abdomen—of the beholder.
The make-believe issue and darkness can freak out little ones on rides that adults discover completely innocuous. Pushing kids too far earlier than they’re prepared can backfire and result in a lifelong concern of rides.
Riders who hate inversions will wish to keep away from Incredicoaster. Hate drops? Avoid Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout and journey Area Mountain as a substitute. Concern of heights and movement illness additionally play a task in figuring out whether or not a Disneyland journey is horrifying. However when you like all thrill rides, get in line and benefit from the journey!
Which Disney journey is the quickest?
At speeds as much as 65 miles per hour, the quickest Disney journey on the planet is Take a look at Monitor, situated in Epcot at Walt Disney World.
Which Disney Parks curler coaster has the most important drops?
Reaching as much as 50 miles per hour, Expedition Everest is one in all Disney’s quickest points of interest. It’s additionally the curler coaster with the most important drops. The journey’s most vital decline is a whopping 80 toes. Discover Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Disney World.
What’s the greatest time to journey Disneyland curler coasters and different standard rides?
The perfect occasions to keep away from lengthy waits are early morning, proper when the theme parks open. Arrive earlier than rope drop to maximise your possibilities of using headliners with minimal delay.
You can even discover shorter standby traces throughout parades and nighttime spectaculars, similar to fireworks or World of Colour. Simply take into account that a few of Disney’s hottest points of interest briefly shut throughout these performances, so plan accordingly.
For much more effectivity, think about using Multi Move to order Lightning Lane entry for choose rides.
Save Cash on Your Disneyland Trip
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Study Extra Disney Ideas
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Are you interested by Disney’s theme park in China? Have a look at my Shanghai Disneyland suggestions.
Add Disney aptitude to your loved ones’s journey to France with my suggestions for visiting Disneyland Paris with youngsters.
Hold this Checklist of Disneyland Curler Coasters and Scary Rides
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What do you assume are the scariest rides and curler coasters at Disneyland and Disney California Journey? Tell us within the feedback under!
A Observe from Colleen: Disneyland has hosted my household at varied media occasions through the years. We’ve paid for a lot of extra Disney journeys ourselves. All opinions are mine, as at all times.