How Many Rides Are at Disneyland? A Deep Dive into the Magic

As of October 26, 2023, Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California boasts 33 distinct rides and attractions. That’s a healthy number of opportunities for thrills, chills, and enchanting journeys! But the magic of Disneyland is more than just a count; it’s about the experiences each ride offers, the stories they tell, and the memories they create. Let’s dive deeper into the world of Disneyland’s attractions and explore everything you need to know to maximize your park experience.

Understanding the Disneyland Ride Landscape

Counting the rides at Disneyland might seem straightforward, but it gets a little nuanced. What exactly defines a “ride?” Is it a traditional rollercoaster? A leisurely boat tour? Or perhaps an immersive dark ride? For our count of 33, we’re considering any attraction that actively moves guests along a predetermined course and offers a unique experience. This excludes walk-through attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough or Tarzan’s Treehouse, and shows like “Fantasmic!” or “The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”

Disneyland is constantly evolving. Rides close for refurbishment, new attractions are added, and sometimes, old favorites are reimagined. So, it’s always a good idea to check the official Disneyland website or app for the most up-to-date information on ride availability during your visit.

Exploring the Different Lands and Their Attractions

The 33 rides are spread across Disneyland’s nine themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Tomorrowland, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Each land contributes its own unique flavor and style to the overall ride roster.

Here’s a quick look at some notable attractions in each land:

• Main Street, U.S.A.: While mainly a hub for shops and dining, Main Street offers the Disneyland Railroad, allowing guests to see much of the park, and horse-drawn streetcars.
• Adventureland: Home to iconic adventures like Indiana Jones Adventure and the Jungle Cruise.
• New Orleans Square: Immerse yourself in the spooky tales of Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
• Frontierland: Take a thrilling ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or a relaxing cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat.
• Critter Country: Experience the splashy fun of Splash Mountain (re-themed as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024).
• Fantasyland: A fairytale come to life with classics like Peter Pan’s Flight, “it’s a small world,” and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
• Mickey’s Toontown: Geared towards younger guests with attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Gadget’s Go Coaster.
• Tomorrowland: Blast off on Space Mountain, race around Autopia, and explore Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Journey to a galaxy far, far away on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Why the Ride Count Matters

Knowing the number of rides and attractions at Disneyland helps you plan your visit strategically. It allows you to:

• Prioritize: Identify the must-do rides for your group.
• Manage Expectations: Understand how much you can realistically accomplish in a single day.
• Utilize Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Optimize your time by booking Lightning Lane reservations for popular rides.
• Plan for Wait Times: Anticipate potential wait times and adjust your schedule accordingly.
• Discover Hidden Gems: Explore less crowded attractions that might become new favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Disneyland Rides

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Disneyland rides:

1. What is the most popular ride at Disneyland?

Determining the most popular ride is subjective and can vary based on time of year, guest demographics, and current trends. However, rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and Peter Pan’s Flight consistently have long wait times, suggesting their widespread popularity. These are often considered must-do rides for many visitors.

2. Which rides have the longest wait times?

Generally, the headliners like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones Adventure, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, Radiator Springs Racers (in California Adventure), and Haunted Mansion (especially during the Halloween and Christmas seasons) tend to have the longest wait times. Arriving early and using Genie+ can help mitigate these waits.

3. What are the best rides for small children?

Disneyland is incredibly family-friendly, with many attractions suitable for young children. Fantasyland is a haven for little ones, with rides like “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and King Arthur Carrousel. Mickey’s Toontown is also designed specifically for younger guests.

4. What are the most thrilling rides at Disneyland?

For adrenaline junkies, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Matterhorn Bobsleds offer the most thrilling experiences. Note: Splash Mountain is closed for re-theming.

5. Does Disneyland have any water rides?

Yes! Disneyland has a few water rides. Pirates of the Caribbean has a small drop. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing Splash Mountain, is also a water ride.

6. What is Genie+ and how does it work?

Genie+ is a paid service within the Disneyland app that allows you to book Lightning Lane reservations, effectively skipping the regular standby line for select attractions. You can make one reservation at a time throughout the day, and it significantly reduces wait times.

7. What is the difference between Lightning Lane and Standby Line?

The standby line is the traditional queue for a ride where you wait in line, often for extended periods. The Lightning Lane is a faster-moving queue available to guests who have purchased Genie+ or have an individual Lightning Lane reservation (for select high-demand rides).

8. Are there any rides that are not operational right now?

Ride closures are common for refurbishment or maintenance. Always check the Disneyland app or website for a list of current closures before your visit.

9. How can I maximize my ride time at Disneyland?

• Arrive Early: Be at the park before it opens (rope drop).
• Use Genie+: Book Lightning Lane reservations strategically.
• Check Wait Times: Monitor wait times on the Disneyland app.
• Ride Single Rider Lines: If you’re willing to ride separately, single rider lines can save time on select attractions.
• Plan Your Day: Have a general itinerary to minimize backtracking.
• Take Advantage of Rider Switch: If traveling with young children, Rider Switch allows one adult to ride while another waits with the child, then they switch places without having to wait in line again.

10. Is it possible to ride all 33 rides in one day?

It’s technically possible, but highly improbable and would require meticulous planning, utilizing Genie+ strategically, arriving early, and potentially staying until park closing. It also depends on the time of year and crowd levels. Don’t aim for quantity over quality; focus on enjoying the experience.

11. What is the best time of year to visit Disneyland to minimize wait times?

Generally, mid-January through early March (excluding holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day weekend), early May (before Memorial Day), and September (after Labor Day) tend to have lower crowds and shorter wait times. Avoid holidays, summer months, and school breaks for the least crowded experience.

12. How often does Disneyland add new rides?

There’s no set schedule for adding new rides. Disneyland prioritizes quality and immersive experiences, which can take years to develop and construct. New rides are often announced well in advance of their opening dates. Keep an eye on Disney Parks Blog for the latest announcements.

Disneyland is a place of endless wonder, and the 33 rides are just the beginning. With careful planning and a sprinkle of pixie dust, you can create an unforgettable experience filled with magical memories. Remember to check the Disneyland app for the most up-to-date information, and most importantly, have fun!