Disneyland has been enchanting guests since 1955, and its magic continues to grow. In fact, starting July 17, 2025, the park will celebrate its 70th anniversary! This significant milestone marks seven decades of unforgettable memories, thrilling adventures and of course, your favorite Disney characters. However, if you are planning to visit sooner, you’ll still find all sorts of fun things to see and do. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the hundredth, Disneyland attractions never lose their charm. Each ride, show, and experience offers something special, drawing you deeper into Walt Disney’s dream. Get ready to explore the best attractions that make Disneyland truly magical and undeniably, the Happiest Place on Earth!
Top 2025 Attractions at Disneyland
Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4636
www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Alice in Wonderland
You step into a larger-than-life storybook, where the whimsical world of Wonderland surrounds you. As your caterpillar-shaped ride vehicle begins its journey, you twist and turn through vividly colored scenes inspired by the classic animated film. The Cheshire Cat’s mischievous grin appears and vanishes as he guides you along the way. You duck past the Queen of Hearts’ card soldiers, barely escaping her infamous demand for heads. The adventure takes you outside for a brief moment, giving you a view of Fantasyland before you plunge back into the madness. With a final encounter at the Mad Hatter’s tea party, your journey through this popular Disneyland attractions ends in delight.
Disneyland Monorail
You step aboard the sleek and futuristic Disneyland Monorail, feeling the gentle hum of the electric train beneath your feet. As the doors close, the train glides smoothly above the park, giving you a unique, bird’s-eye view of Disneyland attractions. The cityscape of Tomorrowland rushes past, and soon, you’re soaring over the entrance of Disneyland itself. The ride is both a relaxing escape and an exciting journey, offering glimpses of the park in a way no other attraction can. Whether you’re using it as transportation or simply enjoying the scenic route, the Monorail never fails to impress. As you disembark, you take one last look at the futuristic train, already anticipating your next ride. Please note that the Monorail is currently undergoing renovations and has a re-opening date of March 7, 2025.
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Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
You step into the bright yellow submarine, feeling the excitement build as the hatch closes behind you. The vessel slowly submerges, and soon, vibrant underwater scenery surrounds you. Schools of fish dart between coral reefs, while familiar faces from Pixar’s Finding Nemo appear along the way. As you journey deeper, the sense of adventure grows, especially when a giant sea creature looms ahead. The storytelling and special effects transport you into the world of the ocean, making you feel like a true explorer. As the submarine resurfaces, you take one last glance at the magical aquatic world before stepping back onto land.
Haunted Mansion
The eerie sight of the stately but decaying mansion sends a chill down your spine before you even step inside this popular Disneyland attraction. A deep voice welcomes you into the stretching room, where the walls elongate to reveal macabre portraits. Once aboard your Doom Buggy, you glide through candlelit corridors, past floating candelabras and ghostly apparitions. The ballroom scene mesmerizes you, with spirits twirling in an eternal waltz. A hitchhiking ghost attempts to follow you home, adding a mischievous twist to the spectral experience. As you exit, you can’t help but wonder if you’ve truly left the spirits behind.
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Indiana Jones Adventure
From the moment you enter the dimly lit temple ruins, the air crackles with a sense of impending danger. You board a rugged troop transport vehicle, bracing yourself for the unpredictable journey ahead. Suddenly, the ground shakes, and fiery bursts illuminate the darkness as you evade ancient booby traps. A menacing boulder tumbles toward you, and just when all hope seems lost, Indiana Jones himself appears with a last-second save. The speed and intensity of the ride keep your adrenaline pumping until the very last moment. As you exit the temple, you realize you’ve just lived an action-packed movie scene.
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It’s a Small World
Aboard your boat, you drift into a vibrant world where children from all cultures sing in unison. Their cheerful voices fill the air, harmonizing in multiple languages, reinforcing a message of unity. The intricate, handcrafted dolls dressed in traditional attire dance and wave as you pass. Every scene glows with bright colors, sparkling water, and moving set pieces. The grand finale unites all the cultures in a dazzling display of white and gold, symbolizing universal harmony. By the end of your journey, the iconic tune lingers in your mind long after you step off the ride. Please note that It’s a Small World is currently undergoing renovations. However, this very popular ride will re-open this spring.
Jungle Cruise
Your wisecracking skipper greets you with a grin as you board the weathered boat. As you sail deeper into the jungle, animatronic animals emerge from the dense foliage. What’s more, a herd of elephants playfully sprays water, while a ferocious tiger watches from the shadows. The humor-filled narration keeps you entertained as you narrowly escape the clutches of hungry crocodiles. Suddenly, a group of headhunters appears, adding an extra layer of adventure to your expedition. With a final pun-laden farewell from your skipper, you return to civilization, already missing the wild wonders of the jungle.
Mark Twain Riverboat
You step aboard the grand Mark Twain Riverboat, feeling the gentle sway beneath your feet. As the steam whistle blows, you embark on a leisurely journey along the Rivers of America. The paddlewheel churns the water, and you take in the picturesque views of the frontier landscape. You pass by rustic cabins, Native American encampments, and wildlife along the riverbanks. The narration shares tales of adventure and exploration, transporting you to a bygone era. As the riverboat glides smoothly back to the dock, you feel a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, having experienced a piece of living history.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
The icy mountain looms before you, its jagged peak piercing the sky. You squeeze into your bobsled, gripping the sides as you brace for a thrilling descent. The ride rockets forward, sending you hurtling through dark tunnels and skimming past rocky ledges. Suddenly, the growl of the Abominable Snowman echoes around you, his glowing eyes flashing in the darkness. The bobsled twists and turns, picking up speed as it splashes through icy caverns. With a final exhilarating drop, you reach the base, your heart pounding from the mountain’s many surprises.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
You step into the vibrant world of Mickey Mouse, where a simple train ride turns into a zany adventure. As soon as Goofy takes the helm, chaos erupts, sending your train cars careening through whimsical animated scenes. Each twist and turn brings you face-to-face with classic Disney characters in a way you’ve never seen before. The seamless blend of physical sets and digital animation makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into a cartoon. With surprises at every turn, the ride delivers nonstop laughter and excitement. As you reach the final stop, you can’t help but smile at the pure joy of Mickey and Minnie’s world.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
You hop into an old-fashioned motorcar, feeling the excitement build as the ride lurches forward. Speeding through the dark streets of London, you narrowly dodge pedestrians, crashing through buildings and past startled townsfolk. The ride’s twists and turns make every moment unpredictable, sending you straight into a courtroom scene where you’re sentenced to a fiery fate. Suddenly, you find yourself in the depths of the underworld, flames licking at your car as demons cackle around you. Just as quickly, you escape back into the cool air of Fantasyland. With a breathless laugh, you realize you’ve just survived one of Disneyland’s most chaotic adventures.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Stepping onto your flying ship, you feel a rush of excitement as it gently lifts off the ground. Below, London’s twinkling cityscape stretches out, its tiny lights shimmering like stars. You glide past Big Ben and soar toward the second star to the right, entering the magical world of Neverland. Mermaids wave from the lagoon, and Captain Hook brandishes his sword in a battle against Peter Pan. The sense of flight is breathtaking, making you feel weightless in the night sky. As your ship gently descends, you wish for just one more moment of flight.
Pirates of the Caribbean
As your boat drifts into the darkened cavern, the echoes of distant cannon fire set the stage for an epic journey. Flickering lanterns illuminate skeletal remains, whispering of lost treasure. Suddenly, your boat plunges down a small waterfall, landing you right in the heart of a pirate raid. The swashbuckling crew sings merrily as they plunder, and Captain Jack Sparrow slyly evades capture. Each scene is brimming with detail, from the burning town to the mischievous jailbirds. By the time you reach the final scene, you’re left marveling at the legendary pirate’s life.
Space Mountain
The launch tunnel glows ominously as your rocket prepares for takeoff. Suddenly, you blast into darkness, streaks of light flashing past as you speed through the vastness of space. The track twists and drops unpredictably, making every turn a surprise. Stars and distant galaxies swirl around you, creating an immersive interstellar experience. The exhilarating speed and disorienting darkness make your heart pound with excitement. As your rocket slows to a stop, you take a deep breath, still feeling the rush of your cosmic journey.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
You buckle into your seat as the stars outside twinkle with endless possibilities. Suddenly, your spacecraft lurches into motion, diving into hyperspace with a burst of dazzling light. Each ride is unpredictable, taking you to different planets and battles within the Star Wars galaxy. You dodge laser blasts, evade the Empire, and even come face-to-face with Darth Vader. The combination of 3D visuals and motion simulation makes every twist and turn feel incredibly real. As your flight concludes, you leave feeling like a true Rebel pilot.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
You step into a galaxy far, far away at the Disney attraction, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Towering spires of Batuu rise around you, immersing you in the world of smugglers, rebels, and stormtroopers patrolling the streets. You board the Millennium Falcon, taking control in a thrilling mission that leaves you breathless. Later, you find yourself face-to-face with Kylo Ren in the Resistance’s battle against the First Order.That’s not to mention the Rise of the Resistance ride you must not miss. Meanwhile, the bustling market offers alien delicacies and handcrafted lightsabers, making every moment feel real. As you leave this Disney attraction, you carry the weight of your galactic adventure, eager to return.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Next, you venture into another exciting new Disney attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Inspired by the beloved character from “The Princess and the Frog,” this ride takes you on a journey through the vibrant bayou. You board a boat and drift through lush, green landscapes filled with lively music and colorful characters. Fireflies light up the night as you glide past scenes of Tiana’s adventures. The ride culminates in a grand celebration, with Tiana and her friends dancing and singing in a joyous finale. This new Disneyland attraction is sure to become a favorite for visitors of all ages.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and has nearly 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.
