Ahh, the magic of a Disney vacation.

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland are home to a wealth of resorts that offer everything from the luxurious to the adventurous (Disney Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness, we’re looking at you). But the real draw is, of course, the Disney parks: the heart of the magic.

While most people think there are few differences between Disneyland and Disney World, the two destinations offer their own unique experiences - and both are a must-visit for any Disney fan. So where should you begin? What are the must-see, must-do rides and attractions at both parks? And how do you know which are the best rides for kids or which rides are worth the wait?

This is your guide to Disney’s best rides and attractions at all six - that’s right, six - Disney parks from California to Florida, starting with the OG, America’s first real theme park: Disneyland, California.

Use the jump links below to skip ahead to our breakdown of each park (it’s okay, we don’t mind; we’ve already moved on to planning our next trip).

Disneyland

Disney’s California Adventure

Magic Kingdom

EPCOT

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disneyland

Visiting the Disneyland Parks: Best Rides and Attractions

Ask anyone who has walked the paths where Walt once tread and they will tell you without a doubt: magic is real.

If you thought that the Disney experience began and ended with Walt Disney World, you may be surprised to discover just how large Disneyland is, and how much there is to see and do. America’s first theme park, Disneyland opened in 1955 and set the standard for family vacations - and magical memory making.

Home to both Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure, visitors should plan at least two full days to explore both parks - Cars Land covers more than 12 acres by itself!

With 48 unique attractions, including classics like Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion, Disneyland mixes classic Disney with modern, interactive experiences (this is California after all) to give you the best of both worlds.

Here are our votes for the Best Rides at Disneyland.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is among the park’s biggest draws for good reason. Stunning and memorable, this immersive experience starts with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Destroy planets, rocket through ancient caves to root out the Resistance, then join Rey and BB-8 on a transport bound for Princess Leia’s secret base - if you’re not held hostage by a First Order Star Destroyer on the way. All of this before the ride even begins.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. At last, you can fulfill your every childhood (okay, and adulthood) fantasy of flying a Millennium Falcon - and it lives up to the hupe. This visitor-controlled motion ride lets you blast TIE fighters as a gunner, keep the ship’s shields restored as an engineer, or pilot the Falcon on a treacherous smuggling run while Hondo Ohnaka shouts orders. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Indiana Jones Adventure. This one takes us back. A classic, this movie-themed thrill ride is full of immersive Disney magic set to the heart-stopping John Williams theme that still makes us wish we could ride a horse or outrun a giant boulder. Bonus: while waiting your turn for the experience you can deciper the runes on the walls lining the attraction using a decoder card—which can be accessed digitally via the Play Disney Parks app.

Matterhorn Bobsleds. Did you know that the world’s first steel coaster was invented at Disneyland? No surprise, given Disney’s history of innovation - or as they call it, Imagineering. This ride lives up to its honor as the world’s first, taking you on a breathtaking race through caverns, along the edge of snow-covered cliffs, and even through heart-stopping encounter with the Abominable Snowman.

Other great rides to explore: Also unique to Disneyland are Toontown and the recently refreshed Alice in Wonderland. Which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

The Magic Continues: The Best Rides at Disney’s California Adventure

California is the only place where you will find any Marvel characters in the Disney parks! With food, fun, and rides, the Avengers Campus is a big draw for Marvel fans.

Love Toy Story and Cars? Disneyland is the destination for you. Disneyland’s California Adventure gives you unique experiences with Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the Toy Story gang, as well as rides and attractions featuring The Incredibles (Elasti-girl 4Eva), none of which are offered at Walt Disney World. For our money, these are the best rides at Disney’s California Adventure.

Soarin’ The consummate Disney ride, Soarin’ is innovative, interactive, and fill us with whimsy and wonder. Just like Disneyland and Disney World provide similar but distinctly different experiences, the Soarin’ ride at each park is unique - and certainly not to be missed. Hanglide over some of California’s most beautiful scenery before leaving North America for breathtaking experiences at iconic spots and wonders across the globe.

Radiator Springs Racers. Part of Pixar Pier, which is unique to Disney’s California Adventure, you don’t have to be a Cars fan to love this adrenaline-fueled trip down Route 66. Start with a joyride, then a real meet and greet, animatronic-style, with your favorite Cars characters.

The IncrediCoaster. The name alone is enough to thrill us. Get your blood racing chasing a cookie-loving Jack-Jack through tunnels and over hills (moms everywhere can relate). Newly reimagined, this ride is located in Pixar Pier’s Incredibles’ Park, and is full of all-new thrills, scenes, and special effects.

WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. One of the best Disney rides for kids, this ride gives comic book lovers the chance to join in alongside the Amazing Spider Man as he sets out to save the day. Sling webs, scale buildings, and have an adventure after your wildest dreams.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. As if a magical Disney vacation didn’t have you feeling all your feelings already, now you can take a metaphorical emotional ride on this family-friendly attraction, which zooms you through Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger. The one experience you’re sure to have is fun.

Grizzly River Run. Our list wouldn’t be complete without a water ride. This is among the best Disney rides out there, a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure through California’s beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.

And big news for visitors to Disneyland - A new section of California Adventure is now underway. San Fransokyo Square is already open and features neighborhood restaurants and small businesses - and of course, Baymax. Meet the Big Hero himself and explore a wide range of diverse dining and shopping options. With an additional plans for expansion, this is sure to put Disneyland at the top of every Disney fan’s bucket list.

Disneyland is among the world’s top destinations. With so much to differentiate it from its sister destination in Orlando, Disneyland is an experience all its own. Wondering when to visit Disneyland? Take a look at our 2023 Disneyland Crowd Calendar here.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, on to the world’s largest entertainment complex.

California Adventure

WDW

What to See and Do: The Best Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World

Covering more than 40 square miles in Central Florida, the Walt Disney World entertainment complex includes four theme parks, two waterparks, multiple golf courses, world-class dining, and enough shopping opportunities to keep you busy for days. It’s also home to - wait for it - 27 resort hotels to help you create a Disney vacation experience unique to your family.

How many Disney parks are there at Walt Disney World? Which Disney park is the best? Which Disney park is best for kids? We hear these (and dozens of other questions) daily. To choose the one that’s best for you (and let’s be honest - we recommend all of them) consider the size of your travel group, their ages, interests, and the length of your visit. Here is a breakdown of the four Walt Disney World parks, and our votes for the best Walt Disney World rides and attractions at each one.

It Really IS the Most Magical Place on Earth: The Best Rides at Magic Kingdom

Main Street, U.S.A.– Okay, it isn’t a ride, but for us, the best part of every trip is stepping through the gates and onto Main Street. Forget Norman Rockwell’s idyllic pictures of America life; for us, there’s no place more charming. We’ve been told you can get from the gates to the castle without stopping at the Main Street Bakery for a treat, but we don’t really believe it.

Caramel apple or fudge-covered brownie devoured, it’s time to move further into the Magic Kingdom. Like Disneyland, this park is divided into 6 different “lands”, with Cinderella’s Castle at their heart. For first time visitors, we recommend starting with Disney’s most recognizable rides and attractions:

Pirates of the Caribbean. A consummate Disney classic, Pirates of the Caribbean mixes thrills and humor. See if you can spot its many hidden details, from Captain Hook and Smee to a hidden skull in the rocks - and even the notorious Captain Barbosa.
Jungle Cruise. Come for the scenery. Stay for the Dad jokes. In true Disney fashion, they’ve managed to place an entire river, complete with rhinos, zebras and other jungle animals, right in the middle of the Disney parks. You’d never know that flying carpets and spinning teacups are just steps away.
Haunted Mansion. Disney’s Haunted Mansion is so iconic, it inspired its own movie (two now, in fact) - and it’s one of our very favorite attractions. Doom buggies, grim grinning ghosts singing catchy tunes, a disembodied talking head in a crystal ball…the Haunted Mansion’s got it all!
Space Mountain. No ride defines the Magic Kingdom like Space Mountain, a steel roller coaster that propels you through the darkness amongst the constellations, like a rocket streaming through space.
The Carousel of Progress. It may not be a thrill ride, but we love the Carousel of Progress. Did you know that the Carousel of Progress originally debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair? If that’s not reason enough to take a whirl, what is?

Disney is constantly innovating, always with the youngest guests in mind (and the young at heart). You’ll find rides and attractions that bring nearly all of your Disney characters to life Peter Pan’s Flight, Mad Tea Party, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and one of the park’s most exciting thrill rides - the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Last but definitely not least, be sure to take the plunge on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure when it opens in the former Splash Mountain space in 2024 (we’re already excited).

NOT just a 'glorified zoo': The Best Rides and Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Just as Epcot’s World Showcase allows you to travel country to country, Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes you through 5 different parts of the globe - no passport required. Animal Kingdom does an incredible job of making you feel as through you’re truly worlds away. There is a serenity here unique to Animal Kingdom, and the thrill of seeing majestic animals like Bengal Tigers, or fierce creatures like the Komodo dragon, never fades - at any age. These are our favorite rides and attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Kilimanjaro Safari. What’s a visit to Africa without taking a safari? Board a bus and see lions, zebra, giraffes, and other magnificent animals roaming freely through what you’ll truly believe to be the breathtaking grasslands of Africa.
The Wildlife Express. One the best Disney rides for kids, this steam train takes you from Africa to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an interactive conservation center where guests enter and learn about animals and their environments.

Asian Ruins. Take a walking journey through these replicated ancient ruins, complete with monkeys, Bengal Tigers, Komodo dragons, and even bats!
Expedition Everest. Lions and tigers not thrilling enough? How about a close encounter with a Yeti? One of Disney’s most exciting roller coasters, Expedition Everest is heart-stopping coaster that will speed you in both directions (forward and backward) for the perfect mix of fear and fun that makes a thrill ride thrilling.
Kali River Rapids. Beat the heat at Disney with this white-water rafting adventure that sends you rushing through a tropical rain forest (without the fear of piranhas).
Pandora – The World of Avatar. A perfect fit for a park so grounded in the wonders of nature, Animal Kingdom’s newest attraction area feels like you’ve stepped directly into the world of Avatar. Fly on the back of a mountain banshee on Pandora, or journey into a bioluminescent rainforest on Na’vi River Journey.

Also not to be missed are Finding Nemo-The Musical, Discovery Island, with the iconic Tree of Life at its center. Be sure to make time for Festival of the Lion King - it’s the best show in the park!

Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow: the Best Rides and Attractions at Epcot

Oh EPCOT, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. Designed to showcase inventions, innovation, and multi-culturalism, Epcot is a distinctive experience not to be missed. Pairing the educational and informative with the thrilling (and the delicious) the combination of rides, attractions, seasonal festivals and the World Showcase make EPCOT a can’t-miss park. Here’s why we love it so much.

Guardians of the Galaxy. This ride has changed the game and raised the bar for Disney rides and attractions - or rides and attractions anywhere. Believe us when we say, there is nothing like it - and it’s worth a trip to EPCOT just to experience the music, movement, and excitement of this state-of-the-art thrill ride.

Future World. Explore emerging technologies on rides like Spaceship Earth, soar through the skies on the East Coast version of Soarin’ (still our favorite) before plunging beneath the sea with Nemo & Friends - including our favorite guy, Krush.

World Showcase. While it may not hold as much excitement for kids, World Showcase is home to both the Flower and Garden Festival and the Food and Wine festival each year, making it a singular destination (we’ve been known to fly down just for a day at EPCOT). Guiding you through 11 nations, each featuring architecturally authentic buildings, experiences, and entertainment, the World Showcase is a haven for food, drink, and culture. Plan ample time to explore each nation.

Lights, Camera, Action: The Best Rides and Attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

From Old Hollywood charm at the recreated Brown Derby to and the chance to stand in front of New York’s flat iron building and before the Hollywood sign all in one morning, Hollywood Studios is full of rides and attractions. Including, of course, the epic experience that is Star Wars land. Start on Hollywood Boulevard where you’ll find stage shows and even a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Here’s what to see and do next.

Toy Story Land. Walk right into Andy’s backyard where you can meet your favorite Toy Story characters and find Toy Story-themed rides and experiences for kids of all ages (including kids at heart).

Galaxy’s Edge. Visually stunning and complete immersive, this park-within-a-park takes you directly inside the Star Wars universe. Live out your own Star Wars adventure with adventures just like you’ll find at Disneyland, including Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Even those who aren’t fans of the series will find this section of the park exciting and memorable.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Thrills, chills and spills - with a great soundtrack to boot, this indoor roller coaster takes you on adventure to help Aerosmith get to their show on time. While most Disney rides are more about the immersive experience than the adrenaline rush, this ride pairs both to make it a long time fan favorite.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. No ride defines Hollywood studios like the Tower of Terror, which gets your blood pumping from the time you enter the attraction. It’s no surprise that the ride takes you plummeting down 13 stories - but you’ll have to take the plunge (pun intended) to discover its other surprises.

Hollywood Studios lives up to its name with plenty of stage shows and star-packed experiences, including Beauty and the Beast and Fantasmic; the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and Star Tours—The Adventures Continues. Muppet fans should be sure to check out the 3D Muppet show as well as Muppet-themed pizzeria as well.

Each of the Disneyland and Walt Disney World parks are distinctive and exciting, with something to offer everyone in the family. Book a full week and see them all, or personalize a trip that takes your own interests, time, and budget into consideration (a Star Wars themed weekend? A first-visit Princess Experience? A weekend of food and fun, perhaps?)

If you’re visiting during the hottest of the summer months, Walt Disney World also has two water parks: Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon. You can read our comparison of the two here.

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