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When you think of Disneyland, what are the first things that come to mind? Maybe it’s princesses, the castle, parades, kiddie rides, and magic. You’re probably not thinking of thrill rides. If you’re a thrill seeker, this can be a major deterrent from visiting the most magical place on earth. However, despite initial appearances, Disneyland does have some great rides for adrenaline junkies. Disneyland is made up of two theme parks, and I’ll list out the differences between the two and the best thrill rides in each of them. 

Disneyland

Disneyland is a nostalgic, magical park full of princesses, castles, and fun. It is definitely geared more toward younger children. No worries though- adults can have a blast at the Disneyland theme park as well. Here are the top thrill rides for adventure-seekers. 

Matterhorn Bobsleds

The Matterhorn Bobsleds is based off of the famous Matterhorn mountain range in the Alps. On this ride, you and your bobsled crew will take a trip through, and even inside, the mountain. Inside, you are greeted by a very unfriendly Abominable Snowman. There are drops, twists, and turns, making this an exciting ride for passengers. 

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Race on a speeding train through red cliffs and gold mines. This ride has a very fun and interactive theme, and has the perfect amount of drops, twists, turns, and thrills. This is one the whole family will enjoy, and you will want to ride again and again. 

Indiana Jones Adventure

Go on an amazing adventure with Indiana Jones through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye! You and 11 other guests will enter a jeep where you will embark on this journey full of danger and excitement as you navigate through the winding turns of the temple. Watch out, this is going to be a bumpy ride!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance 

Join the rebel fight against the First Order in this captivating and interactive Star Wars experience. This ride is full of unexpected surprises. I won’t spoil the fun, but this is an amazing ride that you definitely do not want to miss. 

Space Mountain

Space Mountain takes you flying on a rocketship through outer space. You’ll fly through the galaxy, with only the stars to light your way. This ride is arguably the most thrilling in Disneyland, and is not for the faint of heart. 

Disneyland California Adventure Park

California Adventure is the newer of the two parks. It has recently gone under some major changes, adding in Avengers Campus within just the last few years. It is full of perfectly themed lands, including Cars Land, Pixar Pier, and Hollywood Land. It is catered more toward adults and has the most exciting thrill rides in the entire amusement park. 

Grizzly River Run

Grizzly River Run is perfect for those hot Southern California days. You will get wet on this ride, possibly soaked. On this attraction, you ride in a circular tube down a river where you go on twists, turns, and drops. It’s a very exciting ride, unless you don’t want to get wet. 

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Take a ride in a spinning tractor as it whirls around the dancefloor during a Junkyard Hoedown hosted by Mater himself. This ride does have a lot of spinning and twirling, so riders beware. If you have a tendency to get motion sickness on rides, this is one to watch out for. It’s a good introductory thrill ride for younger kids that are ready to try out new things. 

Incredicoaster

Join the Parr family as they chase after their wild superbaby, Jack Jack. Go through twists, turns, drops, and even a loop-the-loop as we join the family on their adventure of discovering how to navigate Jack Jack’s new superpowers. This is one of my absolute favorite thrill rides in either of the parks. It’s one that can be ridden over and over again and never gets old. 

Radiator Springs Racers

Hop in a race car and go on an adventure through Radiator Springs. Start by taking a slow stroll through the town, then go tractor tipping with Mater. Afterwards, get ready to race by either getting new tires from Luigi, or a new paint job from Ramone. Then you are off to the races! Zoom through the canyon against another race car and see who will win the race. 

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Get ready for the ultimate drop ride. You are joining Rocket on a mission to rescue the rest of the Guardians from the Collector. Soar up and down the gantry lift with the most exciting gravity-defying experience in the park, all while jamming out to the soundtrack from the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. This is my favorite ride that I could go on multiple times in one day. This ride is definitely not for the faint of heart and is the ultimate thrill-seeking experience in Disneyland. 

Disneyland has something to offer for everyone. Please don’t be deterred because it’s a kiddie park; it is definitely far from it. Disneyland has the ambience, atmosphere, and experiences that everyone will enjoy. 

What is your favorite thrill ride at Disneyland?