10 Best Attractions at the Disneyland Resort

As a follow-up to my Disneyland tips article, I wanted to provide further insight with my Disney knowledge by writing several more pieces to help overwhelmed travellers. This article features my personal ten favourite attractions at both Disneyland and California Adventure. I do admit that this one was very hard to write because I love Disneyland so much and it's so difficult to pick just ten rides because they're all so great, but I managed to do it. I also admit this article, just like it's counterpart of the ten worst attractions, is a bit on the biased side. Ride preference varies from person to person so I don't expect this list to go down perfectly with everyone. However, these are my absolute must-dos, and people can pick and choose as they see fit. No matter how mild or extreme your ride partiality is, the Disneyland Resort was created for everyone so you're guaranteed a good time.

10. Disney Animation, Disney's California Adventure
Starting off my list in the tenth spot is Animation in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. While most self-exploring, interactive attractions can be a bit on the boring side, Animation definitely does not fall into that category. Animation is a fun-filled adventure through the world of Disney animators. There are three separate areas to the attraction, Animation Academy, Sorcerer's Workshop, and Turtle Talk with Crush. Animation Academy is where Guests can learn to draw a favourite Disney character led by an official Disney artist. Sorcerer's Workshop has another three areas of exploring the animating world through lots of interactive games. Turtle Talk with Crush is a show featuring Crush the turtle from Finding Nemo where Guests can ask him any question they want and he'll answer them. Overall, this attraction is created with the intention of giving every single person a great hands-on excursion.

9. Alice in Wonderland, Disneyland
If I had to throw any of the slower, kiddie-orientated rides in here, Fantasyland's Alice in Wonderland would be it. The story of Alice's adventure is shortened into a two minute cruise through all of Wonderland, while riding in a giant caterpillar. Every memorable character is featured in all their whimsical glory. It's a visual spectacular, to say the least. If you love the movie then you'll definitely be enthused by this nutty journey through the strangest story yet.

8. Matterhorn Bobsleds, Disneyland
Going across the path, but still staying in Fantasyland, the number eight spot goes to the Matterhorn Bobsleds. The Matterhorn Mountain is right behind Sleeping Beauty's Castle for one of the most recognizable Disneyland features. Throughout Fantasyland, one can hear the screams of the Matterhorn's Abominable Snowman startling Guests as they quickly swoop past him. This icy steel roller coaster takes you on a winding journey through the mountain as you try to avoid the Snowman's grasp. The coaster itself is not extreme in any fashion, but Walt Disney insured that the details behind the ride make it a thrilling escape into the snow-capped peak.

7. Soarin' Over California, Disney's California Adventure
Moving on to lucky number seven is the wondrous Soarin' Over California, found in the Golden State. As the name suggests, the ride simulates a hang glider flying over the state of California complete with winds, smells, and stunning views of California's best. From mountains, to rivers, to oceans, it's got it all. This ride simply takes my breath away because, while it's not a fast, spinning roller coaster, it drenches the senses in a spectacular airborne experience. I recommend skipping out if you have motion sickness or a fear of heights.

6. Big ThunderMountain, Disneyland
Number six is awarded to Frontierland's own, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Again, this roller coaster isn't anything crazy intense on it's own, but combined with the visual details, it's an exciting Western expedition. This runaway mine train has a complete life of its own and you're along for the ride. The adventure begins once you leave the top of Big Thunder Mountain. The train crazily weaves around rocks and even through an earthquake-plagued mineshaft. Everywhere you look, there's a different type of animal watching your plight. From a goat chewing dynamite to some howling coyotes, this coaster packs an animalistic punch from all angles.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland
One of the gems of New Orleans Square, Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic Disneyland attraction. It recently got an update to include characters from the hit movie trilogy. Most of the Disney rides have long lines with a short attraction time length, but Pirates of the Caribbean is 10 whole minutes of wholesome swashbuckling goodness. While I've only been on the upgraded ride a few times, I haven't felt the same vibes. Sixteen other visits with the old attraction has made me uneasy, but putting those feelings aside I can guarantee that the ride is just as fun and chaotic as always. With two thrilling drops, loads of chaotic mayhem, and both skeleton and human pirates, this amusement delivers a rum-packed punch of adventure.

4. Haunted Mansion, Disneyland
The other gem of New Orleans Square is number four's Haunted Mansion. Like Pirates of the Caribbean, this ride is long enough to justify the wait time. Also, the queue has plenty of details to keep you busy. Outside, one can view the pet cemetery, but inside is where it gets really interesting. The spooky music and ghost host, Master Gracey, send shivers down your spine as you await your doom. Even the Cast Members get into the "spirit" of things by unnerving the guests. The ride itself is gentle, but add the rooms filled with ghosts, breathing doors, and unearthly sounds and you'll see just why this mansion is haunted. This is easily my favourite slow ride. Find out if you're brave enough to enter the home of 999 happy haunts, where there's "room for one more."

3. Splash Mountain, Disneyland
The best thing to come out of Critter Country, Splash Mountain is Disneyland's most popular attraction and it's not hard to see why. Guests get completely drenched on all of the many water-filled drops to the happy tunes from Song of the South. The name of the game is to avoid Brer Fox and Brer Bear's traps laid out to catch that pesky Brer Rabbit, but when Brer Rabbit does get caught, the only way out is a five-story plunge into the Briar Patch. Other guests gather around the bottom of this final drop to watch the alarmed faces of the riders, and their screams can be heard throughout most of the park. Meanwhile, a camera captures the looks of panic to be cherished forever. Always get a Fast Pass for this slice of home-style Southern animal chaos, or you'll be waiting for up to two hours!

2. California Screamin', Disney's California Adventure
The granddaddy of all Disneyland coasters goes to spot number two's California Screamin', located in Paradise Pier. This steel giant makes a tribute to old fashioned wooden roller coasters on the boardwalk. It all starts by pumping your adrenaline through a speedy beginning up a massive hill, and with one way down. The screams of delighted riders echo throughout that area of California Adventure. With its awesome soundtrack and high-speed twists, turns, and a loop around the Mickey head, it's the hottest coaster of them all. Don't forget to smile for the camera!

1. Indiana Jones Adventure, Disneyland
The most glorious of all attractions is the number one piece of perfection, Indiana Jones Adventure. Located in Adventureland, this thrilling journey takes you deep into the heart of a secret temple looking for riches, but it takes a turn for the worst when someone looks into the eyes of Mara. Then it becomes a race for survival! Luckily, Indy himself shows up to guide you to safety from snakes, fire, skeletons, and a giant rampaging boulder. The line for this ride is filled with nifty little things to look at while waiting. Be sure to grab a Mara decoder card, if available. This ride takes the cake for me because of the line being so interesting and the ride being super thrilling without needing to do crazy flips and drops. I can't really explain it any other way. You'll have to just go on it for yourself!

Runner-Up: Grizzly River Run, Disney's California Adventure
My runner-up pick could only be the Grizzly River Run in the Golden State because, although I don't like being soaked for hours on end after, this ride's just so gosh darn fun. The raft bouncing along white water rapids really gets you enthused. You bond with the other people in the boat over who's going to get soaked next under waterfalls and on drops; the cheers are endless. On a hot day this ride is just perfect for a quick refresher, but I recommend bringing a change of clothes to prevent any uncomfortable soggy feelings after, especially if you're planning on riding at night.