Within the Magic: Disneyland's New Orleans Square

New Orleans Square is one of the best themed lands in all of Disneyland. It also holds my two favorite attractions in the entire park. Thats right this land has a grant total of two attractions. And in all honesty this land is very small and used as a bridge to Critter Country. But that does not stop crowds from coming to this land all day.

The two attractions that lie here are Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. These rides do not support the Fastpass feature although the Haunted Mansion once did. So if you still have one of those Fastpasses hold onto it. Aside from that both of these rides have some of the fastest load and unload times. The Haunted Mansion is a little faster that Pirates, but it doesn't make that much of a difference. I would suggest hitting this land first if you are in the first group of guests entering the park when it opens. Both of these rides can be busy all day or empty.

During the mid afternoon there will be a wait of about 30 mins. But during the rest of the day lines can easily fluctuate. I have walked on to Pirates with no wait before. And when I am exiting the line is 25 mins long. The Haunted Mansion is the same way. The line can be long or non existent. I would say the best times to ride are during the first hour the park opens, and in the evening. The lines should be very small during those two recommended times of day.

The Haunted Mansion: Ages 10 and up. This attraction is not scary at all except in the sweetest of ways. But being a dark ride with ghosts and blacklight everywhere little ones can get freaked out quick. No Fastpass feature. Load times are always fast. The ride is about 7-9 mins if I remember correctly sit you can sit back and relax. I would say this is my absolute favorite ride at Disneyland.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Ages 10 and up. This attraction is not as "scary" as the Haunted Mansion but does involve dead pirates and skeletons and a neat opening drop. So beware for little children who frighten easily. This ride does not support Fastpass feature. And again load time are fast all day.
In the morning I would suggest going through Adventureland and getting a quick Fastpass for Indiana Jones Adventure.

Then make your way to New Orleans Square. Ride both attractions with no wait times and then go back and ride Indy. You can usually ride both Pirates and the Haunted Mansion twice before people start to show up. This land is very family friendly although the attractions might not be. (Pirates and Ghosts) But I love it and so does my family, so I highly suggest this land for the family.