If you had known that I just got off the plane from California yesterday, this article would not be shocking! I make it a point to go to Disneyland every time I visit, and this trip was no different! I can't help it! I love Disneyland and never get sick of it! I think I like it more than my 11-year-old sister, who now gets more attention from the characters than I do (Yes I'm jealous!).
This trip, I was shocked at how short the lines were, and how many rides I got on! Those of you heading to the happiest place on Earth MUST get on these rides! In no particular order, here are my personal favorites! (I cannot speak for Walt Disney World in Florida as I have only been there once, but that place is fun too!)
1. Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Frontierland
It's been a while since I've gotten to ride Thunder Mountain Railroad from beginning to end without any problems! For the past 3 trips, it either broke down before I could get on or during the ride. Good thing this trip reminded me of why I wait in line! If you're a fan of the old wild, west, rollercoasters, or wild, west rollercoasters, you have got to try this guy! Not only is it a Disney staple in my opinion, but the drops and turns through the mountain scenery are insanely fun! It's perfect for anyone afraid of heights and big drops!
2. Haunted Mansion
Location: Frontierland
Surprise, surprise; the Haunted Mansion showed up! The Haunted Mansion is a classic that is a must for any Disney goer! Yes, I'll admit it, this ride scared me as a child, but after being bribed to ride it by my parents years ago, I've never looked back! The "doom buggies" give you the perfect tour of the mansion. Watch spirits dance and picture frames change before your eyes! Oh, and of course, watch out for hitchhiking ghosts.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
Location: Adventureland
Take a boat down into the world of pirates and treasure, and watch Jack Sparrow hide in and around the comical scenery! Now, I don't remember or really know much about this ride before the movies, so my perspective is a little different from those of you who knew the ride before the movies, but besides that, I'm in awe each and every time how they are able to make it seem like night, and like you are in a totally different, magical world! They even add a humid feel to the air as if you're in the Caribbean.
4. Indiana Jones Adventure
Location: Adventureland
Help solve the mystery of the lost tourists and Indy as you go into a cursed temple. A bumpy, bouncy jeep takes you on your adventure through the temple where snakes and other dangers await! Indiana is around, but mainly makes fun of how you manage to escape the temple so easily! The end of the ride is the most exciting part, so I won't spoil it!
5. Star Tours
Location: Tomorrowland
Star Tours have gone through some changes since the new Star Wars movies came out, but I still love it! From my experience, there are two different settings you could potentially get that are both very similar! As you escape from a Star Destroyer accidentally in an unauthorized star speeder, Kylo Ren or his stormtroopers try and stop you! You help the rebels in their fight against the First Order with C-3PO and R2-D2 as pilots. Going lightspeed is my favorite part!
6. Space Mountain
Location: Tomorrowland
My ULTIMATE favorite ride! I'd consider the entire trip a fail if I didn't get to go on this ride! Experience being in the depths of space as this rollercoaster literally "blasts off" like a rocket! I wish I could say more, but the ride is pitch black, super fast, goes in insane circles with some drops, and all you see are stars! Back when the Force Awakens came out, they did manage to add some Star Destroyers, X-Wings, and the Death Star to the ride! There's a reason it has one of the longest wait times at Disneyland! RIDE. IT.
These are the six rides I try to get on at least once while I'm at Disneyland! What are your favorite rides?