20 Scariest Rides at Disneyland (Ranked for All Ages)
Disneyland is best known for sweet characters and rides that please kids and kids-at-heart. But there is a more intense side to the Happiest Place on Earth that thrill-seekers appreciate. Roller coasters in Disneyland feature huge drops, special effects, and loop-the-loops. The fear factor isn’t just about speed, though. Plundering pirates, pretend poisonous snakes, and spooky ghosts can make rides seem frightening. Buckle your lap belt because we’re ranking the 19 scariest rides at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks.
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1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout
Location: Avengers Campus in California Adventure. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass and Single Pass. Minimum height: 40 inches.
Although not a roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout tops this list of the scariest rides at Disneyland. You may find the unexpected drops terrifying, especially if it’s your first time on this ride. It plummets riders at speeds up to 39 miles per hour. Did I mention that the biggest fall is a whopping 130 feet?
Long-time fans of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror were horrified when their beloved thrill ride left Anaheim. In 2016, it reopened as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout. The Guardians’ theming is less creepy and more playful. The ride’s free-falls, however, have become less predictable, more chaotic, and more scream-inducing.
Join Rocket the raccoon hero on a mission to release his fellow guardians from the movie series’ villain, Taneleer Tivan — a.k.a. The Collector. If you’ve got little kids who love the movie but shy away from scary rides, this attraction may be too much for them.
In fact, this ride makes some grown-ups scream and cry involuntarily like babies. Don’t believe me? Watch the video of yours truly below.
During Halloween season, the ride transforms into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, featuring darker theming and a mission to rescue Groot from terrifying creatures.
For a mellower version of the same dropping sensation, ride Jumpin’ Jellyfish in Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure Park. (There is a 40-inch height restriction.) If that one’s too scary, do NOT attempt Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
2. Incredicoaster
Location: Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass and Single Rider Line. Minimum height: 48 inches.
Formerly California Screamin’, the tallest Disney roller coaster became the Incredicoaster in 2018. Zip through the world of The Incredibles on a high-speed chase to find Jack-Jack on this thrill ride. According to many (including my teens!), this is the best roller coaster at Disneyland.
Take off with a blast, going from zero to 55 miles per hour in just four seconds. This speed makes it the fastest attraction at Disneyland Resort. What’s more, it’s one of the speediest Disney roller coasters anywhere.
Like to do loop-the-loops? Incredicoaster is the only roller coaster that does an inversion in the California Disney theme parks.
3. Space Mountain
Location: Tomorrowland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass. Minimum height: 40 inches.
Space Mountain tops out at a fairly mellow 28 miles per hour. With a ride time of approximately 2 minutes and 45 seconds, Space Mountain offers one of the longest-lasting adrenaline ride experiences at Disneyland.
Riding in the dark increases the scare factor of this popular ride. Would-be astronauts launch into a faux outer space. Then, you’ll experience rapid turns in nearly total darkness, save for some twinkling stars and special effects. You can’t see where you’re going next, which provides an extra dose of thrill.
There are no significant hills, though. If you loathe that sinking feeling in your stomach caused by big drops, then Space Mountain may be for you.
During Halloween season, Disneyland transforms Space Mountain into Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy, a spooky overlay with eerie visuals, sound effects, and a haunting storyline.
4. Goofy’s Sky School
Location: Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Adventure. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass and Single Rider Line. Minimum height: 42 inches.
This sweet-looking roller coaster is surprisingly nerve-wracking. It isn’t high speeds that make this one of the top thrill rides, though. In fact, the top speed on Goofy’s Sky School is just 27 miles per hour.
Instead, it’s the jolting turns and odd seating. Passengers may feel like they will fall off the ride at any moment. That’s because the ride uses sharp switchbacks and elevated track edges that create the illusion of teetering over the side. (Of course, with Disney safety measures, you won’t.)
5. Matterhorn Bobsleds
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane with Genie+ and Single Rider Line available. Minimum height: 42 inches.
Board a bobsled ride on a re-creation of the Swiss Matterhorn Mountain. At just 27 miles per hour, it’s not necessarily the speed that will scare your kids on Matterhorn.
Beware of the Yeti! An abominable snowman creature pops up and growls at riders on Disneyland’s oldest roller coaster. Plus, it’s a pretty jerky ride.
6. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Location: Critter Country in Disneyland. Opening in 2026. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass. Minimum height: 40 inches.
This upcoming attraction replaces Splash Mountain and brings the magic of The Princess and the Frog to life. Riders will join Princess Tiana and friends on a musical journey through the bayou, culminating in a thrilling 50-foot drop at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. While the theming is joyful and vibrant, the final plunge still delivers a serious splash and a dose of adrenaline.
With promises of ice cream, my husband and I convinced our kids to ride this attraction, then called Splash Mountain, when they were 5 and 8 years old. Years later, I think they may be ready to forgive us.
7. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Lightning Lane access available via Single Pass. Minimum height: 40 inches.
Travel to a galaxy far, far away aboard this new Disneyland ride. Your transport vehicle fights off bad guys like Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren aboard Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Expect small drops, loud blasts, and intense battles. Motion simulations (similar to Star Tours) may make some riders feel queasy.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is widely considered an 18-minute experience, making it one of the longest and most immersive rides at Disneyland. The actual ride vehicle portion lasts about 4 to 5 minutes. However, the full experience spans about 15 to 18 minutes, from initial briefing to final exit, depending on crowd flow and timing.
If your kids enjoy the Star Wars movies, they can probably handle this ride. As an alternative, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a less intimidating Star Wars ride.
8. Haunted Mansion
Location: New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass. No height restrictions.
The scariest part of this haunted house is the hanging body that dangles above your head before you even board. If riding with young children, tell them NOT to look up and cover their eyes while in the mysteriously stretching room. The actual ride is a lighthearted haunted house with no jump scares.
After the spooky start, you’ll board slow-moving cars for a tour of a mansion and graveyard haunted by some fairly creepy ghosts. I was horrified by this ride at age 4, when I believed in all the magic of Disney — Mickey Mouse, ghosts, and all.
If you’re unsure whether small children can handle this one, give it a go during a fall visit to Disneyland. For Halloween and Christmas, the ride transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday, a more playful version featuring Jack Skellington and other characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
9. Radiator Springs Racers
Location: Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. Lightning Lane access available via Single Pass and Single Rider Line. Minimum height: 40 inches.
Radiator Springs Racers go up to a zippy 40 miles per hour. But there are no huge drops or creepy elements. Check out my video of this ride below.
Sitting in race cars from the Cars movie series, riders take a low-key spin through Radiator Springs. You’ll also take a tour of Ramone’s House of Body Art or Luigi’s Casa Della Tires.
Then it’s time for a race. A different car wins each time. Despite the speed, most nervous riders will like this one. Just make sure kids meet the height requirement before investing in a very long wait.
This is one of Disneyland’s most popular rides, so expect long lines for Radiator Springs Racers. If you’re traveling with teens or older kids, consider using the Single Rider Line.
10. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Frontierland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass. Minimum height: 40 inches.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the least intense of Disneyland’s full-sized roller coasters. Therefore, it makes a good choice for the whole family to ride together if everyone meets the height requirement.
At 40 miles per hour, it’s faster than some of the other coasters, but there are NO crazy drops, loop-the-loops, or scary characters. Plus, it’s a train. And most kids love trains!
11. Pirates of the Caribbean
Location: New Orleans Square in Disneyland. No height restrictions.
Pirates of the Caribbean is another Disney attraction that terrified me as a kid. Pirates shoot (fake) guns right at you, and the atmosphere is surprisingly intense for a boat ride. Savvy young children may find this indoor adventure scary.
And then there’s a creepy voice howling, “Dead men tell no tales.” There are a couple of drops in the dark at the beginning of the boat ride, too.
12. Indiana Jones Adventure
Location: Adventureland in Disneyland. Lightning Lane access available via Multi Pass. Minimum height: 46 inches.
Enter the Temple of the Forbidden Eye aboard Indian Jones Adventure. This ride doesn’t reach extreme speeds, but expect a rough ride, with sudden stops, sharp turns, and plenty of bumps along the way. Make-believe bugs and giant snakes add an ick factor. Then comes the moment when a giant boulder appears ready to crush your vehicle.
The scariest part may be how often this ride breaks down. Be aware of long wait times that often last for a considerable amount of time. This typically occurs when an object falls onto the track and must be retrieved before riding can resume.
13. Grizzly River Run
Location: Grizzly Peak in Disney California Adventure. Lightning Lane access available via Single Pass and Single Rider Line. Minimum height: 42 inches.
Want to try whitewater rafting but not sure you can handle the adrenaline rush? Take a spin on Grizzly River Run to see if you’ve got what it takes. It’s a rough-and-tumble water ride, with spinning rafts, splashes from all sides, and unpredictable twists. There are a few drops, but nothing overwhelming.
The fear of getting doused with water from mini waterfalls adds to the fun—unless you’re the one who gets soaking wet. It always seems like one passenger per raft gets doused, much to everyone else’s delight. That can be super funny if it’s Daddy getting soaked. Or it could cause a major meltdown if your child is the one who must walk around in soggy socks for the rest of the day.
14. Mad Tea Party
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. No height restrictions.
The Mad Tea Party isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea. However, kids and adults who are not afraid of motion sickness will enjoy spinning in circles in giant teacups.
Children’s sense of equilibrium tends to readjust more quickly than it does for us older folks. Keep that in mind before you grab the wheel and send your family into a tizzy.
Fun fact: The Mad Tea Party is one of the original Disneyland attractions. It has been twirling guests since opening day on July 17, 1955.
15. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Location: Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. Minimum height: 32 inches when accompanied by another rider 54 inches or taller.
Similar to a Tilt-A-Whirl, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree sends riders spinning in crazy circles. It’s less dizzying than the Mad Tea Party. And in my family’s opinion, it’s a lot more fun. Cars character favorite Mater sings a square-dancing song while you zig this way and zag that way.
Is your family crazy about the Disney Cars movies? Read my tips for visiting Cars Land with kids!
16. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Location: Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland. Minimum height: 35 inches.
For children too small or nervous to brave Disneyland’s bigger roller coasters, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster makes a great first thrill ride. Formerly Gadget’s Go Coaster, this ride was re-themed and reopened in 2023 as part of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown. At its fastest, this fun-sized coaster reaches a reasonable 21.7 miles per hour. Plus, it’s short. Even timid riders can handle 44 seconds of twists, turns, and giggles.
17. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. No height requirements.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride typically has a shorter queue than the rest of the rides in Fantasyland. And for good reason—it’s surprisingly scary.
Why? First of all, it’s a super dark ride. Second, the storyline is freaky and unknown to most kids and adults. It’s based on the 1949 Disney movie, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Lastly, there are jerky movements, loud noises, and a heated room filled with devils.
When my son was a baby, I strapped him into his Baby Bjorn and took him on this Disneyland attraction. Bad idea! He clawed at my face in fear with his little baby nails the whole time.
18. Pixar Pal-A-Round
Location: Pixar Pier in California Adventure. No height restrictions.
Those who fear heights will have a tough time at the 160-foot peak of Pixar Pal-A-Round. For the rest of us, it’s a mellow, scenic way to get a bird’s-eye view of California Adventure Park.
Control freaks and motion sickness sufferers beware: the swaying gondolas are not for the faint of stomach. The line for the fixed gondolas tends to be much shorter anyway.
This is the only attraction that made both my Disneyland scariest rides list and my list of the best rides for babies and toddlers at Disneyland. Ironic, I know.
This Ferris wheel was formerly known as Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and before that, the Sun Wheel.
19. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland. No height restrictions.
This Fantasyland ride stars Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It used to be called Snow White’s Scary Adventures—I mean, scary was right in the name!
In 2020, the ride was revamped and renamed Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. It’s less intimidating to younger guests now. There’s still a scene where the Evil Queen looks into a magic mirror, then turns around to reveal a frightening old witch, but Disney eliminated the jump scares and added LED lighting to make the ride less intimidating to children.
Still, I recommend starting with more lighthearted dark rides if you’re traveling with little kids. If children do well on Peter Pan’s Flight and Alice in Wonderland, they might enjoy Snow White’s Enchanted Wish.
20. Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Location: Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Adventure. Minimum height: 40 inches.
Float high above Paradise Bay aboard a colorful jellyfish, then gently float your way back down. This parachute-style ride reaches an elevation of approximately 40 feet. The descent speed is mild, but the height might intimidate young children. Also, some riders may not like that fluttery drop in their stomachs—like a mini free fall.
FAQs: Disney Roller Coasters and Scary Rides
Which rides and roller coasters in Disneyland are scariest?
It depends on your definition of scary. When it comes to roller coasters in Disneyland, scariness is in the eye—and stomach—of the beholder.
The make-believe factor and darkness can freak out little ones on rides that adults find totally innocuous. Pushing children too far before they’re ready can backfire and lead to a lifelong fear of rides.
Riders who hate inversions will want to avoid Incredicoaster. Hate drops? Steer clear of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout and ride Space Mountain instead. Fear of heights and motion sickness also play a role in determining whether a Disneyland ride is scary. But if you like all thrill rides, get in line and enjoy the adventure!
Which Disney ride is the fastest?
At speeds up to 65 miles per hour, the fastest Disney ride in the world is Test Track, located in Epcot at Walt Disney World.
Which Disney Parks roller coaster has the biggest drops?
Reaching up to 50 miles per hour, Expedition Everest is one of Disney’s fastest attractions. It’s also the roller coaster with the biggest drops. The ride’s most significant decline is a whopping 80 feet. Find Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Disney World.
What is the best time to ride Disneyland roller coasters and other popular rides?
The best times to avoid long waits are early morning, right when the theme parks open. Arrive before rope drop to maximize your chances of riding headliners with minimal delay.
You can also find shorter standby lines during parades and nighttime spectaculars, such as fireworks or World of Color. Just keep in mind that some of Disney’s most popular attractions temporarily close during these performances, so plan accordingly.
For even more efficiency, consider using Multi Pass to reserve Lightning Lane access for select rides.
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Learn More Disney Tips
Disneyland is different with big kids. Read my tips for visiting Disneyland with teens and tweens.
Disney isn’t just for kids! Take a peek at romantic things to do at Disneyland.
Are you curious about Disney’s theme park in China? Look at my Shanghai Disneyland tips.
Add Disney flair to your family’s trip to France with my tips for visiting Disneyland Paris with kids.
Keep this List of Disneyland Roller Coasters and Scary Rides
Be sure to save this list of the scariest Disneyland rides for future reference. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!
What do you think are the scariest rides and roller coasters at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from Colleen: Disneyland has hosted my family at various media events over the years. We have paid for many more Disney trips ourselves. All opinions are mine, as always.
I’m think I’m gonna scream.
Me too! 😱 😱 😱
Mr toads wild ride closed in 1998. How old is your son?!
Hi Jocelyn – Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is still up & running at Disneyland in California. You are probably thinking of Magic Kingdom in Florida. My son is now 12 years old.
Would you consider making a list of Disneyland rides that are “safe” for those who hate the feeling of dropping? As someone mentioned earlier, drops terrify me and I don’t like the feeling of my stomach in my throat. I am honestly making my list of what not to ride based on the “drop factor”. Since it will be my first time at Disneyland, I could use a recommendation from someone who is more experienced.
Hi Ingrid – There aren’t too many rides at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with big drops. I’d suggest avoiding Guardians of the Galaxy (for sure!), Incredicoaster, Goofy’s Sky School, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Pirates of the Caribbean has two small drops at the beginning of the ride, but they’re pretty innocuous. Radiator Springs Racers doesn’t have any major drops, but there are a couple of hills that give that drop feeling. Like I say in the story, my mom hates big drops but she loves Space Mountain (even at at 76!) because it lacks major hills. The ride does features some fast turns and minor drops, though. Indiana Jones is really bumpy but I can’t recall any drops. You should be good to go on pretty much any other ride at either park, though! (Besides Jumpin’ Jellyfish in Pixar Pier — but you can tell from looking at it that there will be drops because that’s the whole point of the ride.)
There really are so many mellow rides to enjoy. I’d suggest: Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Disneyland Railroad, Finding Nemo Submarine, Haunted Mansion, The Little Mermaid, Toy Story Midway Mania, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Monster’s Inc., it’s a small world, and any of the dark rides in Fantasyland.
Your blog was very dead on. Impressed!
Thanks! Enjoy all the scary rides at Disneyland!
None of the rides are scary but guardians of galaxy is scary because of the dropping
Guardians of the Galaxy definitely terrifies me!
Awesome list. I would agree that the Guardians of the Galaxy ride should be #1, although I never technically rode it (only rode it when it was The Tower of Terror). I love quick read lists like these, thanks for sharing!
When I first visited Disneyland as an 8-year old the 1970s, my mother did not allow me to go on the Snow White ride. I resented that omission for YEARS, until I went back as a newly-married adult 20+ years later. I went on that ride, and realized that my mother had been right all along. I would have been terrified and nightmare-ridden if I’d done that ride all those years ago!
Oh my. I’ve heard other people say that they’re terrified of that ride. Maybe I should add it and change the list to “18 Scariest Rides at Disneyland”! Have you ridden Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride? In my opinion, it’s the scariest of the Fantasyland dark rides!
I am definitely not one for scary rides. Motion sickness gets the better of me. They look like fun.
The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean sound like more your speed, Sherry!
My daughters would love these rides. They enjoy the thrill of it all.
This is such a great list! My son loves all the thrill rides too so I get to have a buddy!
So great that you and your son can enjoy Disneyland’s scariest rides together!
I have been to Disney Paris and I really liked Space Mountain and Tower of Terror. Reading this blog wants me to go again to experience that. 🙂
Mangesh – It has been about 20 years since I visited Disneyland Paris. I hope I can visit again soon!
Reading this has made me feel like heading to Disney immediately for some awesome rides! I know I loved Space Mountain when I was a kid but there are bigger and better rides now for sure.
If you love thrill rides, you’ll have to give Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout and California Screamin’ a try!
This is good to know for when bringing the family. I hate when its behind closed doors and you dont know what to expect.
Glad to be able to provide some tips on navigating which rides will work or not work for your family, Tess!