Disney California Adventure Rides: A Complete Guide (2026)

Last updated on May 22nd, 2026

Looking for a current list of all Disney California Adventure rides?

Hollywood Land

Take a stroll through the Golden Age of Hollywood. There is technically only one ride in Hollywood Land (there used to be two, but the Red Car Trolley closed in February 2025), and Monsters Inc. is on the way out in 2027, to make way for a new land. But for now…

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

Monsters, Inc. is a kid-friendly, slow-moving ride retelling the story of the movie for which it is named.

Inspired by the 2006 Pixar Animations Studios film Cars, Cars Land brings the town of Radiator Springs to life. It is home to three fun rides, and it is my favorite area of the park!

► Read this article for Everything You Need to Know About Cars Land at DCA.

Radiator Springs Racers

Join the characters from Cars and zoom through Radiator Springs in a convertible. Radiator Springs Racers is easily one of the best rides at the Disneyland Resort, combining a gorgeous outdoor setting, entertaining indoor dark ride, and thrilling fast finish.

• Minimum Height: 40”
• Attraction Type: Thrill Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: Yes
• Single Rider Available: Yes

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters

These fun cars whirl and spin to songs such as Mambo Italiano. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters uses a trackless vehicle system, meaning that the cars are independent of each other as they traverse the dance floor. But to be totally honest – the music is my favorite part!

• Minimum Height: 32”
• Attraction Type: Spinning Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Jessie’s Critter Carousel is a standard carousel for kids. The design is a “reimagineering” of the original King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea.

• Minimum Height: None
• Attraction Type: Carousel
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

The Incredicoaster

Originally “California Screamin,” this reimagined roller coaster reopened in 2018 with a new story line based on the Disney Pixar film, The Incredibles. It is the only coaster that goes upside down at the Disneyland Resort, and one of the best thrill rides at Disney California Adventure.

• Minimum Height: 48”
• Attraction Type: Thrill Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: Yes
• Single Rider Available: Yes

Pixar Pal-A-Round

Pixar Pal-A-Round is the iconic Ferris wheel at Disney California Adventure. There are two versions to choose from: a traditional non-swinging car, or a swinging car for a little extra thrill.

• Minimum Height: None
• Attraction Type: Ferris Wheel
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

Emotional Whirlwind

Emotional Whirlwind opened in 2019. If you ever rode Flik’s Flyers when A Bug’s Land was still around, then you know what to expect on the Emotional Whirlwind, based on the Pixar movie Inside Out. It is a swing ride for all ages.

• Minimum Height: None
• Attraction Type: Swing Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

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Paradise Gardens Park

Paradise Gardens Park did not even technically exist until Pixar Pier was born, when the original Paradise Pier area was split into two lands. Here are the rides you will find in this area.

The Little Mermaid

Much like the Haunted Mansion’s “doom buggies,” riders hop in clam shell vehicles for this ride. The ride tells the story of The Little Mermaid, basically recapping the movie in a few relaxing, air-conditioned minutes.

• Minimum Height: None
• Attraction Type:  Slow Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

Golden Zephyr

Riders board suspended rocket ships and swing in circles. A fun thrill ride for little kids, as there is no height restriction on this one.

• Minimum Height:  None
• Attraction Type: Swing Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

Goofy’s Sky School

Goofy’s Sky School is a small coaster, but it packs a lot of punch!

• Minimum Height: 42”
• Attraction Type: Mid-Thrill Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: Yes
• Single Rider Available: Yes

Jumpin’ Jellyfish

Jumpin’ Jellyfish is a cute drop ride perfect for kids.

• Minimum Height: 40”
• Attraction Type: Mid-Thrill Ride with Slow Drops
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

Silly Symphony Swings

Silly Symphony Swings is a traditional swing ride. The best part is the classical music and great views of the lake and park you can take in as you’re swinging around in circles.

• Minimum Height: 40”
• Attraction Type: Swing Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

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Grizzly Peak

Grizzly Peak celebrates California’s wild side, conjuring up the spirit of Yosemite and Muir Woods. If you are lucky enough to be staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you will enter the park directly into Grizzly Peak.

Soarin’ Over California

This ride has several iterations. Before it changed back to Soarin’ Over California in February 2026, it was updated to just Soarin’ to match its counterpart at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park in Florida.

This summer at the Disneyland Resort, a new version will be introduced! Opening on July 2, 2026 (just in time for Fourth of July and in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary), Soarin’ Across America will showcase scenes and scents from around the country that capture its natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

• Minimum Height: 40”
• Attraction Type: Motion Simulator Thrill Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: Yes
• Single Rider Available: Yes

Grizzly River Run

Grizzly River Run is a roaring rapids raft ride. You WILL get wet! If you are visiting Disneyland in summer, this ride is one you definitely won’t want to miss. Sure the lines may get long, but riding Grizzly River Run in the best way to cool off in my opinion!

I recommend riding it early in the day or in the evening unless you have a Lightening Lane Pass, because again, the line can get very long on a hot afternoon.

• Minimum Height: 42”
• Attraction Type: River Rapids Thrill Ride
• Lightening Lane Available: Yes
• Single Rider Available: Yes

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a fun area where kids can run around, climb and explore. Though not technically a ride, I am including this attraction on the list. It is a fun and interactive area and great spot to let kids run free and play.

• Minimum Height: None
• Attraction Type: Play Area with Slides, Rope Course, and Zip Lines
• Lightening Lane Available: No
• Single Rider Available: No

► Be sure to check out my Ultimate Disneyland Guide for Families for details on tickets, rides, events, and planning tips for your Disneyland vacation.

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Entertainment at DCA

This guide is focused on Disney California Adventure rides, but I thought it would be good to at least briefly mention entertainment at the park.

Disney has gotten a bit of slack the last couple of years for doing away with shows and live performances. For example, the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park sits empty most of the year. Indeed, I have found that shows at the Disneyland Resort are not nearly as robust as at other Southern California theme parks (like Knott’s Berry Farm, for example), but there is plenty of other good stuff to enjoy.

Here’s a very quick round-up of entertainment offerings at Disney California Adventure.

Street Entertainment

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