Disneyland Park in California is meant to be a park for all ages to enjoy. The variety of Disneyland rides and attractions can be daunting, but it ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are traveling with children, choosing Disneyland rides will depend on their age and height, as well as their particular fears or worries about rides.
For children seven and under, many Disneyland rides will be too thrilling or scary, although this depends in part on the fears of the child. Peter Pan’s Flight may seem like a tame and fun ride for kids, but if a child is afraid of flying vehicles or crocodiles, it is not the best choice. For very timid children, you may wish to stick to rides that have no thrill component, such as the Disneyland Railroad, The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh, or The Enchanted Tiki Room.
Other excellent choices are the slow moving Storybook Land Canal Boats or It’s a Small World After All. If the thrill rides in Tomorrowland seem too scary, Innoventions provides an interactive, futuristic area in which kids can learn about new technology, create their own virtual fireworks display, and try out video game systems.
Older children or those who do not express fear about rides may enjoy the Disneyland rides in Fantasyland that carry guests through famous Disney stories. Snow White’s Adventures, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Peter Pan’s Flight and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride all have somewhat scary moments, but do not have twists, turns or drops in the track. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters allow kids to get into the action, using a laser gun to fend off aliens and featuring a readout of your tabulated score.
For adventurers, do not miss the river-trekking Jungle Cruise or the chance to explore caves and meet pirates at Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Kids of all ages may also enjoy the many kid-themed attraction in the Toontown area, located behind Fantasyland. Future scuba divers will love the newly reopened Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, although some may find the submarines a little claustrophobic. Of the three large roller coasters available at Disneyland, the Matterhorn Bobsleds is probably the best for coaster beginners, but be sure to warn kids about the infamous Yeti who lives in the ride.
Thrill-seekers will find plenty of exciting Disneyland rides to choose from. Space Mountain launches riders into space for an exhilarating ride through fields of stars. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain combine old-West style with incredible drops, twists and the occasional giant wave of water. Two classic Disneyland rides, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion are conveniently located next to each other and provide completely immersive and occasionally scary environments. Possibly the most physically taxing ride in the park is the intensely bumpy and twisty ride through Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.
If you are new to Disneyland rides and are traveling with kids, try to learn about the rides before you take a child on them. If you are a Disneyland veteran, explain to your child what will happen on each ride and whether anything startling happens. It is not recommended that you take a frightened or upset child on any ride, as it can ruin the experience for you, for the child, and for other guests. As with any amusement park, read all safety information before boarding any Disneyland rides, and make sure your child meets height requirements for their own safety.
