California Adventure Rides: Complete List!

Are you heading to California Adventure and want to know everything about the rides and attractions in the park? You have come to the right place! Here you will find a complete guide to all of Disney’s California Adventure rides. You will find the length of each ride, description, height requirements, when you should ride, and most importantly, should you ride.

Hollywood Land Rides

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Height: Any Height | Duration: 15 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
This is a 3D attraction that features music played by a magical orchestra that transports you into classic Disney movies.
When to ride: While there is occasionally a line, this is a good break for midday to escape the heat in some air conditioning.
Should you ride: I personally love this ride. However, I wouldn’t qualify this as a must-do ride, especially if you have ridden it at another Disney park. It is a great attraction if you want a break to cool down or just to sit down but it isn’t something you have to do.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue

Height: Any Height | Duration: 5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Take a in a taxi cab for a tour of the town, but just as your journey begins there is an emergency “special report.” A child has escaped in Monstropolis!
When to ride: The line for this isn’t usually that long, even with fastpass. It might get busier throughout the day, but you shouldn’t have an issue most of the time. You don’t have to use a fastpass on this typically.
Should you ride: I don’t know if this is considered a must ride for people. It is definitely fun and unique to Disneyland. If you have the time definitely ride it, but don’t beat yourself up if you miss it.

Disney Animation | Turtle Talk with Crush

Height: Any | Duration: 17 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: Kids
Turtle Talk with Crush lets your kids interact and talk to everyone’s favorite sea turtle Crush. It uses the same technology that Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory uses so the kids can ask questions and get live responses.
When to ride: Truly whenever. It is nice for a break during the day because it is indoors, but you won’t have much of a problem with a line.
Should you ride: If you have kids in your group you should definitely take the time to go here. The look on their faces when they realize they can actually talk to Crush is something truly magical. Adults will get a kick out of it too!

Disney Junior Dance Party!

Height: Any Height | Duration: Varies | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: Kids
The interactive dance party lets kids dance with characters of popular Disney Junior shows such as, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard, and Vampirina.
When to ride: Be sure to check My Disney Experience each day for the daily schedule. Arrive early if you want to sit closer to the stage. The majority of people will end up sitting on the floor, but there are benches in the back.
Should you ride: This is definitely aimed for children. If your kids are fans of any of the Disney Junior shows they will enjoy the chance to interact with their favorite characters.

Avengers Campus

Guardian’s of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 6 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
In 2017, Tower of Terror became Guardian’s of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! While I have mixed feelings on switching themes on existing rides instead of just creating a new ride, I am a huge fan of this one. It’s one of the popular attractions out of the California Adventure rides.
When to ride: This is a popular ride people like to use use Lightning Lane. However, it is also one of the top rides you can head to at rope drop. Definitely a ride to try to hit sooner in the day!
Should you ride: Absolutely. If you are a fan of Tower of Terror and Marvel, this is a no-brainer. If you are afraid of heights or thrill rides, maybe skip this one. While this is remodeled from Tower of Terror, don’t think you can skip it simply because you have gone on Tower of Terror before!

WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Height: Any Height | Duration: 4 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
The long-awaited ride (at least by me) has finally opened! Avenger’s Campus sadly only has one ride. Web Slingers will take you alongside Peter Parker to capture the Spider-Bots before they escape the WEB Workshop.
When to ride: This might not be the first choice to rope drop for people if you don’t like interactive rides. However, if you don’t want to pay for Lightning Lane I wouldn’t try to hit it midday since it can be a long wait.
Should you ride: If you can, definitely! It is the newest ride to open up in California Adventure and has received great reviews from those who can ride it.

Cars Land Rides

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Height: 32″ or taller | Duration: 2 Minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is more fun than it appears! It might look like a ride for kids, but it’s spin is definitely adult fun. It also gets decked out for Halloween and Christmas.
When to ride: The ride itself loads fairly slowly, but the wait is usually the shortest of the three rides in Cars Lands.
Should you ride: If you like thrill rides, you should definitely go on this. It is one of Magic Kingdom’s three iconic mountains after all!

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters

Height: 32″ or taller | Duration: 1.5 Minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Luigi’s Roadsters was reimagined in 2016 and is still a very popular attraction in Cars Land. The cars dance around in a seemingly random pattern during this trackless ride. They dance to different tunes meaning your experience could easily be different each time you ride! It also gets decked out for Halloween and Christmas!
When to ride: This isn’t one you need to rope drop, but it definitely can have a long line depending on the season. There is also no Lightning Lane so if you want to ride you’ll have to wait.
Should you ride: Yes! It’s a fun experience for all ages. The ride itself is a bit short for the line so if it seems like a very long wait come back later.

Radiator Springs Racers

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 6 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Radiator Springs Racers remains one of the most popular California Adventure rides. It is very similar to Test Track in Epcot, but with a Cars Land feel. The theme is much more fun! If you like thrill rides and Cars, do not miss this one!
When to ride: Either rope drop this attraction, pay for a Lightning Lane, or be prepared to wait in line. Be warned that this ride tends to break down a lot.
Should you ride: If you love thrill rides, this is an absolute must-do ride in California Adventure!

Grizzly Peak Rides

Grizzly River Run

Height: 42″ or taller | Duration: 7 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
This is your typical whitewater raft ride at a theme park. However, it is one of the better ones. It is longer and a bit more intense than some. The river is wide and the raft is free so every time you ride you’ll have a different experience. There is a 50-foot climb and two drops too!
When to ride: When it is hot out this ride is popular. You’ll want to get there in the first hour, after 5pm, or take advantage of the single-ride line.
Should you ride: You will get wet. There isn’t any avoiding that. If you have an extra change of clothes or don’t mind walking around wet, ride! If that sounds uncomfortable to you, you might want to skip.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Height: Any | Duration: 20 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a large maze that includes a cave, log towers, a zip line, rope bridges, and rock climbing. It is one of the largest play areas and also is usually quite shady making it an ideal spot to let kids blow off some energy for a bit. Note, there is no height requirement for the trail itself, but some of the activities inside require you to be at least 42″.
When to ride: There isn’t a line to enter this area so you can visit whenever it fits in your day!
Should you ride: This isn’t a must-do for most people. If you have younger kids or simply have some time to kill it’s a nice place to take a break.

Soarin’ Around the World

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 4.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Soarin’ is one of the more unique experiences in California Adventure. The ride lets you soar over iconic landmarks around the world and even adds the smells to give you the full experience of the land. If you can, try to sit in section B, row 1. The first rows are on the top of the ride vehicle so you don’t see feet above you. Sometimes they change it back to the old ride and you soar around California vs the world. Personally I think the California one is better, but both are fun!
When to ride: If you don’t want to use Lightning Lane for this ride, it is one you should hit sooner than later. The queue has been updated and includes a game with the Play Disney app if you need to kill time.
Should you ride: I love this ride. It is one of my must-do ones for Epcot. However, if you have ridden the one in Epcot recently they are now both Soarin’ Around the World so there is no difference.

Pixar Pier Rides

Incredicoaster

Height: 48″ or taller | Duration: 4 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
The Incredicoaster was updated from California Screamin’ in 2018. It is an updated with an Incredible theme to rescue Jack Jack after he gets loose. The ride is truly an incredible coaster, pun intended. This California Adventure ride will be a favorite for any adrenaline junkie.
When to ride: If you want to ride a few times you should be able to get on at the beginning of the park day. They also have single rider and Lightning Lane which help.
Should you ride: This is a legit coaster and is not for those who aren’t thrill seekers. I absolutely love it, but the ride goes from 0-55 mph, includes a 110 foot hill followed by a 107 foot drop. It is very smooth for a coaster, but it’s definitely one of the most intense rides at the park.

Jessie’s Critter Carousel

Height: Any | Duration: 2 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
This is a Toy Story themed carousel! The critters you ride on are based on characters from Woody’s Round-Up!
When to ride: This isn’t a super popular ride so there isn’t usually a wait.
Should you ride: If you are looking to kill some time with smaller kids, this is a fun ride! However, it’s just a well themed carousel so it isn’t a must-do attraction.

Toy Story Midway Mania!

Height: Any | Duration: 8 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Toy Story Midway Mania is a arcade shooting ride, similar to other versions in Disney Parks, such as Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios. Play 3D arcade games alongside your friends and see who can get the best score!
When to ride: While there is occasionally a line, this is a good break for midday to escape the heat in some air conditioning.
Should you ride: I definitely always enjoy this ride and would recommend it to anyone visiting Disney. However, if you are pressed for time and have already ridden it in other parks, you could potentially skip it. I personally always try to squeeze it in anyway because it is a blast!

Pixar Pal-A-Round

Height: Any | Duration: 9 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Pixar Pal-A-Around is the iconic swinging ferris wheel at California Adventure. It has both swinging and non-swinging options. This iconic California Adventure ride offers great views from 160 feet high, however you are inclosed in your compartment with steel mesh for safety. Be warned, the swinging option can be a little uncomfortable if you aren’t expecting it and Disney does provide motion-sickness bags.
When to ride: The line for this definitely varies throughout the day. The swinging option usually has a longer line, however there are twice as many swinging compartments as there are non-swinging so the wait is roughly the same. Ferris Wheels load very slowly so if you don’t want to wait I suggest the first hour or so of park opening or an hour before park closes.
Should you ride: This is not your average ferris wheel and is an icon. I vote ride, but if you are worried about the motion, opt for the non-swinging option. If you are good with thrills or want to try something different, try the swinging side!

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

Height: Any | Duration: 3 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Take a balloon ride with the help of Riley’s emotion bubbles from Inside Out.
When to ride: The ride usually has a shorter wait, however it does load slow.
Should you ride: This ride is more appealing for younger kids. It is a short ride, slow to load, and can’t hold a lot of riders. I would skip it myself.

Paradise Gardens Park Rides

Silly Symphony Swings

Height: 48″ or taller | Duration: 2 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: Kids
Silly Symphony Swings is a popular style ride with swings circling a central tower. The most magical aspect of this ride is the views around the park.
When to ride: The ride itself loads kind of slow and pretty consistently has a line. There isn’t a best time to get in line. However, tandem option typically loads faster if you have a kid with you!
Should you ride: I love swing rides and this one is no different. I think the view of the park during the day or at night is pretty magical. However, there’s nothing unique about it. If you are short on time it isn’t a must-do, but it is a lot of fun!

Goofy’s Sky School

Height: 42″ or taller | Duration: 1.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Goofy’s Sky School is a wild mouse style coaster themed to teach new pilots entering Goofy’s program. If you’ve never tried a wild mouse type coaster, it isn’t for everyone. It has quick turns, is bumpy, rough, and definitely not everyone’s idea of an enjoyable ride.
When to ride: Oddly this line can get long throughout the day. Try to go on single rider if you don’t want to wait that long.
Should you ride: Again, if you like wild mouse rides, then go for it. However, there isn’t anything super thrilling about this version vs other theme park’s wild mouse rides. Actually, the prevailing opinion is this one tends to be rougher than others so consider yourself warned.

Jumpin’ Jellyfish

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 1 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
You ride in a jellyfish that “jump” around by going up and down using their umbrella-like tops.
When to ride: Unless you see this at walk-on level lines or under 15 minutes I wouldn’t even bother waiting. The ride itself loads very slowly so there’s usually a wait.
Should you ride: This is one of the few rides I wholeheartedly tell people to skip. The ride is very short, the height requirement precludes young kids from enjoying it, and is just overall pretty boring.

Golden Zephyr

Height: Any | Duration: 2.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Zephyr is basically a fun word for blimp. This is another ride that spins you in the air around a tower. It doesn’t go really fast so it might be a better option for those who aren’t big thrill seekers.
When to ride: This isn’t a very popular ride in comparison to others at California Adventure. However, it does tend to breakdown a bit so I wouldn’t wait too long if you see a line.
Should you ride: I don’t qualify this as a must-do ride at all. It is entertaining, but there isn’t anything special. It is good for smaller kids though!

The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Height: Any | Duration: 7 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Step into a clam shell and relive the story of The Little Mermaid. The ride is full of beloved songs and characters. Kids will love the Under the Sea room filled with dancing fish and colorful scenery.
When to ride: Anytime, you won’t have to wait for this almost ever. If you find a wait longer than 20 minutes, I would recommend checking back later. It isn’t a ride you should have to wait very long for.
Should you ride: I would say this is more a time filler ride than an essential dark ride. We usually end up riding it, but aren’t upset if it is missed.

Thanks for checking out everything you need to know about California Adventure rides! Want to know more about the rides at Disneyland? Check out some of these posts:

Are you ready to keep planning? Check out everything you need to know before you go when planning for Disney.