Visiting Disneyland in Anaheim, California, will always be a special experience, whether you’re five or eighty-five. Likewise, the very first time someone steps into The Happiest Place on Earth, it surely creates a sense of wonder and excitement.
Opening in 1955, Disneyland remains the only Disney park that Walt Disney set foot in, and his imprint and spirit remain. For first-time guests, there’s so much to look forward to, especially the immersive atmosphere and numerous attractions.
With over 50 choices, it can feel overwhelming, despite Disneyland being smaller than other parks. Regardless, for those looking to visit, we’ve got the most iconic, thrilling, beautiful, and nostalgic attractions that every first-time visitor must experience.
Pirates of the Caribbean
As classic as they come, Pirates of the Caribbean has gone through many changes since it first opened in 1967. As one of the last attractions that Walt Disney oversaw, Pirates has that magical, nostalgic touch with a few thrills and evocative atmosphere to spare.
On this 15-minute boat ride, guests go down two waterfalls and are transported back into a time of swashbuckling buccaneers. With nothing to fear, the scenes of skeletons and pirates pillaging and singing the classic song “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” enthrall.
After the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, Imagineers brought in animatronic figures of Jack Sparrow and Barbossa. Additionally, to reflect modern times, the famous “Bride Auction” changed to an auction for hens and chickens, adding a new female pirate named Red. Throughout all the alterations, Pirates remains the most iconic attraction in the entire park, and one that first-timers should not miss.
Haunted Mansion
As the other final attraction that Walt Disney saw developed, the Haunted Mansion remains another beloved, immensely popular ride full of fun frights and gothic atmosphere. Located in New Orleans Square, the mansion itself is an authentic architectural beauty, complete with a newly renovated queue.
What makes Haunted Mansion such an iconic and unique attraction lies in its immersive, gothic atmosphere. Before guests even step into their “doom buggies,” they enter a spooky, eerily lit foyer, into a doorless, windowless room with humorously morbid portraits, and paintings that change at the flash of lightning. The ride through the mansion is just as immersive, with 999 happy haunts and the song “Grim Grinning Ghosts” to entertain you.
During the Halloween and Christmas seasons, Haunted Mansion transforms into a Nightmare Before Christmas spectacle that delights fans of the film. Although classic Haunted Mansion remains the ideal state, first-time guests should experience the ride no matter the iteration.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Speaking of immersive experiences, Rise of the Resistance has quickly become one of the most popular and praised attractions not just in Disneyland, but at any theme park worldwide.
After all, Rise of the Resistance truly lives up to those words, “immersive experience.” Guests first see Rey transmitting an important message and then enter a small “ship” that gets captured by the First Order. After entering a room filled with Stormtroopers, you are taken down a corridor to be interrogated by General Hux, before members of the Resistance “break” you out and lead you to your transports.
What follows is a thrilling and epic ride through a First Order ship, complete with massive cannons, AT-ATs, droids, and Kylo Ren in pursuit, while Poe and Finn pop up to guide passengers to safety.
Impressive doesn’t seem a strong enough descriptor for how exceptional and exciting Rise of the Resistance feels for guests. The crown jewel of Galaxy’s Edge, the entire experience lasts approximately 18 minutes and is 100 percent worth the long wait time.
The Disneyland Railroad
Despite encircling the entire park, and the Main Street Train Station being the first landmark guests see upon entering, many overlook the Disneyland Railroad. Any first-time visitor should make a point to board one of the park’s five locomotive steam engines.
No matter which engine passengers ride, each offers the same relaxing, unique experience. Many guests will use The Disneyland Railroad merely for transportation from one area of the park to another. And indeed, one cannot deny that appeal.
At the same time, there’s much to enjoy aboard the train. From the Grand Canyon and Primeval World scenes to gorgeous views of the Rivers of America, guests can feel as if they’re traveling through time. For those looking for a rest and the true beauty of The Disneyland Railroad, I recommend the Grand Circle tour through each stop, which takes approximately 18 minutes.
It’s a Small World
A first-time trip to Disneyland isn’t complete without a ride on the “Happiest Cruise of Them All.” Created for Disney’s 1964 World’s Fair exhibition, It’s a Small World embodies themes of peace, understanding, and unity as told through the innocence of children. On opening day, Walt Disney stood alongside hundreds of children from around the world, each pouring water from the world’s oceans and seas into the canal—a lovely symbolic gesture.
The whimsical facade, designed by Imagineers Mary Blair and Rolly Crump, mimics world landmarks, while each section of the ride features adorable dolls with attire authentic to their respective countries. Later, dolls of Disney characters were added to their countries of origin, such as Alice in England and Pinocchio in Italy.
Though some balk at the repetitive nature of the title song, written by the Sherman Brothers, its lyrics express profound truths often forgotten in today’s age: “It’s a world of laughter/A world of tears/It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears/ There’s so much that we share, that it’s time we’re aware/It’s a small world after all.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Although many guests debate about which Disneyland coaster reigns supreme, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the best coaster for first-timers. The Frontierland favorite, deemed “the wildest ride in the wilderness,” takes passengers on a runaway train filled with twists, turns, dynamite, and the iconic Thunder Mountain goat.
Unlike Space Mountain’s perpetual darkness and the Matterhorn’s backbreaking ride, Big Thunder Mountain remains thrilling enough, with moments of respite and beautiful views. For extra fun, try to ride in the evening. If you time it just right, you’ll see fireworks while aboard, making for an amazing time.
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye
When Indiana Jones Adventure opened in 1995, it set the standard for every thrill ride to follow. Indeed, more impressive than a mere coaster, and more detailed than a standard dark ride, the combination proves truly spectacular. It also features the finest queue in the entire park.
Guests board jeeps (with one at the wheel) and enter the Temple of the Forbidden Eye with one warning: don’t look into the eyes of Mara. Of course, no one can resist, resulting in a fast-paced adventure careening through caverns, over bridges, and dodging a giant ball just like Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
As one of the few attractions riders consistently applaud before disembarking, Indiana Jones often has long wait times, but it deserves a spot on any first-timer’s list.
Mad Tea Party
Although the Mad Tea Party looks and feels a bit different from its appearance on opening day in 1955, the delight guests feel while riding remains the same. Indeed, if ever there were an attraction that inspires infectious laughter, it would be the Mad Tea Party.
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, guests climb inside giant, colorful teacups while paper lanterns hang above them. Whether riders choose to spin their teacups or not, with the Unbirthday Song as your soundtrack, the Mad Tea Party always results in pure, utter joy. Pro-tip: try taking a spin during the day and at night with its beautiful ambient lighting. The ride remains the same, but the experience vastly differs.
Dumbo, the Flying Elephant
As another original attraction, Dumbo also looks much different from it did in 1955. Indeed, it’s even in a different location. As part of Fantasyland’s redesign in 1983, Dumbo moved next to Casey Jr. Circus Train and updated its appearance and mechanics to look like a kinetic toy. Fountains were also added to the base, making the ride much more beautiful.
The attraction itself remains as enchanting as ever as guests board an elephant and circle the air as high or as low as they wish. You’re given a bird’s eye view of Fantasyland, soaring through the sky just like Dumbo, as calliope music plays below. The ride represents quintessential Disneyland for its sweetness and nostalgia.
Jungle Cruise
No trip to Disneyland ever feels complete without a ride on the world-famous Jungle Cruise. The exotic atmosphere as you travel through various scenes has a wonder and beauty that makes it one of Disneyland’s finest.
However, the fun and creativity in its humor make Jungle Cruise the iconic attraction it has been for 70 years. Thanks to the incredible skippers, the puns and corny jokes result in non-stop laughter.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
It took 30 years since the opening of Toontown for Mickey Mouse to finally have his own ride in Disneyland- and it was well worth the wait. Themed to both Mickey and his best gal, Minnie, Runaway Railway features a state-of-the-art trackless ride system, exceptional animation, projection mapping, and an infectious tune that guests will be singing all day long.
Like other attractions, so much of the fun and creativity also lies in the queue. In that regard, Runaway Railway proves to be a winner. Located in the El Capitoon Theater (modeled after the El Capitan), the lobby features re-imagined movie posters with the queue lined with props from Mickey’s film career. The pre-show to the ride also astonishes with an effect I still have yet to figure out.
First-timers must come for the richness and importance of Mickey to the Disney company, and stay for the zany cartoon scenes and sheer fun the ride inspires.
Peter Pan’s Flight
One of the most beloved attractions in any Disney park, Peter Pan’s Flight has guests board a pirate galleon and fly through the air like Peter and Tinkerbell. You’ll journey over London, past the Second Star to the Right, and onto Neverland- and the result feels magical.
Indeed, after riding the attraction in 1955, Ray Bradbury sent Walt Disney a note that read, “I’ll be eternally grateful that you made it possible for me to sail from a child’s bedroom, out over a moonlit London, in a galleon on its way to the stars.” Millions of visitors express mutual feelings, creating a great love and nostalgia for the attraction. Consequently, it frequently has long wait times. Still, anyone who visits Disneyland for the first time should not miss the magic.
Mark Twain Riverboat
Many first-time guests making their list of “must-do” attractions will often leave off the Mark Twain Riverboat. However, that would be an error in judgment. To visit Disneyland means to enter different worlds and various paces. The impatient, instant gratification of the modern world makes us forget how to breathe, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the simple things.
Indeed, the Mark Twain Riverboat embodies the phrase “stop and smell the roses.” On this tranquil boat ride aboard an authentic steam ship of a bygone era, guests enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rivers of America.
The Mark Twain also holds two special distinctions that make it an ideal attraction for new guests. Before the opening date, Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, had an anniversary party aboard the ship (along with the Golden Horseshoe). A ride on the Mark Twain can make one feel as if they’re traveling in their illustrious footsteps. Most especially, with the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, reinventing their River, The Mark Twain now marks the only ride of its kind in an American Disney park.
Casey Jr. Circus Train
First-time guests, especially those with children, should experience this colorful train for several reasons. Casey Jr. offers just the right amount of fun for anyone who prefers less intense coasters. As an alternative, this Fantasyland favorite may not be fast, but it features moments sure to delight guests of all ages.
Additionally, Casey Jr. features the jovial title song and different types of compartments to ride in, including cages and my favorite, a caboose. Fun-tip: Sit in the very back of the train for a unique perspective. Lastly, visitors should not miss Casey Jr. because of its lovely views of the Storybook Land Canal Boats below, essentially offering two rides in one.