Best Disneyland Rides For Magic Key Holders

If you're a Magic Key holder at Disneyland, you already know the perks of having this pass. From discounts to exclusive experiences, being a frequent visitor changes how you approach the parks. But when it comes to rides, not all attractions are created equal.

As someone who has spent countless days at Disneyland with my Magic Key, I’ve learned which are the best Disneyland rides for Magic Key holders that are worth prioritizing and how to maximize your experience.

Whether you love thrill rides, classic attractions, or unique experiences only available at Disneyland, this guide is here to help you make the most of your visits.

Key Points

• Leverage Early Access: Use your Magic Key perks to get early access to select attractions and minimize wait times. Learn how to get early access to Disneyland attractions with Magic Key.
• Avoid Peak Crowds: Know the best times to visit Disneyland with a Magic Key to make your experience smoother. Best time to visit Disneyland with Magic Key.

The Best Disneyland Rides for Magic Key Holders

As a Magic Key holder, you have the flexibility to visit the parks often, which means you don’t always have to rush to ride everything in one day. However, some rides are worth prioritizing every time you visit.

1. Indiana Jones Adventure

This thrilling dark ride is a must for adventure seekers. The queue itself is an experience, filled with hidden details, interactive elements, and an immersive atmosphere that sets the tone before you even step into your ride vehicle.

The moment you enter, you feel like you’re in an Indiana Jones film, dodging booby traps and uncovering ancient mysteries. Because it often has long wait times, I recommend either rope-dropping or grabbing an early Lightning Lane.

If you go through the standby queue, keep an eye out for the hidden details, like the bamboo pole that makes the ceiling collapse when pushed.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean

A Disneyland classic that remains one of my favorites.

This ride is pure storytelling magic, from the eerie foggy bayou opening scene to the massive pirate battle that erupts in the middle. With a long runtime and high ride capacity, it’s a great choice for any time of the day. If you’re someone who loves the nostalgia of classic Disney attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean never gets old, and the atmosphere is perfect for a mid-day break from the heat.

Plus, the smell of the water is oddly comforting—it’s a true Disney fan thing!

3. Haunted Mansion (Especially During Halloween Season)

This ride is always a favorite, but it becomes even more special during the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The transformation is so thorough that it almost feels like an entirely different ride, which makes it an absolute must for Magic Key holders who can visit across seasons. The blend of eerie ambiance and dark humor makes it a must-experience attraction no matter how many times you’ve been.

If you’re a fan of the original version, visiting both before and after the seasonal overlay will give you the best of both worlds.

4. Space Mountain

A Disneyland staple that offers a completely different feel depending on whether you ride it during the day or at night.

The ride itself is an exhilarating, pitch-black roller coaster with sharp turns and sudden drops, and the futuristic soundtrack makes it even more thrilling. As a Magic Key holder, I recommend riding Space Mountain both at rope drop and later in the evening when crowds have thinned out.

The late-night rides often feel more intense, possibly because you’ve had a full day of anticipation!

5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

“The wildest ride in the wilderness” is a must for any Disney fan. The theming is impeccable, and the way the ride interacts with its environment makes it feel like a living, breathing part of the park. If you have the chance, ride this one at night—something about the glowing lanterns and darkened scenery makes it feel even faster and more exciting.

Plus, the views of the park from the ride are stunning.

6. Matterhorn Bobsleds

This Disneyland-exclusive roller coaster is a right of passage for any visitor. It’s bumpy, thrilling, and uniquely fun, with two slightly different tracks that offer varied experiences. The left side is generally smoother, so if you prefer a slightly less intense ride, request that side.

The yeti animatronic remains one of the most impressive practical effects in the park, and the mountain itself is a Disneyland icon.

7. Rise of the Resistance

This is one of the most technologically advanced attractions in the park, blending storytelling with massive set pieces and seamless ride transitions. It’s more than just a ride—it’s an entire experience. Because it often has long waits, planning around your Magic Key reservations is key. The pre-show itself is so immersive that it hardly feels like you’re waiting at all.

For Star Wars fans, this is an absolute must-do.

8. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

One of the best things about Star Tours is that no two rides are ever exactly the same. With randomized sequences and destinations, you could end up on different planets each time, making it one of the best repeat attractions for Magic Key holders.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll love spotting all the Easter eggs hidden throughout the queue and ride.

9. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!

If you love thrill rides, this reimagined Tower of Terror ride is a must. The music and randomized drop sequences make every ride different. The fun, upbeat energy makes it stand out from other thrill rides in the park, and it’s easily one of my favorites for a mid-day adrenaline rush.

10. Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure

An interactive ride where you physically sling webs makes for a fun experience, especially if you enjoy competing for the highest score. It’s one of the more physically engaging rides in the park, and it’s a blast if you’re with a group of friends trying to outdo each other’s scores.