The Complete List of ALL the Rides at California Adventure (17 Rides)

Thinking about spending a day (or two) at Disney California Adventure? I’ve been to this park more times than I can count, and every time someone’s planning a trip, they ask me the same thing: “Can you give me a good list of all the rides at California Adventure I should prioritize?” And I get it—between thrill rides, Pixar classics, and some not well-known rides, it can be a lot to navigate.

What you’ll find here is my personal, breakdown of the rides worth doing, based entirely on my many visits.

And because I know how helpful it is to get right to the point, let’s kick off with three quick tips that’ll help you have a smoother, more fun park day.

Key Tips

• Start your day at Radiator Springs Racers – The line gets long fast, so either rope drop it or grab a Lightning Lane.
• Use the Disneyland app strategically – Real-time wait times help you pivot when a ride suddenly dips to 20 minutes.
• Don’t skip the smaller rides – Some of the most charming experiences are tucked away in Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens.

My Personal List of All the Rides at California Adventure

Here’s how I prioritize every ride based on thrill level, theme, and how often I return to it. For a full park overview, I also recommend checking out this full guide to California Adventure.

Radiator Springs Racers (Cars Land)

This is hands down my top pick. The storytelling, scenery, and ride experience are on par with anything at Walt Disney World. I’ve done this one at rope drop, with Genie+, and even waited standby at night—and every time felt worth it. If it’s your first visit to DCA, start here. Plus, Cars Land at night? My favorite.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

A reimagined version of Tower of Terror, this one is wild, in the best way. At first I was disappointed with the Tower of Terror getting re-themed. I even refused to ride Guardians of the Galaxy for an entire year. But my mind has been changed. The randomized drop sequences and upbeat music make every ride feel a little different. I’ve had moments where I couldn’t stop laughing, and others where my stomach dropped out completely. If you like thrills and fun energy, it’s a must.

Incredicoaster

This one’s not subtle—it’s a full-on thrill ride. I love the launch start and the long, scenic track. That said, it can be a bit jarring if you’re not used to big coasters. I usually ride it early in the day while I still have the energy. If you’re nervous, watch a few ride videos first so you know what to expect.

Toy Story Midway Mania

A fun 3D arcade-style game that’s great for families and competitive friends. I always try to beat my last score (though I rarely do!). The queue moves slower than you'd expect, so I recommend doing it early or saving it for later in the evening when crowds thin out.

Soarin’ Around the World

Still one of my favorite “slow rides” in any Disney park. The combination of sweeping visuals and that soundtrack gives me goosebumps every time. Pro tip: ask for the top middle row if you can—it offers the best view with the least distortion.

Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure

This one uses some impressive tech that tracks your arm movements, which is pretty cool in action. I’ve done it with kids and Marvel fans who loved it, but personally, I don’t rush back to it. The lines are often long, and it’s more of a novelty than a repeat must-do for me.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

It’s a cute, dark ride with solid theming, but it doesn’t stand out compared to everything else. I’ll do it if I’m with younger visitors or just need something low-key. Otherwise, I usually skip it unless I need a break from the heat.

The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

I actually really enjoy this one for what it is. A calm, colorful dark ride with catchy music. It rarely has a wait, which makes it a great pick when your feet need a rest. I’ve even used it as a mini break between big thrill rides.

Pixar Pal-A-Round (Non-Swinging and Swinging)

I’ve done both versions and… if you’re not into heights or motion, stick with the non-swinging side. The swinging gondolas are intense! It’s a gorgeous view of the park, especially at sunset, but I only do it occasionally because it makes me feel queasy.

Jessie’s Critter Carousel & Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

These are more for younger kids, but I think they’re worth appreciating. Emotional Whirlwind especially has charming visuals. I’ll hop on them if I’m with family or just want to slow the pace for a few minutes.

For a detailed foodie guide while you're there, here’s my list of all my favorite restaurants at California Adventure.

Which Rides to Prioritize Based on Time

If you’re short on time, here’s how I’d prioritize:

Morning Musts

• Radiator Springs Racers
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Incredicoaster

Midday Strategy

• Soarin’ (usually dips mid-afternoon)
• Little Mermaid (no wait)
• Grab a bite

Evening Favorites

• Pixar Pal-A-Round at sunset
• Toy Story Midway Mania
• Re-ride anything you missed with lower wait times

Rides I Usually Skip (and Why)

Everyone has their own taste, but these are the rides I often skip when I'm tight on time or energy. They're not bad—just not must-dos for me.

Golden Zephyr

It looks cool and retro, but it doesn’t run in windy conditions and doesn’t offer much beyond a slow circle. Fun for kids, but super skippable for adults.

Silly Symphony Swings

It’s a basic swing ride, which can be fun if you’ve never done one—but I usually pass since the thrill level is low and it’s not very unique.

Goofy’s Sky School

Honestly, this one is too jerky for me. It feels like it’s trying to be a wild mouse coaster but ends up being more uncomfortable than exciting.

Jumpin’ Jellyfish

Cute for kids, but if you’ve been on a drop ride before, this won’t do much for you.

These rides might be worth trying if you've never been or you're doing a slow-paced day, but I usually prioritize the bigger, more immersive experiences.

Characters and More to Explore

While rides are a huge draw, don’t forget the characters and atmosphere. I’ve met everyone from Spider-Man to classic Mickey at DCA. If meeting characters is part of your game plan, you’ll want to check out this guide to California Adventure characters.

Also, if you're torn between Disneyland and DCA, here's my take on Disneyland vs. California Adventure.