Summary
When you think about roller coasters at Disneyland, they go hand in hand with the stories they tell and the unique Disney magic embedded in those narratives: a thrilling journey through outer space, a bobsled adventure past the Abominable Snowman, or an exhilarating escapade with the Incredibles family as they race to rescue their baby.
These roller coasters also showcase some industry firsts; they include the world’s first tubular-tracked steel roller coaster (Matterhorn Bobsleds) and one of the longest steel-railed, looping coasters globally (Incredicoaster at California Adventure).
If you are seeking rides that scare you speechless or threaten to give you whiplash while spending equal time upside down, consider visiting Magic Mountain or Knotts Berry Farm.
If you prefer roller coasters rated (at worst) at the high end of family-friendly attractions, these Disneyland experiences are ideal and won’t make you feel like you’re about to hurl.
Disneyland and California Adventure host a collection of half a dozen roller coasters, each with its distinctive personality. This guide organizes them by park and within each park by thrill level.
Disneyland: Space Mountain
Space Mountain was voted the best “popular ride” in Disneyland by GoTravelDaily readers, and many consider it the most renowned indoor roller coaster globally. This indoor, metal-railed roller coaster creates the illusion of flying through space.
It’s a “dark” coaster, simulating a cosmic journey across a 3,450-foot track that lasts two minutes and 45 seconds. The special effects and complete darkness make it feel much faster than it actually is.
- Minimum rider height: 40 in (102 cm)
- Maximum speed: 35 mph
Disneyland: Matterhorn Bobsleds
Matterhorn Bobsleds was the world’s first tubular-tracked steel roller coaster when it first opened in 1959. It continues to be a crowd favorite, with a ride slightly exceeding two minutes in duration.
It’s a thrilling experience gliding through the mountain, navigating in and out of the shadows, with an occasional scream when the Abominable Snowman appears. After its recent refurbishment, it now runs more smoothly than ever, with reduced jerky movements.
- Minimum rider height: 35″ (89 cm)
- Maximum speed: 27 mph
Disneyland: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain is renowned as one of the best attractions in Disneyland, according to visitor feedback.
This roller coaster represents a runaway mine train experiencing a wild adventure through mine shafts, bat caves, and shadowy caverns. The hills aren’t very steep; however, it remains one of the fastest rides in the park and boasts a lengthy duration of three minutes and 15 seconds.
- Minimum rider height: 40 in (102 cm)
- Maximum speed: 35 mph
Disneyland: Gadget’s Go Coaster
This “junior” roller coaster features a brief ride lasting only 44 seconds and borrows its name from a mouse character in the beloved television series, “Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.”
- Minimum rider height: 35 in (89 cm)
- Maximum speed: 20 mph
California Adventure: Incredicoaster
The Incredicoaster may resemble a classic wooden roller coaster, yet it is a steel-railed looping coaster that is among the longest in the world. Additionally, it stands out as the most thrilling ride at the Disneyland Resort.
Initially known as California Screamin’, the name change doesn’t alter the thrilling experience: it offers a two-minute and 36-second adventure, ascending 120 feet before descending 108 feet. You’ll effectively go from zero to 55 miles per hour in four seconds, along with executing a 365-degree loop.
Although renamed Incredicoaster in 2018, the heart-pounding thrills remain the same, enhanced by a new storyline where you race alongside the Parr family attempting to catch baby Jack-Jack!
- Minimum rider height: 48 in (122 cm)
- Maximum speed: 55 mph
California Adventure: Goofy’s Sky School
Formerly known as Mulholland Madness, this ride is now called Goofy’s Sky School, marking it as the most gentle roller coaster in the Disneyland Resort.
Sky School operates as a “wild mouse” roller coaster primarily characterized by tight turns and mostly flat tracks. The car’s front extends out, creating a thrilling sensation that it may tumble off the track at every turn.
The ride lasts approximately one and a half minutes.
- Minimum rider height: 42 in (107 cm)
- Maximum speed: 27 mph
