The Ultimate Disneyland Ride! Fans Crown a Classic as the Park’s Best2025
Disneyland, the epitome of theme park magic since its debut in 1955, is a place where storytelling, creativity, and nostalgia come together to produce life-changing moments. Every ride and attraction in the park competes for your attention as soon as you enter Main Street, U.S.A., enveloping you in a world of wonder. But which ride is the best? A timeless classic has been crowned the park’s best ride in a recent fan-driven contest. Warning: it’s Pirates of the Caribbean, a daring adventure that has won people over for decades. Let’s examine why this well-known attraction won, look at the competitors that challenged it, and honour the wonder that makes Disneyland’s rides so amazing.
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The Winner: Pirates of the Caribbean
Why is Pirates so timeless? It is a technical marvel, to begin with. The ride, which debuted ground-breaking Audio-Animatronics that brought pirates, townspeople, and even a mangy dog to life, was one of the last attractions that Walt Disney personally oversaw, even though it opened three months after his death. The expansive sets, which include the burning town under siege and the foggy bayou, produce a cinematic experience akin to entering a blockbuster movie. It’s no surprise that this ride spawned a whole film franchise when you consider the catchy “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” soundtrack.
The Runner-Ups: Classics and Newcomers Alike
While Pirates took the crown, the competition was fierce, with several rides earning passionate support. Here’s a look at the top contenders that made the race for the best Disneyland ride so exciting.
It’s a Small World – The Song That Never Leaves
It’s a Small World, a classic that is either loved or hated, came in second place with 16% of the votes in the Los Angeles Times poll. With its catchy tune, this gentle boat ride, which made its debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair before relocating to Disneyland, honours world unity. The ride’s colourful, whimsical sets and animated kids from all over the world, designed by Disney icon Mary Blair, create a cheerful, colourful, midcentury fever dream. Fans love its accessibility—grandparents and infants can ride together, regardless of height—and its message of harmony.
The song may play over and over in your head for days, but that’s part of its allure. Recent additions, such as the inclusion of Disney characters like Lilo from Lilo & Stitch and Woody from Toy Story, keep it current while preserving its nostalgic appeal. The ride’s seasonal overlay, which includes “Jingle Bells” in the soundtrack, adds even more wholesome magic during the holidays. Many people believe that It’s a Small World embodies Disneyland’s charming essence.
Haunted Mansion – A Ghoulish Delight
Tied for third place with 7% of the votes, Haunted Mansion is a perennial favorite that blends spooky and silly in true Disney fashion. Opened in 1969, this dark ride invites guests into a creepy New Orleans Square manor filled with 999 “happy haunts.” From the stretching room preshow to the hitchhiking ghosts at the end, the ride is packed with clever effects, like the ballroom scene’s Pepper’s Ghost illusion, that still feel cutting-edge.
Fans love the ride’s atmospheric queue, detailed theming, and the way it balances eerie vibes with tongue-in-cheek humor. The annual Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, running from September through January, transforms it into a Tim Burton-inspired wonderland, drawing even longer lines. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned ghost host, Haunted Mansion delivers a hauntingly good time.
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h January, transforms it into a Tim Burton-inspired wonderland, drawinHaunted Mansion, a recurring favourite that combines the spooky and the ridiculous in typical Disney fashion, is tied for third place with 7% of the vote This eerie ride, which opened in 1969, transports visitors to a spooky manor in New Orleans Square that is home to 999 “happy haunts.” The ride is full of innovative effects, such as the Pepper’s Ghost illusion in the ballroom scene, that still feel state-of-the-art, from the stretching room preshow to the hitch-hiking ghosts at the end.
The ride’s evocative line, intricate theming, and ability to blend spooky feelings with light-hearted humour are all beloved by fans. The annual Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, running from September througFrom September through January, the yearly Nightmare Before Christmas overlay turns it into a wonderland reminiscent of Tim Burton, with even longer lines. Regardless of your level of experience as a ghost host,game-changer that shows Disney’s knack for pushing boundaries.
Peter Pan’s Flight – A Nostalgic Journey
Peter Pan’s Flight, another well-loved classic, rose to the top of the fan rankings, especially because of its enchanted narrative. You are suspended in a pirate ship as you fly over the glittering skyline of London and into the colourful scenes of Never Land in this 1955 opening-day attraction. With its heartfelt simplicity and use of pixie dust and Tinker Bell’s sparkle, the ride captures the wonder of childhood. Fans are unable to resist its nostalgic appeal despite its brief duration and frequently harsh wait times (lines can reach 60 minutes even early in the day). It is a must-ride for many people and epitomises Disneyland’s enduring appeal.
Why Classics Reign Supreme
The fan preference for Disneyland’s vintage rides is evident, as evidenced by sources such as GameRant’s coverage of a Reddit poll on r/Disneyland. Infused with Walt Disney’s vision and the artistic talent of Imagineers like Marc Davis and Claude Coats, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World are more than just rides; they are historical artefacts. These attractions, many of which date back to the park’s early years, are just as captivating now as they were decades ago despite depending more on storytelling and practical effects than on state-of-the-art technology.
The Magic of Disneyland’s Rides
The way Disneyland rides make you feel is more important than their rankings or technical skill. Every ride has a backstory that lingers long after you get off, whether you’re navigating stormtroopers, sailing with pirates, or flying over London. In addition to demonstrating the park’s ability to strike a balance between tradition and innovation, the fan vote for Pirates of the Caribbean as the best ride highlights how captivating Disney classics can be.
