Best First Ride?

[Brer Cameron]

So in several weeks, my friend and I are flying down to Disneyland. This is going to be his first time on an airplane, and his first time at Disneyland. He is 22, so this trip is kind of a big deal.

I wanted to know what you guys think would be a good first ride for us, knowing that the only real rides he's been on in his life are ones at the Puyallup Fair (our local seasonal carnival). Ultimately, I'm probably just going to let him choose, but it wouldn't hurt to have some suggestions for him.

 

[ArchOwl]

Star Tours!

 

[Hoku]

Someone asked this exact question a couple of weeks ago. The problem is we all have different ideas. The only person that can really answer this question is the newbie, himself.

This is my philosophy though; Disneyland, itself, IS the ride. Therefore, I think the best was to enjoy it is by letting its magic guide you. The whole experience should be one of wonder and excitement. Sometimes, when we plan too much, it can squash that. So, like I said in the other thread, I think I'd let the curiosity of your friend lead the way. Is he drawn to the castle? Seduced by the rockets of Tomorrowland? Does the mystery of Adventureland becon? I say forget the "plan" and let nature run its course. Then again, some people are more comfortable if they have everything planned out. If this describes your friend, then he might like looking at the online map ahead of time and making his first choice from that.

 

[DreamtheImpossible]

I took my fiance (20 at the time) to Disneyland for the first time last September. Since he wasn't torn on the idea of Disneyland, I knew I had to give a good, solid first ride to change his mind. I decided on the first ride that my parents took me on when we went--I was 12 when we first went--and that was Indiana Jones. =D It sold my fiance and we now make it a tradition to ride that first every time.

It's a good, solid choice. =D Very adventurous, maybe not so classic Disney like Pirates and Haunted Mansion...but it's a good, fun ride with the best visuals in my opinion.

 

[MKingfisher]

Pirates! Go through adventure land get a fast pass for indiana jones then head straight to Pirates of the Caribbean. We always start our family trips to Disneyland with Pirates! We went with my family in 2009 and it was my husbands first time ever and it blew his mind! We're going for our fouth time since our son was born (he's three) in October and our first few rides plan almost always goes Pirates, haunted mansion, many adventures of winnie the pooh . What ever you choose for your first ride make sure you don't pick anything with a long line up thats a yucky way to start a trip!

 

[Hoku]

I took my fiance (20 at the time) to Disneyland for the first time last September. Since he wasn't torn on the idea of Disneyland, I knew I had to give a good, solid first ride to change his mind. I decided on the first ride that my parents took me on when we went--I was 12 when we first went--and that was Indiana Jones. =D It sold my fiance and we now make it a tradition to ride that first every time.

It's a good, solid choice. =D Very adventurous, maybe not so classic Disney like Pirates and Haunted Mansion...but it's a good, fun ride with the best visuals in my opinion.

Nice insight! Just cross your fingers it doesn't break down....again.

 

[JH87]

Someone asked this exact question a couple of weeks ago. The problem is we all have different ideas. The only person that can really answer this question is the newbie, himself.

This is my philosophy though; Disneyland, itself, IS the ride. Therefore, I think the best was to enjoy it is by letting its magic guide you. The whole experience should be one of wonder and excitement. Sometimes, when we plan too much, it can squash that. So, like I said in the other thread, I think I'd let the curiosity of your friend lead the way. Is he drawn to the castle? Seduced by the rockets of Tomorrowland? Does the mystery of Adventureland becon? I say forget the "plan" and let nature run its course. Then again, some people are more comfortable if they have everything planned out. If this describes your friend, then he might like looking at the online map ahead of time and making his first choice from that.

It was me that asked it
I got some great suggestions too.

But, like everyone else has said, everyone is going to have different opinions. Just make sure to grab that Star Tours FP before anything!

 

[ArchOwl]

Pirates! Go through adventure land get a fast pass for indiana jones then head straight to Pirates of the Caribbean. We always start our family trips to Disneyland with Pirates! We went with my family in 2009 and it was my husbands first time ever and it blew his mind! We're going for our fouth time since our son was born (he's three) in October and our first few rides plan almost always goes Pirates, haunted mansion, many adventures of winnie the pooh . What ever you choose for your first ride make sure you don't pick anything with a long line up thats a yucky way to start a trip!

Pirates is a good choice too! But I am thinking it will be closed when the OP visits

 

[Hoku]

At the same time, if you do the best rides first, there's nowhere to go but "down".

 

[Hoku]

It was me that asked it
I got some great suggestions too.

But, like everyone else has said, everyone is going to have different opinions. Just make sure to grab that Star Tours FP before anything!

LOL!! Well, you never know what new people, with different insights, will come along this time. You sound as excited about your trip as I am for mine!

 

[DreamtheImpossible]

I must admit I'm sad that Pirates will be closed when my fiance and I take our 1 year engagement anniversary in a couple weeks. He proposed at the Blue Bayou, but alas we shall have to make new memories.

Depending on how he feels, the train might be a good way to start as well. Take the full circle around the park so he could soak in the magic.

 

[cp11]

I am leaving (from Wash state!) a week from today with my mom, who has never been to DL. I asked my kids this question also. Their reply was take her on the Railroad so she can see the park. But I'm wondering if that might be a little overwhelming for someone who has absolutely no clue what DL is like or about. I'm thinking maybe I should be heading Adventureland first.

I love to hear the pros and cons and thoughts.

 

[Keurigirl]

Well howdy fellow Puget Sounder! I read your post wondering how many different ways people are pronouncing "Puyallup" in their heads.. LOL!

I will say that Disneyland ITSELF is the attraction, not neccessarily the "rides" as a whole. If you're going to Disneyland for the theme park experience and wild rides, it's probably not going to do anything for you. If you're going for magic, wonder, etc - you'll enjoy it.

What exactly is he expecting? I'd talk to him about his expectations of the park, what interests him and what doesn't, and what he wants to learn or gain from his experience. Then let his answers guide you.

IMO, there is nothing like sitting at the benches at the hub, next to Walt & Mickey holding hands, and watching the crowd around you. For some reason, to me, that's magic.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

We have done Jungle Cruise as our first ride a few times. I love Adventureland! I also love Jungle Cruise it sets a nice tone for the rest of the day. I love corny jokes though.

We usually grab a FP for Indy, ride Jungle Cruise, hit Pirates, hit Haunted Mansion, and then BTMRR.

 

[Brer Cameron]

Thanks for all the suggestions everybody. It will most likely boil down to wherever we feel like walking when we go there.

 

[tffnyjean]

I would vote pirates too! Space Mountain if Pirates is closed.

Hello from Tacoma! Have a great trip!

 

[disneyguy1818]

If you arrive at park opening- get a Star Tours FP otherwise you'll wait up to 80 minutes and then head to Space Mountain for standby. This saves a lot of wait time.