Most Popular Rides

[DarlingDonald]

Hey guys! I am a seasoned Disney World guest, we have been there many, MANY times, but never once been to Disneyland. We are visiting Los Angeles for my spring break this week and we are thinking about heading down to Disneyland for the day. We would get the park hopper so that we can hit both Disneyland and California Adventure. What are the most popular/newest rides? Or maybe I should say which will have the longest lines aka which should we run to right when the park opens to get a fastpass for? Any opinions would be awesome! Thanks!!!

 

[Imdboss]

You definitely don't want to miss out in RSR in DCA. Such a fabulous ride. We always make it a point to ride it during the day and night (usually not on the same day though). I personally prefer the ride at night.

Have a great time in DL and DCA!

 

[Canuck16]

RSR at Carsland in DCA for sure.

If the day that you are going has EE for DCA (for on site guests only) then get your FP for RSR right away.

The FP system in each park is independent of each other so you can hold a FP in each park at the same time.

If you plan on seeing WOC you can hold that FP for it and it doesn't affect you getting others throughout the day like it would with FP+ at WDW.

HAVE FUN!!

 

[figment_jii]

In DCA, the most popular rides are RSR and TSMM. RSR has both FP and a SRL. TSMM (which is pretty much the same ride as in DHS) does not have a FP or SRL. After those two rides, the next most popular is probably Soarin, but it's currently undergoing a refurb.

Over in DL, I'd say the most popular rides are Space, Indy Jones, and Peter Pan. Indy has FP and a SRL, while Space only as a FP. Peter Pan doesn't have either, but it to is undergoing a major refurb currently. Alice is another ride that tends to get a very long line because it's a slow loader (no FP or SRL).

 

[Drusilla99]

I would go with rides that aren't at Disney world to start. The above mentioned RSR, Matterhorn in DL, Nemo submarines (kinda similar to Epcot version), Screamin', Monsters Inc, Ferris Wheel, & Goofys Sky School (all at Ca Ad). Mr Lincoln is cool, parts from US Epcot & Hall of Presidents & Indiana Jones are in DL. Our POTC is much better, that's not opinion, that's fact. I like WDW big thunder better, not sure why. Hope that helps, I'm sure more rides will come to me.

 

[figment_jii]

For more information about the rides that are similar and different, I recommend checking out HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

 

[Diszona]

In DCA, the most popular rides are RSR and TSMM. RSR has both FP and a SRL. TSMM (which is pretty much the same ride as in DHS) does not have a FP or SRL. After those two rides, the next most popular is probably Soarin, but it's currently undergoing a refurb.

Over in DL, I'd say the most popular rides are Space, Indy Jones, and Peter Pan. Indy has FP and a SRL, while Space only as a FP. Peter Pan doesn't have either, but it to is undergoing a major refurb currently. Alice is another ride that tends to get a very long line because it's a slow loader (no FP or SRL).

Roger Rabbit can also have a long wait, but it has a fast pass.

 

[ludari]

The previous posters basically have answered your questions. I would like to add/recommend downloading an app that list ride wait times, closures, parade times, dining locations, maps, etc which can help with planning your day. I use one for my iPhone all the time and I visit DLR and DCA every other weekend.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I actually wouldn't base your touring plans around rides which aren't at Disney World, because as HydroGuy's thread points out, there are only a few duplicate rides in both places. I would move Space Mountain and Pirates to the top of the list, as these two rides by general consensus are much better at DL. (Pirates being twice as long, and Space being largely a different and more thrilling ride.)

 

[KeKy4]

For us it's all about POTC. It's almost always our first stop!! We don't ride most rides multiple times but this one we usually do at least first and last.

 

[daisyx3]

I know I want to make sure we hit the Matterhorn and California Screamin', in addition to RSR. I was surprised the Matterhorn wasn't on the FP list? But other than that we are prioritizing the rides that are better at DL (Pirates, Space) and the ones that don't exist at WDW. We are only going for 2 1/2 days, though.
Daisyx3

 

[Diszona]

I know I want to make sure we hit the Matterhorn and California Screamin', in addition to RSR. I was surprised the Matterhorn wasn't on the FP list? But other than that we are prioritizing the rides that are better at DL (Pirates, Space) and the ones that don't exist at WDW. We are only going for 2 1/2 days, though.
Daisyx3

You may also want to hit Mr. Toad, Snow White and the Submarines to give yourself a little Magic Kingdom nostalgia (depending on how long you have been going to WDW). Unfortunately the Matterhorn is closed for refurbs so you won't be able to make that one. I know your time is limited, but you should definitely take a stroll down Main St. just to check out things like the Penny Arcade and the Main St. Cinema. It is nice to see there is still a Main St. that isn't all stores.

 

[daisyx3]

Matterhorn will still be down in June? I remember Snow White so that's not a biggie, but I'd like to ride Mr. Toad--we started going to WDW after that closed.
Daisyx3

 

[figment_jii]

Matterhorn will still be down in June?

At this point, Matterhorn is scheduled to closed through May 15th. The schedule could change, but my guess is they're trying very hard to make sure as many things as possible are open for the kick-off of the 60th anniversary on May 22nd.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/plan.htm#rehab

 

[Diszona]

Matterhorn will still be down in June? I remember Snow White so that's not a biggie, but I'd like to ride Mr. Toad--we started going to WDW after that closed.
Daisyx3

Sorry, I had you confused with the OP who said they were going for spring break. Everything should be open (along with some new things) in June with the 60th going on.