21. Not To Be Missed at Disneyland Resort
Here I get to give my unabashed opinion on the major attractions and shows at DLR.
At Disneyland:
Pirates of the Caribbean Now 40+ years old and still my favorite ride at DLR. Better and much longer than the MK version.
Indiana Jones Adventure I did not like this ride at first because of its jerky motion but it grew into my second favorite at DLR. If you do not like it at first, give it a second chance. Has some similarities to Dinosaur at AK. Indy is a really cool ride that stacks up well against any ride at WDW.
Space Mountain re-launched in 2005 after two-and-a-half years of refurbishment and a great ride. New version better than the MK version.
Matterhorn the first Disney mountain, built in 1959 four years after DL opened, and still a fun roller coaster.
Haunted Mansion similar to the MK version and very fun.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad fairly similar to the MK version and fun.
Splash Mountain A fun ride but not as good as the one at WDW.
Fantasmic! performed on Tom Sawyer Island and makes use of the Rivers of America as part of the stage. The only downside compared to WDW is that there is no theater and thus no formal seats. Similar to a parade or fireworks, people either stand (in the rear areas) or sit on the ground (in the front areas). This show is similar to that at WDW but differs in several details. I and most others would say it is quite a bit better at DLR because of the setting and use of the ships. If there are two showings on a given night, the second one is much less crowded and a good viewing spot can be obtained 30 minutes in advance (or less). Reserved seating is available but limited. It costs about $60 per person and includes dessert (see the Dining section in this guide for more information).
At Disneys California Adventure:
Soarin Over California my third favorite ride at DLR. The attraction itself is the same as that currently at WDW. However, the queue inside the building, as well as the external theming and location at DCAs Condor Flats makes for a better experience than the sterile entrance and queue at Epcot.
Grizzly River Run a great river raft ride similar to Kali River Rapids at AK - but better. It is longer at DCA with more drops and surprises, and they have free lockers right there where you can stow your stuff and keep it dry.
California Screamin a long looped roller coaster with theme music and a 0-60 mph start similar to WDWs Rock n Roller Coaster but outside. Lots of fun. When it was opened in 2001 it was the longest steel track coaster in the world at over a mile long. I believe it is #2 now.
Disney Animation Studio If you have kids plan to be here at least 90 minutes. There are several areas here that revolve around animation which allow visitor interaction and creation. For the most part these are not available at WDW. Also Turtle Talk with Crush is here, and the larger theater than at Epcot means the lines are much more reasonable any time of day.
Tower of Terror I have to mention this because it is a headliner, but if you have ridden the one at DHS you will probably be disappointed - at least on your second ride. The DCA version does not yet have the randomized drop sequence capability. After this is installed then it will be more worth your attention.
Toy Story Midway Mania - Same ride as at DHS. No FP but does have a single rider line.
Aladdin A 40+ minute Broadway quality stage show inside the plush Hyperion Theater. Excellent show with talented genie actors who are given latitude to ad lib their humor with reference to current events so each show is a little different. Better show than anything comparable at WDW in my opinion.
DLR Rides not at WDW:
Matterhorn and Indiana Jones (already mentioned)
StorybookLand Canal Boats
Casey Jr Circus Railroad
Pinocchio
Alice in Wonderland
Mr. Toads Wild Ride
Roger Rabbit CarToon Spin
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
And most everything at DCA
