14 Scariest Disneyland Rides
Disneyland is renowned for its enchanting attractions that transport visitors to realms of fantasy and adventure. However, amidst the whimsical delights, there lurk rides that challenge even the bravest souls. From heart-pounding coasters to haunting dark rides, these attractions are not for the faint of heart. Brace yourselves as we unveil the 14 scariest Disneyland rides that will test your nerves and leave you craving for more thrills.
What are the scariest Disneyland rides?
Incredicoaster
The Incredicoaster is a high-speed launched roller coaster located in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. Formerly known as California Screamin’, it was re-themed in 2018 to tie into the Incredibles franchise.
- Location: Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure
- Opening Date: June 22, 2018 (re-themed from California Screamin’ which opened in 2001)
- Why it’s Scary: This intense coaster features a launch from 0 to 55 mph in just 4 seconds. It then climbs up a 109 foot vertical loop before plunging down into a series of banked turns, helices, and tunnels. The sudden acceleration and inversions create a thrilling, high-adrenaline experience. This is definitely a scary Disneyland ride!
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
This classic dark ride takes guests through the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. While tame compared to roller coasters, it does contain some potentially scary scenes.
- Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland
- Opening Date: April 30, 2021 (re-imagined from the former Snow White’s Scary Adventures)
- Why it’s Scary: The original version had more ominous and frightening depictions of the Evil Queen’s transformations into the Witch. While now toned down, the new ride still features some darker scenes like the Witch’s lair filled with bubbling potions that younger riders may find unsettling.
Haunted Mansion
One of Disneyland’s original attractions, the Haunted Mansion is an iconic dark ride through a ghostly manor filled with haunts and frights.
- Location: New Orleans Square, Disneyland
- Opening Date: August 12, 1969
- Why it’s Scary: From the eerie Stretch Room to encounters with ghosts, ghouls, and paranormal activity, this ride is filled with spooky surprises. While not outright terrifying, the haunting imagery, jump scares, and overall creepy atmosphere can unnerve those prone to fright. The best of Disneyland scary ride!
Pirates of the Caribbean
This classic boat ride takes guests on a swashbuckling voyage through iconic pirate scenes and battles.
- Location: New Orleans Square, Disneyland
- Opening Date: March 18, 1967
- Why it’s Scary: Most of the ride is light-hearted pirate fun, but there are some unsettling moments. Scenes depicting pirate raids, cannon fire, and most notably the ghostly crew of fallen pirates can be startling for the unprepared. The overall darkness and surprises add to the thrills.
Space Mountain
Space Mountain is an iconic indoor roller coaster that launches riders into the darkness of outer space.
- Location: Tomorrowland, Disneyland
- Opening Date: May 27, 1977
- Why it’s Scary: The ride takes place entirely in the dark, with only lights along the track providing brief glimpses. The feeling of hurtling blindly through pitch blackness at high speeds, combined with sudden drops and turns, creates an intense, disorienting experience. A true Disneyland scary park ride!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This runaway mine train coaster speeds through an abandoned mining town in the Wildest West.
- Location: Frontierland, Disneyland
- Opening Date: September 2, 1979
- Why it’s Scary: With sharp turns, sudden drops, and the ever-present threat of an impending earthquake, this coaster delivers plenty of thrills. The ride’s theming of a decrepit mining operation adds an ominous layer to the experience.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
The first tubular steel roller coaster in the world, the Matterhorn takes riders racing down the iconic snowy peak.
- Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland
- Opening Date: June 14, 1959
- Why it’s Scary: Reaching speeds of up to 27 mph, this coaster features sudden drops, hairpin turns, and the looming presence of the Abominable Snowman. The ride’s enclosed tubes and lack of traditional restraints add to the sense of danger.
Grizzly River Run
This whitewater raft ride sends guests plunging down the raging Grizzly River amid a former national park.
- Location: Grizzly Peak, Disney California Adventure
- Opening Date: February 8, 2003
- Why it’s Scary: In addition to getting completely soaked, riders face steep drops and the threat of plunging over an 8-foot waterfall into the raging rapids below. The ride’s theming of an abandoned national park area adds an extra layer of peril. This makes it one of Disneyland scariest rides!
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
A dark ride based on the classic Pinocchio animated film, taking guests to the perilous Pleasure Island.
- Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland
- Opening Date: May 23, 1983
- Why it’s Scary: While fairly tame, this ride does depict some unsettling transformations as the boys are turned into donkeys and then caged. The overall tone and theming of the Pleasure Island scenes can be unnerving for younger guests.
Radiator Springs Racers
This dark ride puts guests in the middle of a high-speed race through the desert landscapes of Cars’ Radiator Springs.
- Location: Cars Land, Disney California Adventure
- Opening Date: June 15, 2012
- Why it’s Scary: With sudden turns, near-misses, and the threat of collisions, this ride delivers an exhilarating racing experience. The ride’s speed and realism, combined with projected effects like semi-trucks barreling towards you, provide plenty of adrenaline.
Indiana Jones Adventure
An enhanced motion vehicle dark ride that takes guests on a harrowing journey through an ancient temple.
- Location: Adventureland, Disneyland
- Opening Date: March 3, 1995
- Why it’s Scary: Snakes! We hate snakes…and lava..and fire! From the crumbling ruins and threatening idols to sudden drops and near-misses with obstacles, this ride is filled with heart-pounding moments. The intense special effects and sense of danger make it one of Disneyland’s most thrilling experiences.
Guardian's of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!
This drop tower thrill ride has guests joining Rocket to rescue his fellow Guardians from The Collector’s Fortress.
- Location: Avengers Campus, Disney California Adventure
- Opening Date: May 27, 2017
- Why it’s Scary: The highlight is the sudden 183ft free-fall drop from the top of the tower building. But the ride also features intense special effects, close encounters with creatures, and a dizzying series of ascents and drops creating a wild experience. The drop makes it a classic Disney scary ride!
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
One of the few remaining opening day attractions, this dark ride takes guests on a chaotic journey with Mr. Toad.
- Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland
- Opening Date: July 17, 1955
- Why it’s Scary: While quite tame by today’s standards, the ride’s abrupt ending in which guests nearly crash into a wall can still startle riders. The overall reckless driving and near-misses add to the thrills on this classic attraction. Not to mention the part of the ride in hell!
Goofy's Sky School
This wild mouse-style coaster has guests joining Goofy’s flying students on an out-of-control flight.
- Location: Paradise Gardens Park, Disney California Adventure
- Opening Date: February 8, 2011
- Why it’s Scary: With sharp turns, sudden drops, and the feeling that the ride vehicles could fly off the track at any moment, this coaster delivers an intense experience. The ride’s theming of Goofy as an inept flight instructor adds to the sense of chaos and danger. Not the biggest scary Disney ride, but for smaller riders it can be!
Final Thoughts
Disneyland’s scariest rides offer a thrilling escape from the ordinary, challenging even the most daring thrill-seekers. From heart-pounding coasters to haunting dark rides, these attractions are a testament to the park’s ability to blend fantasy with exhilaration.
Whether you’re a seasoned adrenaline junkie or a newcomer to the world of thrills, these rides promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your courage and embark on a journey through Disneyland’s most terrifying attractions, where the line between fear and excitement blurs, and the only limit is the strength of your nerves.