Let’s Ride! My Top 5 Attractions at Disneyland!
Vintage
Disneyland has a way of creating escapes of reality when it comes to their attractions. They transport you from everyday life for a short time and place you right in the middle of whatever story you are telling. Am I in Anaheim or have I actually been captured by the First Order? Have I abandoned life as I know it and have chosen a Pirates life for me, or do I have to be at work in eight hours? One never knows. For those few minutes, you are the supporting cast in whatever story you signed up for and your life is better because of it. Like everyone, I have my favorites which simply mean, these rides will happen no matter the situation. Here are my favorites in no particular order:
Space Mountain
"This is mission control. We are initiating power transfer in 3...2...1...."
That is the countdown to greatness. Space Mountain still holds up over 40 years later. When it comes to rope drop, I am team right. Always have been and always will be. What better way to wake up than going 35MPH in the dark through space? The speed, the soundtrack, the air conditioning that makes it feel like your skin is being snatched back, all of it. It just works! During Halloween Ghost Galaxy is cool with all of the monsters, ghosts and zombies, but… BUT.. and if you already know me, you know where I am headed.. HYPERSPACE MOUNTAIN IS THE BEST!! Every May, I look forward to the John Williams score blasting through the speakers as we whip through space.
The Haunted Mansion
“Then, of course, there is MY way.”
Haunted Mansion is epic, and it doesn’t matter if it is in Cali or Florida. The ride simply holds up. You are among friends when entering the mansion since 999 happy haunts welcome you into their home. Towards the end of the year the theme is changed when Sandy Claws decks the halls for Haunted Mansion Holiday. It is dark yet still colorful, decorated in holiday cheer. It gets you into the holiday cheer, especially the famous gingerbread house during the ballroom scene. It smells amazing! The pumpkins in the graveyard scene is a special touch, however, nothing tops the original. You can’t help but sing Grim Grinning Ghosts for the rest of the time you are at the park, and sometimes on the way home. Besides, no one will EVERY get tired of Little Leota telling you to “hurry baaaackkkk” and make sure you bring your death certificate.
Star Tours
“We know you have THIS Rebel Spy on board!”
Before there was Batuu there was Star Tours and this ride will always be special to me because my dad refuses to ride anything else before he rides this. The ride was a head of its time back then and now, with all the new editions, it still blows many rides out of the water with its technology. Star Tours walked so the Millennium Flacon could fly. The line cue is exactly what you think an airport would look like in a galaxy far far away. I am forever #TeamDarkSide so when Darth Vader appears looking for a rebel spy, I get all types of excited, although in all my years, I have NEVER been chosen. This is where I come to get my “original trilogy” fix, and just like the original trilogy it never disappoints.
Rise of the Resistance
“You know the location of the secret base, and I will take it from you!”
From start to immaculate finish, this is hands down the best attraction in the world. Yes, the world. Have I been on every attraction in the world? Of course not, but this statement will stand up in the court of law I’m sure of it. There are so many moving parts to make this 18-minute-long attraction the envy of every other ride that came before it. I honestly don’t even know why other parks would bother making attractions after this, they should just hang it up. The first time I rode the ride I literally felt like I was first captured by the first order, then escaped via the resistance. After I got off the ride the first time, I had to find a park bench to collect my thoughts. My friend and I sat in silence. Then, I literally called my father the moment I gathered my thoughts. Pictures and video do it no justice. It is an experience that I will gladly sign up for again and again.
Pirates of the Caribbean
“Dead men tell no tales.”
The ride that launched in 1967 and spawned off a billion-dollar movie franchise is one filled with nostalgia and grandeur. I mean come on now! Pirates is a cult classic and fun for all ages! The sights, the sounds, the costumes, the scenes, the song! I love to sit up front when my energy is high early in the morning, or the back row when the summer sun is draining my energy and I need to recharge. Either way, the ride is happening. This ride is the cure for anything. Too hot? Let’s get on Pirates. Tired of walking? Let’s regroup on Pirates. Ate too much? Settle your stomach on Pirates. Spent too much money? Let’s transfer funds from one account to another on Pirates. Early morning, mid-day or as a finale, anytime is the right time for a pirate’s life. Overtime the ride has updated to reflect todays’ society as well as the movie franchise, but as long as the dog still has the key to the cell, I will forever ride this ride.
Well those are my top 5 must rides, what are yours?!