Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth, is known for its incredible attractions, unforgettable experiences, and timeless characters that have captivated the hearts of visitors of all ages for decades. While many of the park’s attractions are simply magical, there are a few that don’t quite live up to the same level of excitement or enchantment. But what are the worst rides at Disneyland?
Whether they’re outdated, lacking thrill, or simply not as engaging as others, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe are the 10 worst rides at Disneyland in this mid-2023 update.
Criteria for Ranking What I Consider The “Worst” or “Most Overrated”
To determine the worst rides at Disneyland, we considered several factors:
- Engagement: Some rides just don’t capture the imagination and excitement that others do. We’ve included rides that, compared to the best at the park, don’t offer the same level of engagement or entertainment value.
- Thrill Factor: While not every ride needs to be a heart-pounding roller coaster, the lack of excitement in certain attractions can leave guests wanting more. We’ve considered how thrilling or satisfying each ride is, especially in comparison to other rides at Disneyland.
- Storytelling and Theming: Disney is known for its incredible storytelling, but some attractions fall short when it comes to immersing guests in a captivating narrative or themed environment.
- Ride Quality: Some rides may be outdated or showing their age, which can detract from the overall experience. We ‘ve taken into account the quality of the ride itself, including the maintenance, special effects, and technology used in each attraction.
- Wait Times and Popularity: While popularity isn’t always an accurate gauge of a ride’s quality, we considered the average wait times and guest satisfaction in relation to other attractions. If guests aren’t willing to wait in line for a particular ride, it could indicate a lack of interest or excitement around it.
- Repeatability: Disneyland is known for creating experiences that make guests want to return time and time again. We’ve assessed each ride’s repeatability factor, taking into account whether visitors would be eager to experience the attraction multiple times during their visit or if it’s easily forgettable.
Taking these factors into consideration, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 worst rides at Disneyland. While they might not be the park’s shining stars, they still hold a place in the heart of the park and can offer a different kind of enjoyment for some guests.
My Picks: The Worst Rides at Disneyland
Below is my breakdown of the top 10 worst rides at Disneyland, ranked from #10 to #1.
- #10: It’s A Small World
- #9: Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
- #8: Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- #7: Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
- #6: King Arthur Carrousel
- #5: Astro Orbitor
- #4: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- #3: Gadget’s Go Coaster
- #2: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- #1: Autopia
- My Final Thoughts on The Worst Rides at Disneyland
#10: It’s A Small World
About It’s A Small World
It’s A Small World is a classic boat ride that takes guests on a gentle journey through various scenes, showcasing animatronic children from around the world singing the iconic song “It’s a Small World” in unison. Located in Fantasyland, the attraction is known for its bright colors, whimsical design, and catchy tune.
Our Thoughts
While It’s A Small World is undoubtedly a staple of Disneyland, we found the ride to be rather repetitive and lacking in excitement. The animatronics, although charming in their simplicity, are outdated and don’t compare to the more modern attractions.
The song, while catchy, can become grating after a short while. This ride may hold nostalgic value for some, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of thrills or innovation, which is why it ranks as the second worst ride in the park.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Boat ride
- Theme: International cultures and unity
- Ride Location: Fantasyland
- Date of Opening: May 28, 1966
- Height Requirement: None
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 15 minutes
#9: Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
About Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey is a dark ride attraction located in Fantasyland that takes guests on a retelling of the classic Disney film “Pinocchio.” Boarding a wooden car, visitors travel through various scenes from the movie, accompanied by Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, and other characters.
Our Thoughts
Despite being based on a beloved Disney classic, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey lacks the appeal and excitement found in other attractions throughout the park.
The ride’s dated animatronics and simplistic storytelling fall short when compared to the immersive experiences available at other attractions. We found the ride to be somewhat dull and unengaging, which is why it tops our list of the worst rides at Disneyland.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Dark ride
- Theme: Pinocchio
- Ride Location: Fantasyland
- Date of Opening: May 23, 1983
- Height Requirement: None
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 4 minutes
#8: Dumbo the Flying Elephant
About Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a whimsical spinner ride located in Fantasyland. Inspired by the classic 1941 Disney film, “Dumbo,” guests board colorful elephant-shaped vehicles that spin around a central hub while going up and down, simulating the sensation of flight.
The ride offers picturesque views of Fantasyland and is a delightful experience for young children and families who are fans of the lovable character.
Our Thoughts
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is an iconic Disneyland attraction, yet it lands on our list of the worst rides because of its limited scope and repetitive nature. While the ride is enjoyable for younger guests and holds a certain nostalgic charm, it lacks the immersive storytelling and thrill factor that many other attractions in the park offer. The long wait times for a relatively short experience can also be a deterrent for those seeking more engaging attractions.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Spinner Ride
- Theme: Dumbo
- Ride Location: Fantasyland
- Date of Opening: August 16, 1955
- Height Requirement: None (children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult)
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 1.5 minutes
#7: Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
About Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is a dark ride located in Fantasyland. The attraction takes guests on a journey through the story of Disney’s classic animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Along the way, riders encounter beautifully crafted scenes, featuring Snow White, her forest friends, and the seven dwarfs, as they try to escape the Evil Queen’s wicked plans.
Our Thoughts
While Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is a beloved classic, it ranks among the worst rides at Disneyland due to its outdated design and lack of excitement. Despite recent refurbishments, the ride still feels somewhat dated when compared to the park’s more modern and immersive attractions.
The dark, slow-moving ride may not appeal to thrill-seekers or those looking for an adrenaline rush. Additionally, the wait times can be lengthy, which adds to the disappointment when compared to the overall ride experience.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Dark Ride
- Theme: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Ride Location: Fantasyland
- Date of Opening: July 17, 1955 (Original opening); April 30, 2021 (Reopening after refurbishment)
- Height Requirement: No height requirement
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 2.5 minutes
#6: King Arthur Carrousel
About King Arthur Carrousel
King Arthur Carrousel is a classic merry-go-round located in Fantasyland, featuring beautifully painted horses and an antique-style carrousel that has been delighting guests since Disneyland’s opening day. Each horse is uniquely decorated and named, with the lead horse, Jingles, paying homage to Julie Andrews, the park’s honorary ambassador.
The ride is accompanied by traditional organ music, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transports guests back to simpler times.
Our Thoughts
Although King Arthur Carrousel is a quintessential part of the Disneyland experience, it ranks low on our list due to its limited appeal. For young children and families, the ride can offer a calm and enjoyable break from the park’s more intense attractions.
However, for older guests or thrill-seekers, the simple, repetitive nature of the carrousel can quickly lose its charm. While the ride is undeniably beautiful and holds historical significance, it doesn’t offer the same level of excitement or immersion as many of Disneyland’s other attractions.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Merry-Go-Round
- Theme: Classic Carrousel
- Ride Location: Fantasyland
- Date of Opening: July 17, 1955
- Height Requirement: None (children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult)
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 2 minutes
#5: Astro Orbitor
About Astro Orbotor
Astro Orbitor is a spinning rocket ride located in Tomorrowland that takes guests on a whirlwind journey around a central rocket tower. The attraction is designed to resemble a futuristic space station, complete with flashing lights and spinning planets. Riders board individual rocket ships that orbit around the central tower as the ride is in motion.
Our Thoughts
Although Astro Orbitor has a visually appealing design, we found the ride experience to be underwhelming, especially when compared to other, more immersive attractions at Disneyland.
The spinning motion becomes repetitive quickly, and the lack of an engaging storyline or unique features results in a forgettable experience. We considered it for our worst rides list primarily due to its basic ride mechanics and limited appeal to a broad age range.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Spinning ride
- Theme: Space
- Ride Location: Tomorrowland
- Date of Opening: May 22, 1998
- Height Requirement: None (children under 7 years old must be accompanied by a person aged 14 years or older)
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds
#4: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
About The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a slow-moving dark ride located in Critter Country. The attraction takes guests on a whimsical journey through the Hundred Acre Wood, following Winnie the Pooh and his friends on their various adventures. The ride features colorful scenes with animatronics and interactive elements, immersing guests in the world of the beloved characters.
Our Thoughts
While The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh has its charm, especially for young children or fans of the classic characters, we found that it lacks the depth and excitement that many other Disneyland attractions offer.
The ride is relatively short, and the animatronics feel dated compared to more recent additions to the park. We considered it for our worst rides list due to its limited appeal beyond a young audience and the dated ride technology.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Dark ride
- Theme: Winnie the Pooh and friends
- Ride Location: Critter Country
- Date of Opening: April 11, 2003
- Height Requirement: None
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 3 minutes
#3: Gadget’s Go Coaster
About Gadget’s Go Coaster
Gadget’s Go Coaster is a junior roller coaster located in Mickey’s Toontown, inspired by the character Gadget Hackwrench from the animated television show “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.”
This small-scale roller coaster is designed for younger children and families, featuring a short ride through a whimsical world of oversized acorns, cogs, and gadgets. It’s a mild, colorful adventure that offers a brief taste of roller coaster excitement for the little ones.
Our Thoughts
While Gadget’s Go Coaster is a fun and charming option for young children, it lands on our list of worst rides due to its lack of appeal to a wider audience. The coaster’s short duration and simple layout don’t offer much excitement for more experienced riders or older guests, making it a less attractive option compared to the park’s more thrilling attractions.
It’s a cute and lighthearted experience, but it doesn’t hold up well against the more immersive and engaging rides found throughout Disneyland.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Junior Roller Coaster
- Theme: Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
- Ride Location: Mickey’s Toontown
- Date of Opening: January 24, 1993
- Height Requirement: 35 inches (89 cm)
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 1 minute
#2: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
About Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is an underwater adventure located in Tomorrowland. Guests board a submarine and embark on a journey to explore an underwater world inspired by Pixar’s Finding Nemo. The ride combines real underwater environments with digital projections, immersing guests in a vibrant and colorful underwater world filled with familiar characters from the movie.
Our Thoughts
While Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage offers a unique ride experience, we found that it has its drawbacks, leading to its inclusion on our worst rides list. The ride’s capacity is limited, resulting in longer wait times.
Additionally, the enclosed submarines and narrow viewing windows can be a challenge for guests who are claustrophobic or prone to motion sickness. The storyline and visuals, though charming, may not be as appealing to older guests.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Submarine ride
- Theme: Finding Nemo
- Ride Location: Tomorrowland
- Date of Opening: June 11, 2007
- Height Requirement: None
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 15 minutes
#1: Autopia
About Autopia
Autopia is a unique driving experience located in Tomorrowland. The ride allows guests to take the wheel of their own miniature gas-powered car and navigate a scenic route filled with twists, turns, and various themed settings. It was originally designed to give visitors a glimpse of the future of transportation and the potential highways of tomorrow.
Our Thoughts
Autopia makes it onto our list of the worst rides at Disneyland for several reasons. First, the ride’s concept feels outdated compared to the innovative and immersive experiences found elsewhere in the park. The gas-powered vehicles contribute to noise and air pollution, which detract from the overall enjoyment of the ride.
Additionally, the long wait times and slow-moving queue line make it a less-than-ideal choice for visitors looking to maximize their time in the park.
Fast Facts
- Ride Category: Guided Track Ride
- Theme: Futuristic Driving Experience
- Ride Location: Tomorrowland
- Date of Opening: July 17, 1955
- Height Requirement: 32 inches (81 cm) or taller
- Duration of Ride: Approximately 4.5 minutes
My Final Thoughts on The Worst Rides at Disneyland
Disneyland is known for its magical experiences and world-class attractions, but not every ride can be a winner. Our list of the 10 worst rides at Disneyland for mid-2023 highlights attractions that might not live up to the high standards set by the park’s best offerings. Factors such as outdated technology, limited appeal to a wide range of guests, long wait times, and ride capacity issues contribute to these rankings.
However, it’s important to remember that each guest has their own preferences, and what may not appeal to some might be a cherished experience for others. As you plan your visit to Disneyland, consider your own interests and tastes to create a personalized itinerary. Don’t be afraid to give these rides a try if they pique your curiosity; you never know which attraction may end up surprising you or becoming a favorite. After all, the magic of Disneyland lies in the eye of the beholder.