what are the best rides in Disney land?

Here's my list of recommended attractions at Disneyland and DCA (Disneyland's sister park) and a brief description of each. I also included a few shows at the two parks.

Disneyland:

-Space Mountain: A roller coaster that zooms through the stars. It's rather mild, no loops or sudden drops, but it's a blast. My personal favorite. Kindly ask a CM to ride in the front. Get a fastpass for this one. The fastpass system is really easy to use. Insert your ticket into the fastpass machines located near the entrance of the ride, and you'll receive a slip of paper telling you the time you may return. You can get another fastpass after two hours has passed, and they are free.

-Star Tours: The Adventures Continue: a simulator ride in 3D that explores the galaxy of Star Wars. You'll probably want to get a fastpass for this one.

-Pirates of the Caribbean: A boat ride featuring pirate animatronics, showcasing the art of Disney storytelling. The wait's never too long and the ride is a nice length.

-The Haunted Mansion: A ride through an old mansion haunted by ghosts. Fun story and very detailed. This and Pirates are must-rides for Disneyland.

-Indiana Jones: An adventurous jeep ride as you journey into an ancient tomb with Indiana Jones. Definitely a must-ride, but the wait is often an hour or more. Another one I would suggest getting a fastpass for.

-Thunder Mountain: A run-away mine train roller coaster.

-The Jungle Cruise: A boat ride through the jungle. It features a skipper, narrating your trip with snarky remarks and puns.

-The Matterhorn: A bobsled coaster through the Swiss Alps. Be warned, it's very bumpy and shake. The wait is normally about 30 minutes.

-Splash Mountain: A log ride through a land with singing animals, with three drops. You probably will get wet, unless you're in the very back. The wait of the ride depends on the weather!

-The "dark rides" in Fantasyland: These include Snow White's Scary Adventures, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Alice's Adventures in Wonderful, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and Peter Pan's Flight. These rides put you in the middle of your favorite scenes from the Disney classics, and though they are rather short, if you return to Fantasyland during the night when all the little kids are tired, the waits aren't as long. The exception is Peter Pan, which always has a long line.

-It's a Small World: The happiest cruise that ever sailed! The beautiful colors of the scenes and costumes of the dolls are truly magical. It's fun to look at and admire.

-The Disneyland Railroad: It's a train ride around the park. Though it isn't necessarily exciting, it's relaxing if your feet are hurting. And between the stops of Tomorrowland and Main Street, there's a diorama of the Grand Canyon and the land of the dinosaurs.

-Fantasmic!: A show on the Rivers of America at night with various floats, clips projected onto water, and a huge fire breathing dragon.

-Soundsational Parade: A parade featuring floats and performers from favorite Disney films.

California Adventure:

-California Screamin': a thrilling roller coaster, with three decent drops and one loop. It’s very smooth, but you will feel a few butterflies in your stomach. Use the Single Rider system!

-Soaring Over California: a ride simulating flying in a hang glider over California.

-The Tower of Terror: a free fall ride based off an episode of The Twilight Zone. You drop approximately 13 stories, then launch back up, and repeat several times.You might want to get a fastpass if there's a long wait.

-Toy Story Midway Mania: an interactive ride where you battle with your friend in arcade games hosted by your favorite Toy Story characters. On the down side, the wait tends to be about 45 minutes.

-Radiator Springs Racers: the new E-ticket in Cars Land with a slower portion inside and a racing segment outside. It's new, so it has super long lines. Either get fastpasses in the morning or use the Single Rider system.

-Grizzly River Rapids: water rapids ride through a mountain-themed area.

-Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular: A Broadway-style musical based on the classic animated Disney film, Aladdin! I would pay extra just to see this show. It's extremely well-done!

-World of Color: An amazing night time water spectacular! Colorful fountains and projections of Disney clips with other special effects flow beautifully together. I would plan on making reservations for a preferred dining plan. Though it's expensive, the food is absolutely delicious, the best viewing spots are reserved for you, so you don't have to worry about the crowds. It's worth the extra money.

Indiana Jones, California Adventure, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Matterhorn

Hi Meredith! First of all, it depends what age you are. I will do three categories and I will star the best ones:

Best Rides for younger:

*Alice in Wonderland

Casey Jr. Circus Train

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

*Peter Pan's Flight

Pinocchio's Daring Journey

*Mad Tea Party

*The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

*Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin

Snow White's Scary Adventures

*Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Astro Orbitor

Best Rides for older:

*Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

*Space Mountain

*Indiana Jones Adventure

Splash Mountain

Star Tours

*Matterhorn Bobsleds

Best Rides for all ages:

*Autopia

*Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

*Gadget's Go Coaster

*Haunted Mansion

"It's a Small World"

Jungle Cruise

*Pirates of the Caribbean

There is also the theme park California Adventures which is right next to Disneyland. I will the do the same for this park, too just in case you need it:

Best rides for younger:

Flik's Flyers

Francis' Ladybug Boogie

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train

*Luigi's Flying Tires

*Jumpin' Jellyfish

Silly Symphony Swings

King Triton's Carousel

*The Little Mermaid~Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Best rides for older:

*California Screamin'

*Radiator Springs Racers

*The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Best rides for all ages:

Golden Zephyr

*Goofy's Sky School

*Grizzly River Run

It's Tough to Be a Bug!

*Soarin' Over California

*Toy Story Mania

Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Me Buggies

Mickey's Fun Wheel

*Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

Hope this helped and have fun!

Depends on age. But:

Space mountain

Pirates of the Caribbean

Splash mountain

Matterhorn

Haunted mansion

Astro blasters

Are a few of my favs

Space Mountain

Thunder Mountain

Matterhorn

Indiana Jones

Star Tours

But these all consist of long lines :\ I suggest fast-passing Indiana Jones and/or Space Mountain :)