5. Grizzly River Run
Grizzly River Run is the newest of the Disneyland Mountain Range and the only one in Disney California Adventure. Opened in 2001, this white water rafting adventure spins you along Grizzly River and over waterfalls. In case you didn't know, you will get wet! Although GRR is the only attraction in DCA with water and you get more wet than on Splash Mountain, its lines are far shorter and only peak late afternoon. Take advantage of that, though you won't get to see any singing critters along the way! |
4. Matterhorn Bobsleds
The mountain that started it all! Matterhorn Bobsleds opened in 1959 as part of a renovation of Tomorrowland (yes, it was originally listed under Tomorrowland) and is the only mountain Walt Disney built himself. The mountain is a scale replica of the real Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps and on it you careen down icy slopes racing other bobsleds to escape the Abominable Snowman! The Matterhorn was revamped in 2015 and major modifications were made to the Snowman, so now you had better beware as he lunges after you! Also, the two tracks are very different. For a faster, more thrilling ride take the Tomorrowland track with tighter curves and more drops. |
3. Space Mountain

Blast off on an "intergalactic adventure" aboard Space Mountain! This thrill opened in 1977, is the only mountain to feature a completely enclosed track and has had two major renovations since then to add music and to make the experience darker. Hold on as you drop, twist and turn through the galaxy before screeching to a halt back aboard Space Station 77.
The "original" Space Mountain opened in WDW in 1975 but was actually a Florida version of the Matterhorn. Technology available at the time could not prevent metal roller-coaster tracks from corroding in the Florida humidity so a new attraction was devised to enclose the ride. When they decided to move it to California they had to reinvent an entire new experience since the Matterhorn was right next door!
The "original" Space Mountain opened in WDW in 1975 but was actually a Florida version of the Matterhorn. Technology available at the time could not prevent metal roller-coaster tracks from corroding in the Florida humidity so a new attraction was devised to enclose the ride. When they decided to move it to California they had to reinvent an entire new experience since the Matterhorn was right next door!
The nature of Space Mountain makes it easy to add seasonal overlays. During Halloween make sure you dodge menacing ghosts on Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy and during Season of the Force blast off and join the Rebellion on Hyperspace Mountain!
2. Splash Mountain
Critter Country used to be Bear Country until this happy peak was placed at the entrance in 1989 and featured more than just bears inside. Splash Mountain is the only attraction based off Disney's Song of the South but keeps its spirit alive in the park. Follow Brer Rabbit as he tricks and schemes his way out of the clutches of the wicked Brer Fox and splashes back into the Briar Patch! On hot days, the queue for Splash Mountain climbs to well over an hour. When in doubt, use a Fastpass or ride much later at night. Lines simmer down by then a bit. |
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
At number 1 is "the wildest ride in the wilderness"! To reinvigorate a tired Frontierland, BTMR was built in 1979 and proved a major success! This first-of-its-kind mine train coaster hurtles you through canyons and around buttes inspired by Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah on a runaway adventure. Just don't get blasted away in the final mine shaft! Queues for BTMR vary a great deal during the day. Fastpasses are always a safe way to go and they are not passed out too quickly. However, the line moves fast so even if you can't get one the wait is usually still worth it. Make sure you pay attention to the name of your engine before you board - they feature some of Disney's classic puns (I.B. Bold, U.R. Courageous . . .) |
There you have it! Thanks to all who voted! Do you agree with the results? Let us know!