The Best Rollercoasters for Your Disney Vacation: Disney World vs Disneyland Resort

in Disney Parks, Disneyland Resort, The Walt Disney Company

Matterhorn Disneyland Rollercoaster

Disneyland Resort in California is home to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, both featuring their own thrilling roller coasters. If you’re headed to Disneyland, be sure to check out these must-ride coasters that are unique to the park.

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Disneyland Park

Guests riding on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Similar to the version at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a must-ride attraction. While it features the same thrilling mine train ride, Disneyland’s version is a bit more compact and offers a slightly different experience due to the layout of the park. Guests will still experience the iconic twists and turns through the old mining town, and it’s a great ride for families and thrill-seekers alike.

2. Space Mountain – Disneyland Park

Space Mountain in front of the sunset
Credit: Disney

Disneyland’s Space Mountain offers the same thrilling journey through the cosmos as the Magic Kingdom version but with some unique differences. The ride vehicle is a bit more compact, and the ride features slightly different music and special effects. If you’re a fan of the Space Mountain experience, it’s definitely worth checking out both versions to compare them.

3. Matterhorn Bobsleds – Disneyland Park

matterhorn at Disneyland
Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction undergoing refurbishment in 2012.

A true Disneyland classic, Matterhorn Bobsleds is one of the most iconic roller coasters in the Disney world. Located in Fantasyland, this ride sends guests on a thrilling race down the icy slopes of the Matterhorn mountain, where they’ll encounter the legendary Yeti. The ride has been updated over the years, but it still maintains that old-school Disney magic, with some thrilling drops and a fun alpine theme.

4. Incredicoaster – Disney California Adventure Park

For Pixar fans, the Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure is a must. This high-speed roller coaster takes you on a thrilling ride through Pixar Pier, following the Incredibles family as they race to save baby Jack-Jack.

Mickey's Fun Wheel and Incredicoaster on Pixar Pier at Disneyland Resort's California Adventure
Credit: Brandi Alexandra, Unsplash

The ride features a vertical loop, multiple inversions, and plenty of twists and turns, all accompanied by the sounds of the Incredibles soundtrack. It’s the perfect coaster for fans of Pixar and those looking for an intense thrill ride.

5. Goofy’s Sky School – Disney California Adventure Park

Goofy's Sky School sign
Credit: Disney

For a gentler but still thrilling coaster, check out Goofy’s Sky School at Disney California Adventure. This family-friendly roller coaster, located in Paradise Gardens Park, features tight turns and small drops as Goofy attempts to teach guests how to fly. It’s a fun, lighthearted ride that’s perfect for families with younger children.

6. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster – Disneyland Park

This adorable roller coaster is designed for younger kids and families, with smaller drops and a more relaxed pace. Located in Mickey’s Toontown, it’s an excellent choice for young thrill-seekers who want to experience the fun of a roller coaster without the intense speeds or drops. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster is a hidden gem that offers a fun, cartoon-inspired adventure.

Chip n Dale's Gadget Coaster at Toontown
Credit: Disney

Whether you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, both parks offer an exciting lineup of roller coasters that will satisfy thrill-seekers of all kinds. Walt Disney World Resort is home to 8 incredible coasters, including iconic rides like Expedition Everest and the new TRON Lightcycle. Disneyland Resort also delivers with classics like Matterhorn Bobsleds and the adrenaline-pumping Incredicoaster.

Both Disney destinations have something unique to offer roller coaster enthusiasts, so whether you’re visiting Florida or California, make sure you carve out time to experience these unforgettable thrill rides.

Which Disney park has your favorite coaster? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

in Disney Parks, Disneyland Resort, The Walt Disney Company

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