Great Oak Gazette

Mariam Marwan M Shamel

After spending three full days at Disneyland with my family– running between lands, waiting in irritatingly long lines, and attending as many attractions as humanly possible under the basking hot sun– I left with a qualified perspective of the park’s most iconic rides. With a wristband sunburn and sore leg muscles to prove it, I think my opinion reflects an honest and deep evaluation of the rides that ultimately shaped our trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. From exhilarating roller coasters to soft classics, here is my personal review of the top four attractions I experienced.

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: 

This ride sends you racing through a haunted gold mine on a runaway train, and the experience is thrilling from the moment the ride begins. One of the most memorable portions is the sweeping turn that follows the spooky, bat-infested tunnel. The sharp curve creates an illusion of speed, creating a feeling of desperation to escape the fluttering bats behind you.

The drops, while not very steep, are fast and thrilling, delivering a sense of anticipation that builds with every climb. Near the end, a series of hops makes the train feel intentionally rickety and uncomfortable. This small detail contributes a layer of uneasiness that enhances the rider’s entire experience. 

Overall, the 50-minute wait felt absolutely worth it. The ride delivers a perfect balance of excitement without being extremely frightening, making it a great option for younger riders (as long as they meet the height requirement).

2. Matterhorn Bobsleds: 

The Matterhorn Bobsleds consist of two intertwining coasters that send riders off into a fast-paced journey around the icy slopes of an Alpine mountain’s peak. Even before boarding, the queue sets the scene beautifully. Snow-covered rocks, rustic wooden infrastructures, and the ringing of bells from the speakers create an atmosphere of a Swiss mountain village. The theming does an excellent job of immersing riders in the world of the Alps before they even step into the bobsled.

After a long wait, it’s finally your turn to ride. The bobsled climbs a steep incline along the mountainside, offering a brief, unique view of the park below. Then, without warning, you’re launched into a rapid downhill, speeding through dark caverns and tight cliffside turns. Cold air blasts simulate icy winds, and a light mist of artificial snow adds to the illusion.

The ride combines sharp turns, sudden dips, and quick bursts of speed, yet it remains manageable even for riders who might be intimidated by more extreme rollercoasters. The thrill is not just in the speed, but also in the immersive atmosphere that transports you straight into a wintery Alpine mountain. Overall, Matterhorn Bobsleds is a must-ride for families, as it pulls you out of the Californian heat and drops you into a chilly, fun-packed adventure.

3. Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters: 

This attraction is a colorful, interactive shooter game where riders use laser blasters to aim at glowing targets and rack up as many points as possible. Each ride vehicle seats one to two people and includes a joystick, allowing you to spin your cart left or right as you move through different scenes. There’s no limit to how high your score can go, which makes the experience feel endlessly replayable. 

Although I definitely didn’t come close to maximizing my score, the ride delivers a huge fun factor. It creates a sense of competition (especially when riding with family) while still being calm and easygoing. It’s not fast or intense; instead, it feels like stepping inside a video game, making it a perfect break from bigger roller coasters. 

My sisters and I spent the entire ride laughing, twisting our cart around, and trying to beat each other’s scores. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters might not be the flashiest attraction in the park, but it’s undeniably a classic, and one we’ll always stop for whenever we visit Disneyland.

4. Incredicoaster

Back to the roller coasters! The Incredicoaster is often considered the scariest ride at Disneyland, and after riding it myself, I completely understand why. Even the nearly two-hour wait felt justified once I finally got on. Unlike most coasters in the park, this one is built with a major loop and a long track. 

What makes the ride even more engaging is how perfectly each twist, drop, and turn syncs with the story of the Incredibles. As you race through the track, you follow Mr. Incredible, Elastagirl, Dash, and Violet as they chase Jack-Jack. You actually feel the heat blast across your face when Jack-Jack erupts into flames, smell chocolate chip cookies when Mr. Incredible tries to bring him back, and hear the family yelling over one another as they try to wrangle the baby. The sensory details elevate the coaster far beyond just speed and height, making it a full experience. 

The drops are incredibly high, giving you a full, sweeping view of the park before plunging back down. It was easily the tallest and most intense ride I went on during my trip. Because of that, I’d only recommend the Incredicoaster to riders who are comfortable with heights, speed, and loops. If you’re easily scared, this will probably be a ride that you would not enjoy; it truly is the definition of “the scary roller coaster.” 

5. Conclusion

Through this review, Disneyland proved once again why it remains one of the most iconic theme parks in the world. Each ride carried its own sense of excitement and thrill. Despite the hot sun, the attractions created an experience that will not soon be forgotten. After three full days of adventure and a deep analysis, I left with a profound appreciation for the creativity and thought that go into these rides. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply searching for some fun for your family, Disneyland surely has a ride that will stay with you long after you’ve left the gates.