6. Pirates of the Caribbean – Disneyland

While other versions of this attraction exist at four other parks, the original iteration of Pirates of the Caribbean continues to receive the adoration of fans. Its theming is also the best since it resides in the antebellum themed land known as New Orleans Square. The story of its creation is a celebration of the genius of Walt Disney. But what’s remarkable about the Disneyland version is the way that Imagineers stridently update it for new generations.

When the movie version of Pirates of the Caribbean became a blockbuster – at one point, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest held the record for opening weekend box office – Disney adapted to the growing celebrity of Jack Sparrow. They also incorporated the villains from the franchise as well. Due to their dedication, Pirates of the Caribbean always seems current. Despite its age, this dark ride didn’t appear on the list until after its movie tie-ins were added, demonstrating how successful those integrations were. It’s also deemed one of the three best rides at the park according to Travel + Leisure. 

5. Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye - Disneyland

Ranked just above Pirates of the Caribbean on the aforementioned list is this swashbuckling Indiana Jones attraction. While I personally wouldn’t call it the second best ride at Disneyland, its appeal is undeniable. Any self-respecting Indiana Jones fan will feel a surge in adrenaline as you travel through the bumpy, curved path.

Your vehicle for the journey is a specially designed ride cart called an Enhanced Motion Vehicle, and it’s so unique that only one other Disney park has a version of it, Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s basically a motion simulator, only it handles the bumps the old-fashioned way. Your body takes a modest beating due to the clever technology. Remember: Indiana never had an easy time. Why should you?

The popularity of the attraction involves more than just its IP, although that’s important, too. The George Lucas connection that Disney built with Star Tours carried over to the Indiana Jones brand, and Imagineers lovingly recreated some of the finest moments from the series, even including the pit of snakes that once caused our hero to bitterly lament his plight. There are also a few rope bridges, hanging vines, and other staples of the franchise littered throughout the ride. Temple of the Forbidden Eye is the greatest Indiana Jones creation of the last 25 years…and I include Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in that.

4. Haunted Mansion – Knoebels Amusement Resort

Yes, you read that correctly. The scary dark ride celebrated the most by the voters of Amusement Today isn’t the other attraction at New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Instead, it’s the crown jewel of Knoebels, and the park advertises their masterpiece as “A Terrifying Adventure in Darkness”. While you may believe that the reason why this Haunted Mansion scores better than Disney’s version is that it’s younger, you’re only partially correct. Disneyland finally introduced its version in 1969. The Knoebels offering came along in 1973. They’ve both operated for more than 40 years now, making each one a part of theme park lore.

The Knoebels Haunted Mansion is a dark ride in the truest sense of the world. The lights are literally out during key portions of your journey into the macabre. Then, a spotlight will flash on some creepy creature that you would swear hadn’t been there a moment before. One second you’re blind in the dark and then boom! There’s a King Kong-sized skull right in front of your face! Your pulse will race during the 200 seconds of the attraction.

What’s especially great about Haunted Mansion is that despite its status as theme park icon, Knoebels officials aren’t afraid to tweak it. In 2016 alone, they added several new elements for a few new cheap tricks, and they redesigned an entire room. The ever-changing nature of Haunted Mansion is why it has stood the test of time.