Incredicoaster

Image: DisneyWhile the Incredicoaster touches on some of the ideas from The Incredibles 2, it’s not directly related to the movie. As such, I debated its inclusion, but it absolutely belongs here. This rebuilt version of California Screamin’ keeps the thrills but adds something that the original roller coaster lacked.

The Incredicoaster comes with set-pieces cleverly placed inside the tunnels. Imagineers constructed these to block direct sunlight and control visual perspective for the rider. With the new coaster, the tunnels became a place to show off superpower skills as a family chases down its wandering baby. The simple changes tie together the ride experience in a profound way. I think it's in the discussion for the best superhero ride on the planet.

Indiana Jones Adventure

Image: DisneyI had the most challenging time with Indiana Jones Adventure. It's in no way based on the film franchise, yet Indiana Jones appears during the action sequences. And the ride undeniably captures the vibe of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Everything feels unsettled, and the hero fails much more often than he succeeds.

Also, several Theme Park Tourist authors have stated that this ride is their favorite at Disneyland. So, I feel that’s reason enough to include it.

Jurassic Park: The Ride

Image: UniversalScenic backdrop? Check. Playful dinosaurs interacting with human tourists? Check. A capsized boat that hints of impending danger? Check. Terrifying velociraptors chewing on human clothing? Check. A descent into darkness that comes complete with screams of horror? That’s a big check.

Jurassic Park: The Ride honors the movies better than Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom did.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Image: DisneyThis one might seem misplaced, but I stand behind it. No other Omnimover ride has done a better job of retelling the movie’s story better than Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. It’s certainly not a complex attraction or even one that demonstrates Imagineering greatness. But it certainly makes you root for Ariel and Eric while fearing Ursula. That’s all it needs since the story stands on its own.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Image: DisneyWalt Disney watched a play as a child, and it impacted him profoundly. He loved the characters from Peter Pan from that point forward, and they became the basis for the 1953 movie. Around the same time, Uncle Walt purchased the land for the Happiest Place on Earth. Peter Pan, the ride, became the first project to coincide with the feature film. Only 29 months separated the two. Perhaps that explains why the experiences feel so similar.

Radiator Springs Racers

Image: DisneyThis ride allows you to visit Radiator Springs for a while. It’s a heady turn of events since the place from the Pixar film is theoretically fictional. Disney has somehow built a real-world version of it that seems like the real thing. Whenever I’m in Radiator Springs, I don’t want to leave.