Disneyland Resort is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the world. Mixed in with the thrill rides and nighttime spectaculars are a strong mix of attractions without a height limit. In this post, we’ll share our ten favorite rides at Disneyland and California Adventure that the whole family can take part in.

Like our Walt Disney World version of this post, the rides listed below aren’t just for young kids. All of the rides in the top 10 are great no matter what age you are! None of these will make you feel like you’ve attended a Disney Jr. Show as a childless adult. Not that we know what that’s like or anything…

Some of these attractions do lean adult in content but the ride system allows for no height limit. I’m not solely judging based on what is best for kids, although I don’t think any of these picks should be missed by families. Many of these rides fit into the top ten in our Disneyland and California Adventure Attraction Rankings. As a whole, this list was easier to make for Disneyland Resort than it was Walt Disney World despite having half as many theme parks. Most of that is thanks to Disneyland’s incredible dark rides!

On the flip side of this post, families should still experience attractions with height limits when going to Disneyland Resort no matter how small the kids are. Rider swap is available on attractions with height limits, allowing parents (or whoever stays with the kids) to swap who is riding and who is entertaining the children. Obviously, those rides aren’t what we’re ranking today but it’s worth keeping in mind for those going with kids who aren’t quite tall enough.

The only criteria I have for this post is that there can’t be a height limit. I’ve included one walkthrough attraction but didn’t consider any 3D or short films, although a few of those are worth doing. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and the Mark Twain Riverboat just narrowly missed the cut. Let’s get to the list!

10. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA)

Holding the 10th spot is the lone walkthrough attraction on the list. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail does lean more kid friendly in content, as it’s a large playground. But, it’s a beautiful large playground that’s worth walking through regardless of your age. Mixed in with the slides and rope bridges are gorgeous water features and large trees, fitting of something themed to California’s national parks. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail gets small overlays from time to time (including Villains Grove at Oogie Boogie Bash), as well as a few meet & greets. There are a few height limits and one height (and age) maximum for a couple of experiences within here, but everyone is free to roam!

9. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (DL)

Runaway Railway is tough to place on these lists, as I prefer some of the older rides but this wins out for being unique. This attraction is the only one on the list that is trackless, as the car glides through different vignettes akin to the famed Mickey shorts cartoons. Runaway Railway is really fun for a group of all ages and is a good stepping stone for younger riders who are looking for more of a thrill than the classic dark or boat ride. Plus, we’re always happy to hear Goofy reminiscing about Potatoland.

8. Alice in Wonderland (DL)

Speaking of those classic dark rides, Alice is the first one to show up on this list. We love the ride, with its inventive track that ends up on the Fantasyland rooftop. The animatronics and figures still look great and the quick paced plot embodies the movie, with some of the jokes going right over the head of kids. There’s enough to look at here that everyone will enjoy it regardless of if they’ve seen the film or not.

7. Disneyland Railroad (DL)

The iconic Disneyland Railroad easily makes it onto the top ten list. Grab a drink and get on the train at Main Street to do a full circle tour of Disneyland. Our favorite sections of the railroad are from New Orleans Square to Toontown and then from Tomorrowland back to Main Street. Seeing Rivers of America in all of its glory followed by the dinosaurs is a great way to get off your feet for 20 minutes and witness a bit of Disneyland history!

6. Toy Story Midway Mania (DCA)

This falls into the Runaway Railway category of us not being over the moon about the attraction but it’s a blast with a group. Toy Story Midway Mania is an interactive attraction where everyone competes at different carnival-esque games while on the ride. At times, it comes off like a glorified Nintendo Wii (remember those?) attraction but it’s also just downright fun! This is our last California Adventure attraction on the list, meaning there’s only 2 total. The other rides without height limits at the park just can’t match up with Disneyland’s lineup, although there are plenty of good attractions that have shorter height limits.

5. it’s a small world (DL)

Disneyland’s version of Small World is tough to beat, thanks in large part to the extraordinary facade. Once inside, the ride plays the familiar tune and the dolls might bring a tear to your eye, either due to how hopeful the ride is or how creepy they look. Maybe both! We contain multitudes. Bonus points to the Christmas overlay here, in case your eyes weren’t misty enough.

4. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (DL)

From the unity that Small World represents to this Wild Ride, Disneyland also contains multitudes. It’s incredible that this Fantasyland attraction exists, as guests hop aboard the car and follow Mr. Toad down a few troubling paths until they end up in… Nowhere in particular. This is a hit for all ages thanks to the steering wheel that lets kids feel like they’re driving and the contemplation of eternal damnation for everyone else.

3. Peter Pan’s Flight (DL)

Sitting right next to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is the most famous of the Fantasyland dark rides, Peter Pan’s Flight. No matter your age or how many times you’ve been on the ride, there’s something magical about boarding the ship and taking off over London and into Neverland. Peter Pan’s Flight is still spectacular!

2. Haunted Mansion (DL)

While this New Orleans Square attraction might spook some of smaller kids, it’s a Disneyland rite of passage. The facade hovers above that section of the park and looks stunning. Once inside, Haunted Mansion is a good mix of funny, campy and a tiny bit intimidating. Every scene is fantastic, making the ride one of the very best that Disney has ever created.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean (DL)

Pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite theme park attraction in the world. That it doesn’t have a height limit makes it all the better. The scope alone is jaw dropping. Once you add in all of the characters, classic dialogue, elaborate set pieces and small drops that add just a bit of thrill, there’s no topping Pirates of the Caribbean. It doesn’t matter your age or size, this ride can’t be missed!

What are your favorite attractions at Disneyland Resort without a height limit? Let us know, along with any questions you have, in the comments below. If you are planning a trip to Disneyland Resort then check out our planning guide. Looking for discount Disneyland tickets? Check out this site! If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. You can do all of that on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!