In this new series I suggest attractions at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort that will appeal to those Guests who dislike traditional amusement park rides. There may be many reasons why someone can’t or won’t get on a ride. They may be too short, too heavy, or too big. They may have medical problems or be pregnant. Or they may just dislike fast rides and long lines. No matter the reason everyone deserves to have a happy time at the Disney parks. The following attractions can be enjoyed by everyone and may even bring a smile to the most reluctant Guest. Today we will explore Disneyland.
This is the original Disney park and it is a magical place to visit. A lot of Guests come for the thrilling rides, but you can easily fill a day and never go on a single fast ride. Catch a parade, enjoy a musical ensemble, and see some of the great shows. Every land has something to offer, no matter what your preferences are. By the end of the day you’ll have wonderful memories of the Happiest Place on Earth.
5 Disneyland attractions for people who hate rides:
1) Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. This is a moving tribute to America and to the 16th president. This animatronic figure is one of the best anywhere and the script is taken from President Lincoln’s own words. The Voices of Liberty now perform throughout the day and add a patriotic sound to the heartfelt words of a patriotic man.
2) Monorail. If you need to get to Downtown Disney the monorail is a quick way to travel there. But even if you are staying in the park the monorail is a fun attraction to ride. It is so quiet that if you close your eyes you may not know you are moving. But open your eyes and you’ll see Tomorrowland zip away. This is a fun way to see other parts of the resort and a nice place to relax. The monorail gives you a birds-eye view that you can’t see any other way.
3) Mickey’s ToonTown. This is one of the lands in Disneyland and it is the most wacky. I don’t suggest you go on the rides since they are fast and geared for little kids. Instead spend some time walking around the town and touching the buildings. Many of the objects that look normal do fun things. Open a mailbox and people talk to you. Pull on a lever and dynamite explodes. Mickey’s ToonTown is where animated characters live and they like their town to be as zany as a cartoon. Come join the fun.
4) it’s a small world. Everyone knows the song and most Guests have ridden the ride at least once. But have you spent time around the outside of the building? Every 15 minutes the various doors on the facade open up and a parade of dolls spin around. It is delightful to watch and a great place to take pictures. Try to arrive a few minutes early so you can see the spectacle from beginning to end.
5) Disneyland Railroad. I never tire of riding on trains, but this one is extra-special. Before you arrive at the Main Street station you pass through two dioramas. One of them shows a desert landscape and the Grand Canyon. My favorite one is the dinosaur scene. I love seeing these huge creatures from the past and the music matches perfectly. It is a fanciful ending to a nostalgic trip.
I hope everyone gets a chance to visit the original Disney park some time in their life. It is a place where dreams come true. Happiness squared.
Goofy Tip: Like the Magic Kingdom in Florida there are other attractions at Disneyland that are great for Guests who wish to avoid the fast rides. I listed them separately because you can see the same rides at both parks and the list above is specifically for Disneyland. Here are 5 additional attractions that would be perfect for anyone: Captain EO, Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Mark Twain Riverboat, and Fantasmic!