Disneyland Turns 60: Ranking Its Attractions by Land!

Find out where Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Main Street, U.S.A., Mickey's Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland fall in line

By Zach Johnson May 22, 2015 5:00 PMTags
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Oh, boy! The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration begins today!

Disneyland Park opened in Anaheim, Calif., on July 17, 1955, and ever since, it has entertained millions of guests from all over the world. That's no small feat!

"It's amazing to contemplate all that Disneyland has come to mean to so many people around the world," Tom Staggs, COO of the Walt Disney Company, recently told the official Disney Parks blog. "For 60 years, millions of guests have come here to celebrate their special occasions, and now we're excited to invite everyone to share the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration with us."

To celebrate, E! News has ranked Disneyland's best attractions by land:

8. Mickey's Toontown

Mickey's Toontown opened on Jan. 24, 1993. Inspired by the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit, it has less rides and shows than the other lands. Visitors can check out the Chip 'n Dale Treehouse, go inside Goofy's Playhouse and tour Mickey's House. If you really want to meet Mickey Mouse, this is the place. But if you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, head to Adventureland (duh).

7. Main Street, U.S.A.

Inspired by Walt Disney's hometown of Marceline, Mo., Main Street, U.S.A. was designed to resemble the center of a turn-of-the-20th-century American town. It features many attractions, including Disneyland Railroad, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Main Street Cinema and Main Street Vehicles. Everyone who enters the park walks down Main Street. It has great shopping, but not enough rides.

6. Critter Country

People can take a ride inside the logs of Splash Mountain, where they'll hurtle five stories into a pond full of briars. Kids love The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride, and families can paddle their way around Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island in search of adventure using Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes. If it weren't for Splash Mountain, would as many people venture to Critter Country? Probably not.

5. Frontierland

This land celebrates the trailblazers of the Old West. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad thrills people of all ages, while Fantasmic! recruits characters for a musical, pyrotechnic spectacular. Other attractions include Frontierland Shootin' Exposition, Mark Twain Riverboat and Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island.

4. New Orleans Square

Two of the park's most popular attractions—the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean—are housed here. In addition to inspiring movies (starring Eddie Murphy and Johnny Depp, respectively), one film inspired the land: The Princess and the Frog comes to life via Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration.

3. Adventureland

Who's ever gone to Disneyland without enjoying the Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye? No one, that's who! Adventureland is also home to the Enchanted Tiki Room, featuring the famous Dole Whips. Best of all, the Jungle Cruise turns into the Jingle Cruise during the holiday season. We're in!

2. Tomorrowland

Where else in the world can you experience the future in the present? Inspired by the New York World's Fair, the land is constantly evolving. Its current attractions include Astro Orbiter Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Monorail, Space Mountain and Star Tours - The Adventure Continues, among others. The land is so popular that it even inspired a film, Tomorrowland, starring George Clooney. Star Wars fans can also enroll in the Jedi Training Academy. May the Force be with you!

1. Fantasyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle is the park's crown jewel, a symbol that represents Disneyland as a whole. More than any other land, Fantasyland makes people feel like kids again, thanks to attractions like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, "it's a small world," King Arthur Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan's Flight, Pinocchio's Daring Journey and Snow White's Scary Adventures. The Matterhorn Bobsleds also take attendees past icy slopes, through twisting caves, near waterfalls and face-to-face with the abominable snowman. Fantasyland turns childhood fantasies into a reality, and really, isn't that what Disneyland is all about?

Agree or disagree with our rankings? Sound off in the comments!