What Not To Ride at California Adventure

What not to ride at California Adventure gives you an excuse to cut out a ride or two and spend time on favorite attractions instead.

I love California Adventure and the entire Disneyland Resort. But that doesn’t mean I love everything about it. I also want you to have the best Disneyland vacation ever, so I’m gonna give you an out here.

Just tell your friends I said it was totally okay to skip some of these rides at California Adventure, they’ll understand. This article was originally published in 2017 and has received some opinion updates since then. 

Here’s my “what not to ride” confession in no particular order and if you’re wondering what to skip at Disneyland, check the list here.

What Not to Ride: Goofy’s Sky School

I’m starting off with one that used to be on my what not to ride list, but has transitioned over to totally fine. Let me tell you what happened. When I first went on this ride with my kids I was not expecting it to be so, well—Goofy.

Imagine flying a plane with Goofy as the pilot, you’ll take unexpected twists and turns, drops and peaks. My head was tossed about with abandon and my neck did not like it.

I decided to try it again, but this time knew to keep my head still and I actually really enjoyed the drops and turns. Skip this one if you have neck issues or just don’t like being tossed around. 

If your kids want to try it, there is a Single Rider Line for ages 7 and up and parents can actually watch their kids wait in line and board and ride, all while standing at the exit.

What Not to Ride: Pixar Pal-A-Round Swinging

Oh wow! There’s good reason they have barf bags in the cages of fun. I love roller coasters and don’t ever remember getting queasy on a ride in my life. This one made my stomach a teeny bit unsettled, but my ride mates didn’t fare as well.

For one, you may be accompanied by other park guests you do not know. For two, you’ll be sitting across from them as you watch a full grown man break into a sweat and you reach for the barf bags just in case he let’s it all go right on you, sitting directly across from him.

Going up was fine and dandy. Totally fun. I didn’t know what the big deal was. Going down was where the “fun” really began and your stomach starts to mimic the swinging motion of the ride. Trust me, stick with the stable, non-swinging version. Look for this sign and follow it!

Want to hear what others think about this ride? We had quite a lively discussion (and entertaining at that!) about Pixar Pal-A-Round on my Facebook page. 

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What Not to Ride: Golden Zephyr

I feel like this spinning attraction is too close to other spinning attractions. Actually several spinning attractions. 

I’m talking:

• Jessie’s Critter Carousel, having a yodeling good time with my family at Pixar Pier. 
• Inside Out: Emotional Whirlwind, perfect for families with young kids. And don’t forget to see this attraction at night, it’s glorious! 

• Silly Symphony Swings, I love ditching my flip flops and swirling high over California Adventure. Yes, I am flip flops at Disneyland wearer. I say wear what you’re most comfortable in!

By the time I’ve made my way through Paradise Gardens Park, I’m over it. What about you? Do you ride all the round and round attractions including Golden Zephyr?

What Not to Ride (or do): The Bakery Tour

Meh. Nothing to write home about. Sure, you get a sample of bread and it only takes a few minutes but unless you’re already in the area I’d say skip it. 

Did I miss something? Am I wrong here? Let me know what you love about The Bakery Tour and if you think I should remove it from my list.

What Not to Ride (or do): World of Color

I know, I know. You guys are going to hate me for this. “What?! She doesn’t like World of Color?” Where has the Disney magic gone in my life?

I’ve tried. I’ve tried to watch it. It just doesn’t do it for me. Tell me, what am I missing? How do I get in the mindset of World of Color? Can I learn to love it? I am fully willing to take suggestions here. Side note: I don’t know this couple in the picture but I wish I did so I could send it to them. It’s totally adorable, don’t you think?

I will be doing World of Color Dessert Party early in 2020 and will update this with my experience. I am truly hoping the Desert Party (and good company!) can change my mind. 

That concludes my list for what not to ride at California Adventure and by now you may be thinking I’ve gone totally mad. Or maybe you want to add to my list? Maybe Luigi’s should be on here?

Rest assured, we’re all a little mad here but I do love me some Disneyland and California Adventure. So much so, I’ve written over 200 Disneyland planning articles right here and help people plan their trips to the park. Want in? Check out or VIP Custom Park Plans and printable plans here.