Disneyland roller coasters are few, but each has a distinctive personality, and none are "standard" by roller coaster aficionado terms; all have been modified and themed to Disney style. They include the world's first tubular-tracked steel roller coaster and over at California Adventure, you'll find one of the longest steel-railed, looping coasters in the world.
Space Mountain
Courtesy of Disneyland
Vote the best "popular ride" in Disneyland by our readers, Space Mountain first opened in 1977 and was refurbished in 2007. It's a "dark" coaster that depicts a journey through the stars during a 3,450-foot trip that lasts 2 minutes, 45 seconds. Minimum height: 40 in (102 cm)
Matterhorn Bobsleds
© 2006 Betsy Malloy Photography. Licensed to About.com
The world's first tubular-tracked steel roller coaster is a favorite ride of our readers, reaching a top speed of 18 miles per hour during a ride that's slightly more than two minutes long, depending on which of its two tracks you go on. Minimum height: 35" (89 cm)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
© 2006 Betsy Malloy Photography. Licensed to About.com
One of the best rides in Disneyland, according to our reader's poll, opened in 1979. The theme is a runaway mine train on a wild ride through mine shafts, bat caves, and dark caverns. It's one of the fastest in the park at 28 miles per hour and has the longest ride (3 minutes, 15 seconds). Minimum height: 40 in (102 cm)
Gadget's Go Coaster
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A "junior" roller coaster with a ride lasting only 44 seconds, it takes its name from a mouse who appeared in the television series "Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers." Minimum height: 35 in (89 cm)
California Screamin', California Adventure
Courtesy of Disneyland
It looks like a classic wooden roller coaster, but in fact it's a steel-railed, looping coaster that's one of the world's longest. During the 2 minute, 36 second trip, you'll climb 120 feet and drop 108. The screamin' part of its name refers to what you'll be doing as it blasts you from 0 to 55 mph in 4 seconds and sends you heels over head on the loop around Mickey's face. Minimum height: 48 in (122 cm)
Mulholland Madness, California Adventure
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A "wild mouse" roller coaster, Mullholland Madness is named for the famous curving road, with ride vehicles that look like cars you might see on the Los Angeles street. The ride lasts a minute and a half, and the scary part is the feeling that the cars are going to fall off the track at every corner. Minimum height: 42 in (107 cm)
