The Disneyland Resort has two theme parks, Disneyland and California Adventure. Disneyland opened in 1955 and California Adventure opened in 2001. The parks have seen a lot of changes over the years. These are the Disneyland rides that have changed a lot since they opened.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a Princess and the Frog themed log flume ride. It opened in 2024. Originally this ride was Splash Mountain, which opened in 1989.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is a Tomorrowland attraction with Finding Nemo theming from the popular Pixar movie. This ride opened in 2007. It was originally The Submarine Voyage which opened in 1959.
Soarin’ Over The World
Soarin’ Over The World is an attraction in California Adventure park. It opened as Soarin’ Over California and now it switches between the two versions of the ride. The screen and projection system have seen improvements over the years.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland opened in 1969. It has seen many changes since then, but the most notable ones happened in 2006 with additions of Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbosa to match the movie better.
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish used to be a different Snow White ride named Snow White’s Scary Adventures. It opened on Disneyland’s opening day in 1955 and was changed to what it is now in 2021.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT is one of the most thrilling rides in California Adventure. It opened in 2017. Before that it was a spooky ride called Tower of Terror. Tower of Terror is still in Disney World though. See a list of rides at Disney World that aren’t at Disneyland here.
Star Tours
Star Tours is an attraction in Tomorrowland in Disneyland. It used to be set around the time of the movie Return of the Jedi. The show has changed overtime to different things including scenes from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Andor.
Monster’s, Inc. Mike & Sulley To The Rescue
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue is a really cute Monsters, Inc. themed ride in California Adventure. It opened in 2006. It used to be a ride called Superstar Limo. It was only open from 2001 to 2002.
Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise is a humorous ride in Adventureland in Disneyland. It used to not have the funny skippers it does now. The guides used to be more serious and dull. Also, many animals and animatronics have been added to it. This was a Disneyland opening day attraction in 1955. See a list of opening day attractions that are still there today.
Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion is one of the most iconic rides in all of Disneyland. It opened in August of 1969. The biggest change to this ride is that starting in October 2001 Disney transformed it into Haunted Mansion Holiday every year for Halloween and Christmas. This comes with Nightmare Before Christmas theming that guests love.
Incredicoaster
Incredicoaster is a ride on Pixar Pier in California Adventure. It used to be California Screamin’. It was a very similar roller coaster, but Incredicoaster has theming from The Incredibles movie. California Screamin’ opened when the park did in 2001 and Incredicoaster opened in 2018.
Silly Symphony Swings
Silly Symphony Swings in California Adventure used to be The Orange Stinger. It was a swings ride too, but used to have an orange peel around it. It looked very different from the outside.