The Scariest Ride at Disneyland (and it might not be what you think)
Picture this: you’re in an old elevator shaft in the Hollywood Tower Hotel. You’re told this place is haunted by, well, mostly… everyone. But legend has it that some guests check in but never check out, for example, the five people who vanished into the Twilight Zone when lightning struck the hotel on October 31st, 1939.
But after all, those are just legends, stories just to scare people, right?
Well, how about plummeting 13 stories (131 feet!) at 39 miles per hour in pure darkness, except for the part where, ya know, you get your picture taken as you see the outside world for the last time?
So yeah, this might send a shiver up your spine, but even this wasn’t the scariest ride at Disneyland (or California Adventure). The scariest ride of either park?
Goofy’s Sky School!
Courtesy of The Midnight Monorail
This is advertised as a starter coaster. You can see the whole track, which makes it less intimidating for kiddos, no big drops or loops. However, this attraction isn’t for the faint of heart. Though this rollercoaster isn’t as daunting as the Incredicoaster, it features sharp turns, jerky movements, and sudden dips. It is a ‘wild mouse’ style coaster, which means it’s designed to feel uncontrollable.
Before this ride was themed after the animated short, Goofy’s Glider, it was called Mulholland Madness when it first opened in 2001. The design of the coaster has stayed the same throughout the years, with only the theming being rebranded once.
Courtesy of The Midnight Monorail
Goofy’s Sky School may not seem like it goes fast when watching from the ride queue, but you’re actually travelling at 27 miles per hour, which is the same speed as the Matterhorn Bobsleds!
Speaking of the queue, keep your eye out while you’re waiting to take your flying lessons. There are four hidden Mickeys (psst….most of them are in the queue) placed throughout the attraction.
A fun theming detail is also found in the queue of the attraction. You’ll find lots of billboards and funny signs; take a closer look next time. You’ll see a reference to the Country Bear Jamboree. The queue identifies Goofy as buying moonshine as fuel for the planes from Big Al at Bear Brothers Backwood Brewery.
This attraction is definitely not for everyone, although a thrilling and worthwhile one if you wait in the (general) 30-45 minute line. For my friends who use EVC and wheelchairs, you must be able to transfer into the ride vehicle.
