Condensing a 90-minute movie into a 4-minute ride actually works surprisingly well
Ah, Monsters, Inc. What a great movie that was released back in 2001. I still remember watching it for the first time and enjoying Sulley and Mike. I even thought that they would become superstars in the world of theme parks, but isn’t it funny how there aren’t many Monsters, Inc. rides out there? Most of them are minor attractions, like the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and even fewer people know that a dark ride based on the Disney property exists.
Monsters, Inc. is a fun dark ride that’s a step above something like Roger Rabbit. It features a more comfortable vehicle with room for additional guests, an LCD screen in your car that helps tell the story, and well-crafted, colorful animatronics. All in all, it’s a fun ride for families and kids.
What we like about Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
This is a colorful and fun dark ride that debuted in 2006 at Disney California Adventure. It features large, impressive scenes as you explore Monstropolis and encounter several buildings overtaken by monster animatronics. They’re never too scary and are more cartoonish than anything else, so little kids might find them okay.
I really enjoy the animatronics. Monsters, Inc. is all about… well, monsters… and this gives Disney plenty of room to create some wild designs. We see animatronics that resemble snails, pineapples, and even… stuff I don’t know how to describe. Of course, we also get to see Mike and Sulley. Sulley, in particular, looks fantastic: he’s huge, with realistic fur and is very well made. Don’t expect eyes as lifelike or emotionally expressive as those in newer rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but the animatronics are still impressive to this day.
This is a great ride for toddlers. Kids tend to love it, and some of them want to re-ride it again and again. It might be because Disney California Adventure has limited ride options without a height requirement, with The Little Mermaid being the only other attraction similar to this one. The Monsters, Inc. ride is also relatively long for a dark ride, clocking in at 4 minutes. That’s especially great, considering some Disneyland dark rides, like Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, last only about two minutes.
I love the rooms in this ride, especially towards the end when you enter the large room filled with doors, just like in the movie. There are doors moving all around you, which really helps create the feeling that you're inside the Monsters' factory.
Oh yeah! Also keep in mind that this ride sometimes offers what Disney calls the "Buddy Pass". This special pass allows one or two adults, or one adult with two children, to enter the attraction through the exit queue. It’s similar to a single rider option so you don’t have to wait long in line if you're in a small party. Just ask the staff member if a Buddy Pass is available, and cross your fingers!
What we don’t like about Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
The biggest downside of this ride is the wait times. It seems to take a little longer than usual to load passengers, and combined with its popularity among kids, you often end up with wait times around the 40-minute mark. That’s quite a bit for a simple dark ride. If you're traveling with toddlers, it’s best to visit this ride before 11:00am to avoid the long lines.
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue FAQ
Where is Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue located?
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is located in Disney California Adventure Park.
What is the height requirement to ride Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue?
There is no height requirement for this ride.
Is Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue scary for children?
It can be a little bit scary for toddlers. While the monsters are more cute than frightening, they are still meant to be monsters, and younger children (under 3 years old) might find them intimidating.
Do we recommend Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue?
Yes, we highly recommend this ride for families with toddlers. It's also a great option for anyone when the wait time is under 30 minutes.
