Yes, I love this ride very much… wait, what’s happening to my nose?
Ah, the classic story of a toy that comes to life and starts talking to people. No, I’m not talking about Chucky, this is something far less scary and way more charming: our good old friend Pinocchio! He’s the star of Disney’s second-ever animated movie (the first being Snow White) and the centerpiece of this dark ride, which debuted back in 1983.
Pinnochio’s Daring Journey isn’t as classic as Peter Pan’s Flight or Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, but can also be a good choice for families that are visiting Disneyland. Honestly, I’d put it below most of the other other dark rides in the park, so make sure to visit Snow White, Alice in Wonderland and The Little Mermaid before coming here. I don’t think that Pinnochio’s Daring Journey is bad, but there are definitely better choices out there for families.
What we like about Pinnochio’s Daring Journey
First of all, this is a pretty basic dark ride. I don’t mean that it’s a bad one, though, but don’t expect any crazy new technology used here. The environments are nice to look at, and you do get to see some classic characters from the story like Gepetto, the cricket, the fairy godmother and the giant whale. I honestly don’t know much about the history of Pinnochio, but even I can recognize some of those classic characters that have been rewritten in different media formats throughout the years.
Other than that, the wait times are pretty low. Most of the time, you only need to wait 5–10 minutes to visit Pinocchio and his friends. It’s a great excuse to stretch your legs or escape the scorching sun on a hot summer day. Maybe you’re just wandering around Disneyland, unsure of what to do, when you pass by Pinocchio and see a 5-minute wait time. If you’re with younger guests, it’s definitely worth going in.
What we don’t like about Pinnochio’s Daring Journey
I’m going to be honest, I don’t like this ride that much. Maybe it’s because I don’t have much of a connection with Pinocchio, but I also wish the environments were a little brighter and more expansive. Plus, this is a story about a young boy who gets kidnapped, turned into a donkey, and then swallowed by a whale. Yeah, my friend Pinnochio had a rough day.
Oh, and all these scenes are shown throughout the ride, which can definitely be scary for little children, especially when Pinocchio is locked in a cage, and his kidnapper says he’s going to make a lot of money. Your vehicle also ventures inside a rather spooky circus, with some weird clowns and even a giant jack in the box. It’s a little bit… unsettling, I guess?
At least the ride is pretty short, lasting only about two and a half minutes. That might usually be considered a big drawback, but since the attraction itself isn’t that great, it’s actually a blessing that it doesn’t drag on for five or more minutes. Two minutes is just enough to remind you of Pinocchio’s story before heading straight to another dark ride.
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey FAQ
Is Pinocchio’s Daring Journey scary for children?
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey can be a bit scary for children. It includes several dark sections, scenes of Pinocchio trapped in a cage, and his transformation into a donkey.
Does Pinocchio’s Daring Journey have long lines?
No, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey usually has short wait times, and you typically won’t need to wait more than 5–10 minutes to ride.
Is Pinocchio’s Daring Journey exclusive to Disneyland in California?
No, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey is also featured at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.
Is it worth it to ride Pinocchio’s Daring Journey?
It’s worth it if you have plenty of free time. Otherwise, you might want to prioritize other dark rides before giving this one a try.
