Sunset Boulevard

The forces of good and evil battle it out in Mickey’s dream during this extravagant open-air nighttime musical.

You’ve captured a special invitation to an Aerosmith concert, but it’s clear across town, and you’re late! Disney’s wildest coaster ride takes place inside a twenty-four passenger “stretch limo” speeding down a Los Angeles freeway amid blasting Aerosmith music. Zooming past, through, and around neon Hollywood landmarks, you’ll loop and corkscrew in the night. And that’s after you’ve accelerated to a speed of 60 mph in just under three seconds. Hold onto your hat (or anything else you might treasure) because this is pure Disney fun.

10-minute ride. Minimum height: 48 inches. Not recommended for expectant mothers, those with back, heart, or neck problems, or those prone to motion sickness.

Cara’s Tip: If you’d like to sit in the front seat just ask, but be prepared for a wait because every other daredevil around has the same idea. The chicken-hearted can take comfort in knowing that although there are three inversions on the ride, there are no steep drops.

On this free-falling adventure, you’ll certainly feel you’ve entered The Twilight Zone or, at the very least, a brand new dimension of fright. The waiting line snakes through the crumbling grounds of the deserted, 13-story Hollywood Tower Hotel with its rusty grillwork, dry cracking fountains, and overgrown and unkempt foliage before proceeding through the spooky, abandoned lobby of dusty concierge desks, forgotten luggage, and dead flower arrangements. Step into the gloomy hotel library for a message from Rod Serling (on a black-and-white television, of course) who relays the tale of a stormy night in 1939 when an elevator filled with people was struck by lightning and disappeared. A bellhop then invites you into the boiler room where an old, rusty service elevator awaits you.

It ascends and moves horizontally through several remarkable special effects and then, in the pitch black without warning, plummets 13 stories to the bottom. Up you go again, and down, and up, and down, between which you’ll have dazzling views of the park. If you can stand the thrill, don’t miss this one; just be sure to ride it on an empty stomach.

10-minute ride. Minimum height: 40 inches. Not recommended for expectant mothers, those with back, heart, or neck problems, or those prone to motion sickness.

Cara’s Tip: If you chicken out, an escape route is located immediately before entering the elevator; just ask a bellhop for directions.