New Orleans Square is one of the more laid back places of the park. The feel is very Mardi Gras-ish all year round but especially the last few weeks of March and the first couple weeks of April. There are not many rides, but many shops and picture spots. The few rides are ones that are very memorable for many though.
Here is everything I know about the rides in New Orleans Square
Disneyland Railroad – there is a stop of the railroad between the Haunted Mansion and the French Market Restaurant. Strollers can be folded up on the train if you want to ride it from place to place in the park.
Haunted Mansion –
- Has fast passes.
- Handicap entrance is the same as the regular entrance. After going up the ramp, the wheel chair will be moved around the side of the house to go into the elevator.
- All ages can ride this ride but some may find it kind of scary.
- We rode it with our kids and just try to make everything happy and party like until they got used to the ride. (“look at the happy ghost!” “that ghost is knocking on the door with a present!!!” “the ghosts are having a birthday party and dancing!!! yeah!” ect.)
- The elevator at the beginning gets pretty dark if you have kids scared of the dark. it is only momentary. The end of the elevator ride has a lightning storm and a hanging skeleton at the top so if you can keep those things scared looking down it would be best.
- You sit in little black pod like seats and go through the house. Those in wheelchairs have to transfer into the seats they have.
- There are hidden things through the house like ghosts in mirrors and floating things in corners so be aware of that as you go through if it is your first time.
- During October and through to Christmas the Haunted Mansion becomes a “Nightmare Before Christmas” Mansion and has all things changed to be Jack and Nightmare Before Christmas.
Pirates of the Caribbean –
- all ages can ride.
- The ride has small drops during the ride.
- This can be a little scary for some kids, but not as scary as the haunted mansion.
- You sit in boats to ride through the ride and sometimes will get slightly wet.
- There are fighting and parties with the pirates throughout the ride.
- There is a section that you go through a smoke machine that has a projected head image of Black Beard or Davy Jones on it. (this is my sons least favorite part.) The smoke continues into the fight scene of a ship and a fort. If you are sensitive to smoke screen this may bother you if it is thick that day.
- There are hidden Jack Sparrows throughout the ride and you can see Barbosa on the ship that is firing at the fort.
- There are no seat belts on this ride so be sure parents sit close to kids so they don’t stand up on the boats.
This Disneyland training article was written by my friend Melissa. Melissa is a Wife and Mother of 3 (ages 5, 3, and 1). Her family lives 10 minutes from Disneyland and visit the magical park at least 1 a week! She also blogs over at Living A Frugal Life about how to have a frugal life while still having a rich family life. She loves DIY projects, cooking from scratch, saving money and spending time with her little family!
Disneyland is the Happiest Place On Earth. Be sure to learn how to make the most of your trip by reading the Disneyland Training series. You can also browse all the articles I have posted in an easy to use outline. And if you are ready to book your trip, be sure to read about the perks of using an authorized Disney vacation planner (plus it’s FREE!).
Vikki says
FYI, the Haunted Mansion Fastpasses are only used during the “Nightmare Before Christmas” overlay during the Halloween/Christmas season. The rest of the year it does not offer Fatspass.
Callie says
I was going to leave the exact same comment! :)
Amber says
Me too!
Too funny. :)