Pinocchio’s Daring Journey is a classic dark ride located in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Opened in 1983 as part of the New Fantasyland expansion, this attraction brings to life the story of Pinocchio, Disney’s 1940 animated film, through detailed sets, animatronics, and classic Disney storytelling. The ride takes guests on a perilous adventure alongside Pinocchio, as he navigates through temptation, danger, and ultimately redemption, following the film’s moral lesson about honesty and bravery.
Guests board wooden ride vehicles shaped like carts, which travel along a winding track through key scenes from the movie. The adventure begins inside Gepetto’s workshop, where Pinocchio comes to life. However, trouble quickly arises as guests are led into Stromboli’s puppet theater, where Pinocchio is trapped in a cage. The journey continues to Pleasure Island, where wayward boys indulge in reckless fun before transforming into donkeys. The atmosphere darkens as riders narrowly escape the villainous Coachman and find themselves in the ominous ocean depths, where Monstro the Whale looms ahead.
Just as it seems all hope is lost, Pinocchio and his friends escape, and the Blue Fairy appears, guiding them back home. The final scene shows Pinocchio as a real boy, celebrating with Gepetto, Figaro, and Cleo in a joyful ending. The ride captures both the lighthearted charm and eerie suspense of the original film, making it a unique and immersive Fantasyland attraction.
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey has no height requirement, making it accessible to all guests. The ride lasts approximately 2 minutes, featuring mildly dark and intense scenes, particularly in Pleasure Island and Monstro’s ocean encounter, which might be slightly unsettling for very young children. While Lightning Lane is not available, wait times are generally short to moderate. As one of Fantasyland’s quaint yet thrilling storybook attractions, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey offers a nostalgic, visually engaging ride through one of Disney’s most timeless tales.