The Silly Symphony Swings is a classic carnival-style swing ride located in Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure. With its bright colors, whimsical music, and breathtaking views, it’s a fun ride for guests of all ages.
Ride Overview
The Silly Symphony Swings ride consists of dozens of swings suspended from an ornate tower designed to look like a music staff and treble clefs. Riders sit in swings in groups of two as the ride rotates around the tower and swings up and down. The ride lasts approximately 90 seconds as it gently swings riders up to 25 feet in the air, providing stunning aerial views of Paradise Bay, Paradise Pier, and beyond.
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller. Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older. To ride alone, you must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Rider Switch: is offered so both parents can ride without waiting in line twice.
Single Rider: Not available on this ride.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Unfortunately neither Genie+ or Lightning Lane are offered for the ride. Most likely because the wait times never get too high. We like to save ours for the “big” rides anyway.
Disability Access Service (DAS): Guests with disabilities can avail of the DAS service, allowing for an adapted and convenient ride experience tailored to individual needs.
Location: Situated in Disney California Adventure Park’s Paradise Gardens Park area, the Silly Symphony Swings offer a delightful experience, reminiscent of classic fairground swing rides, but with a signature Disney twist.
History and Design
The current Silly Symphony Swings ride opened in 2001 as part of the major expansion turning Paradise Pier into Paradise Gardens Park. It was originally named the Orange Stinger before being re-themed in 2010 to tie into the Silly Symphony animated shorts produced by Walt Disney in the 1930s.The ride was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and the ornate tower housing the swings was made to resemble a music staff with treble clefs.
The ride vehicles are themed to look like rubber balls with antennae, inspired by the “Bouncy Ball Symphony” Silly Symphony cartoon. The ride’s whimsical music, composed by Mark Hammond, changes throughout the cycle and incorporates melodies from Silly Symphony cartoons like the Skeleton Dance and Flowers and Trees. It evokes the colorful, musical spirit of the classic Disney shorts.
The Ride Experience
The Silly Symphony Swings provides a smooth, gentle swinging motion that makes it appealing for guests who want a ride with a little thrill but no big drops. The ride starts slowly rotating as it swings riders up higher and higher in a circular motion to a maximum of 25 feet above the ground. The ride experience takes place against the backdrop of Paradise Gardens Park and provides excellent elevated views of Paradise Pier, Little Mermaid ride, and the bay.
Being up in the air with the wind in your face makes it feel more thrilling than a typical carnival swing ride on the ground. The queue and surrounding area feature whimsical music from the Silly Symphony shorts to entertain riders while waiting in line. The ride itself has an upbeat, orchestral soundtrack with horns and woodwinds that adds to the festive atmosphere.
The circular rotation combined with the swinging motion can make some riders feel a bit dizzy or nauseous. The ride lasts about 90 seconds from start to finish. Most riders come off smiling and often wanting to go again for another ride on the symphony swings.
Average Wait Times
Depending on the time of year and the day of the week, wait times can vary. However, typically, wait times range from 10 to 30 minutes, making it one of the less congested rides in the park.
Best Times to Ride
Early mornings or later in the evening tend to be the best times. Given its open design, riding during sunset provides a picturesque view of the park, adding to the magic. Some nights the ride closes early for the World of Color show. Check the app for the most up to date info.
Similar Rides
As a carnival-style swing ride, the Silly Symphony Swings is similar to swings found at many carnivals and amusement parks. Disneyland’s only other traditional swing ride is Casey Jr. Circus Train in Fantasyland. Some other comparable rides include:
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- Astro Orbitor
- Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
- Golden Zephyr
Conclusion
Silly Symphony Swings is a delightful, nostalgic ride, perfect for those seeking a gentle thrill combined with charming Disney storytelling. It’s a must-visit for fans of classic Disney animation and those looking to take a brief, whimsical flight over California Adventure.
