A few of the Disneyland Resort’s least impressive attractions have still managed to win a place in our hearts, and today we continue our look at Disney’s Best Worst Rides by taking a spin on the Silly Symphony Swings.
We kicked off our series on Disney’s Best Worst attractions with a ride on Goofy’s Sky School, and for part two we’re taking a look at its neighbor in Paradise Gardens Park, the Silly Symphony Swings.
Originally opened as the Orange Stinger, the Silly Symphony Swings is a simple “flat ride” featuring swings on chains, rotating around a telescoping central tower, which will be familiar from amusement parks and traveling carnivals.
The theme pays tribute to the 1935 Mickey Mouse cartoon The Band Concert, the first color Mickey cartoon released to the public, with guests seated in swings flying around a tower. In the scary department, it’s a wilder ride than Dumbo, but Silly Symphony Swings is still just swings going in circles.
A number of tandem swings are available to allow children 40–48 inches to ride with a parent; look for a separate tandem line to the left as you approach the attraction.
This is a fun and visually appealing ride, but it’s also one that loads slowly and occasions long waits, unless you ride during the first hour or so the park is open.
Be aware that it’s possible for the swing chairs to collide when the ride comes to a stop—Bob once picked up a nice bruise when an empty swing smacked him during touchdown.
Although this three-star attraction is certainly expendable on a tight touring plan, the simple joy of swinging your feet above Paradise Bay is difficult to put into words, so see why we can’t help but love the Silly Symphony Swings with this POV video:
For all there is to see and do at Disneyland, check out The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland by Seth Kubersky with Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa, and Guy Selga Jr. All Disneyland fans should also check out The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney’s Dream by Sam Gennawey.
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