Disney California Adventure
add photosLocated across the plaza from Disneyland, this park boasts amazing thrill rides, fun climbing adventures, fully immersive attractions, and great shows which makes it a wonderful stand-alone park that complements Disneyland. Cars Land will open June 2012; until then, enjoy the nightly World of Color show, Pixar pals, Hollywood land with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mickey's Fun Wheel, the Grizzly River Rafting Co. ride and more.
Discount tickets available at Costco and online for multi-day and multi-park combinations.
54 Reviews for Disney California Adventure
3
00 families found this helpful
"Family fun"
We love CA the lines are great and never to packed. We get on all the rides and my kids enjoy all the fun. With our season passes we can enjoy both parks and enjoy the differnce in both. Been taking my kids since they were 10 months old and one in my tummy, they are now 4 and 5 years old.
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2 families found this helpful
"Pixar fans, this is your park!"
It was our family’s first time at Disney’s California Adventure and we had a fantastic time. Our 5 and 7 year old both agreed that their favorite ride was Toy Story Mania - a 4D interactive ride that got all of us firing balls at a rapid speed. I feel quite smug that I scored higher than all three of my boys (including hubby). We could probably have gone on this ride 4 or 5 times in a row, but the 45 minute line without a Fastpass option beckoned us onward to other delights.
WHAT WE LOVED!
Despite the heavy rains throughout the day, our family of 4 might have actually enjoyed California Adventure more than Disneyland. In part, I think it’s because our family is more familiar with Disney Pixar movies and there is more focus on Pixar movies at California Adventure. Monsters Inc. characters roamed the streets and A Bug’s land was delightful. There were lots of rides that were perfect for little ones. The 3D movie “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” was absolutely delightful although I don’t recommend letting your little one wake up in the middle of show. Let’s just say we had a very terrified 5 year old who woke up to a giant spider hanging above him.
LOTS OF OUTDOOR RIDES
We also loved that there were a lot of outdoor rides at Disney California Adventure. Our 5 year old is creeped out by unpredictable things happening in the dark. There are plenty of suspenseful moments at Disneyland that are created by being in the dark. But at Disney California Adventure, many of the rides are just fast, full of humor, and filled with high tech thrills. Of course, the one exception is the Hollywood Tower of Terror ride, which I personally think is a brilliant ride. It surprised me that it wasn’t such a hit even with our dare devil 7 year old.
NICE MIX OF THRILLS AND MELLOW
We also enjoyed the interweaving of high thrill rides and slower spaced attractions like the Animation Academy and Turtle Talk with Crush. It provided a nice rhythm to the day where we could get really pumped up on rides like Grizzly River Run and then hop over to Soarin’ over California for a more mellow ride or get some gross motor action going at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. We absolutely loved the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – now that’s what I call a jungle gym. Don’t miss out on this area if you have kids between 3-12.
HIGHLIGHT - WORLD OF COLOR SHOW
The highlight of our visit was the World of Color Waterworks show. I’ve seen lots of water and light shows, but in true Disney style, the World of Color will blow your mind away. See my separate review on the World of Color show. There are two shows per night. If you have young ones, be sure to arrive at the park when it first opens, and head directly to the fast pass ticket station for the World of Color (located right next to Grizzly River Run) to pick up a fast pass ticket.
DINING OPTIONS:
Food options at Disney California Adventure are more varied, but we were rather disappointed with the quality of dining. For one dining option that’s reliably good, go to Pacific Wharf Cafe and grab a bowl of soup in a freshly baked Boudin Bakery sourdough loaf. If you’re looking for a fun dining experience, head to Ariel’s Grotto which is also a great spot to watch the World of Color show. However, be sure to make a reservation way in advance.
Coming soon...my review of the rides and shows we experienced at California Adventure....stay tuned...
*This review is based on a complimentary stay. I received no other compensation and the ranch did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. These opinions are entirely my own.
0 families found this helpful
"California Adventure Rocks!"
If you are going on a trip to Disneyland, be sure to plan time for a day at California adventure. This park has a more relaxed atmosphere, and fewer crowds. The rides and attractions are great, this park has a lot to offer for everyone. Right now they are doing a LOT of work and construction, so we were kind of bummed. But, we still had a lot of fund and I am glad we got to enjoy a day in this fun newer theme park
2 families found this helpful
"Great for toddlers and preschoolers"
Having been to both Disneyland and California Adventure, California Adventure is such a great place for the littlest visitors.
First, it has the Bugs Life area, which is created for toddlers and preschoolers. We have been here quite a few times, and my 1 year old is big enough for all but one ride. He loves the Chew-Chew train, the ladybugs, and the Bugs Life version of the Dumbo ride. This area is also well shaded, which is great on those hot days!
Also, California Adventure has the Disney Playhouse show which is a combination live-action, puppet show, featuring the characters from the Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney lineup. Even if your kids are not familiar with the TV shows, they will like the music and visual stimulation of this live-action show.
One additional plus, is the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. This is something that the little one's big brothers/sisters will enjoy also. It's a series of stairs, ropes, ziplines, and trails to run through all surrounded by trees and rock formations. Again our 1 year old loves to visit here, and lots of "big" kids seemed to enjoy it too.
California Adventure, like Disneyland, is also parent and breastfeeding friendly. There is a mother's room on grounds that is equipped for a quiet place for breastfeeding, pumping, highchair feeding, microwaves for heating up bottles or baby food, and has toddler toilets and changing tables. In addition, if you forgot the favorite pacifier or need diapers etc., they can be purchased here as well.
California Adventure tends to be less crowded than Disneyland, and while Disney may not like this, parents of toddlers appreciate the ability to allow their little ones more freedom to explore than can be given at Disneyland.
On a different note, some of the best food can be purchased at California Adventure. The soups in bread bowls, sandwiches, Mexican food, and beer and wine tastings are incredible. In addition, tours of both the Tortilla and Bread Factory give families much history into California's food culture, and also a sample at the end :)
Apparently, the park is going to be revamped soon to include an area featuring the movie CARS. My son will no undoubtedly love this.
0 families found this helpful
"fun"
Ii would rather prefer Disneyland theme park for kids but this is also an great choice for adults. They have a fair amount of roller coasters rides for moderate roller coaster riders. The food their is WAY overpriced. There was this one time i paid six dollars just for a freaking churro. I recommend dinning outside of Disneylay.
0 families found this helpful
"Cool, but not better thhan Disneyland"
I mean, what is better that Disneyland. California Adventures is fun, there are some great shows to be seen and some very cool rides. We actually went to California Adventures by mistake because that and Disneyland are right next to each other. So, needless to say we experienced both parks. If you are interested in CA, I would suggest getting a hopper pass so you can go between the parks. Like I said, it has a lot to offer but if I had to choose I would choose Disneyland, especially with the kiddos.
2 families found this helpful
"A new park emerging"
While myself and my little ones enjoy this park, it has always been just as a compliment to the main Disneyland park. We would never go to this park alone if we did not purchase some sort of ticket where both parks were included.
HOWEVER,
Disney is in the process of completely revamping this park, in fact, they are rumored to be spending more to redesign the park than they originally spent building it.
Currently, this park feels a bit more focused on the older child than Disneyland. It has more "thrill" rides, sells alcohol, and often in the summer has dance club parties in the street. Ages 7 and up would probably adore every ride in this park. Under this age, there would still be lots of magical moments, but the entire experience would be less enchanting than at Disneyland.
My girls (all under 6) LOVE the Monsters, Inc. ride, the Toy Story Mania ride & Mickey's Fun Wheel. They did enjoy the "World of Color" show, but I don't recommend waiting to get a "preferred viewing location". In total, we waited 2 hours for this spot (in line to get the fastpass, and waiting to be led to our area) & felt it was not worth it. Many passer-bys had the same view we had and did not spend 2 hours in line. Also, the shows are quite late (because it needs to be very dark outside), so our little ones were very tired by this point.
The changes that are coming to the park are very exciting.
My girls CAN'T WAIT for the Little Mermaid ride. It is sure to be a hit.
Also to note, check the calendar for the day you are going and see if "Aladdin" is running that day. This is a beautiful large scale musical and adds a great value to your ticket if you have kids interested in performing arts.
1 family found this helpful
"so much fun!"
California Adventure was a great addition to the Disney parks. Though it is geared to the older crowd, all ages will have fun. Their rides are more adventurous than Disneyland's and their restaurants are a bit more upscale. They also have so really cool shows for adults and for kids. Three days aren't enough here! Its also nice that it is right across the entrance to Disneyland, so you can go back and forth all day (if you have the park hopper pass).
0 families found this helpful
"Disney fun, but more mellow"
We like this for a day away from the crowds. Everything is not quite so "disney" here, which is good or bad depending on what you like. We have younger kids (2 and 5) and personally love Disney, so wish it was a little more Disnefied. But it's more mellow here, not as crowded. The food is a little better as well. Not as much of a draw for younger kids, but adults will appreciate it and there's still plenty to do for kids. Hit the Bug's Life playground for little ones and Brother Bear playground for bigger ones. Tip, Bug's Life show will be too scary for lots of little ones, so use discretion when you take them there.
0 families found this helpful
"Wonderland"
What a great place. I don't think I will ever forget the Soarin' Over California ride. To smell the oranges and the trees. To feel the temperature changes! Amazing! I may need therapy to get over the Tower of Terror. I had no idea what it was, and boy was I surprised! Have fun!
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing Theme Park"
We loved, loved, loved this theme park. It had a lot of great rides for the entire family. We loved the shows too!! They were an added bonus. We really enjoyed the change in scenery from the day before at Disneyland. We had the hopper tickets, but spent the entire day at Disney's California Adventure Park. We could have even gone another day if we had planned accordingly. My family plans to visit this theme park again soon!!!
0 families found this helpful
"Califorina Aventure"
We loved it almost more than disneyland. There was so much to see and do. Next time we'll spend more time here and less time at disneyland. We enjoyed every second of our time here and can't wait to go again. Also lots of chances to see your favorite charaters.
0 families found this helpful
"California Adventure"
Favorite rides include Soarin' over California, Tower of Terror, California Screamin', Monsters Inc., and Bug's Life Land. Disney's California Adventure is a lot of fun, but I wouldn't only go to this park. If you have to get a one park pne day ticket head over to Disneyland and come here after you've had your fill, but if you can to both... Do It!
0 families found this helpful
"Equally kids friendly as Disneyland"
They have the most amazing rides and attractions there in California Adventure. Though Disneyland park gets the most attention, the California Adventure is no less. They have some interesting performances and shows for kids and also we need not had to wait in long lines to get closeup with characters
0 families found this helpful
"fun for the whole family"
Our family has annual passes to Disneyland, which includes admission to California Adventures (DCA). We generally like to go to DCA when Disneyland is too crowded. There are probably 3 things we always like to do at DCA (as opposed to a dozen or so at Dland). The atmosphere is fun, there are a few different activities for our 2-year-old son (he loves the splash pads when it's hot!), but there's just not as much to do as across the way at Dland. There is a lot of construction going on right now and I know they are expanding and developing some new, amazing-sounding lands. So stay tuned...
0 families found this helpful
"Fun and not as crowded as Disneyland"
Do you have a whole day and dont want to walk into people all day long? Well, CA Adventure is great! During the summer we bring the kids extra clothes and swimwear to play in the many different water areas. There is also a Grizzley Park, where the kids can run around and get all theit energy out. They can climb, jump and even meet Brother Bear. There are a lot of great rides for all ages as well.
We have seen World of Color and the kids loved it. It was too long of a wait for me, so I can not wait until it is less crowded. It is very pretty and is worth seeing
1 family found this helpful
"an amazing taste of California"
California Adventure is broken up into different parts of California. The beaches, the winery's, San Fran, --and Disney does and amazing job at authenticity. The best ride in the park is by far "Soaring over California". The little ones won't be able to ride--but get a "switch pass" and everyone in your group will be able to go and only wait in line once. Stop by the Mission Tortilla Factory for a free tortilla :) and next door at the Boudin Bakery you can score a free piece of sourdough bread. Another fun ride is the Toy Story Ride--super fun and the babies can go on!
The water show at night is truly beautiful--a must see. The Pixar Play parade is way fun--each evening at 5ish.
The kids love to cool down in the water fountains in Bugs Land.
The great thing about Disney also is the Baby Center--right next to the Mission Tortilla factory--take advantage of this if you have a baby or toddler. You can warm milk, change diapers, have toddlers use the "little" toilets, and wash the kiddos up a bit--all in a quiet nicely air conditioned building w/ really nice ladies working there. (it is included in your pass!)
Don't forget to pack snacks for the day--you can bring in soft coolers, just no glass.
1 family found this helpful
"As fun as Disneyland"
We bought a park hopper and was the best of both worlds, we got to enjoy the Disneyland park that we knew and all the fun things at the new park!
Last summer they had the World of Color at California adventure and it was very worth staying until the finale. Think "Fantasia" in the water (by the way, bring your plastic ponchos, you will get wet!)
We rode in a lot of rides with our 4 year old, we also got to take more pictures with the Characters at this park (lines weren't as crazy as the lines at Disney)
We also took my profile picture after waiting for about 2 minutes. Try taking a picture with Mickey at his Disneyland house, it takes about 2 hours in line!
Pass hopper is a must!
0 families found this helpful
"A different kind of Disney"
The California Adventure Park is a whole different way of experiencing Disney. There is a portion of the park that has the carnival type atmosphere to it all the way to the corn dogs and caramel apples. There are rides in the park the entail a new way of experiencing rides, for example "Soarin' over California" which uses all your senses including smell.
0 families found this helpful
"Toy Story Ride"
California Adventures has one of My favorite rides ever, the Toy Story Ride. Its sooooooo fun and both me and my family love it. If we decided to not get on certain rides because the lines are too long or something else, but toy story is one ride that we will not want to skip...love it!!!
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