As we continue with Part 3 of our series on Disneyland® Resort, Magic Maker® Brenda Wenk is will walk you through Disney Destinations newest park on the west coast, Disney California Adventure® Park! If you missed the previous two posts in our series, you can click to read Part 1 and Part 2!
In 2001, Disney California Adventure® Park opened and was not initially the destination that Disneyland® Resort had hoped it would be.. There were few family attractions and very little connection to Disneyland® Resort.. Park attendance never came close to that of Disneyland® Park. The commitment to revive this park was made; it was revamped and rededicated on June 15, 2012 and has become a favorite of many visiting the west coast! There are eight lands squeezed into 67 acres at this smallest of Disney Parks.
Buena Vista Street represents Hollywood of the 1920s, when Walt moved to California. You will find the Chamber of Commerce (guest relations,) First Aid and Lockers here. Pick up a free copy of the Buena Vista Bugle, Disney California Adventure® Park’s official publication. You will find a replica of the elegant Cathay Circle Theater which is where Walt received an Oscar for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. A lovely restaurant and lounge are housed inside. Advance reservations are recommended for this fine dining restaurant. Take a ride on the Red Car Trolleys. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café. Check out Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream or Mortimer’s Market for snacks. Shops abound in this area.
Hollywood Land is a tribute to Walt and the Disney empire. Its sights and sounds evoke the glamor of early Hollywood when it was in its heyday. In this land, you can experience Disney Animation. You enter through the Courtyard Gallery where a 25 minute film is looping continuously. Visit Animation Academy if you want to learn to draw a Disney character. In Character Close-Up, you can view exhibits and meet Disney characters. The Sorcerer’s Workshop allows you to draw and animate, view the Magic Mirror and the Beast’s library. There are touch screens that reveal which character you are most like. Turtle Talk with Crush is in this building. Disney Junior, Live on Stage and Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular are part of Hollywood Land. Check your guide for times. Live performances take place on the Hollywood Backlot Stage. Mad T Party launches as night falls. Board a taxi for a ride through Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue and this movie’s key moments. Muppet Vision 3D was recreated from the Disney Hollywood Studios. Twilight Tower of Terror is this land’s E ticket attraction. Award Weiners, Fairfax Market, and Mad T Party Production Truck offer snacks and light fare.
“a bug’s land” is based on the Disney-Pixar film A Bug’s Life. Flik’s Fun Fair is for toddlers: Flik’s Flyers is a whirling, flying attraction that is enjoyed by all ages. Francis’Ladybug Boogie is a miniature teacup ride. Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train has an engaging setting – take a ride if the line is short. Princess Dot Puddle Park will soak your little ones! It’s Tough to be a Bug! has the potential to frighten young and old alike but has great entertainment value. There is little shopping or food in this area.
Condor Flats focuses on California’s history of aeronautical testing and is themed around the desert testing facilities. Get your FastPasses for Soarin’! Taste Pilots’ Grill serves breakfast and offers ribs, chicken, and burgers for lunch and dinner. Try to catch Minnie’s Fly Girls – Minnie actually sings!
Grizzly Peak showcases California’s wilderness, Native American history and natural resources. If you use the Disney California Adventure® Park entrance from the Grand Californian Hotel, you enter directly into this area. Grizzly River Run is a white water raft journey. Stow your gear in a locker (located near Grizzly Peak legend boulder) or wear a poncho (available at Rushin’ River Outfitters.) Consider going on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. This self-guided attraction features ropes and zip lines in the Northern California environment. Badges/stickers can be earned by completing Wilderness Explorer challenges.
Pacific Wharf represents the Monterey Bay and San Francisco areas. Wander into Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar if you are interested in seeing improvements being made to the resort area. There is a film and exhibits to entertain you. You may take a tour of the Boudin Bakery. The real draw to this area is its many eateries. There is a Boudin Bread cart, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Lucky Fortune Cookery (Pan-Asian rice bowls,) Mendocino Wine Bar, Pacific Wharf Café, Pacific Wharf Distribution Co. (beer and snacks,) Rita’s Baja Blends (margaritas,) Sonoma Terrace (picnics that include World of Color tickets,) and Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery.
Paradise Pier is filled with rides and attractions! You will not want to miss the roller coaster, California Screamin’ (FP.) The Golden Zephyr is a rocket shaped swing ride. Goofy’s Sky School is a rather tame roller coaster. For a parachute ride, hop on Jumpin’ Jellyfish. King Triton’s Carousel is technically a merry go round. Did you know that carousels are merry go rounds featuring horses only! The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is similar to the ride in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion. Mickey’s Fun Wheel is a ferris wheel with both fixed and swinging cars. If you enjoy classic swing rides, jump on Silly Symphony Swings. Toy Story Midway Mania is a hot ticket just as in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The nighttime spectacular, World of Color is staged in this area. There are many shops and good food options. Stop in Bayside Brew for wine and beer. Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, Corn Dog Castle and Paradise Garden Grill serve lunch, dinner and snacks. Ariel’s Grotto is a dining experience complete with princesses. You can get drinks in its Cove Bar.
CarsLand is the crowning jewel of Disney California Adventure® Park. Situated on 12 acres of prime real estate, this new kid on the block delivers entertainment and dining experiences. The town of Radiator Springs celebrates the history of Route 66. Use a FastPass or take advantage of your resort guest Magic Morning to ride Radiator Springs Racers without a long wait. Check out Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. If you are hungry, try out Cozy Cone Motel or Flo’s V8Cafe for a meal or Filmore’s Taste-In. Plenty of souvenirs are available in this land.
With Disneyland® Resort currently offering early 2014 resort discounts, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth!’ Contact your Magic Maker® today to help you plan the magic!
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