Disney's California Adventure
Disney's California Adventure, not to be confused with Disneyland Park, is the newer of the two Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Calif. The park commemorates the most intriguing aspects of Sunny California: the Gold Rush and Hollywood's long-time connection to the entertainment industry. Disney's California Adventure is decidedly smaller than its neighbor, Disneyland Park, but still worth a visit if you have the free time.
Disney's California Adventure Tickets
You can buy tickets at the gate or you can spare some time in line and buy tickets early. If you want to visit Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland Park (a good idea), save money on admissions by purchasing a Park Hopper ticket. You can buy a 2-day, 3-day, 4-day or 5-day Park Hopper Tickets, which gives you the freedom to explore both parks on the designated number of days. Park Hopper Tickets remain valid for 13 consecutive days after your first visit.
Disney's California Adventure Description and Layout
Disney's California Adventure loads up fun in the form of kid-friendly shows and activities, classic amusement park rides plus a few thrillers. The park is arranged into four areas, plus the Sunshine Plaza just inside the entrance. If you are standing at the entrance facing Sunshine Plaza, Hollywood Pictures Backlot is on your left, a bug's land is straight ahead (past Sunshine Plaza), Paradise Pier is at the far right corner of the park and Golden State is just right of Sunshine Plaza.
Hollywood Pictures Backlot at Disney's California Adventure
The big thriller in Hollywood Pictures Backlot is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror--and this is also the eery building you can spot from outside the park. The ride, designed after an abandoned Hollywood hotel, takes you up 13 stories and then drops you into scary freakiness, a la Rod Serling's Twilight Zone. Other stuff to do in this area of the park includes the watching Muppet Vision 3D movie, participating in Disney Animation interactive adventures, taking in shows at Playhouse Disney and Hyperion Theater, conversing with an animated talking turtle and hopping on the Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley taxi ride.
a bug's land at Disney's California Adventure
A bug's land is predominantly a kids' area, themed after Disney/Pixar's animated film "a bug's life." Rides here include Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Tuck and Roll's Drive'Em Buggies, Flik's Flyers and Francis' Ladybug Boogie. If you're in the mood for a show, stop into It's Tough to Be a Bug! and enjoy some 3-D action and special effects.
Paradise Pier at Disney's California Adventure
Paradise Pier has several rides and attractions to enjoy, but the big news is the impending opening of Toy Story Mania!. Early reports are that Toy Story Mania!--scheduled to open summer, 2008--will have the elements of a 3D movie, a ride and classic carnival games, all rolled into one. Other attractions to have fun with in this section of the park include the flying Golden Zephyr, bumblebee-inspired Orange Stinger, the Sun Wheel Ferris wheel, King Triton's Carousel and California Screamin', which is the roller coaster that's shaped like Mickey Mouse's head.
Golden State at Disney's California Adventure
You'll find Grizzly River Run--California Adventure's white water rapids ride--and the hang glider ride (Soarin' Over California) in the Golden State area. There is also Golden Dreams, a film featuring Califia, the Queen of California, and Seasons of the Vine, a theatre show themed around the journey a grape makes before becoming wine.
