Making the Most Out Of Your Visit to the Disneyland Parks
Disneyland California Adventure‘s has just passed it’s 13th anniversary. The park changed a lot since it is opening. Rides of come and gone, new lands have been created, and the park just keeps expanding.
The entire park takes a look at the different looks and eras of California. You can go back time to the golden days of Hollywood or visit a classic Southern California pier. There is a little bit for everyone in this park.
With all that has changed here are some tips for touring the park today
1 ) Ride Radiator Springs Racers
In this ride you have entered the world of Pixar Cars and Radiator Springs. You visit scenes from the movie as you prepare for the big race. It is the most popular ride in the park right now.
If you plan on riding Radiator Springs Races plan on getting there first thing in the morning. You have two options here. Prior to rope drop you can line up to a) get in the ride queue or b) get in the Fastpass line. Either option is valid but you need to be in one. The lines for this ride fill up quickly so having a fastpass is nice. If you want to ride it later without a Fastpass get in the Single Ride line. You WILL ride alone so if you are willing to split the family up this is the easiest way to ride.
2) Get Fastpasses for World of Color
World of Color is an unforgettable outdoor show that ends the night at the California Adventure park. It is built around favorite moments in many of Disney’s animated movies all displayed on a 19,000 square-foot wall of water.
The best way to do this is at park opening. Immediately after getting Fastpasses for Radiator Springs head over and get World of Color Fastpasses. There is no wait time for these Fastpasses so get them now.
3) Eat at Carthay Circle for Lunch
Inside a reproduction of the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre built in 1926 and where Walt Disney’s first feature-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered you can have a 1st class meal.
Carthay Circle shares the same Executive Chef as the premier Napa Rose Restaurant at the Grand California Hotel. So you can get the same quality of food in the in the parks and it is easier to get a lunch reservation.
4 ) Ride Grizzly River Run Last
This is one of these rides that you will get wet. It is a whitewater raft ride that drifts along a lazy river, passing the rusty remnants of an old mining company until you ride up the mountain and splash down Grizzly River into the waters below with a big SPLASH.
So if you don’t like walking around a park with wet underwear it is recommended waiting until you are on your way out of the park to ride this one.
5 ) Schedule Some Time for “A Bugs Land” if You Have Little Ones
California Adventure has one of the best kid areas of all the parks. An entire land for the the younger (and shorter) set based upon the Pixar movie “a Bug’s Life”. This area has five rides and a splash pad that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Bonus Tip: Visit Paradise Pier in the Morning
With everyone running to Radiator Spring take the time to visit Paradise Pier with lower crowds. Ride California Screamin’ and Toy Story Midway Mania at your leisure.
Hope these tips are helpful for planning your next trip.
I’ve experience Disney World in Florida but I’d love to visit Disney Land in California. Loved the post and the information you offered.
Wow I haven’t been there in so long! this makes me want to go back! thanks for the fab tips! xo xo
I’ve never been to Disneyland but would love to take my daughter when she’s a little older! These are all excellent tips especially the one about getting Fastpasses for World of Color. Good to know!
We do actually have the season pass and my son and I go at least every week. He has a great time and still can’t make up his decision as to where he wants to go first. Great place!
I went once many years ago and would love to go again. This time our little Booger will go with us. Such fun with the whole family. Thanks for laying it all out for us!!!
mommieagain Had to laugh at the ‘little Booger’ reference. You will like going so much with hem.
LexieLane How lucky you live close enough and he still gets excited!
MommaTBlog It will be so magical – especially with a little girl. It seems they all become princesses as soon as the see the castle.
Mary, thank you for the great overview! I CANNOT WAIT for my trip to DL next month. Question about the World of Color Fastpasses – if I get one, will I be able to get FPs for other attractions throughout the day?
Rosanne @ The Disney Point
Great tips Mary- I would also plan the day around Radiator Springs Racers; it is absolutely the must see in Disney California Adventure. Followed by Buena Vista Street and all that it offers. Soak it in!
I can;t ever get enough Disney tips, but I haven’t seen any for California Adventure yet! Pinning, and grateful to have the advice! Thanks!
Great tips! I would love to dine at Carthay Circle when I visit California Adventure!
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