Disney California Adventure

To all who come to this place of dreams... Welcome!

Disney California Adventure celebrates the
spirit of optimism and the promise of endless
opportunities, ignited by the imaginations of
daring dreamers such as Walt Disney and those
like him who forever changed - and were forever
changed by - the Golden State. This unique place
embraces the richness and diversity of California...
its land, its people, its stories and, above all,
the dreamers it continues to inspire.

-- Rededication
read by Robert A. Iger, CEO,
The Walt Disney Company on June 15, 2012.

OVERVIEW

Upon entering Disney California Adventure guests find themselves on Buena Vista Street, a busy street reminiscent of Los Angeles as it might have been when a young Walt Disney first arrived in the 1920s. At the end of the street is the iconic Carthay Circle Restaurant, modeled after the Carthay Circle Theater where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937. At Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe guests can enjoy baked goods and sandwiches along with their favorite Starbucks beverages.

Though not the classic spoke design, pathways from Carthay Circle lead to the other areas of the park:

Hollywood Land - A pair of decoratve archways stand on either side of of the street at the entrance to this Hollywood-themed area. The names of shops and restaurants are clever plays on words, like "Award Weiners" and "Schmoozies". The Disney Jr. Theater is located here, as is the Hyperion Theater, where the musical spectactular Disney's Aladdin is presented on stage. Next to the Hyperion the Hollywood Tower Hotel invites guest to "drop in" for a vist to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. On the lighter side take a tour of Monstropolis in Monsters Inc., Mike and Sulley to the Rescue or watch some of those zany Muppet antics in Muppet*Vision 3D. The Animation Building houses several different activities - chat with a turtle, learn to draw a Disney character, or play in the Sorceror's Workshop. Younger guests will enjoy seeing their favorite TV characters come to life in the Disney Junior - Live on Stage! show.

Inspired by the Disney*Pixar film "Cars", Cars Land brings the animated world of Radiator Springs to life. Guests will find themselves walking down Route 66 past familiar places like Mater's Junkyard, Sally's Cozy Cone Motel, Flo's V8 Cafe and Ramone's House of Body Art. In town are two attractions, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, where baby tractors pull guests in trailers as they whirl to Mater's jukebox. On Luigi's Flying Tires guests ride their Fettuccine flying tire on a cushion of air. Behind town is Cars Land's E-ticket attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, where cars race side-by-side though the spectacular Ornament Valley. Hungry guests can fill their tanks at Fillmore's Taste-in, Sally's Cozy Cones and Flo's V8 Cafe.

Condor Flats, which pays homage to California's aviation tradition, hosts one of the park's signature attractions: Soarin' Over California. This simulated hang glider ride takes guests "soarin'" over some of California's beautiful scenic areas. Taste Pilot's Grill serves tasty ribs, chicken, burgers and fries.

In the Grizzly Peak Recreation Area take a whitewater raft ride on Grizzly River Run. You WILL get wet! Kids will enjoy testing their climbing, tracking, swinging and other skills at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, where they can become Wilderness Explorer Scouts and meet "UP" stars Russell and Dug.

Paradise Pier is the largest area in the park. Located around Paradise Bay are a number of attractions and amusements reminscent of those found in classic seaside amusement parks, like the aircar ride The Golden Zephyr, Jumpin' Jellyfish, Silly Symphony Swings, Mickey's Fun Wheel, a deceptively thrilling ferris wheel, King Triton's Carousel with its ocean-themed carousel animals, and Paradise Pier's signature attraction, California Screamin'. This fast and smooth roller coaster takes guests on an exhilirating ride up, down, and around, including a loop under the Paradise Pier logo emblazoned on the front of the coaster track. The very popular Toy Story Mania attraction, with a wild ride-through as you play popular midway games with your favorite Disney*Pixar characters, is located here. The spectacular nighttime show World of Color, takes place nightly in the waters of Paradise Bay. Dining opportunities include a Disney Princess Character meal at Ariel's Grotto, grilled Mediterranean skewers from Paradise Garden Grill, and flatbread pizza and pasta dishes from Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. Corn dogs and hot dogs are available at Corn Dog Castle, frozen ice cream treats from Paradise Pier Ice Cream Co. and snacks like hot dogs and corn on the cob from stands along the boardwalk. Guests can stroll the boardwalk and try their luck at Disney-themed classic boardwalk games like Dumbo's Bucket Brigade and Bullseye Stampede.

At the Golden Vine Winery and the Pacific Wharf areas guests can sample a variety of cuisines, from al fresco Italian at Wine Country Trattoria to soups and salads in sourdough bread bowls from The Pacific Wharf Cafe, Mexican entrees from Cocina Cucamonga, and Chinese food from The Lucky Fortune Cookery.

"a bug's land" includes attractions based on characters from the movie A Bug's Life. The bugs take center stage in the 3D movie It's Tough to be a Bug. Flik's Fun Fair is designed for younger guests and hosts kid-friendly attractions like Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Tuck'n'Roll's Drive 'em Buggies, Francis' Ladybug Boogie, Flik's Flyers, and Princess Dot Puddle Park. Flik and Atta make character appearances in the area.

What's New?

The newly re-imagined Disney California Adventure was re-dedicated on June 15, 2012. Opening on June 15 were:

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop - opened June 7, 2012.

Blue Sky Cellar has been updated with a new exhibit on Cars Land presented by the Radiator Springs Historical Society.

What's Next?

We'll have to wait and see what the Disney Imagineers have in mind!

 

If you have comments or tips to share with others about touring Disney California Adventure, please email us. Thank you.