Disney California Adventure - Tips & Advice
California Adventure is a Disney theme park located in Anaheim, California right next door to Disneyland. This theme park is dedicated to the history and culture of California. This 72 acre park opened in 2001.
Guests to the Anaheim Disney Resort can purchase a variety of different tickets. You could purchase a ticket that admits you into just California Adventures or splurge on a “hopper” ticket that lets you go back and forth into both parks. Multi-day tickets are available as well as a variety of season passes.
Scroll down to learn about wine tasting at this park, the best rides, park hours, a park map, and special tips!
Click here to learn more about tickets to California Adventure & Disneyland.
Where to Go for a Glass of Wine
Unlike Disneyland, this park does allow alcohol. Enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails at these locations:
Golden Vine Winery
Choose from these options at the Golden Valley Winery:
Mendocino Terrace – Buy wine by the glass or by the bottle with experts on hand to discuss the wine.
Sonoma Terrace = Enjoy meat and cheese trays along with craft beer.
Alfresco Tasting Terrace – Order wine and appetizers.
Wine Country Trattoria – Italian restaurant serving both lunch and dinner.
Cathay Circle Restaurant
This is a full service restaurant with an award-winning chef. They are open for lunch or dinner and reservations are recommended. They also have a relaxing bar, which I highly recommend. It’s a nice break from the Disney crowds throughout the park. They sell wine by the glass as well as made-to-order cocktails.
Cove Bar
A special find! Located upstairs from Ariel’s Grotto, this bar sells appetizers, fun cocktails, as well as beer and wine. They are famous for their lobster nachos, but the tri-tip sliders are not bad either. Tip: Arrive close to closing and they’ll let you stay for the Color of Magic Show. The viewing is to the left of center, but well worth it if you’re like me and would like to watch the show sitting down.
Top 10 Disney California Adventure Rides & Attractions
1.
California Screaming
This is the longest and fastest roller coaster at Disney’s California Resort. It whips around Paradise Pier for a 1 1/8 of a mile. The loop-de-loop that takes you upside-down is so quick, it’s over before you realize. (*Single Rider Line available.)
2.
Grizzly River Run
Expect to get wet, soaking wet! This exciting rafting ride is a whitewater rapids ride. If you don’t want to get wet, bring a poncho or buy one in the shop nearby. (*Single Rider Line available.)
3.
Soarin’ Over California
This simulated flight adventure takes you on a tour of California. Visit San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, the Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, San Diego, Malibu, and Los Angeles. You will enjoy the beauty of California, smell distinctive smells, and wonder at the entire experience. (*Single Rider Line available.)
4.
Mickey’s Fun Wheel
This towering ferris wheel features Mickey’s face. The 9 minute ride gives you two ride options. You board a gondola that holds 6 people to spin around the wheel. 8 of these gondola are stationery and not as adventurous as the 16 swinging gondolas which sway as they move. Select the gondola you want.
5.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Experience the “twilight zone” aboard a haunted elevator. The elevator rises but then plunges down over and over again. Exciting ride great for teens and adults!
6.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
This is a ride. You sit down but you actively participate as the car moves through various midway games. Grasp the spring-action shooter and aim at the targets as you progress through this exciting ride. Compete against others for the highest score!
7.
Radiator Springs Racers
Get a Fast Pass for this ride as soon as you can. They often run out of passes. This adventure ride has you racing another person for a fun adventure. Even more fun at night when the neon lights come on.
8.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Experience the world from a bug’s point of view. This 3D film and live show might be too scary for toddlers and young children. Visitors experience darkness, smells, pokes in the back, and unhappy bugs.
9.
World of Color
Images of Disney characters come to life during this spectacular water, light, and music show. This 28 minute show takes place in front of Mickey’s Fun Wheel. You can pick up a FastPass to reserve a spot (standing-room only). Another option is to purchase a World of Color dining packs that gives you a voucher letting you be admitted into a preferred viewing area (still standing-room only). I prefer visiting the Cove Bar just before closing time and watching the show from the comfort of their seats. You can sip on wine or a enjoy a signature cocktail while munching on their delicious Lobster Nachos.
10.
Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
Enjoy this Broadway-style musical based on the movie, Aladdin. You’ll recognize many of the popular songs from the movie. Performed in the Hyperion Theater.
*The Single Rider line can save you lots of time. This line is usually really short. When you get to the front of the line, they fill in missing seats with people who are in the single rider line. You can get in line with friends, but you'll be separated as they direct you to the vacant seats.
California Adventure Hours
Hours for California Disney parks vary by the season. What is confusing to many people, is that the hours are not the same for Disneyland and California Adventures. For example, during the Summer both parks open at 8AM, but Disneyland closes at midnight while California Adventure closes earlier at 10 PM. During the Fall, Winter, and Spring both parks will close earlier. Be sure to check the current hours on their website before you leave home. Click this link to view the calendar of park hours.
California Adventure Map
Print the California Adventure Map from the Disney Resort Website.
Click this link to view the map.
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