California Adventure Park

A guide to "The Happiest Place on Earth" by someone who loves the parks, the mouse and the magic!

Disney's California Adventure Park. Grab a map and be sure to hit these must see spots around the park. Yes, there is more, but I've narrowed it down so that you could hit these top places in just one short day. Please stay longer if possible - there is so much to see and do!



Buena Vista Street was created to look like California did when Walt first arrived. It's an antique of sorts. Avoid the red car trolley, it's awfully slow and the "speech" given by it's driver while onboard is nothing special. It's faster to walk. The absolute BEST ice cream at the park is found at Clarabelle's. Stop in for a "build your own" ice cream bar! There's also a Starbucks!



Hollywood Land hosts an array of activities for young and old. If you're ready to relax and take a load off, head over to Animation Academy where they teach you how to draw a different classic Disney character every 30 minutes. Comfy seats and AC make this a nice spot to rest and learn.  Hang out with Sulley and the gang at the Monsters Inc ride. This ride used to never have a line, but since the release of Monsters University it can get busy - still worth it!

Fun Fact: Hollywood Land is the only place I can find a refreshing Blue Moon... cheers!

Bugs Land - There are tons of small rides back in this area, most of which have very short lines throughout the day. Most are aimed at smaller kids, but can be enjoyed by all.  Heimlick's Chew Chew Train is a blast - I love the different smells that squirt out as you go through it. And an absolute MUST SEE attraction is the 3D show, It's Tough to be a Bug!

Cars Land is home to Radiator Springs Racers which are a MUST SEE attraction! Head to their fast pass line first thing in the morning in order to ensure you get a ticket! You do not want to wait 2 hours for this ride if you can avoid it, but if you must, do it! This ride is also prone to breaking down, so don't wait until the end of the night to try it.

Pacific Wharf has lots of yummy food options, but my favorite is the Pacific Wharf Cafe. They offer a variety of soups and salads all in delicious, house made sour dough bread bowls. You can even walk next door and watch them make the sourdough! If you want a cheap snack, buy a loaf! They'll even cut it and give you butter if you ask. Great thing to munch on throughout the day in lines. Or maybe that's just what weird bread heads like myself do?? If you are interested in a free sweet treat stop into the Ghiradelli store who not only has yummy ice cream, but gives everyone who walks in a free piece of chocolate.

Honestly everything at Paradise Pier is a MUST SEE in my opinion.  California Screamin' is really the only full scale roller coaster in the park. I wouldn't wait longer than 15 minutes for it, so if it's longer try it later or grab a fast pass. Goofy's Sky School's jerks and twists and drops will have you screaming for more! Toy Story Midway Mania will take 45 minutes + so be prepared to wait (maybe grab that loaf of bread or a snack before you get in line). It is so much fun competing against each other in a variety of different 3D midway games! Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta is similar to Red Rockett's in Disneyland and offers tasty options all in one convenient location. They have kids meals! Corn Dog Castle however is my absolute FAVORITE place in the parks - you MUST try the cheese dog. Get one to share if you must, but you'll want your own after biting into delicious cheddar surrounded by decadent corn bread... #drooling.

Condor Flats has Soaring Over California, a MUST SEE, and Grizzly Peak has Grizzly River Run if you are in the mood to get soaked.