In February 2001, Disneyland resort opened this park that is across the walkway from the original Disneyland. It focuses on different areas and times of California. There are four main areas in California and they are Hollywood Land, Paradise Pier, Bugs Land, and Golden State. Disney California Adventure is also adding a new land called Cars Land and focuses on the Pixar film Cars.
Shrink down and look at the world from a bug's eye. See the world from Flik's point of view as he invites you to Flik's Fun Fair. A Bug's Land is based on Pixar's movie A Bug's Life. It hosts a 3D movie and a land for children of all ages.
Location: A Bug's Land - Flik's Fair
Ride Type: Rotation attraction
Passengers: 4 per vehicle
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: None
Summary: Take a ride in Flick's Flyer as he creates his balloon vehicle using empty food cartons, sewn leafs, and sticks.
Comments: The ride goes up and around so if child has height issues keep this in mind. The ride stays at same height during the ride so guest does not have any control on similar rides at Disneyland.
Location: A Bug's Land
Ride Type: Spinning Ride
Passengers: 3-4 per vehicle
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: None
Summary: Francis' Ladybug Boogie is a spinning attraction very similar to the Mad Tea Party. You get into on of the ladybug vehicle and go spinning.
Comments: As with other spinning rides, you do have some control of the speed you turn around. You can do the minimum by doing nothing or turn the vehicle and go faster.
Location: A Bug's Land
Ride Type: Mini-Train
Passengers: 2 per row
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: None
Summary: The hungry caterpillar from a Bug's Life is your mini-train and takes you on a course through some of his favorite food. You not only see the food he likes to eat, but also get to smell them from the animal crackers to the watermelon.
Comments: It is a nice easy ride that is fun for the whole family. It is a small ride that may have long lines.
Location: A Bug's Land
Ride Type: 3D Movie
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: No
Summary: You are shrunk down to the size of a bug when you enter the theatre waiting area. As you wait for the show, be sure to check out the movie posters on the walls - our favorite is for the movie "Beauty and the Bees". Once seated in the theatre, Flik, the adventurous and innovative ant from the 1998 Disney Pixar movie "A Bug's Life", introduces you to a variety of bugs. His aim is to show you that most of the bad things we see in bugs are actually suvival mechanisms. Of course, Hopper the bullying grasshopper buzzes in to have his say - and it's not good. While Flik tries to show bugs in a positive light, Hopper is out for total destruction of the audience. He is eventually subdued, and the show ends on a high note - some great production numbers by the bugs themselves. The attraction is an interesting blend of audio-animatronic figures and 3D movie effects.
Comments: As with all of the 3D movies at Disney, special glasses are required to view the 3-D effects. The movie contains loud noises and bright flashes, which may overwhelm children with sensory issues. The scenes with the audio-animatronic Hopper are very frightening, and many audience members are startled by some of the effects in the seats themselves (stinger jabs and the sensation of creepy crawlies). There is also a scary scene where audio-animatronic spiders descend from the ceiling. Ask a cast member for a seat near the exit if you feel you might need to leave early.
Location: A Bug's Land
Ride Type: Water Playground
Summary: Water playground where children can play in sprinklers.
Comments: The playground is open during the warmer times of the year.
Location: A Bug's Land
Ride Type: Bumper Car
Passengers: 2 per car
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: None
Summary: Get in one of your own pillbug vehicle and drive it around with everyone else. Very similar to a bumper car vehicle.
Comments: The vehicles can be hard to drive and there is a good chance you may get bumped by other vehicles as they all try and go around.
This area is dedicated to California's different geographical landscape from forests to the wineries. It broken up in four different areas Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak Recreation Area, Pacific Wharf, and Golden Vine Winery. There are several attractions in these different areas and also many places to eat.
Location: Golden State - Grizzly Peak Recreation Area
Ride Type: Water Ride
Passengers: 8 per raft
Fastpass: Yes
Minimum Height: 42 inches
Summary: Here is your chance to go white water rafting in California. Go rafting at Grizzly Peak (hard to miss the Grizzly Peak anywhere in DCA). You start in a old logging mill and then through the river. No place is safe from getting wet and there is always a good chance that you will get wet.
Comments: As mentioned before there is a good chance you will get wet. The ride can also be very bumpy as goes through the course. You enter the raft via a moving platform, but there are cast members there to help you get in and out of the raft.
Location: Golden State - Grizzly Peak Recreation Area
Ride Type: Play Ground
Summary: This playground across from Grizzly Rapids is a great place for children to climb, explore, and have fun. It has many different obstacle for them to have fun with. This is also where they have "Magic of Brother Bear" totem ceremony. If you want to meet Koda and Kenai this is a great place to do it. It iss very scenic and a good place for children to walk around and have fun. Especially for children that do not make the height requirement for Grizzly Rapids.
Comments: There are some physical activities there where you would have to decide wether you children can do them. There are cast members available to help if needed.
Location: Golden State - Condor Flats
Ride Type: Movie/Flying Ride
Passengers: 174 per show
Fastpass: Yes
Minimum Height: 40 inches
Summary: “Soarin’ to Tower – we’re ready for takeoff.” Soarin’ is an attraction which simulates a hang-glider flight over and throughout the state of California . After a short pre-show, hosted by Patrick Warburton (who plays the character “Kronk” in “The Emperor’s New Groove”), you are escorted into the flight chamber. There are three rows of seats, each with individual seat belt restraints. When the ride is ready for takeoff, the theatre lights go out and the seats takeoff from the ground to hover in front of the large screen. The movie takes you through the San Francisco Bay, Napa Valley, Redwood Creek, Lake Tahoe ski areas, Palm Springs golf resorts, orange groves, beaches, deserts, and cities of California. You end the movie with a wonderful view of Disneyland, decorated for the Christmas holidays. As the movie ends, the lights dim again and you gently descend back to the theatre floor to disembark.
Comments: At the start and end of the ride, the lights go out, which may frighten children. Children who are afraid of heights may find the ride and movie images disturbing. Some effects in the movie may startle children, especially the golf ball that flies at you, and the fireworks over Disneyland at the end of the movie.
Hollywood land is known as the "Hollywood that never was, but always will be". It focuses on the Hollywood of bygone ages with the boulevard and the backlots you see.
Location: Hollywood Land
Ride Type: Interactive Activities and Classes
Summary: Disney Animation gives guest a taste at animation film process. They have 4 areas in the Disney Animation. They are the following: Animation Courtyard, Animation Academy, Sorcerer's Workshop, and Turtle Talk with Crush. There they have interactive activities and also classes on drawing. They have exhibits of past animated films. In there you can find a Toy Story Zoetrope which gives people a small demonstration on animation.
Comments: This place offers interactive exhibits and allows you to walk around and look at some of them. There are classes that give you a chance to learn to draw classic Disney character, but some may find it boring.
Location: Hollywood Land
Ride Type: Live Show
Summary: This Broadway style show brings alive the movie Aladdin with many of the animated characters from the movie like Aladdin, Jasmine, Rug, and of course the Genie. This retailing of the show has many songs from original and also a new one.
Comments: The show is in a large theater and is only shown on certain days. Check your schedule for show times. If you are using a stroller for a wheel chair or need special seating, speak with a cast member. Keep in mind that special seating is limited. They also do have one elevator to help those go to the different floors. It was also planned on ending the show and bring in another Broadway type of show, but Disney has extended the showing.
Location: Hollywood Land
Ride Type: Dark Ride
Passengers: 6 per car
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: None
Summary: You get a chance to visit Monstropolis from Pixar's Monsters, Inc. Follow Mike and Sully as they go through Monstropolis and help Boo get back to her home.
Comments: This is another dark ride where it can get loud, but is not too bad as compared to others. Cute ride as you go through Monstropolis in the monster taxi.
Location: Hollywood Land
Ride Type: 3-D Film
Fastpass: No
Summary: Welcome to the classic Muppet Theatre, where all of your old friends hang out, and the last major project undertaken by Muppet creator Jim Henson. Kermit the Frog is your host for a tour of the lab of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, who has created a new film technology. Of course, everything goes wrong in traditional Muppet fashion, but it's a fun visit with old friends, including the grouchy old guys who heckle the performance from the balcony. You start the attraction in the pre-show area, where Fozzy Bear and other characters rush around to prepare for the show. It's fun to watch them "jump screens" between three TV monitors. You then enter the theatre for the 3D portion of the show. In addition to the 3D movie, characters can be found all around the auditorium, and you are treated to a special guest appearance by the character "Sweetums". Total time for the attraction is about 25 minutes, including the pre-show.
Comments: Special glasses are required to view the 3-D effects. The movie contains loud noises and bright flashes, which may overwhelm children with sensory issues. Ask a cast member for a seat near the exit if you feel you might need to leave early.
Fun Facts: As you go in you will see a sign stating "Key under mat". Check and you may see the key there.
Location: Hollywood Land
Ride Type: Live Action Show
Summary: When Mickey Mouse wants to throw a surprise party for Minnie Mouse, he calls on his friends from "Playhouse Disney" for help. Chacters from "Handy Manny", "My Friends Tigger and Pooh", "Little Einsteins", and of course the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" show learn to work together to pull of the party plans. Children and adults sit on a carpeted floor (sorry - no seats!), but are encouraged to jump up and sing, dance, and interact with the characters during the 22 minute show.
Comments: Children who are familiar with the Playhouse Disney TV shows (on the Disney Channel) will recognize many of their favorites. The show encourages children to sing and be active in this show, so it can get loud and overstimulating. It's a great opportunity for children with autism to participate alongside neuro-typical children and Disney characters. As with any live show, if you are uncertain how your child will react, please consult a cast member about sitting near an exit, or in a quieter spot away from the action.
Location: Hollywood Land inside of Disney Animation
Ride Type: Interactive Show
Summary: Guests are given a chance to speak to one of Pixar's famous characters, Crush from "Finding Nemo". Here they meet and talk to Crush and he even ask questions from the audience.
Comments: Through Disney Imagineering, Crush comes alive and interactive in this show. For some children they may find the show very interesting while some may not. Best is to try and sit by an exit incase you may have to leave the show.
Location: Hollywood Land
Ride Type: Thrill Ride
Passengers: 3 rows of 7 across
Fastpass: Yes
Minimum Height: 40 inches
Summary: Based on the classic TV show "The Twilight Zone", this ride is themed around the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, which has recently re-opened for business. In 1939, five guests disappeared in a freak accident. Will you suffer the same fate? As you work your way through the ride line, you learn more about the tragedy from long ago. Eventually, your are encouraged to ride a rusty old service elevator up to the 13th floor. . Eventually, the ride freefalls down, and then is lifted back up again, and again, and again, using a unique system that actually pulls you down faster than the speed of gravity (and invoking a weightless sensation as you fall). Each ride is unique, and offers a unique view of the park when doors suddenly open during your free-fall experience.
Comments: This ride is not only an extreme thrill ride, but is themed with an eerie and creepy feel. Children may not understand that what they are seeing is make-believe. This can be an overstimulating ride, and very frightening for children of all ages and abilities. The ride is physically demanding with the free-fall experience. We recommend that you have an adult in your party pre-view the ride to determine if it is appropriate for your child.
One of the four lands in Disney California, Paradise Pier is modeled after the California coasts boardwalks that has rides, restaurants, and shops. Paradise Pier has many attractions including a major thrill ride, popular attractions, World of Color water show, and new attractions under construction. It also host the princess character meal, Ariel's Grotto.
Location: Paradise Pier
Ride Type: Roller Coaster
Passengers: 2 per row
Fastpass: Yes
Minimum Height: 48 Inches
Summary: Modeled after old time wooden roller coasters, California Screamin' is a major thrill ride that as you ride you will understand the screamin' part of the attraction. California Screamin' is different from normal roller coasters in that you start at the bottom and is launched from a stand still position.
Comments: Even though it is modeled after old time wooden roller coaster, this is a steal roller coaster that allows it to twist, turn, and do loops. It goes really fast. Also it has a stereo music in each cars as you go. If there is motion issue, this might be an attraction to thinking about skipping.
Location: Paradise Pier
Ride Type: Swing Ride
Passengers: 2 per row
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: No
Summary: Take a ride on Disney's Golden Zephyr as it goes around and gives you view of the Paradise Pier.
Comments: This is a basic swing ride where the ride vehicle is a zephyr with many rows for the guests. It goes up and goes around. Those with height issues may need to watch it first to see if it is too high for them.
Location: Paradise Pier
Ride Type: Parachute Ride
Passengers: 2 per Parachute
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: 40 inches
Summary: Take a jellyfish as it goes up and softly down. You reach the top and the jellyfish guides you down with a little up and down action on the way down.
Comments: Designed for younger guests in mind, the ride may give those with motion issues a some slight problems as the attraction does not just go up and then down. On the way down there are times that it does little bumps up and then back down.
Location: Paradise Piers
Ride Type: Merry-go-around
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: None
Summary: King Triton from The Little Mermaid allows guests to take a ride on his carousel. Take a ride on many of the sea animals on this merry-go-around.
Comments: This is a basic carousel and for those that may not want to ride an animal that goes up and down there are benches for those that just want to ride around and around.
Location: Paradise Pier
Ride Type: Ferris Wheel
Passengers: Approximate 6 per car
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: No
Summary: Even though a ferris wheel is a classic boardwalk attraction, Mickey's Fun Wheel is not a typical ferris wheel. First the attraction can reach heights of 150, making this DCA's tallest attraction. It also has some of the cars that move in and out of a track as the wheel goes around, to give an additional thrill. For those that moving cars does not sound to attractive they do have stationary cars that just go around the wheel. It does offer a spectacular view of both Disney Parks as you reach the top.
Comments: Even though there is no height requirement, the ride does go high and can be scary. If there is motion issues, try the stationary cars. If there are height issues, then another attraction might be best.
Location: Paradise Pier
Ride Type: Roller Coaster
Passengers: 4 per car
Fastpass: Yes
Minimum Height: 42 Inches
Summary: Take ride through Mulholland Madness twists, sharp turns, and up and downs. It is a small roller coaster, but don't let the small size fool you. It does has a lot motion.
Comments: The ride can be very jerky at times and may have issues for those with motion issues.
Location: Paradise Pier
Ride Type: Swing Ride
Passengers: 1 or 2 per swing depending on swing.
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: 48 inches to swing by themselves, 40 to 48 to swing w/ an adult
Summary: Based on the Classic Disney animated short Silly Symphony, Mickey conducts his orchestra as a tornado blows through the area. You sit in a swing and goes up and around. The ride also tilts as it goes in a circular motion.
Comments: This a basic swing ride that adds a tilt. You are able to see if the ride is suitable as it goes. The only issues are those of motion and also height.
Location: Paradise Pier
Ride Type: Interactive 3-D Game Ride
Passengers: 2 per row and 2 rows per car
Fastpass: No
Minimum Height: None
Summary:Similar to the "Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin" at the Disneyland, Toy Story Mania puts you in the drivers seat for an interactive arcade experience. Based on common carnival rides, like a ring toss or dart throw, the ride becomes an interactive 3-D experience allowing you to rack up points as you participate in the games. Each row is equipped with two spring-action cannons that shoot virtual rings, darts, pies, balls, and more in several games hosted by "Toy Story" characters. The unique ride vehicles allow you to compete in your own virtual game. The theming in the ride line is phenomenal - you are a toy sized character in a child's playroom. Enjoy seeing the larger than life Lincoln Log Cabin, View-Master Slides, Scrabble Games, and more. You even get some great tips from Mr. Potato-Head in the regular queue.
Comments: This is fun and interactive 3-D ride. To get the most of the ride visuals, children will have to wear the plastic 3-D glasses. The ride can be overstimulating with loud carnival and arcade type noise and with puffs of air (when you pop virtual balloons). Children have to manipulate the spring-action cannon in order to participate in the game, but many (like our son) enjoy watching their ride partner play instead. Wait times at this ride can exceed two hours in the regular line, and 30 minutes in the Fastpass (alternate entrance) line. Huge crowds can gather after the park opens to get Fastpasses and get in line for the ride. You may want to wait until after the crush has passed before navigating the narrow alleyway where the ride is located.