Disney

Disney's California Adventure Attractions

DISNEY-SMILES HOME DISNEYLAND ATTRACTIONS

From the day it opened, Disney's California Adventure was mired in controversy. It grew out of original parking lot which for many was part of the Disney experience. What could be better than to park your car, gaze off in the distance at the unmistakable Disneyland main gates, and hop on a nifty little tram that let you off right at the entrance? It just added to the excitement of entrance into the magic kingdom.

California Adventure has some remarkable attractions. Soaring Over California is stunning, Grizzly Rapids Run is fun, and what could be better than a real roller coaster that turns you upside down in mouse ears. The Aladdin show is wonderful, Turtle Talk with Crush is a technical wonder, and I love both 3-D shows - not to mention the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Playhouse Disney. But that's about it. The rest is a strange mix of curious theming and rides that lack half the imagination as the park just across plaza.

In 2007 the Disney Board of Directors have approved a billion dollar makeover to California Adventure with one of the most creative of all imagineers at the helm. Let's hope this time they get it right. Toy Story Mania is the first featured attraction to open in the makeover and it is a winner.

The little mans says....

= Great, the best = Fun and very enjoyable = Maybe fun & interesting = A snoozer = Don't even bother

Amusements

Games of the Boardwalk - Most of the games where removed to make room for Toy Story Midway Mania. A good thing. Pay exorbitant admission prices to get into the park then pay more to play carnival games.

Big Thrills

California Screamin' - This is a coaster that is way fun. It shoots you off from a standing start to about 55 mph in less than 5 seconds. From that point on its 2 minutes of smooth coaster cruising with one loop upside down inside some mouse ears.

Grizzly River Run - Maybe the best water ride I have ever been on. It's long, scenic, full of surprises, and on a warm day getting wet feels so good. When you get on you will not know if you will get just wet or get really wet. A word of caution, riding this ride in cooler weather can make for a miserable experience once you get off. I lost my favorite hat and a pair of sunglasses on this ride.

Maliboomer - This is a ride you will see at every state and county fair across the country only not quite as tall and not quite as scary. So this one I will ride while avoiding it state fair cousins. This ride is slated to be removed in the DCA makeover.

Mulholland Madness - Another carnival ride with absolutely no theming. It's a wild mouse roller coaster that looks like it could have been assembled in about 2 days. It does have some thrills but for Disney, it's a complete disaster. It occupies a sizeable chunk of real estate so get rid of it and put up something that has some imagination.

Soarin' Over California - The big winner in California Adventure. This is a ride for people of all ages but unfortunately not of those who have problems with motion sickness. After Pirates, it is my favorite ride in either park.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ - It's big, imposing, and the queue line will cause you to build with anticipation but when you get down to it, its the Maliboomer with a story behind it. Fun, thrilling, but not particularly memorable.

Discovery

The Boudin Bakery, hosted by Boudin Bakery - Free piece of (excellant) French Bread for everyone. What?

Bountiful Valley Farm, presented by Caterpillar - One of the strange piece of theming and something that makes you scratch your head...

Disney Animation - Lots of interesting behind the scenes Disney magic here and the home of remarkable Turtle Talk with Crush. You may take a look and walk on by - but don't. It's worth the time.

Golden Vine Winery - Some day -maybe. With food prices incredibly high, I'm just afraid of what they would charge for wine.

Hyperion Theater - Home of the Aladdin show. The theater is huge and the show is wonderful though, since I've scene Aladdin, I'd like to see something new.

Mission Tortilla Factory, hosted by Mission Foods - Free (excellent) tortillas for everyone. Huh?

Family Adventures

Toy Story Mania - Disney hit a winner with this attraction. Fun and imaginative, this is one attraction you will go on more that once. Kind of an advanced version of the Buzz Lightyear attraction in Disneyland. No Fast Pass so the line can get long. Why do the new rides always seem to want to exit you in a gift shop?

Golden Zephyr - For some reason, I just never got on this ride. Looks like still another carnival ride. Seems gentle enough but Lisa says it messes with you head.

It's Tough to Be a Bug! - Love this 3-D show. I usually see it a couple of times.

Muppet*Vision 3D - See above - same thing...