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Top 10 Must Do's at Disney California Adventure Park

Disney California Adventure Park opened on February 8, 2001 and has experienced a lot of changes since then. This park originally opened to highlight the state of California. I remember going to the park right when it opened. It had the letters spelling out California in the front of the park and as you walked into the entrance, you could see the "Golden Gate Bridge." Pixar Pier was called Paradise Pier and the big roller coaster was called California Screamin'.

Presently, there are nine themed lands at Disney California Adventure: Buena Vista Street, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens Park, San Fransokyo Square, Performance Corridor, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Avengers Campus, and Cars Land. Here are the top 10 things I love to do while visiting Disney California Adventure.
 
10. Goofy's Sky School
Located in Paradise Gardens Park, this attraction is designed after the short movie, "Goofy's Glider." When it first opened, it was called Mulholland Madness and later rethemed to Goofy's Sky School in 2011. This attraction goes 27mph in a single car.
9. WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
WEB SLINGERS opened back in 2021 in Avengers Campus. The attraction is similar to Toy Story Mania where you wear 3D glasses and try to destroy the Spider-bots. This ride is a lot of fun!
 
8. Pixar Pal-A-Round
The Ferris wheel is one of the most photographed place in all of the Disneyland Resort. This attraction opened in 2001 as the Sun Wheel. It goes up 150 feet high. I was so scared to ride this attraction and finally went on it in September of this year. There is a swinging and non-swinging side to this attraction. I will say that the swinging car is fun and thrilling at the same time.
7. The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure
The Little Mermaid attraction is located in Paradise Gardens Park. Guests will travel through the story of The Little Mermaid movie while aboard a clam shell. 
 
6. Grizzly River Run
This attraction opened in 2001. Even though I traveled to Disney California Adventure numerous times, the first time I rode this attraction was in July of 2023. This attraction spins and you do get wet! The ride ends as your raft goes down a small drop.

5. Soarin'
Disney California Adventure has had both versions of this attraction: Soarin' Over California and Soarin' Around the World. I do like both versions but the original California version is my favorite. In this attraction, it's like you are hang gliding through the different sceneries. You can smell all the smells with wind in your face.
4. Toy Story Midway Mania!
This ride holds a special place in my heart. When my sons were little, they wanted more than anything to go on this ride. It's an arcade type game where you put on 3D glasses and shoot at the different targets.
 
3. Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!
I have a love/hate relationship with this attraction. I hate the anticipation of going on this ride but once it's done, it's such a rush. Originally, this attraction was the Tower of Terror and later reopened in 2017 as Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! Although similar to Tower of Terror, I do love the songs that are blasting in your ears as you drop!
2. Incredicoaster
Incredicoaster was originally called California Screamin' when it opened. It was later rethemed in 2018 as the Incredicoaster. I was so scared of this ride. This attraction goes zero to 55 miles per hour in the first four seconds and is so much fun!
1. Radiator Springs Racers
This attraction is my favorite Disney ride! Located in the beautiful Cars Land, this attraction follows the story of Lightening McQueen. You travel through Route 66 and prepare to race by getting your "tires changed" or getting a new "paint job". At the end, you end up racing other guests in the quest for first place! This attraction always has a long queue. If you aren't going to buy the Lightning Lane Single Pass, I suggest utilizing the Single Rider line.
Planning a Disneyland vacation? We'd love to help! Contact your Kingdom Konsultant travel professional or submit a request form for a free quote today. For additional help planning your Disneyland vacation, visit our Disneyland page for more posts, such as our Top 10 Must Do's at Disneyland post. 

We Want to Hear From You

What do you think of our Top 10 list? Did we miss any attractions? What are your family's Must Do's? Let us know in the comments.

Elisa Mendoza
Elisa loves helping others create magical memories with their family and friends. You can email Elisa at elisa@kingdomkonsultant.com.
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