Disney's California Adventure

Disney's California Adventure Park is the newest Disney theme park in Anaheim, California, adjacent to Disneyland Park and part of the larger Disneyland Resort. It opened on February 8, 2001. The park is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company.

This 55-acre theme park was constructed as part of a major expansion that transformed the Disneyland area and it's hotels into the overall named "Anaheim Resort" and consists of five areas: Sunshine Plaza, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, The Golden State, A Bug's Land and Paradise Pier. Most of them meant to resemble or recreate various aspects about California, it's culture, landmarks and history. Often referred to by it's initials, DCA features a different line-up of attractions from those of Disneyland, including some family-friendly rides as well as an emphasis on adult oriented thrill rides.

Upon entering Disney's California Adventure guests pass under a version of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge (this one is a bridge for the Disneyland Monorail) and into Sunshine Plaza where a giant golden sun presides over a wave fountain, while classic California songs play in the background.

The DCA "LANDS" or areas within the park are:

Hollywood Pictures Backlot Theme to resemble a street in Hollywood (as it should look) You enter the backlot area down a fun, ornately decorated movie studio gateway. As you pass through into this Hollywood-themed area, the names of shops and restaurants are clever plays on words, like "Award Weiners" and "Schmoozies". Playhouse Disney is located here, as is the Hyperion Theater, where the musical spectactular Disney's Aladdin is presented on stage. Next to the Hyperion the Hollywood Tower Hotel invites guest to "drop in" for a vist to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. On the lighter side take a tour of Monstropolis in Monsters Inc., Mike and Sulley to the Rescue or watch some of those zany Muppet antics in Muppet*Vision 3D. The Animation Building houses several different activities - chat with a turtle, learn to draw a Disney character, or play in the Sorceror's Workshop.

In Condor Flats you will find one of the park's signature attractions: Soarin' Over California. This simulated hang glider ride takes guests "soarin'" over some of California's beautiful scenic areas and' although it's not a scary ride, guests with any fear of heights should be warned. You are gently lifted up in front of a 70 foot movie screen which gives you the impression that you are hang-gliding over the incredible scenery of Northern and southern California. Taste Pilot's Grill serves tasty ribs, chicken, burgers and fries.

In the Grizzly Peak Recreation Area take a whitewater raft ride on Grizzly River Run You WILL get wet!

The Golden State Bay Area recalls the architectural style of the city of San Francisco. The Golden Dreams movie, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, presents a history of California through the eyes of the people who lived it and is well worth seeing. There is almost never a wait.

Paradise Pier is the largest area in the park. Located around Paradise Bay are a number of attractions and amusements reminscent of those found in classic seaside amusement parks, like the aircar ride The Golden Zephyr, Mulholland Madness, a "Wild Mouse" type of roller coaster, Jumpin' Jellyfish, Orange Stinger, MaliBoomer, which launches riders into the air, The Sun Wheel, a deceptively thrilling ferris wheel, King Triton's Carousel with its ocean-themed carousel animals, and Paradise Pier's signature attraction, California Screamin'. This fast and smooth roller coaster takes guests on an exhilirating ride up, down, and around, including a loop through the Mickey ears logo emblazoned on the front of the coaster track. Dining opportunities include a Disney Princess Character meal at Ariel's Grotto, burgers and fries from Burger Invasion, pizza and pasta from Pizza Oom Mow Mow, corn dogs and hot dogs from Corn Dog Castle and frozen ice cream treats from Catch a Flave. Guests can stroll the boardwalk and try their luck at classic boardwalk games like Dolphin Derby and San Joaquin Volley.

At the Golden Vine Winery and the Pacific Wharf areas guests can sample a variety of cuisines, from al fresco Italian at The Trattoria to the upscale Vineyard Room, soups and salads in sourdough bread bowls from The Pacific Wharf Cafe and Mexican entrees from Cocina Cucamonga.

"a bug's land" includes attractions based on characters from the movie A Bug's Life. It's fine for little children but I often recommend that guests avoid the area except for the 3d movie It's Tough to be a Bug. Flik's Fun Fair is designed for younger guests and hosts kid-friendly attractions like Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Tuck'n'Roll's Drive 'em Buggies, Francis' Ladybug Boogie, Flik's Flyers, and Princess Dot Puddle Park. These rides offer very long rides for very little pay off, and, if keeping the kids happy means keeping mom and dad happy, I would recommend quickly saying bye bye to Bug's Land.

Services within the Park

Baby Care Center: The Baby Center is available for preparing formulas, warming bottles and changing infants. The Center also offers baby sundries for purchase including diapers, Carnation formulas, bottles and pacifiers. Diaper machines and changing tables are available in most rest rooms throughout the Park. The Baby Center is located next to the Mission Tortilla Factory in Pacific Wharf area.

Banking Service: Basic banking services as well as foreign currency exchange is provided at the Geust Relations Lobby in Disney's California Adventure park. ATMs, presented by CHASE, are located at the Main Entrance, Bay Area, Pacific Wharf, and Hollywood Pictures Backlot.

Credit Cards: Visa is a proud sponsor of the Disneyland Resort. Traveler's Checks, Cash, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express and JCB are also accepted at most stores and restaurants.

Disney Dollars: The official currency of the Disneyland Resort, Disney Dollars are available in various denominations and feature limited-edition designs. Great for Disney collectors of giving as gifts! Purchase yours today at selected Resort locations.

Entertainment: For up-to-date entertainment schedules, stop by the Guest Relations Lobby or consult the Disneyland Today brochure.

First Aid: Registered nurses are on duty at all times in the First Aid Center, located next to the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf area next to the Baby Center.

Information: Complete Disneyland Resort information is available at the Guest Relations Lobby in Sunshine Plaza.

For advance Disneyland information: contact Disneyland Guest Relations, P.O. Box 3232, Anaheim, CA 92803 or phone (714) 781-4565 or (213) 626-8605, ext. 4565. Information for The Disneyland Hotel and The Disneyland Pacific Hotel are available by writing directly to the respective hotel: The Disneyland Hotel, 1150 West Cerritos Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, telephone (714) 778-6600; and The Disneyland Pacific Hotel, 1717 S. West Street, Anaheim, CA 92802, telephone (714) 999-0990. Reservations for either hotel can be made by calling (714) 956-6400.

Kennel Club: The kennel is located right of the Disneyland Park Main Entrance. The charge is $10 for the day. Food and water are provided. There are no overnight accommodations for pets.

Lost Children: Facilities for the care of lost children under the age of 10 are maintained in the Baby Care Center. Messages for lost persons over 10 may be left at the Guest Relations Lobby.

Lost and Found: Lost and Found for the Disneyland Resort is located on the east side outside the Main Entrance of Disney's California Adventure park.

Locker Facilities: Locker facilities are located at the Main Entrance and the Golden Gateway. Lockers large enough for suitcases are located near the Parking Lot Tram Stop. Locker rentals at all locations are $4, $5 or $6 per day, depending on the locker's size.

Package Check Service: Shop and check your purchases for pickup later in the day at Engine Ears Toys (under the Golden Gateway). Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests may have purchases delivered to Bell Services for next-day pickup after 7am. Certain restrictions apply.

Parking: Disneyland parking is $11 per day.

Physical Considerations: For safety and comfort, you should be in good health and free from heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by certain attractions. Expectant mothers should not ride. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

Prepaid Phone Cards: Vending machines offering AT&T Prepaid Calling Cards are located in Disneyland Park inside the Main Street, U.S.A. locker area and at the Starcade in Tomorrowland.

Readmission Policy: If you leave the park and plan to return the same day, you must get your hand stamped when you exit. To re-enter, you must present your ticket or Resort ID as well as your hand stamp.

Safety Considerations: :Disneyland works to maintain a comfortable, safe and enjoyable environment for all Guests. Please assist by showing common courtesy to fellow Park Guests. Please be respectful of others. Do not use profanity or engage in unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior. Please abide by all safety warnings and notices. Proper attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times.

Services for Guests with Disabilities:: For specific information, obtain a copy of the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities. An audio tape tour and Braille Guidebook are available in the Guest Relations Lobby. Written aids are available for use at many attractions. A limited number of wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles are available. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to rent or operate an electric convenience vehicle.

Smoking:: For the comfort of all Guests, smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Please look for the smoking symbol on park guide maps for specific locations.

Wheelchair and Stroller Rentals: Strollers can be rented inside the Main Entrance in Golden Gateway and in Condor Flats at Fly 'n' Buy. Wheelchair rentals are available just inside the Main Entrance. Strollers are $7 per day and wheelchairs are $27 per day including a $20 refundable deposit. Electric carts are $50 for the day, including a $20 refundable deposit; a driver's license and credit card are required for electric carts. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to rent or operate an Electric Convenience Vehicle.