Out and About | Plan Ahead to Disney California Adventure

I meant to write about our out-and-about at Disney California Adventure Park a while ago. It got delayed because I’d like to share the very details of our experience in this specific park.
Out of three days of Southern-California-Resident-Disneyland ticket, we chose to go to California Adventure Park twice, one with little el, one without. The most obvious reason was to avoid crowds. Disneyland has far more Disney spirit than Adventure Park, but the hours of wait-in-line in Disneyland can be ridiculously crazy that may ruin our mood. The attractions at California Adventure Park are more generic; however they are more than enough of attractions that are favorable to the little ones.

King Triton's Carousel

Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Golden Zephyr

We parked the car at the downtown Disney so that we didn't waste time waiting in a never ending line to the tram. Therefore, we walked through downtown Disney first and stopped by one of my favorite stores:

Look at him! with all the “girl friends” around! lol

If anyone comes with little ones to Adventure Park, I would suggest that Toy Story Midway Mania to be the first hit or at least get the fastpass first. It is probably the most popular ride without height restriction, and the wait line gets crazier later the day that people may not be able to obtain a fastpass.

I am not going to tell which one belongs to whom...

Here’s a list of rides that require higher minimum height: (attraction details if interested)

• California Screamin’ (48”)
• Goofy’s Sky School (42”)
• Grizzly River Run (42”)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout (40”) --> Popular!!
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish (40”)
• Radiator Springs Racers (40”) --> Popular!!
• Silly Symphony Swings(40”)
• Soarin’ Around the World (40”)

Charles and I actually took turns to ride Soarin’ Around the World. Disney has this friendly service called Rider Switch, which allows the qualified party to take turn to enjoy the ride without wait another turn, kind of like getting a fastpass without getting a fastpass. (how to use rider switch) Redwood Creek Challenge Trail can be a great place to hang out while the other party is taking a ride.

En was fortunate to make it to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (32”)

and Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies (36”)

It seemed that we missed a lot but there were in fact so many other small rides and attractions for little en to participate. For example, we watched Frozen live show at Hollywood land while little el took her nap. Bug's land is definitely a time-killer for toddlers as well. Besides Tuck and Toll, there are Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Flik's Flyers, and Francis' Ladybug Boogie all kinds of easy peasy rides.

Princess Dot Puddle Park at the Bug’s land is also a great place for kids when doing Rider Switch. Don’t forget to bring extra cloths though.

The swinging gondola is worth to pick when riding Mickey’s Fun Wheel. The small freefall was quite exciting.

I’ve got to share this perfect spot to catch Pixar Play Parade. It is a corner on the north side of Pacific Wharf Cafe across the bridge. We were able to have our own table and stay in the shade and avoid being splash from the parade.

Last but not least, it was the first time I finally got to appreciate World of Color, the spectacula water show. It was beyond fantastic! Speechless! After watching this amazing show, I wouldn’t feel bad at all missing the fireworks at Disneyland. It was like presenting the history of Disney on the gigantic water screen, which was decorated with fireworks, well-known Disney music, and actual fire! I actually felt a mist come over my eyes during the show.

At the end of our second visit, we made a last minute call to have dinner at Rainforest Cafe. Both en and el had taken their naps so they played in their shop for almost two hours while Charles took his nap in the car. Ain’t I a supermom or what? Note to myself: plan ahead to make reservation a few days ago.