Kid Trips Family Travel: Virginia, DC and Beyond
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press

Disney California Adventure

6/4/2013

0 Comments

 

by Micaela Williamson

Picture
(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
I am no stranger to Disney Parks. Growing up with grandparents in Florida, we would take frequent trips to the ones in Orlando.  This past winter, my family was fortunate to visit my in-laws in beautiful California and embarked on an official kid trip to Disney's California Adventure.  

While I grew up watching classic Disney movies, my kids are Pixar fanatics. California Adventure is the perfect theme park for all things Pixar.

Read about some of our favorite attractions and highlights below: 

Highlights and Tips:

Picture
Cars Land:  Mega Wow Factor for two little boys that adore McQueen and the whole crew!  As soon as the park opened we power walked over to Cars Land to get in line for Radiator Springs Racers, but alas, my 3 year old was too short.  My husband road the ride with the oldest, and there was plenty for my little one to do! He rode on Luigi's Flying Tires and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, which we did all over again with the big brother too! 

Definitely return to Cars Land at night for not to be missed experience. The whole place lights up and you feel like you're really stepped into Radiator Springs.  I was the lucky parent this time and got to ride Radiator Springs Racers at night.  Although the line was longer than others we experienced, I felt it was well worth the wait to zoom through the spectacular canyon and visit with our favorite Cars friends. 

Aladdin Show: This Broadway quality show was just like the movie, but the Genie ad libs hilarious antics and makes jokes about current events and celebrities. We were laughing out loud at this well done production. 

A Bug's Land:  This is the spot for tots!  Bugs Land features lots of great little rides that small ones can go on to feel like a "big kid." Plus, the 3D Movie, "It's Tough to Be a Bug," is very entertaining. However, parents are warned that it may frighten little ones with the giant bugs, dark theatre and fog effects. Sit by the exit.  You can leave anytime if your child isn't enjoying the show. 
Picture
Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Photo by (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
Picture
Mike and Sully to the Rescue, Photo by (Scott Brinegar /©Disney2005)
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue: This is just a cute relaxed ride on "taxi cabs" through scenes from the Monsters, Inc movie.  Both kids and adults enjoy the detailed decor and fun special effects standard to so many Disney rides.

The Little Mermaid-Ariel's Undersea Adventure:  Another just relaxing ride for the senses. I dragged the boys on this, but they liked it. It's fun to ride in the giant shell cars through the songs and scenes of this beloved film. 

PicturePhoto Credit, Micaela Williamson
Toy Story Mania:  We went on a similar ride in Orlando last year. Riders feel like they are in a video game and are whisked through different boards.  Score points by shooting your Spring Action Shooter at targets.   Waiting in line is also fun with the joking, interactive Mr. Potato head to keep everyone entertained.

Pacific Wharf: Even though we were dying with disappointment that Flo's V-8 Cafe was closed, Pacific Wharf is a great theme park eating option that offers Mexican, Asian, American, and a Bakery restaurants. 

Adult drinks: As a true Italian, I love my wine & coffee. By late in the afternoon, I looked down to find my little one asleep in his stroller.  My husband took advantage of this opportunity to go with my oldest on Soarin' Over California (which I hear is an incredible, not to be missed ride,) and I found out that there is a full service Starbucks right inside the park at the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe. Any mom can tell you that a skinny vanilla latte and a napping kid is a magical moment.  Then, I definitely felt like I hit the Jackpot when we scored a seat on the Pixar Play Parade route right on a bench in front of Wine Country Trattoria. Drinking wine & watching a Disney parade?  Yes, that happened. 
Picture
Photo credit Micaela Williamson

Lastly, I can't fail to mention Mickey's Fun Wheel.  This is the only time in my life that I have shown fear in front of my kids.  To this day, I still get teased about it.  The website says, "dare to board one of the 16 free-mounted gondolas that slip and slide back and forth along the tracks inside the spokes. "  Yes, we dared to board them, and I was not a fan. I thought I was going to fall to my death. My kids absolutely loved this ride, its spectacular views, and the thrill of rocking at 150 feet.  

Picture
This bustling pier packs more fun in the sun than you can imagine, including the roaring roller coaster, California Screamin' and the spin-sational Mickey's Fun Wheel. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)


We loved our time at California Adventure and hope to revisit one day.  Since we went in the off season, a few fun attractions, like Grizzly River Run, were closed.  There was also no evening World of Color show, which I hear is just breathtaking. That said, if you are able to go in the off season, you truly do get to experience more attractions and deal with smaller crowds and lines.  We can't wait to return! 
Picture
Presented on Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure park, "World of Color" is a major milestone in the multi-year expansion of the park. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland)





There were many other rides and attractions that we visited at California Adventure, but this post highlights a few memorable moments and tips. All opinions are my own. #DisneyOnTheRoad #DisneySMMoms

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Sponsored Ads  
    Picture

    Visit Kid Trips 's profile on Pinterest.

    Our Book

    Kid Trips Northern Virginia Edition

    Buy New $12.59
    Picture
    Amazon Button

    About The Blog

    Kid Trips' blogs profile fun events and cool family-friendly venues. We focus on regional and national family travel articles. 


    Blogs Via Email

    Blogs Via Email:


    RSS Feed

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    December 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    July 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    August 2009


    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Links We Love

    Real Housewives of NoVA
    NoVA Outdoors
    Our-Kids DC
    Tiny Steps Mommy
    Kid Friendly DC
    Richmond Mom
    PWC Moms 

Contact Us | Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Press I Newsletter Archive

Kid Trips LLC © 2013-2020

Photos used under Creative Commons from Eddie Yip, schopie1, Mr.TinDC, bryansblog, NatalieMaynor, Aero Icarus, cam_rich345, cam_rich345, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, smilygrl, Jim, the Photographer, howcheng, cam_rich345, angela n., BarnImages.com, Numinosity (Gary J Wood), kirichkov, konradherrman, deek ay, gfpeck, Pink Sherbet Photography, USACE Europe District, 401(K) 2013, brownpau, dprevite, geopungo, Michael Bentley, thisgeekredes, Michael Bentley, jasonawhite, LizMarie_AK, C_osett, benagain_photos, freshtopia.net, Lars Plougmann, Aurimas Adomavicius, geopungo, Henning Grap, geopungo, karendotcom127, Adrian R. Tan, angela n., Alex1961, Ray Bouknight, PapaPiper (Travelling), patrickkuhl, epSos.de, edenpictures, karendotcom127, My Lil' Rotten, daniel.baker, Mr.TinDC, Pictures by Ann, bob194156, Rubbermaid Products, Rob Shenk, *_*, Mark Sadowski, mrpbps, ShardsOfBlue, pelican, TruffShuff, naql, karendotcom127, Bob P. B., TruffShuff, karendotcom127, archivesfoundation, Purple Sherbet Photography, Laurel_Kate, TownePost Network, gamene, hinebaugh.erin, bob194156, Michael Bentley, g-l-o-w, bengrey, D.L., Jim Larrison, jjandames, R'lyeh Imaging, Poetprince, HarshLight, Payton Chung, Sydney Treasures Photography, @cdharrison, Rictor Norton & David Allen, Tambako the Jaguar, campdarby, DBerry2006, brownpau, sidewalk flying, PetroleumJelliffe, Angelo González, wjarrettc, SPakhrin, Port of San Diego, Loren Javier, Trishhhh, sponselli, Steffy B., Vancouver Laser & Skincare Centre, D.B. Blas, jeri gloege, Last Hero, Los Amigos Del Fuego, jasonb42882
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press