Describe California Adventure Park rides/Attractions here

[Barb D]

I know some of us have been there and this park gets such mixed reviews on the internet. I for one love the park!!

I will try to describe some of my favorites each day. I would love others to also describe some of their favorites. Maybe we can help others who havent been there to know what they would encounter when they get a chacne to go to the left coast.

Barb

[Barb D]

My most favorite ride is the California Screaming. Its a roller coaster that is shot off like a rocket. You imediatly go up a big hill. It does a lot of twists, turns and hills like a lot of roller coasters but this one also goes upside down. The back drop is a great big mickey head.

I just love this rollercoaster. It has music to go with the twists and turns and when you pull back into the dock it has a deffinate ending to it. I found a site with a virtual visit http://disneylandsource.com/dca/paradisepier/index.html

This is a fast pass attraction but I love to get a fast pass then get into line to ride it then hopfully soon after the fast pass is ready and you get to do it again pretty fast.

I have ridden in the front, the back adn middle and I do love the front the best!! They let you wait to be in the front if you want too.

To me California Screeming is the best.

Barb

[Barb D]

Another really great ride that gets a lot of super reviews (And is now suppose to make its way to Florida eventually) is the Soarin over California.

This ride you get into lines (3 rows.) The first line is the front row and the second line the middle row and the 3rd line the bottom/last row. When everyone is buckled in the rows go up into the air. The top row is the best because you dont see any feet dangling in front of you. (to me its very distracting!!) Everyone has a beautiful view of the screen no matter what row you are on. The screen is huge and you feel like youre there.

The ride takes you to many california sites and you see, smell, hear it all. My favorite place to fly over is the Orange fields. It smells so good at that part.

On this ride You can expect to fly over Snow Mountains, over a river, over fields, past Hot air Balloons & fighter jets and several other attractions in California. Of course the last thing you fly over is the best!! California Disneyland at Christmas time.

This is a wonderful ride and does get very crowded. They have fast pass and they tend to run out early since its so popular. They have a strap that goes between the legs in case a smaller one is on the ride. I have never felt a problem with going up high. It happens pretty fast and you are seatbelted in. Its the dangling feet that get me. SOmetimes I start to watch all those feet wiggling that I miss something. I have ridden this ride about 5 or 6 times so far and I lvoe it each time. The music is instrumental.

Barb

[Barb D]

Today I want to describe the water ride at California Adventure- Grizzley River Run. Its a tube ride just like the one in Animal Kingdom for those who have been there. You load with 8 people sitting in pairs around this huge innertube type vessel. They load you on a moving dock that is moving the tubes to the open water. They can stop the deck from moving to load and unload handicap and wheelchair guests.

This tube ride first goes up a huge hill. Its a little peek at whats to come because we all know what goes up must eventually go down. The last time I rode this ride it was quite turbulant and you got pretty wet if you were the lucky victim when you wnet down the little hills. The last hill is a huge drop and I have seen people get totally drenched a lot of the time. I know Im always drenched!! One thing it lacks is the center stay dry area like the one in Animal Kingdom. You either leave your things behind or know they may get very wet. I have seen people getting ponchos to keep dry in. :-) I just take my medicine and get wet for a couple hours. (Ever notice how long Jeans including shorts take to dry out?)

My story about this ride is in the first year it opened my husband and I rode it the end of June. (It opened Feb 2001) We was ready for the last big drop and of course you guessed it we was backwards to get the big splash and the gates suddely closed. We could hear a voice talking but could not hear enough to have a clue what was being said. We pretty much figured it out when 5, then 10 then 20 then 30 minutes passed and we are still in this position of almost going down the big drop. After about 30 minutes they were draining the whole thing. It maybe took 15 or 20 minutes, I dont really know when they began draining it because we couldnt hear the voice. All the water going over the egde was all we could hear. Once it was drained our tube leveld out and we was flat instead of leaning over that hill. We was probably the last one rescued because of that drop we was in a harder position to get us out. We watched all the others getting out but we was still stuck. They had to bring out a speacil ladder that straddled the rocks on the edge and our tube. We got out one by one and then they took us where they took the others much earlier. We got to see behind the scenes how it all worked. The pumps and all that gear behind the scenes. As we left they gave us fast passes to come back later with up to 5 people. It was extreemly hot (About 90 degrees) and the lines were so long so it was cool to get to come back and cut that line. we also got to find our daughter and bring her too with our fast pass. I dont recomend being on it when it breaks down. It wasted a lot of park time and we was leaning backwards facing the sun so our faces were pretty burned when we finally got out. My husband and I was leaning back so we couldnt even reposition ourselves at all. It was a bit scarry to me.

Barb

[Barb D]

Todays description is a truely great movie in my opinion. It called Golden Dreams. The story is narrated by a statue that looks like Whoopie Goldberg (It was her voice too) Shes the thread that ties this who attraction together as shes the dream that keeps on helping. The story gives the history of California and let me tell you there are some tear jerker moments in this one.

It ends with one of the best songs I have ever heard. Its one of those songs you can sing to but really gives you goose bumps.

The good thing about this attraction is you dont have to be there early. Its a huge theater with comfy seats and airconditioning for those really hot days. The show is about 20 minutes long I think. I have seen it 4 times now and i still love to see it each time I visit.

Barb

[Barb D]

Todays installment is to describe what I consider a very fun ride, but my husband doesnt :-) Its called the Maliboomer. On this ride you get into rows of people to sit 4 across on 4 different sides. Then you get into a seat with a cover that drops down over your face. I figure it must be to keep inside what should never come outside the ride.

Then you wait and when you least expect it you get shot up into the air extreemly fast and they you free fall back down with a couple bounces along the way. I just love the way this one works. Its like the Tower of Terror in reverse. I once rode it 3 times in 30 minutes and by the third time I was ready to stop for sure.

Barb

[Mrs.Bear]

I just want to say, "THANKS", this is a wonderful idea! :D

Verºoº :mickeyHalloween:

[Barb D]

I havent described anything lately so Ill take a shot at another attraction at California Adventure.

They have a whole section devoted to things you would find at MGM in Florida. One really cool place is the Hyperthian theater. Its a huge theater with three levels. They have big production type shows in there. The first year I went we saw a show called Steps in time and it was a musical show with some really big props. Its been a couple years and since then they have changed a couple times. The second tie I went I saw a show called the Power of Blast. This was perhps one of my most favorite shows of all. It was a drum and bugle core ensemble well quite a few people and they did a lot of choreographed music. It was awesome and worth seeing over and over. Thsi past Summer they had another show in it. It s called Aladan. Its based on the story and they use a lot of the old props from the Blast show. They even have a flying carpet up near the second floor level. We did see the show a couple times and saw a totally different cast the second time. Both times we had the ost incredible actor play the genie. He was funny and very memorable.

I think what I love about this theater is the grandness of it. You feel like a celebrety going to a grand premier. The whole place is decorated beautiful and really huge. Im sure at least 5000 people (I dont know for sure) can fit here. They have many shows each day and they seem to fill up the lower floor. I have only sat on the lower floor because too many step for my husband to do. (HE has muscular dystophy and stairs are hard on him) They do have a huge que line and so if you get there and its crowded dont worry. There are a lot of seats and once the doors open the lines move very fast. I do not know how long the ALadan show will remain but based on what Ihave seen everything they book in the theater has been good so Im sure what ever comes will be a grand show.

[Barb D]

Today I will describe the Animation studio part of this park. Its a fairly large building and once inside you enter a huge auditorium like area. (Kind of like the one with Ellen Degenerous in Epcot) There are few seats and a lot of standing or floor seating. Its airconditioned too.

There are some really large screens showing Disney animation and cartoons. There are many directions you can go with this attraction. Each direction has a different focus of animation. In many of the hall ways you find artifacts and history posters of the different disney cartoons.

One of the wings you sit in a theater like room and view a film about Walt and how he became a cartoon artist. It gives a lot of history and facts for the trivia buff. AFter the show you exit to the main auditorium to see another "wing".

IN another wing is many rows of chairs and on the stage is a set up of an animator's office. Once the show starts an animator comes out and talks about drawing cartoons. He interactis with the character on screen which was Mushu the last couple times I went. You learn about processe of creating a story and how it changes from original concept to final story. That Mushu character (from Mulan) was very funny too. Once this is over you exit again and go to the next Wing.

This is perhaps my favorite part of the whole attraction. You get to do a lot of hands on creating of cartoons yourself. SOme of the things I remember doing include drawing a story and putting it in a wheel to spin around and watch your ballon actually fly. The next section you answer some questions about yourself and your personality and take a picture of yourself . Then you get to find out what character you are most like. I found out Im most like tinkerbell. It ends with your picture in the frame.

The next section allows you to put your voice into a cartoon. I beleve up to 4 people can do this at once. You could easily spend an hour or two doing everything in this building.

They have many ques so at least 4 or 5 groups can be doing each thing making the lines move along pretty good. I do find its best to visit this attraction early or late so you avoid lines at all.

[BetsyAnn]

I love this attraction BarbD -- It is in the top three attractions for me at CA!

[Barb D]

Did you know?

California Adventure has some attractions exactly like the WDW parks in Florida?

They have:
Who wants to be a millionaire
It's tough to be a bug
They are building a Tower of terror (Coming 2004)
Muppets 3D
PlayHouse Disney Live on stage


Rides similar to ones in Florida:
Grizzly River run (Like the one in Animal Kingdom)
Soarin over Califorinia is suppose to built in Epcot soon
King Tritons Carousel (Its your typical Carousel but themed Sea Side)

Shopping shopping and more shopping!!

They even have a DownTown Disney just outside the two Disney parks.

[MargaretJ]

Wow after seeing Disney Grand Californian on Travel Channel yesterday I want to stay at this resort & go to this Park.

[Barb D]

Today I want to describe the Sun Wheel. Its located in the Pier section of California Adventure. Its kind of like riding a huge ferris wheel with some twists. The first thing you will notice is the seats are cages. SOme of them swing and move and others just go around. (I cant remmebr if they swing too? I know they dont slide) What I mean by slide is the moving carts actually slide a long a rail as the wheel goes around. Then you get a lot of swinging while it settles down for the next time you slide around the rail. Its a whole lot of fun and a great view. It does bother me that there are no seat belts in the cages though. For an adult this would be absolutely no problem but a small child I think the swinging would be hard if they werent strapped in. I suppose someday they will figure this out.

[MargaretJ]

OK never going on the Sun Wheel after hearing about this one.

[Barb D]

Margaret you would be a great candidate for those non sliding ones. They are basically a ferris wheel in a cage instead of open cart. No slipping or slidding. The good news is there is seldom a line for those ones too. The other sliding ones have long lines and they load 2 at a time. Most people want to ride those. The good news abotu the nonsliding ones is the view is wonderful and you feel very safe in that it wont surprise you at all.

[Barb D]

Its been a while so I thought another ride description is in order.

How about the electrical Parade. I know not a ride but a parade. But you know its like being on a ride after watching it. There are all sorts of floats and people and the best part is its all lighted. I think the biggest difference I see form Electrical Light and Spectromagic in Florida is the lights are colored on one and all white on the other.

The parade starts up near the fountain at the fron of the park. It winds around the courtyard area, then goes down the path towards the rear of the park. It exits at the complete opposite side.

Some of my favorite floats include: Cinderella's Ball, They are all lit up as well as the canopy over the dancers and they do a ball room style dance. Its so georgeous watching those ladies twirl around her gentleman dancer. Im convinced if Im ever in that parade I want to dance in that float. (They are on the ground. I call it a float because the canopy is carried by many people - also lit up)

There is a Petes dragon and Pete is able to talk to the people in the parade route. The Seven dwarfs are all there with their Coal miners cartss. One section I dont quite understand the significance except that it was around an awful long time is the section on the circus. Its not really Disney as far as I can figure. Its a whole section of Circus type animals and attractions on floats.

One of the cuitest things is the little bugs that run around. They stop at random points and greet the little kids. Its a great photo opportunity and the small kids love it (well not the littlest ones).

My favorite memory of this parade was when I went in Dec 2001. We got an 11th floor room at Paradise pier over lookng the California Adventure Park. We got to watch the Electrical Parade from our room and when we opened our window we could hear it too. We watched them exit the park and they remained "on stage" until they were well around the back near a building they had to enter afterwards, there was no chance of people spotting them stop dancing or unlit.

[BetsyAnn]

The Electrical Parade is a all time favorite for me. It always puts a smile on my face and that dang song in my mind for days and days! :)

Thanks BarbD!

[WDWDen]

Hey Barb:-) I JUST saw this thread for the first time and I wanna say that you did a wonderful job! I was there once and cant WAIT to go back!! My favorite ride was definitley Soarin. It is so peacful and relaxing. I really want them to bring it to Florida. My second fav is probably the Sun Wheel inside cars. It is a really neat idea. Even though you dont go as high, they are way more fun. The next time I return, the new ToT will take over that number 2 spot. I doubt if any ride anywhere, will ever bump soarin off my number 1 spot.

We stayed at the GC last time with a view into the park. We were looking right at Grizzly run. We waited until night time for that ride and walked right on. It is so nice to look out your window into the parks at any time of the day or night. I really cant wait to get back there. Although, next time, I MAY try another resort. MAYBE!! lol

[Linnie]

Hi Barb
I just wanted to take the time to say thanks for the great ride descriptions and reviews. I am headed to Disneyland and California Adventure next month and I can hardly wait to try some of the stuff now that I know more about what they are :D

Linnie

[mena292]

wow barb d thanks so much for your time and effort in this thread!! i love coming in and seeing that you have added something new!! i am not leaving for a long time but i have so much excitement and anticipation! i dont want to miss anything, and my planning stage has begun, ok well like a month ago... as soon as i booked the trip!!! thanks again! what an excellent job
missy

[Barb D]

Its been a while since I tackled any attractions. Hopefully someday someone will have more to add too.

Lets complete the Pier section of California Adventure. I already talked about the roller coaster and the SUn Wheel.
This section is kind of like going to a Carnival on a Californian Pier. I almost feel like its something form yesteryear when I am there.
They actuallyhave games you can play (but for an extra fee) You do win prizes. They have carnival food, then the rides include the Rollercoaster and SUnwheel and the others are where I will begin.

Next to the Roller Coaster is a Carosel. I have never ridden it but it looks pretty typical for a Carosel. The ride is themed with a lot of sea creatures kind of like Little mermaid Characters (You know things you find in the sea)

Another ride look slike a big orange. You know Disneyland was built in the middle of orange groves once uppon a time. In the middle of the orange is a standard swing ride. This one does list weight limits I think around 200 pounds or so. Its fun because you are in the middle of a big orange. It rises up and you swing out.

There is another roller coaster in Paradise pier. Its called Mulholland Madness. Its probably my least favorite attraction in all of Disneyworld. Its one of those really compact roller coasters and it looks like a kiddie ride but it whips so so hard I fear someone small could get hurt. My back didnt feel very good with all that sharp whipping the ride did. I prefer to watch this one and I am a roller coaster freak.

I didnt see where I talked about the maliboomer so I am hoping Im not repeating myself. I love this ride. Its like the tower of terror in reverse. You are shot up in the sky so fast then allowed to drop. My husband hates this ride so I usually do it alone. You have a great view on the top. My only complaint is the face shields. I guess they are worried about body fluids leaving the ride or something so they make sure you are well contained. Its kind of claustrophic and hot but the ride is fast and a blast so I have learned to deal with it. One time when I went I did it three times in a row. (Except for walking around from the exit to the entrance)It caused my stomach to start turning for sure.

The last part in this area I havent talked about it the play area. Its really cuite made from a ship and other props. There is water involved. I havent ever been in the play area but it looks like a real grat place for the kids.

Thats it for now. I will tackle another land when I get time to do this again.

Barb

PS I know so many people dont like California Adventure. I personally love it. If you go expecting something so different you wont be disappointed. Its not another Disneyland. That would be like calling MGM or Epcot another Disneyworld. A lot of California adventure attractions are inspired or exactly the same as some in MGM, Epcot and even Animal Kingdom and even more are unique to the park. I say if you havent been there try it with an open mind then if you hate it you can at least know it wa beacue you didnt enjoy it.