Disney California Adventure is located directly across from Disneyland Park, just a quick 1-2 minute walk away.
It has so many attractions and the park might even give Walt Disney World fans Hollywood Studios vibes, but on a much larger and impressive scale.
Here's a rundown of all the attractions...
Cars Land
Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters
When to visit: First 2 hours
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: it's tradition to raise your arms towards the end of the ride when the car spins around
▶ Watch ride video
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
When to visit: First 3 hours
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: similar to Alien Swirling Saucers at Hollywood Studios
Tips: this ride is even better at night
▶ Watch ride video
Radiator Springs Racers
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: Anyone who's tall enough (the best ride at DCA!)
Disney World comparison: has Test Track vibes, but so much better with exceptional theming
Tips: grab a FastPass as soon as possible, because this ride is super popular
▶ Watch ride video
Grizzly Peak
Grizzly River Run
When to visit: First 2 hours
Recommended for: a time filler for anyone
Disney World comparison: think Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom
Tips: there are lockers next to the large grizzly bear statue that you can use to store items you don't want to get wet; no charge for the lockers for the first two hours
▶ Watch ride video
Redwood Creek Challenge
When to visit: Anytime, but closes earlier than other attractions
Recommended for: a time filler for families with little ones who like to run around and climb
Disney World comparison: along the lines of The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom
Tips: there's a Spirit Cave that tells you if you're a bear, a wolf, or a skunk
Soarin' Around the World
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: a time filler for anyone
Disney World comparison: like Epcot's Soarin', but with a different queue
Tips: pay attention to the flight-themed details when standing in line
▶ Watch ride video
Hollywood Land
Animation Academy
When to visit: Anytime (as scheduled)
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: similar to The Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom's Conservation Station
Tips: classes are every 30 minutes; show up early to enjoy the rotating images and video clips celebrating Disney animation in the main lobby's Animation Courtyard
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Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: anyone who's tall enough (another favorite at DCA)
Disney World comparison: like Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, but with a Marvel-twist and really fun '70s music
Tips: you'll want to grab a FastPass for this one; the queue is also filled with many Easter eggs, including Harold the Yeti from Disneyland's older version of the Matterhorn (check out the boiler room scaffolding) and Epcot's Figment (inside a frosted box hanging from the ceiling in the gallery room)
▶ Watch ride video
Mickey's PhilharMagic
When to visit: Anytime, but usually closes in the early evening
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: Exactly like Mickey's PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom
Tips: the theater is big with plenty of seating, so don't worry about getting in line super early
▶ Watch show video
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
When to visit: First 2 hours
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: basically a ride through the actual story of Monsters Inc.; pay attention to what Roz says to your vehicle at the very end
▶ Watch ride video
Sorcerer's Workshop
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: don't miss the Magic Mirror from Snow White and walk straight through to access the Beast's library from Beauty and the Beast
▶ Watch video
Turtle Talk with Crush
When to visit: Anytime (as scheduled)
Recommended for: a time filler for families, especially if you have kids in your party
Disney World comparison: just like Epcot's Turtle Talk with Crush
Tips: makes a great spot to cool off and rest your feet; shows run every 30 minutes
▶ Watch show video
Pacific Wharf
The Bakery Tour
When to visit: Anytime (sometimes closes in early evening, so check the time schedule)
Recommended for: a time filler for anyone, especially if you like to watch the creation of Disney food
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: this is where the famous Mickey Mouse sourdough bread is made; you can buy it at the Pacific Wharf Café (there's also a cart outside the restaurant)
▶ Watch video
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar
When to visit: Anytime (currently closed and is expected to open later in 2019)
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: only visit if you're interested in learning how artists, architects, and engineers designed the reimagined Pixar Pier
Paradise Gardens Park
Golden Zephyr
When to visit: Anytime (sometimes closes early due to World of Color, so check entertainment schedule or the Disneyland app)
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: this offers greats views of Pixar Pier
▶ Watch ride video
Goofy's Sky School
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: similar to Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom
Tips: sometimes this actually has a long line, so definitely utilize FastPass and Single Rider options; there are many sharp turns that sometimes make people queasy
▶ Watch ride video
Jumpin' Jellyfish
When to visit: Anytime (sometimes closes early due to World of Color, so check the entertainment schedule or the Disneyland app)
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: suited more for kids
▶ Watch ride video
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: like Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom, but the queue's theming isn't as detailed
Tips: don't make this a priority if you've been on the one at Walt Disney World
▶ Watch ride video
Silly Symphony Swings
When to visit: Anytime (sometimes closes early due to World of Color, so check the entertainment schedule or Disneyland app)
Recommended for: a time filler for anyone
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: the swings move around in a circle at a quick pace, so avoid if you get dizzy or motion sickness easily
▶ Watch ride video
Pixar Pier
Games of Pixar Pier
When to visit: Anytime
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: like Fossil Fun Games at Animal Kingdom
Tips: there are dispensing machines near the booths for you to purchase a special play card with prepaid credits
Incredicoaster
When to visit: First hour (sometimes closes early due to World of Color, so check the entertainment schedule or the Disneyland app)
Recommended for: anyone who's tall enough (a really fun coaster with a loop)
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: this is one of the more popular rides, like Guardians and Radiator Springs Racers, so you'll want to grab a FastPass as soon as you can
▶ Watch ride video
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
When to visit: First 2 hours (sometimes closes early due to World of Color, so check the entertainment schedule or Disneyland app)
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: the vehicles lift into the air, but the ride moves at a slow pace
▶ Watch ride video
Jessie's Critter Carousel
When to visit: Anytime (sometimes closes early due to World of Color, so check the entertainment schedule or Disneyland app)
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: kids will love this Toy Story-themed carousel
▶ Watch ride video
Pixar Pal-A-Round — Swinging & Non-Swinging
When to visit: First 2 hours (sometimes closes early due to World of Color, so check entertainment schedule or Disneyland app)
Recommended for: anyone who isn't afraid of heights
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: "Swinging" means the cars swing as the wheel rotates (and it's a little scary, so warning, especially for little ones); "Non-Swinging" means the cars remain stationary as you go around; there are two separate lines, one for swinging and one for non-swinging, so pay attention before you enter
▶ Watch ride video
Toy Story Midway Mania!
When to visit: First hour
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: just like the ride at Hollywood Studios, but the queue isn't as fun
Tips: don't miss Mr. Potato Head outside of the ride telling jokes; there are also easter eggs within the game that will earn you more points
Avengers Campus
Worldwide Engineering Brigade (opening sometime in 2020)
When to visit: TBD
Recommended for: TBD
Disney World comparison: TBD
Tips: TBD
▶ Watch ride video
Nighttime Entertainment & Parades
World of Color
When to visit: one show nightly (may not occur due to seasonal parties and other factors; check app for the schedule)
Recommended for: Anyone
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: grab a FastPass as soon as you can for reserved seating, which is standing room only (use either MaxPass or find a FastPass kiosk near The Little Mermaid attraction); each section also has space for guests with mobility disabilities
Frozen — Live at the Hyperion
When to visit: three 1-hour shows daily on Sundays-Thursdays (check app for times)
Recommended for: a time filler for anyone
Disney World comparison: the complete opposite of Hollywood Studios' Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and more like a Broadway production
Tips: FastPasses aren't available and the show can fill up fast, so get in line early
Disney Junior Dance Party!
When to visit: Shows happen daily (check the app for times)
Recommended for: a time filler for families
Disney World comparison: just Hollywood Studios' show, but minus Minnie Mouse
Tips: this is a great spot to cool off and let little ones burn off energy
