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…
Update:
Disney California Adventure’s original proposed reopening date of July 17 has been delayed.
On June 24, Disney announced, “The State of California has now indicated that it will not issue theme park reopening guidelines until sometime after July 4,” meaning the reopening must be delayed.
When the park does reopen, there will be many changes, including the temporary suspension of select entertainment and experiences.
There have also been rumors that the parks will use virtual queues for more attractions, but Disney hasn’t yet clarified if that’s the case for both Disneyland and DCA. (Disney World has suspended FastPass+ for the time being and plans to use an add additional queue space to manage capacity at attractions and to help maintain physical distancing.)
Whatever the case, when DCA does reopen, parades, nighttime spectaculars, and character meet and greets will be temporarily suspended. Characters will continue to make appearances, but in a new way that promises to entertain guests.
Be sure to check out our Disneyland reopening page, where we explain everything in detail.
Avengers Campus (Coming Soon)
Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
When to visit: TBD
Recommended for: TBD
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: TBD
▶ Watch ride video
New E-Ticket Attraction (Phase 2, Opening Date TBD)
When to visit: TBD
Recommended for: TBD
Disney World comparison: N/A
Tips: TBD
▶ Watch ride video
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
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
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip and maximizing your time, read our FastPass and MaxPass guide.
And see how Single Rider and Rider Switch can reduce wait times when it comes to select attractions.
