Disney California Adventure has only been on the scene since 2001. However, its dedication to extending Disneyland Park's spirit of escapism makes it feel like Walt Disney himself had a hand in its creation. It's a must-visit for anyone that has even the smallest spot in their heart reserved for a little Disney magic.
Three Must See Attractions at Disney California Adventure
Cars Land faithfully recreates the film's American Southwest environment through rides and attractions. The Twilight Zone-themed Tower of Terror is an exciting thrill ride with a spooky atmosphere. World of Color's dramatic water and fire-based effects are a great show to see at day's end.
Where to Stay near Disney California Adventure
The three hotels at Disneyland Resort offer convenience for a price. Its flagship venue, Grand Californian Hotel, also offers luxury. More than a dozen cost-effective hotels, including chains like Marriott, are within 3 blocks of the park.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Disney California Adventure
If you go in March, you'll dodge most of the spring break crowd and have a chance to enjoy Southern California's springtime weather. The Saturday summertime crowds are especially tough to deal with in August.
Discounts at Disney California Adventure
Discounts for non-Southern California residents are a rarity. However, U.S. Military members can enjoy park and resort hotel discounts except during the Halloween-Christmas season.
Food at Disney California Adventure
Most meals will put you back about $15 to $25 per person. Carthay Circle offers an in-the-park upscale dining experience if you're without kids and budgetary restrictions.
Parking at Disney California Adventure
Parking will set you back about $20. The multi-level lot is ample, so you won't struggle to find a spot.
Transportation Alternatives to Disney California Adventure
Most hotels within a few blocks of the park have shuttle services for a fee. You can also buy a one-day pass to ride the Anaheim Resort Transport if you're close to the park.
Rich Manning is a freelance writer based in Orange County, CA. He's been writing about food, drink, and lifestyle in Southern California for over ten years.
About 15 million people visit Disneyland each year. It is known as "the happiest place on earth," and it is, in fact, lots of fun. Since it's not exactly a cheap endeavor, start early and plan for a long day so that you can enjoy everything the park has to offer.
Three Must-See Attractions at Disneyland
Pirates of the Caribbean – This water ride is entertaining and tells a story similar to the one your family knows from the film series by the same title. In 2006, a mechanical figure of Captain Jack Sparrow was added to it.
Haunted Mansion – Because this is Disneyland, the ghosts in this haunted mansion are all friendly. You will enjoy this house that was updated in May of 2015 with the addition of the Hatbox Ghost.
Star Tours – This is a simulated ride just under 5 minutes long that is a must for "Star War"s lovers. In it you are a space tourist and a droid takes you on a fast galactic tour, even though he's a bit clumsy. You may find yourself taking this ride more than once.
Where to Stay Near Disneyland
Disney has three hotels close to the park – Paradise Pier Hotel (which is the most affordable), Disneyland Hotel, and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa (which is the fanciest). One of the perks of staying at these hotels is their one-hour early access to the park, before doors open to the general public.
But there are many hotels and motels nearby (in the cities of Anaheim and Garden Grove) at lower prices. You can book them through a search engine like Hotels.com.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Disneyland
Disneyland is always busy. Having said that, weekends are busier than weekdays, summer months busier than school months, and sunny days busier than rainy days. Your best chances: arrive as the gates open, and if there's a hint of rain, grab a hat and go anyway.
Discounts at Disneyland
Discounts at Disneyland are seldom, seasonal, and often for Southern California residents only. You can see the discounts available on this page.
Food at Disneyland
There are multiple hamburger, hot dog, and pizza restaurants throughout the park. Their cost ranges from $10 to $20 per person.
There are also bars, lounges, and specialized restaurants. One is The Blue Bayou Restaurant, with Cajun/Creole food and a gumbo dish that you should have for dinner -- an experience that will range between $30 and $60 per person.
Parking at Disneyland
There is plenty of parking at Disneyland, ranging between $17 and $27 depending on the size of your vehicle. You can pay with cash, credit cards, or Disney dollars. Parking opens one hour prior to the gates.
Transportation alternatives at Disneyland
The Disneyland Resort Express provides transportation from LAX to the Disney hotels for those who will lodge there.
If you are staying elsewhere, Metro Express line 460 travels to Disneyland from the Norwalk Station at no cost. You can find your way to the Norwalk Station on metro.net.
Disneyland's website provides transportation information from the various airports in the surrounding areas.
Author's Bio: Dena Burroughs has lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years. She loves palm trees, Minnie Mouse, and dancing Salsa. VidaSalsera.com is her own website.
