DCA must see

[California Mom]

I've heard mixed reviews regarding DCA. My children are 16-12-11-9-6-4 yr old. Is this only a park for the 'older' kids? I'm trying to determine if we'll do one day at DL and one at DCA or if I should take the younger ones to DL for the second day instead? (We are DL and WDW veterans, although the 6 & 4 haven't been in a while.)

What are the 'must sees' at DCA and the 'only if you have time' attractions?

THANKS

 

[LuvTigger]

I've heard mixed reviews too. I think it's just that everyone has a different perception of the park and has different expectations. I really liked most of the attractions, though I could do without the games. I think a lot of people expect an atmosphere more like Disneyland, which leads to disappointment.

A friend of mine took her 3 girls, I think at the time they were about 4-7-11, and they had a good time. I think there are attractions for kids to enjoy too.

The absolute must-see is Soaring Over California. After that, CA Screamin' (the rollercoaster), Grizzly Rapids (raft ride), and Maliboomer. The Sun Wheel is great too -- remember there are stationary cars and ones that slide (I went on the stationary one...I know some people who got sick on the moving ones!).

They also have Muppets 3D and A Bugs Life like the ones at WDW. I enjoyed the Golden Dreams movie/show too, it's a nice midday break. There's another rollercoaster, I can't remember the name right now...it looks like a kiddie-coaster, but kids can ride it too, and I actually thought it was kinda scary!!

They also have kids rides, a rocket (?), merry-go-round (with sea creatures). There's also the orange stinger (swing ride).

 

[mousecrazy]

I went to DCA last June with my then three year old daughter. I'm crazy about Disneyland, so did lots of research on DCA. We planned to spend only the morning there, because based on my research, I determined that there would be little to interest her. The only rides she could go on were the Sun Wheel and the carrousel. Even the characters there were scary to her (especially Cruella)...we tried the movie, but it was too dark and loud for a little one.

I think your older kids will have a blast at DCA...just not so sure about your littler ones.

Wishing you a great trip...
Lisa

 

[WDWHound]

We just got back yesterday from a trip to The Disneyland Resort. I was plesently surprised by California Adventure. I had read so many bad reviews of the place that I was all set to hate it. Instead, we found it to be a fun park. I would rate it as much better than your average Six Flags but not quite up to the standards set by the other Disney parks.

Mandy and I both rated the Animaton Pavillion as the best attraction there. We spent 3 hours there (1/2 hour was spent in the huge lobby just gazing around in awe at all the images being projected all around us). My advice would be to get there early (as soon as the rope drops for the hollywood backlot). Once inside, avoid the temptation to galk at all the pretty images moving around you (you can come back later) and head staight for the Sorcerer's Workshop. It will be on your right as you enter the main lobby. This area contains some really cool interactive exhibits and some of the best theming in the park. Because the exhibits in this are are heavily interactive, it takes awhile to do and lines form quickly as there are only so many workstations to go around in each section of the workshop. We had the most fun in the Ursula's Groto section, where you get to do voices overs for Disney Movies, and the Beast's Library section, where you can find out which Disney character you are most like. The theming in the Library is AMAZING. If you have the time, stay and watch the fire go out and all the petals fall from the rose on the mantle. When the last petal falls, there are some really nice effects.

Have fun!

 

[JenniBarra]

As far as DCA goes, attitude is everything. If you go in expecting to have a great time, then you probably will. I have a great time whenever I am there, but I expect it to be its own park, not an exact replica of Disneyland (though there's lots of classic "Disney touches" to be found all over.)

As far as must dos, I agree with the ones that have already been suggested (the Sun Wheel, GRR, Soarin' Over California, and California Screamin'). However, for the kids, there are other things that they might really enjoy, such as the Animation Building. The lobby is very cool and they'll probably get a kick out of the Sorcerer's Workshop? area, where they can find out which Disney character they're most like, create their own cartoons, and add their own voices into the scenes of classic Disney films. Muppet Vision is another thing kids would probably enjoy. Depending on how daring your children are, It's Tough To Be a Bug! might be up their alley.

 

[JenniferW]

Check and see if any park hopper ticket applies for what you want. Then, you can go between the parks easily and decide how things are going.

Someone said that a 3 day park hopper was the minimum, but I'm not sure if that is true. Another person said that you can buy less days with park hopping if you stay at the resort. I bought a promotional ticket in November at the park entrance that allowed you to park hop 4 days for 143 or so. The days didn't expire in 13 days like the other passes, rather 2 years expiration. Used one that day in Nov, one in Jan, and am trying to convince hubby to make the trip to use another one or two!

I'm not sure what the choices are now, but that deal wasn't adverised at all so maybe someone will know who has been recently. I enjoyed going between the two parks and it was all so close unlike WDW.


Jenn

 

[LuvTigger]

When I was there in October, there was a 2-day pass (not sure if it was a hopper) available at the ticket booths, but not advertised anywhere else.

 

[ceejay13]

We are DCA fans. I agree with the previous posters. You go in with a great attitude and you will find some great things for all ages. I love both parks and they make for a great 2 days or more visit. Soarin' is a must see for everyone. For the younger kids, there is It's a Bugs Life and the Muppets. The older kids will love Paradise Pier but there are a few rides, like the carousel for the younger ones also. It is a smaller park but we found plenty of things to keep us entertained. We are returning for our 3rd visit next month and can't wait.

 

[hydster]

soarin over california but my little one (2 at the time) was too short to ride it. YOu have to be at leat 40 inches tall to ride it.

- 40-inch (102 cm): Jumpin' Jellyfish, Soarin' Over California

42-inch (106 cm): Grizzly River Run, Mulholland Madness, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

48-inch (122 cm): California Screamin', Orange Stinger

52-inch (132 cm): Maliboomer

If they are under the 40 inch height they can only ride the Sun Wheel Ferris Wheel and the King Triton Carousel. They can go into the animation place and watch shows and also play on the S.S.Rustworthy boat thing that is alot of fun but after that not a whole lot to do. The older kids would probably love it but if your younger ones arent at the height to enjoy ALL of the rides I might be tempted to skip it. I know others wont agree with me but listening to my kids cry because they cant ride a ride the others can ride isnt a good time to me!

Just my 2 cents!
Heidi

 

[SteveH]

Our seven year old loves DCA almost as much at Disneyland, well close at least. He loves Soaring, Muppet 3D, Redwood Creek (both 7 and 4 year old it), SS tRustworthy, and so on, plus the Electric Light Parade is always a hit too.

 

[Steve BWV'99]

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