Disneyland vs. California Adventures for preschoolers?

[MissLMS]

We are going to one park for a day while we are visiting family in Orange County. We've been to Disneyland twice before, although our daughter was only a toddler then.

We are considering taking our 3 year old and 5 year old to California Adventures instead of Disneyland this time, primarily for the Cars Land. But, I was wondering how much they will actually be able to ride at California Adventures? Would Disneyland be a better choice for their age?

I should note, we are spending 6 days in Disneyworld in November, which is another reason why I didn't mind skipping Disneyland this time around.

 

[basketballmom]

I think California Adventure has LOTS for preschoolers! The entire animation building, Monsters, Inc. ride, Bugs' Land, Little Mermaid ride, Jumpin Jellyfish, the Carousel, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and then the shows and parades on top of that.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

There is a lot for pre-schoolers. One determining factor in your decision though may be the height of your 3-year old. Be aware that even though the following rides might be fun for pre-schoolers, they can't go on them if they aren't at least 40" tall:

Radiator Springs Racers
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Silly Symphony Swings (won't be able to go on single swing until I think 46" tall but can ride tandem at 40")
Soarin' Over California
Tower of Terror (not necessarily appropriate or fun for every three year old anyway)

Stuff your pre-schoolers may like:
Character Meet 'n Greets - I usually find it easier to find Mickey, Goofy, and Chip and Dale out and about on Buena Vista Street. My nephew who is one year old isn't as happy with these characters because they aren't in familiar to him garb, but this probably won't matter for a lot of kids. The Cars characters are only available in DCA for meet and greet, so that's something special about DCA. Mater and Lightning McQueen rotate appearances in Carsland.

Playhouse Disney show

Monster's Inc

Muppet's Movie

Turtle Talk with Crush. I really enjoy the rest of the animation building, but there aren't necessarily a lot of other activities that will hold the attention of pre-schoolers.

Bugs Land rides. A lot of people don't like the Bugs movie since it may be scary for young kids, so that might be something to skip.

Cars Land and rides

Toy Story Midway Mania

Jumpin' Jellyfish (40" or taller)

Swings (40" or taller)

Golden Zephyr

Little Mermaid ride

Grizzly River Run - if 42" or taller

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

Soarin' over California (40" or taller)

Pixar Play Parade

 

[Midnightred]

My kids enjoy California Adventure. The Racers is too fast for them, but the enjoy Mater's and Luigis, Little Mermaid, and Monsters Inc. If it were up to me I would Park Hop, because I don't feel there is enough to feel like you got your money's worth. If I had to choose one, I would choose Disneyland. There are rides you won't get to go on at WDW like the Subs, Toad, Snow White, maybe the Matterhorn. Also my kids love Toon Town, which is unique to DL as well.

Midnightred

 

[ktlm]

I'd buy a hopper. It only takes about 5 minutes to get out of one park and into the other. That way you can catch some of the highlights of both parks that are loved by that age group.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I'm usually a big advocate of having the hopper, but for a one day trip with a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children), we are talking a $216 upcharge, almost half again their initial ticket outlay, to add hopping. I'm not sure that would be worth the cost in this case. To me, hopping benefits are best maximized either when on a one-day trip designed to hit everything you possibly can or when visiting for several days in a row and wanting flexibility to go back and forth based on mood and timing. I just don't think it's possible or wise to set a commando pace with toddlers whether or not they are both in strollers, so for a one-day trip as OP described I actually find myself against the idea of hopping. I believe that they can find enough to fill a day in whichever park they choose to stick with. Just my two cents.

 

[tiffjoy]

My little kiddos love DCA! We are frequent DLR and WDW visitors, and I would rank DCA as my third favorite park of the two resorts. I have to second (or third) the age height check, though. My DD2 isn't tall enough yet for many of the rides, but we "go again" as many times as she wants, and she enjoys the ones she can go on. I love the atmosphere of this park, personally. It just feels fun.

If you only have the one day, I honestly would do a park hopper. Spend the morning in DL, and the afternoon in DCA (this is actually a normal day for us- DL can get crowded in the later afternoon). Both parks are very unique from WDW. Although MK copies many aspects of DLR, they are both still different in other ways. Your kids will love Toontown and Fantasyland, especially.

If pressed to only pick one, I would go with DL, but I really think the PH option is the best choice for a one time visit.

 

[mummabear]

Either way there is a crossover of rides in DLR or DCA and those at WDW. There is alot for pre-schoolers at DCA and if you haven't been before it is certainly worth spending a day.
I agree with PP in regards to hoppers not being a worthwhile expense in this case.
You could also consider the character meal at Ariels Grotto.

 

[thatgrljme]

My son wasn't tall enough to ride a lot of what DCA has. I think he enjoyed his time much more in DL.

 

[YukonMommy]

I agree with the posters who say skip the PH. The expense does not justify the means, especially when 4 months later your be in WDW.
I love DCA and so did my kids.
Like other have said check your kids heights.
There is a lot to do and see.
The Pixar parade is lively and super bright and fun.
My kids loved all of bugsland, including the show.
My kids even at 3 and 4 loved the TOT, so if you think your kids are game I say try it.
Carsland is amazing.
The Disney Junior Show is great.
Some characters your kids might love that are only at DCA are Sophia and Jake (and I think I read somewhere Doc McStuffins for the summer??)

I think there is plenty to see and do for 1 day!

Have a magical time!

 

[chabelita545]

I think California Adventure has LOTS for preschoolers! The entire animation building, Monsters, Inc. ride, Bugs' Land, Little Mermaid ride, Jumpin Jellyfish, the Carousel, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and then the shows and parades on top of that.

Redwood creek challenge trail is like a hidden jem. We always forget about it until the last day and then love every minute spent inside. There's so much to climb on and explore.

If the Aladdin show is still running, they'll love that, too. Sit in the orchestra level for when the elephants walk by.

You can also rider swap with your hubby and enjoy some of the rides the kids might be too short for. I love GRR, Screamin', and RSR.