Is California Adventure Worth It?

[mdsd8700]

I would vote for DCA as well . Our family of 4 did a similar trip two summers ago (2008). Not exactly sure of your starting point for your road trip. We started at Disneyland, so we took the earliest flight from Chicago to CA and got to the parks around 11 am. We spend that first half day and the next day touring both parks. So we spent 1.5 days at DLR (but we had been there twice before). The 3rd day we left early in the am for our drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to our next destination. Which by the way was one of the best vacation we have ever taken . If you can manage to do DCA I would go for it, the park does have it's own rides and charm that shouldn't be missed.

 

[dmked]

We like CA, but if I only had one day I would not bother with a 1 day PH. I would spend the whole day at DL. But if you have an extra day to spend I would get the 2 day PH and spend 1.5 days at DL and half a day at CA.

 

[sportbettor]

I think that DCA is an underrated park, it has the most popular ride at both Epcot and Hollywood studios but therein lies the problem for you, if you are a WDW vet you have ridden most of the good rides there.

TSMM same ride worse queue much shorter wait than wdw but no FP
Soaring same ride worse queue much shorter wait than wdw
ToT worse ride shorter wait
Turtle talk pretty sure its the same but I've never seen the wdw show

So I think if you want to ride these rides here (with lower wait times than wdw) then you should do DCA. Or if you are going to skip duplicate WDW rides at DL then you should parkhop because you probably won't have a full day of stuff to do at DL. However i don't recommend this because the DL versions of most rides are arguably better or different/same quality than WDW. The glaring exception to this is Pooh.

The two best unique things to DCA imho are Aladdin (this and Nemo at AK are my favorite Disney stage shows) and WoC (probably my 2nd favorite show next to DL Fantasmic) if you want to see these then you have to go to DCA. Not sure when you are going but if the Remember Dreams Come True fireworks show is playing at DL you really should see it because imho even in its shortened form its the best Disney fireworks show. So if you want to see both WoC (which is awesome) and the fireworks you will have to make sure you get a FP for a WoC show that doenst conflict with the fireworks.

Hydroguy wrote a really good article on Dl for WDW vets. You might want to read it here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599&highlight=hydroguy+wdw

 

[vanessa3198]

I LOVE DCA!
And I think the World of Color show alone makes it totally worth going!
That show is amazing!

 

[Tikestoublie]

Another vote for CA! Granted only if you can do the extra day. Because of the crowds if you only have 1 day I would stick with Dl, but there really is so many great things at CA. Do be aware that towards the evening it can get quite chaotic around the Paradise Pier side so maybe earlier in the day would be better. One thing nice about CA is that there are quite a few activities you can do inside to get out of the heat for a bit. The Animation building alone can keep you sun and heat free for an hour or more with some cool activities. Also Bug's land has water fountains that are great to cool off in. If possible pack some flip flops that can get wet and you can go play. Definitely not just for little ones, IMHO.

Which ever way you go I hope your family has a great trip!

 

[Funball]

I think that DCA is an underrated park, it has the most popular ride at both Epcot and Hollywood studios but therein lies the problem for you, if you are a WDW vet you have ridden most of the good rides there.

TSMM same ride worse queue much shorter wait than wdw but no FP
Soaring same ride worse queue much shorter wait than wdw
ToT worse ride shorter wait
Turtle talk pretty sure its the same but I've never seen the wdw show

So I think if you want to ride these rides here (with lower wait times than wdw) then you should do DCA. Or if you are going to skip duplicate WDW rides at DL then you should parkhop because you probably won't have a full day of stuff to do at DL. However i don't recommend this because the DL versions of most rides are arguably better or different/same quality than WDW. The glaring exception to this is Pooh.

The two best unique things to DCA imho are Aladdin (this and Nemo at AK are my favorite Disney stage shows) and WoC (probably my 2nd favorite show next to DL Fantasmic) if you want to see these then you have to go to DCA. Not sure when you are going but if the Remember Dreams Come True fireworks show is playing at DL you really should see it because imho even in its shortened form its the best Disney fireworks show. So if you want to see both WoC (which is awesome) and the fireworks you will have to make sure you get a FP for a WoC show that doenst conflict with the fireworks.

Hydroguy wrote a really good article on Dl for WDW vets. You might want to read it here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599&highlight=hydroguy+wdw

OF course the florida parks have the same or similar rides as DLR and DCA does... its disney

 

[kkmcan]

Absolutely worth it! Our favorites are Toy Story Mania, Grizzly River Run, Soarin, Screamin, Muholland Madness, the Animation Academy (we could spend a few hours there exploring the Beasts library, the Zoetrope and seeing Turtle Talk and then we have to do the drawing lesson), Monsters Inc, Tower of Terror. Definitely see Aladdin!

We also love eating there too! Love Wine COuntry Trattoria, the Pacific Wharf restaurants- grab a Margarita- or we usually do some rides, then take the Grand Cal exit to Whitewater snacks for lunch, then go back in to DCA for more rides.


See the Pixar parade if you haven't already- it's really fun!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

If you are making a far trip and spending 3 days in the park, just buy season passes. It works out to be almost cheaper. You get parking included, and discounts on much of what the park has to offer. That way you can go in and out of each park and just enjoy it all.

Seriously? 3 days in the park in an entire year does not warrant passes. 3 day hoppers currently cost $184 (ages 10 and up) online. The only annual pass that comes with parking is the premium and that pass costs $439 per person. You get food and merchandise discounts, but you have to spend A LOT of money to make up this difference. Even the deluxe pass is $299 and does not include parking; that can be added at an additional cost. Annual passes make good financial sense when you are making more than one trip in a year. Sometimes it can also be sensible to get an annual pass for one member of a group even if you only come for one trip if the AP gives you access to exceptional hotel discounts.

 

[Funball]

It depends on what your expectations are. Right now California Park is a mess. There is construction going on everywhere. There are only a few attractions that really have that Disneyland feel. Over all the park is more like Universal Studios or Knotts Berry Farm. The feel is very LA Industrial. Disneyland has lots of trees, landscaping, etc. California is very much like that of an outdoor mall with a few rides thrown in. There are some good things however. Soaring Over California is a great ride. California Screaming is great! Turtle Talk with Crush is amazing. The 3D bugs life show is the best 3D show I have been to. Grizzlie River Run is fun. Wonderful World of Color is great, but a little disappointing. Toy Story is fun, but over rated. If you are making the trip from far away... don't miss it. You can spend a day there and that's about it. Disneyland has way more to do.

California Park is Hot, lack of shade. It has some great rides but more aimed at teenagers and adults. The kids will enjoy the redwood forest area. Bugs land has some really mellow rides that are more like fair rides and so mellow it is fun for about 3o minutes, more or less a waste of space. Its great for little kids though. Kids will also love Turtle Talk. Until cars land opens and Aerials Grotto Opens, there is not too much for little kids.

The park is fun but don't expect it to be Disneyland. All in all the park should be renamed Pixar Park. I dont like the direction Disney is going making every ride and attraction themed after a pixar movie. I loved it when Walt was in charge and still alive. Everything that is still there that Walk oversaw is still timeless and still as good as the day it was introduced. If you are making a far trip, spend the extra few dollars and go.

umm i hate to point it out but all that "construction" is really only the new ariel ride being put in, and the new trolly tracks bieng installed near TOT, other then the contrsuction is not in anybodies way, maybe you have not been in a while-but on sunday it was non obtrusive to me, and you really can't see the cranes for CARS LAND. i'm sorry that you didnt like DCA< but it's not a mall with a few rides thrown in, this park is still being built and updated--it always will just like disneyland.and not much for little kids? there is alot for little kids to do, muppets 3d, TSMM, king tritons carousel, animation building and everything in it, monsters ride, bugs land.. and the bugs life show...to me that is alot for a little kid...

and i agree with longtimedisneyluker, a 3 day park hopper doesn't even compare to a pass, and i back them up on this--no parking is included only on premium. and some of the pass's don't get the same discounts as a premium anyway.

oh and ARIELS GROTTO is the restaruant not the ride.. and the restaraunt is open.......

i'd hate to read your take on glowfest at DCA....

Seriously? 3 days in the park in an entire year does not warrant passes. 3 day hoppers currently cost $184 (ages 10 and up) online. The only annual pass that comes with parking is the premium and that pass costs $439 per person. You get food and merchandise discounts, but you have to spend A LOT of money to make up this difference. Even the deluxe pass is $299 and does not include parking; that can be added at an additional cost. Annual passes make good financial sense when you are making more than one trip in a year. Sometimes it can also be sensible to get an annual pass for one member of a group even if you only come for one trip if the AP gives you access to exceptional hotel discounts.

i agree ... *high five*

 

[kim3339]

Agree with going to DCA. Don't think this has been mentioned, but they have alcohol in DCA which, if you like it, is always fun. They have a Margarita kiosk and a Beer Truck near the food area in the middle of the park. And the prices aren't that bad either!!

 

[Funball]

Agree with going to DCA. Don't think this has been mentioned, but they have alcohol in DCA which, if you like it, is always fun. They have a Margarita kiosk and a Beer Truck near the food area in the middle of the park. And the prices aren't that bad either!!

FINALLY!! Someone agrees with me that the beer prices are not THAT extreme!!

 

[kim3339]

I know! Compared to the prices I have to pay at baseball stadiums, $7 for a beer or margarita aren't that bad!

 

[tdashgirl]

Agree with going to DCA. Don't think this has been mentioned, but they have alcohol in DCA which, if you like it, is always fun. They have a Margarita kiosk and a Beer Truck near the food area in the middle of the park. And the prices aren't that bad either!!

I agree! The beer is pretty good too - I was reminded of this fact when we went to a local park this past weekend (operated by Cedar Fair) and all they had was budweiser brands. My dad is a longtime Bud fan - me, not so much

 

[pixiewings71]

Yes, alcohol in DCA is quite reasonably priced, I really enjoy going to the Cove Bar and having some Lobster Nachos and a good drink or two.

 

[tdashgirl]

MMMM. Lobster nachos .... :drool::::

 

[amym2]

We've also been to WDW many times and just did DLR for the first time earlier this month, so here's my take on it.

We loved DCA- many of the rides were familiar: Toy Story (but no FP at DL), Tower of Terror (not as good as WDW's), and Soarin (same) to name a few. But there are also some unique features: Aladdin show, Monsters Inc, the whole building with Turtle Talk with Crush (don't miss the Sorceror's Workshop), Silly Symphony Swings, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area. I know you said you don't do big coasters, but DS (8) talked me into going on California Screamin' and it was awesome! Disney has a way with their coasters, and even though it's a big one, it doesn't have the huge drops like coasters at non-Disney parks. It was DS's absolute favorite ride at both parks. We thought the Pixar Play Parade was fantastic, and even things like the Boudin tour were unique. We enjoyed our meals at Pacific Wharf and Wine Country Trattoria, and World of Color is fantastic (but really read up on where to stand for a decent view).

That being said, if we only had one day (we had 3) we would have just stuck with DL. Even though many of the rides are similar to WDW, they are better at DL (Pirates, IASW, Space Mtn, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise). If you add a second day, definitely get the park hopper tickets and make it over to DCA.

 

[tdashgirl]

I know you said you don't do big coasters, but DS (8) talked me into going on California Screamin' and it was awesome! Disney has a way with their coasters, and even though it's a big one, it doesn't have the huge drops like coasters at non-Disney parks.

This is a good point - thanks for sharing it I used to LOVE thrill rides, but since pregnancy something is off with my equilibrium or something, and many of the (non Disney) ones make me nauseous. Having said that, I Disney coasters. I could ride them over and over.

 

[Funball]

I agree! The beer is pretty good too - I was reminded of this fact when we went to a local park this past weekend (operated by Cedar Fair) and all they had was budweiser brands. My dad is a longtime Bud fan - me, not so much

DCA deff. has more then just bud! i have grown to love the Karl Strauss--it's pretty tasty!! and the wine--oh dont even get me started!!

Yes, alcohol in DCA is quite reasonably priced, I really enjoy going to the Cove Bar and having some Lobster Nachos and a good drink or two.

cove is nice when no cover charge!! mm lobster nachos......mmmm

here is our reason but in photos ya'll!! (food and coaster!)






those shrimp suuuure look good!!!

 

[MulanFan]

Agree with going to DCA. Don't think this has been mentioned, but they have alcohol in DCA which, if you like it, is always fun. They have a Margarita kiosk and a Beer Truck near the food area in the middle of the park. And the prices aren't that bad either!!

Wait, whoa, how did I miss this??? Now it's difinitely on my list of things to check out (along with the new crepe stand I hear is in Downtown Disney).

 

[VectorDreams]

So where is a good place to get a good margarita? Going in a couple of weeks and the lobster nachos sound good. Are they at the Cove?