Is DCA an Amusement ParK?

[cforza]

I have just started investigating the notion of going to Disneyland and DCA rather than WDW for several reasons. One is that I thought we could tour California a little in addition to going to a Theme Park, the other is because I heard DCA was a new THEME park and I thought I would check it out. After reading some trip reports, it sounds like DCA is nothing more than an Amusement Park with carnival type rides vs. the wonderful attractions that Disney made famous! Please tell me this isn't so! Can someone shed some light on this or recommend some information? Thank you.

 

[Rajah]

Though I haven't been, I have seen it, and it's a combo. It's a theme park, where one part of the theme (ie, equiv of Fantasyland, Frontierland, etc) is an amusement park. But you also have other sections like a Hollywood-like area (similar to MGM or so I understand) and a mountainous area. So I'd say it's a combo.

-Rajah
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(Links will return when I find a new place to host the sites)

 

[cforza]

Whew! The last thing I would want to do is Fly a family of 4 all the way to California only to be disappointed by a glorified amusement park. To me what is special about Disney are the attractions like Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Safari in AK, The wonderful Theming and those great 3-d movies like Bugs Life and Honey I shrunk the audience. This is what I take the time and expense to see, NOT an amusement park. I once went to a Six Flags and left after 1 hour becuse it was just a bunch of unimaginative rides and roller coasters. Yuck! I have to say, I'm even disappointed with WDW rockin rollar coaster. If anyone at Disney is reading this PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE concentrate on the imaginative animantronic attractions that made Disney so magical in the first place!

 

[pnelson]

We just got back from DCA and Disneyland. The part of DCA that you are thinking of is Paradise Pier, which is like a typical boardwalk. My 7 year old liked it, but I was bored. The rides are just that-rides. There is a ferris wheel, swings, a drop zone ride, etc. The other parts of DCA I really enjoyed however. Also, if you have a hopper pass, you can hop over to Disneyland. DCA repeats several attractions found at DW-Tough to be a Bug and Mupetts 3-D. I't been a long time since I have been to Disneyland since I prefer DisneyWorld. I really enjoyed myself and am really glad that I saw both parks.

 

[larry_poppins]

DCA is an interesting mix.

Part traditional amusement park: This is the Paradise Pier area. Boring rides but beautifully lit at night.

Part Disney theme park: Think EPCOT World Showcase if California was a nation.

Think Disney-MGM Studios at DCA's Hollywood Pictures Backlot.

In DCA's favor it is very beautiful visually and the soundtrack of the different lands is wonderful.

Is it worth $43? That is really up to each individual to say. I had a great time. I also enjoyed the Eureka Parade.

Sincerely,

Larry Poppins

 

[larry_poppins]

bumpity bump

 

[cforza]

Thanks for your reply. Do they have 2 day hopper passes like WDW?

 

[ChristaMcD]

DL resort does not have hoppers like WDW, that is unless you are staying on site. You can purchase a 3 or 4 day flex pass that lets you in to both parks but only one park per day.

 

[Langella]

I think I read somewhere that you can get a part hopper pass through AAA for three days for $116 for adults. I don't remember where I read it, but I'll try to find it.

 

[pnelson]

The above poster is incorrect. They do have 3 or 4 day passports, but you can go back and forth between the parks during the day. You are not limited to one park a day.

 

[larry_poppins]

Unless things have changed, you can not hop between Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure unless you are staying at a Disney hotel and you buy your pass at the hotel and bill it to your room.

Unless things have recently changed...

 

[GrammieMame]

Soarin' Over California and the raft ride are worth the price of admission. The ambience is upbeat and stimulating, especially at night. I'd go for it.

 

[cforza]

We are planning on stying at a Disney Hotel. So you're saying that if you buy the pass at the Hotel, you can Hop? Any one know the price of a 2 day pass? Thanks for your help!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Unless Disney has changed the DL/DCA park hopper in the last month, the only way to park hop was to stay on site.
I have been holding off buying my May tickets in the hopes that park hoppers will become available for guests not staying on Disney property.
One thing about Disney. they are subject to change. They change their minds/rules/policies like we change channels on a TV.

CSR: 01/01
DL- off site: 05/01
WDW - on site: 01/02