Suggestions for "best" stuff at California Adventure

[theluckyrabbit]

The entertainment schedule will continue to be filled in. Keep checking as you get closer to your dates. The lines for Frozen vary, but most people are reporting waiting about an hour before their scheduled showtime. There is a Frozen dining package that comes with special seating. You can look it up to see if it would be worth it for your group. Make sure to get PhotoPass so that you and your parents can have tons of photos together with your son on this trip.

 

[julesann]

My Mom went to DLR with my family when she was 75 and 76 and although she was a fairly good walker, I wouldn't say she was fit like your parents but she had a good sense of adventure even though she was afraid of heights. She loved everything we did except for CS and ToT. Carsland wasn't built yet, but she would have enjoyed this area and RSS (it helps to watch the movie Cars--a good one for all ages). I recommend, like pp, to take your parents to Frozen -- it is really well done even if you are tired of Frozen. The whole area where Turtle Talk/Crush is located is great like the Sorcerer's Library in the Animation Building. Lunch at CC or WCT could also be a nice relaxing break--I'd make ADR and I think WOC dessert is the way to go--as you don't need to wait in line and you get to sit. My Mom (even with her fear of heights) so enjoyed Soarin', and It's Tough to Be a Bug as well as TSMM and my favorite favorite memory is her riding on GRR with her shower cap over her hairdo. I really think you can make a full day of DCA especially if you want to do RSR.

 

[pdarrah]

Thank you again to everyone who has posted - so many very helpful responses! I'm really thinking we'll play the Frozen show by ear... There isn't any way I am getting this group to wait an hour to see Frozen And buying a dining package to see a show they don't care about seems a little crazy If we are looking for something to do and the timing is right, I'll suggest it and let them know everyone here thinks it is worth it.

I hadn't really thought about Photopass since we don't use it at WDW (after the insane number of times we have been there, we don't see much need for tons of photos LOL) but it is probably a good idea for this trip - we have the whole family there (yep, 5 people is our whole family!) and for a few it is a "first trip" (or something similar - My mom's 1st, Dad's 2nd in 60 yrs, DS18's 2nd but doesn't have strong memories of 2008). I just took a moment to read a little & it sounds like I don't have to decide in advance and we can purchase it there or even after we get back? We aren't doing any character meals, so the 1 week package probably works.

 

[the donut]

I know people have already mentioned the animation academy, but I'd like to put a special plug in for it. We went with my in laws over president's day weekend, and everyone really enjoyed it. You really don't need any artistic ability, just the ability to follow directions. And your sketch makes a nice memento of your trip to take home with you.

I'll also put in a plug for CarsLand right when they turn on the neon lights. If you're familiar with the movie, they play the song and the lights flicker on just like in the "real" Radiator Springs. It's quite charming.

I hear you on the whole Frozen overload thing, but we did enjoy the show. However, we saw it early when they were giving out fastpasses. I'm not sure I could really wait an hour for that show. That seems crazy.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Check YouTube for full length, good quality videos of the Frozen show. That will help you decide if this will be worth it for your family. The dining package is at CCR, so if you were wanting to dine there anyway, this might work out for you. But the videos will really help you determine. Some people have gotten seats, up at the top of the back section, at the last minute. If your group is fine with that and can handle the stairs, that might be an option, too.