California Adventure
YOUR GUIDE TO
start exploring...
The Secret FORMULA to a Laid-back Park Day
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first, make sure you
- Have a Disney’s California Adventure park reservation the day you want to visit, if needed.
- Download the Disneyland app and have all your tickets and party linked.
- Have a credit card tied to your account so it's easy to purchase Genie+ and mobile order food.
- Know the lingo! Disney’s California Adventure = DCA.
and remember...
- If you have a single-day ticket, you can still leave the park to take a break and come back later.
- Park hopping starts at 11 am each day. You’ll have to scan into the first park (the one you have a reservation for) before you can hop to the next.
- Kids under 3 are free! No ticket required.
01. Planning Your Day
What's the best day to visit?
Historically, California Adventure’s highest wait times are on Sunday and the lowest crowds are on Friday.
Let's set up your morning! First, there are three things to nail down:
If you're using Early Entry or not
Guests of Disneyland Resort hotels are allowed into the park 30-45 minutes before official park opening, or "Early Entry.” Check the schedule here and make sure you plan your park reservation on a day you have Early Entry if you can!
How you're getting to there
To figure this out, click the button below for more details on parking at DCA. For more in-depth stuff, refer back to your Disneyland guide.
02. A Magic Morning
PARKING AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
If you're buying Genie+ or an Individual Lightning Lane
Radiator Springs Racers is the only ride not included in Genie+, but can be bought on its own as an "Individual Lightning Lane" (ILL). This is great for families who A) don't want to rush to the parks and B) avoid waiting in line.
CLOSE
Disneyland Resort’s 3 lots.
- Mickey & Friends Parking Structure
walk or tram to the park - Pixar Pals Parking Structure
attached to Mickey & Friends - Toy Story Parking Area
Requires a bus, great for those without strollers! But if you have one, it needs to be folded down.
You can upgrade to Preferred Parking at any of these 3 parking lots for $20 more, but personally, I don’t think this cost is worth the upgrade unless you have trouble walking and need to be closer to the elevators and exit.
DO NOT head to Radiator Springs Racers, as that’s where the majority of crowds go. If you can, save Radiator Springs for ILL or Single Rider. Another plan is to head to Avengers Campus first and ride Guardians or head to Pixar Pier to ride Toy Story Midway Mania & Incredicoaster.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission BREAKOUT! (40")
- Incredicoaster (48")
- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (32")
- Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
- Soarin' Around the World (40")
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
If you can swing it, pleeease buy Genie+. It will take so much pressure off your day and allow you to enjoy the park without waiting in line for hours.
When the park officially opens, head to something with a lower wait time -- like the Incredicoaster -- before scanning into your first Lightning Lane of the day.
30 minutes before Park Opening
- Gates to California Adventure open
California Adventure opens!
45 MINUTES BEFORE PARK OPENING
- Early Entry begins. See the schedule here.
- Once you scan into the park, you can make your first Lightning Lane selection
"Rope Drop" is lingo for when the park opens for the day. (A lot) of people will line up at the rope until they're allowed in.
If you are using Early Entry, you will bypass this line and enter into the park. This does mean that some wait times may begin to climb, so you may want to rope drop a ride not on the Early Entry list.
I recommend rope-dropping if you are an early bird, enjoy empty walkways and a bit of “calm before the storm” when the crowds start to roll in at 10am. This is also when coming to Disneyland from the East Coast really comes in handy!
If you’re looking for a more laid-back morning with your family, we invest in Genie+/ILL for the big-wait rides (like Midway Mania & Guardians of the Galaxy) and use Early Entry to ride something less popular.
My feelings on "rope-dropping"
Download and print your itinerary to use as a baseline to craft your own laid-back day, or follow step-by-step!
03. Itineraries
04. Tips for Little Ones
BEST RIDES
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
The Little Mermaid
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (32")
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (32")
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Toy Story Midway Mania
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
Pixar-Pal-Around
Golden Zephyr
"You get to see a bunch of fun characters through magical Disney portals and they dance with you for a lot of songs aaand you get to dance in funness." -- Teddy, 7
DISNEY JR Dance party
This interactive show is a great way to let kids move and enjoy a break while they watch a darling show with Disney Jr. characters, including my kids' favorite: Mickey and the Roadster Racers! You will experience bubbles, snow, and other interactive elements that make it so fun for kids. Warning for those who are sensitive: there are flashing lights in this show.
a toddler dream
Best SHOWS
- Philharmagic
A fun 12-minute 3D show that takes you on an adventure through popular Disney films starring Donald Duck. We love this experience, and even though it's never our first stop or high on our list, we always enjoy the show when we step into the theater and don our “opera glasses.” - Turtle Talk with Crush
Crush is now TikTok famous & for a good reason. In this show, you enter his underwater world and he answers all sorts of human questions with hilarious responses. Tip for kids: prepare them in advance that their question may not be chosen. If they are disappointed, you can always ask a cast member after the show & they will often speak for Crush.
- The Amazing Spiderman
A quick, but “wow factor” spectacle. You can spot Spider-man testing out some new features in his new suit high above Avengers Campus. It really is amazing to see him soar above the park! I like to stand near the front because often Spiderman comes down after to high-five the crowd and say hi.
"I love it because he flies so high and doesn't even bleed." -- Charlie, 5
RIDER SWITCH
What's Rider Switch and how does it work?
This is when 1 adult rides while the other stays back with the kid(s) not riding because they're either too little/scared!
Then they *switch* The adult that stayed behind can use the Lightning Lane instead of waiting in regular standby.
1. Find a Cast Member (they'll usually be holding a device) at the attraction with your entire family.
2. The adult whose staying behind will have their ticket/MagicBand scanned along with whoever wants to ride with them. You can bring up to 1 person back with you, which means someone can ride twice!
In DCA you have a few rides that have a single rider line which can be an amazing way to skip long lines (especially for Radiator Springs Racers!) Single rider is offered on:
Radiator Springs Racers
Incredicoaster
Goofy’s Sky School
Grizzly River Run
Web Slingers
Soarin’ Around the World
The Animation Building
Inside this building you’ll find a lobby filled with huge screens playing clips from Disney movies. Watch Turtle Talk with Crush, visit Anna and Elsa, and explore the Sorcerer’s Workshop where you can draw and create mini movies.
But our personal favorite is the Animation Academy where every 30 minutes you can learn to draw a popular character. They have a schedule outside the academy for you to look at if you want to draw your favorite.
our fave!
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Our #1 spot to get the wiggles out is Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. This large area is more of a park and allows kids to explore, go down slides (32" for the log slides, but no height for the small ones!), rock climb (42"), run through a rope course, meet your spirit animal in a cave, and even engage in ducky races!
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Our #1 spot to get the wiggles out is Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. This large area is more of a park and allows kids to explore, go down slides (32" for the log slides, but no height for the small ones!), rock climb (42"), run through a rope course, meet your spirit animal in a cave, and even engage in ducky races!
SPOTS TO PLAY
10:00am to 5:40pm
Inside the Animation Academy you'll find Elsa and Anna’s Royal Welcome inside their Royal Hall. The line can get long, so come earlier; a few minutes before 10 to avoid a long wait.
Anna & Elsa
Avengers
Over on Pixar Pier you will find all sorts of Pixar friends to meet. Near Midway Mania you will find Buzz, Woody & Jessie and down the way a bit across from the ferris wheel, you’ll often see characters from Inside Out, Up & more! I often spot the Incredibles near the Incredicoaster.
Pixar Pals
Throughout Avengers Campus you will find all sorts of Avenger Characters walking around! It’s rare to not spot a Super Hero saving the day as you walk through this land.
Over in my favorite land, you can meet Lightning McQueen, Mater, Red and sometimes Cruz Ramierz driving through down. They usually stop at either entrance or at the Cozy Cones and have a lot to say!
Cars
Mickey & Friends
They may be lesser known characters, but equally as fun! Don’t miss stopping to say “hi” to Donna the Dog Land (and pet her sweet pooch), Officer Calvin and Clyde Blue (don’t get a citation!), the photographer, Phiphi Farouk Francis, Molly & Millie the Messengers (she can give you a special message from one of your favorite characters) and Donna, the Mayor of the town.
Citizens of Buena Vista St
On Buena Vista street you can spot all your favorite pals and then some! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and even Oswald roam these streets.
My number 1 tip for visiting DCA with an infant is to use the Baby Care Center located near Ghiaradelli’s just outside of Cars Land.
It’s a clean, air-conditioned spot with a vending machine for items you might have forgotten, private nursing rooms and cushioned changing tables.
The nursing rooms aren't quite as comfortable or easy to use as the Disneyland chairs, but still better than finding a random bench in the park.
This baby center also has a family bathroom which I find to be a huge perk compared to the baby center in Disneyland.
They also have other resources for your baby such as medicine, a microwave for heating up food, a high chair and a toddler toilet for smaller children.
BABIES
Quiet Spots to Nurse
- The benches & ground between the Hyperion Theater and Avengers Campus. I often bring a blanket and nurse on the ground (yes, the ground!) here while my other kids play or color.
- Benches underneath the Silly Symphony Swings (if they aren’t being used for a photo op)
Best Nap Spots
- I often find myself walking the trail behind Grizzly Rapids when I have a sleeping baby. The walkway is more open and less crowded and there is even a large waterfall that acts as a natural sound machine. What's more to love!?
- Over in Paradise Gardens Park there is often a lot of shaded seating and feels a bit more secluded. You do sometimes get live music, but otherwise it’s a nice area to escape crowds.
- Behind the Hyperion Theater (but this time not on the ground)
Smokejumper's Grill
BEST BREAKFASTS
05. The Best Food Spots
Best for Kids
- Flo’s Diner
You can watch the cars race as you eat! - Pym’s Test Kitchen
My kids love the theming with tiny forks and giant pretzels. - Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
Something for everyone!
BEST FOR KIDS
SEE THE MENU
Pym’s Test Kitchen
SEE THE MENU
Cappuccino Cart
SEE THE MENU
TIP: If you are staying in the Grand Californian or don’t mind exiting the park into a hotel (very easy, but you do need to go through security to re-enter the park) I love Craftsman Grill for breakfast!
Lamplight Lounge (Boardwalk)
BEST FOR COCKTAILS
SEE THE MENU
Pym’s Tasting Lab
SEE THE MENU
SAVE TIME WITH MOBILE ORDER
Open your Disneyland app, click the "+" and choose “Order Food.” Pick the restaurant, your arrival time, and then add to your order.
During your arrival window, select the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button (I like to do this while I'm walking over!) When it's ready, the screen will turn purple and tell you where to pick up.
1. Lamplight Lounge (Boardwalk)
This is one of my favorite dining reservations. The food is fantastic and the ambiance is 10/10. This is a popular dining reservation, so I recommend waking up early 60 days before at 6am PST to score this spot!
BONUS TIP: If you schedule your reservation after 8pm, you can watch World of Color from the outdoor terrace. You MUST be in a seat when the show starts, so arrive 20 minutes before to request an outdoor patio table.
2. Carthay Circle
This is a more luxurious dining spot with delicious food and a 1920s vibe. I dream about the cheesy bread!
BUT my favorite reservation is the Alfresco dining. This location is downstairs and has a different (and IMO, better) menu. Ask for a table outside and enjoying the ambiance of Buena Vista Street.
PS: Everyone loves the double pear martini here! For kids, try the Hazelnut Crunch Mickey Pop for dessert.
The Fluffernutter Churro
Who doesn't love a Disneyland churro? And the ones from Willie's Churro Cart at Buena Vista Street are no exception.
Cream Cheese Pretzel
You know I'm going to always get a cream cheese pretzel from Bayside Brews…duh!
I can't say no to lobster in general and the lobster nachos from Lamplight Lounge are always a yes.. The donuts are great, too!
Lobster Nachos & Donuts
We always have to stop for some soft serve from Cozy Cones in Car's Land.
Soft Serve
If you're looking for a fun treat, the frosty parfait from the Adorable Snowman is the perfect choice.
Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait
THANK YOU FLO'S for this amazing fried chicken!
Flo’s Famous Fried Chicken
Find this from the cart near the Incredicoaster. And big enough to share (only if you want to...)
Jack Jack Cookie Num Num
Grab these from Coconia Cucamonga Mexican Grill and thank me later. SO. GOOD.
QuesaBirra Tacos
REFILLABLE WATER STATIONS
There are two spots with water refills inside the soda machine and also give you ice!
- Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta in Paradise Garden Park
- Pym’s Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus
There's also a refill station outside of Dr. Strange's Sanctum, but many people say this water tastes funny and is slightly warm :(
That being said, if you 1) have kids and 2) don’t plan to arrive super early for rope drop, LLMP (Lightning Lane Multi-Pass) is a fantastic tool to skip lines on long wait times like on Toy Story Midway Mania, Guardians of the Galaxy, Web Slingers, and Soarin’.
The great thing about using LLMP at DCA is you'll feel confident you're going to do it all with no stress because there are simply less attractions, which frees you up a bit to take your day at a slower pace than Disneyland.
You know, laid-back.
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass isn't as necessary here. If you're okay with single rider and rope-dropping, you can still have a great day AND save money.
06. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Tips
RIDES WITH LIGHTNING LANES
Goofy's Sky School (42")
Grizzly River Run (42")
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (40")
Incredicoaster (48")
The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Soarin' Over California (40")
Toy Story Midway Mania!
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
WHAT SHOULD I BOOK FIRST?
To get the most out of Multi-Pass, book your priorities based on which ones sell out first. These are the top rides that have the average highest wait time, and tend to sell out the soonest:
Toy Story Midway Mania
Guardians of the Galaxy
Webslingers
Incredicoaster
Soarin’ Over the World
*Not included with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass but an LL Single Pass can be purchased separately
average wait time in minutes
07. Special Extras
At $89 per person, this experience is pricey, but gets you prime seating for World of Color: One.
You'll get a plate of desserts and unlimited drinks while you wait for the show -- which could be enjoyable, especially for a special occasion.
Personally, I don’t usually recommend purchasing this unless World of Color is a VERY high priority for you. I find $89 to be a high price for a ton of sweets (when my kids have likely had a churro or two already...) and the lottery standby areas you can schedule at 12pm are pretty decent viewing.
Overall, World of Color isn’t my top entertainment at Disneyland Resort and I so I don’t prioritize this one. Talk to me if they have a dessert party for Fantastmic...
Every year during Halloween, California Adventure hosts a special event filled with trick or treating, holiday parades, character experiences and more!
This is our favorite after hours experience and always a must-do if you are visiting during Halloween. Tickets typically go on sale in July and sell out quickly, so don’t sleep on this one! Well worth skipping a morning park day, chilling at the resort and headed to DCA at 3pm for the "bash."
Read the Oogie Boogie Bash Guide HERE.
It's simple: dine at any of these 3 locations and get a voucher for the preferred standing viewing area at Paradise Gardens Park. Choose between:
Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe: Includes the all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet, a (nonalcoholic) drink, and a sweet treat.
Lunch or Dinner at Wine Country Trattoria: Guests ages 10 and older receive a 3-course prix fixe meal and anyone 3 to 9 get a 2-course prix fixe meal.
Lunch or Dinner at the Magic Key terrace: Magic Key holders get a 3-course prix fixe meal (starter, entrée, dessert and a nonalcoholic drink).
Every night at sunset, Cars Land lights up to “Life Could Be a Dream” just like in the movie and it's pure magic. Check your weather app to see the sunset time and arrive about 5 minutes before to join the party. I love watching by Flo’s because the Cast Members gather to dance. Note that during the holidays the song changes to a Halloween or Christmas theme.
Life could be a dream...
If you arrive at Rope Drop, enjoy breakfast while you wait for the gates to open. You can even hop in line at Soarin’ if you want to get a headstart there. DO NOT head to Radiator Springs Racers, as that’s where the majority of crowds go. Another plan is to head to Avengers Campus first and ride Guardians and Toy Story Midway Mania.
Rope Drop Tip
This pass lets you skip the line on Monsters Inc or Toy Story Midway Mania by filling in a 3rd row or empty cart. This works best with one adult and 2-3 children (for a second adult, go separately) and isn't always available. To get one, ask the Cast Member “are you doing the Buddy Pass?” at the front of the ride. If they are, you'll get a special card to use the exit lane (don't worry, the Cast Member will show you!)
Ever hear of a "Buddy Pass"?
TEACH ME HOW TO Multi Pass
Lightning Lanes are a great way to maximize your day at Disneyland Resort. There's a lot to learn, but it was too much to fit into one page! Head to the Lightning Lane guide here to learn more.
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