Disney California Adventure

In brief
For its second park, Disneyland could have drawn inspiration from Walt Disney World and gone with a concept tried and true such as Epcot (in fact, there were plans at one time to develop a park called "Westcot") or, given its proximity to Hollywood, Disney's Hollywood Studios (as the company has done with its second Paris park). Instead, Disney tried something bolder and developed an entirely new park based on California--the state and the state of mind.

However, the company forgot something kind of important as it was designing DCA: attractions. With about one-third the number of rides and shows as Disneyland Park, there just isn't as much to do here. And a surprising number of the park's rides are off-the-shelf spinning rides. For all of its shortcomings however, DCA does have some great attractions and wonderful themeing. And with a major expansion that will include a Cars Land, a re-desinged front entrance, and more, the park is evolving in the right direction.

Disney California Adventure Tickets

Disneyland offers single-park tickets for one day or park-hopping tickets with access to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure for one day up to six days. Park-hopper tickets must be used within 13 days of first use. Reduced price for children, ages 3 to 9. 2 and under are free. Discounted tickets may be available online

Save money and time. Get Disneyland California tickets in advance of your visit, and check for online discounts.

Get the lowdown on other deals, discounts, and ways to purchase passes in About.com's Disneyland tickets overview.

Highlights

• World of Color- Nighttime spectacular show.
  • World of Color Video
  • World of Color Photo Gallery
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Soarin' Over California- Unique simulator ride
• Toy Story Mania- Interactive video game-style ride based on the hit film.
• The Little Mermaid- Ariel's Undersea Adventure- Charming dark ride based on the classic film.
• Disney's Aladdin-- A Musical Spectacular
• California Screamin'- A launched steel coaster (that looks like a wood coaster)
• Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 4-D
• It's Tough to Be a Bug- 4-D film

Disneyland Resort Dining The Top 10 Best Restaurants at Disneyland

Tips

• Check DCA's Fastpass attractions and learn how to make the most of the Fastpass program.
• Consider a multi-day pass so that you can shuttle between Disneyland Park and DCA.

Are you looking for hotel accommodations? Compare rates for Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

Putting the Disney into Disney's California Adventure
Learn about the massive 5-year, $1.1 billion expansion and makeover of Disney's California Adventure that was announced in 2007. The transformed park will include a new entry plaza, a new Cars Land, new attractions, a new nighttime spectacular, and more.

New for 2012:

• Cars Land, Goofy's Sky School, and Front Entrance Makeover
  Radiator Springs comes to life in the new Cars Land. Read about the E-Ticket ride on its way as well as the wrap-up of the five-year overhaul of the park.
• Let the Memories Begin
  The event that began in 2011 will continue throughout 2012.

New for 2011:

• Let the Memories Begin
  The yearlong campaign will incorporate guests' images into a nightly show. Learn how to share your Disney memories in a big way.
• The Little Mermaid Ride As part of the expansion of Disney California Adventure, the Paradise Pier area will get an E-ticket (rumored to cost $100 million) dark ride featuring the wonderful music and characters from the hit film. Now open! Read my review.

New for 2010

World of Color, a new nighttime spectacular show, debuts.
World of Color Photo Gallery

The Best of Disneyland
Top picks for rides at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.