Disney California Adventure

When it first opened in 2001, Disney California Adventure was something of a disappointment and a misstep by the Mouse. Built on the cheap (by Disney standards) and lacking in both charm and compelling reasons to spend a whole day, it languished and paled in comparison to its bigger, older sister, Disneyland. Acknowledging that something needed to be done, Disney embarked on an ambitious expansion of Disney California Adventure that pumped an estimated $1.1-billion worth of Imagineering magic into the park. Completed in 2012, the additions and improvements were a hit. The second gate at the resort earned its mouse ears and was able to finally take its rightful place adjacent to the grande dame of theme parks.

Admission Info and Tickets

The resort offers single-park tickets for one day or park-hopping tickets with access to both Disneyland and DCA for one day up to five 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.

Originally, DCA based its overarching theme on California -- the state and the state of mind. That is still true, but the adventure at the post-expansion park focuses as much on "Disney" as "California." The company's characters, especially its Pixar stars, are featured as well as Walt Disney, the man who started it all. The story is established, and the tone is set just beyond the front gate as guests enter Buena Vista Street. It is designed, with loving attention to detail, to evoke circa-1920s Los Angeles, the era when an eager Walt Disney arrived with his prescient hopes and dreams. Perhaps the most popular spot at DCA is Cars Land, based on the popular Pixar film. The featured attraction is the thrilling dark ride, Radiator Springs Racers.

Other 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 film
• It's Tough to Be a Bug- 4-D film

Dining

There are plenty of places to eat in the park as well as at Disneyland, at Downtown Disney, and at the hotels.

• Get the lowdown on where you should be eating in the Best Disneyland Dining feature.
• The Top 10 Best Table-Service Restaurants at Disneyland (including DCA).
• Disneyland restaurant reservations
• Disneyland Character Dining
• The Top 10 Best Quick- and Counter-Service Restaurants at Disneyland (including DCA).
• The Top 10 Best Snacks and Desserts at Disneyland (including DCA).

Fastpass

• 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.

See the Park. Original About.com Videos.

• Highlights of Disney California Adventure Video
• Cars Land Video (including DCA).
• World of Color Video

Christmas and the Holidays at Disneyland
Info about the resort's holiday events.

• Christmas at Disney California Adventure photo tour
• The Holidays at Disney California Adventure Video

New for 2013

• Limited Time Magic
  Find out about the special events throughout 2013 at the park, known as Limited Time Magic.

New for 2012

• Cars Land, Goofy's Sky School, and Front Entrance Makeover
• Let the Memories Begin
  The event that began in 2011 will continue throughout 2012 at DCA and Disneyland.

Official Site

Disney California Adventure