Out of all the U.S. Disney Parks, Disney California Adventure (also known as DCA) remains one of the most distinctive and underrated parks. Although located right across from Disneyland proper, DCA has a distinctly different look, feel, and overall vibe. At only 72 acres, compared to Disneyland’s 100, DCA has fewer attractions and restaurants, making it possible to get a lot accomplished in just one day.
Consequently, DCA has its own set of strategies for guests that don’t apply to Disneyland next door. Indeed, a terrific day at DCA will be different but equally fun once visitors learn how to navigate the park.
1. Only Rope Drop Certain Attractions
Similar to Disneyland, arriving at “Rope Drop” (or right when the park opens) at DCA proves beneficial and helps start your day off on the right foot. Arriving at the park before the official opening time allows guests to access attractions immediately, before the large influx of crowds. However, visitors should only Rope Drop certain rides and avoid others.
Arguably, the most popular attraction in DCA is the Cars Land favorite, Radiator Springs Racers. So, many believe it’s a good strategy to head there first. That would waste precious time because this attraction typically does not open at Rope Drop. Likewise, rides like Jessie’s Critter Carousel, the Golden Zephyr, and Jumpin’ Jellyfish are wasted at Rope Drop because they never typically have long lines.
Instead, aim for popular attractions that will have long wait times during the heart of the day, such as Soarin’, the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, Goofy’s Sky School, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, and WEB SLINGERS.
2. World of Color Strategies
DCA features one of the Resort’s most beautiful nighttime shows. World of Color has wowed guests since 2010, and no matter the iteration, the people come in droves to watch. Those who hope to see it on their next trip can employ several strategies.
For anyone who wants a prime viewing spot, their best bet will be to join the virtual queue on the Disneyland app. Guests can access this every day at noon. Spots are also available in the non-reserved area, but on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no guarantees. In that case, I recommend watching the second showing if one is happening. Typically, there are fewer people.
Guests can also purchase dining packages and dessert parties, which give them a reserved spot. At any sit-down restaurant, you can upgrade your reservation to the World of Color dining package. You’ll receive a voucher for a designated viewing spot. These are, however, subject to availability.
My highest recommendations will be for the Dessert Party and Lamplight Lounge outdoor seating. The Dessert Party gives guests tasty treats as well as reserved seating. Viewers will be at the back of the crowd but elevated and seated at a table, allowing for an excellent view of the show. This package is pricy but well worth it.
Lastly, savvy guests who time their visit right can enjoy an alternative view at the water table at Lamplight Lounge and Boardwalk Dining. Enjoy a meal, drink, or dessert and take in the show from a unique perspective.
3. Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe at Midday
In DCA, the Starbucks location is also known as the Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe. Unsurprisingly, mornings and evenings will get very busy. I won’t discourage visitors from going there at either time for their coffee, tea, pastry, or sandwich.
However, if you have your heart set on any of their offerings, but are not set on a specific time, try midday. From around 1 to 4 p.m., crowds are usually light. You’ll spend less time in line and waiting for your order, and more time enjoying your treat.
You’ll also be able to check out some of the unique theming and decor you’d otherwise miss during a crowded time. Adam the Woo employs this exact strategy in one of his videos, showcasing how ideal midday can be.
4. Expensive vs. Budget-Friendly Restaurants
When budgeting for a day trip or a long vacation, food becomes an imperative factor. Disney does not typically skew inexpensive, so planning beforehand remains crucial. Guests with larger budgets can splurge at Carthay Circle, Wine Country Trattoria, and Lamplight Lounge. Each offers excellent food, but at a higher price than the counter-service places.
Carthay Circle remains one of the most expensive but unique and luxurious establishments on property. Guests should note a few things: first, reservations are recommended. Second, lunch has a set menu with a fixed price. So, if you want more control over how much you spend, go for dinner.
Guests looking to spend less money on food have a lot of options. Some of the finest options include Flo’s V8 Cafe, Smokejumpers Grill, Award Wieners, Cocina Cucamonga, Aunt Cass Cafe, Poultry Palace, and the Cozy Cone Motels. Please note that because these eateries are more budget-friendly, they tend to be busier.
5. Visit Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Before Dark
One area that makes DCA stand apart from Disneyland is Redwood Creek. Lined with large trees, this area brims with beauty and plenty of activities for kiddos (and the young at heart) to release some energy. With slides, rope bridges, caves, and more, families especially will love this section of the park.
However, visiting needs to be timed carefully. While adults may not mind going at night, by evening, most kids will be exhausted and won’t be able to enjoy it properly. Additionally, the section often closes early, especially in the fall when it’s transformed into Villain’s Grove for the Oogie Boogie Bash, a separately ticketed Halloween party that causes the park to close earlier than usual.
To be safe, visit Redwood Creek during the day. Early morning is my personal favorite, but any time before dark will suffice.
6. Be Aware of Attractions That May Cause Motion Sickness
DCA has an array of fun attractions with something for everyone. Still, many of these attractions spin, rock, drop, and whatnot. Those who suffer from motion sickness should be aware of just how many factors could potentially cause unwanted effects.
Of the 19 proper rides in the park, 10 potentially fall into this category. The Golden Zepher, Emotional Whirlwind, Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters, and Silly Symphony Swings all spin, with the latter being significant. Mission Breakout features multiple drops while the Pixar Pal-Around has swinging gondolas, both of which could make guests dizzy, uneasy, or sick. These could also bother those who don’t like heights.
Other potentially uneasy attractions include Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Toy Story Midway Mania, both of which whip guests in their vehicles. Those who don’t like heights and coasters with sharp turns and loops should avoid the Incredicoaster and Goofy’s Sky School. While the majority of parkgoers have no problem with any of these attractions, those with more sensitivities should be aware. Even a gentle ride like Soarin’ may be too much for the ultra-sensitive.
Take either proper medication or steer clear of them all altogether, focusing on the east-going attractions.
7. Look Out for Characters
Like Disneyland, guests will find characters all throughout the park in designated meet-and-greet areas and free roaming around.
On Buena Vista Street, you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Goody, Pluto, Clarabelle Cow, Donald, and Daisy in outfits themed to the 1930s. Find Chip and Dale making mischief in Redwood Creek, Baymax and Hiro on San Fransokyo Square, and Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on San Francisco Street. Meet Pixar favorite pairs such as Woody and Jessie, Mike and Sulley, Joy and Sadness, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, and Luca and Alberto on Pixar Pier. Lastly, in the Animation Building, meet the beloved sisters Elsa and Anna.
Avengers Campus has the most per capita, and guests delight in the abundance and variety they can meet in a given day including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Steve Rogers or Sam Wilson as Captain America, Thor, Loki, Ant-Man, Black Widow, T’Challa or Shuri as Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, Shang-Chi, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Avengers Campus has also featured characters after the release of their current films and TV shows, with appearances from Scarlet Witch, Deadpool, Moon Knight, and Red Guardian, to name a few.
8. Visit the Animation Building
Often overlooked, the Animation Building offers several wonderful attributes. In the lobby area, rest and enjoy the air conditioning while montages from classic Disney animated films play with their greatest songs. It’s honestly a wonder to behold.
From the lobby, in either direction, guests can partake in two very fun and different experiences. In Turtle Talk with Crush, the fan-favorite character talks directly to the audience, resulting in a lot of laughs and memories in the making. In the Animation Academy, guests can get a lesson in drawing a classic character from a Disney animator. These demonstrations are easy to follow, good-natured, and make art accessible to all. Plus, you get to keep your drawing as a unique souvenir.
Many guests walk right by this building, so they should pay extra attention on their next visit. These experiences can make your day truly special.
9. Utilize the Single Rider Line
DCA takes the win for offering the most attractions with the Single Rider line option. Compared to Disneyland, DCA has a single-rider line for almost all of its most popular attractions. These include: Radiator Springs Racers, the Incredicoaster, Grizzly River Run, WEB SLINGERS, Goofy’s Sky School, and Soarin’.
Single Rider line may not be feasible for all, especially those with young kids. For everyone else, it can help save so much time during the day. Imagine waiting a mere 10 to 15 minutes compared to two hours for Radiator Springs Racers. Oftentimes, parties are not completely split up, making this option a surefire way to improve your day.
10. Visit Attractions During World of Color
While seeing World of Color should be at the top of everyone’s list, it will not appeal to everyone. On trips with multiple days in the parks or for frequent visitors, World of Color won’t always be on the agenda.
Consequently, the show will be an ideal time to ride some of the more popular attractions while a lot of the crowds are enjoying the show. Head to Cars Land for their rides, Avengers Campus for Mission Breakout and WEB SLINGERS, and the pier for Goofy’s Sky School and the Incredicoaster. The latter is located behind the World of Color show area, making for one of the most exhilarating rides possible.
<p>The post Expert Tips For a Great Day at Disney California Adventure first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>
