California Adventure draws a lot of attention at night. With neon lights, massive thrill rides, and the always stunning World of Color, crowds flock to the bright excitement of the park. But other lands don’t have that same energy in the evening, and for me, that’s a good thing. If I want to just roam […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is California Adventure’s primary nostalgia spot. Guests here can enjoy handmade sweets, listen to the 5 & Dime, or hop on the Red Car Trolley. Like Main Street, Buena Vista Street’s nostalgia doesn’t fully extend into the shops; virtually every retail space sells the newest Disney goods. But one shop has a […] Read more…
At first glance, Paradise Gardens Park might seem like a land without an identity. It’s the only land in California Adventure without any clear marker indicating its beginning or end, and its hosting of festivals means the décor and layout often change with the season. But when you take some time to really explore the […] Read more…
When the sun goes down in California Adventure, Cars Land shows its full personality. The buildings shine in neon lights, the mountains glow in brilliant red, and the street buzzes with newfound energy. Every night, Cars Land transforms from a sleepy little town into a bustling neighborhood block party. I love to walk down the […] Read more…
Something unusual happens when the sun goes down in California Adventure. Crowds seem to float toward the neon glow in Cars Land and Pixar Pier, and the other lands start to get a little quiet. No land experiences this quite like Pacific Wharf. That’s not to say the land empties; rather, its walkways are dark […] Read more…
When Walt and his Imagineers designed Disneyland, they included tons of little nods to Walt’s interests, loved ones, and life. Imagineers continued these tributes without Walt during the design of California Adventure, so both parks at the Disneyland Resort celebrate the things Walt loved most. Take Buena Vista Street for example. This street is supposed […] Read more…
Pixar Pier has only been in California Adventure for about a year, so for most park visitors, there’s still so much detail to discover. Each “neighborhood” in this land has its own little personality, and with each comes slightly different stylized architecture, decorations, and little gems to find. Visitors to the boardwalk shrink to the […] Read more…
June 2018 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – If you walk through Pixar Pier, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff is almost impossible to miss. Head toward Pixar Pal-A-Round from any direction, and you’ll see Bing Bong’s marquee across the walkway, nestled beneath the Incredicoaster track. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Candy, pastries, chocolate, caramel corn, and other […] Read more…
June 2018 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – The Snowman doesn’t want you to miss his frozen treats, so he set up his shop on the pier’s main walkway. If you arrive through Pixar Pier’s main entrance on the water, keep to the left. You’ll see Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats on your left, just as […] Read more…
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Big Top Toys hides in plain sight on Buena Vista Street, with its entrance peering out from beneath the bridge. Walk toward the circle, keeping to the left side of the street, and you’ll see the red marquee right under the monorail bridge. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…
June 2018 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – Lamplight Lounge sticks out over the waterway known as Paradise Bay. To find the restaurant’s entrance, head over the bridge with the Pixar Pier marquee. You’ll see the doorway on your right, before the adjacent patio. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – two levels […] Read more…
Paradise Gardens Park hides in a corner spot in California Adventure. The louder, more chaotic Pixar Pier looms across the water, and the sweeping landscapes of Grizzly Peak cover its opposite side. But between those two larger-than-life lands, Paradise Gardens Park still manages to carve out its own little personality. This seaside haven in the […] Read more…
February 2001 – present LOCATION Paradise Gardens Park – Mendocino Terrace belongs to the “Golden Vine Winery” complex, overlooking the waterfront. To find the Terrace, walk along the main walkway toward Paradise Gardens Park. You’ll see the Terrace on your right, up the steps next to the check-in for Wine Country Trattoria. EXPERIENCE Details: Service […] Read more…
February 2001 – present LOCATION Grizzly Peak – Rushin’ River Outfitters faces the winding trail on Grizzly Peak’s southern end. To find the shop, head through Grizzly Peak, starting from Buena Vista Street. Keep to the left, and you’ll see the cabin just after the entrance to the River Run. If you’re coming from Paradise […] Read more…