I know I’ve said it many times before on this blog, but Cars Land remains my absolute favorite part of California Adventure. Even if you’ve never been, you’ve likely seen enough images to picture it in your mind. The long, bustling street leads right up to a tall mountain range. But part of the fun […] Read more…
Hollywood Land visitors know the backlot is no ordinary backlot…it’s also a portal to Monstropolis. If you care for a visit to the hometown of Monsters, Inc., you’ll need to visit the Monstropolis Transit Authority. Let’s go see what Mike and Sulley are up to today. Once we arrive inside the MTA, we’ll need to […] Read more…
April 2019 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – Mickey’s Philharmagic faces the main street, so it’s hard to miss. If you’re coming into Hollywood Land from Buena Vista Street, you’ll see the entrance on your left, one door down from Award Wieners. If you’re confused about the theater entrance, you’re not imagining things! It used […] Read more…
Close your eyes and picture Grizzly Peak for a moment. What do you see? For most people, it’s Soarin’ and the River Run. And yes, those two things are super important and beautiful parts of this forested land. But the space has so much more to offer. On my last park trip, I challenged myself […] Read more…
During the day, Pixar Pier is bright and bold: reds, yellows, and blues cover every building and cart. And unlike most lands in the park, after sunset, those colors don’t fade. Instead, they glow neon, with each building shining just as brightly underneath a black sky. From the bridge to the wheel and everything in […] Read more…
You know them, you love them. I wouldn’t dare suggest the beautiful mountains of Radiator Springs are themselves a hidden gem – it’s one of the most recognizable views in all of the Disneyland Resort! But look closer at the parts, not just the whole, and you’ll see seven hidden gems inside this landmark. The […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street celebrates 1920s Los Angeles, where Walt and Roy founded Walt Disney Productions and changed the world of animation forever. So where better in the park to hide a little tribute to his legendary team? First, we have to know who we’re looking for. You may have heard of Walt Disney’s Nine Old […] Read more…
Welcome to the Tivan Collection. You’re so fortunate – the Collector is offering tours of his latest pieces today! Please, come in, but first…his greeters strongly recommend you explore the gardens first. They’re part of the collection. These unusual stones and potted plants are just some of the discoveries the Collector made as he explored […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is California Adventure’s little art deco wonderland. While Main Street USA brings charm and nostalgia, California Adventure’s front street is all about style and glamour. From the cobblestones to the highest railings, every inch of Buena Vista real estate looks fit for Hollywood royalty. If you’ve ever walked down the block, you’ve […] Read more…
June 2019 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – The Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is tucked beneath the tracks of the Incredicoaster. To find the attraction, head toward the Pixar Pal-A-Round from either direction. If you’re coming from the Goofy’s Sky School/Silly Swings side, you’ll see the Whirlwind on your right, after you walk beneath the […] Read more…
Pixar Pier has been anchoring the southern side of California Adventure for about a year and a half now, but it still feels new and a little unfamiliar. I still find myself exploring the boardwalk, finding new details and appreciating the brighter color scheme. Paradise Pier was a softer color scheme, playing second fiddle to […] Read more…
April 2019 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – Jessie’s Critter Carousel overlooks the central section of Pixar Pier. To find the attraction, walk over the bridge and follow the path as it curves down to the lower boardwalk. You’ll see the carousel on your left, just after the Incredicoaster. If you’re coming from the other […] Read more…
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…