In California Adventure, Grizzly Peak offers an escape from the chaos of the other lands. Despite its thrill rides and massive playground, Grizzly Peak somehow remains peaceful, quiet, and somewhat isolated from the rest of the park. Visitors disappear into a redwood forest, thanks largely to the immersive details throughout the land. Every rock and […] Read more…
California Adventure
Cars Land Road Signs
One of my favorite places in California Adventure is the long walkway at the back of Cars Land. The path connects Pacific Wharf and the plaza by Radiator Springs Racers. The whole area just has an amazing view, and a hidden gem along the roadside: the Cars Land Road Signs! The signs serve as a […] Read more…
Trolley Treats
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Trolley Treats faces the grand courtyard on the street, also known as Carthay Circle. If you’re starting from the gates, follow the street all the way to the fountain. You’ll see Trolley treats on your right, just before Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Café. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…
Julius Katz & Sons
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Julius Katz & Sons marks the halfway point of the street. Visitors coming from the park gates will find the shop on the right side, just before Trolley Treats. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Pins and home decor Price Range – Cheaper pins under $10, with pricier […] Read more…
Lands In Pictures: Hollywood Land
California Adventure’s Hollywood Land transports guests into the height of old Hollywood. The land looks so much like a glamorous movie set it should be in black and white. This beautiful little street and backlot celebrate the magic of the movies, and inspires guests to dream up a dream of their own. Here are a […] Read more…
Sarge’s Surplus Hut
June 2012 – present LOCATION Cars Land – Sarge’s Surplus Hut stands on the southern side of the main street in Cars Land. If you walk into the area from Pacific Wharf (the main entrance), you’ll find it on your right, just after Fillmore’s Taste-In. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Cars toys, clothing, hats, and other […] Read more…
Studio Catering Co.
June 2012 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – Studio Catering Co. is parked in the backlot. To find this quick service truck, walk down Hollywood Land’s main street, and turn left at the Hyperion Theater. You’ll see the truck on your right, next to the Hollywood Backlot Stage. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service […] Read more…
Little Details: Buena Vista Street
Buena Vista Street is California Adventure’s grand entryway. This land celebrates life in California as Walt first experienced it, upon moving west in the 1920s. The balconies, staircases, and open windows along the street make it feel genuinely homey, as though guests are merely busy residents going about their days. Here are a few of […] Read more…
Paradise Gardens Park
January 2018 – present BACKGROUND California Adventure proudly debuted its largest land, Paradise Pier, on opening day in 2001. Over time, the land went through an extensive refurbishment, becoming a Victorian beachside playground. In 2017, Disney announced plans to split Paradise Pier into two new lands. The first, Pixar Pier, would encompass the southern section […] Read more…
Hollywood Backlot Stage
February 2001 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – The Hollywood Backlot Stage is an open space in the Hollywood Studios section of this land. To find the stage, head to the back section of Hollywood Land, near Monsters, Inc. You’ll see the main stage on your right, across from the attraction entrance. Sometimes, a second […] Read more…
Little Details: Hollywood Land
When I think of Hollywood Land in California Adventure, I think of neon lights, palm trees, and glamorous building facades. Basically – it’s all about the details! The sidewalks, window displays, and street signs all pay tribute to the heights of old Hollywood. No matter where you go in Hollywood land, magical little details await. Read more…
Guardians Of The Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
May 2017 – present LOCATION Avengers Campus – Mission: BREAKOUT! stands at the end of Avengers Campus, next to Hollywood Land. To get to this attraction the fastest, follow Hollywood Land’s main street, and turn right at the Hyperion Theater. The building is hard to miss; it’s the largest structure in the Disneyland Resort. BACKGROUND […] Read more…
Little Details: Paradise Pier
In the next few months, Paradise Pier will disappear into the Disneyland history books. This massive 14-acre land will split in half. Some of the space will maintain its turn-of-the-century charm, while the rest will become a Pixar wonderland. Though I think this is actually a very positive change for California Adventure (see my original […] Read more…
Festival Of The Holidays 2017
All is merry and bright at the happiest place on earth, and once again, California Adventure has joined in on the holiday fun. For the second year in a row, Pacific Wharf and Paradise Pier are hosting the Festival of the Holidays. Source: Disneyland AP This evening event celebrates Christmas (& Navidad), Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and […] Read more…