June 2008 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – Cross the bridge to the back of Pixar Pier or follow the walkway past the Golden Zephyr and Silly Symphony Swings, and you will see Midway Mania; it’s the largest building in the back of the Pier. BACKGROUND Toy Story Midway Mania! debuted in California Adventure in […] Read more…
July 2011 – present LOCATION Paradise Gardens Park – Whether you’re entering from Pacific Wharf or Grizzly Peak, follow the path along the right of the Park. You will see Goofy’s Sky School tucked in the right corner, across from the Silly Symphony Swings. BACKGROUND Goofy’s Sky School replaced Mulholland Madness, a virtually identical coaster […] Read more…
June 2011 – present LOCATION Paradise Gardens Park – When entering from either Pacific Wharf or Grizzly Peak, you will see Ariel on your right; it’s the large corner building across from the World of Color viewing platforms. BACKGROUND Imagineers conceptualized Little Mermaid dark rides for several of the parks worldwide, but none of the plans […] Read more…
Although Disneyland is loud and jam-packed with activity, sometimes you just need a minute to sit down and regroup. With streams of people everywhere and headline attractions in every direction, it can be hard to find a place to take a break or make a plan for the rest of your day. Here are some […] Read more…
February 2001 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Cross the bridge to the right of Pacific Wharf, and follow the main path along the bay – you’d see the entrance to California Screamin’ on your left, just before the King Triton Carousel. BACKGROUND When Imagineers were planning the boardwalk, a roller coaster was a […] Read more…
March 2005 – present LOCATION Tomorrowland – When entering from Main Street USA, you will find the Astro Blasters on the left, just after the Astro Orbitor. BACKGROUND Opening in the spring of 2005, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters marked a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. The Astro Blasters ride in Disneyland is based off […] Read more…
February 2001 – January 2018 BACKGROUND When California Adventure was first conceptualized, Imagineers envisioned a pier similar to those found all over the coast of California. Originally, Paradise Pier resembled a seaside amusement park, but from 2008-2009, Imagineers refurbished and expanded the land. The new theme was reminiscent of a 1920’s Victorian boardwalk, with new […] Read more…
February 2001 – present BACKGROUND Hollywood Land was originally dubbed “Hollywood Pictures Backlot” and was much more focused on filmmaking and iconic Disney movies. The entrance originally featured a prominent studio gate, and there were no major attractions or headline rides in the land. When California Adventure began its expansion and renovation, the Hollywood area […] Read more…
June 2012 – August 2023 BACKGROUND When California Adventure first opened in 2001, Pacific Wharf was technically part of Paradise Pier, although it was very similar to how it appears now. As the park expanded and Paradise Pier was renovated, Pacific Wharf began to take on an identity of its own. By 2007, when California […] Read more…
Do you know how Walt Disney came up with the idea for Disneyland? The origin of his idea has become a legend itself, and hidden within Disneyland is Walt’s Park Bench, where the first concept of the park began. Walt sat on this bench in Griffith Park (now in the Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln foyer) […] Read more…
Sometimes the long lines for the big rides in the park can be incredibly frustrating. You forgot to grab a fast pass, and now you’re stuck with a big wait. But all hope is not lost, thanks to the Single Rider lines! Single Rider lines, like fast pass lines, allow guests to cut past a […] Read more…
When you’re prepping for your trip to the park, you probably have a standard list of stuff to bring: wallet, phone, sunglasses, etc. But every time I go to Disneyland, I find myself wishing I had brought something I hadn’t thought of. Here is a list of items you might not think to throw in […] Read more…
The beauty of southern California is the weather (or lack thereof!). But every so often, Disneyland experiences its share of downpours, and anxious guests wonder if they should bag their trip or stick it out. My advice is to brave the bad weather if you can. The majority of rides in Disneyland are indoors, and […] Read more…
November 1962 – September 2021 LOCATION Adventureland – when entering from Main Street USA, you would find the treehouse at the end of Adventureland, just before the walkway to New Orleans Square. BACKGROUND Tarzan’s Treehouse was a self-guided walkthrough high above Adventureland. The original structure, back when the treehouse was “Swiss Family Robinson” themed, was […] Read more…