Source: Theme Park Review February 2001 – March 2009 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Follow the main path with the water on your left, and you’d see the Orange Stinger straight in front of you, just before the entrance to Mickey’s Fun Wheel. BACKGROUND The Orange Stinger was one of the first rides installed and opened […] Read more…
June 1986 – February 1996, April 2009 – January 2016 LOCATION Frontierland – When entering from New Orleans Square, guests would follow the path along the Rivers of America, toward Fantasyland. They would find Big Thunder Ranch just after Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. BACKGROUND Big Thunder Ranch was the best post 70’s representation of Frontierland’s original […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Frontierland – When entering from Main Street USA, you will find the Golden Horseshoe on the left, just before the Rivers of America. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – indoors, two levels of seating around the stage Reservations – no Entertainment – daily shows Menu Guests visiting […] Read more…
June 2012 – present BACKGROUND When California Adventure was first built, Imagineers left space for future expansions and new lands. Over time, parts of Hollywood Land and A Bug’s Land grew into this area, but the majority of it was used as a parking lot for the resort. But in 2006, after the release of […] Read more…
February 2001 – June 2016 LOCATION Grizzly Peak – When entering from Buena Vista Street, you would see Soarin’ Over California on the right, just past the restaurant patio. The current version of this attraction is Soarin’ Over the World, located in the same spot. BACKGROUND Soarin’ has been on Imagineering’s radar since 1996. The original […] Read more…
January 2006 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – When entering from Buena Vista Street, follow the main street until you see the path split off on the left. Follow this path and you will see Monsters Inc., just beyond the stages. BACKGROUND When California Adventure began its major renovation and expansion, Imagineers looked for opportunities […] Read more…
May 2004 – January 2017 LOCATION Hollywood Land – When entering from Buena Vista Street, guests followed the main path past the Hyperion Theater. They saw the Tower of Terror at the end of the street, looming over the rest of California Adventure. BACKGROUND Based on the television series The Twilight Zone, the Tower of Terror […] Read more…
June 2012 – March 2015 BACKGROUND Before California Adventure’s major expansion and refurbishment, the park had a huge land known as “Golden State”. But when the park’s transformation was complete, Golden State broke off into three separate lands: Grizzly Peak, Pacific Wharf, and Condor Flats. Based on the mid 20th century Mojave Desert, Condor Flats […] Read more…
February 2001 – present LOCATION Paradise Gardens Park – Follow the main path along the waterfront, and you will see the Jumpin’ Jellyfish, just before the path veers left toward the ferris wheel. BACKGROUND Jumpin’ Jellyfish was one of the first rides installed in California Adventure specifically for the youngest park guests. Since California Adventure […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Tomorrowland – When entering from Main Street USA, you will see the Astro Orbitor right at the front. BACKGROUND Like every other ride in Tomorrowland, the Astro Orbitor has continuously changed and evolved since Disneyland first opened in 1955. The original rocket ride, the “Astro Jets”, sat next to the […] Read more…
When you’re planning for a trip to the Disneyland Resort, it’s hard not to be excited. A great way to pump yourself up (and refresh your memory) is to watch some of the classic movies. I like to watch a movie or two per day leading up to my trip and it helps me get […] Read more…
One of the quieter and more scenic areas in the park has always been Critter Country; its restaurants offer beautiful waterfront views, and its décor is charming. But did you know about its hidden gem? If you follow the Harbour Galley deck, toward the Hungry Bear Restaurant, you will see some corner tables and a few […] Read more…
Everyone who has ever visited the Haunted Mansion can appreciate the tremendous detail and decoration, both inside and outside of the ride. There are so many tombstones, cobwebs, and eerie portraits in each and every corner of the Mansion; even frequent park visitors notice something new when they return for another ride. We are all familiar […] Read more…
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…