Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure Top 10

We love Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland in California.  With the addition of Cars Land, the recent re-imagining of Grizzly Peak, and the new World of Color nighttime show, it is now a world class park.  Read our Disney California Adventure Top 10 to see the best of what awaits.  We will work our way clockwise around the park.

1.  Monsters Inc. – Mike & Sully to the Rescue!

Monsters Inc. – Mike & Sully to the Rescue!

This is a classic Disney dark-ride through the scenes of a movie like the Alice in Wonderland ride at Disneyland or the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Magic Kingdom.  We love the Pixar movies.  The Monsters Inc. ride in Hollywoodland is a great place to start your tour of Disney California Adventure.

2.  Animation Academy

Hollywood Land in California Adventure

Our family and many others have moaned the closing of Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.  Fortunately, we can still take this Disney animation art class in Disney California Adventure.  Cast members give lessons in drawing a wide array of Disney characters every 30 minutes.  Located in the Disney Animation building in Hollywoodland, this is a great place to get a free souvenir of your attempt to be an animator.

3.  Pixar Parade

The Cars part of the Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland

Disney is a master at parades and the Pixar Parade at Disney California Adventure Part is no exception.  If you like the Pixar movies, you will not be disappointed.

4.  Radiator Springs Racers

Radiator Springs Racers

Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land takes you through Radiator Springs, introducing you to the characters of the Cars movies, and then racing to the finish line.  This is one of my favorite rides at any Disney park and is the showcase of argueably the best themed of all Disney lands.  This ride has it all:  amazing theming, comedy, and thrills.

5.  Flo’s V8 Cafe’

Flo’s V8 Cafe’ at Disney California Adventure

Cars Land manages somehow to convincingly drop you right onto Route 66 in the desert southwest and into the town of Radiator Springs from the Cars movies.  One of the best ways to take it all in is to grab a table and a bite to eat at Flo’s, either inside in a traditional 50s style diner or outside at one of Flo’s gas pumps.  Either option allows for wonderful views of the amazing setting.  The food, traditional diner fare, is quite tasty, too; a step above most quick service options.

6.  California Screamin’

California Screamin’ roller coaster

Disney California Adventure’s roller coaster, located on Paradise Pier, zips you high above the park, providing great views.  The best part of this coaster is the large loop!  California Screamin’ is a must for the thrill ride fan.

Notice the cars upside down in the loop below the “Paradise Pier” sign.

7.  Toy Story Midway Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania at Paradise Pier

Located on the boardwalk of Paradise Pier, Toy Story Midway Mania is identical to the ride in Florida at Hollywood Studios.  Kids of all ages love this 3D attraction that pits you against other riders in carnival style games like ring toss and dart throwing.  The lines here tend to be much shorter than in Florida.

8.  Grizzly River Run

Geyser at Grizzly Peak

Warning!  You will get wet, no . . .  soaked on this ride!  If you are not prepared for this, then you might want to skip it.  Otherwise, this is a thrilling tube ride through the California forests in Grizzly Peak.  If the waits are long, then use the single rider line and get ready to get wet.  If you are staying at one of the Disneyland hotels, this is a great ride to do right before returning to your room for a siesta or for the night.

9.  Soarin’

Grizzly Peak Air Field,

Soarin’ over California, also in Grizzly Peak, has been replaced with Soarin’ around the World.  I haven’t experienced the new one yet, but I cannot wait.  Soarin’ takes on a flight over famous world destinations like the Great Wall and French Polynesia, giving the sensation of hang-gliding.  This is the exact same attraction as at Epcot, but I prefer this one.  The theming at Disney California Adventure with the setting of Grizzly Peak Air Field is superior to the Epcot queue.

10.  World of Color

World of Color

The grand finale at Disney California Adventure Park is the World of Color fireworks, water, projection, light extravaganza above the water at Paradise Pier.  This is one of Disney’s best nighttime shows.  It is a great way to end a wonderful day and definitely belongs on the Disney California Adventure Top 10 list.

Waiting for the World of Color nighttime show at Disney’s California Adventure

I hope that you have enjoyed our Disney California Adventure Top 10 list, and I hope that if you have never had the opportunity to visit this great park that you will get the chance.  Your comments are welcome!  Let me know if you agree with my choices or if I have got it all wrong.  I can take it!