Well…things are finally opening back up. You might wonder what it’s like to visit a Disney Park post-covid shutdowns. I might add in California, since it feels like Florida’s parks have always been open. Ha. Anyways, expect long lines and long walks…there is no tram and no fast pass! Aside from those missing perks, and the obvious mask wearing mandate, it did not feel to me like much else had changed. There were a few businesses in the park that were still closed, but almost everything was open…the rides, the stores, the restaurants…It felt like a normal day at the park for the most part. There was very little social distancing, some designated eating spots, and a whole lot of hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Side bar – I think hand sanitizer companies are set for life…after this pandemic, I don’t think sanitizer will ever become less prevalent. It is a gold mine company! In any case, back to the topic! I feel like exploring DCA is an afterthought for most people, it is the “park hopper” park, or the better this than nothing park, because Disneyland is just SO amazing, so I thought why not give it my full attention to see if I’ve been missing anything.
Disney’s California Adventure opened in 2001, and prior to that, the land was a parking lot for Disneyland guests. It has a few cool rides, but I find Disneyland to be much more entertainment filled.
After spending the day here, Troy and I think the must experience attractions at DCA are:
Troy determined to stay dry…EPIC FAIL! Splash!
- Radiator Springs Racers – Fasten your seatbelts and race against another car in a desert landscape influenced by the Cars movie. See if your car wins, as there are different winners each time. This ride has the longest lines out of any ride at DCA, so when you arrive, put a pep in your step and head right over to this one!
- Grizzly River Run – If you find the larger-than-life grizzly bear, you will find the line for the exciting whitewater rafting ride. Inspired by the rivers and mountains of California, take a gamble to see if you get soaked or not as your raft twists and turns through the makeshift rapids. Look around while you trek the town of Grizzly Peak and see some of the great quotes from the one and only John Muir.
- Soarin’ Around the World – or as I call it Soarin’ Over the World. This is a simulator ride where it feels like you are flying over amazingly beautiful spots across the world. Let your feet hang while you smell the grasslands of Tanzania, the warm tropical breeze of Fiji, and the flowers located at the Taj Mahal in India. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the hidden Mickey as you glide past Monument Valley in Utah. Sit down, prepare for takeoff, and check out this ride to see where else you will go.
- World of Color – This show is temporarily closed, but when it opens back up you must see this! It’s about 30 minutes long and is located in the waters by Pixar Pier and the Paradise Gardens Park. Relive movie scenes while music plays, lights go berserk, water sprays all throughout the pier and flames warm your face. You will not get wet, but if you really love Disney, you just might shed a tear or two! Come check it out and see if your favorite Disney or Pixar movie is featured.
I would encourage eating at Downtown Disney versus the park, but if you must grab a snack – Award Wieners has the biggest corn dogs ever and they are cheap…for a theme park! Order ahead on the Disney App, pick it up, chow down, and know that a real meal is waiting for you downtown! Maybe look at Splittsville – I was shocked by the quality of their food and the overall vibe.
All in all, we had a fun time, but we both feel that it remains an add-on park for our Disneyland days.