Exploring Disney's California Adventure

Exploring Disney's California Adventure

Paradise Pier

This section re-creates the glory days of California's seaside piers. If you're looking for thrills, the California Screamin' roller coaster takes its riders from 0 to 55 mph in about four seconds and proceeds through scream tunnels, steeply angled drops, and a 360-degree loop. Sun Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel, provides a good view of the grounds at a more leisurely pace. Mulholland Madness is a fun tribute to L.A.'s crazy traffic cycles. There's also carnival games, a fish-themed carousel, and Ariel's Grotto, where future princesses can dine with the mermaid and her friends (reservations a must).

Hollywood Pictures Backlot

With a main street modeled after Hollywood Boulevard, a fake blue-sky backdrop, and real soundstages, this area celebrates California's most famous industry. Disney Animation gives you an insider's look at the work of animators and how they create characters. Turtle Talk with Crush lets kids have an unrehearsed talk with computer-animated Crush, a sea turtle from Finding Nemo. The Hyperion theater hosts Aladdin -- A Musical Spectacular, a 45-minute live performance with terrific visual effects. Plan on getting in line about half an hour in advance: the show is well worth the wait. On the latest film-inspired ride, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, you climb into taxis and travel the streets of Monstropolis on a mission of safely returning Boo to her bedroom. A major draw for older kids is the looming Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which drops riders 13 floors.

A bug's land

Inspired by the 1998 film A Bug's Life, this section skews its attractions to an insect's point of view. Kids can cool off (or get soaked) in the water jets and giant garden hose of Princess Dot Puddle Park, spin around in giant takeout Chinese food boxes on Flik's Flyers, and hit the bug-shaped bumper cars on Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies. The short show It's Tough to Be a Bug! gives you a 3-D look at insect life.

Golden State

Celebrate California's history and natural beauty with nature trails, a winery, and a tortilla factory (with free samples). The area of Condor Flats has Soarin' Over California, a spectacular simulated hang-glider ride over California terrain, and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, a challenging trek across net ladders and suspension bridges. The film Golden Dreams is a sentimental dash through California history narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. Grizzly River Run simulates the river rapids of the Sierra Nevadas; be prepared to get soaked. The Wine Country Trattoria is a great place for a relaxing outdoor lunch.