1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. California Travel

Disney's California Adventure
Introduction to Disney's California Adventure

By , About.com Guide

california adventure entrance

California Adventure Entrance

(c) Disney
When you enter California Adventure under a stylized Golden Gate Bridge flanked by two tiled murals representing the state's riches, you enter the essence of the state of California, Disney style. Disney Imagineers traveled over the state while designing California Adventure, distilling the Golden State into 55 acres, skimming off the best and brightest parts to celebrate.

The sections of this smaller theme park take their cues from the state - Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Paradise Pier, Golden State - and fewer rides tell a story, allowing the Imagineers to create some new and fun experiences, a few of which are unique here among all the Disney theme parks.

See It Now: Take a Photo Tour

Get Oriented: California Adventure Map

Why All the Fuss?

We rate California Adventure 4.5 out of 5, especially because it contains three out of four of our favorite Disney rides: Soarin' Over California, Tower of Terror and California Screamin'.

Others may disagree. You can see what other people think, then bookmark this page and after you've been there, come back and tell us what you think.

What do you think of Disney's California Adventure as a tourist destination?

  • 0 = Yuck! Just say no to this flea-bitten tourist trap
  • 1 = So-So More fun than a night in jail, but you might enjoy a good nap more
  • 2 = OK Some people find it interesting. I didn't
  • 3 = Good It's not a big deal if you miss it
  • 4 = Great I really liked it. I think you will, too
  • 5 = Awesome! It's a must-see sight I recommend to everyone

The Complete California Adventure

If want to use an informal approach, it may take you a day and a half to enjoy everything at California Adventure. Give just one day, if it's a busy one, you may miss out on some of the most popular rides. On the other hand, you can have more fun in less time if you use Ridemax to minimize waiting and experience everything California Adventure has to offer in a little less than a day. With a hopper pass that lets you enter both parks in the same day, you can then spend the rest of that day at Disneyland.

10 Things You Need to Know About the Disneyland California Resort

Explore California Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. California Travel
  4. - Disneyland
  5. California Adventure Guide
  6. California Adventure - Visitor Guide to Disney California Adventure Theme Park

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.