Disney's California Adventure
California Adventure is a sprawling park that is going through a lot of changes. These changes, including the addition of a new Land will not be complete until 2012. There will be a Little Mermaid attraction and the new land will be from the Pixar movie Cars. While those two additions will not be in this article. Silly Swings and Goofy's Sky School can be found here since they were both open when this article was written.
It was initially felt that Disney's California Adventure had no attractions for children. With the addition of A Bugs Land there are more attractions than ever for the younger child.
These attractions will be listed by Land and you will find the attractions for adults or older children listed at the bottom of each Land.
Hollywood Pictures Backlot (will become Hollywood Land):
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage has gone through changes in recent years to update the stage show to match what is being show on the Disney Channels block called Playhouse Disney. Where this show used to have Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley and Rolie Polie Olie, they have given way for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny. During the show bubbles fly from the ceiling. These bubbles don't make it to the back of the theater so front seats are definitely better. This 20 minute show is tremendously popular. If you have a Walt Disney Travel Company package you get a coupon for preferred seating for Playhouse Disney which could save you some time. This show fills up and has standing room only so be sure to arrive early if you don't have preferred seating. If your child watches Playhouse Disney at home, then this is a must see attraction. For those who don't watch at home, they will still really enjoy the show but it is no longer a must see.
Disney Animation Building is a cornucopia of fun for a child. And for a weary adult.
Animation Courtyard, the lobby of the Animation Building shows continuous clips of Disney Movies. Do you have a sleepy child that won't sleep? Sitting here may help. This room is very relaxing and restful.
Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive show for young children. If they are lucky Crush will talk to them. If you are an adult, you can count how many times he says Dude during the show if you are bored. Children absolutely love this show.
Draw a Disney Character (Animation Academy) is fun for all ages. And yes, you can take a baby into this 'class'. You will learn to draw a specific character while in here. Nurture the budding artist in your family.
Sorcerer's Workshop is a place where you can act out a scene from a Disney movie, supplying the voice for a specific character. You can also find out which character you are most like by taking a survey at Enchanted Books.
Character Meet and Greet is also offered here but it is usually a Princess and the lines are very long, so be patient. Meeting the Princess is the only way into the room filled with artwork and other items from that characters movie.
Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D is a show loved by adults who grew up with the Muppets, and by children first meeting them. It is a great way to introduce your child to something from your past. The preshow in the lobby is fun to watch while waiting so feel free to just sit down and relax on the floor. The storyline for the show itself includes so many Muppets, including Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Kermit and Bean Bunny. Miss Piggy even has a solo! You will see Gonzo, while Waldorf and Statler enjoying a view from a balcony. There is also a live orchestra with penguins playing the instruments. This show is absolutely hilarious and is great for everyone. A little warning about little baby ears. Muppet Vision 3D does have some loud noises, so if sudden noise scares your toddler or baby, you may want to hold of on this one. Noise aside, the Muppets alone don't scare most children. This is an amazing 3D show.
Monsters Inc. - Mike and Sully to the Rescue is an absolute Imagineer marvel. From the oversize snack machines in the queue, the huge phone and the signs with route and fare information to the ride itself, this is pure magic. If you have never seen the movie, no problem here. You will be able to understand the premise. Save Boo from Randall. If you have seen the movie, then you know what the 'door room' is all about. Well you will see the door room in this ride and it is amazing. Young children will love the bright colors, the adorable child and all of the doors hanging from the ceiling. And if you are lucky, Roz may even talk to you.
Hyperion Theater is where Aladdin is currently showing. This is a large theater with three seating sections: orchestra, mezzanine and balcony. Every seat in this theater is a good seat. There is talk that Aladdin is going to be retired but there is no information on what will replace that show.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is definitely not for the young children. It does have a 40 inch height requirement that will keep most toddlers away. This is a ride on a runaway elevator and has several major drops. Be sure to use baby swap so all adults in your group can enjoy this ride.
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