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California Adventure Attractions
Hollywood Boulevard
In what some folks believe is the heart of California Adventure, the
Hollywood Boulevard area provides three attractions that are classic Disney.
Muppet Vision 3-D
E-Ticket,
not to be missed!
This is a recreation of the popular attraction from the Disney-MGM
Studios at Walt Disney World. Some West Coasters say that this version
is superior, with heightened effects, but most agree that it's just a
cookie-cutter copy. Still, it's a great attraction and one that is
worth a wait in one of the most entertaining waiting areas in all of
Disneydom.
Disney Animation
E-Ticket,
not to be missed!
The presentation, interactive displays, and demonstrations of the
animation skills of the Walt Disney Company makes this wonderful attraction
"not to be missed!" Even veterans of the animation tour at
the Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World will be impressed. The bar
has been raised on how to show off animation as an artform.
Hyperion Theatre
Musical stage show presentations will be held here. The original
offering is undergoing rehab (even before the park opened) so it's too soon
to know what will actually be shown here in the upcoming weeks.
The Backlot
Backlot Stage
This is an entertainment venue, where performers do their thing on stage.
Currently, "Get a Grip," a combination stunt and dance show is
being shown. It's worth seeing if you have the time.
Superstar Limo
Superstar Limo is a "dark ride" (think Mr. Toad in a limo,
driving through Southern California). It has some amusing moments, but
it's hardly worth more than a short wait.
Condor Flats
Soarin' Over California
E-Ticket,
not to be missed!
Requirement: Riders must
be at least 40 inches tall.
This attraction is top-notch in execution, but not that fresh in
concept. It's a lot like Universal's "Back to the Future"
with several vehicles all sharing a common IMAX screen.
Grizzly Peak Recreation Area
Grizzly River Run
Requirement: Riders must
be at least 42 inches tall.
This is similar to Animal Kingdom's Kali River Rapids attraction, but
with California "scenery" and themeing. Frankly, both of
these rides (Kali River Rapids and Grizzly River Run) are a
disappointment. So much could have been done with them ride!
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Requirement: Some
activities restricted to guests that are 40 or 44 inches tall.
This is a kid's play area, similar to Tom Sawyer's Island at Disneyland
to the North. Suspension bridges, obstacles, and the like make for a
fun place for the younger set to burn up some energy.
Bountiful Valley
Bountiful Valley Farm
See the tractor, see the wheat growing. This is similar to Epcot's
The Land, but is less high-tech and less engaging.
It's Tough to be a Bug
This is a recreation of the popular attraction from Animal Kingdom at
Walt Disney World. Some West Coasters say that this version is
superior, with heightened effects, but most agree that it's just a
cookie-cutter copy. Without doubt, though, the theatre -- purpose
designed for the presentation (unlike the one in Florida) -- does add some
drama and an improvement on the presentation.
Pacific Wharf
The Boudin Bakery
Here you can see the production of bread at a facility managed by the
well-known California Bakery.
Mission Tortilla Factory
Deja Vu, but this time tortillas are being made.
Golden Vine Winery
Season of the Vine
This is a presentation on wine production and ageing. After learning
more about how wine is prepared, guests are invited to wine tastings which run
periodically.
The Bay Area
Golden Dreams
Hosted by a character (the goddess Califia) portrayed by Whoopie Goldberg,
Golden Dreams is a film portraying Disney's version of California history
and culture. It does a pretty good job of being even-handed --
covering the good and brilliant as well as the bad and troubling aspects of
recent events in the state. If you're a Californian, you'll love
this. If you're not, but still are interested in history, you'll still
get a kick out of it. Lots of funny moments, but a few tear-jerking
ones too.
Paradise Pier
California Screamin'
E-Ticket,
not to be missed!
Requirement: Riders must
be at least 48 inches tall.
This might be the parks best claim to a real, top-notch thrill
ride. The steel coaster masquerades as an old, wooden one...but the
steel construction allows for loops and acceleration that you just can find
on the old creaky rides.
Sun Wheel
The Sun Wheel has an interesting twist on the Ferris wheel concept.
The outer cars operate just like you'd expect...but the inner ones move on a
track that keeps those cars bouncing as the wheel rotates.
Don't ride the inner cars right after lunch. Unless you want to eat
lunch again after your stomach settles.
Orange Stinger
Requirement: Riders must
be at least 36 inches tall.
This is an odd attraction, similar to the old swing rides that many folks
have ridden in amusement parks, but the swing operates inside a gigantic
orange peel. Bumble bee sound effects are piped in, too.
Although I'm not sure what the connection is between oranges and bumble bees
other than pollination...
Mulholland Madness
Requirement: Riders must
be at least 42 inches tall.
This is a smaller (compared with California Screamin'), "Wild
Mouse" type of roller coaster. It's themed like a drive on the
local Southern California streets.
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Requirement: Riders must
be at least 40 inches tall.
Jellyfish is another midway-like attraction. This time, it's a
dressed-up version of the venerable parachute-jump rides of the past.
SS Rustworthy
A water-themed play fountain for the kids to get wet on a hot day.
This is much like Donald's Boat at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Maliboomer
Requirement: Riders must
be at least 52 inches tall.
Dressed up like a carnival hammer contest (the one where you hit the
thingie with the hammer to see if you can ring the bell). In this
case, though, people ride up this thing. It's got quite the
acceleration punch, albeit a very smooth one. If heights aren't your
thing, stay on the ground and visit the bread and tortilla bakeries.
King Triton's Carousel
An aquatic-themed carousel for the younger kids.
Golden Zephyr
This is a "Dumbo" type ride, themed like Buck Rogers-era space
ships. If you've ever been on the old swing-ride at Cedarpoint in
Ohio, you'll find this to be a multi-seat version of the same thing.
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