After exploring Disneyland for 2 days, it was time to experience California Adventure, which is the newer theme park by Disney right in front of it. Entering the theme park, it spells out the state’s name in big letters, CALIFORNIA. Once you enter, you’ll be greeted by a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge and ofcourse stores where you can buy Disney merchandise. First order of business was lunch so we grabbed a quick eat and got hotdogs at Award Weiners. After lunch, my sister’s family (husband, niece and nephew) watched Handy Manny at Playhouse Disney Live on Stage while I went for a ride at the Tower of Terror, by myself.
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California Adventure
The ride simulates an elevator out of control and dropping to the ground. I somehow felt safe since the passengers are caged inside and you’re completely buckled up like in a roller coaster (so no fear of flying of the ride, off out of the building and dropping face first in the ground). The drop was scary and I know I was screaming my throat off (I literally saw my bag went up pass my head as we dropped). After the 1st drop, it’ll drop you again, then up again, then down, then down all the way to the bottom. Stunned but happy, I met back with my family to explore the rest of the theme park.
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| I'll ride the Tower of Terror |
Next we checked out It’s tough to be a bug. Its a 3D ride, while watching a very informative story about bugs, you’ll get poked, blasted by air/smoke and be misted w/ water. It was a feel good experience that the entire family can enjoy. Unlike Disneyland, I found California Adventure much easier to navigate through. We rode a couple more rides at a bug's land which were very kid friendly, Flik’s Flyers, Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie (spinning Lady Bugs), Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train and Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies (bump cars).
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| a bug's land |
After all the kiddie rides, it was time for us adults to have some fun. A cool ride that my sister and I rode is the Soarin’ over California at Golden State where you’ll be pretending to be gliding and soaring all over the famous landmarks and places in California. It’s a huge theater and what happens is that you’re seat will be lifted up in the air to simulate that you are gliding. The screen extends to the bottom which really gives you the feeling that you’re flying up in the air. Just like in Disneyland, it’ll help to get a Fast Pass so you can cut through the lines of the rides. The Fast pass works by assigning a time where you can come back to a ride to avoid the long lines. So instead of waiting in line, get a Fast Pass and be back after an hour or 2 and cut through. A day at the theme park wouldn’t be complete without a ride at Mickey’s Fun Wheel, which by the name, is a giant Ferris wheel (with Mickey’s face at the middle) that give the riders a full view of California Adventure.
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| Paradise Pier |
The sun was hot but it didn’t stop us from waiting in the crowd to see the parade. I cooked under the sun but it was OK since everyone was having fun and excited to see the parade of Disney characters. All I did was take pictures and sing along, I think I may have danced a little since the song was infectiously nice. I liked the part of the parade where the cast of Finding Nemo had water guns and shooting water at the guest, which I thought was a nice way to cool down.
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| Parade at California Adventure |
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| Parade at California Adventure |
Another nice way to cool down was a ride at Grizzly River Run which simulates whitewater rafting. At first I was trying my best not to get wet (which is impossible) but eventually, I just let go and just enjoyed. So I guess everyone knows what happened to me and my brother in law after riding this. Wearing wet clothes but with a smile on my face, it was time to get some dinner so that we can prepare for the newest attraction called World of Color. We went Asian for dinner and ate at Lucky Fortune Cookery. After dinner, I made my way to the shops to buy stuff that I will bring home. Inside is an array of everything Disney, novelty items, toys, apparel etc. Inside, you don’t know where to look at first or what to buy. I had to really control myself because if not, I would have needed new luggage, which the stores have too. Night came and a few shopping bags after, we watched a show at the Sunshine Plaza, they had this Glow Fest, I must say, they’re getting the party started.
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| Glow Fest |
The main event of our day was to see the newest attraction of California Disney which is World of Color. My sister waited for more than an hour in line to get us a nice area where we can stand and see it. It paid of, we were standing at the bridge of Paradise Pier and had a full view of the show (it would have been nice to be in the splash zone, but hen again, it’s chilly at night in LA so I’ll pass). For the show, most of the theme park shuts down, lights off so everyone can enjoy. World of Color is a Fountain Musical, water being blasted way up in the air, laser lights, fire, Disney clips and images projected in the water, it was awesome. It was really a fest visually. I was watching and just clicking on my camera to capture many images. The musical I think took 20 – 30 minutes and it was quite a show. I was in awe (mouth open) because it was quite a spectacle. It was a perfect ending to our night at the park. Just like last night, we were very tired… but happy.
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| World of Color |
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| World of Color |
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| World of Color |
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| World of Color |
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| Paradise Pier at night |
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| California Adventure at Night |
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