This past summer I had the opportunity to travel to California and visit the two parks located in Anaheim: Disneyland Resort and Disney’s California Adventure. If you missed the Disneyland Resort blog posted a few weeks back, make sure to check that out as that was out first experience when in California.
I was very apprehensive when it came to visiting California. I have such a love for Disney World, I was worried I wouldn’t have that connection with DLR or DCA. Boy, was I wrong. After seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle, I was smitten. (More details on that visit in the link mentioned previously.)
We later took the short walk over to Disney’s California Adventure Park. Upon arrival, I experienced all the Hollywood feels. Hollywood Studios has become one of my favorite hangouts recently, but this park gave the name “Hollywood” a whole new meaning. The soft music playing while walking down the street, the aesthetic store fronts, old-school movie posters, actors and actresses all gussied up in the finest cars from the 40’s… a truly glamourous scenery.
The further you venture into the park; you’ll notice several atmosphere changes. From the hustle and bustle of Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land, to the quiet and quaint Grizzly Peak (where we reminisced on memories of our first visit to WDW when riding Soarin’ Over California for the first time in several years), to the picturesque Pacific Wharf, the All-American trip down Route-66 in Cars Land, the lovely Paradise Gardens Park; and last but not least, the star of the show, my love, Pixar Pier.
If you know me, you know Animal Kingdom reigns supreme as the king of Disney parks, and Pandora: World of Avatar is my favorite land. With that being said, Disney’s California Adventure and Paradise Pier have my heart. I am a huge Pixar fan. Ratatouille, Brave, Coco, Inside Out; the list of staple movies, characters, and film scores goes on and on. (Side note, I will fight you over the Pixar film short Bao… the best ever, come at me.)
Seeing the fun-wheel for the first time is an experience I will never forget. I remember watching Disney-365 and commercials on Disney Channel when growing up that featured my favorite stars at Pixar Pier (at the time, known as Paradise Pier).
Pixar Pier has so much to offer. My favorite roller coaster in all of the North American Disney parks is located at Pixar Pier, The Incredicoaster (we rode it three times during our visit, we absolutely loved it!)
Another favorite of mine was the Inside Out section of Pixar Pier, this are included Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Emotional Whirlwind. I love inside out, I was so happy to see these things added to the Pier.
As breathtaking as Pixar Pier is in the day, nothing compares to the wonder it is at night. Our last hoorah when visiting California was the magnificence that is World of Color. This show is a blog in itself (coming soon!). There aren’t enough words to describe the beauty of WoC. It is hands down the best show I have seen Disney put on (this includes WDW parks and DCL.) One word… Wow.
The West Coast branch of the North American Disney parks has become so near and dear to my heart. It is a must for everyone! If you visit Walt Disney World, you must make it a priority to visit DLR/DCA at some point. Although the two are similar, they are so different and both staple vacation locations in my opinion. I am counting down the days until I make my return to beautiful California, enchanting Disneyland, and my love, Disney’s California Adventure.
