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Disney California Adventure Tips

5. Cars Land, continued (see part 1)

Disney California Adventure Tips for Cars Land, continued (see part 1):

All the food is unique, from Flo's Cafe (50's diner-style, home of the "ugly crust pie") to the Cozy Cone Motel cone-themed food (you have to see it to appreciate it) to 1960's Groovy "Taste-In" snacks.

So much thought went into everything, and all the food I tasted really was good. Certainly way better than most amusement park food. See the DisneyFoodBlog.com for a great in-depth review with pictures of Flo's Cafe and the Cozy Cone Motel.

Cozy Cone Motel

There are 3 rides in Cars Land: Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi's Flying Tires, and my favorite: The Radiator Springs Racers.

This ride is unlike any ride I've been on. The cartoony cars with bench seating and floppy seatbelts made me think it was going to be a relaxing putt-putt ride, and it was for a while so that I could enjoy the incredible scenery.

But then it turned into a wild race with another car full of random people. Much more than just a "ride". Take lots of pictures in front of the beautiful backdrop. 40" height requirement.

Radiator Springs Racers

6. Disney California Adventure Tips: A Bug's Land

A Bug's Land: Not Creepy

This is a great spot for little ones. There are no "dark" rides; everything is set outside in a garden setting like the Bug's Land movie. (There is however a 9-minute movie called "It's Tough to Be a Bug" which is indoors and of course, dark. It's also 3D which could be a little scary for some kids). Only one of the 5 rides has a height requirement (the bumper cars: 36") yet the rides are still really fun.

There isn't usually much of a wait for rides. You could probably make it through all of them in a half hour.

If it's hot you might want to visit the splashground where kids can cool off in sprinklers.

7. Disney California Adventure Tips: Hollywood Land

This district is about the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930's. It's made to look like a Hollywood Studios backlot.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy (formerly Tower of Terror)

The big ride here is Guardians of the Galaxy, formerly known as Tower of Terror, the mere thought of which sends shivers down my husband's spine. I highly recommend it. (You must be 40" or taller.)

You're in a type of elevator going up the tower and are suddenly dropped, really fast, at random times. If this doesn't sound scary, just try it. As you go up and down, you see the Guardians entangled in various situations. There are 6 different versions of the ride, each with its own visuals, songs, and drop sequence.

TIPS:

This is a FastPass attraction. So get one! It's also a Rider Switch (Child Swap) ride so if you qualify, talk to the first cast member you see upon approaching Guardians of the Galaxy.
If you get into the park for the Extra Magic Hour, this ride will be open. So go on it!
If you change your mind at the last minute, there is an exit.
NOT a good ride if you're afraid of heights
NOT a good ride if you have a bad back
NOT a good ride if you are pregnant

Monsters, Inc.

Sully & Zack

Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is a really cute ride based on the movie. You ride in taxi cabs through the set. While waiting in line, you are supposed to be at a bus station named the Monstropolis Transit Authority.

Disney California Adventure Tips for Monsters Inc:

Pay attention to Roz at the end. She comments on people in real-time.
Calm enough ride to hold a baby in.
Usually not too big of a line.