Disney's California Adventure
Theme Park
Travel Excursion
Paradise Pier
By Patrice Raplee
Say the word Disneyland and immediately smiles unconsciously break
out on the faces of young and old.
Europe, Asia, America to Australia, Disneyland has brought joy and
happiness to millions of people from around the world. Original founder
Walt Disney's aspiration was that Disneyland would always continue to
change, grow and educate. His vision has certainly come true with the
number of theme parks built in several different countries and the addition
of the exciting new Disney's California Adventure.
A mere few yards across the entrance from Disneyland, California Adventure
is a park themed after the spirit and culture of California. Situated
on 55 acres, the park is comprised of three different themed lands,
Golden State, Paradise Pier and Hollywood Pictures Backlot.
At the entrance to the park, stands a 58-foot replica of the Golden
Gate Bridge, followed by a shining sun sculpture-wave fountain. This
is the point where growing anticipation makes selecting which land to
visit first a difficult choice. To the right, Condor Flats is an aviation-themed
area presenting attractions and history-making aviation models and shops.
Suspended above the Taste Pilot's Grill, is a model of the Bell X-1;
Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the original jet.
A few steps more lead to the park's most popular breath-taking attraction,
Soarin' Over California. This virtual hang gliding adventure takes guests
over California's most remarkable landmarks. Displayed on the corrugated
hallways of the air hanger into the attraction are photographs of famous
aircraft and pilots from the P-38 to Amelia Earhart.
The experience of Soarin' Over California fulfils your inner most fantasy
of flying through the air, yet remaining completely safe. Different
landscapes set the pace for an unforgettable journey. Guests coming
out of this amazing ride frequently comment that they wished their own
flying dreams could be this good.
Grizzly Peak Recreation Area hosts a wild and wet rushin' river raft
ride and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Grizzly River Run has enough
excitement and thrills to merit repeated rides, but won't have you fainting
when you approach the water drops. This fun action attraction leaves
you a little wet, but in Southern California, it can be a welcoming
cool-off.
The Redwood trail, geared towards kids, gives them multiple opportunities
to expend their energies. Paths, smokejumper cable slides, net jumping
and swaying bridges are just a few of the activities available.
Keep a look out for popular Disney characters that stroll through the
park. Youngsters may want an autograph or photo with one of the Monster's
Inc. gang.
The park has more than just exhilarating rides. Visual 3-D entertainment
such as It's Tough to be a Bug and Jim Henson's Muppet Vision
3D are state-of-the-art and enhanced with surprises that surpass
regular 3-D movies.
If you're hungry for a hot dog and soft drink or for something more
sophisticated, the park is abundant with options. The Vineyard Room
is a restaurant that appeals to adults that want to bring their children,
yet still enjoy a premium glass of California wine with dinner. A lovely
Mission-style balcony sits in view of terraced vineyards and tranquil
lush landscape. The restaurant's menu offers Italian-styled cuisine
and a restful break from activities. Guests interested in the process
of winemaking, grape growing or shopping can visit The Golden Vine Winery.
Paradise Pier is reminiscent of Southern California's popular ocean
side piers. Surrounded by water, an assortment of boardwalk games and
thrill-seeking attractions, the Pier houses some of the fastest and
wildest rides in the park.
Smaller children are attracted to King Triton's Carousel and adventure
seekers go straight for California Screamin'. This high-energy roller
coaster catapults guests from zero to 55 miles-per-hour in four seconds.
Hold on, enjoy the ride, because you drop 108 feet down and even loop
upside down inside the giant Mickey Mouse head! For the roller coaster
aficionado, this is the granddaddy thrill-ride of them all. There are
numerous exciting attractions for iron-stomached guests, such as the
Maliboomer. It launches riders straight up a vertical column and then
drops them into a gentler freefall. Just make sure you eat that large
hamburger, fries and milkshake after you ride this bad boy.
Several rides at the Pier are low to medium in intensity, but a lot
of fun for all ages. Boardwalk games, souvenir shops and benches that
exhibit the park's view line the Pier and are a nice alternative to
the amusement rides.
Hollywood Pictures Backlot ignites guests' imaginations with a theme
land based on Hollywood sound stages and famous Hollywood streets. Imagine
yourself as a star and enjoy lunch on a TV soap opera set, or visit
the Hyperion Theater. The Theater is currently featuring the highly
acclaimed The Power of Blast, based on the Tony-award winning
musical Blast. The Backlot features the Muppet Vision 3D,
Disney Animation, Superstar Limo and "Who Wants to be a
Millionaire." Just walking about the backlot provides entertainment
as performers in various costumes dazzle you with on the spot musical
cabaret.
In addition to Disney's California Adventure, Disneyland resort has
also added the Downtown Disney District located between Disneyland and
California Adventure. The District does not require a ticket or pass
to visit. Preeminent in design and atmosphere, Downtown Disney garnered
popular retail shops, restaurants and entertainment venues from the
House of Blues, to a 12-screen megaplex theater. The resort has everything
you could want and now more than ever, Disneyland Resort is the "Happiest
place on earth!"
Transportation is easy. Catch a flight to Los Angeles airport, pick
up your baggage and head right out the door to an air-conditioned Disneyland
bus. The ride is about 45 minutes and Disney even provides one of their
movies for viewing. The bus can drop you off at the theme parks, the
Disney hotels, or to one of the close-by hotel partners. For more information
visit www.disneyland.com or
check with your local travel agent for Disneyland vacation packages.
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