Top 5 Attractions in Disneyland & California Adventure - Michaela Mertz
Believe it or not Disneyland and California Adventure have more attractions together than all four Walt Disney World parks combined! There are so many opportunities for fun memory making in California - it’s amazing how much is packed into these two parks. If you’re looking to make the best of your trip and are maybe pressed for time, these are some of the must do attractions.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
This classic, slow moving, motorcar attraction is available to guests of all heights. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is based on scenes from the animated film The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Mr. Toad’s attraction is now only available in California, as its Florida counterpart closed in 1998. If you’re a nostalgic Disney fan like myself, or have little ones in your party, paying a visit to Mr. Toad should certainly be on your to-do list.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
The Matterhorn is the best rollercoaster in Disneyland, hands down. This attraction debuted only a few short years after Disneyland first opened its gates, making it a treasured landmark. There are two tracks available, creating varying experiences: one track faces Fantasyland, while the other faces Tomorrowland. The first time I ever rode the Matterhorn was at 9 o’clock in the morning and it without a doubt woke me up. I loved it so much, I got right back in line and rode it again!
Incredicoaster
Located in California Adventure, this Incredibles themed coaster is the only one on property that goes upside down. Beloved characters are portrayed as larger than life, and the smell of Jack-Jack’s “num num cookies” fills the air. Prepared to get splashed as the coaster flies across the lake at incredible speeds (pun intended).
Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!
Once the Twilight Zone’s Tower of Terror, this Marvel re-themed attraction is sure to thrill all the members of your party. The queue alone is breathtaking, as guests peruse objects curated by the notorious Collector. Of these various oddities on display are the Guardians of the Galaxy themselves. Guests go on an adventure with the team as they break out of their prison. There are six different ways to experience this ride, as the scenes and music may vary (think a combination of Star Tours and Cosmic Rewind). As someone who has ridden Tower of Terror plenty of times, I wasn’t expecting much coming to California, but I’m happy to report how mistaken I was! I rode Mission: BREAKOUT I think four times before 10 AM. It was probably the most fun I had in California Adventure.
Pixar Pal-A-Round - Swinging (aka the killer Ferris Wheel)
Last, but certainly not least (well, that depends on who you ask), is the killer Ferris Wheel. Disney fans have come up with all kinds of different titles for this ride, none of which are the actual name. There are two ways to ride the Pixar Pal-A-Round: swinging or non-swinging. If you want a standard Ferris Wheel experience, choose the non-swinging option. However, if you want to feel your soul leave your body as your cart swings precariously through the air, choose the swinging option. Personally, I had a fantastic time! But the 13-year-old girl in the cart with me was bawling her eyes out. This ride is not for the faint of heart, but is definitely one of the best!
Read more from Michaela: Disney’s Art of Animation: An In-Depth Review
Snackin’ Around The (Walt Disney) World