Ideas For A Enjoyable Day At Disney California Journey Park [From An 11 Year Old]

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A visit to Disneyland is a dream for many households with younger youngsters. It doesn’t matter whether or not your youngsters are 5 or 15, there’s a purpose that it’s the happiest place on Earth…

I, Kalyra, aged 11, had an superior time at Disney California Journey Park (DCA) in Anaheim, California. It was my favourite park inside the Disneyland Resort, and I consider it’s a must-do on any journey to go to Anaheim.

We acquired the 10-day park hopper cross which allowed us entry to each Disney California Journey Park and Disneyland Park, and we nonetheless didn’t get to do every little thing!

I do know that having 10 days to spend simply as Disneyland is quite a bit, and never many individuals have that luxurious, so I’ve written this information on the most effective issues to do, the most effective rides and points of interest, so as to plan an unforgettable day or two.

How the Disney Lightning Lane Cross Works

Okay earlier than we get into rollercoasters and parades, we have to speak about the most effective tickets and passes. We had the Park Hopper cross, which allowed us entry to each Disney California Journey Park and Disneyland Park, however we additionally had a Lightning Lane Cross, previously referred to as a FASTPASS.

Lightning Lane Passes are nice at Disneyland as a result of they grant you the fascinating luxurious of with the ability to skip the queue. They’re a further payment, and you’ll select between a single or multi-use cross, so it’s essential to determine which rides you need to get passes for (extra data on rides later that will help you determine).

Individuals with the Lightning Lane Cross get a time slot and enter the trip through a separate queue, so you possibly can keep away from lengthy traces. I like to recommend you get Lightning Lane Passes for Toy Story Mania, situated at Pixar Pier, which at all times has lengthy traces.

To assert your Lightning Lane Cross, go to the world close to the trip the place you need to use a Lightning Lane Cross, put your park ticket within the machine, and out comes the Lightning Lane Cross. It’s as simple as that!

The Lightning Lane Cross then offers you a time to return to the trip, and once you return, you stroll straight as much as the entrance of the road bypassing all these within the normal line.

Typically if the overall line is barely a 10-minute wait, we’d simply keep on that line in order to not dissipate our Lightning Lane Passes.

Should you get the multi-use cross, you possibly can solely get one Lightning Lane Cross for every trip, and you’ll solely e-book one Lightning Lane Cross each 90-minutes. So that you don’t need to waste a Lightning Lane Cross on a brief line, if the subsequent trip you need to trip has a 60-minute wait.

You’d then have to attend for 60-minutes since you wasted your cross. Or come again in 90-minutes to get your Lightning Lane Cross and run the danger they’d be all gone.

Lightning Lane Cross do run out at widespread rides! There’s solely a sure variety of individuals that may go on rides all day. In order that they restrict the variety of Lightning Lane Cross and once they’ve all been allotted, you’re pressured to attend within the normal queue, which on the favored rides might be 1 to 2 hours lengthy.

So watch out with how you employ the Disney Lightning Lane Cross. You’ll need to be strategic with them. Hopefully this information will enable you choose your rides for the Lightning Lane Cross and you’ll obtain the Disney App to start out planning your personal itinerary.

Park Hopper Tickets

As talked about, we acquired Disney Park Hopper Ticket tickets, which is the easiest way to expertise Disney California Journey Park and Disneyland Park in someday.

You should purchase a ticket for a sure variety of days, and the ticket lets you hop between each parks.

We advocate at the very least a 4 day park hopper ticket. Two days at every park will make sure you’ll get to expertise all of the highlights in your record with out madly dashing round.

You will want this time though you will get Lightning Lane Passes, particularly should you go to throughout a busy time of 12 months.

We visited in September, simply after summer time break, which meant fewer crowds than regular.

Unmissable issues to do in Disney California Journey Park

Now I’m going to let you know about the most effective rides and points of interest at Disney California Journey Park. To make it simpler for you, I’m going to separate them by every land.

Should you’ve not been to a Disney earlier than, principally the entire theme park is split up into zones, referred to as Lands.

The present lands inside Disney California Journey Park are:

• Buena Vista Avenue
• Pixar Pier
• Paradise Gardens Park
• Grizzly Peak
• Hollywood Land
• Automobiles Land
• Avengers Campus
• San Fransokyo Sq.

My private favourite lands are:

• Automobiles Land
• Pixar Pier
• Hollywood Land

So I’ll begin with them first…

Pixar Pier

Pixar Pier must be my primary fave land in Disney California Journey. This land is themed round Pixar movies, just like the Incredibles, Toy Story, and extra.

However can also be themed round a California Coastal Boardwalk. It has a enjoyable beachy vibe to it. It was once Paradise Pier, however closed in 2018 and become all issues Pixar!

If you wish to be taught extra concerning the creation of Pixar Pier, make sure you go to the Blue Sky Cellar. It gives an enchanting perception into what went into the design and making of it.

One of the best rides in Pixar Pier

IncrediCoaster

The Incredicoaster is my favourite trip within the park.

It’s a curler coaster that shoots off initially and goes actually quick across the monitor and has one loop. It performs the Incredibles theme track which makes it extra intense, and it’s an extended trip too.

It’s tremendous enjoyable, and as soon as I acquired fortunate and acquired to sit down on the entrance!

Savannah (aged 7) was about to get on the trip, however then chickened out. (Proper on the gates!)

While you get off the trip, ensure to get a Jack Jack Num Num cookie close to the doorway! They’re scrumptious, however in all probability not nutritious! That’s what Mum says anyway.

Toy Story Halfway Mania

Toy Story Mania trip is like Buzz Lightyear: Astro Blasters at Tomorrowland, in Disneyland.

Besides it has all of the Toy Story characters, and it’s extra enjoyable (It’s a 4D trip too).

So that you go round in a spinning automotive and shoot issues, amassing factors alongside the best way.

I acquired probably the most factors out of everybody, 100,000!

Pixar Pal-A-Spherical

Pixar Pal-A-Spherical (additionally referred to as Mickey’s Enjoyable Wheel) is the large ferris wheel that is without doubt one of the focal design factors of Pixar Pier.

I didn’t do that as a result of I hate Ferris Wheels. You possibly can select totally different rides on it: Trip in a traditional secure Gondola, or one which slides forwards and backwards on a monitor.

Excuse me? Like a traditional one wasn’t unhealthy sufficient!? A few of our crew did the swinging Gondolas and stated it was terrifying

Jessie’s Critter Carousel opened in 2019, so we missed that, however it could be a terrific expertise for youthful youngsters.

Eating in Pixar Pier

The one precise ‘Eating’ in Pixar Pier is Lamplight Lounge. We didn’t eat there (although we tried) as a result of it was at all times busy. (That’s an indication that it’s good!)

Make reservations for giant teams or in case you are going at busy occasions!

In any other case there’s a hen hut shack, Poultry Palace, the place you will get turkey legs and hen drum sticks.

The land subsequent door to Pixar Pier, is the San Fransokyo Sq., which has extra number of eating choices.

It’s themed as San Francisco’s Pier. You’ll discover chowder in a bread bowl, Asian, and Mexican meals choices (Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill).

Automobiles Land

Everyone in our group beloved Automobiles Land. All of the decorations had been for Halloween (we had been there in September) and the surroundings was made to seem like you had been within the film; it was fairly cool.

Rides in Automobiles Land

Radiator Springs Racers

This trip is tremendous enjoyable – and quick! Attempt to beat the opposite racers to the top of Route 66.

I like to recommend a Lightning Lane Cross for this trip, particularly in case you are there at busy occasions. This trip is without doubt one of the hottest!

It is a youthful child trip, however all ages can do it! As quickly as you enter DCA go straight right here to get your Lightning Lane Cross as they go in a short time and chances are you’ll miss out.

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is for youthful youngsters, however my youthful sister (7) actually loved it.

You sit in a child tractor, which drives round and you are feeling such as you’re getting thrown in all places.

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters

Trip in automobiles that spin and “Dance” autonomously in patterns, with trackless GPS expertise.

The youthful youngsters beloved this trip. Once more, all ages can trip too and was enjoyable for all our household!

Eating in Automobiles Land

We ate at Flo’s V8 Cafe virtually daily we had been at DCA. It was fast and straightforward, (because of the usage of the Disneyland app) and everybody favored it.

And there have been gluten free choices for Mum and Dad, which isn’t simple for them in a theme park like Disneyland.

However there are different choices, like Cozy Cone Motel and Fillmore’s Style – In. We solely ate at Cozy Cone Motel for Ice Cream, so we don’t actually know what it’s like.

Don’t miss a few of the Automobiles characters driving round too!

Hollywood Land

Hollywood Land is themed across the golden age of Hollywood, and all issues California Tv and Cinema.

Rides in Hollywood Land

Monsters, inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

As quickly as we had been about to get on the trip, it broke down! And we couldn’t wait as a result of Savannah and our cousin, Brooklyn wished to do the Disney Junior Dance Occasion.

Leisure and Points of interest in Hollywood Land

Savannah and our cousin Brooklyn beloved the Disney Junior Dance Occasion. They noticed it twice, and dragged me alongside the second time.

Savannah’s favourite half was dancing with all of the characters. I like to recommend it for youthful youngsters!

This isn’t out there any extra, however you possibly can nonetheless discover Anna and Elsa right here on the Disney Animation Constructing. (I didn’t actually like that half). You may also go to the Sorcerer’s Workshop, and attempt to discover the Beast’s hidden Library.

We noticed Disney’s present: Frozen – Stay on the Hyperion. Everybody thought it was wonderful however I didn’t actually prefer it, lol.

Turtle Speak with Crush

Don’t miss Turtle Speak with Crush, contained in the Disney Animation constructing! The youthful youngsters beloved it, and it was fairly humorous.

Buena Vista Avenue

Buena Vista Avenue is a purchasing district in Disney California Journey Park. We’re not massive buyers, and prefered to spend our time on the rides, so didn’t discover this a lot.

There’s Elias & Co, a flip of the century emporium, Trolley Treats candy store, Julius Katz & Sons and Kingswell Store which has Disney themed toys, items, and Mickey Mouse hats, and Oswald’s for retro merch.

Paradise Gardens Park

This land is what I’d think about “Basic Disney” and has rides devoted to probably the most well-known characters, equivalent to Goofy, Little Mermaid, Snow White, and extra.

It’s the place you possibly can watch the “World of Colour” nighttime spectacular present.

Rides in Paradise Gardens Park

Ariel’s Undersea Journey

Trip in a clamshell and trip by means of a the damaged hull of Prince Eric’s ship, the place you might be greeted with the track “Below the Sea” and have Ariel’s story retold as you descend underwater and journey by means of rocky underwater passages.

Goofy’s Sky College

Goofy’s Sky College is a curler coaster based mostly on the quick movie Goofy’s Glider. It’s enjoyable for small youngsters to teenagers and adults.

Jumpin’ Jellyfish

It is a carousel model trip for preschoolers and small youngsters. It goes round in a circle while bumping up and down, like a jellyfish.

Golden Zephyr

It is a classic, sci-fi trying zephyr swing trip the place you sail across the sky in a galactic trying gondala!

Grizzly Peak

That is an out of doors themed land designed to seem like a tenting and mountain retreat. It’s a small land and appears like a extra fantastical model of Yellowstone!

Finest rides in Grizzly Peak

Soarin’ Across the World

That is the one trip on this land. You might be raised above the bottom infront of an 80-foot projection dome and go on a digital tour with aerial footage all over the world, whereas the seat simulates the movement of flight. It’s principally like 4D cinema.

You get to see issues just like the Nice Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India.

Redwood Creek Problem Path

It is a small mountaineering wall designed for babies from preschoolers as much as youngsters.

Grizzly River Run

It is a enjoyable, whitewater rafting trip the place you splash by means of a mountain!

Avengers Campus

We didn’t go to the Avengers Campus as a result of it opened after we visited, however it’s the place to go if you wish to meet your favourite superheroes. We did get to trip one trip on this land as a result of it was once in Hollywood Land.

Rides in Avengers Campus

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

This trip is so enjoyable, and terrifying!

Surprisingly, Savannah did it, and beloved it! This trip was once in Hollywood Land and is now within the Avengers Campus.

It’s precisely like Tower of Terror, however re-themed. I undoubtedly advocate it, and never simply as soon as!

Net Slingers: A Spider-Man Journey

Net Slingers is a singular trip the place you trip round at the hours of darkness in a carriage, and shoot webs at an interactive display. It’s enjoyable for all ages.

Meet the characters at Disney California Journey Park

Preserve a watch out for a few of your favourite characters in Disney California Journey Park.

We met Mr. Unimaginable, (Incredibles) Sully, (Monsters Inc) Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story), Black Panther, Groot and a lot extra!

Don’t Miss the Paint the Evening Parade

We noticed one parade in Disney California Journey Park (the park has totally different parades all year long). Paint the Evening was my favourite parade that we noticed.

This nighttime parade is wonderful, and VERY widespread. I’d advocate at the very least getting seats half an hour earlier than the present begins, particularly if you need the entrance row.

One of the best factor about this present is that every little thing is lit up.

It’s mesmerizing watching all the brilliant and colourful floats go previous. This parade has a number of floats, and dancers. It’s about 20 minutes lengthy.

I’d advocate the later present, (10:45) as a result of there might be much less individuals, however you probably have youthful youngsters or don’t need to keep out late, then do the 8:45 present.

And get a seat the place you’re looking over the Pixar Pier, it’s fairly with the ferris wheel within the background all lit up and Mickey’s beaming face on the Incredicoaster.

Another widespread reveals are Pixar Friends Celebration and World of Colour Happiness.

Ideas for visiting Disney California Journey Park

• When Magic Morning hours are on at Disneyland, go to DCA. And when DCA is doing Magic Morning hours, go to the opposite park.
• Do the extra widespread rides first. Like Guardians of the Galaxy, Radiator Springs Racers, and Toy Story Halfway Mania.
• Put on the suitable garments and footwear.
• Get the DisneyLand app to get meals sooner, discover rides and characters, and extra. You possibly can see wait occasions for rides on the app and the place your favourite characters are situated. Mum’s favourite factor on the app was ordering your meals by means of it. This saved lining up and ready for ages. Your meals usually had been prepared inside 5 minutes. Nonetheless, on our final night (Friday) the park was so busy that the wait time to order by means of the app was over an hour and so was the precise line. So we left the park to eat elsewhere.
• For the most effective expertise, time your journey to exterior peak seasons. Peak visiting seasons are on Holidays equivalent to Halloween and Christmas, and through Spring Break and the summer time months (June-August).

The place to remain at Disneyland Anaheim: Disneyland Lodge

We stayed on the Disneyland® Lodge for one night time as company of the resort.

We spent the day hanging out on the pool, and occurring all of the water slides. Which was fairly enjoyable. Apart from one half when a child peed in the principle pool. Yummy. not.

The best factor about our resort room was that on a wall on prime of the beds was the Fortress, and should you flick a change, the lights come on and music performs. That half was cool.

It was additionally enjoyable to see characters within the foyer, out the entrance of the resort, and across the pool space.

We danced with Goofy out the entrance of the resort, and taking part in with youngsters across the pool. We additionally walked across the foyer with chip and dale, and met Minnie at her kitchen.

Video: Watch our adventures at Disneyland California Journey Park

Press play beneath and uncover the Disneyland magic!

Extra Southern California Journey Ideas

Want extra inspiration for visiting Disneyland Anaheim and the remainder of Southern California? Listed here are another useful guides…

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