California has more than its fair share of attractions and fun touristy experiences from Adventure City to Knott’s Berry Farm. Disneyland itself has two parks, one of them is Disney California Adventure. This theme park opened in 2001 to celebrate the culture of California. With 72 acres of rides, games, food, and live entertainment, visitors love Disney California Adventure.
This park is different than its sister park, Disneyland, in that it has eight different themes that are all based on California while Disneyland has nine themes based on different places like Main Street USA and New Orleans Square. Disney California Adventure celebrates the glamour and promise of the state as well as certain character themes like Marvel’s Avengers, Cars Land, and Pixar Pier.
Visitors to the park can start out at the big thrill rides like the Incredicoaster at Pixar Pier in the back of the park and work their way back up to the front where Buena Vista Street has some of the best dining in the whole place. Don’t forget to hit Hollywood Land where the little ones can enjoy a Junior Dance Party and talk Turtle with Crush. Visiting the Disney characters and princesses is always a magical experience as visitors watch their child’s eyes open wide in amazement when they see their favorites come to life.
There is a lot of fun for everyone at Disney California Adventure including older kids and adults. Goofy’s Sky School may sound like a little kid’s ride, but it is a thrill ride that takes riders three stories in the air before zipping around on over 1,200 feet of track.
Guardians of the Galaxy will drop you from several stories in the air when Rocket Raccoon tries to save Groot. And the Grizzly River Run will get everyone soaked on a whitewater raft adventure down a steep mountain. Make sure to stop at some of the shops in the park to pick up some souvenirs for the loved ones back home.
Purchasing Disney California Adventure tickets ahead of time online is usually the best choice. Also, to save money, buy tickets in a group, if possible, and for as many days as you think you may stay. For example, a single-day ticket for one person at the gate is typically $150. However, if planning to stay for several days, get tickets online and you might pay less than $100. It also matters what days are chosen. The further in advance you get your ticket, the cheaper it usually is. Also, tickets are often cheaper for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Just off of I-5 between CA-91, CA-57, CA-22, and CA-39, Disney California Adventure is very easy to find and to get to for most travelers. The closest city is Anaheim, which is less than three miles to the north. For those who want to visit Los Angeles, it is only 26 miles to the northwest. The City of Angeles has many attractions such as the Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, and beautiful beaches like Venice Beach and Paradise Cove. Try to stay away from major intersections along I-5 if traveling during rush hour.
Parking for RVs and other oversized vehicles is only available in the Toy Story Parking Lot. Just follow the signs to the entrance from South Haster, West Katella, or South Harbor. If camping at one of the campgrounds nearby, check to see if they offer bus or shuttle service to the park because many of them do.
Want to go into town for a night of dining and shopping while you are in town? Don’t worry about packing up the camper and trying to find parking in the city. The Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) has several routes throughout the metro area. Some of these include bus routes 43, 46, 50, 83, and 430. In addition, the 460 route on Los Angeles Metro Express will get you to and from Anaheim, Los Angeles, and many other cities in the area.
Although camping with the kids’ favorite Disney characters would be an awesome experience, unfortunately, Disney California Adventure does not offer that. Maybe someday they will. Until then, RVers will have to find other options. Anaheim and the surrounding area does have some great Anaheim RV campgrounds where you can park the motorhome overnight so you can visit the park all day long.
They call it camping in Mickey’s backyard because that is pretty close to what it is. Anaheim RV Park is just a mile from the entrance of Disney California Adventure. They have over 100 RV sites that can accommodate rigs over 45 feet long with utilities, a pool, spa, and a playground.
Another close campground with excellent ratings is Anaheim Harbor RV Park, which is only a mile away as well. With over 100 campsites for rigs up to 40 feet in length, full hookups, a pool, and more, it is just about perfect. Both of these parks are on the ART Disney Resort shuttle line, so there’s your ride to and from Disney California Adventure. No parking required.
Disney California Adventure provides shuttle buses to and from the parking lots as well as to the Downtown Disney District. Those who have mobility challenges can rent either an electric or manual wheelchair from one of four stations in the park. There is one at the Guests Services Kiosk in Cars Land, another at the Chamber of Commerce, one at the Guests Services Information Center, and the Guests Services Kiosk at Pixar Pier.
Southern California weather is almost always sunny and warm on any day of the year. In fact, it rarely gets below 45 degrees, even in December and January. Visitors to the park typically wear t-shirts or tank tops with pants or shorts, and comfortable shoes are a must. If visiting between November and March, a jacket or hoodie may be needed for nighttime.
No selfie sticks, Go Pro cameras, or drones are allowed, so don’t bring any of those items to the park. For those who plan on going on the rides, it is best to bring very little unless you want to rent a locker to keep your stuff in while at California Adventure. Guests cannot have a backpack, bag, or purse on most of the rides. Fanny packs are popular, though, as they are not in the way of harnesses and can hold keys, wallets, and phones.
Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated and sunscreen to reapply as needed. A small bottle that fits in a pocket is best. Sunglasses and a hat can also help keep the sun at bay, but you will have to remove them during many of the rides. Be sure to bring some bug spray as well, especially for the campsite at night.
Before hitting the road, make sure the cabinets in the rig are stocked with the necessities for cooking, eating, and cleaning. Some of these items include foil and foil pans, travel plates and napkins, cutlery, cooking utensils, and cooking spray. Don’t forget the trash bags, baggies, and cleaning products like eco-friendly dish soap. Also, it is a good idea to have a camp stove or portable BBQ grill in the rig just in case it is needed.
From pizza to pork steaks and tacos to tilapia, RVers can find just about anything they are hungry for within a short drive of the park. All along Harbor Boulevard, there are restaurants and fast-food drive-thrus. A steak house with prime beef and seafood, a diner with homestyle meals, and a Mediterranean Grill are all within a few miles. If you want some live music with your meal, head to the Jazz Kitchen on Disneyland Drive where they serve up Creole food with some music on the side.
For those who want to grab some grub and go, Disney California Adventure has over a dozen places that take phone or online orders including seafood, burgers, Asian cuisine, and even adult beverages. And there are six fine dining establishments where you can make a reservation and eat with a Disney character. The kids will love that. Whatever your stomach is growling for, the park probably has it at one of their 46 eateries. For those looking for some t-shirts, toys, or other unique Disney items, the park has more than 15 shops to explore.
Disney California Adventure has a comprehensive security protocol with specific procedures in place. Most are visible such as the metal detectors and bag searches at the gate, as well as security staff and Orange County police officers patrolling the park. However, undercover security measures are also present, such as plain-clothed officers and video cameras to keep everyone safe. Be sure to go over the rules and regulations on the park’s website before heading to the gate.
Weather in this part of California is considered to be the best in the country. In fact, it rarely rains, and the average temperatures are 76 for the high and 55 for the low. Summers are typically warm and toasty, and winters are mild with just a bit of a chill at night. The only time it usually rains in Anaheim is between November and February, and even then, the average monthly amount is only two inches.
Disney California Adventure has a first-aid kiosk right next to the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street near the park entrance. They have emergency medical technicians and other medical personnel who can help with minor injuries or illnesses. If you need more serious medical care, the park can call an ambulance for you if you are unable to get there on your own. It is also a good idea to carry a pocket-sized first-aid kit with you wherever you go while on the road.
